For families

LGBTQ

Meeting Recording PFLAG presentation 3-10-2021:
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/_yA0QpMfUE0a899uNCdHi215WDQNFnLdgptsLCTCCr7BREVCrAhgka5eXBbkv-4q.iiDVBivVvE0vavTO

National Native American Heritage Month

Every November America celebrates National Native American Heritage Month recognizing the contributions of Native Americans to this country. We also celebrate Thanksgiving, where we gather together with a focus on thankfulness. This same date is shared with National Day of Mourning, a day of gathering in remembrance and protest at continued oppression of Native Americans.

Last month there was a town forum on the Native American imagery on the Arlington High School seal. When asked about how to talk to our kids, a local Algonquin parent and an Arlington High School student answered the same: Be honest. While there is tragedy in our collective history, our kids deserve and can understand the truth. The good news is, there is also a lot to be celebrated.

For younger kids, it is important to show them positive and accurate images. Much of Native American history and identity is left out of the mainstream, while their imagery is harmfully exploited.

Look for books and media that:
1. Are written or illustrated by Native people. #OwnVoices
2. Include information about the nationhood status of Native peoples.
3. Are set in the present day.
4. Are tribally specific-- there are more than 500 native tribal nations in the US!

(From: How to choose excellent children's books by and about American Indians)

Learn about the Wampanoag from modern kids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmisO7pdMW4

Here is a book list and some links to read aloud:

Native American Heritage Month 2020 - Book Suggestions

For older kids, you can have deeper discussions with them about

Thanksgiving:
1. The Wampanoag Side of the First Thanksgiving Story
2. 8 Ways to Decolonize and Honor Native Peoples on Thanksgiving
Sovereign nationhood status-- Tribal sovereignty refers to the right of American Indians and Alaska Natives to govern themselves, and preserve their heritage, culture and identity.
1. What is Tribal Sovereignty?: https://youtu.be/L2SiuV_X_ys
2. Some are under threat, like the Wampanoag Nation: https://www.wbur.org/news/2020/06/06/judge-reconsider-revoking-mashpee-reservation
Point out things that are problematic and how we can work to change them, like:
1. AHS students working to replace the Native American mascot. Their petition: https://www.change.org/p/change-arlington-high-schools-racist-mascot
2. Talk about 38 Ways to Support—Not Appropriate From—Native People!

Menotomy Day Resources

Do you have a 3rd grader participating in Menotomy Day? If so, your child will be visiting the Royall House & Slave Quarters this year. Are you wondering how to talk with them about the implications of that field trip? The third grade teachers have compiled a list of resources to aid in discussions about slavery including the following books available in the Brackett Library:

Freedom Song: The Story of Henry "Box" Brown by Sally M. Walker
Brick by Brick by Charles R. Smith
Eliza's Freedom Road by Jerdine Nolen
Henry's Freedom Box by Ellen Levine
Night Running by Elisa Carbone
Most Loved in All World by Tonya Cherie Hegamin
Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
Ashes by Laurie Halse Anderson
Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford
Freedom River by Doreen Rappaport
Show Way by Jacqueline Woodson
Trouble Dont' Last by Shelley Pearsall
In the Time of Drums by Kim L. Siegelson