Resources by topic

These resources have been collected to help you facilitate conversations that might be new in your classroom. Please feel empowered to address these difficult conversations with your students and recognize that not all resources will apply to your classroom. We hope you'll be confident using those that do. 

Walpole Public Schools values the recognition of the diverse cultural traditions represented in our community. While cultural holidays can be celebrated, acknowledged, and observed in different ways, we intentionally focus on acknowledgement as our primary approach. Acknowledgement allows us to (1) recognize and honor the significance of cultural holidays, (2) avoid privileging one tradition over another, (3) create space for students and staff to share their traditions voluntarily, and (4) provide equitable opportunities for learning about cultures without requiring participation in activities that may not reflect an individual’s beliefs or practices.

*Note on language: 

• Celebration: Actively honoring a cultural holiday or tradition through joyful activities, events, or expressions that center the culture being recognized. 

Consideration: Celebrations can unintentionally tokenize or misrepresent traditions if not done in collaboration with those from the culture.

• Acknowledgment: Publicly or privately recognizing the significance of a cultural holiday or tradition without necessarily engaging in full-scale celebration (e.g., an announcement, a statement, or a brief mention in class).                                                                                                                      

Consideration: Acknowledgments are less immersive, but safer from cultural appropriation or exclusivity, though they may feel superficial if they are not paired with learning opportunities. 

• Observation: Marking a cultural holiday or tradition through specific practices, rituals, or ceremonies, often in ways that reflect the customs of the culture or community for whom the day is significant. 

Consideration: Observations require deep cultural understanding and consent. If not done authentically, we risk disrespecting traditions. 

Please note that many of these resources have not been explicitly vetted or endorsed by Walpole Public Schools.  The materials here have been submitted by educators and community members; it is up to the individual to determine whether the resources are appropriate for discussion or learning for use with students.  If you have questions or concerns about any resources that appear on this page, please contact Naomi Austin, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.