This month, we closed out Latin American and Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrated LGBTQ+ History Month. Bringing education and awareness around the LGBTQ+ community was at the heart of student-initiated assemblies and programs in the Upper and Middle Schools. Students were respectful and actively listened for understanding. 

November brings Diwali celebrations in each division and the launch of Native American Heritage Month. 

Building empathy and mutual respect and understanding are foundational to creating prepared, confident citizens of the world. We hope that your children will engage with you about what they've learned, and we want to share resources to help facilitate those conversations:

• StopBullying.gov has advice for parents, schools and communities to foster safe and supportive environments for LGBTQ+ youth.

• LGBTQ+ Youth (CDC) offers guidance to support positive environments that can help youth achieve good grades and maintain good mental and physical health.

• The Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian offers resources for you to explore with your family. Use this site to learn more about the diverse history and cultures of Indigenous Americans.

• The Smithsonian Latino Center - As we reflect on Latin American and Hispanic Heritage Month, we want to encourage you to continue learning more about the rich history of Latin and Hispanic people in the United States. There is a Virtual Dia de los Muertos Family Celebration on Oct. 30 that is free for all registrants.

For other resources, please visit our Race & Equity Resources page. 

These celebrations and observances are a great opportunity to listen to and engage with your child in conversations that will prepare them to navigate topics that often organically occur in the world around them. As we continue to create prepared, confident citizens of the world, we value and appreciate your partnership! 

In addition to reading this monthly post in This Week at Pace, please engage in our diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) parent programming. Many thanks to parents who joined us online for the Lower School Coffee & Conversations. The Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion will host a virtual parent event on Wednesday, Nov. 17: “The Power of Community.” Be on the lookout for details!