April is Arab American Heritage Month
In culturally responsive classrooms, teachers and students learn together to affirm and elevate varied perspectives. And, following the study of our complex past and present, take action for a better future for all. Arab American Heritage Month is a reminder that inclusive curriculum includes the contributions and perspectives of Arab Americans all year long. We encourage you to consider how and where Arab American's stories, perspectives, issues, and contributions are elevated in your classroom.

Below are professional learning resources curated for educators to learn more about Arab Americans experience, classroom resources to engage in rich history with your young people, and a list of events for all to enjoy Arab Americans' perspectives and expertise.



Recognizing Upcoming Religious Holidays
“The teaching of history shall include the contributions made to society by Americans of different faith practices, including, but not limited to, Muslim Americans, Jewish Americans, Christian Americans, Hindu Americans, Sikh Americans, Buddhist Americans, and any other collective community of faith that has shaped America.”


Revisit our Muhammad Ali Commemorative Holiday: Guidance for SB0564_External, where we center on the essential question: How have individuals and groups shaped our democracy today?

  • Religion & Identity: How have people of various faiths impacted American democracy and society? 
  • Religion & Community: What faith practices are represented by the people in your classroom/school/community? How can you reflect with a culturally relevant and sustaining lens about the faith practices in your community?
  • Religion & Democracy: How do we balance and support individual rights, religious freedom, and religious difference?

Here are some partner resources to support you in engaging students in discussions around religion:


Image: Muhammad Ali praying on his prayer mat –known as sajjadat salat- in the ring.

April is Financial Literacy Month
Last year we asked you why FinEd Matters? For Financial Literacy month this year, we’re asking, “How has #FinEd made you more powerful?”

The movement to embed Financial Literacy throughout the K-12 curricula has grown. Our students, teachers, and partners have continually inspired us and we are grateful to be a part of this movement! We’ll be sharing some of these stories throughout the month.

The resources in this guidance aim to support schools and teachers in their financial education journey and to promote learning where Financial Literacy intersects with our district's vision of preparing every child in every neighborhood for success in college, career, and civic life.
Financial Education Teacher Shoutout

Tonya Davis is the Senior Seminar Teacher at Corliss High School on the far South Side. Tonya has taken on the responsibility of making sure her Senior Seminar course remains responsive, relevant, and challenging for her seniors through the infusion of Financial Education.

Notably, she is the exemplary teacher-partner for one of our partner-non-profits, FoolProof. In this role, she has helped spread this high quality tool to other teachers seeking to embed Financial Education into their courses. Ms. Davis carefully built the relationship with FoolProof the same way she has built an amazing relationship with students, that tend to stay in contact long after graduation.

Recently, she led a student project for students to apply what they learned about budgeting and online research to plan a vacation. I'm sure you could ask her to share if you're still looking for Spring Break Plans! It is this type of authentic application, use of disciplinary tools, and joy-inspiring activities that make her so beloved by her students, her, school and wider community. Ms. Davis, we love you!
Upcoming Events to Celebrate Earth Day

CIMBY Coolest Earth Day on Earth

Saturday, April 23
From 12:00 to 4:00 pm
Big Marsh Park 


Join CPS SSCE, The Field Museum, Faith in Place, Southeast Side Chicago Park District, CIMBY Student Interns and Faith In Place Youth Environmental Leaders for a music-filled, student-led, educational day to celebrate the Coolest Earth Day on Earth!


View other Earth Day Professional Learning Opportunities and Events here!
Summer Student Opportunities
Apply for the CIMBY Summer Internship!

The CPS Department of Social Science and Civic Engagement and the Field Museum are hiring Environmental Student Leaders for the CIMBY Summer 2022 Internship Program and the Chicago Green Ambassadors Program.

CPS high school students on the south side are strongly encouraged to apply!

Please share this application with your students and contact Luis Cabrales, at lgcabrales1@cps.edu, with any questions. 
Action Camp Applications are Live
 
If you know a LGBTQ+ student leader who will be entering 8th through 12th grade for the 22-23 school year, let them know about this awesome opportunity for Action Camp this summer!
 
For those new to the scene, Action Camp is a 5-day sleep-away camp for rising 8th-12th grade LGBTQ+ students who want to build their leadership skills in order to impact change in their home and school communities. This year camp will run August 1-5.

Camper applications are live at bit.ly/AC22app and will close on Saturday, April 30. 
 
*And* if you are or know an awesome adult ally/accomplice/advocate who might love the opportunity to support Action Camp as a counselor, please share the counselor application link with them: bit.ly/AC22counselorapp!
 
Questions? Email actioncamp@phimc.org.