Dear Team DPS,
Join DPS in celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month this May! This heritage month was created to honor and recognize the invaluable contributions and achievements of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. It is a time to promote cultural awareness, foster understanding and celebrate the AAPI community’s diverse heritage and rich traditions.
Many different holidays and events mark AAPI Heritage Month. On May 1, for example, Jemeni is celebrated as a national holiday among Marshallese communities. May Day, or “Lei Day,” is celebrated in Hawai’i with the spirit of aloha and the sharing of flowers. On May 5, Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi) is celebrated in Japan, where families celebrate with picnics, large koi fish flags and physical competitions. The DPS Asian Education Advisory Council will also present the 38th AEAC Awards on May 5, where students across DPS are recognized for their academic, leadership and special talent achievements.
Your local school may host cultural fairs, performances, workshops, guest speakers and more. By allowing students to engage with and learn about different AAPI cultures, schools can foster a greater understanding and appreciation for diversity among their student body. To learn more at home, check out this digital Sora collection from DPS Library Services highlighting books from AAPI authors.
I invite you to embrace this learning opportunity in your classrooms and communities. Stay tuned to the DPS social media pages and Our DPS Weekly for AAPI Heritage Month features of students and staff.
In collaboration,
Dr. Alex Marrero
Superintendent
