As mouths shut for GLSEN’s annual Day of Silence on April 15, here is a history of Gay Straight Alliances in high schools in North America.
St. Patrick’s Day – Fun Facts and Stats
Carly Maga
March 17th is St. Patrick’s Day, so learn more about what the symbols and traditions of this special holiday really mean, and how to incorporate them into your family’s festivities!
International Women’s Day Reads: Be Inspired!
Stacey MacNevin
March 8th is International Women’s Day. A day to celebrate the social, economic, political, humanistic and family role that women play in all of our lives and to celebrate the achievements of women and girls everywhere. Women’s Day has been celebrated from the 1900s and is a national holiday in many countries around the world. In celebration of this day I have chosen three amazing titles that not only showcase the power, strength and contributions of women have made to our society, but the great lengths some of them had to go through to live their lives in a manner of their choosing.
Black History Month: Kids on Freedom and Secretly Saving Slaves
Guest Author
If Zachary had been alive during the time of slavery, he would secretly take the slaves to Canada by boat or by foot. “Before I started saving slaves, I might have been one myself, so I would know how hard it is,” says the Grade 5 student. He and his fellow classmates at Richland Academy opened their eyes about the significant events, issues and people for Black History Month. Read more and watch the videos.
Teaching the History Behind Black History Month
Agnes Stawicki
Who comes to mind when you think of Black History? Slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. or basketball great Jackie Robinson? It’s likely that 80% of students would default to these two names. This ignorance is what motivated Mary Fears, a school librarian, to team up with director Tyrone Young to produce Filling the Gap – a movie that literarily fills the gaps of African-American history.
The History of Valentine’s Day
Guest Author
If you thought that Valentine’s Day began and ended with Hallmark, you may be surprised to learn that there is a long history behind the holiday devoted to love. While we certainly see a lot of commercialism involved nowadays, there was a time when it was less about cards, roses, chocolates, and dinner reservations and more about pledging a lifetime of love to another person. So if you’re looking for a way to give the holiday a little more meaning for you and your family than a just a card that says “Will you be mine?” here are a few facts you might not know about the origins of this heartfelt holiday.
