2024 National Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15 to October 15, San Jacinto Unified School District is proud to join the nation in celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month. This annual observance is a time to honor the history, culture, and significant contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to our society.

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated at this time to coincide with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua on September 15, followed by Mexico on September 16 and Chile on September 18. This period is also an opportunity to recognize the profound impact that Hispanic and Latino Americans have had on the United States in areas such as arts, education, science, public service, and beyond.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize the impact that Hispanic and Latino Americans have had on the country in various fields, including politics, education, science, arts, and culture.  As culturally proficient educators, it is important that we incorporate the histories, cultures, and contributions of all cultures throughout the year. Hispanic Heritage Month is another opportunity to highlight Hispanic and Latino/a or Latinx Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our Nation and society.  We encourage you to identify materials in your existing core curriculum that can be used to highlight National Hispanic Heritage Month.  Below are additional resources that you may find helpful.

Resources:

National Hispanic/Latino/a/x Heritage MonthLessons to Celebrate

National Hispanic Heritage Month

COMMONLIT

 Hispanic HeritageNPS Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Teacher Lessons Hispanic and Latino Heritage

Events:

Hispanic Heritage Celebration Riverside Public Library-Sept. 21st

California Native American Day-September 27th

We are honored to observe California Native American Day on Friday, September 27. This day is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the rich history, culture, and contributions of Native American communities in California.

California is home to a diverse array of Native American tribes, each with its own unique traditions, languages, and histories. On this day, we take the time to acknowledge the profound impact that these communities have had on our state’s heritage and continue to have in shaping our society.

San Jacinto Unified School District acknowledges the Cahuilla and Luiseño people of Soboba as the traditional inhabitants and caretakers of the San Jacinto Valley.  Attached is a poster that was created by students in the Four Directions club.  California State University, San Bernardino will be hosting a California Native American Day celebration on their campus on Friday, September 27th from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Resources:

6 P's

7 Essential Understandings

History-The People of Soboba

Land Acknowledgement

9/11 Patriots Day

9/11 Patriots Day commemorates the tragic events of September 11, 2001, honoring the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the terrorist attacks and paying tribute to the heroes who responded. It is also a day for reflecting on the resilience and unity that emerged in the aftermath of this national tragedy. 9/11 Patriots Day was established by Congress in December 2001 as a day of remembrance for the victims of the 9/11 attacks. On that fateful day, four coordinated attacks by the extremist group al-Qaeda targeted the United States, leading to the destruction of the Twin Towers in New York City, damage to the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and the crash of United Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers heroically fought back against the hijackers.

This day is not a federal holiday, but it is observed nationwide with moments of silence, memorial services, and flags flown at half-staff. It is a day for all Americans to remember, reflect, and honor the courage and sacrifice of those who lost their lives and those who responded with extraordinary bravery.

Teaching 9/11 Patriots Day in the Classroom

For many students today, 9/11 is an event they know only from history books or stories passed down by their families. As educators, it’s essential to approach the subject with sensitivity, providing a space for students to learn about the events, understand their significance, and reflect on the broader themes of heroism, resilience, and unity.

Here are some strategies to effectively teach about 9/11 Patriots Day:

1. Age-Appropriate Content: Tailor your lessons to the age and maturity level of your students. For younger students, focus on the concepts of heroism, community, and helping others in times of need. For older students, you can delve deeper into the historical and political context, the impact of the attacks on global relations, and the ongoing effects on American society.

2. Use Primary Sources: Incorporating primary sources, such as news footage, personal stories, and images from the day, can help students connect with the event on a more personal level. Many educational organizations and museums provide curated resources that are suitable for classroom use.

3. Discuss the Role of First Responders: Highlight the bravery of firefighters, police officers, medical personnel, and ordinary citizens who responded to the crisis. Their actions provide powerful examples of courage and selflessness, which can inspire discussions about what it means to be a hero.

4. Promote Empathy and Understanding: Encourage students to consider the human impact of 9/11, not just in terms of loss, but also in terms of how communities came together in the aftermath. Activities that involve writing letters of thanks to first responders or creating art that expresses themes of unity and hope can be powerful ways for students to process the material.

5. Facilitate Open Discussions: Create a safe space for students to ask questions and express their thoughts. Some students may have personal connections to the events of 9/11 through family members or friends, and it’s important to handle these conversations with care and empathy.

6. Highlight Acts of Service: Use 9/11 Patriots Day as an opportunity to promote community service. Many schools and organizations encourage acts of service on this day to honor the memory of those who were lost and to carry forward the spirit of unity that followed the attacks.

Resources for Educators

9/11 Memorial Museum Lesson Plans

NEA Teaching About 9/11

National Suicide Prevention Week (9/8-14)

National Suicide Prevention Week (NSPW), observed from September 8 to 14 this year, is an annual campaign dedicated to educating the public about suicide prevention and raising awareness about the rising rates of suicide. This year’s theme is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.” Sponsored by the American Association of Suicidology, the week’s activities focus on reducing the stigma surrounding suicide and promoting mental health support. Since its inception in 1975, NSPW has aligned with World Suicide Prevention Day, held every year on September 10, to amplify its message and reach a broader audience.

The history of suicide awareness can be traced back to the 1950s, although the act of suicide itself has deep historical roots. Mentioned in ancient legends and historical accounts, such as the suicides of Ajax the Great during the Trojan War and Lucretia in 510 B.C., suicide has long been a subject of societal debate. Over time, attitudes toward suicide have evolved, with differing views during the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods regarding its morality and legality. It wasn't until the mid-20th century that organized suicide prevention efforts began in the United States, paving the way for the observance of National Suicide Prevention Week. 

Know the Signs:

Warning signs of suicidal thoughts indicate that someone might be in acute danger and urgently need help, and they can vary by age, gender, sexuality & cultural identity.

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself

• Looking for a way to kill oneself

• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose

• Talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain, wanting it to end or not wanting to wake up

• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs

• Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless

• Sleeping too little or too much

• Withdrawing or feeling isolated

• Talking about being a burden to others

• Displaying extreme mood swing

Find the Words:

If you are worried about someone's mental health, it is essential to have the courage to start the conversation, share what you are noticing, listen empathetically, and offer help.

• Ask about how they are doing if they are having thoughts of suicide, ending their life, or pain

• Express your concern about what you are observing in their behavior

• Listen attentively and non-judgmentally

• Reflect on what they share and let them know they have been heard

• Tell them they are not alone- let them know there are people and treatments available that can help

• If you are or they are concerned, guide them to additional professional help

Reach Out For Help:

Keep a list of crisis and local resources to refer to if needed.

For crisis support:

Call the lifeline at 988 or text "HELP" to 741741 for free crisis counseling 24/7/365

• Call 9-1-1 and request a crisis-trained responder

• Go to your local emergency room

For ongoing therapeutic support:

Care Solace is a 24/7/365 coordination service for finding local mental health programs and counseling services. It will help you quickly find an appointment matched to your unique needs, regardless of circumstance. The Care Solace team can help in any language and with all types of care.

Students, staff, and families can access Care Solace services for free.

Call (888) 515-0595 to speak with someone from the Care Companion team. Visit your custom district link: www.caresolace.com/sjusdfamilies 

Resources for staff/teachers:

https://www.save.org

https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/

LGBTQ Teens Warning Signs

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San Jacinto Unified School District is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment that celebrates the rich diversity of our students and community. Recognizing and honoring different cultures allows us to cultivate empathy, respect, and a deeper understanding of the world around us.

February is Black History Month. We have a special opportunity to highlight the achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. This month serves as a time for reflection, education, and inspiration—reminding us of the vital role Black leaders, innovators, and changemakers have played in shaping our society. The 2025 theme is “African Americans and Labor,” with a focus on the various and profound ways that works of all kind intersects with the collective experiences of Black people.

We encourage you to incorporate Black history and culture throughout the year and, of course, during Black History Month into your lessons, classroom discussions, and activities using materials from your core curriculum. Whether through literature, music, historical figures, or current events, your engagement helps students connect with and appreciate the significance of this month. We have also created a calendar of activities and resources below.  Thank you for the work you do every day to create an environment where all students feel valued and empowered. Let’s celebrate diversity, honor history, and inspire the next generation together.

National Education Association: Black History Month Lessons & Resources (broken down by grade level)

Learning for Justice--5 Things Not To Do During Black History Month