Commemorative Months and Dates

  • As we move forward into the future, it's crucial to remember and celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures, histories and experiences that make up our world. In this spirit, we have compiled a calendar of heritage months and commemorative days. Under the banner of #proudlyunited, we invite you to join us in recognizing these significant times of reflection and celebration.

    • Hispanic Heritage Month
      • From September 15 to October 15, 2023, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. This period honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries.
    • Italian American Heritage Month
      • October 2023 is designated as Italian American Heritage Month. This month, we pay tribute to the generations of Italian Americans who have helped shape our nation and society.
    • German American Day
      • October 6 is designated as German American Day. This day recognizes the important contributions of German Americans in almost every field of American society, including science, architecture, business, sports, entertainment, theology, politics, and the military. 
    • American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month
      • November 2023 is American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. It is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories, and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people.
    • International Day of People with Disabilities
      • On December 3, 2023, we commemorate the International Day of People with Disabilities. This day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities.
    • Human Rights Day
      • Human Rights Day is observed every year on December 10. It is a day to raise awareness of the importance of human rights in building the world we want, the need for everyone to stand up for their rights, and the rights of others.
    • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
      • On January 15, 2024, we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This day is a time to honor the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader in the Civil Rights Movement.
    • Holocaust Remembrance Week
      • The week from January 22 to 26, 2024, is Holocaust Remembrance Week. The week is dedicated to educating about the Holocaust and remembering the six million Jews who perished.
    • Black History Month
      • February 2024 is Black History Month. This month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.
    • Irish-American Heritage Month and Women’s History Month
      • March 2024 is a month of double celebration with Irish-American Heritage Month and Women’s History Month. We honor the contributions of both Irish-Americans and women to our nation's history and culture.
    • Deaf History Month
      • April 2024 is Deaf History Month. This month celebrates the achievements of the Deaf community and promotes awareness of American Sign Language and Deaf culture.
    • Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month
      • May 2024 is another month of double celebration with Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month. We recognize the contributions and influences of both Asian Pacific Americans and Jewish Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.
    • LGBT+ Pride Month
      • June 2024 is LGBT+ Pride Month. This month is a time to celebrate the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally and internationally.

  • Message from the Superintendent

    Tuesday, September 15, 2020
    Re: East Central ISD proudly recognizes Commemorative Dates & Months

    East Central community,

    As I wrote in my Message Regarding Diversity at East Central ISD this summer, it is important to honor and recognize all backgrounds and cultures. Every citizen must do their part for a thriving and inclusive environment. As part of the District's equity task force and steering committees, we will continue to proudly recognize nationally and even internationally designated commemorative months with education geared towards our District's unity while celebrating culture and heritage.

    During these commemorative months and dates, schools will proudly display biographies of influential artists, scientists, and other leaders of thought. School libraries will also have a collection of books, stories and poems with authors reflecting the recognized month.

    We begin this academic year with National Hispanic Heritage Month, which recognizes the contributions Hispanic Americans have made to American Society and culture, Mexico's Day of Independence (Sept. 16), and honors five of our Central American neighbors (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua) who celebrate their independence as well. The month is September 15 - October 15.

    According to the Library of Congress, the following months will be recognized during the academic year: Constitution Day & Citizenship Day (Sept. 17), Italian American History (Oct.), American Indian Heritage (Nov.), International Day of Persons with Disabilities (Dec. 3), Human Rights Day (Dec. 10), Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 18), African American History (Feb.), Women's History and Irish-American Heritage (March), Deaf History (March 13-April 15), Jewish American Heritage and Asian Pacific Heritage Month (May), and Pride Month (June).

    Thank you for helping us celebrate diversity and inclusion. Together, we can show compassion and appreciation for all cultures as we prepare our students for a global economy.

    Proudly United,

    Roland Toscano
    Superintendent of Schools

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