Message from the OIEJB: Black History Month, Ramadan, Lunar New Year

February has been a meaningful month of reflection, celebration, and learning across our community. As we marked the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, students participated in classroom discussions, advisory reflections, and community programming that highlighted the contributions, resilience, and brilliance of Black leaders past and present.

Across divisions, students continue to deepen their understanding of identity, belonging, and shared responsibility through dialogue, read-alouds, assemblies, historical inquiry, and community-building experiences.

In the Middle School, advisories decorated their doors in honor of Black History Month, thoughtfully connecting themes to their respective content areas. Spirit Week featured activities such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Day and “Dress as a Black Historical Figure” Day. Many of these initiatives were generated by students in our MS and US affinity groups, including a US affinity group game night designed to foster connection and joy.

In the LS, an assembly focused on perseverance and Black History Month provided our younger students with the opportunity to learn about the impactful contributions of many prominent Black leaders and changemakers.

The heritage month read-aloud in Yarnall Library highlighted the legacy of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, often referred to as the “Father of Black History,” helping students understand the origins and ongoing importance of this national observance.

We also recognized Lunar New Year, with students exploring its rich cultural traditions, symbolism, and global significance. As Ramadan has begun, we are thoughtfully supporting and acknowledging members of our community who observe this sacred month of reflection, fasting, prayer, and generosity.

These experiences are not stand-alone celebrations, but part of our ongoing commitment to cultivating a culture of equity, respect, and belonging. We are grateful for the curiosity, leadership, and care our students bring to this work each day.