Calendar Highlights: April

The Berkley Schools printed calendar highlights heritage months, holidays, days of observances and recognition days. In the Berkley Beat, we’ll highlight these days with more information for community learning to help us achieve the District goal of creating an environment where all staff, students and community members feel a sense of belonging.

Arab American Heritage Month

The Arab America Foundation launched the National Arab American Heritage Month initiative in 2017. In 2021, President Biden recognized the month nationally to recognize the 3.5 million Arab Americans that exemplify “so much of what our country stands for: hard work, resilience, compassion, and generosity.”. For National Arab American Heritage month, across the country, cultural institutions, school districts, municipalities, state legislatures, public servants, and non-profit organizations issue proclamations and engage in special events that celebrate the Arab American community’s rich heritage and numerous contributions to society.

Did you know that the first and only museum in the United States devoted to documenting and sharing Arab American contributions that shaped the economic, political and cultural landscapes of American life is a 20 minute drive from the Berkley Schools? The Arab American National Museum (AANM) is located in Dearborn. The Museum brings to light the shared experiences of immigrants and ethnic groups, paying tribute to the diversity of our nation.

The museum tells the Arab American story through the voices and experiences of Arab Americans.

Learn more about the museum on their website, or go for a visit at 13624 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48126.

Autism Acceptance Month

Autism Acceptance Month, previously named Autism Awareness Month, aims to celebrate and promote acceptance for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which occurs in one in every 54 children as of 2020 in the United States. Autism, a complex developmental condition affecting the person's ability to interact, communicate, and progress, has not one but many subtypes. First held in the year 1972 by the Autism Society, Autism Acceptance Month emphasizes the need for public awareness to promote acceptance, celebrate the differences and be more inclusive towards autistic individuals around us.

To learn more about Autism and Autism awareness, the START project is a great place to begin. The START project is housed in the Grand Valley State University Autism Education Center, supported by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. It is funded by the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education to provide evidence-based training, technical assistance and coaching support and resources to school-based teams in Michigan that support students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). START is a statewide collaborative effort to make systems level changes to improve the educational programming and quality of life for students with ASD.

START developed an Autism Acceptance, Advocacy and Action webpage as part of the ASD 365: Equity and Inclusion Every Day campaign to promote autism acceptance and advocacy through action in April and the months after. START encourages the community to use these resources to assure everyone is using practices focused on equity and inclusiveness that value the voices and perspectives of the autistic community. An active, collaborative approach that involves listening, understanding and taking action will help everyone grow into a truly diverse, equitable community where all perspectives and people are heard and valued.

Want to read more on awareness vs acceptance?

Acceptance vs. Awareness Article

Then: Puzzle piece as the symbol for Autism

Now: Rainbow colored infinity symbol

Then: "Light it up blue" for Autism

Now: Gold, Red, Rainbow - anything but blue

Then: Autism Awareness

Now: Autism Acceptance

More Resources

• ASAN’s Autism Acceptance Page

Professional Appreciation Day - April 3

On Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, Berkley Schools says thank you to all our Paraprofessionals for going above and beyond every day to support our students. We are so grateful for all of you!