DEI Updates Oct. 23

10/20/2022 10:49 am

 

Celebrating Diwali October 24

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Diwali is a five-day festival that starts on October 22 with the main day of the festival of lights celebrated on Monday, October 24 this year.  The dates for celebrating Diwali (also Deepavali) change each year because they are based on the Hindu lunar calendar.

 

Diwali is celebrated all over the world across various cultures and religions, especially in South Asia. It is the most popular annual festival celebrated in India.  Diwali is observed differently by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists, creating a rich tapestry of cultural traditions and customs.

 

Some of our MISD community members celebrate this holiday that symbolizes universal themes light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. 

 

Bellevue Square and Seattle Center had Diwali celebrations on October 22.  You can read more about Diwali with this children’s book, “My Diwali Light.”  Here is more information about Diwali.

 

If you would like to have a notable holiday from your culture shared in our newsletter, please contact West Mercer PTA DEI.

 

A Visit from Storyteller Harvest Moon

West Mercer PTA is joining Northwood PTA with a visit from Harvest Moon, Quinault Master Storyteller and Basketweaver at the Mercer Island Community Center on Saturday, October 29, 1-3pm.

 

Please RSVP by contacting Soyun Chow by October 27.

 

October 10 was Indigenous Peoples' Day and November is Native American Heritage Month.  This event is one way to learn more about Harvest Moon’s Northwest Coast Tribes, whose rich culture has been handed down from generation to generation. 

Event details:

·         1-2 pm - Storytelling and Basketweaving. Children may bring a basket from home to show and tell with the group.

·         2-3 pm - A time for questions and an opportunity for kids (and adults) to weave their very own Cedar bracelet. Cost is $5 for bracelet supplies.*

 

*If you are in need of a scholarship for any PTA purchases, please contact our School Counselor,  Anna Orton.

 

 

 

PTA DEI Book Club: How To Raise an Antiracist

Book Club

West Mercer PTA will join Northwood PTA with their book club reading of How to Raise An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi.  This will be a four-part book club and the first discussion will be on Monday, November 7 from 6:30-8pm. 

 

Please RSVP here to join any or all of the 4 book club sessions. 

  • Session 1 | Chapters 1-4 | Mon, Nov 7 @ 6:30 pm
  • Session 2 | Chapters 5-7 | January
  • Session 3 | Chapters 8-10 | March
  • Session 4 | Chapters 11 - end | May

Each session will be a time to discuss what we read and share our thoughts and perspectives in a safe and respectful environment with other parents.  

 

Childcare will be available for any participants. Children will watch a movie and be provided light snacks in an adjacent room. 

 

 

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