Voices Unite #1

September 2020

Incarnate Word Academy's Monthly Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Newsletter

What is National Hispanic Heritage Month?

MONTHLY CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS

National Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15 and lasts until October 15. During this national month, the contributions Hispanic Americans have made to American society and culture are celebrated. The history, culture, and influence of past generations who came from: Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America are honored as well.

September 15 marks the independence anniversary of: Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. Mexico's Independence Day is followed on September 16 and Chile's Independence Day follows on September 18.

Labor Day| Sept. 7, 2020 Patriot Day| Sept. 11, 2020 International Day of Democracy| Sept. 15, 2020 Mexican Independence Day| Sept. 16, 2020 Rosh Hashanah| Sept. 18-20, 2020 International Day of Peace| Sept. 21, 2020 European Languages Day| Sept. 26, 2020 Yom Kippur| Sept. 27-28, 2020 World Tourism Day| Sept.

27, 2020 MULTICULTURAL

IWA will celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month ALL month long. Please listen to the morning announcements for more information.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

World's Fair Heritage Festival|Sept. 4-6, 2020 Virtual St. Louis Art Fair|Sept.

11-13, 2020

September 2020

Important IWA Announcements

Cultural Definitions Diversity: Understanding that

Chat with your new Director of Equity &

each individual is unique and

Inclusion:

recognizing our individual differences. Some common

For those of you who I have not had the pleasure of meeting, my name is Mrs. Watson, and I am your new Director of Equity and Inclusion. To ensure that my efforts are intentional and purposeful, I would love to schedule a brief

differences are: race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies.

introductory call with each of you. These conversations can occur via Zoom, phone, or in PHOTO BY MARTIN R. SMITH

person (when you are back on campus.) Please reach out to me if you want to connect.

Equity: Working toward fair outcomes for people or groups by treating them in ways that

jwatson@iwacademy.org

address their unique advantages or barriers.

Cultural Affinity Groups: Recognizing the importance and positive impact of group dialogue, I am creating unique affinity groups (groups of people linked by a common interest) for students who identify or serve as an

Inclusion: Engaging each individual and ensuring the worth and dignity of ALL people

ally to the following groups. Check your email

are recognized. Inclusion

for more information.

sustains a sense of belonging

Exploring the Black student experience

and values and practices respect

Exploring the LatinX student experience

for talents, beliefs and

Exploring the Asian American student

backgrounds.

experience Exploring the Religious and Spiritual student experience

THOUGHTS OF THE MONTH Acceptance & Respect Acceptance and Respect are fundamental values that contribute to the success of others. Accepting the differences of others results in a sharing of ideas and effective collaboration. Acceptance fosters mutual respect and prevents conflicts from arising.