The Santee School District is dedicated to fostering environments where students and staff thrive and belong, and where families feel informed, represented, and engaged. Throughout the 2024-25 school year we are excited to celebrate the wonderfully diverse cultures and backgrounds of our students and staff through monthly Belonging themes. For each theme, the district will share resources with staff to learn more about the background of the theme and potential learning activities to help students celebrate in and out of the classroom.
August: Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month
Multilingualism is the ability to speak and understand more than one language. There are over 30 languages spoken across the district, and approximately 10% of our students are English Language Learners. Santee School District is committed to providing equitable access to the opportunities and supports each student needs to succeed in school on their path to becoming bilingual leaders in our growing, global economy.
September: Hispanic Heritage Month
Santee School District is proud to recognize and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Students identifying as Hispanic or Latino make up approximately 30% of our school communities, and this month our schools will be learning about and celebrating the rich culture, history, and contributions of Hispanic Americans.
October: Veterans and Military Families Month
Military Families embody strength, resilience, and courage. Santee School District is a proud home to many military families and in October we honor the tremendous sacrifices our military families make. They contend with separation from their families and make adjustments to new living situations and communities. Thank you to our veterans and their families for your service to our country and community.
November: Native American Heritage Month
Throughout November, Santee School District schools celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities. This November and every month, we celebrate the culture and heritage of these remarkable Americans who deeply enrich the quality and character of our Nation.
February: Black History Month
During Black History Month, Santee School District embraces the opportunity to engage and educate our students about the rich and diverse history of African Americans. Throughout the month schools will celebrate the achievements, contributions, and resilience of Black individuals who have helped shape our country through a variety of activities.
March: Women’s History Month
March serves as a time to honor the achievements and contributions that women of all backgrounds have made throughout the history of the United States, both by remembering those who paved the way in the struggle for gender equity in the United States, and by recognizing the history-makers and barrier breakers of today. The Santee School District is proudly led by a Board and Leadership Team that is largely female, giving our students a first-hand view of the impact strong women leaders have in communities.
April: Arab American Heritage Month
During the month of April, the Santee School District recognizes the achievements and rich history of Arab Americans through the celebration of National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM).
May:
Asian American and Pacific Islander Month
In the month of May, Santee School District takes time to reflect and celebrate the important role that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) have played in our shared history.
Exceptional Children Month
In May the Board of Education honors a number of outstanding students for the excellent effort they demonstrate throughout the school year and the wonderful role models they are to others.
Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Santee School District is dedicated to eradicating stigma, extending support, fostering public education, and advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being of individuals and families affected by mental illness.
June: Month of Belonging
Santee School District is home to a variety of cultures and backgrounds, and throughout June we take time to celebrate our rich diversity through Month of Belonging activities and events. We are dedicated to strengthening the sense of belonging for every student, staff member, and family, and believe that a strong partnership between home and school is the cornerstone of our students’ success. Fostering an environment of belonging enriches our community and creates spaces where every student can thrive.