Cultural &
Religious
Calendar
OFFICE OF EQUITY FOR SCHOLAR & FAMILY SUCCESS
2016 –2017
EACH SCHOLAR: A VOICE. A DREAM. A BRIGHT FUTURE.
Federal Way Public Schools
is rich in culture with a scholar
community that can speak
more than one hundred
different languages. We are a
school district that embraces
diversity, values each and
every scholar’s experiences,
and honors every family’s
religious beliefs and traditions.
This diversity is reflected in
the national observances
celebrated every month.
The purpose of this calendar
is to provide our staff with
insights into our scholars’
diverse cultural and religious
beliefs and practices.
Please continue to send your
child to school during holiday
times. You can share with
your child’s teacher and/or
counselor any specific needs
your child might have during
this time.
This a living document that
will be revised throughout
the school year based on
the feedback and input
we receive from scholars,
families, and staff members.
Please provide feedback
and/or suggestions on our
cultural calendar by emailing
equityculturalcalendar
@fwps.org.
Strategic Plan
Goal 2 Whole Child:
Thriving, confident,
responsible individuals
Every scholar will be empowered
and prepared to develop
personal responsibility in order to
be positive, productive members
of society.
Pillar 2
Safe climate and
strong relationships with
families and community
Our second pillar recognizes
that schools can’t do it alone.
Therefore, we will embrace
parents, caregivers, and the
entire Federal Way community
as vital partners in the education
of all our scholars. We will
nurture trust and mutual respect
among home-school-community
through shared responsibility
for scholar success, proactive
communication, and meaningful
stakeholder voice.
Don’t let absences
add up!
Just two (2) absences every
month adds up to 20 school days!
Students who miss 10%, or 18
days, in a school year are at risk of
falling behind academically.
Here are 3 simple tips to help
you and your child get ready for
school every day:
• Set your alarm, leaving extra
time for unexpected delays.
• Lay out clothing and supplies
for the next day.
• Make sure your transportation
plan is in order.
MISSION
In an environment of high
expectations, high support,
and no excuses, the staff of
Federal Way Public Schools
will continually learn, lead,
utilize data and collaborate
to ensure our scholars have
a voice, a dream and a
bright future.
OUR CORE BELIEFS
We believe every scholar
can learn at the highest
level.
We believe our scholars
must have voice, see
themselves in their
schooling, and be
connected to the adults
that teach them.
We believe race, socioeconomics, language,
cultural background, and
other exceptionalities
should not be predictors of
scholar achievement.
We believe what we do in
the classroom every day
has the greatest impact on
scholar learning.
We believe we must
continually learn and grow
in our practice if we are
to meet the needs of all
scholars.
We believe we must
intentionally collaborate
and use data as a guide to
improve our practice.
We believe our families are
critical partners in each
child’s learning.
Cultural & Religious Calendar
Federal Way Public Schools
2
SEPTEMBER 2016
S
4
M
5
T
6
W
7
FEBRUARY 2017
T
F
S
1
2
3
8
9
10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
F
S
2
3
4
8
9
10 11
S
M
T
W
T
F
MARCH 2017
S
S
M
T
1
5
6
Student Led Conferences, No School
9
10
11
12
13 14 15
Data Day, No School
16
17
18 19 20 21 22
Last Day of School/Early Dismissal
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
7
8
5
6
7
W
T
F
S
1
2
3
4
8
9
10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31
30 31
APRIL 2017
Early Dismissal
Nov 11 Veterans Day
T
1
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
OCTOBER 2016
4
Oct 14 Teacher In-Service
7
W
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
3
N O N - S C H O O L DAYS
6
T
26 27 28
2
Jan 26 End of Semester
5
M
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
No School
Early Release
S
25 26 27 28 29 30
KEY
First Student Day
9-13-16
F WPS 2016 -2017 SC HOOL CALEN DAR
NOVEMBER 2016
S
6
M
7
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
7
8
1
T
W
T
F
S
1
2
3
4
5
2
3
4
5
6
8
9
10 11 12
9
10
11
12
13 14 15
17
18 19 20 21 22
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
16
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
27 28 29 30
30
Nov 24–25 Thanksgiving Break
DECEMBER 2016
Dec 19–Jan 2 Winter Break
Jan 16 MLK Day
Jan 27 Semester Break
Feb 20–21 Mid-Winter Break
Mar 10 Teacher In-Service
Apr 3–7 Spring Break
S
4
DON’T LET ABSENCES ADD UP!
Just two (2) absences every month adds up to 20
school days! Students who miss 10%, or 18 days, in
a school year are at risk of falling behind academically.
Here are 3 simple tips to help you and your child get
ready for school every day:
• Set your alarm, leaving extra time for unexpected
delays.
• Lay out clothing and supplies for the next day.
• Make sure your transportation plan is in order.
5
T
6
W
7
MAY 2017
T
F
S
1
2
3
8
9
10
S
7
M
T
W
T
F
S
1
8
2
3
4
5
6
9
10 11 12 13
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
28 29 30 31
May 29 Memorial Day
May 30 Snow Makeup Day
M
JANUARY 2017
JUNE 2017
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13 14
15 16
17
S
M
T
W
4
5
6
7
T
F
S
1
2
3
8
9
10
18 19 20 21
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
29 30 31
25 26 27 28 29 30
Cultural & Religious Calendar
Federal Way Public Schools
3
RELIGION
W H E N T H E Y FA S T
H O W T H E Y FA S T
W H Y T H E Y FA S T
Baha’i
The Baha’i fast takes place
during Ala, the 19th month
of the Baha’í year, from
March 2-20.
Abstain from food and drink
from sunrise to sunset.
To focus on love of God
and spiritual matters.
Buddhist
All the main branches of
Buddhism practice some
periods of fasting, usually
on full-moon days and other
holidays.
Depending on the Buddhist
tradition, fasting usually means
abstaining from solid food,
with some liquids permitted.
A method of purification.
Theravadin and Tendai
Buddhist monks fast as
a means of freeing the
mind. Some Tibetan
Buddhist monks fast
to aid yogic feats, like
generating inner heat.
Catholic
Catholics fast and abstain
from meat on Ash
Wednesday and Good Friday,
and abstain from meat on
all Fridays in Lent. For many
centuries, Catholics were
forbidden to eat meat on
all Fridays, but since the
mid-1960s, abstaining from
meat on Fridays outside of
Lent has been a matter of
local discretion.
On Ash Wednesday and Good
Friday, two small meals and
one regular meal are allowed;
meat is forbidden. On Fridays
in Lent, no meat is allowed.
For the optional Friday fast,
some people substitute a
different penance or special
prayer instead of fasting.
Teaches control of fleshly
desires, penance for sins,
and solidarity with the
poor. The Lenten fast
prepares the soul for a
great feast by practicing
austerity. The Good Friday
fast commemorates the
day Christ suffered.
Eastern
Orthodox
There are several fast
periods, including Lent,
Apostles’ Fast, Dormition
Fast, and the Nativity Fast,
and several one-day fasts.
Every Wednesday and Friday
is considered a fast day,
except those that fall during
designated “fast-free weeks.”
In general, meat, dairy
products, and eggs are
prohibited. Fish is prohibited
on some fast days and allowed
on others.
Strengthens resistance
to gluttony; helps open a
person to God’s grace.
Hindu
Fasting is commonly
practiced on New Moon and
Full Moon days and during
festivals such as Shivaratri,
Saraswati Puja, and Durga
Puja (also known as
Navaratri). Women in North
India also fast on the day of
Karva Chauth.
Depends on the individual.
Fasting may involve 24 hours
of complete abstinence from
any food or drink, but is more
often an elimination of solid
foods, with an occasional drink
of milk or water.
A way to enhance
concentration during
meditation or worship;
purification for the system;
sometimes considered a
sacrifice.
Yom Kippur, the Day of
Atonement, is the bestknown fast day. The Jewish
calendar has sixother fast
days as well, including Tisha
B’Av, the day on which the
destruction of the Jewish
Temple took place.
On Yom Kippur and Tisha
Atonement for sins and/or
B’Av, eating and drinking are
special requests to God.
forbidden for a 25-hour period,
from sundown to sundown.
On the other fast days, eating
and drinking are forbidden
only from sunrise to sundown.
Jewish
Cultural & Religious Calendar
Federal Way Public Schools
4
RELIGION
W H E N T H E Y FA S T
H O W T H E Y FA S T
W H Y T H E Y FA S T
Mormon
The first Sunday of each
month is a fast day.
Individuals, families, or wards
may hold other fasts at will.
Abstaining from food and
drink for two consecutive
meals and donating food or
money to the needy. After
the fast, church members
participate in a “fast and
testimony meeting.”
Closeness to God;
concentration on God
and religion. Individual or
family fasts might be held
to petition for a specific
cause, such as healing for
one who is sick or help
with making a difficult
decision.
Muslim
Ramadan, the ninth month
of the Muslim calendar, is a
mandatory fasting period
that commemorates the
period when the Qur’an was
first revealed to Prophet
Muhammad. Various Muslim
customs recommend days
and periods of fasting in
addition to Ramadan.
Abstain from food, drink,
smoking, profane language,
and sexual intercourse from
before the break of dawn until
sunset for the entire month.
Some Muslims fast
every Monday (some
say Thursday) because
Prophet Muhammad was
said to do this, and some
fast during the month of
Sha’baan, which precedes
Ramadan, and especially
during the three days
leading up to Ramadan.
Pagan
No organized fast days, but
some pagans choose to fast
in preparation for Ostara
(Spring Equinox).
At the discretion of the
individual, some totally abstain
from food, others reduce how
much they eat.
Intended to purify a
person energetically;
often used to raise
vibrational levels as
preparation for magical
work. Ostara fasting is
used to cleanse oneself
from heavier winter foods.
Protestant
(Evangelical)
At the discretion of
individuals, churches,
organizations, or
communities.
Though some people abstain
from food or drink entirely,
others drink only water or
juice, eat only certain foods,
skip certain meals, or abstain
from temptations, edible or
not.
Evangelical fasts have
become increasingly
popular in recent years,
with people fasting for
spiritual nourishment,
solidarity with
impoverished people, a
counterbalance to modern
consumer culture, or to
petition God for special
needs.
Protestant
(Mainline)
Not a major part of the
tradition, but fasts can be
held at the discretion of
communities, churches,
other groups, and
individuals.
Discretion of those fasting.
For spiritual improvement
or to advance a political
or social-justice agenda.
One example: the ELCA’s
“Campaign of Prayer,
Fasting, and Vigils.”
Cultural & Religious Calendar
Federal Way Public Schools
5
Observances by Month
Click on the month
to go straight to that
month’s content.
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
N OV E M B E R
DECEMBER
J A N U A RY
F E B R U A RY
MARCH
“We are committed to
providing learning
environments in which
your child, and each of
our approximately 23,000
student-scholars, learn
at high levels with the
academic and socialemotional supports they
need to graduate collegeand-career ready.”
SUPERINTENDENT
D R . TA M M Y C A M P B E L L
Cultural & Religious Calendar
Federal Way Public Schools
6
September
D AT E
O B S E R VA N C E
September 5
Labor Day honors contributions made by members of the workforce.
September 11–14
Eid Al-Adhal is a three day festival, also called the “Feast of Sacrifice” honoring the
conclusion of Hajj, or the pilgrimage to Mecca. This feast honors Ibrahim’s devotion
in offering his son to God.
September 12
Ethiopian New Year
September 12–
October 15
NATIONAL HISPANIC-LATINO HERITAGE MONTH
September 15
Independence Day for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua
September 16
Mexican Independence Day commemorates the 1810 revolution that ended
Spanish rule.
Papua New Guinea Independence Day
September 17–
October 3
Oktoberfest
September 23
Saudi Arabia National Day
Cultural & Religious Calendar
Federal Way Public Schools
7
October
D AT E
O B S E R VA N C E
October 2
Al Hijra / Muharram (New Year) is the first month of the Islamic calendar and is
considered the start of a new year for all Muslims.
October 3
Iraq National Day; Republic of Korea National Foundation Day
October 3-4
Rosh Hashanah, Jewish New Year, commemorates the world’s creation; the first
of the Jewish High Holy Days. Rest, abstinence, repentance, and prayer mark this
holiday.
October 9
Uganda Independence Day
October 11
Vijay Dashami (Dasera) is a Hindu festival in India that celebrates victory of good
over evil. Ashura in the Islamic calendar honors Moses and the exodus of his people
from Egypt, Noah’s departure from the ark, and when the grandson of Muhammad
was martyred.
October 12
Yom Kippur is the holiest of holidays on the Jewish calendar. Fasting and repentance
are typically observed.
October 17-23
Sukkot is also called the Feast of Tabernacles, which begins at sundown on October
15 and ends at sundown on October 23. It is a time of remembrance celebrating the
forty years of travel by the Jewish nation in the desert enroute to Israel.
October 20
Sikhs celebrate their spiritual guide, Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
Baha’i believers celebrate the birth of the Bab, a prophet of their faith.
October 22
Dussehra (Dusera) marks the beginning of a ten-day Hindu festival celebrating
Rama’s defeat over evil.
October 23
Muslims celebrate Ashura, marking the martyrdom of Hussain, grandson of
Mohammed the Prophet, who died fighting for social justice.
October 24
Shemini Atzeret, is observed by the Jewish people following Sukkot. It means, “the
eighth day of assembly” and is a time when prayers are extended for a productive
harvest.
October 25
Simchat Torah is referred to by the Jewish people as a day for “Rejoicing in the
Torah” in which the cycle of weekly Torah readings has ended. It is observed with
joyous celebration.
October 30
Diwali, or the “Festival of Lights” is observed by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. This
popular holiday celebrates good overcoming evil, light over darkness, and
knowledge over ignorance. Homes are typically decorated with candles, lights,
sweets, and gifts.
October 31
Halloween, or Hallowe’en is a Pagan celebration observed in a number of countries.
It begins the three-day observance of Allhallowtide, the time in the liturgical year
dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs, and all the
faithful departed.
Cultural & Religious Calendar
Federal Way Public Schools
8
November
D AT E
O B S E R VA N C E
November 1
All Saints Day honors Christian saints, who are men and women who lived holy
lives, some martyred for their faith.
November 2
Christians commemorate All Souls Day to remember their departed loved ones.
In Mexico, the holiday is called Dia de los Muertos (October 31 and November 2).
November 3
National Day for the Federated States of Micronesia
November 4
National Day for Tonga
November 9
Cambodian Independence Day
November 11
Veterans Day is a national holiday honoring all military veterans. It is also called
Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other countries, marking the end of
World War I.
November 12
Birth of Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i faith. Members may refrain from work
on this day.
November 16
International Day for Tolerance by the United Nations
November 20
Transgender Day of Remembrance honors those who have died due to violence and
transphobia.
Feast of Christ the King is primarily a Roman Catholic observance although
Anglicans, Lutherans, and Protestants celebrate this day as well.
November 25
National Day for Bosnia and Herzegovina
November 27
First Sunday of Advent is observed by Christians, and is the beginning of a season to
prepare for the birth of Christ.
Cultural & Religious Calendar
Federal Way Public Schools
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December
D AT E
December 1
O B S E R VA N C E
World AIDS Day
National Day for Romania
December 2
National Day for Laos, United Arab Emirates
December 3
International Day of Disabled Persons
December 25
Christmas, Eastern Orthodox, Christian, Protestant and/or Cultural Observance, Pagan
Cultural & Religious Calendar
Federal Way Public Schools
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January
D AT E
O B S E R VA N C E
January 1
New Year’s Day­: first day of the Gregorian calendar; Solemnity of Mary, Catholic;
Holy Name of Jesus, Feast of St. Basil, Eastern Orthodox
January 1
Temple Day, Buddhist: prayers for good fortune are extended on this day.
January 5
Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Birthday: the Tenth Guru of the Sikhs, who initiated them as
the Khalsa, also known as the pure ones
January 6
Epiphany, celebrated by Eastern and Western Christians around the world,
commemorates the journey of the Magi to the newborn Jesus and of Jesus’ baptism
by John.
Armenian Orthodox Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus on Epiphany.
January 7
Christmas, Eastern Christians, celebrates the birth of Jesus thirteen days later than
other churches because they follow the Julian calendar.
January 14
Makar Sankranti, Hindu, is a major harvest festival celebrating the lengthening days.
January 15
World Religion Day, Baha’i, promotes interfaith harmony and understanding for
people of all religions, and begins at sundown.
January 16
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday: Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1964, advocated
non-violent social justice
January 16–20
No Name-Calling Week is a national promotion ending name calling and bullying.
January 27
UN Holocaust Memorial Day: annual International Day of Commemoration marking
the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz Concentration camp in 1945.
January 28
Republic Day of India: commemorates the date the Constitution of India became
law, coinciding with India’s Declaration of Independence.
Lunar New Year: Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese New Years are celebrated.
Cultural & Religious Calendar
Federal Way Public Schools
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February
D AT E
O B S E R VA N C E
BLACK HISTORY MONTH / AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH
February 1
National Freedom Day commemorates the passage of the 13th Amendment,
abolishing slavery in 1865.
February 11
Tu B’Shvat, Jewish: New Year’s Day for Trees is devoted to environmental awareness
and work, like planting trees.
February 14
Valentine’s Day: day of romance
Race Relations Day, National Council of Churches, promotes the importance of
interracial relations and understanding.
February 15
Susan B. Anthony Day: a pioneer in the Women’s Rights Movement
Nirvana Day, Buddhist, honors the day Buddha achieved complete Nirvana upon the
death of his physical body.
February 16
Presidents’ Day honors all U.S. Presidents.
February 25
Maha Shivaratri, Hindu, honors the Great Festival of Shiva.
February 26–
March 1
Ayyam-i-ha or Intercalary Days, Baha’i: four days are spent preparing for
spiritual days of fasting, celebrating, charity work, and giving of gifts.
February 27
Clean Monday, Eastern Christians, is referred to as The Great Lent, which starts forty
days prior to Orthodox Easter.
Cultural & Religious Calendar
Federal Way Public Schools
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March
D AT E
O B S E R VA N C E
NATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
March 1
Ash Wednesday, Western Christian: the first day of Lent marks forty days of spiritual
preparation for Easter (excluding Sundays).
March 2–12
Nineteen-Day Fast, Bahai: the faithful believers ages 15-70 fast from sunrise to
sunset, accompanied with prayer and meditation.
March 8
International Women’s Day celebrates women’s accomplishments in the political,
economic, and social arena worldwide.
March 12
Magha Puja, Buddhist, commemorates the meeting of more than 1,200 Buddhist
monks in the presence of Buddha.
March 13
Holla Mohalla, Sikh, is an annual festival marked by a martial arts parade.
Holi, Hindu: festival of colors commemorates spring and is also called Holaka or
Phagwa.
March 17
St. Patrick’s Day, Christian, celebrates the Patron Saint of Ireland.
March 20
Vernal Equinox: marks first day of spring wherein night and day are the same length.
March 21
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is a day calling all to
action.
Nowruz, Zoroastrian, is an Iranian festival celebrating the New Year and the first day
of spring.
March 31
Cesar Chavez Day celebrates the achievements of the Mexican American labor
leader, activist, and farm worker whose voice for social justice resonates today.
Cultural & Religious Calendar
Federal Way Public Schools
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