LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
MEMORANDUM
ATTACHMENT A
CALENDAR OF COMMEMORATIVE DATES AND OBSERVANCES
ACADEMIC YEAR 2009-2010
This calendar is provided to assist schools in planning their school calendars. There are ten federal
holidays. New Year's Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, and Christmas Day are set by date. Martin
Luther King Jr.'s Birthday, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Columbus Day are
celebrated on Mondays to create a three-day weekend for federal employees. Thanksgiving is the fourth
Thursday of November. Other important anniversaries of historical events, special commemorative
occasions and ethnic/cultural celebrations are identified to assist schools that wish to incorporate these
dates into their instructional activities.
Religious events and observances are italicized and are included to assist in the scheduling of school
events. Observances may have different dates each year based on observance of the Gregorian calendar,
regional customs, group preference or moon sightings. For example: Jewish Holy Days are different each
year because the Jewish calendar is lunar/solar based. Some religious holidays begin at sundown of the
preceding day and are identified with a plus symbol (+). Other observances fall on a designated day rather
than a designated date, e.g., Thanksgiving is the fourth Thursday in November. These dates are indicated
with a single asterisk (*).
Ba=
B=
Ja=
S=
Bahá’í
J= Judaism
RC=
Buddhism
H= Hinduism
O=
Jainism
I=
Islam
P=
Sikhs
+ Observation begins at sunset of the preceding day
* Observation date may change annually
**Local or regional variations of the observation date.
Roman Catholic (Christian)
Orthodox (Christian)
Protestants (Christian)
This calendar is based on the information available at the time of production. Sources of information
include: California Education Code, Los Angeles Unified School District Board Rule 1102, National
Conference for Community and Justice (562) 435-8184, Interfaith Calendar, and Educational Research
Service, Resources for Planning the School Calendar, (800) 791-9308.
July 2009
July 4
Independence Day
Schools closed
Government Code Sec.
6701, Board Rule 1102
July 9
Martyrdom of the Bab
(Ba)
July 18
Asalha Puja Day –
Dharma Day (B)
The federal holiday observed in all states and territories celebrating the
adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776
LAUSD observed July 3, 2009
The day is in observance of the martyrdom of the Báb. The Báb was
forerunner of the Prophet and the founder of the Bahá’í Faith,
Bahá’u’lláh. One of the nine Holy Days during which Bahá’ís do not
work.
The anniversary of the start of Buddha’s teaching after his
enlightenment.
August
2009
August 9
International Day of
the World’s
Indigenous People
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The celebration of the richness of indigenous cultures and recognizes
the challenges to indigenous peoples today.
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August 3, 2009
August 10+
Tishah B’Av (J)
August 12
International Youth
Day
Assumption of the
Blessed Virgin Mary
(RC)
Raksha Bandhan (H)
Ramadan (I)
August 15
August 16
August 22+ September 20
August 23
August 26
August 31*
Schools closed
September
2009
September 3
September 4
September 7*
Schools closed
September 8
September 9
September 13
September 15
September
15-16
September
17**
September
17-23
International Day for
the Remembrance of
the Slave Trade and
its Abolition
Women's Equality
Day
The Jews mourn and fast in commemoration of the destruction of the
First and Second Temples and other tragedies Jews experienced in their
history.
The celebration of young people and the integral role they play in
helping to create a world fit for children.
The largely Catholic belief, that at the end of her life, Mary, the mother
of Christ, was taken body and soul (i.e. both physically and spiritually)
into heaven to live with her son Christ forever.
The Hindu festival that celebrates brotherhood and love.
The commemoration of the first revelation of the Qur’an. Marks the
beginning of a month long fast that all Muslims must keep during
daylight hours.
The memorialization of the tragedy of the transatlantic slave trade,
coinciding with the anniversary of the uprising in Santo Domingo that
initiated its abolition.
The commemoration of the passage of the 19th Amendment. The 19th
Amendment of Woman Suffrage Amendment gave U.S. women full
voting rights in 1920. Instituted by Rep. Bella Abzug and established
in 1971.
The admission of California as the 31st state on September 9, 1850
California Admission
LAUSD observed August 31, 2009
Day Board Rule 1102
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Hispanic Americans and the
many contributions they have and continue to make to American culture. The month long
celebration from September 15 - October 15 Board Rule 1102 was designated by presidential
proclamation
Library Card Sign Up Month serves as a reminder to ensure all children have library cards.
Information and materials available from American Library Association. http://www.ala.org.
Ulambana (B)
The Buddhist Ghost Festival. The unsettled spirits of the dead ancestors
are calmed with chanting and offerings to enable them to pass
peacefully into the next world.
The Hindu commemoration of the birth of Krishna. The Krishna was
Janmashtami Krishna Jayanti (H)
the eighth incarnation of god Vishnu who took the form of Krishna to
destroy the evil king Kansa.
The federal holiday was first celebrated, in New York in 1882, to honor
Labor Day
Ed Code 37220, Board
labor, following the suggestion of Peter J. McGuire of the Knights of
Rule 1102
Labor. Observed the first Monday in September
International Literacy The celebration of literacy as there are close to four billion literate
people in the world. However, literacy for all – children, youth and
Day
adults - is still an unaccomplished goal and an ever-moving target.
The admission of California as the 31st state on September 9, 1850
California Admission
LAUSD observed August 31, 2009
Day Board Rule 1102
The day set aside to honor grandparents
Grandparents’ Day
Ganesh Chaturthi (H)
The Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most popular of Hindu festivals.
This is the birthday of Lord Ganesha.
The official day, September 16 (el 16 de septiembre), marking the
Mexican
beginning of the struggle for independence from Spain in 1810.
Independence Days
Laila Al-Qadr (I)
The Night of Power marks the night in which God first revealed the
Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad.
The Constitutional Convention ended its work of framing the U.S.
Constitution Day
Constitution on September 17, 1787. A Presidential proclamation sets
Constitution Week
Ed Code 37221
aside this day and week for observance each year.
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August 3, 2009
September
19-20+*
September 20
First Day of Rosh
Hashanah (J)
Birth of the Bab (Ba)
September 21
Eid Al-Fitr (I)
September 22
Autumn Equinox
September
25*
Native American Day
September
28+
September 30
Yom Kippur (J)
Ed Code 37220.7
The day that marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year; the opening
of the Ten Days of Penitence, which close with Yom Kippur.
The celebration of the birth of the precursor of the founder of the
Bahá’í faith.
The Feast of the Breaking of the Fast marks the end of Ramadan, the
holy month of fasting from dawn until dusk.
The date when night and day are nearly the same length. Marks the first
day of fall.
The day set aside to recognize the role and contributions of American
Indians (Native Americans) to American culture and society. Observed
the fourth Friday in September
October
2009
October 1+
October 1
The Day of Atonement, Jewish holy day that marks the end of the Ten
Days of Penitence that begin with Rosh HaShanah.
Navaratri (H)
The nine nights symbolize the triumph of good over evil and marks the
start of autumn.
Cultural Diversity Month is about opening dialogues that foster an appreciation of the
differences that separate us as well as the similarities that unite us. Sponsored by the LA County
Commission on Human Relations, free posters are available for schools, programs and youth
organizations. Contact Caroline Hataat (213) 974-7635, [email protected]; or Ava
Gutierrez at (213) 974-7654, [email protected]
Disabilities Awareness Month was designated by Congress to increase public awareness of the
contributions and skills of American workers with disabilities.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) History Month marks and celebrates the
achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. www.Glbthistorymonth.com
Id al-Fitr (I)
The end of the month long observance of Ramadan.
National Child Health The day that focuses the attention of the Nation on issues related to
children's development and well being. National Child Health Day is
Day
36 United States Code
an annual observance that dates back to 1928. Observed the first Monday
Section 105
in October
October 3-9
Sukkot (J)
October 9
October 10
Dasera (Dasara,
Dusshera. Dusshera)
(H)
Shemini Atzeret (J)
The weeklong Feast of Booths commemorates the 40-year wandering
of the Israelites in the desert on the way to the Promised Land.
The day signifies victory and valor. Lord Rama slew the evil Ravana
and emerged victorious on this day.
October 11+
Simchat Torah (J)
October 11
National Coming Out
Day
October 12*
Columbus Day
Discoverers’ Day
Board Rule 1102
Observed the second Monday in October
October 1725
Red Ribbon Week
October 1923
National School Bus
Safety Week
October 20+
Birth of Bab (Ba)
The week long activities promote programs, displays and activities to
demonstrate commitment of a Drug-Free America and increase
awareness of the problems related to drug, tobacco and alcohol use.
www.nfp.org
The week that focuses attention on school bus safety. Annually
observed the third full week of October. Sponsored by the National
Association for Pupil Transportation.
The anniversary of the birth of the Báb, the forerunner of Bahá’u’lláh,
the Prophet Founder of the Bahá’í Faith. One of the nine Holy Days
during which Bahá’ís do not work.
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The Eighth Day of Assembly is observed immediately following
Sukkoth.
The reading of the law (Torah) is concluded and begun anew in the
synagogue.
The day that was founded, in 1988, in order to promote events and
activities that encourage awareness, honesty and openness about the
lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.
The federal holiday that honors all explorers and to commemorate
Christopher Columbus' sighting of the New World in 1492.
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August 3, 2009
October 20
November 11
The Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh Scripture, is a compilation of the
divine revelations to the Sikh Gurus and saints of other faiths
reaffirming the fundamental unity of all religions.
The commemoration of the founding of the United Nations in 1945.
The day dedicated to the helping others -- a national celebration of
neighbors helping neighbors. Observed the fourth Saturday in October
The most popular of the Hindu festivals. Also known as the Festival of
Lights, it is dedicated to the Goddess Kali in Bengal and to Lakshmi,
the Goddess of Wealth in the rest of the India.
The Eve of All Saints' Day formerly called All Hallows and
Halloween
Hallowmass. Traditionally an occasion for masquerading and pumpkin
carving.
National American Indian/Alaskan Native Heritage Month remembers the contributions of
American Indians and Alaska Natives and honors the heritage of our continent’s first inhabitants.
All Saints' Day (RC)
The Roman Catholic and Anglican holiday celebrating all saints,
known and unknown.
The beginning of all U.S. time zones. At 2 a.m., clocks move back one
Daylight Saving
Times ends; Standard hour.
Time begins
The day that elections are held in many states and cities, usually on the
Election Day
Tuesday, following the first Monday, in November.
The U.S. Armed Services and commemorates the war dead.
Veterans Day
Schools closed
Ed Code 37220
November
12+
Baha'u'llah Birthday
(Ba)
November 16
International Day for
Tolerance
November
16-22
American Education
Week
November 19
Education Support
Professional Day
Transgender Day of
Remembrance
National Parental
Involvement Day
October 24
October 24*
October 28
October 31
November
2009
November 1
November 1
November 3
November 20
November 20
Installation of the
Guru Granth Sahib as
Eternal Guru (S)
United Nations Day
Make a Difference
Day
Diwali Festival of
Lights (H, Ja, S)
November 24
Martyrdom of Guru
Teg Bahadur (S)
November 26
Day of the Covenant
(Ba)
Thanksgiving
November 26
Schools closed
November 2627
Ed Code 37220, Board
Rule 1102
November
28+
November 28
Eid al Adha (I)
Ascension of ‘Abdu’
(Ba)
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The day that commemorates the birth of Bahá’u’lláh, in 1817, - the
Prophet Founder of the Bahá’í Faith. One of the nine Bahá’í Holy
Days.
The day that focuses attention on the dangers of intolerance. The day
also serves as a call for action for the enhancement of human welfare,
freedom and progress everywhere. A day to encourage tolerance,
respect, dialogue and cooperation among different cultures and people.
The week that recognizes activities that celebrate public education and
honor individuals, who are making a difference, by ensuring that every
child receives a quality education.
See American Education Week. Day is observed the Wednesday of
American Education Week.
The day that recognizes activities that memorialize those who were
killed, due to anti-transgender prejudice.
The day dedicated to the recognition of parental involvement. It is
always the Thursday, of American Education Week. Information and
materials available from Project Appleseed.
www.projectappleseed.org
The day that honors Guru Tegh Bahadur as the ninth of the ten Gurus,
who founded Sikhism. He is honored as a man who died for religious
freedom.
The festival that commemorates Bahá’u’lláh’s appointment, of his
eldest son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, as the center of his covenant.
The federal holiday established by Act of Congress (1941), the first
such national proclamation, issued by President Lincoln in 1863.
Observed the fourth Thursday in November
The Muslim holy day, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, marking
the end of the Pilgrimage to Mecca.
The commemoration of the passing of the son of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’lBahá.
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August 3, 2009
November 29
December
2009
December 1
December 1
December 3
December 8
December 8
December 10
December 12
The Christian time of preparation for observing the birth of Jesus
Christ. The four Sundays before Christmas are marked by special
church services.
Universal Human Rights Month was formed to promote action that would advance respect for
human rights both at home and abroad. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted
by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948. http://www.udhr.org
The international day of action focused on HIV and AIDS.
Worlds AIDS Day
First Sunday of
Advent (O, P, RC)
Montgomery
Alabama Bus Boycott
begins
International Day of
Disabled Persons
Bodhi Day Enlightenment of
Buddha (B)
Feast of the
Immaculate
Conception (RC)
Human Rights Day
December 1219+
Day of Our Lady of
Guadalupe (RC)
Hanukkah, Chanukah
Festival of Lights, (J)
December 15
Bill of Rights Day
December 1624
December 21
Las Posadas (RC)
December 25
Christmas—Feast of
the Nativity (RC, P)
Kwanzaa
Schools closed
December 26January 1
Winter Solstice
December 29
Wounded Knee Day
December 29
Al Hijra New Year’s
(I)
The event that memorialized the day that Rosa Parks refused to give up
her seat triggered the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Reverend Martin
Luther King led the boycott.
The day that promotes the raising of awareness about persons with
disabilities in order to improve their lives and provide them with equal
opportunity.
The Buddhist celebration of the Enlightenment of founder Shakyamuni
Buddha, ca 596 B.C.
The Roman Catholic Holy Day of Obligation commemorates the
Virgin Mary’s Freedom from origin sin.
The anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights: 1948.
The celebration of the patron saint of Mexico.
The Jewish holiday commemorating rededication of the Temple by the
Maccabees that lasts for eight days and nights. Primarily a children’s
festival, a time for fun, songs, games and gift giving.
The anniversary of the adoption of the first ten amendments to the U.S.
Constitution in 1791
A period of nine days in which the journey of Mary and Joseph are
replayed. A time of religious ceremonies, and festivities.
The shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. Marks the first
day of the season of winter.
The most widely celebrated holiday of the Christian year – the
anniversary of the birth of Jesus. Christmas customs are centuries old.
The African American seven-day spiritual festival, created in 1966,
which is dedicated to seven principles: unity, self-determination,
collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose,
creativity and faith.
The memorialization of the massacre of more than 200 Lakota Sioux
by US troops at Wounded Knee in South Dakota on December 29,
1890.
The Muslim New Year, the beginning of the first lunar month.
January
2010
January 1
New Year's Day
Schools closed
Ed Code 37220, Board
Rule 1102
January 1
January 1
Solemnity of Mary,
Mother of God (RC)
Temple Day (B)
January 3**
Vasant Panchami (H)
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The federal holiday with its origin in Roman times, when sacrifices
were offered to Janus, the two-faced Roman deity who looked back on
the past and forward to the future.
The Roman Catholic Holy Day that celebrates the motherhood of
Mary.
The day when many Buddhists of all traditions, pay their respects, and
pray for good fortune for the new year at the temple.
Advent of Spring, sacred to Saraswati, Goddess of Learning.
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August 3, 2009
January 6
Epiphany (RC, P)
January 6
Armenian Christmas
January 7
Christmas (O)
January 1113*
January 17*
Mahayana New Year
(B)
World Religion Day
(Ba)
January 18*
Martin Luther King,
Jr.’s Birthday
One of the three major Christian festivals, along with Christmas and
Easter. The visit of the three kings to baby Jesus is celebrated twelve
days after Christmas.
The Armenian Apostolic Church, also known as the Armenian
Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on January 6
The day celebrated, on this day, by Eastern Orthodox and Greek
Orthodox Christians who follow the Julian Calendar.
The New Year celebrated by Mahayana Buddhists
The day that fosters the establishment of interfaith understanding and
harmony by emphasizing the common characteristics found in all
religions. The Bahá’í-sponsored observance was established in 1950 by
the Bahá’í s of the United States. http://www.worldreligionday.org.
Observed the third Sunday in January.
Schools Closed
Ed Code 37220, amended
1992, Board Rule 1102
January 30*
February
2010
February 1
February 2
February 12
February 14
February 14*
February 15*
February
15**
February 15*
Schools closed
February 15
Tu B'shvat (J)
The Jewish Arbor Day
African American History Month, also known as Black History Month, was created by Carter
G. Woodson in the 1920s. T his month-long celebration is a time to reflect on the history,
teachings and achievements of African Americans. Board Rule 1102.
The day that commemorates the signing of the 13th Amendment, which
National Freedom
abolished slavery in 1865.
Day
The legend has it that if the groundhog sees his shadow on this day and
Groundhog Day
returns to his burrow, winter continues for six more weeks.
www.groundhog.org
This day was first formally observed in Washington, DC, in 1866,
Lincoln's Birthday
Ed Code 37220
when both houses of Congress gathered for a memorial address in
tribute to the assassinated president and is a holiday in many states.
This day is the festival of two third-century martyrs both named Saint
St. Valentine's Day
Valentine. It may derive from an old pagan festival or it may have been
inspired by the belief that birds mate on this day.
The beginning of the Year of the Tiger. The most widely celebrated
Lunar New Year
Asian holiday.
The Orthodox observance of Lent. Eastern Orthodox and Greek
Beginning of
Orthodox Lent (O)
Orthodox Lent, period of fasting and penitence before Easter.
Parinirvana - Nirvana The Mahayana Buddhist festival marks the anniversary of Buddha's
Day (B)
death usually observed the second Sunday in February.
Though Washington’s birthday is February 22 and Lincoln’s birthday
Presidents’ Day
Ed Code 37220, Board
is February 12, the celebration of both is referred to as Presidents’ Day.
Rule 1102
Observed third Monday in February
Susan B. Anthony
Day
The anniversary of the birthday of Susan B. Anthony commemorates
the history of women’s suffrage and the crusade for equal rights for
women.
Ed Code 37221, Board
Rule 1102
February 1521
Take Your Family to
School Week
February 16*
Mardi Gras or Shrove
Tuesday (C)
Ash Wednesday Beginning of Lent (C)
February 17*
The day that celebrates the birthday of Martin Luther King, the late
civil rights leader and winner of the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize. King was
assassinated on April 4, 1968. Observed the third Monday in January.
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The National PTA sponsors this week for the purpose of building
positive partnerships with parents and letting children know that their
families value education.
The last celebratory feast before Lent begins. It is celebrated in New
Orleans, Mobile, Alabama, and certain Mississippi and Florida cities.
Lent is, a period of fasting and penitence observed by Christian
churches, lasting 40 days excluding Sundays.
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August 3, 2009
February 19
February 22
February 26 –
March 1+
February
28*+
March 2010
March 2
March 2 –
March 20
March 5
The anniversary of President Franklin Roosevelt’s signing Executive
Order 9066 that authorized the incarceration of 120,000 Japanese
Americans during World War II. Programs on this date seek to educate
the public about the fragility of civil rights during wartime.
George Washington’s The holiday that celebrates the birthday of the first president of the
United States, born February 22, 1732, died 1799. Observed as a
Birthday
federal holiday (Presidents’ Day) on the third Monday in February.
This day begins a period of four days (five in leap year) devoted to
Ayyám-i-Há or
Intercalary Days (Ba)
spiritual preparation for the Bahá’í fast, celebration, hospitality, charity
and gift giving.
Purim (J)
The celebration of the deliverance of the Jews from a massacre by the
Jewish queen Esther. Activities include reading of the Book of Esther,
gift exchanges, donations to the poor and enactment of Purim plays.
National Women's History Month was proclaimed by Congress and many governors and state
legislatures as a month to celebrate the rich and inspiring heritage of the contributions of women
to the United States. For information and materials, contact National Women’s History Project at
www.nwhp.org Board Rule 1102.
National Middle Level Education Month encourages middle schools to schedule local events
focusing on the educational needs of early adolescents. Sponsored by the National Association of
Secondary School Principals.
Music In Our Schools Month communicates the importance of music in the learning experience.
Sponsored by The National Association for Music Education, http://www.menc.org
Youth Art Month emphasizes the importance of art activities for children and to encourage
schools and youth groups to support their art programs. Sponsored by the Council for Art
Education, Inc. http://www.acminet.org/youth_art_month.htm
The day that celebrates the importance of reading by having caring
NEA’s Read Across
adults visit schools as guest readers to share books with children.
America
Observed annually on Dr. Seuss’s birthday. www.nea.org/readacross
The period during which the Bahá’ís fast from sunrise to sunset.
Nineteen Day Fast
(Ba)
The commemoration of the anniversary of the death of Crispus
Black American Day,
Attucks, the first black American martyr, in the Boston Massacre.
Crispus Attucks Day
Day of Remembrance
Ed Code 37221
March 7
California
Conservation, Bird
and Arbor Day
March 8
International
Women's Day
March 14*
Daylight Saving Time
March 9
March 11**
Mawlid al-Nabi (I)
Holi (H)
March 17
St. Patrick's Day
March 20*
Vernal Equinox
March 21
International Day for
the Elimination of
Racial Discrimination
The anniversary of the birthday of Luther Burbank and also of
Conservation as designated in the California Education Code.
Ed Code 37221
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The day to honor women, especially working women. Commemorates
the 1857 march of New York women garment and textile workers to
protest low wages, long working hours and inhumane working
conditions.
The beginning for all U.S. time zones, as at 2 a.m. clocks advance one
hour.
The celebration of the birthday of Muhammad, the founder of Islam.
The Spring festival in India featuring bright colors and bonfires.
The patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick, has been honored in America
since the first days of the nation. A notable part of the observance is
the annual Saint Patrick's Day Parade in New York City.
The date when night and day are nearly the same length. It marks the
first day of the season of spring.
The call to action to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination,
worldwide.
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August 3, 2009
March 21
Feast of Naw-Ruz (Ba)
March 28*
Palm Sunday (RC, P)
March 30 –
April 6*+
March 31
Passover (Pesach)
First Days (J)
Cesar Chavez Day
The Bahá’í New Year. One of the nine Holy Days during which
Bahá’ís do not work. It coincides with the first day of spring.
The day commemorates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Observed the
Sunday before Easter.
April 2010
April 1
April 1-7*
The Jewish festival marking the deliverance of the Jews from slavery in
Egypt.
The California state holiday that honors Cesar Chavez, champion of
Ed Code 37220.5, added
nonviolence and the rights of farm workers provides an opportunity to
1994, Board Rule 1102
promote
service
to
the
communities
of
California.
http://www.chavezfoundation.org. Schools remain in session
National Child Abuse Prevention Month calls upon Government agencies and the public to
recognize the alarming rate at which children continued to be abused and neglected and the need
to prevent child abuse and assist parents and families affected by maltreatment.
Autism Awareness Month highlights the growing need for concern and awareness about autism
and issues within the autism community. http://www.autism-society.org
Mathematics Awareness Month is held each year in April to increase public understanding of
and appreciation for mathematics. Originated as Mathematics Awareness Week with a
proclamation by President Ronald Reagan in 1986, in 1999 the week was expanded to a monthlong observance. http://www.mathaware.org
Arts Education Month based on the words of President Kennedy “To further the appreciation of
culture among all people, to increase respect for the creative individual, to widen participation by
all the processes and fulfillments of art – this is one of the most fascinating challenges of these
days.”
The day for pranks and placing people in situations that make them
April Fools’ Day
look like an “April Fool.”
The week enacted by the California legislature in 2002 to encourage
Labor History Week
Ed Code Section 51009
schools to make pupils aware of the role the labor movement has
played in shaping California and the United States. Observed the first
week in April
April 2*
Good Friday (RC, P)
April 3
Ramanavani, Rama
Navamii (H)
April 4*
Easter Sunday (RC, P)
April 4*
Orthodox Easter (O)
April 6
California Poppy Day
The day that signifies the end of Lent. Observed by Christians the
Friday before Easter. Commemorates Christ’s crucifixion, death and
entombment.
The celebration of the birthday of Rama, the seventh incarnation of the
God Vishnu. It is a major Hindu festival that is celebrated all over the
India by Hindu peoples.
The Christian celebration of the resurrection of Christ. Observed the first
Sunday following the first full moon that occurs on or after the vernal equinox.
Ed Code 37222
April 10*+
April 11-17*
Yom Hashoah
Holocaust
Remembrance Day (J)
National Library
Week
The day called Pascha, observed by Eastern Orthodox and Greek
Orthodox churches.
The day to honor the California Poppy and provide instruction about
native plants and promote responsible behavior toward our natural
resources.
The day memorializes the six million Jews who died in the Holocaust.
The week that promotes the use and support of all types of libraries.
Sponsored by American Library Association. http://www.ala.org
Observed the second full week of April
April 13*
Baisakhi (S)
April 14**
Guru Nanak Dev Ji
(Sikh)
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The harvest celebration of Baisakhi marks the defining moment of the
Sikh religion.
The celebration of the birthday of the founder of the Sikh Religion.
Born in 1469, the guru preached universalism and equality of all
humans regardless of caste, creed, color, sex or other distinctions.
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April 14*
The Day of Silence
California Student Safety
and Violence Prevention
Act of 2000
April 10-17*
Week of the Young
Child
Board Rule 1102
April 11-17*
National Student
Leadership Week
April 18-24*
Public School
Volunteer Week
April 21
John Muir Day
The participants take a vow of silence to recognize and protest the
silencing of LGBT students and allies due to discrimination and
harassment. http://www.dayofsilence.org
The week during which activities that honor young children, thank
teachers, and all those who make a difference in their lives are
promoted. Sponsored by National Association for the Education of
Young Children. http://www.naeyc.org
The week during which activities that encourage and recognize the
many student leadership activities in our nation’s secondary schools are
promoted.
www.principals.org. It is sponsored by the National
Association of Secondary School Principals.
The week during which activities that encourage parents and citizens to
volunteer in their public schools, are promoted. It is sponsored by
Project Appleseed. http://www.projectappleseed.org
Observed the third week of April
A day of special significance to stress the importance that an
ecologically sound natural environment plays in the quality of our life
and recognize the contributions of John Muir.
Ridvan (Declaration of The first day of the Ridván Festival, a 12-day period which marks the
Baha’u’llah) (Ba)
anniversary of Bahá'u'lláh's declaration, in 1863. One of the nine Holy
Days during which Bahái‘s do not work.
The annual observance that acknowledges our responsibility for the
Earth Day
environment and commitment to take action for the coming year. For
information contact Earth Day Network. http://www.earthday.net
The day designated as a rape prevention and education campaign that
Denim Day –Peace
asks community members, elected officials, businesses and students to
Against Violence
wear jeans as a visible protest against misconceptions that surround
sexual assault. http://www.denimdayinla.org
Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work® Day program was founded
Take our Daughters
to create an opportunity for girls and boys to share and communicate
and Sons to Work
their expectations for the future. Observed the fourth Thursday in April
Day
http://www.daughtersandsonstowork.org
The commemoration of the deaths of 1.5 million Armenians living in
Armenian Martyrs
the Ottoman Empire who perished between 1915 and 1923.
Day
www.armenian-genocide.org Model Curriculum for Human Rights
Commemoration of
and Genocide-California State Board of Education.1988.
Armenian Genocide
The ninth day of the Ridván Festival. One of the nine Holy Days
Ninth day of Ridvan
(Ba)
during which Bahái‘s do not work.
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month celebrates the collective accomplishments of Asian
Pacific Americans, who comprise many ethnic groups with diverse backgrounds, histories,
languages and cultures. http://www.loc.gov/topics/asianpacific
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month encourages all Americans to take part in regular
physical activity and increase their knowledge about the health benefits of exercise.
www.fitness.gov
Labor Day in Mexico and many other Latin American countries
Dia del Trabajo
Ed Code 37222
April 21*
April 22
April 21*
April 22*
April 24
April 29+
May 2010
May 1
May 1
May 2*
May 2+
International
Workers Day
May Day
Buddha’s Birthday (B)
Twelfth day of Ridvan
(Ba)
MEM-4413.1
Office of the Chief Operating Officer
The worldwide celebration of the social and economic achievements of
workers.
The celebration of the birthday of the founder of Buddhism in Japan,
lived 563-480 B.C. The date varies in China.
The twelfth day of the Ridván Festival. One of the nine Holy Days
during which Bahái‘s do not work.
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August 3, 2009
May 5
Cinco de Mayo
Board Rule 1102
May 3-9*
Respect for Law
Week
May 8*
Day of Non-Violence
May 9*
Mother’s Day
May 10-16*
May 13*
National Children’s
Book Week
Ascension Day (RC, P)
May 13*
Day of the Teacher
Ed Code 37222. amended
1990
May 15-21*
Classified School
Employee Week
May 17
Anniversary of School
Desegregation Ruling,
Brown v. Board of
Education
Shauvot, Festival of
Weeks (J)
World Day for
Cultural Diversity for
Dialogue and
Development
Declaration of the Bab
(Ba)
May 19-20*+
May 21
May 23+
May 23*
May 27*
May 29
May 30*
May 31*
Schools closed
June 2010
The anniversary of the Mexican victory over the French army in the
Battle of Puebla in 1862
The activities for the week are sponsored by Optimist International to
inspire respect for the law among youth. Day of Non-Violence falls on
Saturday of Respect for Law Week to encourage peace and harmony all
over the world. http://www.optimist.org Additional resource: Kids and
the Law, an A-Z Guide for Parents http://www.calbar.ca.gov Observed
the first full week in May
Mother’s Day was established in 1914 and is observed on the second
Sunday in May.
The libraries and bookstores generally have special activities for
children that are designed to encourage a love of books.
The Ascension of Jesus took place in the presence of his apostles forty
days after the Resurrection. It is traditionally thought to have occurred
on Mount Olivet in Bethany.
The date set aside to commemorate teachers and the teaching
profession Observed the second Wednesday in May
The passage by the state of California in 1986 to recognize the
invaluable role played by classified employees - secretaries, clerks,
instructional aides, custodians, maintenance personnel, food service
workers, bus drivers, peace officers and others.
The racial segregation in public schools was unanimously ruled
unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education
of Topeka, Kansas, as a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment
guaranteeing equal protection under the law in 1954.
The Jewish festival commemorating the giving of the law (Torah) to
Moses on Mount Sinai.
The recognition of cultural diversity as a source of innovation,
exchange and creativity, as well as the obligation to create a more
peaceful and equitable society based on mutual respect.
The commemoration of the day, in 1844, when the Báb announced the
imminent appearance of Bahá’u’lláh, the Prophet Founder of the
Bahá’í Faith. One of the nine Holy Days during which Bahái‘s do not
work.
The Christian observance considered the birthday of the Church,
Pentecost –
Whitsunday (RC, P)
celebrated on the seventh Sunday after Easter, commemorates descent
of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and disciples of Jesus.
The celebration of the birthday, enlightenment and death of Buddha. It
Buddha Day - Wesak
or Vesak (B)
is the most important day in the Buddhist calendar.
The day that marks when Baha’u’llah passed away in 1892. One of the
Ascension of
Bahá’u’lláh (Ba)
nine Holy Days during which Bahái‘s do not work.
All Saints Day (O)
The day in Orthodox churches commemorating all known and
unknown Christian saints. Observed the first Sunday after Pentecost
The day originally known as Decoration Day that honors Civil War
Memorial Day
Ed Code 37220, amended
soldiers. The holiday was changed to Memorial Day pay homage to all
1994
who died in war. Observed the last Monday in May
Gay and Lesbian Awareness Month recognizes the gay and lesbian community. First passed by
the Board of Education on May 18, 1992, reaffirmed in Board Rule 1102, and again annually as a
District approved observance.
Fireworks Safety Month, sponsored by Prevent Blindness America, raises awareness about eye
safety and gives free lenses and prescriptions through community partners.
http://www.preventblindness.org
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August 3, 2009
June 4
Pentecost (O)
June 12
Anne Frank Day
June 12
Loving Day
June 11-13*
Christopher Street
West Anniversary of
Stonewall Rebellion
June 14
Flag Day
June 14
Race Unity Day (Ba)
June 19
Juneteenth
June 20*
Father’s Day
The observance of the day when the Holy Spirit came to the disciples,
following the ascension of Jesus.
The birthday of young Jewish girl whose diary describes her family’s
experiences hiding from the Nazis through the assistance of Gentile
friends.
The observance of the anniversary of the 1967 United States Supreme
Court decision Loving v. Virginia, which struck down the
miscegenation laws remaining in 16 states barring interracial marriage.
The Stonewall Rebellion June 27-29, 1969 marked the turning point in
the struggle for LGBT rights. The movement seeks to achieve equity
and justice for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.
Communities throughout the world host gay pride events to
commemorate this anniversary. Observed the second weekend of June.
The Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes on June 14,
1777 as the nation‘s official flag. A day for patriotic observances.
The Bahá’í-sponsored observance promotes racial harmony and
understanding and the essential unity of humanity. It was established in
1957 by the Bahá’ís of the U.S.
The commemoration of the emancipation of African Americans in
Texas. On June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger landed on
Galveston Island and proclaimed the sovereignty of the U. S. over
Texas and the freedom of all who had been slaves. Made a Texas state
holiday in 1979, Juneteenth is celebrated in many parts of the U.S.
The exact origin of Father’s Day is unclear, but it was first celebrated
June 19, 1910 in Spokane, Washington. Observed the third Sunday in
June
+ Begins at sunset of the preceding day
*Date of observation may change annually
**Local or regional variations of the observation date.
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