The Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) has long been devoted to celebrating the diversity of its students, faculty and staff who richly contribute to the progress and accomplishments of the school division. The cultural vastness of Virginia Beach schools yields characteristics of ethnicity, ageism, national origin, physical and mental ability, gender, religion, race, and military status establishing a true multicultural hub that mirrors the globalization of our world. VBCPS’s commitment to an equity education to improve achievement for all students is recognized in the school division’s Compass to 2015: A Strategic Plan for Student Success.
November is the Month VBCPS Commemorates...
"We must protect the forests for our children, grandchildren and children yet to be born. We must protect the forests for those who can't speak for themselves such as the birds, animals, fish and trees. "
Hereditary Chief Edward Moody, Nuxalk Nation
National American Indian Heritage Month
Although the first "American Indian Day" was declared by the State of New York in 1916, a month long recognition of Native Americans was not achieved until 1990. In that year, President George Bush declared the first National American Indian Heritage Month on August 3. His action was based on legislation presented by Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) and Congressional Delegate Eni Faleomavaega (D-American Samoa). In each of the four previous years, Congress had enacted legislation designating "American Indian Heritage Week." This consecutive legislation allowed for the establishment of a month-long observance.
The purpose of National American Indian Heritage Month is to honor and recognize the original peoples of this land. The 1996 proclamation details their contributions to the past and to the future:
Throughout our history, American Indian and Alaska Native peoples have been an integral part of the American character. Against the odds, America's first peoples have endured, and they remain a vital cultural, political, social, and moral presence. Tribal America has brought to this great country certain values and ideas that have become ingrained in the American spirit: the knowledge that humans can thrive and prosper without destroying the natural environment; the understanding that people from very different backgrounds, cultures, religions, and traditions can come together to build a great country; and the awareness that diversity can be a source of strength rather than division.
The DIVERSITY CONNECTIONS HOTLINE hotline is a service for all Virginia Beach citizens who have an interest in promoting unity within our public schools and our supporting communities. Through this hotline residents can express their comments about ethnicity, gender, race, language, physical and mental ability, religious beliefs, socioeconomics, and other diverse matters occurring among students and employees of the Virginia Beach Public Schools. E-mail: esther.monclova-johnson@vbschools.com ;
Call: 757.263.2222
e-mail esther.monclova-johnson@vbschools.com.