NPS Celebrates October Heritage Months
NPS Celebrates October Heritage Months
NPS Communications
The Norwalk Board of Education is proud to recognize and celebrate the month of October as Italian-American, Polish-American, German-American, and Filipino-American Heritage Months.
Norwalk Public Schools is fortunate to have students who reflect all these backgrounds and who proudly share their traditions and cultures with their families, friends, and our school community. Many of our students can also trace their ancestry to these countries, families who came to the United States generations ago seeking opportunity and a better life. Today, their descendants continue to thrive and contribute to our community.
Italian-American Heritage Month was first celebrated in 1989, proclaimed by President George H. W. Bush and the 101st U.S. Congress to coincide with Columbus Day and to honor the achievements and contributions of Italian immigrants and their descendants.
German-American Heritage Month aligns with German-American Day on October 6, marking the 1683 founding of Germantown, Pennsylvania. President Ronald Reagan first proclaimed German-American Day in 1983 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of that event and to celebrate the lasting impact of German culture in the United States.
Polish-American Heritage Month was also first proclaimed by President Reagan in 1984, later moved from August to October in 1986 to make it easier for schools to participate in celebrating Polish culture and the many contributions of Polish Americans.
Filipino-American Heritage Month honors the history, accomplishments, and legacy of Filipino Americans, who first arrived in California in October 1587. The U.S. Congress officially recognized the celebration in 2009, and President Barack Obama hosted the first Filipino-American Heritage Month celebration at the White House in 2015.
In recognizing and celebrating these diverse cultures, the Norwalk Board of Education reaffirms its commitment to supporting and protecting all students, no matter where they or their families came from, or when. Our shared stories remind us that nearly all of us have roots in immigration, and that is something to take pride in.
Throughout October, the Norwalk Board of Education invites everyone in the Norwalk community to take a moment to reflect on their own heritage, learn about others, and celebrate the rich diversity that makes America and our schools so special.