2024 SICS Juneteenth - Letter to Families

Friday, June 14^th, 2024

Dear Springfield International Charter School (SICS) Family:

     We hope this letter finds everyone healthy, happy, safe, and prepared to enjoy a wonderful summer. We could not be happier to take a pause and celebrate the Federal Holiday known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, or Juneteenth. This momentous occasion commemorates the events of June 19^th, 1865, when some of the last freed slaves in Texas learned of their emancipation and the end of the Civil War. Many began celebrating Juneteenth annually afterward, but it was not until 2021 that the Federal Government codified this into law, so this year, we celebrate together officially for the fourth time as a nation.

     SICS asks everyone in our community- students, families, extended families, teachers, staff, friends, and alumni- to join us next week in honoring the many struggles, tribulations, and sacrifices which have led us to this point and this momentous holiday celebration. As an international community whose strength is caused by our diversity, we all play a part in fostering the growth of our students’ development as responsible and informed global citizens.

     This Juneteenth, we are asking all in our SICS family to explore the related links found here and on our website, with many informative and interactive resources on the history of Juneteenth, ways to celebrate it with family and friends, ideas for music, food, and traditions, videos, trivia, and many other items.  This holiday is for all of us and espouses the values and mission of Springfield International Charter School.

Happy Juneteenth and as always GO BULLDOGS!

Springfield International Charter School Staff

160 Joan Street, Springfield MA 01129    Tel: 413-783-2600    Fax: 413-783-2555   -   www.sics.org

Springfield International Charter School does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, disability, sex, religion, sexual orientation, homelessness, or gender identity.

Juneteenth Resources:

• https://www.today.com/parents/19-ways-celebrate-juneteenth-family-t184588
• https://www.savethechildren.org/us/charity-stories/guide-to-juneteenth-for-kids-families
• https://www.thecleverteacher.com/10-resources-for-teaching-kids-about-juneteenth/
• https://www.democracyandme.org/a-brief-history-of-juneteenth-including-resources-for-teachers-and-home-school-parents/
• https://indyschild.com/celebrate-juneteenth-with-your-kids-2022/
• https://becomingbelovedcommunity.org/juneteenth
• https://www.delish.com/food-news/a40305074/juneteenth-food-drinks/
• https://www.verywellfamily.com/juneteenth-celebration-ideas-for-the-entire-family-5184090
• https://homeschoolsuperfreak.com/juneteenth-for-kids/
• https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/historical-legacy-juneteenth

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