The Coe PTA is committed to creating a school community that is equitable, proactively practices and promotes anti-racism, and embraces the value of diversity. Coe Elementary school staff and leadership are committed to and have been acting on this shared goal. The community is constantly changing, however, and we are all part of a life-long journey to be better and do better for our kids.
The Diversity, Racial Equity, and Inclusion (DREI) Committee was established in 2020 to facilitate a partnership between the PTA and Coe staff around this commitment, to develop clear, shared goals, to inform priorities, and to develop and support implementation of strategies that help achieve those goals.
We welcome your participation and thoughtful contribution to this conversation and life-long journey. We must all continue to learn and improve together. Connect with us at equity.coepta@gmail.com
FEATURE: “Holidays and Heroes”
Nov 4: Diwali
Avantika and Sasha, with their sons Ishaan, Tejas, and Zubin.
Submitted by Avantika and Sasha, Ishaan (grade 6), Tejas (grade 3), Zubin (k).
Diwali, or Dipawali, is India’s biggest and most festive holiday. The holiday gets its name from the clay lamps (deepa) in rows (avili) that we put outside of homes to signify the triumph of good over evil. This tradition is based on a story from Hindu mythology in which the warriors Rama and Sita return from a long journey and adventure in the woods where they overcame many challenges. As they made their return home, the people of their city placed hundreds of oil lamps to light the way and welcome back their heroes.
Diwali in India is celebrated over several days with families visiting together, sharing sweets and gifts of new clothes. In India people often light firecrackers as part of the celebration.
Our family is from the northern part of India, but has lived in the United States since the 1970’s. We celebrate Diwali every year by placing candles on our doorstep, wearing our traditional clothing and hosting friends and family for a delicious Indian dinner, sweets, and lighting sparklers after dark.
Suggested readings to learn more about Diwali, its history, and how it is celebrated around the world:
- Grade 4-5: Let’s Celebrate 5 Days of Diwali! (Maya & Neel’s India Adventure Series, Book 1), by Ajanta Chakraborty and Vivek Kumar (YouTube read aloud by Miss Jessica)
- Grade 2-3: Amma, Tell Me About Diwali!, Book by Bhakti Mathur (YouTube read aloud via Reading INC)
- Grade K-1: Diwali, Book by Hannah Eliot (YouTube read aloud with Ms. Nicole)
