Downingtown Area School District (DASD) has great plans to celebrate Women’s History Month this March.
On March 12, 1987, Congress passed Public Law 100-9 officially designating March as Women’s History Month in the United States. Each year since its inception, the National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA) chooses a powerful theme for Women’s History Month. As a way to recognize front-line workers and caregivers, as well as the ways women have provided hope and healing throughout history, this year’s Women’s History Month theme is “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.”
A female CEO, former president of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators and recipient of their “Superintendent of the Year” award, Superintendent Emilie Lonardi, Ph.D. encourages girls and women to strive for greatness. “We hope that by recognizing and celebrating the outstanding achievements of women, our students will be inspired to pursue their own grandest dreams.”
Women’s History Month celebrates the variety of contributions women have made over the course of American history, offering a time to examine, reflect and commemorate the significant role women have played in shaping culture and society. School Counselor at Downingtown East High School, Stacey Hewitt states, “My favorite Women’s History Month figure is Rosie the Riveter. Despite being fictional, Rosie’s iconic, feisty look forever reminds me of hidden strength and determination. She was tough, capable, and changed the world of work for women for generations to come.”
Throughout the month of March, DASD students and staff will participate in a variety of activities celebrating the unique experiences and successes of valiant women, including an array of interdisciplinary lessons and literary connections honoring the depth and breadth of prominent female figures. Additionally, DASD staff and students will create video reflections celebrating women barrier breakers and history-makers from past and present. Learning Support Teacher Jynelle Sass states, “The person that best represents Women’s History Month to me is Betty While, because she represents kindness and love to all. She was a huge supporter of charities, from the Human Society to NAACP. As an actress, Betty never let her age stop her from competitive roles. Betty White showed compassion and empathy to her fans, colleagues, friends, and animals.”
Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Justin Brown states, “it is always a great time to seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of women in every area of endeavor throughout American history and overseas.” In the month of March, parents, students and community members have planned school wide activities for every DASD school.
While DASD schools continue to celebrate Women’s History Month throughout March, there are numerous community activities scheduled within the greater Downingtown Area. Please check local listings for events and programming. To learn more about DASD’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program, and to see examples of its program in action, please visit www.dasd.org/diversity.
