ACPS May Recognitions and Cultural Observances

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) honors national and cultural recognitions each month that highlight the rich diversity and shared values of our community. These include both month-long and week-long observances that provide opportunities for learning, celebration and reflection. From heritage months to awareness weeks, these recognitions allow us to spotlight our students, staff and families while reinforcing our commitment to an inclusive, welcoming environment for all. The full list of observances for the month of May are on the ACPS Recognitions and Cultural Observances webpage. 

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month - Celebrates the collective accomplishments of Asian and Pacific Americans, who comprise many ethnic groups with diverse backgrounds, histories, languages and cultures. The 2026 theme is "Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together.” For more information, visit Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2026/Awareness Days. #AAPIHeritageMonth

Better Hearing and Speech Month - To raise awareness about how to identify, prevent and treat speech, language and hearing disorders. Visit American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for more information. #BHSM

Jewish American Heritage Month - Numerous organizations and Americans of all backgrounds join together to discover and celebrate the vibrant and varied American Jewish experience from the dawn of our nation to today. Here is some additional information on Jewish American Heritage Month.

Mental Health Awareness Month - Designed to help raise awareness of the importance of mental health and promote the mental wellbeing of students, families and communities by observing National Mental Health Awareness Month. Check this out and join the conversation. #MHAM

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month - To encourage all Americans to take part in regular physical activity and to increase awareness of the value of quality physical education and sports programs. The month is sponsored by the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. Here is additional information. #MoveInMay

National Physical Education and Sport Week - May 1-7, 2026: The week is sponsored by the Society of Health and Physical Educators. #SHAPETeachOn

National Music Week - May 3-10, 2026: The 2026 theme is "Music…is Our Constant Companion.” The week is sponsored by the National Federation of Music Clubs.

National Teacher Appreciation Week - May 4-8, 2026: National Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) founded this week to give PTAs an opportunity to conduct activities to strengthen respect and support for teachers and the teaching profession. It is an opportunity to honor teachers and recognize the lasting contribution they make to our lives. Here is more information on how to show appreciation for our teachers. #ThankATeacher and #TeachACPS

School Lunch Hero Day - May 1, 2026: To encourage directors, managers, parents, students, teachers and school administrators to show school nutrition professionals appreciation. Sponsored by the School Nutrition Association.

National Teacher Appreciation Day - May 5, 2026: This is a day to show appreciation for all our teachers do to nurture, educate and inspire every student for success. #ThankATeacher and #TeachACPS

National Bike and Roll to School Day - May 6, 2026:  National Bike and Roll to School Day provides an opportunity for students to exercise, reduce traffic congestion and pollution and improve neighborhood connections. Sponsored by National Center for Safe Routes to School. @ACPS_SRTS  #BikeRollToSchoolDay

National School Nurse Day - May 6, 2026: To develop a better understanding of the role of school nurses in the educational setting. Sponsored by the National Association of School Nurses.

School Communicators Day - May 8, 2026: Sponsored by the National School Public Relations Association as a day to recognize and celebrate the valuable contributions of school communicators. Here are some additional details. #SchoolCommunicatorsDay @NSPRA

Anniversary of School Desegregation Ruling - May 17, 2026: On this date in 1954, racial segregation in public schools was unanimously ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas. The National Archives provides full details on Brown v. Board of Education (1954).