October 2025 Recognitions and Cultural Observances

Each month, Alexandria City Public Schools honors national and cultural recognitions 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. To see the full list of observances for the month of October, visit our October 2025 Recognitions and Cultural Observances webpage. 

National Principals Month - This month is dedicated to shining a light on our principals. As we recognize our principals this month, our major focus for sharing appreciation for our principals is scheduled for January during Virginia School Principals Appreciation Week.

National Bullying Prevention Month/Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) Bullying Prevention Month - The VSBA Board of Directors has designated October as VSBA Bullying Prevention Month to raise awareness about the serious and lasting impacts of bullying in schools. National Bullying Prevention Month is sponsored by the Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights. #UnityEveryDay

Learning Disabilities Awareness Month - Sponsored by the Learning Disabilities Association of America, this is a month to focus on the incredible abilities so many individuals with learning disabilities possess, as well as emphasize the achievements and progress they have made. https://www.acps.k12.va.us/departments/teaching-learning-leadership/office-of-specialized-instruction/special-education-parent-resource-center#BeUnderstood, #LDmonth

Crime Prevention Month - A month to spread the word about crime prevention and personal safety. Information and materials are available from the National Crime Prevention Council. https://www.ncpc.org/crime-prevention-month/

National Hispanic Heritage Month - (Mon., Sept. 15, 2025-Wed. Oct. 15, 2025) - Designated by Presidential proclamation as the month to celebrate the rich heritage of Hispanic Americans and the many contributions they have made to American culture. #ACPSHispanicHeritage #HispanicHeritageMonth

National Farm-to-School Month - Join in the celebration of food education, school gardens and lunch trays filled with healthy, local ingredients.Check out: https://www.farmtoschool.org/our-work/farm-to-school-month

Fire Prevention Week - Oct. 5-11, 2025 - Sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association. See https://www.nfpa.org/Events/Events/Fire-Prevention-Week/Educate for a tool kit.

National School Lunch Week - Oct. 13-17, 2025 - Sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture and the School Nutrition Association. Be sure to follow and retweet ACPS Nutrition posts on social media. https://schoolnutrition.org/about-school-meals/national-school-lunch-week/

America's Safe Schools Week - Oct. 19-25, 2025 - A week to advocate for school safety and to recognize the success of exemplary school safety programs. https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/calendar-events/americas-safe-schools-week-2025/ #SafeSchoolsWeek

National School Bus Safety Week - Oct. 20-24, 2025 - Sponsored by the National Association for Pupil Transportation, this week provides a way for all community members to join forces and address the importance of school bus safety. Visit https://www.napt.org/nsbsw and https://schoolbusfacts.com/ for more information. #SchoolBusSafetyWeek

Digital Citizenship Week - Oct. 20-24, 2025 - This week is dedicated to helping students reflect on how their digital lives impact their social and emotional well-being. New resources are available to support students' digital well-being in the age of artificial intelligence, known as a https://www.commonsense.org/education/digital-citizenship-week #DigCitWeek

Red Ribbon Week - Oct. 23-31, 2025 - Programs and observances are carried out to create awareness concerning the problems related to the use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs; organize community prevention coalitions and support healthy, productive, drug-free lifestyles. The 2025 Red Ribbon theme is "Life is a Puzzle, Solve It Drug Free!" ACPS participates in the Red Ribbon poster contest. https://www.redribbon.org/.  #RedRibbonWeek  

National Custodian Day - Oct. 2, 2025 - This day recognizes the people who work diligently to keep our schools and workplaces clean and in tiptop shape. #NationalCustodianDay

Child Health Day - Oct. 6, 2025 - By Presidential proclamation, a day for adults to help children realize their full potential by promoting health, safety and good choices.

National Coaches Day - Oct. 6, 2025 - Celebrates those who serve as coaches in all sports.

National Walk & Roll to School Day - Oct. 8, 2025 - A day to encourage healthier habits and a cleaner environment by having families and children walk to school. Sponsored by the National Center for Safe Routes to School. #WalkRollToSchoolDay @ACPS_SRTS

International Day of the Girl Child - Oct. 11, 2025 - Sponsored by the United Nations, International Day of the Girl Child recognizes girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world. https://www.un.org/en/observances/girl-child-day  The 2025 International Day of the Girl theme is ‘The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the front lines of crisis’. #DayoftheGirl  #IDG2025

National Indigenous Peoples Day - Oct. 13, 2025 - A day to recognize and celebrate the Native people who first inhabited the Americas. 

World Food Day - Oct. 16, 2025 - Promotes worldwide awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger and for the need to ensure healthy diets for all. For more information, https://www.fao.org/world-food-day/en. #WorldFoodDay

National Boss Day - Oct. 16, 2025 Celebrates our leaders in the workforce. #NationalBossDay

Make a Difference Day - Oct. 25, 2025 - A day to encourage children, youth and adults to volunteer on behalf of their communities.