February Recognitions and Cultural Observances

February’s recognitions and cultural observances include Black History Month, Love the Bus Month, Virginia School Board Appreciation Month and Career and Technical Education Month, as well as Public Schools Week. Here is a list of observances marked in February.

Black History Month: Carter G. Woodson was a prominent American historian and scholar known as the "father of Black history.” Woodson’s dedication to celebrating the historic contributions of Black people ultimately led to the establishment of Negro History Week in 1926, which eventually became Black History Month. In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, calling upon all Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” The 2025 Black History Month theme is “African Americans and Labor.” In February, ACPS takes pause to honor the legacies of Black Americans from civil rights pioneers to leaders in culture, industry, science and more. 

For more information: https://www.blackhistorymonth.gov/.

#ACPSBHM  #ACPSLegends 

Love the Bus Month: ACPS, along with the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT), pays tribute to the iconic yellow school bus that plays an important role in getting our children to and from school, helping to ensure all children get an education. “Our goal, now more than ever, is to harness the nation's affection for the iconic yellow school bus and highlight its vital role in our education system,” said NAPT Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Molly McGee Hewitt. NAPT President Teena Mitchell added, “The yellow school bus is more than just a mode of transportation; it is a symbol of community, safety, and opportunity. As we look to the future, it is vital to continue investing in and supporting the infrastructure and personnel that keep the wheels of education turning.” By celebrating and honoring the yellow school bus and its drivers, we reinforce our commitment to nurturing safe and inclusive educational journeys for every student.

Virginia School Board Appreciation Month: The Virginia School Board Association (VSBA) celebrates the more than 800 school board members in the Commonwealth of Virginia during VSBA School Board Appreciation Month each February. The 2025 theme – “Champions of Opportunity, Advocates for Excellence” – highlights the efforts by school board members to create pathways for student achievement and innovation. 

School boards tackle the enormous job of governing multi-million dollar public school divisions, while preserving the core of our democratic values. Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) joins in celebrating its school board members and the tremendous job they do as they strive to provide a high-quality and equitable education for all students.

Career and Technical Education Month: Career and Technical Education (CTE) provides students with a variety of options to apply academic knowledge and learn the technical skills necessary for the workplace of the 21st century. The instructional program, along with opportunities for industry credentialing, helps students prepare to be college and career-ready. 

For more information, visit the Association for Career and Technical Education's webpage: https://www.acteonline.org/why-cte/cte-awareness/cte-month/. #CTEMonth

American Heart Month: This month dedicates time to raise awareness about heart disease and how to prevent it. This observance was established in December of 1963, and first celebrated in February, 1964. It is marked by a presidential proclamation that honors those who work to prevent, treat and research heart disease.

National Children’s Dental Health Month: This month-long national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated professionals, healthcare providers and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health for children, their caregivers, teachers and many others. For free resources, visit the American Dental Association: https://www.ada.org/resources/community-initiatives/national-childrens-dental-health-month

#NCDHM 

National School Counseling Week: Feb 3-7, 2025 - This week is sponsored by the American School Counselor Association. It focuses public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems. For more information: https://www.schoolcounselor.org/Events-Professional-Development/Events/National-School-Counseling-Week. #NSCW25

VSBA School Board Clerk Appreciation Week: February 17-21, 2025 - The Virginia School Board Association’s (VSBA) Board of Directors has designated the third week in February as VSBA School Board Clerk Appreciation Week, with a goal of building awareness of the role school board clerks play in assisting school board members, superintendents and our local schools. Show your local school board clerks that you appreciate their work.

Public Schools Week: Feb. 24-28, 2025 - This is a week for administrators, teachers, education specialists, parents and school board members to host events and contact lawmakers, businesses and other community members to support our nation's public schools. Learn more: https://www.learningfirst.org/ #PublicSchoolProud #PSW25

National Freedom Day:  Feb. 1, 2025 - On this day, we commemorate the signing of the United States Constitution’s 13th Amendment that abolished slavery in 1865.

National African American Parent Involvement Day: Feb. 10, 2025 - National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID) is an annual event that takes place on the second Monday in February. Its purpose is to encourage African American parents to be involved in their children's education and to create a more supportive learning environment for all students. 

Crossing Guard Appreciation Day (VA): Feb. 12, 2025 - The Virginia Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program designates the second Wednesday in February as the official day to recognize crossing guards; however, communities and schools can celebrate on a day of their choice. 

For more information: https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/about/programs/safe-routes/crossing-guard-appreciation-day/

Tag:  @ACPS_SRTS and use #ACPSCrossingGuards #CrossingGuardAppreciationDay

National School Resource Officer (SRO) Appreciation Day: Feb. 15, 2025 - School Resource Officer (SRO) Appreciation Day is sponsored by the National Association of School Resource Officers. This day recognizes the valuable work SROs play in our community. Visit https://www.nasro.org/ for more information.

National PTA Founders Day: Feb. 17, 2025 - The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) was founded on February 17, 1897 as the National Congress of Mothers. Founders’ Day celebrates the legacy and work of PTA founders—Alice McLellan Birney and Phoebe Apperson Hearst —to better the lives of every child in education, health and safety. The PTA's mission is to empower families and communities to advocate for children. To learn more about our monthly recognitions, please visit our ACPS Recognitions and Cultural Observances web page.