Monthly Cultural Recognitions

At Alexandria City Public Schools, we recognize and celebrate the diverse cultures, observances and contributions that make up our vibrant school community. Each month, we highlight important national, cultural and historical observances to foster an inclusive environment where every student, staff member and family feels seen, heard and valued.

We invite students, families and community members to join us as we celebrate the richness of our shared experiences and values.

September 2026 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 September are on the ACPS Recognitions and Cultural Observances web page. 

Library Card Sign-up Month - The American Library Association’s (ALA) annual campaign highlights how a library card is among the most important school supplies as it offers free access to Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) resources, digital media, homework assistance and more. The ALA’s 2026 theme is "A library card hits all the right notes." Library Card Sign-up Month, established by a joint resolution of Congress, serves as a reminder to ensure all children have library cards. #LibraryCardSignupMonth

Attendance Awareness Month - The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) partnered with the non-profit organization Attendance Works to support initiatives aimed at reducing chronic absenteeism in Virginia schools. Every day that our students are in school on time and ready to learn is an opportunity for their success. The 2026 attendance awareness campaign features the slogan "Your Presence Matters!" with a core focus on building strong relationships and family engagement. Find out what’s working to reduce chronic absence. #SchoolEveryDay

Hispanic Heritage Month - Sept. 15, 2026-Oct. 15, 2026: This month-long celebration was designated by presidential proclamation to celebrate the rich heritage of Hispanic Americans and their many contributions to American culture. The 2026 National Hispanic Heritage Month theme is "Unidos, Somos Más" (Together, We Are More). #ACPSHispanicHeritage  #HispanicHeritageMonth

National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month - National Suicide Prevention Week: Sept., 6-Sept., 12, 2026 - World Suicide Prevention Day: Sept. 10, 2026. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month aims to educate and inform us on the role we can play in suicide prevention and to help save lives. The theme is "Changing the narrative on suicide."

National Arts in Education Week - Sept. 13-Sept. 19, 2026: The field of arts education joins with communities across the country to tell the story of the impact of the transformative power of the arts in education. #BecauseOfArtsEd 

Constitution Week - Sept. 17-23, 2026: Americans take pause to honor the United States most important document as well as our inalienable rights. This celebration of the Constitution was started by the Daughters of the American Revolution.

International Literacy Day - Sept. 8, 2026: This day underscores the importance of reading, particularly from a multicultural, international perspective. International Literacy Day is sponsored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization and the International Literacy Association. #LiteracyDay

Patriot Day - Sept. 11, 2026: On this day, we remember the victims who lost their lives as well as the families impacted by the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on U.S. soil. The day also serves as a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

National IT Professionals Day - Sept. 15, 2026 - Information technology professionals who keep our computer and telecommunication systems running smoothly are celebrated on this day.

National School Backpack Awareness Day - Sept. 16, 2026: This day highlights how students should choose, pack, lift and carry backpacks. Sponsored by the American Occupational Therapy Association, the day promotes healthy habits and educates families on the proper use of backpacks to prevent musculoskeletal injuries and back pain.

First Day of Autumn - Sept. 22, 2026: The first day of autumn is also known as the autumnal equinox. In the Northern Hemisphere, autumn begins at exactly 8:04 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.

School Desegregation Order Enforcement Observed - Sept. 24, 2026: The United States Supreme Court—on May 17, 1954—ruled in Brown v. Board of Education that segregated schools are "inherently unequal." As a result of that ruling, in September 1957, nine African-American students enrolled at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. The students were escorted by federal troops sent by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to enforce a federal court order.