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.
April 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 April are on the ACPS Recognitions and Cultural Observances web page.
National Poetry Month - Founded by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month is the largest literary celebration in the world, involving tens of millions of readers, writers, librarians, teachers and poets. In 2026, National Poetry Month marks its 30th annual celebration. Visit The Academy of American Poets. #NationalPoetryMonth
School Library Month - A month to celebrate school librarians and their programs that transform learning, focusing on promoting literacy, creativity and academic success while recognizing the impact of school librarians. Sponsored by the American Association of School Librarians. #AASLslm
World Autism Month - The theme of World Autism Month in 2026 is "Celebrate Differences," highlighting the strengths of autistic individuals in schools, workplaces and communities.
National Arab Heritage Month - The Arab American Foundation selected the 2026 National Arab American Heritage Month theme as “Many Voices, One Community.” The theme celebrates the rich diversity, cultural perspectives and unique backgrounds of Arab Americans. One community emphasizes the solidarity, shared heritage and collective contribution of Arab Americans to the United States. #NationalArabAmericanHeritageMonth and/or #NAAHM
VSBA Workforce Readiness Month - The Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) promotes the need to identify workforce development opportunities that enable students to be prepared to succeed in the new economy.
National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month - Since 2006, the United States has recognized April as National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month. This year’s observance continues to foster inclusive education, recognize the rapid growth of this student demographic, and highlight the cognitive and cultural benefits of speaking multiple languages.
#MultilingualAdvocacy
Month of the Military Child - Communities across the United States recognize the contributions of children whose parents serve in the military while also recognizing our resilient military-connected children. Schools are encouraged to display a “Wall of Honor” as a visual depiction of the school’s military student population. Join the Virginia Department of Education in celebrating the Month of the Military Child. #MOMC
National Assistant Principals Week: April 6-10, 2026 - A week to recognize assistant principals and their contributions to the success of students across the nation. Visit the National Association of Secondary School Principals. #APWeek
Week of the Young Child: April 11-17, 2026 - Focuses attention on the importance of the early years for children's learning and development. Visit the National Association for the Education of Young Children. #WOYC26
National Library Week: April 19-25, 2026 - Promotes the use and support of libraries, highlighting the valuable role libraries and library professionals play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities. Sponsored by American Library Association. #NationalLibraryWeek
National Volunteer Week: April 19-25, 2026 - National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to recognize the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers to address society’s greatest challenges, to build stronger communities and be a force that transforms the world.
Visit Points of Light for more information on National Volunteer Week.
Administrative Professionals Week: April 19-25, 2026 - Observed to recognize the contributions of administrative support staff in the workplace and to encourage professional development. Access additional information on Administrative Professionals Week.
#AdministrativeProfessionalsWeek and #ThnxACPSAdmins.
Public School Volunteer Week: April 20-24, 2026 - This is a celebration to recognize the essential role families and community members play in strengthening our schools and to encourage volunteerism in public schools. Sponsored by Project Appleseed.
#PublicSchoolVolunteerWeek
National Student Leadership Week: April 24-30, 2026 - Sponsored by the National Student Council, National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society, this week recognizes and encourages students to take on leadership roles in our schools. Check out National Student Leadership Week for additional information. #NSLW2026
Paraprofessionals Appreciation Day: April 1, 2026 - Celebrated annually on the first Wednesday of April, Paraprofessionals Appreciation Day is an opportunity to honor paraprofessional educators. Join us in celebrating Paraprofessional Appreciation Day. #ParaprofessionalAppreciationDay
International Children’s Book Day: April 2, 2026 - Children’s Book Day is celebrated on or about April 2, the birthday of Danish author Hans Christian Anderson, with the goal of the day to create and support a love of reading in children. Sponsored by the International Board on Books for Young People.
Earl Lloyd’s Birthday Remembered: April 3, 2026 - Earl Lloyd, born on April 3, 1928 was the first Black athlete to play in an NBA game. The Alexandria native was enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003.
World Health Day: April 7, 2026 - Sponsored by the World Health Organization, this day emphasizes the significant issues in public health that are of worldwide concern. The 2026 theme is Together for health. Stand with science.
Purple Up Day: April 15, 2026 - PURPLE UP! For Military Kids is a day that is set aside to show support for military-connected students and wear purple on April 15. Purple represents the blending of the colors of the five branches of our armed forces. #PurpleUpVirginia
Administrative Professionals Day: April 22, 2026 - On this day, we recognize the contributions of administrative support staff in the workplace and encourage professional development. Administrative Professionals Day is observed annually on the Wednesday of the last full week in April. #ThnxACPSAdmins.
Earth Day: April 22, 2026 - More than a billion people take action on behalf of the environment on this date each year. The first Earth Day took place on April 22,1970. #EarthDay and #InvestInOurPlanet
National Arbor Day: April 24, 2026 - This day is set aside to encourage people to plant and care for our trees. The United States was one of the first countries in the world to celebrate Arbor Day, a day that is dedicated to tree planting.