We believe our community is enriched by the many cultures, traditions, and lived experiences of the families who make it up. Cultural appreciation means learning about, honoring, and respecting these differences in thoughtful and age-appropriate ways. By acknowledging a variety of traditions, perspectives, and histories, we help foster empathy, curiosity, and a sense of belonging for all. Our goal is to create an inclusive environment where every family feels seen, respected, and valued.
Traditions & Observances of our STEM Lab Community
January |
January balances celebration with meaning. It’s about starting again. |
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Traditions and observances that may be acknowledged include New Year traditions, observed across cultures as a time to reflect and set intentions; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which honors Dr. King’s legacy and the ongoing work of justice, service, and community; and Lunar New Year (sometimes in February), celebrated in many Asian cultures and communities as a time of renewal, family, and good fortune. |
February |
February is a month of history, care, and reflection |
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These may include Black History Month, which honors the histories, contributions, and resilience of Black communities past and present; Valentine’s Day, a cultural tradition focused on kindness and care; sometimes Lunar New Year, celebrated in many Asian cultures and communities as a time of renewal, family, and good fortune; and, in some years, religious observances such as Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent in the Christian tradition. |
March |
March is a season of renewal, balance, and Community |
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These may include Women’s History Month, which honors the histories, contributions, and leadership of women across cultures and communities; Nowruz, the Persian New Year celebrated by many cultures as a time of renewal and new beginnings; Holi, a Hindu festival welcoming spring and celebrating joy, color, and togetherness; Ramadan, the Islamic holy month focused on reflection, generosity, and community; St. Patrick’s Day, a cultural observance rooted in Irish history and heritage and widely celebrated as a time for community, storytelling, and cultural pride; White Day, a cultural observance in parts of East Asia that emphasizes appreciation and reciprocity; and the Spring Equinox, observed across cultures as a marker of balance between light and darkness. |
April |
April is a vibrant mosaic of faith, heritage, and a shared commitment to global stewardship and community resilience. |
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These may include Arab American Heritage Month, which recognizes the histories, cultures, and contributions of Arab American communities; Passover, a Jewish religious tradition commemorating liberation and resilience; Easter, a Christian religious tradition celebrating renewal and hope; and Earth Day, a global observance centered on care for the planet and our collective responsibility to protect it. |
May |
May is a time to honor heritage, caregiving, service, and remembrance |
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These may include Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which recognizes the histories, cultures, and contributions of AAPI communities; Jewish American Heritage Month, which honors the cultural and historical contributions of Jewish Americans; Mother’s Day, a cultural observance that celebrates caregiving, family, and nurturing in many forms; and Memorial Day, which honors those who have died in military service and traces its origins to what was historically known as Decoration Day. |
June |
June honors freedom, identity, generosity, and the light that brings communities together. |
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These may include Juneteenth, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States and invites reflection on freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of justice; Pride Month, which recognizes the contributions and experiences of LGBTQ+ communities; the Summer Solstice, which marks the longest day of the year and has been observed across cultures as a time to celebrate light, abundance, and connection to the natural world; and, for some families, Eid al-Adha, an Islamic religious tradition centered on faith, generosity, and community (dates vary by year). June can also be a time to reflect on the transition into summer and the many ways communities gather, celebrate, and care for one another. |
July |
July celebrates independence, disability pride, community, and our connection to the world around us. |
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These may include Independence Day, which commemorates the founding of the United States and invites reflection on the nation's history and ideals; and National Disability Pride Month, which recognizes the contributions, experiences, and leadership of people with disabilities. Summer also offers opportunities to learn from the land, water, and environment that sustain our communities, reflecting values of observation, stewardship, and connection found across many cultures and traditions. |
August |
August welcomes new beginnings through curiosity, belonging, learning, and shared responsibility. |
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These may include International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples (August 9), which recognizes Indigenous peoples, cultures, and contributions around the world. As the school year begins, August can also be a time to reflect on belonging, curiosity, and the shared responsibility we have to support one another as learners and community members. |
September |
September celebrates heritage, workers, reflection, gratitude, and the balance of a changing season. |
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These may include Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15), which celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities; Labor Day, which recognizes the contributions of workers and the labor movement; and, for some families, religious observances such as Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year (dates vary by year). September also includes the Autumn Equinox, observed across cultures as a time to mark seasonal transition, harvest, balance, and preparation for the months ahead. As the seasons begin to shift, September offers opportunities to reflect on gratitude, learning, and the many communities that contribute to our shared society. |
October |
October honors heritage, memory, reflection, and the many traditions that strengthen belonging. |
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These may include Hispanic Heritage Month, which continues through October 15; Indigenous Peoples' Day, which recognizes the histories, cultures, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples; and, for some families, observances such as Yom Kippur, a Jewish holy day focused on reflection and reconciliation (dates vary by year). October may also include cultural traditions such as Día de los Muertos preparations and Halloween, which are observed in different ways by different families and communities. These acknowledgements encourage students to appreciate the many ways people honor history, memory, and belonging. |
November |
November centers remembrance, service, gratitude, and learning from Indigenous communities. |
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These may include Native American Heritage Month, which honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native peoples; Veterans Day, which recognizes those who have served in the United States Armed Forces; and Thanksgiving, a holiday observed by many families as a time to gather and express gratitude. November also offers an opportunity to deepen understanding of the Indigenous histories and communities that continue to shape our region and nation today. |
December |
December celebrates light, faith, renewal, and the many ways families create community and care. |
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These may include the Winter Solstice, observed across many cultures as a time of renewal and the return of light; Hanukkah, a Jewish religious tradition honoring perseverance, faith, and light; Christmas, a Christian religious tradition celebrating the birth of Jesus; Kwanzaa, a cultural tradition observed from December 26 through January 1 that honors African heritage and shared community values; and, depending on community interest, Bodhi Day, a Buddhist tradition commemorating the Buddha’s enlightenment, or Las Posadas, a Latinx Catholic tradition centered on hospitality, community, and care. These acknowledgements help students understand that families may observe this season in many different ways, all deserving of respect and understanding. |
As part of our ongoing practice at STEM Lab, we honor and acknowledge that the land we are located on today is the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Ute Nations and peoples. Many different Native tribes have used this land for trade, hunting, gathering, and healing. We extend our respect to Elders past, present, and future, and to all those who have stewarded the land and water since time immemorial. We invite others to join us in this acknowledgment to renew and reaffirm First Nations’ history in Colorado and to pay tribute to these traditional homelands and their people.
