April is:

Arab American Heritage Month

Autism Awareness Month

Month of the Military Child

National Volunteer Month

Ramadan – Fun Facts!

Hello Teachers, Parents and Friends,

Muslims around the globe are observing the holy month of Ramadan, which begins for most the week of April 12, so we asked a few Muslims to educate us on Ramadan. They gave some fun and useful facts below:

• Pronounced Rum-ah-dhaan.
• "Ramadan Mubarak" means "Have a blessed Ramadan". "Ramadan Kareem" means "Have a generous Ramadan". You don't have to be participating in Ramadan to say "Ramadan Mubarak" or "Ramadan Kareem". They are festive greetings the same as "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Hanukkah".
• There are over 1,800,000,000 Muslims across the globe that observe Ramadan
• It is one of the five pillars of Islam, so mandatory for all Muslims who are able to fast. 
• The month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It’s important to Muslims, because it is the period of time in which the holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). 
• It can last between 29 and 30 days, and the dates vary each year based on moon-sighting methodology. In 2021, it will begin in the evening of Tuesday, April 13 (the first day of fasting is Wednesday, April 14). 
• During the day, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking (and smoking, gossiping, arguing, swearing). The fast begins before sunrise at a meal called “suhoor”, and ends at sunset, with “iftaar”. 
• At the end of 29-30 days of fasting, there is a big celebration called Eid-ul-Fitr. Think of it as the equivalent to Easter or Christmas - it’s a big deal. Families get together, indulge in huge feasts and exchange gifts.  
• Fasting does not cause weight loss. In fact, people tend to overeat and binge eat during Ramadan.
• If you accidentally break your fast, you’re off the hook (so I am told! 😊)
• Moon-wars is a real thing that happens. Since there are over 1.8 billion Muslims, everyone has different moon-sighting methodologies. That’s why you might find Muslims beginning and ending Ramadan on different days. 
• Children begin fasting when they reach the age of adolescence/hit puberty (usually around age 10). (Many children will want to begin fasting earlier because they see their friends and family participate). Parents are encouraged to allow children to fast, but to be mindful and make sure the children do not become ill or dehydrated.

If you are observing Ramadan, please be kind to yourself if you are fasting. 

Colleagues and friends of Muslims, please be mindful and understanding of those observing Ramadan this year and ask questions if you want to learn more.

Happy Ramadan Mubarak!