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In April, BUSD celebrates Arab American & South Asian, Southwest Asian, North African (SSWANA) Heritage Month, lifting up and honoring the contributions of Arab Americans and SSWANA Americans in our school community, our extended communities, and our country.

April, 2025

In April, as part of our ongoing commitment to inclusivity, we continue the celebration of Arab American & South Asian, Southwest Asian, North African (SSWANA) Heritage Month at BUSD. Together we recognize and uplift the Arab American and SSWANA communities that contribute so much to the strength of BUSD and recognize their many contributions made locally and around the country.��

National Arab American Heritage Month was first recognized at the federal level in April 2021 by President Biden, following an initiative launched by the in 2017. We join communities across the country in honoring the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Arab American and SSWANA peoples here in ��������and beyond.

At BUSD, one of our core values is that “We take pride in our diversity.” We recognize that the communities within the Arab American and SSWANA identities are incredibly diverse—spanning different countries, languages, religions, histories, cultures, and lived experiences. While no single set of resources can fully represent every Arab and SSWANA country, the materials below were created in the spirit of honoring our diverse community and adapting to the evolving needs of our students and families.

We are grateful for the many ways our students, staff, and school communities uplift Arab American and SSWANA heritage throughout the year, with a special focus during April.

As we celebrate this month, I want to reaffirm BUSD’s stance against Islamophobia and all forms of hate—this month and every day. As Superintendent, I remain committed to ensuring that our Arab American and SSWANA students feel seen, valued, and represented in our classrooms and curriculum.

السلام عليكم
As-salaam alaikum.

Peace be upon you.

Reading Lists

These, organized by grade level, represent books published in the last five years that are devoted to celebrating, representing, and affirming Arab American and SSWANA heritage, and celebrating the invaluable contributions of our Arab American and SSWANA community. Every school library will receive copies of some of the newest books on the lists.

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Family Resources

(English)

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Educator Resources

Lifting Up Arab American and SSWANA Staff Voices

In celebration of our Arab American and SSWANA community,�� BUSD continues our “Lifting Up Arab American and SSWANA Staff Voices,” campaign to share our Arab American and SSWANA staff’s narratives with our students and community by creating posters featuring their stories and experiences. These posters will be displayed at schools, work sites, on the BUSD website, and in district publications. Sharing these narratives with our students will allow them to deepen connections with Arab American and SSWANA staff across the district.

Please click on each image to see a full-sized poster.

Other Resources