The Hudson City School District hereby advises students, parents, employees and the general public that it offers employment/educational opportunities without regard to sex, race, color, national origin or disability.
DEI Manager
Dr. Tia Pressey, 518-828-4360, ext. 2134.
Mission Statement
At the Hudson City School District, our mission is to support our diverse student body by providing each student with opportunity and access to a high-quality rigorous equitable education in welcoming and affirming inclusive environments where students can develop the 21st-century skills needed to thrive in a global society, college, career, and life.
Strategic Plan
Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan Journey… Part I HCSD Strategic Plan for DEI – Part I
Part II HCSD Strategic Plan for DEI – Part II
DEI Strategies Update (Jan. 3, 2024)
Hudson City School District Superintendent Dr. Juliette Pennyman and Diversity Equity and Inclusion Manager Dr. Tia Pressey are excited to announce new updates to DEI strategies in the District.
https://www.hudsoncsd.org/2024/01/03/hudson-city-school-district-launches-new-dei-strategies/
Meet the DEI Community Team!
Arab-American Heritage Month (April 2024)
During this time, we celebrate Arab Americans throughout the past and present, and recognize their invaluable contributions to our country. It also serves as a time to work against Anti-Arab bigotry and to challenge stereotypes and prejudices.
Find out more:
Learn more about the Arab-American community.
National Arab-American Heritage Month resources.
PBS documentaries and programs that celebrate the diversity and history of Arab-American communities.
Autism Acceptance Month (April 2024)
Autism Acceptance Month is an event that promotes the inclusion and acceptance of people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Every year, this month-long celebration aims to break the stigma of people living with autism. During this month, workshops and events educate professionals on how best to support people on the autistic spectrum, from school support to health care and housing. Sponsored by the Autism Society of America, Autism Acceptance Month seeks to shift the narrative from “awareness to acceptance,” to help autistic people feel supported throughout their lives.
Find out more:
World Autism Acceptance Week.
World Autism Awareness Day.
Month of the Military Child (April 2024)
The theme for this year’s military child month is “Military Children: Brave, Fearless, Resilient!” Although it is celebrated throughout the month of April, Wednesday, April 17, 2024 is allocated as “Purple Up!” day. Please note that states, districts and schools may select a different date(s).
Find out more:
The Month of the Military Child: video from the NYS Education Department.
Memo from Betty A. Rosa, Commissioner April-Month of the Military Child.
Month of the Military Child programs sponsored by NYSED.
National Poetry Month (April 2024)
National Poetry Month has been around since 1996, when it was initiated by the Academy of American Poets to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in our culture.
Find out more:
April 18, 2024 is Poem in Your Pocket Day.
Learn more about National Poetry Month from poets.org.
Listen: Dear Poet 2024: Nikky Finney reads “Heirloom”.
National Library Week (April 7-13, 2024)
The theme for National Library Week 2024 is “Ready, Set, Library!” This promotes the idea that in our always-online world, libraries give us a green light to something truly special: a place to connect with others, learn new skills, and focus on what matters most. No matter where you find yourself on the roadmap through life’s journey— preparing for a new career, launching a business, or raising a family—your library provides an inclusive and supportive community where everyone belongs.
Find out more:
YouTube video: Why Libraries Matter.
American Library Association resources.
Eid al-Fitr (Evening of April 9-10, 2024)
These dates may differ depending on where you live. Eid al Fitr is a holiday that ends the Islamic month of Ramadan. Known as the “Festival of breaking fast,” Muslims will celebrate with family, food, and presents, joining with one another for prayer and other traditions.
Find out more:
Eid al-Fitr – All About the Holidays on PBS
Eid al-Fitr teaching resources
Earth Day (April 22, 2024)
EARTHDAY.ORG’s founders created and organized the very first Earth Day on April 22, 1970. Since then, EARTHDAY.ORG has been mobilizing over 1 billion people annually on Earth Day, and every other day, to protect the planet.
Find out more:
YouTube video: Earth Day 2024 & Beyond | 8 Ways to Celebrate
Learn about the origins of Earth Day
Earth Day 2024: Planet vs. Plastics
Passover (Begins at sundown on April 22, 2024 and ends the evening of April 30, 2024)
Passover is a festival of freedom. It commemorates the Israelites’ Exodus from Egypt. The main ritual of Passover is the Seder, which occurs on the first of two nights (in Israel just the first night) of the holiday — a festive meal that involves the re-telling of the Exodus through stories and song and the consumption of ritual foods, including matzah and maror (bitter herbs).
Find out more:
Passover | All About the Holidays on PBS
YouTube video: How to Set a Seder Plate for Passover
New York State Education Department (NYSED) Resources on Israel/Palestine Crisis
- https://www.nysed.gov/news/2023/statement-chancellor-lester-w-young-jr-board-regents-and-commissioner-betty-rosa-impact
- https://www.nysed.gov/israeli-palestinian-crisis-resources-educators-caregivers-and-school-leaders
- https://www.newyorkfamily.com/talking-to-kids-about-israeli-palestinian/
Dr. Pressey Sings and Shares Holiday Plans with Hudson Junior High School Life Skills Class
Dr. Pressey Sings and Shares Holiday Plans with JHS Life Skills
2023-24 Hispanic Heritage Dinner
New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB)
The New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB) recognizes students from district, charter, and non-public schools who have attained a high level of proficiency in two or more world languages (one of which must be English) by high school graduation. It acknowledges the importance of biliteracy in today’s global society.
Hudson CSD had 1 student receive the Seal in 2022 in American Sign Language. This student, Reagan Schlimgen, was the first Hudson High School student to ever receive the NYSSB.
2022-23 NYSSB Recipients from Hudson CSD
For the 2022-23 school year, 12 seniors received 15 seals and medals. Three students earned the NYSSB in two world languages in addition to English. The languages in which students earned the NYSSB were American Sign Language, Bengali, Mandarin, Tagalog, and Spanish. For the 2023-24 school year 17 seniors and four juniors have signed up to obtain their seal.
Recognizing Bilingual Knowledge Through Biliteracy Seals
Infographic NYSSB In Capital Region 2021-22
Hudson Senior High School Seal of Biliteracy Handbook
2022-23 International Festival
Inclusive Schools Week (Dec. 5-9, 2022)
From ancient civilizations to the present time, unity and connection have been essential in order for communities to not only survive but thrive. It’s #InclusiveSchoolsWeek! Inclusive teaching makes education relevant for ALL students. Let’s work together to support inclusive practices!!
