October 6, 2023
To our Roosevelt community,
On October 9, 2023, we will celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day, a significant occasion observed on the second Monday of October each year. This day is a unique opportunity for us to pay tribute to the rich cultures and histories of Indigenous peoples, both past and present. It is also a moment of reflection, where we acknowledge Indigenous communities' ongoing challenges and recommit ourselves to acting as allies in pursuing a more just and equitable society for all. In our mission to achieve this, education plays a pivotal role.
Within our schools, we nurture the young scholars of Roosevelt at every age, supporting them in their pursuit of knowledge. We empower them to take this knowledge into their daily lives, with the understanding that it holds the power to shape a brighter future for all of us.
It's essential to recognize that Indigenous peoples have been the stewards of the lands we now call the United States for thousands of years. They have made significant and enduring contributions to our society across various domains, including agriculture, science, medicine, and art. Remarkably, Indigenous cultures such as the Inca, Mayan, and Aztecs have also left their mark on the formation of our U.S. democracy. The roots of many concepts in the United States Constitution can be traced back to the 1142 Iroquois Confederacy, one of the oldest living participatory democracies. Nevertheless, Indigenous peoples have grappled with a history of oppression and discrimination. The establishment of Indigenous Peoples Day represents a vital step toward healing this history and forging a more inclusive and respectful future for everyone. It is a day to celebrate Indigenous communities' resilience and strength and glean wisdom and knowledge from their experiences.
This Indigenous Peoples Day, I urge you to join me in celebrating and honoring the invaluable contributions, rich culture, profound histories, and living legacy of Indigenous peoples. Furthermore, I encourage you to embark on your journey toward creating a legacy built on advancing equity and equality for every member of our beautifully diverse community.
Roosevelt Rising,
Dr. Deborah L. Wortham
Superintendent
Roosevelt Union Free School District
240 Denton Place
Roosevelt, New York 11575
(516) 345 7000
Mission: Our mission is to educate the whole child to excel, thereby ensuring achievement for ALL!
Vision: We are Roosevelt! Empowered! Proficient! Globally Ready!