At last night's regular board meeting, the board of directors proclaimed May 1-31 Jewish American Heritage Month, stating:

THIS RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE NORTHWEST REGIONAL EDUCATION SERVICE DISTRICT IN CLATSOP, COLUMBIA, TILLAMOOK, AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES, OREGON, RECOGNIZES MAY 1ST TO MAY 31 ST 2026 AS "JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH" HONORING JEWISH AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENTS THROUGHOUT THE PAST AND PRESENT, IN ADDITION TO SERVING AS A TIME TO CHALLENGE ANTI-JEWISH STEREOTYPES AND PREJUDICES.

WHEREAS, Jewish Americans are ethnically and culturally diverse, with roots across the globe and a rich variety of customs, languages, and traditions; and recognizes the long and continuing contributions of Jewish Americans to the arts, sciences, business, education, civic life and public service and promotes increased understanding of Jewish cultures and histories; and

WHEREAS, celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month offers an opportunity to learn about Jewish history, culture, and contributions while also strengthening understanding across diverse communities; and

WHEREAS, Jewish American students, families, and staff too often experience discrimination, xenophobia, and stereotyping, and the recognition of Jewish American Heritage Month is an opportunity for NWRESD to reaffirm its commitment to reject prejudice, protect civil rights, and cultivate welcoming, safe, and affirming learning environments for all; and

WHEREAS, schools and educators can play a central role in reducing prejudice, combating antisemitism and all forms of religious discrimination, and teaching about the contributions of Jewish Americans as part of an inclusive curriculum; and

WHEREAS, integrating Jewish American histories, literature, languages, and perspectives into classroom instruction and school activities supports culturally sustaining pedagogy, deepens students' historical and civic understanding, and prepares learners to participate respectfully and effectively in a diverse democracy; and

WHEREAS, the Northwest Regional Education Service District is committed to fostering inclusion, respect, and belonging for all students, staff, and families and to promoting culturally responsive learning and community partnerships; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE NORTHWEST REGIONAL EDUCATION SERVICE DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS THAT NWRESD:

1. Recognizes May as Jewish American Heritage Month and honors the many contributions Jewish Americans have made and continue to make to our schools, communities and nation.

2. Encourages NWRESD staff and component districts to provide meaningful and authentic opportunities for students, educators, and families to engage with Jewish American history, culture, and contributions such as specific lesson plans, assemblies, guest speakers, library materials, and community partnerships in ways that show respect for the diversity of Jewish identities and experiences.

3. Encourages NWRESD and component districts to partner with Jewish American community organizations and cultural institutions to ensure authentic community voices and perspectives are centered in educational activities and celebrations.

4. Affirms NWRESD's ongoing commitment to equity, understanding and belonging for students, staff and families of Jewish descent and to the development of learning environments that value diverse identities and experiences.

5. The Superintendent, or their designee, is directed to distribute this resolution to NWRESD staff, component districts, families, and community partners.

This Resolution is effective immediately upon adoption this 8th day of April, 2026

Read the signed and adopted resolution: Resolution 26-014 Jewish American Heritage Month

Resources for Continued Learning and Advocacy

This Jewish American Heritage Month, we invite you to expand your knowledge and awareness of the experiences and histories of Jewish Americans and celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions..

Elementary (K–5)

● All-of-a-Kind Family — Sydney Taylor

● The Keeping Quilt — Patricia Polacco

● Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins — Eric Kimmel

● Latke, the Lucky Dog — Ellen Fischer

Middle (6–8)

● Number the Stars — Lois Lowry

● The Devil’s Arithmetic — Jane Yolen

● The Diary of a Young Girl — Anne Frank (teacher discretion and context)

High School (9–12)

● Night — Elie Wiesel (careful preparation and supports)

● Maus — Art Spiegelman (graphic novel format, mature themes)

● Primary source collections and survivor testimony (USHMM and local resources)

Websites and curricular resources

(Reach out to the education or outreach departments for speakers, classroom visits, or teacher professional learning.)

● Facing History and Ourselves — units on identity, prejudice, and civic responsibility

● PJ Library — children’s book suggestions and family resources

● Jewish Women’s Archive — biographies and primary sources

Regional / Portland area

● Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education — school programs and curriculum supports

● Jewish Federation of Greater Portland — community partnerships, educator connections, and resource referrals

Statewide and national partners

● Facing History and Ourselves — curriculum and facilitation for difficult histories

● PJ Library — Jewish children’s literature and family engagement resources

● Jewish Women’s Archive — biographies and thematic collections