Department of Defense Education Activity

Observance Calendar

Upcoming Observances, Celebrations and Recognition Events

January

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

The Department of Defense (DoD) joined the nation in celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, on Monday, January 16, 2023.

February

Love Teaching Week

Love Teaching Week

DoDEA teachers share why they love to teach in honor of #LoveTeaching Week Feb. 12-19 — a campaign that celebrates teaching, leading, and learning in a way that unites and invigorates educators and those they inspire all around the world.
National School Counseling Week

National School Counseling Week

National School Counseling Week 2023, "School Counselors: Helping Students Dream Big," will be celebrated February 6-10, 2023, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems.
Black History Month

Black History Month

Black History Month celebrates the achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their immeasurable impact on the history of the United States.
DoDEA Career and Technical Education Month

DoDEA Career and Technical Education Month

DoDEA celebrates CTE Month every February as a reminder to students that Career and Technical Education programs are available to all those who want to pursue a college education; enlist in the military; or enter directly into the workforce.

March

Women's History Month

Women's History Month

March is Women’s History Month – a time to honor the contributions of women in American history.
Music in Our Schools Month

Music in Our Schools Month

DoDEA joins the National Association for Music Education and schools across the nation in celebrating Music in Our Schools Month (MIOSM) in March. The purpose of recognizing MIOSM in DoDEA is to highlight and advocate for music programs in our schools.
National Reading Month

National Reading Month

DoDEA joins the National Education Association and schools across the nation in celebrating Read Across America on March 2nd and all year long to help motivate kids to read, bring the joys of reading to students of all ages, and make all children feel valued and welcome.

April

Earth Day

Earth Day

DoDEA celebrates Earth Day on April 22nd each year. Earth Day is an event dedicated to raising awareness about the various environmental challenges that face our planet.
The Month of the Military Child

The Month of the Military Child

DoDEA joins the Department of Defense and the military community in honoring military families and their children for the sacrifices they make and the challenges they overcome.
Holocaust Remembrance

Holocaust Remembrance

DoDEA joins the world in honoring the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust—as well as the millions of non-Jewish victims of Nazi persecution. Holocaust Days of Remembrance week will be observed April 16 - 23, 2023.

May

Decision Day

Decision Day

Celebrate Decision Day on May 1st – the day when DoDEA high-school seniors announce what they’ll be pursuing after graduation.
Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month

Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month

The observance of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month is an occasion to remember the patriotism of AAPIs who have served, or are currently serving, in the DOD, our nation and, specifically, here at DoDEA.
Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher Appreciation Week

DoDEA Director Tom Brady thanks DoDEA teachers for their tireless support of students. Teacher Appreciation Week is May 8-12.
National School Nurse Day

National School Nurse Day

DoDEA joins the nation in celebrating the specialized practice of school nursing on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. This celebration recognizes the contributions school nurses make every day, particularly in times of crisis, to improve the safety, health, and academic success of all students.
Memorial Day

Memorial Day

Memorial Day, which is celebrated on the last Monday in May, honors service members who have died in military service to the nation.

June

Juneteenth

Juneteenth

Juneteenth (a blending of the words June and nineteenth), also known as Freedom Day, is an American holiday and is the oldest known celebration of the end of slavery in the United States.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month is a nationally recognized observance in the month of June. During this period, the LGBTQ community, its advocates, and allies celebrate by promoting diversity, inclusion, community, unity, and PRIDE.

August

Women's Equality Day

Women's Equality Day

DoDEA celebrates Women’s Equality Day and the passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution which guarantees all American women the right to vote.

September - October

Suicide Prevention Awareness

Suicide Prevention Awareness

DoDEA is actively involved in Suicide Prevention activities and has a variety of resources available to support students in crisis.
National Preparedness Month

National Preparedness Month

DoDEA recognizes National Preparedness Month each September to ensure family and community disaster and emergency planning now and throughout the year. Visit ready.gov to learn how you can plan for disasters.
National Day of Service and Remembrance, September 11

National Day of Service and Remembrance, September 11

DoDEA honors those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and strengthened our will as one nation and reminded us all about the power of freedom.
National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 - October 15

National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 - October 15

Hispanic Heritage observations began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and were expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. The expansion was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, September 17

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, September 17

On September 17, US citizens remember the blessings of liberty and are recognized for holding the responsibilities of citizenship.

October

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Every October, we observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month to recognize the contributions, dedication and talents of Americans with disabilities who are a vital part of our workforce.
Bullying Prevention Month

Bullying Prevention Month

DoDEA actively acknowledges National Bullying Prevention month in October in order to help educate and raise awareness of bullying prevention.
School Principals Week

School Principals Week

DoDEA is celebrating School Principals Week Oct. 17-21. School Principals Week is an opportunity to recognize the contributions and impacts principals make in their schools and communities. This year’s theme is “Leadership and Service.”

November

National Native American Heritage Month

National Native American Heritage Month

DoDEA joins the nation in recognizing Native Americans for their respect for natural resources and the Earth, having served with valor in our nation's conflicts and for their many distinct and important contributions to the United States.
Military Family Appreciation Month

Military Family Appreciation Month

During Military Family Appreciation Month, DoDEA renews its commitment to the families and communities we are proud to serve.
National School Psychology Week

National School Psychology Week

From November 7-11, DoDEA joins the nation in celebrating National School Psychology Week. School psychologists effectively link teaching, learning, and mental health to improve outcomes and are a ready resource in schools.
American Education Week

American Education Week

During American Education Week. DoDEA joins the nation in raising awareness about the need to provide every child with a quality public education. Explore NEA's AEW toolkits.
Veterans Day

Veterans Day

Veterans Day Message from Mr. Thomas M. Brady, Director of DoDEA.