The WCPS Office of Equity & Excellence is excited to continue supporting WCPS' efforts to foster a positive culture and climate with the recognition and celebration of Polish American Heritage Month. We have provided you with resources to support your efforts in creating environments where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging.
Polish culture and contributions are often obscured by individuals' connections to other countries. Read on to see what important Polish contributions you may believe came from another country.
As educators, we are charged with developing students' ability to view the world from multiple perspectives. In order to support our students, we must simultaneously develop our own understanding of perspectives that differ from our own.
Witamy!
Currently, Polish people make up about 3% of the US population equaling about 9.5 million people. We hope you will take some time during the next 30 days to explore the information provided in order to increase your awareness and that of your students. In this newsletter you can expect to see:
- A brief explanation of Polish American Heritage month and its importance
- A section on the history of Polish individuals in the United States
- A section on Polish contributions to American culture
- A section with suggestions for books, movies, TV programs and music that highlight the diverse cultural experiences of Polish individuals and build your awareness.
- A section on current events
- A section with resources for teachers
History
Polish American Heritage Month is celebrated every year from October 1st to 31st. The objective of this month is to highlight the contributions Poles and Polish Americans have made to the United States, celebrate achievements and cultural heritage, and share the beauty of Polish history and people
In 1984, the House Joint Resolution 577 was passed declaring August the Polish American Heritage Month. President Ronald Reagan urged all Americans to join in the celebration honoring their Polish heritage in the United States. It was celebrated during the month of August from 1981-1986 when it was changed to the month of October.
Purpose: To celebrate and acknowledge Polish American heritage and history as well as educate ourselves and others on various histories and contributions of Poles and Polish Americans.
WCPS Celebrates Polish American Heritage Month 2022
Contributions
The first Poles stepped foot in what would become the United States more than 400 years ago. The influence of the Polish culture can be felt in many aspects of American society. Polish words have been hiding in the English language for a long time such as polka, kielbasa, spruce, vitamin, and many others. Watch the the videos below to learn more about this diverse population.
Leo Gerstenzang: Polish American inventor who, in 1923, created the first contemporary cotton swab or, known by its modern name, Q-Tips.
Challenges Faced by the Polish Community
Between the late 1800s and early 1900s, Polish immigration rose in the United States due to imperial repression, chronic unemployment, and land shortages in Poland. Like many others during waves of immigration, Poles were attracted to the United States by the promise of work and money. Many immigrated to work in factories permanently or long enough to make enough money to take back home. Those that stayed, built communities that were strongly committed to the preservation of their national heritage and culture. The pride in Poland was clear and amplified for all. This preservation helped maintain the connection between Polish Americans in the United States and family members and friends in Poland.
In 1920, Polish communities were also attacked due to American nativism. Poles were deemed unintelligent and inferior. In many Polish communities, there were protests and violent acts against them. Anti-slavic legislation, though, cut Polish immigration from 1921 to World War II, but opened up after World War II to include many displaced persons from the Holocaust
With the onset of WWII and the Cold War, that loyalty was highlighted. Germany and then the Soviet Union following WWII, Poles were fleeing Poland with no intention on returning home. They were fleeing religious attack and persecution and seeking refuge in the United States. Many Polish Americans opened their homes to family and friends that had had their homes destroyed and were fleeing their home land for their safety. Read through the link below for more information.
Resources to build awareness
Deepen your cultural awareness by watching movies and television programs that are written by Polish writers, include performances by Polish actors or are focused on Polish stories. Listen to Polish influenced music. Try some authentic food from the Polish culture.
A quick internet search offered this list of semi-local eateries: (not exhaustive or an endorsement of any establishment)
- Polka Deli
- Krystyna's Kitchen
- Ostrowski's of Bank Street
No resource is complete without music!
Current Events
Teacher resources for the classroom
Final thoughts
As we continue working to "accelerate" learning for all of the students attending WCPS, build your awareness of each culture in your classroom in order to strengthen the teacher- student relationships that are foundational to student learning. It is through understanding and valuing the diversity of the community we serve that we will begin to close the opportunity and performance gaps which are preventing our students from realizing their full potential.