May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month – a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. A rather broad term, Asian/Pacific encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia) and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island). This encompasses over 70 different countries covering nearly a third of all livable land on the Earth!

This month we take time to reflect and celebrate the important role that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have played in our nation's shared history.  The origins of AAPI Heritage Month date back to 1978, when a joint resolution introduced in Congress led to the first official observance: Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week in May 1979. In 1992, the observance was expanded to the full month of May. The timing commemorates two significant milestones: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869—an achievement made possible in large part by Chinese immigrant laborers.

Today, the Asian American population in the U.S. represents a diverse and growing community, with millions of individuals tracing their heritage to countries across the expansive continent of Asia. Each culture brings unique perspectives, languages, and traditions that enrich our shared experience.

St. X is proud to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month!

March is Women’s History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the extraordinary contributions women have made—and continue to make—to our communities, our culture, and our world. Throughout history, women have shaped progress in every field: from pioneering scientists and visionary civic leaders to groundbreaking artists, record‑breaking athletes, tireless activists, innovative inventors, dedicated educators, intrepid entrepreneurs, and countless others whose impact is woven into the fabric of our daily lives.

This year, the National Women’s History Alliance has designated the 2026 theme as “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” This theme recognizes the essential role women play in building stronger, more equitable, and more sustainable communities—whether through environmental stewardship, social advocacy, inclusive leadership, or the quiet, persistent work that drives meaningful change.

As we celebrate this month, let us challenge ourselves to look closely at how each of us can contribute to a more sustainable future. Just as importantly, let us take time to recognize and uplift the women leaders—past and present, local and global—whose vision, courage, and dedication continue to advance that progress.

May this month inspire reflection, gratitude, and action as we honor the women who lead the change and encourage those who will shape the future ahead. St. X is proud to celebrate the women on our staff, administration, faculty, families, volunteers, and community for their tireless contributions to making St. X the wonderful place that it is. 

St. X is proud to celebrate Women's History Month!

Ramadan began at sundown last night and will last until Wednesday, March 18. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is one of the most sacred periods in Islam. During this holy month, observant Muslims around the world devote themselves to fasting, prayer, self-discipline, charity, and spiritual renewal. Fasting is observed during daylight hours, so Muslims eat a pre-fasting meal called suhoor every day before dawn. At sunset, the fast is broken with a meal called iftar. Between suhoor and iftar, Muslims fast from food or drink. Although fasting can be physically demanding, hunger and thirst reminds believers of their dependence on Allah and is an exercise in empathy for those who experience daily hardship.

In addition to fasting, Ramadan is traditionally a time when the faithful seek forgiveness for past mistakes and to strengthen their relationship with Allah through repentance. Special prayers are integral to the observance of Ramadan, and often bring families and communities closer together.

There is also a beautiful tradition of charity called Zakat al-Fitr, which is an obligatory donation of food or money to ensure that less fortunate members of society can also enjoy the celebration at the end of the month, called Eid al-Fitr. More information on Ramadan and its observance can be found here. 

At St. X, we have several students and families who will observe Ramadan. Our students are used to living and learning in environments where the majority of their peers do not observe Ramadan, and they encourage you to continue your routine as normal. They don't require accommodation but simply request their observance of fasting be respected. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to Carlos or myself. If you feel comfortable doing so, a conversation with the student directly would also be a great way to support him.

St. X recognizes and encourages our students, families, and community members who observe this holy month, and wishes them "Ramadan Mubarak" (Blessed Ramadan), and may this holy month bring you peace, joy, and prosperity.

Black History Month is celebrated during the month of February. The first celebration of African Americans’ contribution to our country occurred exactly 100 years ago in February 1926.

Historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson created the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) to raise awareness of African Americans’ contributions to civilization, and celebrated Negro History Week for the first time in February of 1926. They chose February in honor of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, both of whom have birthdays in February.

Black History Month is a time for our school community to come together to celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Black Americans. Their stories, achievements, and creativity have shaped our country in countless ways and continue to influence our world today. By learning, sharing, and reflecting together, we deepen our understanding of the diverse experiences that make up American history. This month offers an opportunity to listen, celebrate, and appreciate the voices and traditions that strengthen our community.

Today, we join together in honoring Veterans Day — a time to recognize and give thanks for the courage, service, and sacrifice of those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

We are deeply grateful for the veterans within our community and for all who have dedicated themselves to protecting our freedoms. Their commitment, resilience, and sense of duty continue to inspire us in our shared work toward dignity and belonging.

As we pause to reflect, we offer our heartfelt gratitude for all veterans and their families and pray on their behalf for peace, healing, and strength. May we honor their legacy not only in words but through our daily actions that build understanding, compassion, and unity.

To all of the St. X Community and family members who served, we thank you for your service!

November is National Native American Heritage Month. It is a time to celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of historical and current Native American communities and ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation. There is deep richness and wisdom in the cultures and history of Indigenous peoples that we can learn from and emulate today.

For thousands of years, Native American communities have fostered a profound relationship with the land - one rooted in respect, reciprocity, and deep cultural significance. Indigenous traditions view land not as a commodity but as a living entity, a sacred provider, and an integral part of their identity. This connection is reflected in their spiritual beliefs, ceremonies, cultural art, and traditional ecological knowledge.

At St. X, we are focusing this year on the Jesuits' Universal Apostolic Preference #4: Caring for our Common Home. We, as a Jesuit school, are tasked with doing our part to care for God's creation sustainably, responsibly, and proactively. As we continue our efforts at St. X to better our relationship with the Earth, let us reflect this month on Indigenous populations' relationship with Mother Nature and honor the ancestral stewards of this land in imitating their sacred treatment of our environment.

There are many resources that you can share with your students this month, many of which are available to view here.

Today is Diwali, one of the most popular holidays in India which is celebrated by over a billion people worldwide! Diwali is celebrated during the Hindu month of Kartik, which is typically between mid-October and mid-November. Diwali may have its origins in harvest festivals, and its traditions have been around for 2500 years!

Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word 'deepavali', which means 'row of lamps'. The holiday coincides with the new moon (the darkest night of the lunar cycle) so candles and clay lamps called diyas are lighted throughout homes and streets to celebrate it. For this reason, Diwali is known as the festival of lights, and it celebrates the triumph of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, light over darkness, and new beginnings. The spirit of the holiday resonates with so many religious and secular traditions that it has transcended Hinduism and is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, and many other peoples in India and of Indian ancestry.

Besides sharing lights, celebrations include fireworks, feasts, prayer, and giving gifts. Different regions of India also celebrate with unique rituals, observances, foods, and decorations. More information on the holiday can be found here. This year, the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue at the Vatican sent a message to those celebrating Diwali, which you can read here.

To those in our St. X community who celebrate the holiday, we wish you and your family a joyous and prosperous Diwali! 

October is Filipino American History Month, a time to honor and celebrate the rich heritage, culture, and contributions of Filipino Americans. The celebration takes place in October, commemorating the first Filipinos to arrive in the continental United States in California on October 18, 1587. Filipino American immigrants have contributed significantly to building communities, strengthening the U.S. economy, enriching the nation’s cultural fabric, and advancing movements for labor rights, racial justice, and immigrant equity. Filipino Americans proudly served our country in World War II. Filipino unions and workers were instrumental in helping Cesar Chavez fight for workers' rights in the 1960s.  More information on Filipino American history can be found here.

At 4 million strong, the Filipino American community is one of the largest Asian American and immigrant populations in the nation. They also make up one of the largest groups of healthcare professionals in the United States.

Let us celebrate Filipino American History month together!

Buenas tardes St. X community,

Today marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 to October 15! This month is an opportunity to honor the rich histories, vibrant cultures, and countless contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities across the United States.

Why September 15? The celebration starts mid-month to recognize the independence days of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, all of which fall on September 15. Mexico (Sept 16), Chile (Sept 18), and Belize (Sept 21) also celebrate their independence during the month-long celebration. These dates highlight the deep historical roots of this month.

Hispanic culture spans 21 countries where Spanish is the primary language including most of Latin America, Spain, and even Equatorial Guinea in Africa. While united by language, Hispanic cultures are wonderfully diverse! Each country brings its own unique flavors, sounds, traditions, and stories. From Chilean cueca to Panamanian tamborito, Bolivian salteñas to Cuban ropa vieja, and Ecuadorian toquilla hats to Peruvian alpaca textiles, every region celebrates in its own beautiful way. Whether it’s through music, food, fashion, or folklore, these cultural expressions reflect generations of creativity, history, and resilience.

It’s also important to recognize that Hispanic identity isn’t one-size-fits-all. People within Hispanic communities may speak Spanish, Indigenous languages, or a blend of both. They may trace their heritage to African, European, Indigenous, Asian, or Middle Eastern roots—or a mix of all of them. This incredible diversity is part of what makes the Hispanic world so dynamic and rich. You may meet someone who looks nothing like the stereotype and speaks with a regional accent you’ve never heard before and that, too, is authentically Hispanic

¡Celebremos juntos el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana!

At sunset last night, Rosh Hashanah began and will be celebrated until sunset tomorrow night. Rosh Hashanah, meaning 'head of the year' in Hebrew, is the celebration of the New Year in the Jewish calendar. This celebration begins the ten-day period of repentance and reflection that culminates with Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. During this holy season,  Jewish people around the world ask God for forgiveness for mistakes they’ve made over the past year and remind themselves not to repeat those mistakes in the coming year

Rosh Hashanah is celebrated through prayer, mealtimes, and other traditions and celebrations. Many Jewish families eat challah bread and apples dipped in honey, symbolizing the sweet hopes for the New Year. Some families will also eat pomegranate fruit as its many seeds represent the many blessings in the coming year. Another important part of Rosh Hashanah is 'Tzedakah', or giving back to those in need. The tradition is rooted in the belief that by carrying out good deeds, God will notice these efforts and bless people with a fruitful new year.

More information on the holiday can be found here. 

Some of our students, staff, faculty, and families may be observing the holiday during this time, and so it is important that our entire community be informed. 

St. X acknowledges Rosh Hashanah and wishes the members in our broader community who observe the holiday 'Shanah tovah', or Happy New Year!