Ardsley Union Free School District may soon be the second district in Westchester County to officially add the Indian religious holiday of Diwali to its list of school holidays.

It comes amid a movement by school districts to reflect their diverse communities.

The school district's superintendent proposed adding three new holidays to the calendar: Lunar New Year, Eid al-Fitr and Diwali.

Alka Shulka is a mom in the district and the chair of the Ardsley Multicultural Diversity and Inclusion Committee, which helps organize cultural and ethnic inclusive events in the village.

The superintendent's proposal points to the findings of a recent district survey that shows these three holidays were the most requested.

"Everyone matters to us in Ardsley, and part of this is moving in that right direction to begin helping and celebrating each other," says Superintendent Dr. Ryan Schoenfeld.
Chaitra says not only does this help communities feel seen and gives kids an opportunity to fully participate in the celebration, it also raises awareness.

The Ardsley school board will vote on the proposed calendar at its next meeting on March 28. If approved, the dates would take effect next school year.

Last month, Scarsdale Public Schools became the first district in Westchester to approve Diwali as a holiday. Their new school calendar also recognizes Lunar New Year, Eid-al-Fitr, Eid-al-Adha and Juneteenth.