A Time to Celebrate – Background

Roberto Argentina teaches at Lamar High School in Houston, TX and was a member of the 2025-2026 Tanenbaum Network of Inclusive Educators.

Lamar High School in Houston, TX, serves 3,000 students whose beliefs, cultures, and communities shape our classrooms every day. Located near the world’s largest medical center, two major universities, the museum district, and a global business hub for energy and finance, Lamar reflects the diversity of our city.

“A Time to Celebrate” is a Story Map that helps educators move from noticing a student’s holiday observance or celebration to understanding it, and, when appropriate, engaging in meaningful conversation.

Educators are busy, and because some feel a barrier or uncertainty when talking about students when talking about religion, the platform provides accessible information in a user-friendly format. The goal is to help educators build sufficient understanding to engage students with confidence. Organized as an academic year calendar, the resource offers short videos and articles, with more available for those who want a deeper dive.

The Story Map website will continue to grow over time as more resources are added, including interviews with students and local faith leaders. While it is rooted in Houston, I hope that “A Time to Celebrate” can support educators anywhere in the United States who teach young people representing diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.

Click here to visit Roberto’s Story Map website, “A Time to Celebrate.”