In this August episode of Calendar Conversations: A Guide for Adoptive Parents, April Dinwoodie reflects on the realities of back-to-school season today versus her own childhood. While her school days were filled with questions of identity and belonging as a transracially adopted person, she never had to face active shooter drills or the fears that weigh on students now.

Against the backdrop of political rollbacks in DEI, curriculum bans, and underfunded support systems, April shares how these shifts impact children—especially those navigating adoption and complex identities. She also lifts up a story of a Black father's conversation with his son about their family name and connects it to the layers of meaning names hold in adoption.

This episode offers practical ways parents can stay plugged in, advocate for their children, and create cultural safety nets at home. Above all, it is a reminder that back-to-school is not just for kids—we are all always learning, always growing.