The Falcon Pride Parent Newsletter
2023 December Edition
Season’s Greetings! Falcon Families!
Well, its beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go. Frosty the Snowman movie was on television last night along with the all-time classic “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”. These are sure tell-tale signs that homes all around the world and across our great nation are aggressively preparing homes with young children and some people with a child at heart mindset for the magic of the advent season. Smile. nSo may your days be “Merry & Bright” from the first day of December until the last Silent night of the season. We all wish you and your loved ones the very, very, best holiday season ever. Be safe and be blessed!
Educationally yours,
Mrs. Tarver-Smith,
Community-School Outreach Coordinator, PEA, ESP
Did you know???
December’s name derives from the Latin word decem (meaning ten) because it was originally the tenth month of the year in the calendar of Romulus c. 750 BC, which began in March. The winter days following December were not included as a part of any month. Later, the months January and February were created out of the monthless period and added to the beginning of the calendar, but December retained its name. The Anglo-Saxons referred to December-January as Geolamonab (modern English meaning: “Yule month”). December’s birth flower is the narcissus which is a bright yellow spring flower known as the daffodil or jonquil. So, now you might wonder why is the poinsettia associated with Christmas? Well, I am so glad you are curious and you asked. Legend goes in southern Mexico in the 1600’s, Franciscan priests often used colorful red leaves to adorn the nativity scenes as it appeared that the leaves resembled a star. The Star of Bethlehem which led the Wise Men to Jesus. Although, I think you should know that there are also many other legends and one that includes the story of a very poor little Mexican girl named Pepita. Pepita had no present to give the baby Jesus at the Christmas Eve Services. As little Pepita walked away very sad from the chapel she stopped to pick up a small handful of weeds from the roadside and made them into a bouquet. As Pepita knelt down to place the bouquet at the bottom of the nativity scene. Suddenly the bouquet of weeds burst into bright red flowers. Everyone who saw them were sure that they had seen a “miracle”. From that day on, the bright red flowers were known as the “Flores de Noche Buena, or “Flowers of the Holy Night”.
A Helpful Word from “The Parent Institute” on Guiding Students for School Success. Lessons from Home = A very productive/academic day at School.
Here a few things you can do at home that may help your child avoid disturbances in their learning day at school.
You should:
· Serve as a strong role model. Show your child how to handle unwanted/unhealthy situations appropriately. Need some parent coaching support? Ask for help we have a few resources to help to get you started.
· Teach RESPECT. No talking back to teachers or adults in the school building. Talking back is when your child replies to a command, request or situation involving an adult or teacher in a “rude” or disrespectful manner. Example: An adult has given your child instructions on how to or what to do in response to a request and the student or child decides that their extra words or input is needed and required. This is not acceptable and is considered talking back. The adult has spoken and no additional words are needed or required. Teaching correct and appropriate manners at home will greatly improving all interaction in the school building.
· Be a good listener. Let your child know that he or she can always come to you with problems. Be an involved/engaged in the moment parent.
· Talk about bullies and how to avoid them. Encourage your child to seek the immediate help of their school counselor, their grade level administrator or a trusted adult in the school building if problem situation persist. Contact a school administrator immediately when necessary.
· Brainstorm ways to resolve conflicts. Please teach your child that “fighting” isn’t the answer. (Source: “Creating Safe Home and School Environments”, The Parent Institute”® www.parent-institute.com)
Attendance Matters
Remember: Attendance is top priority to ensuring that your student earns the “very best” grades possible. However, if your student is unable to attend classes. Please email our Attendance Secretary, Mrs. Jackline Ferrufino Alvarez at jackeline.ferrufinosanchez.org as soon as possible as well as your child’s teacher.
Need to check on your child's grades and attendance?
Click here to create an account or reset password https://www.pgcps.org/schoolmax-support/
Important Dates to Remember….
Happy Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 1, 2023 - First Quarter Honor Roll Assembly NOMS Gymnasium
Monday December 4, 2023 – NOMS Monthly FREE Family Food Market; 5pm
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 – The Parent Academy presents….”Social Media Etiquette”-appropriate Digital Citizenship Deportment; 6:30pm in the school cafeteria
Wednesday, December 13, 2023 – The Music Department Winter Concert
Thursday, December 14, 2023 – Ms. Hernandez and the Nicholas Orem MS Dance Department presents “The Art of Dance” 7pm. In the school cafeteria
Wednesday, December 20, 2023 – Chat with Principal Monroe; 11:00am
Monday, December 25-29, 2023 – Winter Break & Christmas – Schools and Offices Closed;
Monday, January 1, 2023 – New Year’s Day – Schools & Offices Closed
Tuesday, January 2, 2023 – Winter Break – Schools & Offices Closed Classes resume on Wednesday, January 3, 2024.
Nicholas Orem Community School
Need Support???... We Can HELP!
Need support in locating food distribution sites near your home? Interested in language classes? Need assistance in locating free Immunization clinics?
Please reach out to Jenny Matias, Community School Coordinator, regarding additional support and resources! Please send an email to Ms. Matias at jenn.matiasvelasquez@pgcps.org or call/text 202-798-2862. We can fill out a referral form together and provide support for many of your basic needs. Or you can fill out a form for yourself using the same link as your student. CLICK! here REFERRAL FORM and Ms. Matias will reach out to you as soon as possible.