Wonderful Falcon Families,
“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” Helen Keller
It is hard to imagine we are in March already, which indicates spring is almost here. This also ushers in Women's History month, which is designed to honor the contributions of women to our history. In March 1972, Congress passed the all-important Title IX bill to ensure that girls were not discriminated against for participating in educational programs such as sports. On March 8, 1975, the United Nations inaugurated International Women's Day to honor the contributions of women globally. This year's theme is Embrace Equity. The focus of the global conversation is this: "Why equal opportunities are not enough." Click HERE to learn more about this year's theme. In 1978, the National Women's History Alliance developed a week-long celebration of women's accomplishment. Finally, in 1987, congress declared March as Women's History Month in perpetuity.
When we look back on history, we know that girls/women have had to fight and challenge society's norms then and now. And while the United States and other Western countries, have made concerted efforts to ensure that women experience equity with regards to gender, in many countries, women are still held back and do not have equal rights as men. Thus, celebrating all women and their contributions is very significant in raising the status of girls and women around the world. Educate a girl and you automatically raise the Gross Domestic Product Index (GDP) of a nation.
Honoring women and their contributions helps to set the stage for our third word in our Falcon mantra: RESILIENCE. Resilience is difficult to define; however, researchers agree that it is: 1) ongoing normal development under difficult circumstances, 2) a quality that cushions a vulnerable child from the worst effects of adversity, and 3) demonstrating competent living as a consequence of adaptation to significant challenges. The bottom line is this: we cannot prevent bad things from happening; case in point, the COVID pandemic. What we do, as adults, will determine if our children will survive negative effects from significant challenges they will face. One of the most important support we can provide is a secure base, which means there is a secure attachment to a trusted adult. When a healthy attachment is present, anxiety is mitigated and exploration and learning are promoted. At your dinner table this week, discuss with your children their feelings of security. Be open to hearing what they have to say.
In support of this year's International Women's Day, I am inviting all female students and staff to join me in the grassy area during lunch to take a picture with me as we concertedly EMBRACE EQUITY moving forward.
Spring Yearbook Make-Up Photos
Students, if you were absent in the fall during yearbook photos or if you started attending HTM after that date, there is a make-up photo session on March 8, 2023. For any questions, please see Ms. Cruz or email her at dora.cruz@sweetwaterschools.org.
It's Yearbook Time!!
Falcons, do you want a memory of this year? You may now purchase a yearbook for this year's memories. Go to ybpay.com and use our school code 14441323. The cost is $25. The cost will go up in mid-March and again in April. Copies are limited so buy them now. Parents, you will also have an opportunity to buy ads for your 8th graders. More information to come regarding student ads.
Spring Sports Parent and Athlete Meeting
Congratulations to all atheletes who made it onto one of the spring sports. Please refer to the flyers below in the Falcon Flight section. There will be a parent/athlete meeting that will take place on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 6:00pm in the cafeteria. Please read the flyer below.
for more information, please email our to coordinators, Ms. Pulido at jessica.pulido@sweetwaterschools.org or Mr. Horton at joshua.horton@sweetwfaterschools.org or Mr. Toms at kenneth.toms@sweetwaterschools.org.
Adelante Mujer Conference is Fast Approaching
Lady Falcons, Adelante Mujer is an excellent conference for you to attend in April. It will be held at Rancho Del Rey on April 15, 2023. Bring your mom with you and learn together. Click on the link to register for the conference https://tinyurl.com/AM30Conference.
Falcons, let's have a wonderful and safe week.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Finley
