The Falcon Pride Parent Newsletter
2023 October Edition
Happy October!! Hello Fall!! We have so many celebrations in the month of October and here are just a few that we are highlighting this month at Nicholas Orem Middle School. Hola! It’s Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15, 2023), Breast Cancer Awareness Month-remember to wear “Pink” to honor survivors and warriors, Domestic Violence Awareness Month –please wear “Purple”, National Principals Month, Red Ribbon Week, and last but not least we are celebrating National Custodian Appreciation Day. Thank you! Building Services. Mr. Harris, Building Superintendent, Mr. Thomas, Mrs. Escobar, Mr. Rogers and Mr. Givens. So make sure you make time to celebrate and appreciate someone or something you love during the month of October, because your voice matters. Remember, “positive” people, positive comments, and positive vibes can make a world of difference.
Educationally yours,
Mrs. Tarver-Smith,
Parent-Community Outreach Coordinator, PEA, ESP
Each October PGCPS and the nation Goes “PINK” as we honor, salute and we remember those who have fought the good fight and are now our forever heroes. Here are a few additional facts about breast cancer that you should know. 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. In 2023, an estimated 297,790 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Chances are you know at least one person who has been personally affected by breast cancer.
But there is hope. When caught in its earliest, localized stages, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. Advances in early detection and treatment methods have significantly increased breast cancer survival rates in recent years, and there are currently over 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
Awareness of the facts and statistics surrounding breast cancer in the United States is key in empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health.
Thank you! Mrs. Monroe for all that you do and are for and to Nicholas Orem Middle School. We salute you and we celebrate who you are as the leader, administrator, and our beloved principal. Happy National Principal’s Month. One Goal. One Team.
Did you know? The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402. So this month we celebrate all of the many contributions of Hispanic and Latin American Cultures.
TAKE 5!!! Remember: Self-care is not selfish. Try these (5) five tips from our own school psychologist Dr. Reed and be kind to your health and yourself. Smile and live longer and stronger.
1. Mindful Breathing
Why It's Important: Stress can be overwhelming. Mindful breathing is a quick way to center oneself.
How to Do It: Take a few minutes each day to focus on your breath. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale fully through your mouth.
2. Digital Detox
Why It's Important: Constant connectivity can lead to burnout.
How to Do It: Designate "screen-free" times at home to engage in non-digital activities like reading or playing a board game.
3. Physical Activity
Why It's Important: Exercise releases endorphins, which naturally elevate your mood.
How to Do It: A 15-minute walk or a quick game of basketball can make a difference. Make it a family activity for added engagement.
4. Time Management
Why It's Important: Managing time effectively reduces stress and increases productivity.
How to Do It: Use planners or digital apps to prioritize tasks. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable parts.
5. Community Connection
Why It's Important: A sense of community fosters emotional well-being and provides a support network.
How to Do It: Attend school events, join parent-teacher organizations, or participate in community service activities. This not only enriches your life but also strengthens the school community.
Let me know how these sound and if it matches what you were looking for. Happy to revise if you want something different. Thanks again!
Dr. Reed
Attendance Matters
A very important message from our Attendance Secretary Mrs. Ferrufino Alvarez….
Dear Parents/ Guardians,
This message is to inform you about the importance of student’s attendance. Please know that when a student is absent a doctor’s note or hand-written note must be given to students so their absences can be excused. Please know that a note must be sent to school when students have early dismissal. A written note made by the parent must include the student’s first and last name, the day(s) the student was absent, the reason for the absence, the parent’s signature and a phone number. (Note: For your convenience, we have a “generic” pre-prepared letter for absences. Please request a pre-prepared letter at the welcome table in front of the main office). Student’s must be responsible for turning in their excused notes in the morning when arriving at school. Parents please be aware that an excuse note will not be accepted after three days of the day(s) of absence. Also, an excuse note must be brought in when students have early dismissal. Any questions? Please call the main office at (301) 853-0840.
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......
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, National Principal’s Month, National Domestic Awareness Month, and National Red Ribbon Week
Monday, October 2, 2023 – National Custodian Appreciation Day
Monday, October 9, 2023 –Indigenous Peoples’ Day – Parent Teacher Conferences – Schools Closed For Students
Friday, October 13, 2023 –Domestic Violence Awareness observed (Wear purple)
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 – Parent Academy presents “I Am Drug Free & Harm Free to Be Me” 6:30pm in the school cafeteria
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 – Bullying Prevention Awareness – (Wear orange)
Friday, October 20, 2023 – Professional Development – Schools Closed for Students
Wednesday, October 25, 2023 – National Red Ribbon Week (Wear Red)
Monday, October 30, 2023 – Parent Academy presents “Navigating Middle School with Ease and Confidence”; 6:30pm in the cafeteria
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.
Nicholas Orem MS FREE Food Market
Please plan to join us for the Monthly FREE Food Market. Please bring your own bags, a fully charged cellphone, and a lot of patience.
Upcoming Dates:
Monday, November 6, 2023
Monday, December 4 2023
Monday, January 8, 2024
Monday, February 5, 2024
Monday, March 4, 2024
Monday, April 8, 2024
A Worthy Quote……”The most valuable possession you can own is an open heart; the most powerful weapon you can be is an instrument of peace”. Carlos Santana