State Street Scoop
Issue 21 - February 16th
Principal's Corner
“Zones at Home Video Challenge”
We would like to challenge our State Street families to make a
Zones of Regulation Video at home for our weekly newsletter.
1. First pick your zone - Blue, Green, Yellow or Red
2. Have your family think of a situation that would cause you to be in that zone and act it out.
Be sure to include:
- Demonstrate what it looks like and feels like
- Demonstrate a strategy that you would use to self regulate
- Remember all zones are ok
3. Film your video with a max of 3 minutes
4. Submit your video to Mary-Kay Patten by uploading it to YouTube and then emailing the link to mkpatten@westerly.k12.ri.us
** Some videos may be posted in the school newsletter, which is also posted online
Zones of Regulation Information
Parent Liaison Information
10 Black History Month Facts
1. Black History Month Began as Negro History Week
In 1926, Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week. The celebration highlighted Black Americans' history, lives, and contributions. In 1976, Negro History Week expanded to the month-long celebration we observe today.
Woodson, an African American historian who graduated with a Ph.D. from Harvard, founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The ASALH now leads nationwide Black History Month celebrations and establishes its themes.
2. Black Students Protested for Black History Month
In 1968, members of Black United Students (BUS) at Kent State University walked out, protesting disorderly conduct charges against students participating in sit-ins, according to ASALH. BUS's successful student activism helped establish three Black studies departments and institutes on campus.
In 1969, BUS students demanded that Kent State extend Negro History Week into a month of Black history celebrations. President Gerald Ford later affirmed the actions of BUS with the observance of Black History Month nationwide.
3. February Honors Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass
Black History Month happens in February for good reason. Woodson selected February in honor of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln's birth dates. Lincoln is well known for issuing the Emancipation Proclamation — declaring freedom for enslaved Americans held in the Confederacy.
Douglass escaped from American slavery in 1838. He became a renowned abolitionist, speaker, and writer. He wrote several books, including A Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave.
4. Black History Month Themes Change Yearly
Every year, ASALH selects an overarching theme for Black History Month. The very first Black History Month theme was Civilization: A World Achievement. The 2023 Black History Month theme is Black Resistance.
Black Resistance shines a light on historic and modern oppressions against African Americans. Advocating for equity has long been a form of resistance. Resisting acts of discrimination, injustices, and racism plays a critical role in African Americans' well-being.
5. Civil Rights Leaders Popularized Black History Month
Many civil rights leaders contributed to Black history and the celebration of Black History Month. Black activists like Rosa Parks, W.E.B. Du Bois, Malcolm X, John Lewis, Barbara Jordan, Marcus Garvey, and Martin Luther King Jr. brought national attention to Black struggles.
Freedom Schools, established during the Civil Rights Movement, highlighted Black history — working to eliminate oppression and uplift Black excellence. Like Black History Month, the schools honored and celebrated Black leaders. With the help of prominent civil rights activists, Black History Month celebrations grew in popularity.
6. Black History Month Honors Prominent Black Americans
Black History Month honors some of the most famous Black Americans. Many celebrations feature prominent African Americans like Harriet Tubman, Maya Angelou, and George Washington Carver.
Black History Month is also a time to recognize Black Americans who contributed to impactful growth and change in the U.S. Black History Month celebrates the accomplishments of people like Onesimus — an enslaved African who brought vaccinations to America — and Hiram Rhodes Revels, the first African American elected to the U.S. Senate.
7. National Organizations Sponsor Black History Month
Every February, organizations honor Black History Month with commemorative events. National Black History Month sponsors include:
The Smithsonian Institution
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
The Library of Congress
The National Park Service
Organization-run events include community learning sessions, art gallery productions, and hosting prominent speakers.
8. Countries Worldwide Celebrate Black History Month
Dr. Jean Augustine is known as the Mother of Black History Month in Canada for establishing the celebrations in 1995. Just like in the U.S., celebrations occur in February.
Black History Month takes place in October throughout the Netherlands, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. While the U.K.'s initial focus was on Black American history, the country now focuses on celebrating Black British history.
9. HBCUs Promote Black History Year-Round
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were established to provide higher education opportunities to Black Americans. Established in 1837, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania was the very first HBCU. Today, over 100 HBCUs exist.
HBCUs, established before 1964, honor their mission to educate Black Americans. HBCUs teach Black history, recognize and honor Black American experiences, and uplift the rights of and needs within Black communities.
10. Black History Month Recognizes All African American Experiences
As of 2022, Black Americans account for 13.6% of the U.S. population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That's over 45 million different lived experiences across the country. Each African American experience is honored during Black History Month.
Black History Month celebrations often include gathering together to honor community leaders, family members, and stories that unite us.
By: Bernard Grant, Ph.D. and Vanesha McGee, M.Ed.
State Street School Calendar - February 24
Westerly Public Schools Calendar 2024
Background Check Paperwork 2024
From the Art Room - Mrs. Tedeschi
In observance of Black History Month second grade students worked in the style of artist Alma Woodsey Thomas. This is some of their work on the bulletin boards outside of the art room.
Family Engagement News
HI Parents. I am so happy that some of you are borrowing books from our lending library for yourselves and for your children. It's very easy to borrow. Just give me a call 401-348-2340 Ext 5131 or email me at mkpatten@westerly.k12.ri.us and I will send them home in an envelope with your child or you can pick them up. Whatever is easier for you:)