The Falcon Pride Parent Newsletter
2023 November Edition
Hello Fall! Hello! Nicholas Orem MS Family!! And Happy Pumpkin Month Everybody!!
Do you like “Pumpkins? Pumpkin Pie? Pumpkin Patch Field Trips? What about the “brisk”, cool fresh Fall air this time of year, the beautiful colorful leaves this season brings, the change in sunlight because of Daylight Savings time? How about College Football? Well I would say this is definitely your time of year if you answered yes, to all of the above questions. Roll Tide!! Okay, forgive me. I’m from Alabama and a well-known lover of College football season. The mention of College Football brings out that enthusiasm in me. Smile. So, let’s talk about another season. The season of “harvest” and the many things you can be thankful for. I am thankful for family, spending holiday time together, I am thankful for our home, food to eat, and I am thankful for my job and that I get to know you and your family through my PGCPS job and career. Now, think what are you most thankful for? This month as we gather-together, give thanks, and fellowship with family and friends please remember to be kind to others. Kindness is a very small act to demonstrate but it can change the world. Think “Kindness” and see just what change you can send out into the world. Life is so very short. Lets all make a difference one day at a time. So mark your November calendars because this month we celebrate National Family Engagement month, National Native American Heritage Month, National Diabetes Awareness Month, American Education Week, we salute Veterans on Veterans Day, and then last but not least we give thanks for our Thanksgiving Day holiday. We have a lot to be thankful for.
Educationally yours,
Mrs. Tarver-Smith,
Community-School Outreach Coordinator, PEA, ESP
MEET OUR FALCON STAFF – OUR FALCON P.R.I.D.E.
Ms. Alfaye Nash
School Based Mental Health Therapist
For Nicholas Orem Middle School
Maryland Family Resource Inc.
903 Brightseat Road
Landover, Maryland, 20785
Alfaye Nash is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker at Maryland Family Resource Inc. She has over 9 plus years of experience in the Mental Health field focusing mainly on individual and group therapy with children and adolescents. Ms. Nash received her Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of the District of Columbia and her Masters in Social Work from Catholic University in Washington D.C. Ms. Nash is passionate about providing Trauma Informed care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Solutions Focused and Strength-based treatment modalities to children, adolescents and families living in the Metropolitan area.
Ms. Nash will provide various services on site at (Nicholas Orem Middle School) to include individual and group counseling, teacher, classroom, and program support. Ms. Nash will provide services at school and via telehealth.
Maryland Family Resource Inc. has served the community since 1815. Their trained professionals are dedicated to the well-being of the children, youth and families. Please feel free to call or email Ms. Nash at school (301) 853-0840; extension: 73328; email:pg_alfaye.nash@pgcps.org
Celebrate American Education Week: November 13-17, 2023
Together for Safe, Just & Equitable Schools. #aew2023
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month
The NIH 2023 Theme is: "Take Charge of Tomorrow - Preventing Diabetes Health Problems".
November is National Diabetes Month, a time when communities across the country seek to bring attention to diabetes. This year’s focus is on taking action to prevent diabetes health problems.
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. It affects about 37 million Americans, including adults and youth. Diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart, and it is linked to some types of cancer.
But there’s also good news: Taking charge of your health may help you prevent diabetes health problems.
Tips to get started…
Manage your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
Research shows that managing your diabetes as soon as possible after diagnosis may help prevent diabetes health problems. You can start by managing your diabetes ABCs.
A is for the A1C test that health care professionals use to measure your average blood glucose levels. Some people with diabetes also use devices to track their blood glucose throughout the day and night.
B is for blood pressure.
C is for cholesterol.
Ask your health care team what your ABCs goals should be.
Take small steps toward healthy habits.
Lifestyle habits such as planning healthy meals, being physically active, getting enough sleep, and not smoking may help you manage your diabetes ABCs. You don’t have to do it all at once. Start slow and build healthier habits from there.
Take your medicines on time.
Remember to take your medicines even if you feel healthy. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have trouble taking your medicines on time or at the correct dose.
Reach or maintain a healthy weight.
If you have overweight or obesity, ask your primary care provider if healthy eating, physical activity, or other weight-loss treatments may help you manage your weight.
Take care of your mental health.
Managing diabetes can be hard. If you feel down, sad, or overwhelmed, learn about healthy ways to cope with stress. Consider talking to a mental health counselor or joining a support group.
Work with your health care team.
Managing diabetes takes a team. Your health care team may include a primary care provider, diabetes specialist, registered dietitian, or certified diabetes educator. Ask your primary care provider if you should talk with other health care professionals about your diabetes.
Diabetes medicines, devices, and office visits can be expensive. A social worker or a member of your health care team may be able to help you find community resources or financial help for diabetes care.
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. 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….
National Family Engagement Month, National Native American-Indigenous Heritage Month, National Diabetes Awareness Month, American Education Week, and Veteran's Day
Friday, November 3, 2023, - Professional Development –Professional Day for Teachers – 3 Hr. Early Dismissal for Students.
Monday, November 6, 2023 – NOMS FREE Family Food Market; 4:45pm; Please bring your own bags.
Friday, November 10, 2023- Professional Development – Schools Closed for Students
Saturday, November 11, 2023 - Veteran's Day
Monday, November 13-17 - American Education Week
Wednesday, November 22-24, 2023 - Thanksgiving Break – Schools and Offices Closed
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.