Upcoming Dates & Celebrations
April 2024
Need Translation? | ¿Necesita traducción? | Precisa de tradução?
ENGLISH: Need translation? Just click "Translate" at the top of your screen!
ESPAÑOL: ¿Necesita traducción? Haga clic en "Translate" (traducir) en la parte superior de la pantalla.
PORTUGUÊS: Precisa de tradução? Clique em “Translate” (traduzir) no topo da tela!
OVERVIEW
This is the eighth of ten Smore newsletters to be distributed this school year with the goal of sharing District calendar dates, school-related appreciation days, national recognition celebrations, and if applicable, related community events.
These Date-Driven Smores and their contents are a work in progress. There is a group of community members working behind the scenes to help identify dates, the explanations of importance, and how we as a District approach them. If you'd like to submit a holiday or celebration acknowledgement for the 2024 - 2025 calendar OR if you'd like to submit a photo showing how your family honors any of the shared traditions or holidays, please complete the Cultural Calendar Form.
Stay tuned for the April "DNA" which will contain good news from around the district! The google form where Staff have traditionally submitted entries is now trilingual and accessible to the broader community: Share Your Good News!
DISTRICT CALENDAR DATES
Operational dates listed within each month of the Annual District Calendar
April 4 - Early Release: Elementary Schools (Parent Conferences)
April 4 - Early Release: Middle and High Schools (Professional Development)
April 5 - Report Cards: High School
April 10 - Collaboration Day: Framingham High School
April 15 - No School: Patriots' Day
April 16 - 19 - No School: Spring Recess
April 25 - Early Release: Elementary Schools (Parent Conferences)
Note: The calendar PDFs and images below have been updated to reflect the current last day of school which is June 18, 2024. If the District has any additional emergency or unplanned school closures, the calendars will be updated to reflect those changes.
SOCIAL CELEBRATIONS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
As we move into the month of April, the trending events and holiday acknowledgements listed below will begin to pop-up on social media. Here is a little information about the upcoming dates and what they mean.
Disclaimer: Some of the dates that were originally published on page 3 of the District Calendar (Cultural Calendar) have shifted. We tried to update them accurately below!
Month-Long Celebrations
Poetry Month
Launched by the Academy of American Poets in April 1996, National Poetry Month is a special occasion that celebrates poets’ integral role in our culture. Over the years, it has become the largest literary celebration in the world, with tens of millions of readers, students, K–12 teachers, librarians, booksellers, literary events curators, publishers, families, and—of course—poets, marking poetry’s important place in our lives.
Learn more about this month-long event, how to celebrate in school or at home and stay tuned for an opportunity to share your favorite poem with the community via social media: https://poets.org/national-poetry-month #NationalPoetryMonth #PocketPoem
Month of the Military Child
Every April, Military Community and Family Policy collaborate to support and celebrate military children and their parents during Month of the Military Child. Together, they compiled resources from across programs to help families discover the wealth of information and support they can turn to throughout the year. This year’s theme, Taking Care of Our Military Children, focuses on and promotes the variety of programs and support available to help military children, youth and teens and their parents thrive.
Check out the wealth of resources available to military children and parents: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/parenting/children-youth-teens/month-of-the-military-child
National OT Month
Occupational Therapy (OT) is a science-driven, evidence-based profession that enables people of all ages to participate in daily living or live better with injury, illness, or disability. This is accomplished through designing strategies for everyday living and customizing environments to develop and maximize potential. By taking the full picture into account—a person's psychological, physical, emotional, and social make-up—occupational therapy assists people in:
- Achieving their goals
- Functioning at the highest possible level
- Concentrating on what matters most to them
- Maintaining or rebuilding their independence
- Participating in the everyday activities that they need to do or that simply make life worth living
This month we acknowledge and share appreciation for the Occupational Therapists who support our students in and outside of our schools!
#OTMonth
Visit this website to learn more about how to promote OT online: https://www.aota.org/events/calendar/ot-month/10-ways-to-promote-ot-online
School Library Month
School Library Month is an annual celebration in the United States that recognizes and promotes the importance of school libraries and the role of school librarians in fostering literacy and supporting education. It is organized by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). The month-long celebration takes place every April.
During School Library Month, school librarians and libraries are encouraged to host various activities and events that highlight the essential role they play in transforming learning. These activities may include author visits, book fairs, reading challenges, thematic displays, and collaborative projects with teachers and students. The goal is to raise awareness about the value of school libraries and the impact they have on students' academic success, information literacy, and overall love for reading.
The celebration of School Library Month helps to emphasize the importance of school libraries as vibrant and dynamic hubs for learning, research, and creativity within educational institutions. It also acknowledges the dedication and contributions of school librarians in supporting the educational goals of students and fostering a lifelong appreciation for literature and knowledge.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is an annual campaign observed in the United States during the month of April. The primary goal of SAAM is to raise public awareness about sexual assault, educate communities on how to prevent it, and how to support survivors. This month-long initiative aims to foster a greater understanding of the prevalence and impact of sexual violence while encouraging individuals, organizations, and communities to take action to prevent sexual assault.
A Smore is currently being compiled for staff and caregivers. It will contain resources and reminders for ways that we can build (and raise) safe and respectful communities.
Daily and Weekly Acknowledgements
April 1 - 5: National Assistant Principals Week
#APWeek
April 2: World Autism Acceptance Day
World Autism Awareness Day is observed annually on April 2nd. It was designated by the United Nations to raise awareness about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and promote inclusivity and understanding for individuals with autism. Organizations and communities around the world typically engage in various activities and events to increase public understanding of autism.
Stay tuned later this month for an FPS Autism Acceptance Day (April 25)!
April 3 - Paraprofessional Appreciation Day
If you want to work in the field of education or you love working with children, a job as a paraprofessional may be a good place to start! This career allows you to supervise students as they do learning activities under the direction of the lead teacher.
April 4 - School Librarian Appreciation Day
April 7-13: National Library Week
During National Library Week, there are numerous ways to celebrate and show appreciation for libraries, librarians, and library workers. You can start by visiting your local library, attending special events, and sharing your love for libraries on social media. Consider volunteering your time, donating books or funds, and writing thank you notes to library staff. Participate in library advocacy efforts, challenge yourself to read new books, and organize community events like book drives or themed gatherings. However you choose to celebrate, National Library Week is a time to recognize the important role of libraries in our communities and support their mission of promoting literacy and lifelong learning.
April 8th: Solar Eclipse
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross over North America and will pass over Massachusetts between 2pm and 4pm. A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth. The sky will darken during this time. This will be the last total solar eclipse visible from the United States until the year 2044. See more in the Smore from the Department of Health and Wellness: https://www.smore.com/n/x2fme
April 9th: Eid al-Fitr
After Ramadan, Eid-al-Fitr (the festival of breaking the fast) is a three-day celebration with feasts and gatherings of families. This is an extremely important and cheerful time of year for Muslims, and students may be absent for all or part of the three days. Children often receive a new outfit or a small amount of money as a gift from their family for the holiday. To wish someone a happy Eid, you can say, “Eid Saeed” or “Eid Mubarak.”
A Special Event for Middle & High School Caregivers
Mental Health Essentials for Parents & Caregivers
Framingham parents & caregivers will learn strategies to include mental health as part of their parenting, how to identify when loved ones need support for mental health, how and where to get professional support, how to use strategies for self-care for themselves and their loved ones, and much more! This is strictly educational.
Visit https://bit.ly/FPSMHC to join the Zoom Webinar.
Conceptos Básicos de Salud Mental para Padres y Cuidadores
Visite https://bit.ly/FPSMHC para unirse al seminario web de Zoom
Fundamentos sobre saúde mental para pais e cuidadores
Visite https://bit.ly/FPSMHC para participar do Zoom Webinar.
Mental Health Essentials for Middle & High School Caregivers
Wednesday, Apr 10, 2024, 06:00 PM
Virtual (Zoom)
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
April 15: Patriots Day
To most Massachusetts residents—and long distance running enthusiasts—the third Monday in April is also “Marathon Monday.” Good luck to all of our community members running and to Team Framingham who raises funds to support incredible Framingham-based organizations!
Although Massachusetts officially observes Patriots Day on the 3rd Monday in April (April 15 in 2024), commemorative ceremonies and re-enactments take place at multiple locations throughout the month.: https://www.boston-discovery-guide.com/patriots-day-schedule.html
April 21-27: National Volunteer Recognition Week
National Volunteer Week is a celebration that places a spotlight on the amazing people who donate their time, expertise, and kindness to better our community and our world in general. This celebration was established in 1974 as an opportunity to say THANK YOU to those who volunteer with non-profits - but this is extremely relevant in our schools as well! It also challenges us to look for more ways to be active participants and partners in the raising of children who need us more than ever.
Whether you are a board member serving on a PTO; a caregiver who provides time, expertise, or money to support enrichment or staff appreciation; a community member who spends time in our schools through organization like Literations, Read-to-a-Child, JFS of Metrowest, or others; local youth group volunteers or athletic coaches - we thank you! Any effort made to positively impact our community is much appreciated!
Sources: https://www.pointsoflight.org/national-volunteer-week/
April 22 - Earth Day
Sources: https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2024/and https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/celebrations/article/earth-day
~~~~~~~
From Friday, April 5th to Sunday, April 21st, Keep Framingham Beautiful (KFB) invites the Framingham community to participate in the Great Framingham Cleanup 4.0!!! You can do clean ups on your own, organize a small group or join one of KFB's 3 group cleanups.
2024 Framingham Earth Day Festival
Join us on Saturday, April 20th, 2024, from 11 am to 3 pm for the 12th annual Framingham Earth Day festival! It's a family-friendly event featuring live music, environmentally friendly products and services, and enjoyable activities for kids. Let's come together as a community to celebrate Mother Earth. Feel free to bring your own lunch or show support for our local restaurants during this fantastic day of environmental appreciation.
April 22 - 26: Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week
Afterschool professionals, numbering over 850,000 in the U.S., play a vital role in the lives of approximately 7.8 million young participants annually. Despite their crucial work enhancing program quality and positively influencing youth outcomes, these dedicated individuals often lack the recognition and appreciation they deserve. Research underscores their significance, revealing that skilled afterschool professionals contribute to improved social-emotional skills, school attendance, and academic performance. As Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week approaches, let's acknowledge, appreciate, and advocate for the invaluable contributions of these professionals not only during this designated week but throughout the year.
April 22 - 30: Passover
Passover is a Jewish holiday that honors the freedom and exodus of the Israelites (Jewish slaves) from Egypt during the reign of the Pharaoh Ramses II. The start of this holiday is in accordance with the first full moon in the Hebrew calendar month, Nissan (or Nisan). For this reason, the date changes every year.
Every family has their own unique Passover customs - but it is common to have a special meal called a 'seder' where a plate of symbolic items helps in the retelling of the story. To honor the fact that Jewish people escaped Egypt and didn't have time to let their breads rise before going into the desert, leavened bread or bread products are prohibited during Passover. Matzo, flat square crackers, are a traditional replacement for the whole week of Passover. If you see Matzo in the grocery store and want to try a traditional Passover breakfast, here is a recipe for Fried Matzo Brei.
Source: https://www.parents.com/holiday/passover/how-to-explain-the-passover-story-to-kids/
Apr. 24 - National Administrative Professionals Day
On April 24, we get to acknowledge National Administrative Professionals Day! This is an important opportunity to celebrate our hard-working Administrative Professionals who support our schools and the district as a whole. Whether they are handling administrative tasks and coordinating information to ensuring the operation of any one of our office environments, answering the phones, completing clerical work, speaking with community members and colleagues, performing data entry, or record maintenance - their work is integral to our operation.
Apr. 24 - Denim Day
Denim Day is a day-long awareness campaign that allows us to honor survivors of sexual assault and start conversations about the dangers of victim-blaming. It was developed by Peace over Violence and is observed worldwide by millions of people. As the longest-running sexual violence prevention and education campaign, Denim Day asks people to wear jeans as a visible way to highlight misconceptions surrounding sexual violence.
More information around this campaign will be shared with staff and caregivers in the weeks to come to help navigate conversations in our community.
Save the Date: April 24, 2024 - Spring into the Arts
Framingham High School's 'Spring Into the Arts' event is an annual festival of art, poetry, and music. Community members are invited to the Art Show Reception at 6pm in the FHS Library and the Music & Poetry Slam Finals at 7:30pm in the FHS Theater (Please note, some of the poems in the poetry slam deal with mature themes that may not be suitable for younger audiences.)
April 25: FPS Autism Acceptance Day - WEAR RED!
When we learned that Brophy Elementary School planned an Autism Acceptance Celebration Week (April 22 - 26), we thought it would be nice to invite district wide participation!
Please join your colleagues, students, and entire school community to wear RED on Thursday, April 25th!
Almost everyone is “aware” of autism as it is so prevalent in our society. It’s now time to work on ACCEPTANCE! What’s the difference? Awareness is knowing something to be true. Acceptance is taking that knowledge and acting on it.
- What actions are you taking with your autism knowledge?
- Do you hire individuals with autism?
- Are you or your children a friend of someone on the spectrum?
A Special Event on April 27th
Cooler Communities Fair on April 27th
Framingham Public Schools (FPS), in collaboration with the Cooler Communities Program and the City of Framingham is inviting all residents to Framingham’s second Cooler Communities Fair at
Fuller Middle School on Saturday, April 27th, 2024, from 10 am to 1 pm.
FPS students will again show their amazing projects on climate change, energy efficiency, and related subjects, and Framingham’ sustainability committee will have lots of information for parents and community members on how to save on energy bills and live in more climate-friendly ways. There will also be free – and great! – food, ice cream as well as fun games and activities for children, and an appearance by the Framingham Public Libraries’ Bookmobile, if the weather allows. The event is free.
The Framingham Cooler Communities program is supported by the FPS Office of Equity, Diversity, and Community Engagement, the FPS Community Resource Development Department, students and faculty of various elementary and middle schools, the Framingham High School Environmental Awareness Club and the Sustainability Committee. Parents and families are encouraged to attend to learn about opportunities to help reduce the community’s carbon footprint and their own utility costs.
If there's a particular celebration you or someone you know participates in that we missed, or if you would like to add / correct anything included here, let us know by emailing communications@framingham.k12.ma.us. Our goal is to be inclusive, creating awareness for events observed by our community members. It is a work in progress. Thank you for your help to improve our messaging!