Upcoming Dates & Celebrations
May 2023
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OVERVIEW
This is the ninth 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 we are missing anything or you wish to contribute information, please email communications@framingham.k12.ma.us! We are open to feedback on these date-driven newsletters!
Stay tuned for the May "DNA" which will contain good news from around the district!
DISTRICT CALENDAR DATES
Operational dates listed within each month of the Annual District Calendar
May 11 - Early Release: E (PC)
May 18 - Early Release: E, M (PD)
May 25 - Early Release: E (PC)
May 29 - No School: Memorial Day
SOCIAL CELEBRATIONS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
As we move into the month of May, 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.
Month and Week Acknowledgements
Since 1949, Mental Health America, their affiliates, and countless others have observed May as Mental Health Month. They work together to spread the word that mental health is something everyone should care about. This year's awareness campaign is focused on how our surroundings impact mental health and encourages us all to look around, look within.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
In 1992, Congress established May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to coincide with two key milestones: the arrival of the nation’s first Japanese immigrants (May 7, 1843) and Chinese workers’ pivotal role in building the transcontinental railroad (completed May 10, 1869). The move expanded what had been Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week since 1978. In 2021, a presidential proclamation expanded this to include Native Hawaiians.
Source: https://www.census.gov/newsroom/facts-for-features/2023/asian-american-pacific-islander.html
5 Facts To Know About AAPI Heritage Month History
- Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month was originally a week; it was President Jimmy Carter who signed it into law in 1978 designating a week to celebrate the AAPI community.
- President George H. W. Bush signed a bill in 1990 that extended the week into the full month and President Barack Obama changed the name to Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in 2009.
- According to the 2020 Census, there are 24 million people in the United States who fall under the umbrella of AAPI, and the Pew Research Center has found that Asian Americans are the fastest-growing ethnic group in America.
- Lawmakers chose May because of its historical significance for the AAPI community. It commemorates the immigration of the first Japanese people to the United States, as well as Golden Spike Day (May 10, 1869), which marked the completion of the transcontinental railroad, largely built by Chinese laborers.
- Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month was able to exist due to the traction from the civil rights movement in the 70s; they were able to find momentum because of Black History Month and Hispanic Heritage Month.
Jewish American Heritage Month
On April 20, 2006, President George W. Bush signed into law an act establishing May as Jewish American Heritage Month, recognizing the more than 350-year history of Jewish contributions to American culture. Jewish American Heritage Month celebrates the achievements of Jewish Americans, fosters pride among the American Jewish community, and aims to educate and enlighten a wider audience about the achievements of Jewish Americans. This month is an opportunity for congregations to explore their history and look further into the larger Jewish immigration story. It is also a chance to share your knowledge and Jewish pride with your community and highlight Jewish Americans.
Source: https://www.isjl.org/heritage-month.html
Resource for Educators: https://jewishamericanheritage.org/
Eleanor Roosevelt initiated National Teacher Appreciation Week in 1953 to recognize and honor the significant contributions of teachers to our society. This week-long celebration serves as an annual reminder of the vital role teachers play in shaping the future generation. Since 1984, the National PTA (Parent Teacher Association) has designated a full week during the public school year to honor the people who lend their passion, skills, hard work, and dedication to educating our children.
This year (2023) some schools are celebrating Monday, May 1 through Friday, May 5th while others are holding it Monday, May 8, 2023, through Friday, May 12, 2023. For some ideas on how to celebrate your teachers, please take a look at these resources (or send an E-Card)!
May 2 (or May 9th depending on which week you are observing): Teacher Appreciation Day
Nested within Teacher Appreciation Week, Teacher Appreciation Day falls on the Tuesday in the first full week of May. This is a day to honor the kind, hardworking, and patient individuals who create an everlasting impact on our lives. And while one day is not enough, it is a good start. Eleanor Roosevelt convinced Congress of the value of instituting the week and a day that recognizes teachers’ contributions - and it apparently took 27 years for National Teacher Appreciation Day to become an official national day. The first National Teacher Appreciation Day was celebrated on March 7, 1980. You can see the timeline for this annual celebration here: https://nationaltoday.com/teacher-appreciation-day/.
May 5: World Portuguese Language Day
The date of 5 May was officially established in 2009 by the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP) - an intergovernmental organization that has been in official partnership with UNESCO since 2000, and which brings together peoples with the Portuguese language as one of the foundations of their specific identity - to celebrate the Portuguese language and Lusophone cultures. In 2019, the 40th session of UNESCO's General Conference decided to proclaim 5 May of each year as "World Portuguese Language Day".
The Portuguese language is not only one of the most widespread languages in the world, with more than 265 million speakers spread through all continents, but it is also the most widely spoken language in the southern hemisphere. Portuguese remains, today, a major language of international communication and a language with a strong geographical projection, destined to increase.
May 5: School Lunch Hero Day
Between preparing delicious food, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies, and offering service with a smile, Framingham Public Schools nutrition professionals have a lot on their plate. To celebrate their hard work and commitment, FPS schools will celebrate School Lunch Hero Day on May 5. This day, celebrated annually since 2013, was designated by The School Nutrition Association and Jarrett Krosoczka, author of the “Lunch Lady” graphic novel series. School Lunch Hero Day provides an opportunity for parents, students, school staff and communities to thank those who provide healthy meals to nearly 30 million of America’s students each school day.
Source: https://schoolnutrition.org/event/2023-school-lunch-hero-day/
May 7: World Laughter Day
World Laughter Day is an annual event celebrated worldwide to raise awareness about laughter and its many healing benefits, as well as about thousands of community groups around the world who regularly practice comedy that promote wellness and overall well-being. World Laughter Day is celebrated in most large cities around the world. Hundreds of people gather worldwide on that day to laugh together. It has been celebrated in Los Angeles since 2005 and has since spread all over the world as a way to express people’s love for comedy and laughter.
Is there any better feeling than a deep-rooted belly laugh? Not only does it help us to connect with those we’re laughing with, but there are a number of health benefits that are associated with laughing as well. This includes the following…
- Produces a general sense of well-being – One of the main benefits associated with laughter is that you’re generally going to feel better! If you laugh a lot, you’re going to be more of a positive person, and this can impact your life in so many different ways.
- The release of endorphins is triggered – Endorphins are the natural painkillers within your body. They are released when you laugh. This can help you to feel good all over while easing chronic pain at the same time.
- Boost T-cells – Laughter can also boost T-cells. These are specialized cells in your immune system, which are simply waiting to be activated. When you laugh, T-cells are brought to life, and they can help you to fight off sickness. So, next time you feel like you have a cold coming on, why not add some giggling and chuckling to your prevention strategy?
- Improve cardiac health – Laughter is an exceptional cardio workout, particularly for anyone who is not able to do other types of physical activity because of illness or injury. It will get your heart pumping, enabling you to burn around a similar amount to the calories you would burn while walking at a slow to moderate pace.
- Work your abs – One of the advantages associated with laughter is that it will tone your abs. The muscles in your tummy begin expanding and contracting when you’re laughing. This is similar to when you exercise your abs intentionally. At the same time, the muscles that are not in use when you are laughing will get the chance to relax. Is there any better way to get a toned stomach than having a good laugh?
- Reduce stress hormone levels – Aside from this, a reduction in your level of stress hormones is another benefit! This helps to cut the stress and anxiety that impacts your body. Moreover, the reduction of stress hormones can cause a higher immune system performance.
- Lowers blood pressure – Last but not least, laughing can lower your blood pressure. This can reduce your risk of a heart attack or a stroke.
Source: https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/world-laughter-day/
Since 1972, National School Nurse Day has been set aside to recognize school nurses. National School Nurse Day was established to foster a better understanding of the role of school nurses in the educational setting.
May 12: School Communicators Day
National School Communicators Day recognizes the valuable work of school public relations professionals. In our district, we are fortunate to have a dedicated team of two who works tirelessly to ensure transparent, timely, effective, and accessible communication about district planning, decisions and priorities to students, families, staff and our community. Through the website, social media, newsletters, and direct communication - they tell the story of our district, staff, and students day-in and day-out while serving as a strategic partner to district leadership.
May 18: National Speech and Language Pathologist Day
National Speech Pathologist Day, also known as National SLP Day, has been celebrated in the United States every May 18 since 2010.This professional holiday was created to recognize healthcare professionals who specialize in the treatment of communication, cognitive-communication, voice, and swallowing disorders. Speech pathologists, also known as speech–language pathologists (SLPs), speech and language therapists or speech therapists, are clinicians who specialize in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of speech, language, and swallowing disorders. Since such disorders can result from a variety of causes, SLPs often work closely with audiologists, optometrists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, rehabilitation psychologists, and other health professionals.
May 21: National Armed Forces Day
#ArmedForcesDay is observed on the third Saturday in May and it pays tribute to the military personnel serving in the United States Armed Forces. The celebration takes place each year during Armed Forces Week. The United States Military is composed of six branches, including the Army, Airforce, Space Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
Those looking to observe #ArmedForcesDay can:
- Volunteer for a veteran organization that supports those who are deployed.
- Organize care packages for service members or their families.
- Recognize a service member, you know.
- Learn more about the history of each branch of the military and how it has evolved.
- Discover more about your family’s military history.
- Most importantly, show support for those currently serving in the Armed Forces - Call them. Write to them. Send them a message and let them know you support them and respect the choices they’ve made to serve.
Source: nationaldaycalendar.com
May 29: Memorial Day
In the United States, there are several holidays and observances that honor the armed forces. Among those is Memorial Day. Originally called "Decoration Day," Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May to honor those who died while serving in the U.S. military.
Framingham Veterans Services are preparing for an annual Memorial Day tradition that pays homage to America's veterans. Each year, Framingham Veterans Services officials mark the graves of US Veterans with an American Flag. This year 5,000 flags will be placed in Framingham’s seven cemeteries by volunteers.
The organization is seeking volunteers to help them place over half of those flags in Edgell Grove Cemetery on May 20 at 9am. If interested in volunteering, Veterans Services can be reached at 508-532-5515 during working hours. A rain date of May 27 at 9 a.m. is scheduled.
A Special Event on May 13th
Cooler Communities Fair on May 13th
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
Harmony Grove Elementary School on Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 11am to 1pm.
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.