Let's Talk TPS
January 10, 2024
The History of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Ever wonder how long it can take to get a federal holiday approved?
Well, for the civil rights activists who witnessed the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. , the concept was introduced just four days later (in 1968), but it took 15 years to be approved by the federal government (1983) and another three years (1986) before the first nationwide observance took place. Then an additional 17 years went by before it was recognized in all 50 states. That’s perseverance - a word that aptly describes the honoree himself.
The Smithsonian has a great article on the efforts to bring this holiday about - which includes coming to a House vote in 1979 and failing by a mere five votes. Enter Stevie Wonder (if you just asked “who?”, please Google!) who wrote and released a song titled “Happy Birthday,” a tribute to King's vision and, according to this article, “a rallying cry for recognition of his achievements with a national holiday.” After many public appearances and performances of this song, often with Coretta Scott King by his side, Stevie Wonder’s wish came true. The bill came back to the House floor (in 1983) and passed overwhelmingly. It was met with further challenges in the Senate, but ultimately passed there too and was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan.
This year, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day takes place on Dr. King’s actual birthday - January 15th. He would have been 95 this year. This is the only federal holiday designated as a “national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer and improve their communities.”
You have the day off - go out and make a difference!
Yours in Education,
Michael Ben-David J.D./M.Ed.
Superintendent of Schools
TMS & THS Host Winter Concerts in January
On Tuesday, the 7th grade band, orchestra and chorus gave their fellow classmates a preview of their Winter Concert which is taking place on Wednesday, January 10th at 7 pm. The TMS 6th grade Winter Concert will take place on Wednesday, January 17th at 7 pm. Tenafly High School will be hosting its winter concert on Thursday, January 18th at 7 pm. Check the school websites for more details.
Kindergarten Registration Begins January 22nd
Kindergarten registration for the 2024 - 2025 school year will begin on January 22nd for all four elementary schools. Registration forms will be available on the TPS website Registration page in early January. Please do not send forms early as they will be outdated, and you will be asked to send the proper forms at the appropriate time.
NOTE: Registration for all students entering grades K - 12, will open on March 4, 2024 and will remain open and ongoing from that date.
Reminder: THS Open House for 8th Graders - Tomorrow!
Tenafly High School is hosting an open house on Thursday, January 11th at 7 pm. All 8th grade students will meet in the cafeteria at the front of the school. Parents and guardians will meet in the auditorium. This event will run for approximately one hour and will be a brief introduction to THS' academic and extra-curricular offerings. We hope to see our 8th graders there!
The American Revolution - A Special Reenactment
Maugham's 4th graders were transported in time thanks to the story-telling of a special Living Voices presentation on the American Revolution. The solo performance combines archival film and acting to explain the history of a moving, personal journey. The children are able to experience the Revolutionary War from the unique point of view of a free Black colonist. We thank the HSAs who sponsor these outstanding presentations, which help our students learn about historic events in a very unique way - through the eyes of someone who was "there".
Water, Water Everywhere!
Mackay's 3rd grade students are learning all about the water cycle (evaporation, condensation and precipitation). This week, guest visitors from Veolia Water Company came to review the water cycle process and discuss their part in the collection and cleaning of water. Ms. Starr, Veolia's outreach educator, also led the students in a special activity that demonstrated where a rain drop goes when it falls. The students paired up to create a bracelet consisting of beads that represent the ocean, a river, a plant, an animal, etc. During her presentation, Ms. Starr told the students that the Oradell Reservoir is now 100 years old. She also reminded the students that just by turning off the water faucet while brushing our teeth, we can conserve two gallons of water per brushing...that's A LOT of water per classroom!
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CarePlus Parent Workshop - Coping with the Winter Blues
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is commonly referred to as the “winter blues” as these months can cause temporary changes in mood that significantly impact daily functioning. SAD is a specific type of depression that is associated with seasonal changes. This virtual parent workshop (January 17th, 6 pm - 7 pm) presented by Care Plus NJ Clinical Program Manager, Joanna Buset, LPC, ACS, will provide ways you can support yourself and your family throughout this winter season. For more information, please visit the district website.
