Upcoming Dates & Celebrations
May 2024
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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 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 May "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
- May 2 - No School: Professional Development
- May 8 - Collaboration Day: Framingham High School
- May 9 - Early Release: Elementary and Middle Schools (Professional Development)
- May 9 - Family, Friends and Neighbor Day (No Homework)
- May 16 - Early Release: Elementary Schools (Parent Conferences)
- May 27 - No School: Memorial Day
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 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.
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 and Week Acknowledgements
Mental Health Awareness Month
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.
Disclaimer: The information included above was also included in last year's Smore. At the time that we created this newsletter there was no new information for 2024.
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.
Resource for Educators: https://jewishamericanheritage.org/
May 1: School Principal's Day
Janet Dellaria founded School Principals' Day as a day dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the contributions of school principals at all levels, from elementary schools to high schools. This initiative aimed to shift the perception of principals beyond the stereotypical disciplinarian role and highlight the multifaceted responsibilities they undertake. With support from various teachers' associations, Dellaria sought to raise awareness about the vital role principals play in education.
The day acknowledges that principals are more than just enforcers of rules; they are educational leaders who manage various aspects of a school. Principals are responsible for helping students excel, overseeing both students and teachers, and meeting the expectations of parents. The recognition extends to the fact that many principals began their careers as teachers, gradually advancing to the principal's position. They often step into teaching roles when needed, demonstrating a deep understanding of student engagement and the learning process.
The celebration emphasizes that school principals are not only the heads of schools but also true educators who make a meaningful difference in the lives of students. Their roles encompass tasks such as meeting with teachers, addressing students' concerns, planning lessons, and working towards overall school improvement. School Principals' Day serves as an opportunity to express gratitude and awareness for the often underestimated and intricate responsibilities that principals handle in the educational system.
#SCHOOLPRINCIPALSDAY
May 3: 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 3rd. 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/2024-school-lunch-hero-day/
May 5 - Orthodox Easter/Pascha
(This date and explanation was incorrectly listed in last month's Smore. It was moved into May and the explanation was expanded. Thank you to the community members who reached out to fix this!)
Similar to the Easter explained in the April Dates and Celebrations Smore, Orthodox Easter/Pascha is an annual holiday commemorating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is also known and celebrated as Greek Easter, though many Orthodox people who observe this holiday are Serbian, Romanian, Russian, Antiochian, Armenian, Albanian, Ukrainian, and so much more. The date of Orthodox Pascha is different from the Western Easter, which bases the celebration period on the Gregorian calendar. Meanwhile, the Eastern Orthodox Church still uses the earlier Julian calendar for calculating the dates of festivals, including Easter. This means that Orthodox Pascha falls later than Easter observed elsewhere.
May 5: 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.
May 6: Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day)
Yom Hashoah, which is a Hebrew term for “Holocaust Day,” is an annual holiday observed by Jewish people. Yom HaShoah is commemorated on the 27th day of Nisan on the Hebrew calendar, which was the day the Warsaw Ghetto uprising began in 1943. The date on our calendar varies from year-to-year. In 2024, it begins at sundown on May 5th and ends at sundown on May 6th. Holocaust Remembrance Day is a day that has been set aside for remembering the victims of the Holocaust and for reminding each of us what can happen when bigotry and hatred are not confronted.
Antisemitism is prejudice against or hatred of Jewish people, and unfortunately, more and more antisemitic acts are taking place across the world. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) released in 2022 the Audit of Antisemitic Incidents which showed an astounding increase in antisemitic incidents in K-12 schools year-over-year. With the continued alarming rise in antisemitic incidents across the country, it is as important as ever to support and improve Holocaust Education, which helps bring more inclusivity, understanding, and allyship to our community.
For anyone looking to learn or lead conversations about this Holocaust Remembrance Day, please feel free to peruse resources shared by the ADL:
- Antisemitism Uncovered
- Echoes and Reflection
- The New England Holocaust Memorial partnered with Facing History and Ourselves to create a Virtual Tour in the classroom, along with lesson plans and resources.
- Digital mini-lesson on antisemitism: This 20-minute, self-paced, interactive learning experience supports K-12 educators, school and district leaders and student support staff in beginning or continuing their learning journey on antisemitism.
Framingham Public Schools acknowledged International Holocaust Remembrance Day in January by sharing read-alouds, books, articles, conversation starters, and a local event. In support of the Jewish community and honoring the history of the Holocaust, Framingham Public Schools also hosted a virtual event in 2022 which shared the personal story of the Holocaust survivor: Eva Schuster. Eva is the grandmother of fourth grade teacher Kim Tremlett. The recording of this storytelling experience can be viewed on Youtube: Remembering the Holocaust The Story of Eva Schuster
Sources: MyJewishLearning.com and the ADL (emails and website)
May 6-10: Teacher Appreciation Week
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.
For some ideas on how to celebrate your teachers, please take a look at these resources (or send an E-Card)!
May 7th: 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.
#TeacherAppreciationDay
May 8: School Nurse 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.
On School Nurse Day, schools, communities, and organizations often express their gratitude to school nurses through various activities, events, and gestures. This may include thank you notes, awards, or other forms of recognition to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of school nurses in supporting the health and wellness of students.
May 16th: Celiac Strong Day
Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disease that occurs in genetically predisposed people where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. It is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide, but only about 30% are properly diagnosed.
The Celiac Disease Foundation has named May 16th Celiac Strong Day and with that, has gathered helpful resources to help members of their patient community raise awareness of celiac disease during May. They encourage children to get creative to help educate their peers by giving a classroom presentation, making a video, or creating their own celiac disease awareness swag to share with their school or class – whatever they feel inspired to do!
We have created a separate newsletter to help educate our community that includes tips for all to consider so that our family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors can feel more comfortable at events and gatherings - or even their day-to-day lives. For example, here is a guide and links to some recipes, recommended items and other resources for gluten-free eating.
You can view the newsletter here!
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 18: 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 27: 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.
Keep a look out for information regarding the Framingham Veterans Services annual Memorial Day tradition!
FPS Events
Framingham High School's Honors Art Class Presents: MOMA - Museum of Muppet Art!
You won’t want to miss the Framingham High School’s Honors Art Class Presentation MOMA (Museum of Muppet Art) grand unveiling Wednesday, May 1st, at 5pm! The exhibit can be seen at the Project B Gallery at the Saxonville Mills and open gallery visiting hours will be on May 2nd and May 3rd from 7:00am - 5:00pm.
Read the full press release about the event here: https://bit.ly/FPSPR04242024
4th Grade Instrumental Sign Up Night
Attention all 4th grade families! On May 1st we will be hosting our first Instrumental Sign Up Night in the Framingham High School Cafeteria from 6pm - 8pm. Come participate in a "musical petting zoo" while also learning ways to rent and buy instruments for the upcoming school year. Know what instrument you would like to play next year? That's great! You can fill out the form on-site at the event or online after May 1st.