A Big Deal after All
I’m not just February
With icy cold winds that blow
And big mounds of piled-up snow.
I’m Washington, Lincoln, and Frederick Douglass too.
Who vowed for freedom for me and you!
I’m Valentine of airy grace—
With rosy-pink hearts and lots of lace
And pretty cards and flowers that people send,
To a dear loved one or even a friend.
Yes, I’m February – short of days and small,
But I’m quite a big deal, after all!
* Febrary 1 - 28 *
* * February 14 * *
Valentine’s Day is a fun-filled day of card exchanges with classmates, red and pink clothing, and lots of heart-shaped candy. Also called Saint Valentine’s Day, the Feb. 14 holiday originated in Europe, but is now celebrated by people across the world. The celebration of Valentine’s Day dates back to the 1300s. The name of Valentine’s Day actually comes from the Roman Catholic Church - the holiday is named for Saint Valentine and was historically celebrated with a feast in the saint’s honor.
* * February 21 * *
The festival of Mardi Gras comes before the Roman Catholic season of Lent. Lent is a period of 40 days that ends with Easter. The name Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday.” It comes from the fact that the festival takes place on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.
Mardi Gras festivities last for many days. In the US, a famous carnival occurs in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Mardi Gras season is marked by parades during the day and night. During the parades - trinkets, plastic beads, and brighlty colored aluminum cins are tossed into the crowds.
President's Day
Presidents' Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February; Presidents' Day 2023 will occur on Monday, February 20. Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, the holiday became popularly known as Presidents' Day after it was moved as part of 1971’s Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an attempt to create more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers. President's Day is now popularly viewed as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents, past and present.
ACE Parent Workshop ~ The Importance of Play
The Importance of Play is an ACE parent workshop presented by Grand Prairie Public Library. This workshop teaches parents how "playing" improves students' brain power,
physical health, and social - emotional well being.
In this workshop, parents and their children will create
fun games together.
The workshops are held from 5pm - 6pm at each ACE campus on the designated days below.
Parenting on the Go Workshops
The purpose of these sessions is to educate and empower our families with knowledge which may help them grow as a family and/or to support their students at home. Every month our topics will change and if you are not able to join do not worry! We understand that many of our families are "on the go" and for that reason we record these sessions so that you can come back at any time to watch any missed ones.
Join us every 3rd Tuesday of the month.
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/93655732791
English at 6:00 p.m.
Spanish at 6:45 p.m.
TOPICS
February 21, 2023 -------- Healthy Relationships
March 21, 2023 ------------ STAAR - Parent Focused
April 18, 2023 --------------- Coping Skills to use at Home
May 16, 2023 ---------------- Mental Health Awareness
The Director's Chair
Greetings ACE Families!
Can you believe it, it’s February!!!! I hope you all have enjoyed the new opportunities that we have provided for families to gather for fun, conversation, and learning with your children. This month we are focused on STEM. Our students will enjoy the “Can you find Fred” Challenge. Ask your child questions about this experiment. They will be excited to share our findings.
Sincerely,
Billisha Rice
ACE Project Director
Tammeka L. Foreman, M.A.T.
Email: tammeka.foreman@gpisd.org
Website: https://www.gpisd.org/Page/49821
Location: 650 Stonewall Drive, Grand Prairie, TX, USA