November is a month filled with special days and celebrations. Let’s explore some of the special days and resources to help you and your family learn more.
Native American Heritage Month
This month recognizes the significant contributions of Native American people to our country’s history and culture. Learn about their rich traditions, art, and resilience.
October 31-November 1: Diwali (Festival of Lights)
Diwali, a significant Hindu festival, celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It’s a time for families to come together, light diyas (oil lamps), and exchange gifts.
November 1-2: Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
This Mexican holiday honors loved ones who have passed away. Families gather to create altars, share stories, and enjoy traditional foods and music.
November 5: Election Day
Find out how presidential elections work, and more about voting in the United States.
November 11: Veterans Day
During Veterans Day, we honor all who have served in the U.S. armed forces. Take a moment to thank a veteran for their sacrifices.
Let’s embrace the diversity of November and learn from these important cultural celebrations and historical events.
You can find these resources by clicking on the image below.
September 15 – October 15
Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from September 15th to October 15th, offers an important opportunity to recognize and appreciate the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. This month encourages us to explore diverse cultures and perspectives. Numerous resources are available to facilitate engaging and meaningful learning experiences.
You can find these resources by clicking on the image below.
THINKING AHEAD…
Spring has well and truly sprung and, while we focus on finishing out the year strongly, it’s also time to start thinking ahead to how we will refresh and replenish ourselves over the summer months. Summer is a great time to pursue a personal interest and also an opportunity to grow yourself as a teacher or learner!
Summer Learning for Teachers
Check out the options for learning new ways to use technology in the classroom by clicking on the image below to open the Tech PD catalog.
Don’t forget that there are also great growth options for teachers provided by other Perry Township departments! Teachers can sign up for upcoming PD sessions in TeachPoint now. Visit our instructions document for detailed help logging in.
SUMMER LEARNING FOR STUDENTS
Our community has many opportunities for students to grow and learn over the summer. There is also a lot of awesome learning content that can be accessed online.
Check out some of the possibilities by clicking on the image below to open the slideshow!
THINKING AHEAD…
Spring has well and truly sprung and, while we focus on finishing out the year strongly, it’s also time to start thinking ahead to how we will refresh and replenish ourselves over the summer months. Summer is a great time to pursue a personal interest and also an opportunity to grow yourself as a teacher or learner!
Summer Learning for Teachers
Check out the options for learning new ways to use technology in the classroom by clicking on the image below to open the Tech PD catalog.
Don’t forget that there are also great growth options for teachers provided by other Perry Township departments! Teachers can sign up for upcoming PD sessions in TeachPoint now. Visit our instructions document for detailed help logging in.
SUMMER LEARNING FOR STUDENTS
Our community has many opportunities for students to grow and learn over the summer. There is also a lot of awesome learning content that can be accessed online.
Check out some of the possibilities by clicking on the image below to open the slideshow!
Our fascination with the cosmos doesn’t end with the eclipse. Let’s use this momentum to spark curiosity about astronomy:
- Stargazing Apps: Turn your smartphone into a stargazing tool! Apps like Sky Map or Star Walk II use augmented reality to overlay constellations and celestial bodies on your device’s screen.
- Online Planetariums: Explore the wonders of the universe with online planetariums like Stellarium Web. Students can take virtual tours of the night sky, explore galaxies, and learn about distant planets.
- Citizen Science Projects: Engage students in real scientific discovery by participating in citizen science projects. Platforms like Zooniverse offer a variety of projects where students can analyze data collected from space telescopes and contribute to ongoing research.
Lights, Camera, Space Exploration!
For our younger learners (K-5), NASA’s [Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)] (https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/) is a treasure trove of interactive resources. Explore the wonders of our solar system with JPL’s groovy collection of “Space Place: https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/“, featuring age-appropriate games, activities, and videos.
Want to go on a virtual mission? Check out NASA’s “Eyes on the Solar System: https://eyes.nasa.gov/” which allows them to explore planets, moons, and other celestial objects in 3D!
Simulations that Blast Off!
For our middle and high school students, the website “National Geographic Education: https://www.nationalgeographic.org/education/” offers a universe of astronomy simulations.
Speaking of simulations, did you know you can explore the Milky Way Galaxy right from your web browser? Check out the “Milky Way Habitability Explorer” from PhET Interactive Simulations: https://phet.colorado.edu/. This fantastic tool lets students experiment with different galactic conditions to see if they could support life.
More Resources
The article “Best Solar Eclipse Lessons and Activities: https://www.techlearning.com/news/best-solar-eclipse-lessons-and-activities” offers a great starting point to learn more about astronomy.
Learn more about Space Exploration with Google Arts & Culture.
Let’s make this April a month of wonder and discovery!