Black History Month was created to focus attention on the achievements of African Americans, by honoring and celebrating their contributions to American science, history, and culture. Throughout the month, we will be highlighting individuals and their extraordinary accomplishments. Below are just a few examples of notable people who have had an enormous impact on our country and the world:

Carter G. Woodson was the person who thought of the idea of black history week in 1926, recognizing how people of color were underrepresented in the books and conversations that shaped the study of American history. It wasn’t until 1976 that Black History Month was recognized, to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.

Shirley Chisholm paved the way for women in politics. She became the first Black woman elected to Congress in 1969. Shirley Chisholm was both the first woman and the first African American to run for a major party as a Democratic presidential candidate. Chisholm’s presidential bid would be remembered for the power of her speeches, her courage, and her brutal honesty about racism, sexism, and the state of the country during the early 1970s.

I am not sure if the first half of this school year went by quickly or slowly. I suppose it depends on the day that you ask. The pandemic has profoundly disrupted our lives and communities. It’s essential to acknowledge how we made the best out of it, while also reflecting on the challenges.

As we start Marking Period 3, it’s an excellent time to take stock and do a mid-year reflection. With this year being so different from any other school year, sitting down with your child and thinking about what works and what needs improvement will help students and families make necessary adjustments to foster success in the second half of the school year. Simple things like eating well, getting enough exercise and enough sleep, and creating a designated workspace are examples of small actions that can make a huge difference.

Whether your child needs help to remember to submit assignments or stay focused during online learning, now is a great time to sit together to brainstorm ideas with your child. Many students are not used to reflecting on their learning in a structured way. Working together with your child to create new routines can help them develop reflective thinking skills and improve their performance during the second half of the year.

This newsletter from The Middle Years describes some tips for parents and caregivers and additional ideas about helpful discussions that you can have with your middle schooler and other related information.

5. There's An App For That- Contrary to popular belief, books are thriving in this age of technology. There are countless options for e-readers and digital books to be accessed on any and all smart devices! The Ramsey Public Library uses Libby as their app for patrons to access (free) e-books to read on their personal devices. Smith offers students the reading app Sora for our full collection of digital books. A great way to get yourself out of a reading slump? Changing up your reading format! Audiobooks are surging in popularity, and can often be the trick to engaging readers with exciting voice actors narrating excellent stories. An added bonus of audiobooks- you can listen on the go! Whether you're on a walk, a long drive, or getting some exercise- plug in some headphones and hear your next great read come to life.

6. Phone a Friend- The people we love often know us best! Ask around for some recommendations from your friends and family- find out what they're reading, share your interests, and you very well might find your next great read! Getting recommendations from people you know also provides some encouragement towards reading. If your friend just LOVED a book, that will incite your interest, and give you something to chat about with your friends!

7. Revisit an Old Favorite- There's a reason people use the phrase "An oldie but a goodie"! Sometimes the best way to get out of a reading funk is to go back to a book you've read before and loved. Remembering a story you enjoyed can inspire you to find another like it, and you may even notice something you hadn't before in an old favorite that makes it feel like new again.

8. #WhatShouldIRead- When in doubt, turn to social media! There are plenty of Twitter accounts/hashtags, Instagrams, Facebook pages, and even TikTok accounts dedicated to discussing and recommending great books! Sites such as GoodReads is also a great resource for book recommendations and for tracking your reading progress. Take some scrolling time for your next great read, and you may even make some friends in the process.

9. Creating Your Own Reading Nook- Location, location, LOCATION- it is everything! How can you expect to feel relaxed and engaged in your reading if your reading spot is uncomfortable or distracting? Find a spot you feel most at ease and make it your own reading nook! You can even personalize it to maximize your relaxation- maybe add some extra pillows or blankets. Keep some water or tea and snacks nearby to enjoy mid-read. Having a place to settle in and enjoy a book can make reading all the more alluring.

10. Speed Date with Literature- "Sometimes you have to kiss a few frogs to find a Prince" True of dating, and even more true with books! A fun way to determine if a book is right for you? Literature Speed Date. Here's how it goes- grab some books that at first glance look interesting to you. Give yourself 3 minutes (use a timer) to "get to know" your book- read the first few pages. If you don't like the book after 3 minutes- throw it back, there are plenty of fish in the sea! If you think you like it? Hang onto it! If you decide you like something else more, you can throw it back or you can walk away with even MORE than one great read!

Happy Reading :)

6th grade Digital Design students closeout marking period 2 with Mr. Kalman with some coding practice! (Left and Above)