Friday, January 31, 2014

8th-Graders Go to Great Lengths to Cheer Up Classmates

By Ellen's Good News0

Best friends Mary Martinez Smith and Damian Marlow wanted to make a difference at their middle school before holiday break. All it took to make a positive impact on their classmates was a few wise words… and 800 Post-It notes.

The friends showed up early in the morning before other students arrived to Axtell Park Middle School in Sioux Falls, SD. They came with hundreds of Post-Its filled with inspirational messages, and put an affirmation on every student's locker.

"Some people they don't get compliments at all and they just feel as if they're worthless, and we wanted to make them feel like they're worth something because they are," Mary told KSFY News.

It took the girls two hours a day for seven days to complete the notes. The messages on the notes ranged from the brief to the poignant - the girls wrote things like "Never say never," "Don't let struggle become your identity," and "You have to fight through some bad days to earn the best day of your life."

"Not only did it make other people feel great, I just feel great for doing it," Mary says. The friends hope their small act encourages classmates to do something positive for others in their own way.

Thursday, January 30, 2014

The 13-Year-Old Who Is Championing World Literacy, a Million Books at a Time

Ellen's Good News
1-28-20140

Freedom begins in the mind, and one 13-year-old girl aims to liberate children the world over with a book campaign to advocate world literacy.

When she was only 8, Maria Keller took it upon herself to begin collecting books for kids. She founded her own nonprofit, Read Indeed, and this month surpassed her goal of sending over a million books to children in various parts of the globe.

The Minneapolis 8th-grader estimates she is bringing in anywhere from 10,000 to 15,000 books a month, mostly from Minnesota, but from other states as well.

For Maria, the initiative began with a personal love of books and a desire for all children to have the choice to share in her fancy. According to the World Literacy Foundation, one in five adults cannot read or write, 57 million primary aged children are not in school, and 123 million young people are unable to read or write.

The 13-Year-Old Who Is Championing World Literacy, a Million ...



To find out more about Read Indeed, and how you can support it, check the website.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Weather-Related Traffic Information from Greensboro, NC Police

Police Responding to Large Number of Weather-Related Traffic Accidents 
Hope everyone remains warm and safe during this inclement weather event. Good time to stay home if you don’t absolutely have to be outside……..
 
GREENSBORO, NC (January 28, 2014) – Adverse road and weather conditions have contributed to more than two dozen traffic accidents since snow began falling in Greensboro today.
People are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve. The safest place during a winter storm is indoors. If residents stay off the roads during a storm, transportation workers and public safety officials are better able to clear roadways and respond to emergency needs quicker.
If you must be on the roadways, to reduce your chances of being involved in a crash when driving in adverse weather conditions:
· Reduce your speed and turn on your vehicle’s headlights.
· Allow plenty of room between you and other vehicles. Stopping distances are longer on wet and icy roads.
· Keep your eyes open for disabled vehicles, and pedestrians who might be in the roadway.
· Approach bridges and overpasses with caution. These areas accumulate ice first. Apply your brakes gently in these areas.
· Avoid sudden braking. This can cause your vehicle to go into a slide.
If your vehicle begins to slide, remain calm and take these steps:
· Take your foot off of the accelerator.
· Do not apply your brakes.
· Turn the steering wheel in the direction the rear of your car is sliding.
If your vehicle stalls or becomes disabled:
· Pull off the roadway as far as possible. If safe, place a warning triangle approximately 50 yards behind your car to alert other motorists that your vehicle is ahead.
· Turn on your emergency flashers and raise the hood or tie a cloth/flag to the antenna or window.
· Stay in your vehicle and lock the doors.
· Run your car just enough to stay warm. Ensure the exhaust pipe is not obstructed, and roll down your window about an inch to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
· Call 911 for help.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

You Get What You Give 4:36 min. video

Have you ever doubted what difference you can really make in this world?
5-minute movie beautifully captures how the small things we do in our everyday lives can make a big difference.
Inspire yourself with this vibrant message... If you give a little love, you can get a little love of your own!

Watch - You Get What You Give >>

yougetwhatyougive.jpg

Monday, January 27, 2014

Parents Slap Daughter's Cyberbullies With Rare Lawsuit

In response to the relentless cyberbullying that has left their 16-year-old daughter feeling humiliated and unable to sleep, a pair of fed-up parents are striking back at the offending classmates in a unique and public way: by suing all seven of them for libel, and all of their parents for…

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Winning Isn't Everything 2:16 min. video

Watch - Special Olympics Story >>

specialolympics_sm.png


There's something MUCH BETTER than winning: watch the video.

Saturday, January 25, 2014

BackPack Beginnings

 
 
BackPack Beginnings is currently seeking volunteers for the following positions:
  • Event Chair
  • Food BackPack Program Subchair
  • Marketing Volunteer
  • Clothing Pantry Chair
Each of these positions are 100% volunteer and require 5-15 hours a week (with the exception of the clothing pantry chair). We are looking for volunteers that are dependable, organized, energetic and have the time to commit to the task at hand. Job descriptions are attached.
 
If interested, please contact me so we can discuss the position further. Feel free to forward on to others that may be interested.
 
Parker White
BackPack Beginnings Founder/ Volunteer Executive Director
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/BackPackBeginnings


Community Initiatives for Safer Schools


Research reveals a child needs
to be fed nutritionally and
to feel “safe, loved, valued”
for the brain to be
most receptive to learning.
Academic success increases
with a
“Focus on Safety”.

Community Initiatives:
Conduct sessions, led by Safer Schools Team members, to explore topics to assure an environment receptive to learning:

·“Fed nutritionally”: donate financial support to Backpack-Food Program for Children to provide nutritional weekend/summer meals
·Telling is not Tattling: It is a means of protecting oneself and others.Students are often the first to know critical information “under the radar”.
·Restorative Practices: positive learning, healing, and growth for all involved
·Tutoring/Shared Time: volunteers to support academic achievement and individual attention and affirmation


Friday, January 24, 2014

Power of Words 1:48 min. video

Change Your Words: Change Your World
radically change your message and your effect upon the world

Watch - Power of Words >>

Thursday, January 23, 2014

"I believe the answer lies in trusting one another."

"Whether signing the Declaration of Independence, leading a platoon into battle, or surrendering to one another, there are two duties of a leader at all times: He or she is in that role to serve others first and concurrently to lead them to an objective. A crucial and delicate balance is required. To achieve this, to serve well, he or she must serve with honor and lead with civility."
~Lt. Gen. Hal Moore

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Texas police officer reaches out to young man

Texas police officer Sgt. Ariel Soltura was patrolling the streets of Rosenberg on Saturday when he noticed this child playing on the street.

Monday, January 20, 2014

Martin Luther King: "I Celebrate MLK" link; MLK on Tonight Show

This is by the same guy who did “Teach Me How to Read,” and he typically does music for younger kids. The MLK rap is appropriate for all ages. Many students enjoy showing off their rapping skills! It explains some basic concepts of the Civil Rights Movement in child-friendly terms.

Sunday, January 19, 2014

"You can tell the value of an individual by the way

s/he treats her/his mate, by the way s/he treats a subordinate, and by the way s/he treats someone who can do nothing for her/him."     ~Ken Babcock

"S/he who assists someone up the hill cannot help but get to the top herself/himself."     ~Chinese Proverb

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Battery Fire Hazard

Any battery could cause a fire if a connection is made between the positive and negative terminals but because of the size and location of the terminals on a 9 volt battery it’s much easier for it to occur.To reduce the hazard simply place a piece of electrical tape over the end of the battery when storing or disposing of the battery.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
Margaret Mead

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

“Pray for the innocent children & others...our precious brothers & sisters affected by the Berrendo Middle School, Roswell, NM shooting. Wrap your arms around these families, and give them strength as they & we mourn this terrible tragedy.”


"Hug your loved ones, share kindness & respect to fellow humanity. Cherish shared moments and time...which are precious, fragile, fleeting."

Following was shared after Connecticut shooting:

"We have assembled a brief listing of excellent resources you can use to help in your efforts to talk with you and families about the shooting. Special thank to the following people for rallying quickly and consulting with expert to identify a few key resource. (There are a multitude of resources available but we think at this point in time, less is more.)

Our gratitude to Alfredo Aguirre, Director of Mental Health Services, San Diego County & Network Advisory Council Member, Wayne Lindstrom, President & CEO, Mental Health America, and Robert Abramovitz, Co-Director National Center for Social Work, Trauma Education and Workforce Development, Hunter College."


Scott Bryant-Comstock
President &CEO
Children’s Mental Health Network


"Someone remembers,
Someone cares,
Your name is remembered
In someone's prayers."

David Gaadt

"Challenges are what makes life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful."

The flipside of "don't sweat the small stuff" is fighting for the things you care about. At the same time, you should try to avoid battles you have absolutely no chance of winning. Remember, the things that help you be the person you most want to be are the things worth fighting for. Ask yourself, "Of the possible battles I may face today, which really matter? And of thost that matter, which will make the biggest difference if I fight them?

Doug Westmoreland

Saturday, January 11, 2014

"Whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe, and enthusiastically act upon... must inevitably come to pass!"      ~Paul J. Meyer

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

U.S. acts to keep minority, disabled students out of jail

The Justice and Education departments unveiled guidelines on Wednesday to prevent schools from violating civil rights laws and keep students out of jail after data found minorities and the disabled were more likely than others to face discipline or arrest. Attorney General Eric Holder said the…

Obama Administration Asks Schools to Drop Zero-Tolerance Approach

 Restorative Justice Practices and Conscious Discipline: peruse left page 5 of www.saferschools.blogspot.com

Saturday, January 4, 2014

"Fall seven times, stand up eight."..."I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day...


"Fall seven times, stand up eight."   ~Japanese proverb

I'd rather see a sermon, than hear one any day.

I'd rather you would walk with me, than merely tell me the way.
The eye is a better pupil, and more willing than the ear.
Fine counsel is confusing, but example is always clear.
And the best of all preachers, are the men (& women) who live their creeds.
For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.
I soon can learn to do it, if you'll let me see it done.
I can see your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
The lectures you deliver may be very wise and true.
But I'd rather get my lesson by observing what you do.
For I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give.
But there is no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.
~Edgar A. Guest

Friday, January 3, 2014

10 Tips for Raising Moral Kids

Home is the best school for teaching moral behaviors. Here are 10 parenting tips from Building Moral Intelligence: The Seven Essential Virtues that Teach

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Overcoming Adversity 2:15 min. video

‘It seems to me we can never give up longing and wishing while we are thoroughly alive. There are certain things we feel to be beautiful and good, and we must hunger after them.’ ~ George Eliot
 
Watch - Overcoming Adversity >>

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

World Day of Peace: FRATERNITY, THE FOUNDATION AND PATHWAY TO PEACE

In this, my first Message for the World Day of Peace, I wish to offer to everyone, individuals and peoples, my best wishes for a life filled with joy and hope. In the heart of every man and woman is the desire for a full life, including that irrepressible longing for fraternity which draws us to fellowship with others and enables us to see them not as enemies or rivals, but as brothers and sisters to be accepted and embraced.

Fraternity is an essential human quality, for we are relational beings. A lively awareness of our relatedness helps us to look upon and to treat each person as a true sister or brother; without fraternity it is impossible to build a just society and a solid and lasting peace. We should remember that fraternity is generally first learned in the family, thanks above all to the responsible and complementary roles of each of its members, particularly the father and the mother. The family is the wellspring of all fraternity, and as such it is the foundation and the first Francis pathway to peace, since, by its vocation, it is meant to spread its love to the world around it.  ...
Pope Francis' message for World Day of Peace 2014: 1 January 2014 - Full text