Hey 4A! There are many famous authors who share their birthday month with President Lincoln and Washington. Check out the list below to see if one of your favorite authors will be turning a month older in February.
Jerry Spinelli & Meg Cabot - February 1
Laura Ingall Wilder - February 7
Mark Teague & E.L. Konigsburg - February 10
Mo Willems & Jane Yolen - February 11
Judy Blume - February 12
Clifford The Big Red Dog's Birthday - February 15
Megan McDonald & Lemony Snicket - February 28
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Washington D.C. Fun Facts
Hey 4A! Check out the link below to learn some really cool facts about Washington D.C. and some of the people who have called it home!
http://www.washington.org/visiting/experience-dc/kidzone/fun-facts
http://www.washington.org/visiting/experience-dc/kidzone/fun-facts
White House Resident Fun Facts
Hey 4A! Ever want to know who was the first movie actor to be elected President? Want to know which President received permission to build a movie theater and swimming pool at the White House. Check out the link below for a whole page full of fun and interesting facts about the residents of the famous White House.
http://content.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=4670
http://content.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=4670
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Did You Know Agricultural Style?
Hey 4A....! Here is a new feature of the blog. Every so often, we will have a did you know of agricultural facts. There might also be some trivia questions as well so you can earn tickets. Check out some of these cool facts....
The United States produces about 900 million gallons of ice cream a year.
Dairy cows drink 35 gallons of water a day - the equivalent of a bathtub full of water.
Illinois has just over 100,000 dairy cows that produce more than two million pounds of milk a year.
The average American consumes almost 25 gallons of milk a year.... that's 400 glasses.
It takes more than 21 pounds of whole milk to make one pound of butter.
Americans eat about 350 slices of pizza per second, or almost 3 billion pizzas per year.
The milk bottle was invented in 1884. Plastic milk containers were introduced in 1964.
Trivia (You can turn in your answers to me for tickets)...
1) On average, how many times a day is a cow milked?
2) These are America's top two favorite ice cream flavors.... What are they?
The United States produces about 900 million gallons of ice cream a year.
Dairy cows drink 35 gallons of water a day - the equivalent of a bathtub full of water.
Illinois has just over 100,000 dairy cows that produce more than two million pounds of milk a year.
The average American consumes almost 25 gallons of milk a year.... that's 400 glasses.
It takes more than 21 pounds of whole milk to make one pound of butter.
Americans eat about 350 slices of pizza per second, or almost 3 billion pizzas per year.
The milk bottle was invented in 1884. Plastic milk containers were introduced in 1964.
Trivia (You can turn in your answers to me for tickets)...
1) On average, how many times a day is a cow milked?
2) These are America's top two favorite ice cream flavors.... What are they?
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Loose Moose
Learn about a moose who broke through a family's window after playing a game of chase with a neighborhood dog!
http://news.aol.com/article/moose-gets-loose-in-washington-home/301405?icid=sphere_newsaol_inpage
http://news.aol.com/article/moose-gets-loose-in-washington-home/301405?icid=sphere_newsaol_inpage
Saturday, January 10, 2009
At 140, Lobster Earns His Freedom
A 140-year-old lobster once destined for a dinner plate received the gift of life Friday from a Park Avenue seafood restaurant.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090110/ap_on_fe_st/odd_liberated_lobster
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090110/ap_on_fe_st/odd_liberated_lobster
Did you Know President Style?
Do you know what Malia and Sasha Obama, daughters of President Barack Obama received for Christmas? Not the puppy they were promised, at least not yet. The girls were given the all-time best selling video game system. That's right, a Nintendo Wii!
Did you Know Fastest Growing States Style Trivia?
Hey 4A! Here's another chance for you to earn tickets. Just recently, a list came out listing the top ten fastest growing states in the country. Your job is to name the state given the clues below. You can turn in your answers to me beginning on Wednesday, January 14. For every answer you have correct, you will earn up two tickets. Answer as many, or few as you would like, but you can earn a total of 12 tickets if all are answered correctly. Good luck!
1. This WAS the fastest growing state in 2007. However, it fell to eighth place in 2008. It is located in the West Region, became the 36th state in 1864, is nicknamed the "Silver State," and is home to Mr. A's parents. Name the state.
2. This states comes in fifth place on the list. This state is known as the "Centennial State," and is located in the Rocky Mountain Region. Name the state.
3. This state comes in fourth place on the list. Known as the "Tar Heel State," this state was one of the 13 original colonies, and is bordered by South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia. Name the state.
4. This state comes in third place on the list. Known as the "Lonestar State," and is the second largest state in both area and population. Name the state.
5. This state comes in second place on the list. Known as the "Grand Canyon State," this state is in the Southwest Region and has a capital city of Phoenix. Name the state.
6. This state comes in first place on the list. It is known as the "Beehive State." Name the state.
1. This WAS the fastest growing state in 2007. However, it fell to eighth place in 2008. It is located in the West Region, became the 36th state in 1864, is nicknamed the "Silver State," and is home to Mr. A's parents. Name the state.
2. This states comes in fifth place on the list. This state is known as the "Centennial State," and is located in the Rocky Mountain Region. Name the state.
3. This state comes in fourth place on the list. Known as the "Tar Heel State," this state was one of the 13 original colonies, and is bordered by South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia. Name the state.
4. This state comes in third place on the list. Known as the "Lonestar State," and is the second largest state in both area and population. Name the state.
5. This state comes in second place on the list. Known as the "Grand Canyon State," this state is in the Southwest Region and has a capital city of Phoenix. Name the state.
6. This state comes in first place on the list. It is known as the "Beehive State." Name the state.
Did you Know Movie Style Trivia?
Hey 4A. Here's your chance to earn some tickets! Listed below are clues describing some of the top ten money making movies at theaters in the year 2008. Combined, movies brought in over 9.78 billion dollars in the year 2008. Your job is to identify the movies and turn in your answers to me beginning Wednesday, January 14. For every correct answer you turn in, you will earn two tickets. You don't have to answer all of them, answer as many or as few as you would like and get them turned in. Good luck!
1. Featuring the voice talents of Jim Carrey and Steve Carell, and based on Dr. Seuss' storybook classic, this computer-animated movie hit it big in March with one of the top spring opening weekends ever. The movie made over 154 million dollars.
2. In the sequel to 2005's animated animal hit, Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra and the rest of the zoo crew crash landed in uncharted territory, and "moved it, moved it" at the box office, kicking off the holiday movie season. The movie landed at number 7 making over 176 million dollars.
3. Armed with all the right moves and an all-star voice cast, DreamWorks' unlikely kung fu hero battled his way to box office greatness, nabbing the animation studio one of its biggest, fattest, fuzziest hits yet. The movie came in at number 6 m aking over 215 million dollars.
4.The animation wizards at Pixar rocketed to critical and box office success again with the biggest family movie of the year, an out-of-this-world tale of a lonely little robot with a really big heart. The movie came in 5th place at theaters making over 223 million dollars.
5. Christian Bale faced off against Heath Ledger for the highly-anticipated, action-packed follow-up to 2005's "Batman Begins," conquering the box office with not only the biggest movie of the year, but also the second highest-grossing movie of all time -- behind "Titanic" -- sending the Joker laughing all the way to the bank. This movie finished first at the box office making over 530 million dollars.
1. Featuring the voice talents of Jim Carrey and Steve Carell, and based on Dr. Seuss' storybook classic, this computer-animated movie hit it big in March with one of the top spring opening weekends ever. The movie made over 154 million dollars.
2. In the sequel to 2005's animated animal hit, Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra and the rest of the zoo crew crash landed in uncharted territory, and "moved it, moved it" at the box office, kicking off the holiday movie season. The movie landed at number 7 making over 176 million dollars.
3. Armed with all the right moves and an all-star voice cast, DreamWorks' unlikely kung fu hero battled his way to box office greatness, nabbing the animation studio one of its biggest, fattest, fuzziest hits yet. The movie came in at number 6 m aking over 215 million dollars.
4.The animation wizards at Pixar rocketed to critical and box office success again with the biggest family movie of the year, an out-of-this-world tale of a lonely little robot with a really big heart. The movie came in 5th place at theaters making over 223 million dollars.
5. Christian Bale faced off against Heath Ledger for the highly-anticipated, action-packed follow-up to 2005's "Batman Begins," conquering the box office with not only the biggest movie of the year, but also the second highest-grossing movie of all time -- behind "Titanic" -- sending the Joker laughing all the way to the bank. This movie finished first at the box office making over 530 million dollars.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Cute Things Falling Asleep
Want to see some videos that will make you laugh? Check out the following website below. The website features videos of babies, ducks, dogs, kittens, etc., who simply just can't keep their eyes open. The creator of the site ranks each video on cuteness and sleepiness, with a 5 being the highest score, and a 1 being the lowest score.
http://www.cutethingsfallingasleep.org
http://www.cutethingsfallingasleep.org
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Jackpot
Bernice Gallego, a 72-year-old from Fresno, California, has hit the jackpot. While digging through an anitque collection she had purchased, she discovered a baseball card. Last summer, she put it on Ebay for a starting bid of $10.00 . She started to think that the card could be worth more when lots of people started asking her questions about it. It turns out her hunch was right. The baseball card was 139 years old and was made in 1869. It featured the Red Stocking B.B. Club of Cincinnati, baseball's first professional sports team. This card is considered one of the first cards ever produced and could be valued at more than $100,000. There are two unique angles to this story. First, Bernice doesn't know where she even got the card from because she and her husband buy lots of different antiques from collectors all over the state of California. Second, Bernice has never even been to a baseball game!
Superstitions
Are you superstitious? Do you follow the same routine before a big game/performance? Do you carry a lucky charm? Learn about some superstitions of some college football players who will be playing in the national championship game.
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=207187&cl=11435830&ch=244008
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=207187&cl=11435830&ch=244008
Obama's Presidential Limo
Although said to not be finished yet, there have been some discussions and possible pictures of what President Obama's new limo will look like. Made by the Cadillac company, the new limo will be put into use during the inaugural parade by the Secret Service on January 20. The new limo, which looks like part car and part truck, is said to feature eight inch think doors and 5 inch thick windows. It is said to be build to blast-proof ceramics and other metals. Many of the other features of the new limo remain top secret. The unveiling of the new limo continues a tradition of the Secret Service. The Secret Service began the responsibilities of driving presidents after the death of Franklin Roosevelt in 1945. In 1965, Lyndon B. Johnson was the first president to ride in a bullet proof limo in an inaugural parade after the assassination of John F. Kennedy approximately two years before.
This is what many believe the new limo will look like (the color will be black, not gray) when put into service on January 20.
This is what many believe the new limo will look like (the color will be black, not gray) when put into service on January 20.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
What Does President Bush Do After His Term Expires?
Hey 4A! Have you ever wondered what a president does the day after their term expires? Well, now you can find out. President Bush has revealed what he and his wife Laura will be doing the day after Barrack Obama officially becomes president. You can read all about it at the link below...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090107/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bush_back_home
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090107/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bush_back_home
Did you Know Country Music Style?
Like country music? Did you know that Taylor Swift's new album, Fearless, has now reached its fifth straight week on top of the Billboard 200 music charts. In eight weeks, over 2,20o,000 copies of the record have been sold. Included in that number is 244,000 paid downloads. This makes Taylor's album the most downloaded digital country music album in history. Taylor Swift is also the first country music artist to reach two million paid downloads mark with two different songs.
Did You Know Video Game Style?
Do you know what the highest selling video game of all time is? If you said Super Mario Brothers, you would have been right if it was still December of 2008. However, Wii Sports has now surpassed the legendary Super Mario Brothers as the best selling video game of all time! Worldwide, the Wii Sports game has sold over 40 million copies. Remember this game comes bundled with the Wii game system. Non-bundled statistics show that Wii Sports is selling well too. In Japan, the non-bundled Wii Sports sold over 3.2 million copies in 2008 alone! Wii Sports has broken this record in a remarkable two years!
American Idol's New Judge Speaks Out
Are you an American Idol fan? The new season starts on January 13. Joining the three judges is a new judge Kara DioGuardia. Check out her thoughts about the upcoming season in the following article:
http://www.comcast.net/articles/tv/20090106/TV.American.Idol.DioGuardi/
http://www.comcast.net/articles/tv/20090106/TV.American.Idol.DioGuardi/
Seven Wonders of the World Contest
First, you can check out this article which explains how voting for the new seven wonders of the world will take place. Then, you can head to the second website and vote for the wonders that you think should be included.
Read about the contest:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090106/ap_on_sc/eu7_natural_wonders
Check out the list of wonders and vote here:
http://www.new7wonders.com/hp/
Read about the contest:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090106/ap_on_sc/eu7_natural_wonders
Check out the list of wonders and vote here:
http://www.new7wonders.com/hp/
Mule Saves Elderly Woman From Fire
Check out this article in which an elderly woman credits her mule, Lou, with saving her life from a fire that was destroying her house.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090106/ap_on_fe_st/odd_mule_alarm
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090106/ap_on_fe_st/odd_mule_alarm
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Amazing City Art Creations
Check out these amazing cities from artists all over the world who used various objects to create these amazing cities. First you will find descriptions of all the cities, followed by the pictures for each. Enjoy!
Chinese artist Liu Jianhua created this cityscape of Shanghai out of poker chips and dice.
What is it about San Francisco that inspired so many artists? Here's one by Zhan Wang, who used stainless steel pots and pans, as well as silverware to create his cityscape.
Artist Gayle Chong Kwan used hundreds of old plastic bottles and food packagings to create a cityscape of the lost city of Atlantis.
Japanese artist Enoki Chu created his futuristic cityscape out of polished old drill bits and machine parts.
For her exhibition titled "Uncharted Terrain," Grace Grothous made an imaginary topographic landscale out of discarded circuit boards. The little buildings are the circuitries that are part of the boards!
In his installation titled "Eating the City," Chinese artist Sang Dong used about 72,000 biscuits.
Liz Hickock's Jello-O San Francisco
Egg City
New Books - January 2009
Hey 4A! Here are some new books, along with a few award winners that you might enjoy!
Thrilling Reads
Blown Away - by Joan Hiatt Harlow (New)
Set in the Florida Keys in 1935, 13-year-old Jake enjoys an ideal summer with new friends until a life-changing hurricane strikes the island.
The Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio - by Lloyd Alexander (New)
A magnificent "Arabian Nights" - type adventure from the Newberry author of the Chronicles of Prydain.
The Puzzling World of Winston Breen - by Eric Berlin (New)
Fands of the Calder Game will enjoy this clever mystery, which includes puzzles for the reader to solve.
The 39 Clues Book Two: One False Note by Gordon Korman (New)
The second book in the new interactive adventure series!
Wait Till Helen Comes - by Mary Downing Hahn (New)
Fantasy
Deeper - by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams (New)
In this sequel to the New York Times bestseller, Tunnels, Will Burrows faces a new set of subterranean adventures taking place even further below the surface.
Dragon's Egg - by Sarah L. Thomson (New)
Mella, a young dragon keeper, embarks on a dangerous journey to bring a dragon's egg to the fabled Hatching Grounds.
Sister Magic: Mabel Strikes a Chord - by Anne Mazer (New)
When Mabel's parents buy her a brand-new piano, her little sister Violet gets jealous. Will the magic get out of control?
NonFiction
Abraham Lincoln - Biography (New)
Celebrate Lincoln's 200th birthday with this photographic biography of his childhood through his presidency during the Civil War.
The Founders - by Dennis Brindell Fradin (New)
Short biographies of the 39 men who created and signed the U.S. Constitution in September 1787.
Heroes for Civil Rights - by David A. Adler (New)
Collection of brief illustrated biographies of several prominent Civil Rights figures including Fannie Lou Hamer and The Little Rock Nine.
March On! - by Christine King Farris (New)
Learn how Martin Luther King, Jr. prepared his "I Have a Dream" speech and changed the world with his words in this moving account written by his older sister.
Award Winners
On My Honor -by Marion Dane Bauer
A story of two boys whose friendship is cut short when one drowns while swimming in a forbidden river.
The Watson's Go to Birmingham 1963 - by Christopher Paul Curtis
The Watson's, an African American family from Michigan, travel to Alabama in the summer of 1963 and witness one of the darkest moments in America's history.
The Winter Room - by Gary Paulsen
A young boy growing up on a Northern Minnesota farm recounts his old uncle's tales of an almost mythological logging past.
Friendship Stories
Lost and Found - by Andrew Clements (New)
Jay and Ray, the Grayson twins, are moving to a new town. Again. But on day one of sixth grade, Ray stays home sick, and Jay is on his own. No one at school knows he has a twin brother. The lost information could be very useful and fun! Maybe even a little dangerous. As these two clever boys exploit an oversight, each one finds new views of selfhood, friendship, learning, and honesty.
Smiles to Go - by Jerry Spinelli (New)
Shaken by the discovery that protons decay, ninth grader Will begins to focus less on science and more on the people in his life.
Willa by Heart - by Coleen Murtagh Paratore (New)
In the newest book in the Wedding Planner's Daughter series, Willa finds herself planning tow weddings, auditioning for a play, and preparing to become a big sister.
Accidentally Famous - by Lisa Papademetriou (New)
Meet Amy Flowers, a 7th-grader who marches to her own beat, in this newest book from the best-selling chapter book series for middle grade girls!
How I Survived Middle School - It's All Downhill From Here - by Nancy Krulik (New)
When school closes becuase of a snowstorm, Jenny is stuck hanging out with her former BFF while all her friends go sledding.
Eddie and the Jets - by John Attanas
No Talking - by Andrew Clements
The Sisters Club - by Megan McDonald
Smart Dog - by Vivian Vande Velde
Thrilling Reads
Blown Away - by Joan Hiatt Harlow (New)
Set in the Florida Keys in 1935, 13-year-old Jake enjoys an ideal summer with new friends until a life-changing hurricane strikes the island.
The Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio - by Lloyd Alexander (New)
A magnificent "Arabian Nights" - type adventure from the Newberry author of the Chronicles of Prydain.
The Puzzling World of Winston Breen - by Eric Berlin (New)
Fands of the Calder Game will enjoy this clever mystery, which includes puzzles for the reader to solve.
The 39 Clues Book Two: One False Note by Gordon Korman (New)
The second book in the new interactive adventure series!
Wait Till Helen Comes - by Mary Downing Hahn (New)
Fantasy
Deeper - by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams (New)
In this sequel to the New York Times bestseller, Tunnels, Will Burrows faces a new set of subterranean adventures taking place even further below the surface.
Dragon's Egg - by Sarah L. Thomson (New)
Mella, a young dragon keeper, embarks on a dangerous journey to bring a dragon's egg to the fabled Hatching Grounds.
Sister Magic: Mabel Strikes a Chord - by Anne Mazer (New)
When Mabel's parents buy her a brand-new piano, her little sister Violet gets jealous. Will the magic get out of control?
NonFiction
Abraham Lincoln - Biography (New)
Celebrate Lincoln's 200th birthday with this photographic biography of his childhood through his presidency during the Civil War.
The Founders - by Dennis Brindell Fradin (New)
Short biographies of the 39 men who created and signed the U.S. Constitution in September 1787.
Heroes for Civil Rights - by David A. Adler (New)
Collection of brief illustrated biographies of several prominent Civil Rights figures including Fannie Lou Hamer and The Little Rock Nine.
March On! - by Christine King Farris (New)
Learn how Martin Luther King, Jr. prepared his "I Have a Dream" speech and changed the world with his words in this moving account written by his older sister.
Award Winners
On My Honor -by Marion Dane Bauer
A story of two boys whose friendship is cut short when one drowns while swimming in a forbidden river.
The Watson's Go to Birmingham 1963 - by Christopher Paul Curtis
The Watson's, an African American family from Michigan, travel to Alabama in the summer of 1963 and witness one of the darkest moments in America's history.
The Winter Room - by Gary Paulsen
A young boy growing up on a Northern Minnesota farm recounts his old uncle's tales of an almost mythological logging past.
Friendship Stories
Lost and Found - by Andrew Clements (New)
Jay and Ray, the Grayson twins, are moving to a new town. Again. But on day one of sixth grade, Ray stays home sick, and Jay is on his own. No one at school knows he has a twin brother. The lost information could be very useful and fun! Maybe even a little dangerous. As these two clever boys exploit an oversight, each one finds new views of selfhood, friendship, learning, and honesty.
Smiles to Go - by Jerry Spinelli (New)
Shaken by the discovery that protons decay, ninth grader Will begins to focus less on science and more on the people in his life.
Willa by Heart - by Coleen Murtagh Paratore (New)
In the newest book in the Wedding Planner's Daughter series, Willa finds herself planning tow weddings, auditioning for a play, and preparing to become a big sister.
Accidentally Famous - by Lisa Papademetriou (New)
Meet Amy Flowers, a 7th-grader who marches to her own beat, in this newest book from the best-selling chapter book series for middle grade girls!
How I Survived Middle School - It's All Downhill From Here - by Nancy Krulik (New)
When school closes becuase of a snowstorm, Jenny is stuck hanging out with her former BFF while all her friends go sledding.
Eddie and the Jets - by John Attanas
No Talking - by Andrew Clements
The Sisters Club - by Megan McDonald
Smart Dog - by Vivian Vande Velde
Did You Know?
Did you know that the average number of pounds gained by Americans between Thanksgiving and Christmas each year is 0.8 .
Black History Month Websites
www.blackpast.org
This site provides reference materials on Black history in the United States and on the history of people of African Ancestry around the world. Materials include biographies, speeches, images, and more!
This posting is not complete. Feel free to add what you learned from these sites or add your own site for your classmates to visit!
This site provides reference materials on Black history in the United States and on the history of people of African Ancestry around the world. Materials include biographies, speeches, images, and more!
This posting is not complete. Feel free to add what you learned from these sites or add your own site for your classmates to visit!
February Diversity Calendar
February - Library Lovers Month
During February, we celebrate libraries of all types and work to ensure that they will continue to serve.
February - Black History Month
Begun largely through the efforts of Black scholar and historian Carter G. Woodson, Black History Month was originally celebrated as a weeklong event. In 1976, Congress expanded the observance to the entire month of February.
February 14 - St. Valentine's Day
Associated long ago with the possibly pre-Roman feast of Lupercalia, then with three early Christian martyrs, Valentine's Day is presently a day to express affection and love. People send cards to each other and give gifts such as candy and flowers. The image most associated with this holiday is that of the heart.
February 21 - International Mother Language Day
This observance promotes people's uniqueness and cultural diversity by highlighting their native languages, many in danger of disappearing.
Please feel free to add additional events for your classmates to read!
During February, we celebrate libraries of all types and work to ensure that they will continue to serve.
February - Black History Month
Begun largely through the efforts of Black scholar and historian Carter G. Woodson, Black History Month was originally celebrated as a weeklong event. In 1976, Congress expanded the observance to the entire month of February.
February 14 - St. Valentine's Day
Associated long ago with the possibly pre-Roman feast of Lupercalia, then with three early Christian martyrs, Valentine's Day is presently a day to express affection and love. People send cards to each other and give gifts such as candy and flowers. The image most associated with this holiday is that of the heart.
February 21 - International Mother Language Day
This observance promotes people's uniqueness and cultural diversity by highlighting their native languages, many in danger of disappearing.
Please feel free to add additional events for your classmates to read!
Monday, January 5, 2009
January Diversity Calendar
January 1 - Emancipation Proclamation
In 1863, President Lincoln proclaimed that all slaves living within rebelling Confederate states "are, and henceforth shall be, free."
January 1-3 - Japanese New Year
Japan celebrates the 20th year of Emperor Akihito's reign. People decorate their entrances, wear ceremonial attire, eat special foods, visit shrines, and listen to temple bells ring.
January 18 - World Religion Day
This day emphasizes that the religions of the world must strive for unity among people.
January 19 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
Always celebrated on the third Monday in January, this federal holiday honors Reverend King's life and commitment to equality, unity, and community service. For more information go to www.mlkday.org
January 26 - Lunar (Chinese New Year)
It's the year of the Ox! To prepare for this major holiday, people clear their homes, buy new clothes and shoes, and get new haircuts. The biggest event is the New Year dinner that celebrates family ties.
January 26 - January 30 - No Name-Calling Week
This week is aimed at ending name-calling of all kinds and providing school communities with tools and inspiration to talk about ways to eliminate bullying.
If you know of any other important dates, please feel free to post them on the blog so your classmates can see them!
In 1863, President Lincoln proclaimed that all slaves living within rebelling Confederate states "are, and henceforth shall be, free."
January 1-3 - Japanese New Year
Japan celebrates the 20th year of Emperor Akihito's reign. People decorate their entrances, wear ceremonial attire, eat special foods, visit shrines, and listen to temple bells ring.
January 18 - World Religion Day
This day emphasizes that the religions of the world must strive for unity among people.
January 19 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
Always celebrated on the third Monday in January, this federal holiday honors Reverend King's life and commitment to equality, unity, and community service. For more information go to www.mlkday.org
January 26 - Lunar (Chinese New Year)
It's the year of the Ox! To prepare for this major holiday, people clear their homes, buy new clothes and shoes, and get new haircuts. The biggest event is the New Year dinner that celebrates family ties.
January 26 - January 30 - No Name-Calling Week
This week is aimed at ending name-calling of all kinds and providing school communities with tools and inspiration to talk about ways to eliminate bullying.
If you know of any other important dates, please feel free to post them on the blog so your classmates can see them!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Did You See That?
Hey 4A! Did you see this amazing jump on New Year's Eve? Daredevil biker Robbie Maddison attempted to set a world record by jumping over the Arc De Triomphe at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas. There were two parts to the jump. The first was to make it over the initial structure and the second was to land a free fall of over ten stories high. Did he make it? You will have to watch to find out! Be sure to post your thoughts on this video after you watch it.
Robbie's Jump
http://www.grindtv.com/video/moto/robbie_maddison_nails_it_jumps_120ft_to_top_of_arc_de_triomphe_1/
Also on New Year's Eve, daredevil Rhys Millen nearly landed the first ever backflip in a truck. Rhys was able to do a backflip in his truck, but the truck did not land successfully. Rhys was alright after the jump (that's why it is on here). Check out this second attempt at history in one record breaking night!
http://www.grindtv.com/video/moto/rhys_millen_nearly_lands_truck_backflip/
Robbie's Jump
http://www.grindtv.com/video/moto/robbie_maddison_nails_it_jumps_120ft_to_top_of_arc_de_triomphe_1/
Also on New Year's Eve, daredevil Rhys Millen nearly landed the first ever backflip in a truck. Rhys was able to do a backflip in his truck, but the truck did not land successfully. Rhys was alright after the jump (that's why it is on here). Check out this second attempt at history in one record breaking night!
http://www.grindtv.com/video/moto/rhys_millen_nearly_lands_truck_backflip/