May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month

Washington, D.C. - May 6, 2022 - (The Ponder News) -- The Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC), the premier organization representing Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) employees in the Federal and District of Columbia governments, is proud to announce the theme for the observance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May 2022: "Advancing Leaders Through Collaboration". This year's theme is a continuation of the "Advancing Leaders" theme series which began in 2021. In 2022, "Advancing Leaders Through Collaboration" further highlights FAPAC’s efforts in advancing leaders in the Federal and DC governments.

Collaboration involves two or more individuals, groups or organizations actively working together to accomplish a task or achieve a goal. Collaboration at its core, requires leadership. Collaboration improves team dynamics, enhances problem solving leading to increased innovation, process efficiency, improved communication, and ultimately overall success.

Collaboration across federal agencies in making decisions supporting and advancing leaders is essential to developing and retaining key talent at the leadership level. It also allows agencies to cultivate a sense of unity as they set and maintain a set of core values and goals for federal leadership staff. Embracing collaboration to advance the most promising individuals to leadership and management positions also demonstrates to all federal employees that they too should embrace collaboration within and across their subset of departments.

Organizations that are led by leaders who have been supported and advanced through collaboration foster transparency. This transparency allows for a culture of openness and trust, which further fosters diversity and inclusion, a variety of opinions and a robust discussion of ideas and approaches, which are all the foundational traits of a thriving organization that is at the forefront of leading change.

In addition to retaining the most talented leaders in the federal government and creating an environment of transparency, this type of collaboration across agencies sparks innovation in organizations due to the diversity of creative ideas and openness for dialogue and understanding.

FAPAC invites all employees of the Federal and DC governments, as well as veterans, to the 37th National Leadership Training Program (NLTP) taking place at the National Conference Center in Leesburg, Virginia from May 9-13, 2022. The FAPAC NLTP is a reputable training program for public servants that delivers high-quality workshops, networking opportunities, and practical strategies for personal and professional development as it relates to the 2022 theme. During this week-long training, FAPAC will also recognize public servants with the presentation of the Civilian Awards, Uniformed Services Awards, and a $5,000 Distinguished Public Service Scholarship Award. The NLTP will host a free career exhibition and development programs for Current Students, Recent Graduates, and Veterans interested in public service.

The FAPAC National Leadership Training Program (NLTP) aligns with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) requirements as an appropriate training for the Federal workforce in accordance with 5 U.S.C. Chapter 41 and 5 CFR 410.404.

FAPAC is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that supports the interests of AANHPI employees in the Federal and District of Columbia governments. Since 1985, FAPAC has been committed to its mission of promoting equal opportunity and cultural diversity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders in public service. FAPAC encourages the participation and advancement of AANHPIs in the government workforce.

May is National Nurses Month!

To all the nurses in our daily lives, The Stuff Gazette HONORS you!

We know how hard you work, and how invaluable you are. We would like to show our appreciation by helping you to honor National Nurse's Month!

Here are some great links to help you celebrate!

American Nurse's Association

You Make a Difference

The National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists

Duke School of Nursing

February 24, 2022 is National Chili Day!

Who doesn't like chili, especially when it is chilly outside!

NATIONAL CHILI DAY
Source: nationalchiliday.com
February 24, 2022
It is fitting that we celebrate National Chili Day every year on the fourth Thursday of February since there’s nothing better than enjoying fiery fare during one of winter’s coldest months.
Read more...

Celebrate National Chili Day the Legit. Texas. Barbecue.™ Way with Dickey’s
Source: Yahoo! Finance
February 24, 2022
“We’re very excited to put a spotlight on our one-of-a-kind chili and barbecue creations,” said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “There’s nothing better in the winter months than a warm serving of delicious chili and mixing that with our Texas-style barbecue is an unbeatable combination. Dickey’s has options to satisfy every member of your crew, and we look forward to celebrating this longtime Texas-favorite dish with fans this week!”
Read more...

International Missing Children's Day (May 25) brings focus to cases of missing children

Calgary, Alberta - May 25, 2020 -- (The Stuff Gazette) -- May 25 is International Missing Children Day, a day that is marked around the world to remember children who are missing and those who have been found.

The Missing Children Society of Canada (MCSC), uses this day to draw attention to cases of missing children across Canada, with a solemn reminder that children everywhere deserve to feel safe each day of the year.

This year especially, the Coronavirus pandemic is challenging our communities in ways we could never have imagined, and it's leaving vulnerable children and youth at greater risk than ever before.

"Our children deserve safe communities where they can grow and thrive. Today reminds us that we must work together to find our missing children and protect them from future harm," said Amanda Pick, CEO of the Missing Children Society of Canada.

MCSC has been engaged in the search for missing children and supporting their families since 1986. The organization has evolved from one distributing posters to find a missing child, to one embracing the latest technology to help police in the search for that child.

Last year, MCSC released the web app MCSC rescu, which is updated continually by police from across Canada with critical cases of missing children. It allows members of the public to access case information based on geography and to submit tips directly to police.

It was 1983 when U.S. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 25 as National Missing Children's Day. In 2001, May 25 was officially recognized as International Missing Children's Day, thanks to a joint effort between the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children, Missing Children Europe and the European Commission. The forget-me-not flower was recognized as its emblem.

The Missing Children Society of Canada urges everyone to join in the search for missing children. Access MCSC rescu to see cases of missing children and please leave a tip for police if you know something. Sign up to receive SMS messages about missing children in your area to help keep children in your community safe.

Public Service Recognition Week (May 3-9, 2020)

by Laborers’ International Union of North America

Washington, D.C. - May 6, 2020 - (The Stuff Gazette) -- LIUNA General President Terry O’Sullivan made the following statement on this year’s Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW), May 3-9.

As we mark Public Service Recognition Week, we should both honor and support those who serve our nation by providing vital services for federal, state, and local governments. LIUNA is proud to represent more than 50,000 public sector workers.

As we confront the pandemic, many public workers are on the frontlines facing unique and unprecedented risks. LIUNA thanks you for your courage and for putting the needs of others before your own. Every single American owes you an enormous debt of gratitude for your service and your sacrifice.

We must also continue to be vigilant in working together to protect the health and safety as well as wages and benefits of those in the public sector for all that they do to keep us safe and make all of our lives better.

LIUNA stands shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with public sector workers during Public Service Recognition Week and every day of the year.

May is Lupus Awareness Month

Washington, D.C. - May 2, 2020 -- (The Stuff Gazette) -- Lupus is a more pervasive and severe disease than many realize, as a number of its symptoms can be invisible. This May for Lupus Awareness Month, the Lupus Foundation of America is urging the public to join the nationwide effort to Make Lupus Visible, and raise awareness and funds for this brutal disease.

Many of the debilitating symptoms and impacts of lupus can't be seen, and can cause those living with the disease to feel isolated and misunderstood. Invisible symptoms of lupus include:

Organ involvement, affecting areas like the heart, lungs, kidneys or brain, occurring in approximately half of people with lupus;

Joint and muscle pain, causing weakness and loss of strength, which impacts 90% of people with lupus at some point during their illness;

Extreme fatigue, which can be debilitating, impacts as many as 80% of people with lupus;

Loss of income –Two out of three people with lupus report a complete or partial loss of income because of complications with the disease;

Feeling symptoms of anxiety (90%) and depression (85%) due to the impact of lupus.

"Lupus impacts every part of a person's life, whether you can visibly see the effects or not," said Stevan W. Gibson, president and CEO, Lupus Foundation of America. "The Lupus Foundation of America is on a mission to end the brutal impact of lupus, and raising awareness of the devastation that this disease can cause is incredibly important. We urge everybody to Make Lupus Visible this May by wearing purple, sharing facts about lupus, and raising funds for the critical research and support programs that our community relies on."

Lupus affects an estimated 1.5 million people in the U.S. alone, and awareness of how devastating this disease is remains low and misunderstood. That's why raising awareness, funds and making lupus visible is so crucial this May for Lupus Awareness Month. Even though many of us are physically apart due to the coronavirus, there are still several ways we can come together to Make Lupus Visible. People with lupus, friends and family members can participate from home or virtually by:

Sharing the facts about lupus, its symptoms and impact with social media posts, fliers and infographics available in our awareness toolkit, and by sharing our new "What is Lupus?" video that highlights the difficulty to diagnose, treat and manage this complex, unpredictable and cruel disease.

Starting a virtual fundraiser or Facebook fundraiser, and inviting friends and family to support the fight against lupus no matter where they live.

Celebrating Put on Purple Day on May 15 by wearing purple, making a donation, and sharing on social media and with friends and family why you are wearing purple to make lupus visible.

For more information on Lupus Awareness Month and how to get involved, visit www.lupus.org/lupus-awareness-month.


Lupus, My Doctor and Me: A Sacred Dialogue

May is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month

Baltimore, MD - May 1, 2020 -- (The Stuff Gazette) -- Bladder cancer is the 10th most common cancer worldwide and the sixth most common cancer in the United States. May is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month, a time of year when the Urology Care Foundation, the world's leading nonprofit urological health foundation, raises awareness about bladder cancer and its prevalence around the globe, and encourages the public to make direct, positive and healthy changes in their lives to keep their bladders healthy.

"Approximately 550,00 cases of bladder cancer are diagnosed each year around the world, including nearly 81,000 in the United States," said Harris M. Nagler, MD, President of the Urology Care Foundation. "It is important for men and women to understand the signs, symptoms and their risk of developing bladder cancer and to ensure they're getting reliable health education and information from sources like the Urology Care Foundation."

Risk factors for bladder cancer include gender, age, race and genetics. About one in 100 men and one in 400 women will be diagnosed with bladder cancer, globally. Bladder cancer is the sixth most common cancer in men and 17th most common cancer in women. Cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for bladder cancer.

Visit the Urology Care Foundation's Twitter, Facebook and Instagram platforms for free bladder cancer resources, including fact sheets, podcasts, videos and more.

The Foundation is the world's leading nonprofit urological health foundation and aims to support and improve the prevention, detection and treatment of urologic diseases through research and education. Visit www.UrologyHealth.org to learn more about bladder cancer and order or download free patient education materials in English or Spanish.

National Astronaut Day (May 5, 2020)

New York, NY - April 29, 2020 - (The Stuff Gazette) -- uniphi space agency, a division of uniphi good LLC, is proud to announce the fifth annual National Astronaut Day, featuring an incredible line-up of Astronauts, musicians and entertainers, all participating in virtual, free, family-friendly events, activities and performances on Tuesday, May 5th, 2020. This year, in addition to raising funds and awareness for seven charities, the campaign will include a social media campaign to thank the "Frontline Superstars" who have been working tirelessly during the global pandemic, a collaboration with Giving Tuesday Now, and specifically with Giving Tuesday Kids (GTKids), who will be actively participating in different Astronaut activities throughout the day.

In keeping with the tradition of other Astronaut and Space related celebrations, May 5th was selected for this significant date in history in 1961 when Astronaut Alan Bartlett Shepard Jr. became the First American in Space, aboard the Freedom 7 Space capsule. The brief suborbital flight, which lasted approximately 15 minutes and reached a height of 116 miles into the atmosphere, was a milestone achievement. This trailblazing example of heroic bravery and adventurous spirit is this essence of what National Astronaut Day is all about.

National Astronaut Day is honored to present an incredible virtual line up of Astronauts, musicians, entertainers, charity partners and collaborators, all of whom have generously donated their time, not only to celebrate and honor Astronauts, but to provide comfort and levity for all at this unusual and challenging time. Their gracious support, and the tireless dedication given by those on the frontline, is a true inspiration and a reminder that together we rise by lifting others.

May 5th will feature a wide range of not to be missed online events that include "Virtual Astronaut" talks, Q&A's, book readings & discussions, motivational videos, live music performances, Astronaut inspired music video & playlist premieres, model rocket launches, activities and more. Some events require pre-registration so please make sure to see the full schedule of events at www.NationalAstronautDay.com.

Scheduled participants include (and are subject to change);

Astronauts:
Clayton "Astro Clay" Anderson, Greg Chamitoff, Leroy Chiao, Cady Coleman, Frank Culbertson, Greg H. Johnson, Wendy Lawrence, Pamela Melroy, Leland Melvin, Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger, Barbara Morgan, John "Danny" Olivas, Garrett Reisman, Steve Smith, Nicole Stott, Soyeon Yi.

Musicians:
FolkUke, Michael Glabicki with Dirk Miller, Emerson Hart, Emmanuel Jal, Toby Lightman, Scotty Kilwein, Particle Kid, Jeff Russo, TDIII and more TBD.

Charities:
Challenger Center, Gua Africa, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Higher Orbits, Reading Is Fundamental, Space Center Houston, Space For Everyone Foundation

Collaborators:
Club for the Future founded by Blue Origin, Cosmic Crisp®, DreamUp, Estes Rockets, Giving Tuesday Kids, Giving Tuesday Now, Higher Orbits, Janet's Planet, National Day Calendar, One Orbit, Space Center Houston, Topsify, uniphi goods

The 2020 National Astronaut Day campaign includes many ways to participate including:
- Join the online Astronaut Talks, Q&As & Activities
- Watch & Listen to Live Online Music Performances from World-Class Musicians
- Engage on Social Media with the Augmented Reality (AR) Interactive Astronaut Face Filters
- Enter the Student Art Contest
- Thank the "Frontline Superstars" (on social media or print signs)
- Explore & learn something new about your own Universe, set a Mission and go on an adventure
- Print the National Astronaut Day Posters
- Read a book about Astronauts or Space
- Participate in the "at home" Activities on the National Astronaut Day website
- Donate to one of our charity partners

Updates will be posted on the National Astronaut Day website at www.NationalAstronautDay.com.

National Pretzel Day (April 26)

Washington, D.C. - April 25, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- Auntie Anne's®, the world's largest hand-rolled soft pretzel franchise, is celebrating National Pretzel Day on April 26 by giving away 25,000 free pretzels to frontline workers. In addition to nominating a frontline worker to receive a pretzel-pick-me-up, fans can claim their own National Pretzel Day offer when they download the Pretzel Perks app.

Pretzel fans can nominate their friends and family members who are frontline employees beginning Friday, April 24 through Sunday, April 26 at AuntieAnnes.com/Nominate. Auntie Anne's will randomly select 25,000* of these frontline workers to receive a free Original or Cinnamon Sugar pretzel offer, as a way to show appreciation to all those keeping us safe and healthy during this time.

Additionally, all Pretzel Perks app users will receive an offer for a free Original or Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel with the purchase of any pretzel item, valid beginning Friday, April 24. To receive this exclusive National Pretzel Day offer, pretzel lovers should download and sign up for the Pretzel Perks app by Sunday, April 26. The offer has an extended expiration to allow fans plenty of time to redeem it.

"At Auntie Anne's, National Pretzel Day is our favorite day of the year," said Heather Neary, president of Auntie Anne's. "We wanted to take this opportunity to share a little pretzel love not only with our fans, but also with all the frontline workers doing their best to keep us safe and healthy. From healthcare professionals and first responders, to restaurant employees and warehouse workers, we wanted to recognize their hard work and say thank you."

To find an Auntie Anne's location, visit auntieannes.com/locations. Auntie Anne's hand-rolled soft pretzels come freshly baked in a variety of flavors including Original, Cinnamon Sugar, Sweet Almond, Sour Cream & Onion, Roasted Garlic & Parmesan, and Pepperoni. For guests on-the-go, Auntie Anne's offers portable Pretzel Nuggets, Pretzel Dogs, and Mini Pretzel Dogs. With seven dipping sauces and a variety of drinks to accompany each pretzel, Auntie Anne's is bound to hit the spot any time, any day.

Earth Day (April 22, 2020)

A message from U.S. Representative Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL, 20th)

“Today, we observe the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Since we marked the first Earth Day, so many activists have fought dearly to honor our responsibility to protect our planet. Much work remains and our incremental progress has been just that—incremental and gradual—despite the increasingly clear signs and devastation of environmental degradation. Too many communities remain exposed to harmful chemicals, and the climate crisis is causing rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and more extreme and devastating weather events. The link between the importance of clean air, clean water, and public health is more clear now than ever before. Indeed, many of the factors polluting our air and driving climate change, such as carbon emissions, also worsen the risk of respiratory diseases, like the COVID-19 pandemic our nation is currently battling.

“House Democrats have taken action to deliver science-based leadership, which comes in stark contrast to the Trump Administration’s regulatory rollbacks and inaction. Last year, House Democrats passed H.R.9, the Climate Action Now Act, to reaffirm the Global Paris Climate Agreement after the Trump Administration’s misguided announcement to withdraw the United States from this agreement.

“Climate change is a global crisis that requires a global response. Being a Floridian means cherishing our land, water, and community. Today, we celebrate our environment and reaffirm our shared responsibility to act now to preserve our planet for our children and future generations.”

International Mine Awareness Day (April 4)

by United Nations

New York, NY - April 2, 2020 - (The Stuff Gazette) -- Decades ago, millions of landmines were buried in countries across the world. From Cambodia to Mozambique, in Angola and Afghanistan, thousands of lives were lost, with others altered forever because of one unlucky step. The outcry by civil society in the early 1990s drove the multilateral system to take a stand against the use of anti-personnel mines, leading to the 1997 Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction — known as the Mine Ban Convention — and other crucial frameworks. Today, many countries have declared themselves mine free, with others well on the way.

Now, the world is facing a daunting pandemic. The dangers posed by COVID-19 are forcing every country, and every person, to take steps that would have seemed unimaginable mere weeks ago. It is for this reason that this year’s observance of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action has been scaled back. The football tournaments, due to take place on land cleared of explosive ordnance, have been cancelled. The events aimed at bringing together the mine action community will take place virtually, if at all.

Yet, even amid an unprecedented crisis, we cannot let this day go unnoticed, nor can we allow the rights of persons with disabilities to go unacknowledged. Mines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices threaten some of the most vulnerable people in society — women traveling to markets, farmers herding cattle, humanitarian workers trying to reach those most in need.

Moreover, the achievements of the mine action community show that, in working together, we can reach milestones once seen as impossible — a timely message for our efforts today to suppress transmission of the pandemic.

Let us remember the people living under the shadow of explosive ordnance, from Syria to Mali and elsewhere. As many people around the world work safely from home, they will remain exposed and vulnerable. And, when the world emerges from today’s crisis, they will continue to need our support.

March is National Nutrition Month

New York, NY - February 19, 2020 - (The Stuff Gazette) -- Urban School Food Alliance (the Alliance), a coalition of the largest urban school districts in the United States serving 3.6 million students daily, will celebrate National Nutrition Month and the importance of healthy eating with a variety of activities in March.

"Providing healthy, appealing food in school cafeterias across this country is at the core of the Urban School Food Alliance and we want to celebrate the difference it makes in the lives of the young people we serve," said Dr. Katie Wilson, executive director of the Alliance. "Studies show that when students have access to nutritious meals, they excel in school."

Throughout National Nutrition Month, Alliance districts will highlight seasonal ingredients during breakfast and lunch, and feature new healthy and delicious menu items.

National School Breakfast Week, from March 2-6, is included during National Nutrition Month to highlight the importance of school breakfast. The group will adopt the School Nutrition Association theme of "School Breakfast: Out of this World." Food service directors will serve breakfast items with whole grains, lean protein, low-fat dairy, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

To cap off the festivities, on March 31, Alliance districts will celebrate Urban School Food Alliance Day by serving the same freshly prepared meal in cafeterias across the country. The menu will consist of roasted chicken, roasted vegetables, macaroni and cheese, fresh seasonal salads and fruits, warm dinner roll and low-fat milk.

"Serving the same lunch menu on Urban School Food Alliance Day is a chance for all of our 12 districts to show our solidarity when it comes to serving healthy meals," said Michael Rosenberger, chairman of the Alliance and executive director of Food and Child Nutrition Services at Dallas Independent School District. "We provide every child, high-quality, fresh and healthy meals, not only on Urban School Food Alliance Day, but every school day."

Nutrition celebrations have helped raise awareness for healthy meals served in school cafeterias, and the abundant access to local fresh fruits and vegetables to students. The 12 Alliance districts [New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Miami-Dade, Orange County (Orlando), Broward County (Fort Lauderdale), Palm Beach County, School District of Philadelphia, Baltimore City, Boston and DeKalb County (Greater Atlanta Area)] serve more than 635 million meals every school year with an annual combined budget of $800 million in food and supplies.

National School Choice Week: Jan 20 - 26

We are celebrating National School Choice Week; so, for more information, click HERE!

National Thank-you Note Day (December 26, 2019)

It's the day after Christmas, and time to say "Thank You" for all the gifts you received this year!

Are you looking for a way to say thank you for all the gifts you got this year? Click HERE and write a "Thank You" note to send to your loved ones and friends!

November is National Caregivers Month!

President Donald J. Trump Proclaims November 2019 as National Family Caregivers Month
NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH, 2019

- - - - - - -

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Selfless Americans across our country consistently dedicate themselves and their resources to providing ailing and aging loved ones with the care and support they need to live in their own homes and communities. Throughout National Family Caregivers Month, we pause to recognize the men and women who tirelessly work to improve the quality of life for Americans in need of care.

Caregivers help their family members live fulfilling lives by providing vital assistance in domestic, financial, and medical affairs. The responsibility of serving and supporting another person can be challenging, and the strength and compassion exhibited by caregivers is one of the greatest manifestations of genuine love we witness in this world. Their unrelenting support enables family members to live with dignity.

As we honor the innumerable sacrifices made in homes across the country, we affirm our resolve to ensure all caregivers are given the resources and respect they deserve. This support requires a commitment from community stakeholders and Federal, State, and local governments to equip caregivers with training and tools to use to safeguard their family’s health and security. This past summer, the Administration for Community Living held the inaugural meetings of the Family Caregiving Advisory Council and the Advisory Council to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. The strategies, informational resources, and technical assistance being developed by these councils will strengthen our Nation’s support for family caregivers and their work enhancing the lives of millions of Americans.

This November, we recognize and honor the commitment of those who exemplify the essential American tenets of devotion to family and compassion toward those who matter most in our lives. Through caregivers’ generosity, our vulnerable communities are able to fully experience the many blessings of our great Nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States do hereby proclaim November 2019 as National Family Caregivers Month. I encourage all Americans to reach out to those who provide care for their family members, friends, and neighbors in need, to honor and thank them.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fourth.

DONALD J. TRUMP

Veterans Small Business Week (November 4-8, 2019)

By Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)

Veterans have a big impact on the American economy.

There are 2.5 million veteran-owned business in the United States that account for more than $1.1 trillion in revenue.

In Iowa, there are 26,119 veteran owned businesses that employ 51,801 people and bring in $10.9 million.

Iowa is working hard to attract veterans and help them start and expand their businesses.

I honor these hard working entrepreneurs who have served our country by joining my colleagues in recognizing the week of November 4 as ‘‘National Veterans Small Business Week.”

October is National Principals Month

Congresswoman Susan Davis Introduces Resolution Honoring School Principals

U.S. Rep. Susan Davis (D-San Diego) introduced a House Resolution to honor and recognize the critical role that school principals play in education. Davis’s resolution designates October 2015 as National Principals Month.

“Leadership is one of the most essential elements for success in life – no less so in education,” said Rep. Davis, a senior member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. “Elementary, middle level and high school principals have consistently provided the vision, dedication, and mobilizing force behind successful school reform efforts. It is important that we take the time to appreciate and reflect on the skills, professionalism and dedication our principals bring to their profession.”

Principals set the academic tone for their schools and work collaboratively with teachers to develop and set performance goals and objectives, all in an effort to improve student achievement. Research by the Wallace Foundation has confirmed that school leadership is second only to classroom instruction in its impact on student learning.

In pursuit of educational excellence, today’s principals are expected to fill a large variety of roles, each complex in its own right, including: educational visionaries, instructional leaders, assessment experts, community builders, public relations experts, budget analysts, facility managers, special programs administrators, and guardians of various legal, contractual, and policy mandates and initiatives.

This is the seventh straight year Davis has introduced her National Principals Month resolution and continues her efforts in the area of school leadership. Davis recently introduced legislation to help schools create programs to find the best and brightest individuals to be principals of their schools. Her School Principal Recruitment and Training Act would provide competitive grants for the recruitment and training of high-caliber aspiring principals. Current principals could receive training to lead high-need schools.

The House passed Davis’s National Principals Month resolution in 2009 and 2010.

In addition to the national resolutions in the House and Senate, see which states have issued official proclamations declaring October as National Principals Month by clicking HERE

October is Apple Month!

Celebrate Apples in October by making great Apple dishes, sharing apple recipes on Facebook, and remembering always that an apple a day helps keep the doctor away!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Austin, TX - October 1, 2015 (The Stuff Gazette) -- The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the largest national professional membership organization for nurse practitioners of all specialties, together with National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.® (NBCF), has launched an awareness campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, publicizing the critical importance of early detection tools, namely self-exams, clinical exams and mammograms.

The organizations are conveying these potentially life-saving messages via wall-sized advertisements, which debut this week and next in three major U.S. airports: Chicago O'Hare International, Reagan National in Washington, D.C. and Minneapolis-St. Paul International. The advertisements will reach an audience of more than 330,000 each day, the approximate number of air travelers who pass through these hubs en route to their destination or returning home.

"As the primary care providers of choice for millions of patients nationwide, nurse practitioners play a vital role in ensuring women take advantage of early detection tools that can make an enormous difference in the discovery and treatment of breast cancer," said AANP President Cindy Cooke, DNP, FNP-C, FAANP. "With advanced education and clinical training, plus preparation rooted in the compassionate, patient-centered nursing model, our profession is on the front lines of ensuring patients best understand their breast cancer risk and take the necessary steps to protect themselves from this potentially devastating diagnosis."

"Our mission of Helping Women Now® among those affected by breast cancer directly aligns with the work of nurse practitioners who are true champions for patients in today's health care system," said Janelle Hail, Co-founder and CEO of NBCF. "We're thrilled to be working with the AANP on this extremely important endeavor."

Nurse practitioners play a critical role in health care delivery across the United States. With prior preparation and experience as registered nurses (RNs), plus graduate and often doctoral-level degrees, they provide primary care, as well as acute and specialty care. Nurse practitioners offer many of the same services as physicians, but with a distinct, holistic approach that's been proven effective, as shown by substantial, independent research studies demonstrating excellent outcomes and patient satisfaction.

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) is the largest national professional membership organization for nurse practitioners (NPs) of all specialties. It represents the interests of more than 205,000 NPs, including more than 64,000 individual members and 200 organizations, providing a unified networking platform and advocating for their role as providers of high-quality, cost-effective, comprehensive, patient-centered and personalized health care. The organization provides legislative leadership at the local, state and national levels, advancing health policy; promoting excellence in practice, education and research; and establishing standards that best serve NP patients and other health care consumers.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month

Minneapolis, MN - October 2, 2015 (The Stuff Gazette) -- October is National Bullying Prevention Month, which PACER Center initiated in 2006. Students, schools, and communities across the world unite together against bullying in October to raise awareness and encourage people to take action. National Bullying Prevention Month is supported by hundreds of schools, major corporations, and celebrities.

"National Bullying Prevention Month continues to grow in the United States and other countries as more people unite together against bullying," said Paula Goldberg, executive director of PACER Center, the Minneapolis-based non-profit that created the National Bullying Prevention Center. "We are grateful for the support from communities, schools, families, and our partners."

There are many ways schools and community members can participate in National Bullying Prevention Month.

Hold events and activities: Communities around the country mark National Bullying Prevention Month through creative events and initiatives. There are many resources, including classroom toolkits, free bookmarks, posters, and awareness-raising ideas available at PACER.org/Bullying.

Celebrate Unity Day: Students, teachers, community members, and employees will wear orange and send a united message of support on Unity Day, Wednesday, Oct. 21. Thanks to a partnership with CustomInk, supporters can wear the "official" Unity Day 2015 T-shirt. Proceeds support PACER's national bullying prevention programs.

Join Together Against Bullying (TAG): This new campaign launches in October. Individuals can donate at togetheragainst.org and receive stickers to "TAG" their friends and share on social media.

"October is a time when educators, students, parents, and community members can unite to share that they are together against bullying and united for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion," said Julie Hertzog, executive director of PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center. "Together, we can make our schools and communities safer."

About PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center: Founded in 2006, PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center, actively leads social change, so that bullying is no longer considered an accepted childhood rite of passage. PACER provides innovative resources for students, parents, educators, and others, and recognizes bullying as a serious community issue that impacts education, physical and emotional health, and the safety and well-being of students. PACER offers tools to address bullying in schools, the community, and online. For more information, visit PACER.org/bullying or call (952) 838-9000 or (888) 248-0822 (national toll free).