The United States has one of the fastest and most accurate postal systems in the world. The US Postal Service (USPS) has many helpful tips for addressing and sending your letters and packages. Continue reading
Monthly Archives: February 2019
Privacy & Personal Information Online
We live in a time of constant sharing through social media. We often share pictures, plans of somewhere we are going or rants about problems, without thinking much about who will see it and what could be the consequences.
Before clicking “post”, stop to think:
- Am I violating someone’s privacy?
- Am I sharing personal info. that could put me in danger?
- Would I want my current or a future employer to see this?
This will help protect your privacy and safety as well as that of your host family. It is important to respect your host family’s privacy and not share personal details and information. This applies to all kinds of situations, including: personal conversations, email and social websites.
For your own safety, it is a good idea to be careful what personal information you share about yourself as well. You should not give out information like your telephone number and address to people you don’t know. Safer to meet a new friend in a public place, than to give them your address before knowing them.
Once you post something on the internet (even if you later delete it), it can show up elsewhere. Unless you have specific permission from your host family, you should never post pictures of them, their children or their home on the internet.
If you have a blog or website where you post in your native language, remember there is translation software. So, even if you say it in your native language, be sure it is not something that might be misinterpreted in translation or something you will regret saying.
Presidents Day
Presidents Day is a Federal holiday created to commemorate the births of former Presidents George Washington (Feb. 22) and Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12).
In 2019, Presidents Day is celebrated on February 18th. Throughout America, Presidents Day is observed by big sales in the stores and no mail delivery. School is probably closed on February 18th in honor of Presidents Day, too.
Presidents Day Fun Facts and Questions for Host Kids
- The United States has had 45 presidents. How many can the children name?
- Who has been president during their lifetime?
- Take a look at American coins and bills; who are the Presidents pictured on each coin and bill?
- Apostrophe or not? You’ll see references to the holiday as Presidents Day, President’s Day, and Presidents’ Day. Learn more about the confusion surrounding whom this holiday honors in this Washington Post article.
- Presidents’ Day fact or fiction
- 10 things you may not know about Abraham Lincoln
- 10 things you didn’t know about Thomas Jefferson
Celebrate Presidents Day in DC
Valentine’s Day Activities
Valentine’s Day is a time of love, friendship, giving, and caring. Americans use Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to tell friends and family how much they care. Celebrated on February 14th, children usually exchange cards at school on that day or one close to the holiday.
Au Pair in America’s Valentine’s Day Pinterest Pinboard has lots of ideas for fun crafts and activities.
Have a happy Valentine’s Day!