Monthly Archives: February 2015

So What is President’s Day Anyway?

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ_ic8Wp84rx_nulrFfxY4kww9U5hqphhDIB0XPDRH6sYzfe8BnvI77Cq5m

image004

Presidents’ Day is an American holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February. Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, it is still officially called “Washington’s Birthday” by the federal government. Traditionally celebrated on February 22 ~ Washington’s actual day of birth ~ the holiday became popularly known as Presidents’ Day after it was moved as part of 1971’s Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an attempt to create more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers. While several states still have individual holidays honoring the birthdays of Washington, Abraham Lincoln and other figures, Presidents’ Day is now popularly viewed as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents past and present.

To see a listing of all U.S. presidents go to http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents.  Click on each president to find out who they were and what they achieved during their presidency.  Most American school children have to learn their presidents,  this is a great site to go through with them and test their knowledge!

SCHOOL NOTE

Just in time for back to school, we put together a handy note for au pairs and host parents.

With busy schedules and last minute changes, something simple like writing a note for the school can get lost in the mix. Or maybe your au pair has just arrived and she’s not quite sure yet how to notify the school of any pick up/drop off changes. That’s why we put together this useful note! Print off a few, and you’ll be set for the year. It’s blank so all you need to do is fill in the appropriate information: date, child’s name, teacher, grade and include a parent’s signature. 

It can be used to grant permission, for absences, late arrivals or early dismissals, and has a comment section to include any other pertinent information.

Print off the note here (it’s a pdf file) and make your life a little easier!