Tag Archives: APIA

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The person who was to become St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was born in Wales about AD 385. He died on March 17 in AD 461. That day has been commemorated as St. Patrick’s Day ever since. St. Patrick is said to have given a sermon from a hilltop that drove all the snakes from Ireland. Of course, no snakes were ever native to Ireland. Though originally a Catholic holy day, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into more of a secular holiday. It has been celebrated in the US since 1737. One traditional icon of the day is the shamrock. And this stems from a more bona fide Irish tale that tells how Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the Trinity. He used it in his sermons to represent how the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit could all exist as separate elements of the same entity. His followers adopted the custom of wearing a shamrock on his feast day. For fun ideas for celebrating with children see the Kids section on this blog.

Now,for a little bit of trivia,try to answer the following questions:
(answers found in the kids section of this blog)

1. When is St Patrick’s day celebrated?

2. Where is it celebrated? Name five countries.

3. How many colours does the Irish flag have? What do they mean?

4. How can you celebrate St Patrick’s Day?

5. Name some traditional foods and drinks for this day.

6. Name at least three symbols related to St Patrick’s Day.

EXTRA QUESTION:
* Can you name two important Irish rock groups? ( one from the 80s and another one from the 90s)

Trivia found on 4teachers.org website

Two Au Pairs nominated for Awards

Fabiana Geisler of Brazil was nominated by her host family for the International Au Pair Association Au Pair of the Year Award.Although she was not selected as a finalist,Fabiana is still a winner!Congratulations.She will receive her Celebration Award at our next cluster meetingFabiana Geisler

Paloma Gomez Rodriguez of Mexico was nominated for a Celebration Award by her host family for her outstanding work ethic,competence and confidence.She received her award at our last cluster meeting.

Paloma Gomez Rodriguez

Celebration Awards” are special recognition awards given to those who have shown a true commitment to the spirit and mission of the Au Pair in America program. Awards can go to host families, au pairs, community counselors, or anyone involved in the Au Pair program. Nominations can be made by any of the above!

“Celebration Awards” offer a chance for individuals to be recognized for outstanding performance in the areas of childcare, character, relationship as a family member, cross cultural understanding, personal growth and commitment to the program as a whole.

If you would like to nominate someone for an award, simply fill out and submit the nomination form linked below. Nominations are reviewed to ensure the nominees are in good standing. Au pairs will receive their “Celebration Awards” at cluster meetings, while all others will receive theirs via mail with a letter explaining the award.

Nominate someone who goes above and beyond! It’s a great way for them to know they are being acknowledged and appreciated!

Click here to download the Celebration Awards Nomination Form.

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY ON APRIL 22ND

image75876Earth Day is a day that is intended to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s natural environment.

Earth Day was born on April 22, 1970, in San Francisco, California. Every year, America and over 100 different countries join together in the celebration of Earth Day on April 22nd. Earth Day is the largest, most celebrated environmental event worldwide. On Earth Day, we remember to appreciate nature and learn ways to protect our environment. Find ways that you can help keep the planet clean and help protect our environment!

How can our cluster REUSE,REDUCE,RECYCLE ?

Use your AU PAIR IN AMERICA reusable bags to go to the gym,the class,the pool,the store!

Continue collecting gently used shoes,clothes,sheets and towels for ArtForHumanity.org and bring your items to our next cluster meeting !These items will be reused by less fortunate people and help them make a better living.

Walk or bike the many bike lanes in Arlington and Falls Church and leave your car at home!

Carpool to classes,events and cluster meetings!

For fun activities to do with your kids,go to:http://www.epa.gov/superfund/kids/index.htm

HAPPY EARTH DAY TO ALL OF YOU HERE and AROUND THE WORLD!kids_around_the_globe

President’s Day is February 21st!

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School is closed today! President’s Day is a Federal holiday created to commemorate
the births of former Presidents George Washington (Feb. 22) and Abraham Lincoln (Feb.
12). Throughout America, Presidents’ Day is observed by big sales in retail stores, closed
schools and no mail delivery.
Things to do with children: The United States has had more than 40 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?images-1

Valentine’s Day!

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Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14, dates back to ancient Rome.

Sending a valentine in the United States is not a serious declaration of love as in some other countries. Children usually send valentines to the other children in their class and to the teacher. Friends and relatives exchange valentines. For that we can thank Esther Howland, a young woman from Massachusetts, who in 1848 started the first mass production of valentines.Now valentine cards and candy are a fun way of keeping in touch with those we care about.

ACTIVITIES:

Make your own valentines: Although many store-bough valentines are designed for children, come in large packs and are quite inexpensive, it is lots of fun to make your own. Pink, red and white paper, crayons or markers and a little bit of imagination are all you need. Dress up the cards with glitter, doilies ,laces ,stickers, or feather if you wish.

Valentine Collage(ages 18 months and older): Prepare hearts of different colors and sizes, ribbon, feathers, etc. Older children can use glue on paper. For younger children tape a piece of contact paper sticky side up securely onto a table. Paper shapes will stick easily to the contact paper.

Heart rubbings( ages 3 years and older):First cut hearts of different sizes from heavy paper. Place those hearts under a blank piece of paper and rub over the shapes using the side of a crayon. The hearts will magically appear.

Valentine’s day Post Office ( ages 5 years and up): Set up your own post office at home. Decorate mailboxes for every member of the family. Use a rubber stamp to show that the valentines have been properly mailed. Deliver to the boxes.

Super Bowl Sunday!

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The teams battling it out this year are the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers. The Super Bowl is the annual American Football championship and a popular time for friends to gather in front of the TV. Each year millions of people watch the game – or the commercials! The show attracts not only football fans but also people who watch for the half-time musical entertainment show and also for the commercials. See ads from the past several years at www.superbowl-ads.com/2007/index.html. To learn more about football, visit the “Life in the US” section of this website, www.aupairinamerica.com/resources/life_in_the_us/football.asp.

Ground Hog Day is February 2nd!

220px-DogGroundHog-smallMV5BODMxNTA4NjIyMl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMDkxMjE2MQ@@._V1._SY317_CR4,0,214,317_Traditionally, the groundhog is supposed to wake up on February 2, and come up out
of his burrow. If he sees his shadow, he will return to the burrow for six more weeks
of winter. If he doesn’t see his shadow, he remains outside and starts his year, because
he knows that spring has arrived early. In the U.S., the “official” groundhog is kept in
Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and is called “Phil.” Though not based in science, it is a fun
US tradition. The movie, starring Bill Murray is hilarious!

FLU SEASON

CHECK OUT THIS WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON FLU VACCINE,SYMPTOMS AND CLINICS IN YOUR AREA:WWW.FLU.GOV

Healthy Living For The Fall And Winter Seasons:


A few simple tips for au pairs to avoid the flu this season:

Keeping a healthy body, mind and spirit = balance

  • Get enough sleep
  • Eat healthily
  • Exercise regularly
  • Take some time each day to relax
  • Rest or slow down when you feel tired
  • Maintain a balance between work, rest, relaxation and your social life

Stay healthy and avoid spreading germs

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer
  • Shower regularly
  • Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.  Germs often spread this way.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with the crook of your elbow or a tissue – not your hand
  • Put used tissues in a wastepaper basket
  • Avoid close contact with people who have cold or flu symptoms

Keep a clean and healthy home environment

  • Keep frequently touched surfaces clean.   These may include:

Ø     Kitchen counters

Ø     Computer keyboards and computer areas

Ø    Telephones

Ø    Doorknobs

  • Keep the children’s play area and toys clean.
  • Keep your bedroom as dust free as possible.  Vacuum regularly and empty your waste paper basket daily.

The Public Health Division is offering FREE flu vaccine at special clinics in the main DHS building from December 14 – 17.Please take time to go.It is better to prevent the flu than spending the Holidays sick and in bed!

FREE Flu Vaccine

WHEN:

Tuesday December 14 9 am – 12 pm

Wednesday, December 15 9 am – 12 pm

Thursday, December 16 9 am – 12 pm

Friday, December 17 12 pm – 3 pm

WHERE: Sequoia Plaza
2100 Washington Blvd.,  2nd floor
Look for signs to Arlington County Human Services

  • Vaccine will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Vaccine available for those 3 years of age and older.
  • Flu “shot” and nasal spray available.
  • Please wear a shirt or blouse with short sleeves that may be rolled up easily. The flu “shot” is given in the upper arm.
  • Free parking available on site.
  • For more information call the Arlington County Public Health Division 703-228-1621.
  • Vaccine will also be available in our Open Immunization Clinic, same location, Tuesdays 3:00 pm – 6:30 pm and Fridays 7:30 – 11:00 am.

* Vaccine Provided by the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA)