Cultural & Historical Dates of Significance
September
The dates below were researched and prepared by the Educational Research Service, a non-profit organization dedicated to information and research for K-12 education leaders and the public. The organization was founded by seven national school management associations to help provide quality, objective research and information to help day-to-day school operations and long-range planning. The inclusion or omission of a particular observance implies neither approval nor disapproval by ERS. The group welcomes suggestions for other observances that might help improve this listing. Visit their web site at www.ers.org.
Sept. 1-30 Library Card Sign-Up Month Established by joint resolution of Congress as an annual reminder to ensure all children have library cards. Information and materials available from American Library Association, Public Information Office, 50 East Huron, Chicago, IL 60611. Phone: (800) 545-2433. Email: library@ala.org Web site: www.ala.org.
Sept. 3 Labor Day Legal holiday in all states and Canada to honor working people. Observed on the first Monday in September.
Sept. 3 Treaty of Paris Anniversary Treaty between Britain and the United States ending the Revolutionary War; signed in Paris on this day in 1783.
Sept. 4 Richard Wright's Birthday Prominent African American novelist; lived 1908-1960. His first major novel, Native Son, was published in 1940.
Sept. 5 First Continental Congress Fifty-six delegates representing 11 colonies assembled in Philadelphia Assembly on this date in 1774. They protested British measures and called for civil disobedience.
Sept. 6 Marie Zakrzewska's Birthday Polish American physician; lived 1829-1902. She was responsible for the establishment of the New York Infirmary for Women and Children, the New England Hospital for Women and Children, and the Philadelphia Women's Hospital. She was a leading proponent of education for African American nurses.
Sept. 8 International Literacy Day A day to highlight the importance of reading, particularly from a multicultural, international perspective. Sponsored on this date each year by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization and the International Reading Association. Information from International Reading Association, 800 Barksdale Road, P.O. Box 8139, Newark, DE 19714-8139. Phone: (302) 731-1600, ext. 293. Fax: (302) 731-1057. Email: pubinfo@reading.org Web site: www.reading.org/association/meetings/literacy_day.html
Sept. 9 Grandparents' Day A day for showing appreciation to grandparents. Always observed on the first Sunday after Labor Day. Information and materials available from the National Grandparents' Day Council, 1449 Antero Drive, Loveland, CO 80538. Email: info@grandparents-day.com Web site: www.grandparents-day.com
Sept. 11 Patriot Day A day to honor the victims who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. On this date, terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners, crashing the first two into the World Trade Center in New York City, the third into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and the fourth (Flight 93) into Somerset County, Pennsylvania. Approximately 3,000 people were killed.
Sept. 13-14 Rosh Hashanah Begins at sunset, September 12. Jewish New Year and holy days. Days of Renewed Responsibility. The first of the High Holy Days marked by solemn religious observance.
Sept. 13 First Day of Ramadan Beginning of the Islamic holy month in which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset each day. The holiest period of Islam, it honors the revelation of the Koran.
Sept. 15-0ct. 15 Hispanic Heritage Month Designated by presidential proclamation as the month to celebrate the rich heritage of Hispanic Americans and the many contributions they have made to American culture.
Sept. 15-16 Mexican Independence Days National holiday to celebrate Mexico's independence from Spain. In ceremonies held at 11 p.m. on September 15 throughout Mexico, the president, state governors, and mayors deliver a "Cry for Independence," and then sound a bell to symbolize the tolling that announced the beginning of the struggle for independence in 1810.
Sept. 16 Mayflower Day Anniversary of the departure of the ship Mayflower from Plymouth, England, in 1620.
Sept. 17-23 Constitution Week and Citizenship Day After framing the Constitution, the Constitutional Convention adjourned on September 17, 1787, from Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The 12 states represented had voted unanimously to approve the proposed document, which was sent to Congress and the states for ratification. Presidential proclamation sets aside September 17 (Citizenship Day) and September 17-23 (Constitution Week) for observance each year.
Sept. 17 Citizenship Day See Constitution Week, September 17-23.
Sept. 21 International Day of Peace The opening day of the United Nations General Assembly each year. Devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples. Information from United Nations Headquarters, Room 170-L, New York, NY 10017; Phone: (212) 963-8589. Email: cyberschoolbus@un.org. Web site: www.un.org/Pubs/CyberSchooIBus/
Sept. 22 Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) Begins at sunset, September 21. Jewish holy day devoted to prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Sept. 23 First Day of Autumn Autumnal equinox occurs at 5:51 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
Sept. 23 National Good Neighbor Day Always observed the fourth Sunday in September to help create a greater understanding and concern for others and develop values in children by giving them a tradition of caring. For more information visit the National Good Neighbor Day Foundation Web site at www.natgoodneighborday.org or send an email to behappy@natgoodneighborday.org
Sept. 24 School Desegregation Order Enforced On this date in 1957, nine Black students attended the previously all-White Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. They were escorted by federal troops sent by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to enforce a federal court order.
Sept. 27-28 Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) Begins at sunset, September 26. Jewish festival of thanksgiving, harvest, and the remembrance of the Jews who wandered in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt.
Sept. 30 Racial Integration of American On this date in 1962, James H. Meredith was escorted onto the Universities Enforced campus of the University of Mississippi by federal marshals. Despite the night of rioting that followed, he registered as a student the next morning.
October
The dates below were researched and prepared by the Educational Research Service, a non-profit organization dedicated to information and research for K-12 education leaders and the public. The organization was founded by seven national school management associations to help provide quality, objective research and information to help day-to-day school operations and long-range planning. The inclusion or omission of a particular observance implies neither approval nor disapproval by ERS. The group welcomes suggestions for other observances that might help improve this listing. Visit their web site at www.ers.org.
Oct. 1-31 Computer Learning Month To focus the public's attention on the important role technology plays in our lives, particularly as a tool to improve children's learning. During October, the Computer Learning Foundation hosts competitions for teachers, community groups, and schools in which thousands of dollars are awarded. For more information, contact Computer Learning Foundation, P.O. Box 60007, Palo Alto, CA 94306-0007. Phone: (408) 720-8898. Fax: (408) 730-1191. Email:clf@computerlearning.org Web site: www.computeriearning.org
Oct. 1-31 Crime Prevention Month Information and materials available from the National Crime Prevention Council, 1000 Connecticut Avenue NW, 13th Floor, Washington, DC 20036. Phone: (202) 466-6272. Fax: (202) 296-1356. Email: besafe@ncpc.org Web site: www.ncpc.org
Oct. 1-31 Czech Heritage Month A month to celebrate the rich ethnic heritage of Czech Americans and the many contributions they have made to American culture.
Oct. 1-31 Italian American Heritage and Culture Month Designated by presidential proclamation in 1989; celebrated by some states as a month to celebrate the rich ethnic heritage of Italian Americans and the many contributions they have made to American culture.
Oct. 1-31 Polish American Heritage Month Designated by presidential proclamation as the month to celebrate the rich ethnic heritage of Polish Americans and their many contributions to American culture.
Oct. 1-31 Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF Month Observed as a global advocacy and fund-raising campaign to help children learn about different countries and cultures. On October 31 (Halloween), children "Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF" to raise funds for their peers in less-developed countries. For information and materials, contact Trick-or- Treat for UNICEF, 333 East 38th Street, New York, NY 10016. Phone: (800) 4UNICEF. Email: trickortreat@unicefusa.org Web site: www.unicefusa.org
Oct. 2 Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Indian leader who practiced nonviolent resistance and led the movement for independence from British rule. Born 1869; assassinated 1948.
Oct. 4 Shemini Atzeret Begins at sunset, October 3. The closing day of the Jewish festival of Sukkot. A day of prayer.
Oct. 5 Simchat Torah Begins at sunset, October 4. Jewish holiday. Reading of the law (Torah) is concluded and begun anew in the synagogue.
Oct. 6 German American Heritage Day Designated by presidential proclamation as the day to celebrate the rich ethnic heritage of German Americans and the many contributions they have made to American culture.
Oct. 7-13 Fire Prevention Week Observed the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9 falls. Sponsored by National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471. Phone: (617) 770-3000. Fax: (617) 770-0700. Email: education@nfpa.org Web site:www.nfpa.org.
Oct. 7-13 National Metric Week To encourage each person to develop and maintain an awareness of the metric system. Celebrated the tenth month of each year and the week containing the tenth day. Sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 1906 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191-1502. Phone: (703) 620-9840. Fax: (703) 476-2970. Email: research@nctm.org Web site: www.nctm.org
Oct. 8 Canadian Thanksgiving Celebrated in Canada as a day to give thanks for a successful harvest. Observed on the second Monday in October.
Oct. 8 Columbus Day/Discoverers' Day A day to honor all explorers and to commemorate Columbus's sighting of the New World on October 12, 1492. A federal holiday celebrated on the second Monday in October.
Oct. 8 The "Great Chicago Fire" Anniversary On this date in 1871, a fire broke out in Chicago and raged for three days, destroying most of the city. The blaze killed 250 people.
Oct. 9 Anniversary of Benjamin Banneker's Death Known as the "first Black man of science," Banneker was an American astronomer, mathematician, surveyor, and almanac author. Took part in the original survey for the nation's capital city of Washington, D.C. Lived 1731-1806.
Oct. 11 General Casimir Pulaski Memorial Day Casimir Pulaski, born in Warka, Poland, in 1747, was a brigadier general and chief of cavalry in the American Revolution. He died on this date in 1779.
Oct. 13 Id al-Fitr Muslim day of feasting to celebrate the end of Ramadan.Oct. 14-20 National Educational Office Professionals Career Awareness Week Observed the second full week in October. Sponsored by the National Association of Educational Office Professionals, P.O. Box 12619, Wichita, KS 67277-2619. Phone: (316) 942-4822. Fax: (316)942-7100. Email: naeop@naeop.org Web site: www.naeop.org
Oct. 15-19 National School Lunch Week By annual presidential proclamation, always observed the weekdays of the week that begins with the second Sunday in October. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the American School Food Service Association, 700 South Washington Street, Suite 300, Alexandria, VA 22314. Phone: (703) 739-3900. Fax: (703) 739-3915. Email: servicecenter@schoolnutrition.org Web site: www.schoolnutrition.org
Oct. 16 World Food Day Proclaimed in 1979 by the United Nations to heighten public awareness of the world food problem and strengthen solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. Celebrated on this day each year. Information available from U.S. National Committee for World Food Day, 2175 K Street NW; Washington, DC 20437. Phone: (202) 653-2404. Fax: (202) 653-5760. Web site: www.worldfooddayusa.org
Oct. 20 Birth of the Bab Baha'i observance of the anniversary of the birth, in 1819, of the prophet-herald of the Baha'i faith. One of the nine holy days of the year where work and school are suspended for Baha'is.
Oct. 20 John Dewey's Birthday American educational reformer and philosopher. Lived 1859-1952.
Oct. 21-27 National School Bus Safety Week Always observed the third full week in October. Poster contest theme: “Stop on Red-Kids Ahead." Sponsored by the National Association for Pupil Transportation, 1840 Western Avenue, Albany, NY 12203. Phone: (800) 989-NAPT. Fax: (518) 218-0867. Email: info@napt.org Web site: www.napt.org
Oct. 23-31 Red Ribbon Week Every year, in which this week is observed, red ribbons are worn and displayed to present a unified and visible commitment toward the creation of a Drug-Free America. Programs and observances are carried out to create awareness concerning the problems related to the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs; organize community prevention coalitions; and support healthy, productive, drug-free lifestyles. Information available from Informed Families Education Center, 2490 Coral Way, Suite 501, Miami, FL 33145. Phone: (800)705-8997. Fax: (305) 856-4815. Email: ireyes@informedfamilies.org Web site: www.nfp.org
Oct. 24 United Nations Day Established by annual presidential proclamation to commemorate the founding of the United Nations in 1945. Information from United Nations Headquarters, Room 170-L, New York, NY 10017. Phone: (212) 963-8589. Email: cyberschoolbus@un.org Web site: www.un.org/events/unday/
Oct. 27 Make a Difference Day To encourage children, youth, and adults to volunteer on behalf of their communities. Sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation and USA WEEKEND magazine. Phone: (800) 416-3824. Email: diffday@usaweekend.com Web site: www.usaweekend.com/diffday/
Oct. 31 Halloween Evening before All Saints or All Hallows Day. Traditionally an occasion for masquerading and pumpkin carving, and for children to play pranks.
November
The dates below were researched and prepared by the Educational Research Service, a non-profit organization dedicated to information and research for K-12 education leaders and the public. The organization was founded by seven national school management associations to help provide quality, objective research and information to help day-to-day school operations and long-range planning. The inclusion or omission of a particular observance implies neither approval nor disapproval by ERS. The group welcomes suggestions for other observances that might help improve this listing. Visit their website at www.ers.org.
Nov. 1-30 American Indian Heritage Month By presidential proclamation, a month to remember the contributions of American Indians and Alaska Natives and to honor the unique heritage of our continent's first inhabitants.
Nov. 1 All Saints Day A Catholic and Protestant commemoration of all the saints.
Nov. 4 Standard Time Begins for all U.S. time zones. At 2 a.m., clocks move back one hour, except in the following U.S. states and territories: Hawaii, Arizona, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Eastern-zone portion of Indiana. Standard time was recently changed to the first Sunday in November.
Nov. 6 Election Day Observed for many state and local elections on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November.
Nov. 7 Marie Curie's Birthday Polish-born French scientist who won the 1911 Nobel Prize for chemistry for her work with radium and its compounds. Lived 1867-1934.
Nov. 11-17 American Education Week Co-sponsored by the National Education Association, National PTA, and Education Support and other national education associations to keep the public aware of Professionals Day what schools are doing. American Education Week is always observed the week before Thanksgiving. Education Support Professionals Day is observed the Wednesday of American Education Week (see November 14). Information from National Education Association, 1201 16th Street NW; Washington, DC 20036. Phone: (202) 833-4000. Fax: (202) 822-7974. Web site: www.nea.org/aew/
Nov. 11 Veterans Day (Armistice Day) Federal holiday to celebrate the anniversary of the World War I Armistice between the Allied Powers and the Central Powers, signed at 5 a.m., Nov. 11, 1918; hostilities ceased at 11 a.m. In many places, silent memorial is observed at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month each year.
Nov. 12-18 National Children's Book Sponsored by the Children's Book Council, 12 West 37th Street, Week 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10018-7480. Phone: (212) 966-1990. Fax: (212) 966-2073. Email: info@cbcbooks.org. Web site: www.cbcbooks.org
Nov. 12-18 Youth Appreciation Week Always observed the second full week in November (beginning with Monday). This program provides an opportunity to recognize youth for their talents in the arts, athletics, and academics, and for their contributions to the community. Sponsored by Optimist International, 4494 Lindell Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63108. Phone: (800) 500-8130. Fax: (314) 371-6006. Email: programs@optimist.org Web site: www.optimist.org
Nov. 12 Birth of Baha’u’lláh Baha'i observance of the prophet-Founder of the Baha’i faith
Nov. 12 Elizabeth Cady Stanton's Birthday Organizer of the first women's rights convention in 1848 at Seneca Falls, New York. In 1866, she ran for U.S. Congress; in 1869, she co-founded the National Woman Suffrage Association with Susan B. Anthony. Lived 1815-1902.
Nov. 13 National Community Education Day Sponsored by the National Community Education Association to draw attention to the importance of community education programs. For more information, contact National Community Education Association, 3929 Old Lee Highway, Suite 91A, Fairfax, VA 22030-2401. Phone: (703) 359-8973. Fax: (703) 359-0972. Email: ncea@ncea.com Web: www.ncea.com
Nov. 14 Education Support Professionals Day See American Education Week, November 11-17
Nov. 15 National Parental Involvement Day Always the Thursday of American Education Week. Information and materials available from Project Appleseed, 520 Melville Road, St. Louis, MO 63130-4506. Phone: (314) 225-7757. Fax: (314) 725-2319. Email: headquarters@projectappleseed.org Web site: www.projectappleseed.org
Nov. 18-24 National Family Week Recognized Thanksgiving week every year to show appreciation to families and their role in caring for individual members, thus contributing to a strong society. Sponsored by Alliance for Children and Families, 11700 West Lake Park Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53224. Phone: (800) 221-2681. Email: nfw@alliancel.org Web site: www.nationalfamilyweek.org
Nov. 19 Gettysburg Address Anniversary On this date in 1863, Abraham Lincoln delivered a speech at the dedication of a national cemetery at the Gettysburg battlefield. It expressed the resolve "that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.
Nov. 20 Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution Mexican national holiday celebrating the start of the social revolution begun in 1910.
Nov. 22 Thanksgiving Day Day appointed for giving thanks for blessings, always celebrated the fourth Thursday in November. A federal holiday and legal public holiday in all states. Many schools also observe the following Friday.
Nov. 30 Mark Twain's Birthday Author, journalist, and humorist Samuel Langhorne Clemens; lived 1835-1910.
December
The dates below were researched and prepared by the Educational Research Service, a non-profit organization dedicated to information and research for K-12 education leaders and the public. The organization was founded by seven national school management associations to help provide quality, objective research and information to help day-to-day school operations and long-range planning. The inclusion or omission of a particular observance implies neither approval nor disapproval by ERS. The group welcomes suggestions for other observances that might help improve this listing. Visit their website at www.ers.org.
Dec. 1 Beginning of the Montgomery Bus Boycott On this date in 1955, Rosa Mae Parks refused to give up her seat to a White passenger on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus. Her consequent arrest sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott on December 5, which brought Martin Luther King Jr. to national prominence. Parks became known as the "mother of the civil rights movement."
Dec. 1 World AIDS Day Day to promote AIDS education and commemorate those whose lives have been lost or affected by AIDS. For more information, contact World AIDS Day. Phone: (020) 7814-6730. Email: wad@nat.org.uk Web site: www.wotldaidsday.org
Dec. 5-12 Hanukkah {Festival of Lights) Begins at sunset, December 4. Jewish holiday commemorating rededication of the Temple by the Maccabees. Primarily a children's festival-a time for fun, songs, games, and gift-giving. It starts on the 25th day of the Jewish calendar month of Kislev and lasts for eight days and nights.
Dec. 7 Pearl Harbor Day Japanese warplanes bombed Pearl Harbor at 7:55 a.m. on this date in 1941, killing 2,300 people and sinking or damaging 19 ships. The U.S. declared war on Japan the following day.
Dec. 8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Holy Day of Obligation; commemorates the Virgin Mary's freedom from original sin at her conception.
Dec. 10 Emily Dickinson's Birthday Prolific American poet who wrote more than 1,770 poems, only seven of which were published in her lifetime. Lived 1830-1886.
Dec. 10 Human Rights Day Observed on this date each year as the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.
Dec. 15 Bill of Rights Day Anniversary of the adoption of the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution in 1791. Often marked by presidential proclamation.
Dec. 16 Boston Tea Party Anniversary In response to the Tea Act passed by the British Parliament that secured a monopoly on colonists' tea by the East India Company, a group of colonists dressed as Native Americans threw a cargo of the company's tea into Boston Harbor on this date in 1773.
Dec. 17 Anniversary of the Wright Brothers' Flight On this date in 1903, brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright achieved the first piloted, powered airplane flight near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Their airplane remained aloft for 12 seconds and traveled 120 feet.
Dec. 20 Id al-Adha Muslim holy day known as the Feast of Sacrifice, marking the end of the Pilgrimage.
Dec. 22 First Day of Winter Winter solstice occurs at 1:08 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Dec. 25 Christmas Celebration of the birth of Christ. A federal holiday celebrated in all states and territories.
Dec. 25 Clara Barton's Birthday Nurse and philanthropist; founder of the American Red Cross. Lived 1821-1912.
Dec. 26-Jan. 1 Kwanzaa African American seven-day spiritual festival dedicated to seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. The American celebration is related to the spirit and rituals of the harvest festivals of Africa.
Dec. 29 Wounded Knee Massacre Anniversary On this date in 1890, the 7th Cavalry killed 300 Hunkpapa Sioux at Wounded Knee, South Dakota. It was the final "battle" that brought to an end more than three centuries of warfare between Native Americans and Western pioneers.
January
The dates below were researched and prepared by the Educational Research Service, a non-profit organization dedicated to information and research for K-12 education leaders and the public. The organization was founded by seven national school management associations to help provide quality, objective research and information to help day-to-day school operations and long-range planning. The inclusion or omission of a particular observance implies neither approval nor disapproval by ERS. The group welcomes suggestions for other observances that might help improve this listing. Visit their website at www.ers.org.
Jan. 1-3 Japanese New Year Festivities Beginning of the year Heisei Twentieth, the 20th year of Emperor Akihito's reign. To celebrate the new year, the front entrances of houses are decorated and people dress in their best clothes to visit local shrines and exchange visits with friends.
Jan. 1 Emancipation Proclamation Anniversary On this date in 1863, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all people held as slaves within the rebelling Confederate states "are, and henceforth shall be, free."
Jan. 1 New Year's Day Legal holiday in all states and territories; also a federal holiday.
Jan. 1 Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Roman Catholic Holy Day; celebrates the motherhood of Mary.
Jan. 7 Christmas Day (Orthodox) Celebrated on this day by Eastern Orthodox and Greek Orthodox Christians who follow the Julian Calendar.
Jan. 19 Robert E. Lee's Birthday Commander of the Confederate forces during the Civil War; lived 1807 to 1870. Celebrated in some states on the third Monday in January.
Jan. 20 World Religion Day To call attention to the need for the religions of the world to strive to be a unifying influence for humanity. Always the third Sunday in January. Web site: www.worldreligionday.org
Jan. 21 Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday Observance Civil rights leader, minister, and winner of the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize. Born in Atlanta, Ga., on January 15, 1929; assassinated April 4, 1968. A federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in January.
Jan. 23 First Native American U.S. Senator On this date in 1907, Charles Curtis of Kansas became the first Native American U.S. senator.
Jan. 28 Christa McAuliffe Day Observed in Illinois to commemorate high school teacher Christa McAuliffe, who was one of seven astronauts killed on the space shuttle Challenger when it exploded 74 seconds after takeoff on this date in 1986.
February
The dates below were researched and prepared by the Educational Research Service, a non-profit organization dedicated to information and research for K-12 education leaders and the public. The organization was founded by seven national school management associations to help provide quality, objective research and information to help day-to-day school operations and long-range planning. The inclusion or omission of a particular observance implies neither approval nor disapproval by ERS. The group welcomes suggestions for other observances that might help improve this listing. Visit their website at www.ers.org.
Feb. 1-28 Black History Month Always observed the entire month of February. This observance was first created by Carter G. Woodson in the 1920s as Negro History Week. In 1976, the month-long celebration was established as a time to reflect on the history, teachings, and achievements of African Americans.
Feb. 1-28 National Children's Dental Health Month To purchase materials, contact the American Dental Association, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678. Phone: (312)440-2500. Promotional activities are available on the ADA Web site: www.ada.org
Feb. 1 National Freedom Day To commemorate the signing of the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery in 1865. Presidential proclamation established the date in 1949.
Feb. 2 Groundhog Day Folklore says if the groundhog sees its shadow on this day and returns to its burrow, winter continues for six more weeks. For information, contact Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce, 102 West Mahoning Street, Punxsutawney, PA 15767. Phone (800) 752-PHIL. Email: info@punxsutawney.com Web site: www.groundhog.org
Feb. 4-8 National School Counseling Week Sponsored by American School Counselor Association, 1101 King Street, Suite 625, Alexandria, VA 22314. Phone: (800) 306-4722. Fax: (703) 683-1619. Email: aharting@schoolcounselor.org Web site: www.schooicounselor.org
Feb. 5 Anniversary of Mexican Constitutions Anniversary to celebrate the adoption of the Constitutions of 1857 and 1917.
Feb. 5 Mardi Gras Also called Shrove Tuesday. Celebrated especially in New Orleans, La.; Mobile, Ala.; and certain Mississippi and Florida cities. Last feast before Lenten season.
Feb. 6-Mar. 22 Lent Lent, a period of fasting and penitence observed by Christian churches; lasts 40 days, excluding Sundays, from Ash Wednesday to the Saturday before Easter.
Feb. 6 Ash Wednesday First day of Lent. Catholic priests place ashes in the middle of parishioners' foreheads during mass on this day.
Feb. 7 Chinese New Year Beginning of the Year of the Rat.
Feb. 10-16 National FCCL Week Always the second full week in February, to focus attention on the activities and goals of Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America, 1910 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191-1584. Phone: (703) 476-4900. Fax: (703) 860-2713. Web site: www.fcclainc.org
Feb. 11 Thomas Alva Edison's Birthday American inventor who patented more than 1,000 inventions, including the phonograph, the microphone, and the incandescent electric lamp. Lived 1847-1931.
Feb. 12 Abraham Lincoln's Birthday Sixteenth president of the United States; born February 12, 1809, in Hardin County, Ky.; assassinated 1865. Observed as a federal holiday (Presidents' Day) on the third Monday in February. (See February 18.)
Feb. 14 St. Valentine's Day An occasion for the exchange of affectionate greetings in the United States, Canada, and Europe. The celebration probably dates from the Roman festival Lupercalia.
Feb. 15 Susan B. Anthony's Birthday Crusader for abolition of slavery and for women's rights. Lived 1820-1906.
Feb. 16-23 National FFA Week Always celebrated during the week of Washington's traditional birthday, beginning the Saturday before February 22 and ending the following Saturday. For information, contact National Future Farmers of America Center, 6060 FFA Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46268-0960. Phone: (317) 802-6060. Fax: (317) 802-6061. Email: bstagg@ffa.org Web site: www.ffa.org
Feb. 17 National PTA Founders Day An occasion to mark the work of the PTA and to rally together with other parent groups to pledge anew their commitment to children. Sponsored by the National PTA, 541 North Fairbanks Court, Suite 1300, Chicago, IL 60611-3396. Phone: (800) 307-4PTA. Fax: (312)670-6783. Email: info@pta.org Web site: www.pta.org
Feb. 18 Presidents' Day Federal holiday observed on the third Monday in February. Combines the observances of George Washington's and Abraham Lincoln's birthdays.
Feb. 20 Frederick Douglass Day African American journalist and antislavery leader; died on this date in 1895; birth date unknown.
Feb. 22 George Washington's Birthday First president of the United States; born February 22, 1732; died 1799. Observed as a federal holiday (Presidents' Day) on the third Monday in February. (See February 18.)
Feb. 23 WE.B. DuBois' Birthday Scholar, social critic, and African American leader; lived 1868-1963. Helped organize the Niagara Movement, the first Black protest movement of the 20th century and the forerunner of the NAACP. First African American to hold a doctoral degree.
March
The dates below were researched and prepared by the Educational Research Service, a non-profit organization dedicated to information and research for K-12 education leaders and the public. The organization was founded by seven national school management associations to help provide quality, objective research and information to help day-to-day school operations and long-range planning. The inclusion or omission of a particular observance implies neither approval nor disapproval by ERS. The group welcomes suggestions for other observances that might help improve this listing. Visit their website at www.ers.org.
March 1-31 American Red Cross MonthAlways observed during the entire month of March. Sponsored by the American Red Cross, 2025 E Street NW; Washington, DC 20006. Phone: (202) 303-4498. Email: info@usa.redcross.org. Web site: www.redcross.org
March 1-31 Irish American Heritage Month By presidential proclamation each year, this month is set aside to recognize the contributions made in American society and culture by the Irish and Irish Americans.
March 1-31 National Mental Retardation Awareness Month To promote public education concerning mental retardation and the welfare of the 7.2 million Americans who have this condition. Sponsored by The Arc of the United States, 1010 Wayne Avenue, Suite 650, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Phone: (301) 565-3842. Fax: (301) 565-5342. Email: info@thearc.org Web site: www.thearc.org
March 1-31 National Middle Level Education Month To encourage middle level schools to schedule local events focusing on the educational needs of early adolescents. Sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, 1904 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191-1537. Phone: (703) 860-0200. Web site: www.principals.org
March 1-31 National Nutrition Month To promote the importance of healthful eating and physical activity habits all year long. Sponsored by the American Dietetic Association, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995. Phone: (800) 877-1600, ext. 4771. Email: nnm@eatright.org Web site: www.eatright.org
March 1-31 Music in Our Schools Month To communicate the importance of music in the learning experience. Sponsored by MENC: The National Association for Music Education, 1806 Robert Fulton Drive, Reston, VA 20191. Phone: (800) 336-3768. Fax: (703) 860-1531. Email: info@menc.org Web site: www.menc.org
March 1-31 Social Work Month To honor social workers and raise the public's awareness of the important and often unnoticed work social workers do. Information from National Association of Social Workers, 750 First Street NE, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20002-4241. Phone: (202) 408-8600. Email: membership@naswdc.org Web site: www.socialworkers.org
March 1-31 Women's History Month Proclaimed by Congress and many governors and state legislatures as a month to celebrate the rich and inspiring heritage of women's contributions to the United States. Information: National Women's History Project, 3343 Industrial Drive, Suite 4, Santa Rosa, CA 95403. Phone: (707) 636-2888. Fax: (707) 636-2909. Email: nwhp@aol.com Web site: www.nwhp.org
March 1-31 Youth Art Month Observed during March each year to emphasize the importance of art activities for children and to encourage schools and youth groups to support their art programs. Sponsored by The Council for Art Education, Inc., P.O. Box 479, Hanson, MA 02341-0479. Phone: (781) 293-4100. Fax: (781) 294-0808. Email: sarahs@acminet.org Web site: www.acminet.org/youth_art_month.htm
March 1 Korean Independence Movement Day Annual anniversary of the independence movement against colonial Japanese rule in 1919. The Korean Proclamation of Independence is read.
March 1 Peace Corps Anniversary On this date in 1961, President John F. Kennedy signed the executive order establishing the U.S. Peace Corps. Informational material is available from local chapters, or from the Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters, 1111 20th Street NW, Washington, DC 20526. Phone: (800) 424-8580. Web site: www.peacecorps.gov
March 2 NEA’s Read Across America A day to celebrate the importance of reading by having caring adults visit schools as "guest readers" to share books with children. Observed every year on Dr. Seuss's birthday, March 2, but local schools and organizations are encouraged to observe the date whenever it fits into their school calendar. Sponsored by the National Education Association, 1201 16th Street NW; Washington, DC 20036. Phone: (202) 833-4000. Fax: (202) 822-7974. Email: readacross@nea.org Web site: www.nea.org/readacross/
March 3-9 National Foreign Language Week Sponsored by Alpha Mu Gamma, 855 North Vermont Avenue, Campus Mail Box 1009, Los Angeles, CA 90029. Phone: (323) 644-9752. Email: amgnat@lacitycollege.edu. Web site: www.lacitycollege.edu/academic/honor/amg/nflw.htm
March 3-7 National School Breakfast Week Sponsored by the School Nutrition Association, 700 South Washington Street, Suite 300, Alexandria, VA 22314. Phone: (703) 739-3900. Fax: (703) 739-3915. Email: servicecenter@schoolnutrition.org Web site: www.schooinutrition.org
March 3 Adoption of U.S. National Anthem On this date in 1931, "The Star Spangled Banner" was adopted as the national anthem. It was written in 1814 by Francis Scot Key.
March 4 Casimir Pulaski's Birthday Born in Warka, Poland, in 1747, he was a brigadier general and chief of cavalry in the American Revolution; died 1779.
March 4 First Woman to Serve in Congress On March 4, 1917, Jeannette Rankin began her term as a congresswoman from Montana. She was the first female member of Congress, elected four years before the Nineteenth Amendment guaranteed women the right to vote.
March 8 International Women's Day Established in the early 1900s as a day to honor working women. Anniversary of one of the first organized actions by working women anywhere in the world-the 1857 strike by women garment and textile workers in New York to protest low wages, long working hours, and inhumane working conditions. Widely adopted and observed in other countries, and more recently in the United States.
March 9-15 Girl Scout Week Sponsored by Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., 420 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10018-2798. Phone: (800) 478-7248. Fax: (212) 852-6515. Web site: www.giriscouts.org
March 9 Daylight Saving Time Begins for all U.S. time zones. At 2 a.m. clocks advance one hour, except in the following U.S. states and territories: Hawaii, Arizona, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the eastern-zone portion of Indiana. Daylight saving time has recently been moved to the second Sunday in March.
March 10-April 26 Orthodox Lent Eastern Orthodox and Greek Orthodox Lent; period of fasting and penitence before Easter.
March 10 Anniversary of Harriet Tubman's Death American abolitionist, Underground Railroad leader; born into slavery in Buckton, Md., about 1820; died March 10, 1913, in Auburn, N.Y. She escaped from a Maryland plantation and helped more than 300 slaves reach freedom.
March 11 Johnny Appleseed Day John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, was a planter of orchards and a friend of wild animals. Born 1774; died March II, 1847.
March 14 Albert Einstein's Birthday Eminent physicist known for developing the theory of relativity. He won a Nobel Prize in physics in 1921; lived 1879 to 1955. After World War II, he was a leader in seeking international government control of nuclear energy.
March 16-22 National Agriculture Week Students learn about America's largest industry as part of the National and Day Agriculture Day (see March 20) and Week program. Sponsored by Agriculture Council of America, 11020 King Street, Suite 205, Overland Park, KS 66210. Phone: (913) 491-1895. Fax: (913) 491-6502. Email: info@agday.org Web site: www.agday.org
March 16-22 National Poison Prevention Week To encourage people to learn about the dangers of accidental poisoning of children and to take preventive measures. Observed the third full week of March. Sponsored by Poison Prevention Week Council, P.O. Box 1543, Washington, DC 20013. Phone: (301) 504-7058. Fax: (301) 504-0862. Email: kdulic@cpsc.gov Web site: www.poisonprevention.org
March 16 First Black Newspaper in U.S. Published This date in 1827 saw the publication of the nation's first Black newspaper, Freedoms Journal in New York City.
March 17 Camp Fire USA Birthday To commemorate the founding of Camp Fire USA. Sponsored by Camp Fire USA, 1100 Walnut Street, Suite 1900, Kansas City, MO 64106-2197. Phone: (816) 285-2010. Fax: (816) 285-9444. Email: info@campfireusa.org Web site: www.campfireusa.org
March 17 St. Patrick's Day Commemorates the patron saint of Ireland. Always observed on this date.
March 20 Absolutely Incredible Kid Day Absolutely Incredible Kid Day celebrated on the third Thursday in March, is Camp Fire USA’s national call to action asking adults to write letters of love and support to youth, sons and daughters, nieces and nephews, neighbors, and even kids they don't know. This national campaign to honor children has been recognized by child care experts, educators, celebrities, leaders, parents, and kids everywhere as an event to inspire adult-to-child interaction. Information from Camp Fire USA, 1100 Walnut Street, Suite 1900, Kansas City, MO 64106-2197. Phone: (816) 285-2010. Fax: (816) 285-9444. Email: kidday@campfireusa.org Web site: www.campfireusa.org/a_i_kid_day/
March 20 First Day of Spring Vernal equinox occurs at 12:48 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.
March 20 National Agriculture Day See National Agriculture Week, March 16-22.
March 21 Naw Ruiz (Baha'i New Year) Begins at sunset the previous day (March 20). Originally a Persian (Naw-Ruz) holiday, Naw-Ruz is one of the nine holy days of the year where work and school are suspended for Baha'is. For more information, contact Baha'i National Center, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201. Phone: (800) 22-UNITE. Email: bahai-info@usbnc.org Web site: www.bahai.us
March 21 Good Friday Observed by Christians the Friday before Easter. Commemorates Christ's crucifixion, death, and entombment.
March 21 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Day to remember the people throughout the world who have been victims of racial injustice. Information from United Nations Headquarters, Room 170-L, New York, NY 10017. Phone: (212)963-8589. Email: cyberschoolbus@un.org Web site: www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/iderd/
March 23 Anniversary of Patrick Henry's Speech On this date in 1775, in a speech at Virginia's second revolutionary convention, American Revolution leader and orator Patrick Henry stated, "I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!"
March 23 Easter Christian celebration of Christ's resurrection. Observed the first Sunday following the first full moon that occurs on or after the vernal equinox.
April
The dates below were researched and prepared by the Educational Research Service, a non-profit organization dedicated to information and research for K-12 education leaders and the public. The organization was founded by seven national school management associations to help provide quality, objective research and information to help day-to-day school operations and long-range planning. The inclusion or omission of a particular observance implies neither approval nor disapproval by ERS. The group welcomes suggestions for other observances that might help improve this listing. Visit their website at www.ers.org.
April 1-30 Keep America Beautiful Month An annual celebration of the ongoing efforts of Americans to improve their environment through a variety of educational, clean-up, and improvement projects. Information and materials available from Keep America Beautiful, Inc., 1010 Washington Boulevard, Stamford, CT 06901. Phone: (203) 323-8987. Fax: (203) 325-9199. Email: info@kab.org Web site: www.kab.org
April 1 April Fools' Day Always observed on April 1. A day for pranks and placing people in situations that make them look like an "April Fool."
April 2 International Children's Book Day Celebrated on Hans Christian Andersen's birthday to help children develop an understanding of other cultures through literature. Each year a different national section of International Board on Books for Young People sponsors the day, chooses a theme, invites an author to write a message, and invites an illustrator to design a poster. These materials promote books and reading around the world. Information: United States Board on Books for Young People, 800 Barksdale Road, Newark, DE 19714. Email: usbby@reading.org Web site: www.usbby.org or www.ibby.org
April 6 Founding of the Mormon Church Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was founded on this date in 1830 by Joseph C. Smith and Oliver Cowdery.
April 7 World Health Day Celebrated on this day each year to emphasize significant issues in public health of worldwide concern. Sponsored by the World Health Organization, 525 23rd Street NW; Washington, DC 20037. Phone: (202) 974-3000. Fax: (202) 974-3663. Email: info@Who.int Web: www.who.int/en/
April 8 Celebration of Buddha's Birthday Founder of Buddhism, lived 563-480 B.C.
April 12 Anniversary of the First Man in Space Yuri Gagarin became the first man in space on this date in 1961, when he made a one-hour, 48-minute voyage, orbiting Earth in spacecraft Vostok I, launched by the USSR.
April 13-19 National Library Week To promote the use and support of all types of libraries. Sponsored by American Library Association, Public Information Office, 50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611. Phone: (800) 545-2433. Email: library@ala.org Web site: www.ala.org
April 13 Thomas Jefferson's Birthday Third president; lived 1743 to 1826. Author of the Declaration of Independence and the Virginia Statute on Religious Freedom, and founder of the University of Virginia.
April 14-20 Young People's Poetry Week Sponsored by the Children's Book Council, 12 West 37th Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10018-7480. Phone: (212) 966-1990. Fax: (212) 966-2073. Email: info@cbcbooks.org Web site: www.cbcbooks.org/yppw/celebrate
April 15 Anniversary of the Sinking of the Titanic On this date in 1912, the "unsinkable" ship Titanic sank on its first voyage, after colliding with an iceberg; 1,513 of the 2,200 people on board died.
April 18 Anniversary of Paul Revere's Ride The "midnight ride" of Paul Revere started at about 10 p.m. on this day in 1775.
April 20-26 Administrative Professionals Week and Day Always the last full week in April with Administrative Professionals Day falling on Wednesday of that week. (See April 23.) Observed to recognize the contributions of administrative support staff in the workplace and to encourage professional development. Sponsored by the International Association of Administrative Professionals, 10502 NW Ambassador Drive, P.O. Box 20404, Kansas City, MO 64195-0404. Phone: (816) 891-6600. Fax: (816) 891-9118. Email: service@iaap-hq.org Web site: www.iaap-hq.org/APW/apwindex.htm
April 20-26 National Coin Week To promote coin collecting and to emphasize its educational aspects. For information, contact American Numismatic Association, 818 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903-3279. Phone: (800) 367-9723. Fax: (719) 634-4085. Email: ana@money.org Web site: www.money.org
April 20-26 National Student Leadership Week Sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals to encourage and recognize the many student leadership activities in our nation's secondary schools. For information, contact NASSP, 1904 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191-1537. Phone: (703) 860-0200. Web site: www.principals.org
April 20-26 Public School Volunteer Week To encourage parents and citizens to volunteer in their public schools; observed the third week of April. Sponsored by Project Appleseed, 520 Melville Road, St. Louis, MO 63130-4506. Phone: (314) 225-7757. Fax: (314) 725-2319. Email: headquarters@projectappleseed.org Web site: www.projectappieseed.org
April 20-21 Passover (Pesach), First Days Begins at sunset, April 19. Jewish festival marking the deliverance of the Jews from slavery in Egypt
April 21 Patriot's Day Always observed the third Monday in April in Maine and Massachusetts to commemorate the Battle of Lexington and Concord, which began the Revolutionary War in 1775. Always observed on April 19 in some states.
April 21 Ridván Festival begins The Ridván Festival is celebrated from sunset 21 April to sunset 2 May. The festival marks Baha'u'llah's time in the garden of Ridván and his announcement that he was the prophet promised by the Bab
April 22 Earth Day Observed on this day each year to acknowledge our responsibility for the environment and to make a stronger commitment to take action for the coming year. Information from Earth Day Network, 1616 P Street NW; Suite 340, Washington, DC 20036. Phone: (202) 518-0044. Fax: (202) 518-8794. Email: earthday@earthday.net Web site: www.earthday.net
April 23 Administrative Professionals Day See Administrative Professionals Week, April 20-26.
April 23 William Shakespeare's Birthday William Shakespeare, poet and dramatist in Elizabethan England, was born on this date in 1564 and also died on this date in 1616.
April 24 Commemoration of Armenian Genocide A day to remember the Armenians who were tortured, killed, and deported against their will by the Young Turks and Turkish Nationalists during 1915-1918 and 1920-1923. For more information, contact the Armenian National Institute, 1518 K Street NW; Suite M, Washington, DC 20005. Phone: (202) 383-9009. Fax: (202) 383-9012. Email: ani@agrnm.org Web: www.armenian-genocide.org
April 25 National Arbor Day To encourage people to plant and care for trees. Sponsored on the last Friday in April by National Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE 68410. Phone: (888) 448-7337. Fax: (402) 474-0820. Email: education@arborday.org Web site: www.arborday.org Many states observe Arbor Day on other dates.
April 26-27 Passover (Pesach) Concluding Days Begins at sunset, April 25. Jewish festival; see April 20-21.
April 27 Orthodox Easter Called Pascha, observed by Eastern Orthodox and Greek Orthodox churches.
April 29 Ninth Day of Ridván Festival See April 21 Ridván Festival
May
The dates below were researched and prepared by the Educational Research Service, a non-profit organization dedicated to information and research for K-12 education leaders and the public. The organization was founded by seven national school management associations to help provide quality, objective research and information to help day-to-day school operations and long-range planning. The inclusion or omission of a particular observance implies neither approval nor disapproval by ERS. The group welcomes suggestions for other observances that might help improve this listing. Visit their website at www.ers.org.
May 1-31 Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Designated by presidential proclamation to celebrate the collective accomplishments of Asian Pacific Americans, who comprise many ethnic groups with diverse backgrounds, histories, languages, and cultures.
May 1-31 Better Hearing and Speech Month Sponsored by the American Speech-language-Hearing Association to raise public awareness about how to identify, prevent, and treat speech, language, and hearing disorders. Information from American Speech- Language- Hearing Association, 10801 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852. Phone: (800) 638-8255. Email: actioncenter@asha.org Web site: www.asha.org
May 1-31 National Physical Fitness and Sports Month Sponsored by the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports to encourage all Americans to take part in regular physical activity and increase their knowledge about the health benefits of exercise. Information from the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, Department W; 200 Independence Avenue SW, Room 738-H, Washington, DC 20201-0004. Phone: (202) 690-9000. Fax: (202) 690-5211. Web site: www.fitness.gov
May 1-31 National Sight-Saving Month To alert the public to the value of eye care and safety and the early detection of eye problems. Sponsored by Prevent Blindness America, 211 West Wacker Drive, Suite 1700, Chicago, IL 60606. Phone: (800) 331-2020. Email: info@preventblindness.org Web site: www.preventblindness.org
May 1-31 Preservation Month To recognize the accomplishments of groups working to preserve neighborhoods, districts, and landmark buildings. Sponsored by National Trust for Historic Preservation, 1785 Massachusetts Avenue NW; Washington, DC 20036-2117. Phone: (800) 944-6847. Fax: (202) 588-6038. Web site: www.nationaltrust.org
May 1-7 National Physical Education and Sports Week To increase awareness of the value of quality physical education and sports programs. Sponsored by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education, 1900 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191. Phone: (800) 213-7193. Fax: (703) 476-8316. Email: info@aahperd.org Web site: www.naspeinfo.org
May 1 Ascension Celebrated the Thursday approximately 40 days after Easter, to commemorate Christ's ascension into heaven. Roman Catholic Holy Day of Obligation. Celebrated on the following Sunday, May 20, in Alaska, Hawaii, Washington, Utah, California, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, and Nevada.
May 1 Dia del Trabajo Labor Day in Mexico and many other countries.
May 1 Law Day Day to celebrate and learn about the rule of law in a constitutional democracy. Sponsored by the American Bar Association, Service Center, 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60610. Phone: (800), 285-2221. Email: askaba@abanet.org. Web site: www.abanet.org/publiced/lawday/home.html
May 2 Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom Hashoah) Begins at sunset, May 1. Honors the memory of six million Jewish martyrs and heroes who perished in the Nazi Holocaust.
May 2 Twelfth Day of Ridván Festival See April 21 Ridván Festival
May 3 World Press Freedom Day To celebrate the independence of the international press and journalists. Information from United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), 2 United Nations Plaza, Suite 900, New York, NY 10017. Phone: (212) 963-5995. Fax: (212)963-8014. Email: newyork@unesco.org. Web site: www.unesco.org
May 4-11 National Music Week Celebrated the first full week in May. Sponsored by National Federation of Music Clubs, 1336 North Delaware Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202. Phone: (317) 638-4003. Fax: (317) 638-0503. Email: info@nfmc-music.org Web site: www.nfmc-music.org/Events/NMW/NatlMusicWeek.html
May 4-10 Be Kind to Animals Week Always observed the first full week in May, this event celebrates the bond between humans and animals. Sponsored by the American Humane Association, 63 Inverness Drive East, Englewood, CO 80112. Phone: (303) 792-9900. Fax: (303) 792-5333. Web site: www.americanhumane.org
May 4-10 Teacher Appreciation Week National PTA founded this week to give PTAs an opportunity to and National Teacher Day conduct activities to strengthen respect and support for teachers and the teaching profession. National Teacher Day falls on Tuesday of Teacher Appreciation Week (see May 6) and is a day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives. Information from National Education Association, 1201 16th Street NW; Washington, DC 20036. Phone: (202) 833-4000. Fax: (202) 822-7974. Web site: www.nea.org/teacherday
May 4 Horace Mann's Birthday Father of the American free public school system; first secretary of the State Board of Education in Massachusetts. Lived 1796-1859.
May 5-11 Respect for Law Week and Day of Non-Violence This program inspires respect for the law among young people. Optimist Day of Non-Violence falls on Saturday of Respect for Law Week (see May 10) to encourage peace and harmony within communities all over the world. Sponsored by Optimist International, 4494 Lindell Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63108. Phone: (800) 500-8130. Fax: (314) 371-6000. Email: programs@optimist.org Web site: www.optimist.org
May 5 Anniversary of the First American Man in Space On this date in 1961, Alan B. Shepard Jr. became the first American man in space. His suborbital flight lasted 15 minutes, 22 seconds, and reached a height of 116.5 miles.
May 5 Cinco de Mayo Mexican anniversary of the victory over the French army in the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
May 6 National Teacher Day See Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4-10.
May 7 National School Nurse Day To develop a better understanding of the role of school nurses in the educational setting. Sponsored by National Association of School Nurses, 8484 Georgia Avenue, Suite 420, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Phone: (866) 627-6767. Fax: (301) 585-1791. Email: nasn@nasn.org Web site: www.nasn.org
May 8 VE Day Victory in Europe Day. Germany surrendered to Allied forces in 1945, ending World War II in Europe.
May 8 World Red Cross Day Always on the birthday of Swiss citizen Jean Henri Dunant, who in 1863 founded the Red Cross movement in Geneva, Switzerland. Information available from the American Red Cross, 2025 E Street NW; Washington, DC 20006. Phone: (202) 303-4498. Email: info@usa.redcross.org Web site: www.redcross.org
May 10 Anniversary of the Completion of the Transcontinental Railroad On this date in 1869, the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroad lines were joined by golden spikes at Promontory Point, Utah, completing the transcontinental railroad line.
May 10 Day of Non-Violence See Respect for Law Week, May 5-11.
May 11 Mother's Day Since 1914, Mother's Day has been observed on the second Sunday in May.
May 11 Pentecost Christian observance, considered the birthday of the Church, celebrated on the seventh Sunday after Easter; commemorates descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and disciples of Jesus.
May 17 Anniversary of School Desegregation Ruling On this date in 1954, racial segregation in public schools was unanimously ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education of1Opeka, as a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment clause guaranteeing equal protection under the law.
May 17 Armed Forces Day Always observed on the third Saturday in May, by presidential proclamation.
May 18-24 National Educational Bosses' Week Observed the third full week in May. Sponsored by National Association of Educational Office Professionals, P.O. Box 12619, Wichita, KS 67277-2619. Phone: (316) 942-4822. Fax: (316) 942-7100. Email: naeop@naeop.org Web site: www.naeop.org
May 19 Victoria Day Canadian national holiday, also called the Queen's Birthday. Celebrated on the Monday preceding May 25.
May 20-21 Lindbergh Flight Anniversary Anniversary of the first transatlantic solo flight. On these dates in 1927, Charles Lindbergh flew nonstop from New York to Paris.
May 22 International Day for Biological Diversity Biological diversity is the number and variety of living organisms on the planet. The day is used to raise awareness of the threats to species from pollution, overuse, and destruction of habitats. Information from the Convention on Biological Diversity, 413 Saint Jacques Street, Suite 800, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H2Y IN9. Phone: (514) 288-2220. Fax: (514) 288-6588. Emai1: bch@biodiv.org Web site: www.biodiv.org
May 23 Declaration of Bab The Bab was the forerunner of Baha'u'llah. His mission was to prepare the world for the coming of Baha'u'llah and he declared it in the evening of May 22, 1844. The Bab was later imprisoned and executed for his beliefs and activities.
May 25 Ralph Waldo Emerson's Birthday American author, philosopher, and Unitarian minister; born in Boston, Mass. Lived 1803-1882.
May 26 Memorial Day A state and federal holiday in remembrance of war dead; also known as Decoration Day. Celebrated on the last Monday in May.May 29 Ascension of Baha'u'llah It commemorates the anniversary of the death of the founder of the Bahá'í faith, Baha‘u‘llah, and his teachings.
May 31 World No Tobacco Day Observed annually on this day around the globe. Strives to bring international focus to the detrimental effects on health caused by tobacco use and environmental tobacco smoke. For more information, contact the Coalition for World No Tobacco Day, P.O. Box 209, Shiloh, NJ 08353. Phone: (212) 601-8245. Fax: (856) 453-8719. Email: jrg@wntd.org Web site: www.woridnotobaccoday.com
June
The dates below were researched and prepared by the Educational Research Service, a non-profit organization dedicated to information and research for K-12 education leaders and the public. The organization was founded by seven national school management associations to help provide quality, objective research and information to help day-to-day school operations and long-range planning. The inclusion or omission of a particular observance implies neither approval nor disapproval by ERS. The group welcomes suggestions for other observances that might help improve this listing. Visit their website at www.ers.org.
June-July 4 Fireworks Safety Month Sponsored by Prevent Blindness America, 211 West Wacker Drive, Suite 1700, Chicago, IL 60606. Phone: (800) 331-2020. Email: info@preventblindness.org Web site: www.preventblindness.org
June 2 Republic Day (Italy) Commemorates day in 1946 when Italy selected a republican government instead of a return to a monarchy.
June 3 Jefferson Davis's Birthday President of the Confederate States of America; lived 1808-1889. Observed in some states on the first Monday in June.
June 5 World Environment Day Annual observance to reaffirm concern for the preservation and enhancement of the environment. Sponsored by the U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP). UNEP Regional Office for North America: 1707 H Street NW; Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006. Phone: (202) 785-0465. Fax: (202) 785-2096. Web site: www.unep.org/wed/
June 8 Race Unity Day Baha'i-sponsored observance promoting racial harmony and understanding, and the essential unity of humanity. Always the second Sunday in June. For more information, contact Baha'i National Center, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201. Phone: (847) 733-3559. Fax: (847) 733-3578. Web site: www.us.bahai.org
June 9-15 National Little League Baseball Week By presidential proclamation and a congressional resolution passed in 1959. Always the week beginning the second Monday in June.
June 9-10 Shavuot (Festival of Weeks) Begins at sunset, June 8. Jewish festival that commemorates the giving of the law (Torah) to Moses on Mount Sinai.
June 12 Anne Frank's Birthday The young German Jewish girl who, with her family, lived in hiding from the Nazis in Amsterdam for two years; she died in a concentration camp at age 16. Her diary was published in 1947.
June 14 Flag Day The Stars and Stripes was adopted by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. A day for patriotic observances.
June 15-19 National History Day Contest The National History Day program is a year-long education program that culminates in a national contest every June. Its purpose is to engage students in grades 6-12 in the process of discovery and interpretation of historical topics. The theme for 2008 is "Conflict & Compromise in History." For more information, contact National History Day, 0119 Cecil Hall, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742. Phone: (301) 314-9739. Fax: (301) 314-9767. Web site: www.nationalhistoryday.org
June 15 Anniversary of Benjamin Franklin's Kite Experiment Noted author, diplomat, and inventor Benjamin Franklin proved lightning is electricity by flying a kite in a thunderstorm on this date in 1752; invented the lightning rod.
June 15 Father's Day Always observed on the third Sunday in June.
June 15 Magna Carta Day Anniversary of the signing in 1215 of the Magna Carta by King John; it was the first charter of English liberties.
June 16 Anniversary of the First Woman in Space Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman in space on this date in 1963, when she made a 70-hour, 50-minute voyage, orbiting the earth 48 times in the Soviet spacecraft Vostok 6
June 16 Day of the African Child Celebrated on June 16 every year to commemorate the achievements and future challenges of Africa, and to celebrate the heritage of African American children. Information from U.S. Committee for UNICEF, Public Information Office, 333 East 38th Street, New York, NY 10016. Phone: (212) 686-5522. Fax: (212) 779-1679. Email: information@unicefusa.org Web site: www.unicef.org
June 18 Anniversary of the First American Woman in Space On this date in 1983, Sally Ride became the first American woman in space aboard the space shuttle Challenger
June 19 Juneteenth Commemorates the emancipation of African Americans in Texas. On June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger landed on Galveston Island and proclaimed the sovereignty of the United States over Texas and the freedom of all who had been slaves-two and a half years after slavery had ended in other parts of the South. Made a Texas state holiday in 1979, it is now celebrated in many parts of the United States.
June 20 First Day of Summer Summer solstice occurs at 7:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
June 27 Helen Keller's Birthday Blind and deaf, Keller graduated from Radcliffe College with honors; she became an author, educator, and crusader for better treatment of persons with disabilities. Lived 1880-1968.
July - August
The dates below were researched and prepared by the Educational Research Service, a non-profit organization dedicated to information and research for K-12 education leaders and the public. The organization was founded by seven national school management associations to help provide quality, objective research and information to help day-to-day school operations and long-range planning. The inclusion or omission of a particular observance implies neither approval nor disapproval by ERS. The group welcomes suggestions for other observances that might help improve this listing. Visit their website at www.ers.org.
July 1 Canada Day Formerly called Dominion Day, it celebrates the confederation of Upper and Lower Canada and some of the Maritime Provinces into the Dominion of Canada in 1867.
July 2 Disappearance of Amelia Earhart Amelia Earhart disappeared in flight from New Guinea to Howland Island in the Pacific on this date in 1937.
July 3 Child Workers' Strike On this date in 1825, child workers demonstrated in Paterson, New Jersey, to demand an II-hour, six-day work week.
July 4 Independence Day Declaration of Independence adopted by the Second Continental Congress in 1776. Legal holiday in all states and territories and a federal holiday designated by statute.
July 9 Martyrdom of Báb To commemorate the day, Báb the prophet was executed by leaders of the state religion in Persia in 1850.
July 11 E.B. White's Birthday American writer; author of classic children's stories, including Charlottes Web. Lived 1899-1985.
July 14 Bastille Day Commemorates the fall of the Bastille at the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789. Celebrated in France and many other countries.
July 17 Apollo-Soyuz Joint Space Project Anniversary On this date in 1975, the U.S. space craft Apollo 18 and the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz 19 linked up in the first international rendezvous and docking in space. They remained together for 47 hours while joint experiments and visits took place.
July 19 Anniversary of the Seneca Falls Convention On this date in 1848, women's rights advocates gathered at Seneca Falls, New York, to present their "Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions," drafted by Elizabeth Cady Stanton. It demanded that women "have immediate admission to all the rights and privileges which belong to them as citizens of the U.S."
July 20 First Humans on the Moon Anniversary of humankind's first landing on the moon. On this date in 1969, Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin Jr. landed on the moon in the lunar module Eagle.
July 24 Pioneer Day Commemorates the day Mormon leader Brigham Young reached the site of Salt Lake City in 1847. Utah holiday.
July 25 Constitution Day, Puerto Rico Commemorates proclamation of the Puerto Rican constitution in 1952; also called Commonwealth Day.
July 27 Jose Celso Barbosa's Birthday Eminent doctor, politician, educator, and advocate of statehood for Puerto Rico; lived 1857-1921.
AUGUST
Aug. 6 Bombing of Hiroshima Anniversary Anniversary of the first use of an atomic bomb on an inhabited area. An American B-29 bomber, the Enola Gay, dropped a bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, at 8: 15 a.m. on August 6, 1945.
Aug. 14 VJ Day In 1945 President Truman announced the surrender of Japan to the Allies, ending World War II.