Highlander Charter School

We celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic American champions who have inspired others to achieve success. The observation began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988. The theme for 2024 is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.”

Fun Facts:

• Hispanic Heritage Month started 55 years ago as a week, then became a month in 1988. It's a time to celebrate Hispanic cultures and their contributions. It’s celebrated during the independence days of many Latin American countries!

• Hispanics are the fastest-growing group in the US, with 63.7 million Hispanics! Almost like the entire population of France!

• One out of every four children in the United States is Hispanic.
• Being Bilingual is a superpower! Language is what best defines a community. So, if you're bilingual, you're not just speaking two languages, you're unlocking a world of possibilities!
• More Latinos are going to college! 33 million are studying at colleges. Many are the first in their families. Going to college helps them get better jobs and make more money!
• Latin music rocks the world! Artists like Peso Pluma and Bad Bunny are the coolest stars shining bright in the top charts.
• Latinos make up a significant portion of Major League Baseball players, with over 25% of the league being of Latino descent.
• Lin-Manuel Miranda is the youngest person ever to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his hit musical "Hamilton."
• Jenna Ortega is the third Latina leading actress to be nominated for an Emmy.
• Latin music rocks the world! Artists like Peso Pluma and Bad Bunny are the coolest stars shining bright in the top charts.

Suicide is a major public health concern. More than 48,100 people die by suicide each year in the United States; it is the 11th leading cause of death overall. Suicide is complicated and tragic, but it is often preventable. For more information on suicide prevention, visit health topic page or download the brochures.

Help raise awareness by sharing resources that help others recognize the warning signs for suicide and know how to get help.

More resources:

Are you in crisis? Call 988. In immediate danger? Call 911

https://www.nami.org/

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/ - have resources in Spanish/Tiene información en español

https://preventsuicideri.org/resource/the-rhode-island-office-of-the-mental-health-advocate/

Banned Books Week 2024 will be held from September 22–28, 2024. This week-long event celebrates the freedom to read and raises awareness about the ongoing issues of book censorship and banning.

Here are some ways to participate in Banned Books Week 2024:

• Borrow a book: Borrow a book from a banned books display at your local library or school.
• Share on social media: Share a banned book or a book you hope is never banned on social media with #BannedBooksWeek.
• Contact local candidates: Ask local candidates questions about their views on banned books.

  
  

The American Library Association (ALA) tracks books that have been banned or challenged across the U.S.. The ALA also has resources to help defend books from censorship, including Book Résumés.

Check out the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2023

https://www.ala.org/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/top10

Save the date for our Read to Succeed Ceremony.

This event is for families & students in grades 3rd-8th that successfully completed the Read to Succeed Program.

RSVP link will be shared soon.

For a full calendar of events and updates check out our School Calendar on our website https://www.highlandercharter.org/for-families/events/calendar/

Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI visited the Lower School Friday, Sept. 13 for their day of Community Services. As part of their visit they helped Ms. Nencka completed the Fitnesgram test with students in 3rd-6th grade.

It was a day full of fun!

• Soccer tryouts have started. Mr. Mejia our Athletic Director will be sharing details soon.
• Join us for free assistance to complete your FAFSA ID. Stop in at the Providence campus Monday September 23 or Thursday September 26 from 5:30-7:30pm. Be in the lookout for a message from Ms. Helena with more info and a link to RSVP.