Nov 15, 2024
National Take a Hike Day.
As we stride into a season of indulgent feasts and holiday treats, National Take a Hike Day on November 17th offers the perfect opportunity to create balance. While spending time with loved ones over a delicious meal can be enjoyable, taking time to "hit the trails" has the potential to provide a refreshing and energizing contrast. New York State boasts more than 2,000 miles of opportunity, from bunny trails to historic routes like the Appalachian and Erie Canal Trails. There's bound to be a path for everyone!
More than just a way to experience the beautiful outdoors, hiking is great way to get moving and, because the activity expends 400–550 calories per hour, it's an excellent way to burn off calories before or after holiday meals. In addition to the health advantages, spending time in nature can also reduce stress and bring a sense of calm, especially as we enter the holiday season.
This November 17th, why not make the National Take a Hike Day a family event? Grab a buddy, pack some snacks, and explore a local trail. Remember that many state and national parks host special events for the occasion, so get some comfortable shoes, breathe the fresh air, and be sure to take in the scenery.
For more family-friendly hiking ideas, or to discover trails near you, visit resources like American Trails and National Park services to start planning your hike today!
Nov 12, 2024
November 14th is National Seat Belt Day.
The holiday travel season is quickly approaching. November 14th is National Seat Belt Day, so this is a great time to review laws and regulations and check safety equipment in all forms of transportation you use.
Seat belts are proven to reduce the risk of serious injury and save lives. That's why as of November 1, 2020, New York State requires ALL passengers to buckle up regardless of where they sit in the vehicle.
You can celebrate National Seat Belt Day on November 14th; by making sure your seat belts are in good working order and that everyone uses them every time they get in a vehicle. It's also a great time to make sure all child safety seats, and child restraint systems are the correct size for the child, in good working order and properly installed. Visit the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles website for more information.
If you transport children in your program, be sure to check the Office of Children and Family Services Regulations for the type of program you work in or operate, to make sure you are in compliance.
Remember, whether you're making a quick trip to the grocery store to pick up that can of cranberry sauce you forgot or driving over the river and through the woods to celebrate with family, seat belts save lives, so buckle up!
Nov 06, 2024
November 11 is Veterans Day- a day set aside to thank and honor ALL who served honorably in the military whether in wartime or peacetime.
In your program, you can thank a veteran by making cards or pieces of art and mailing them to a local VA hospital, collect donations of playing cards, lip balm, baby wipes, sunscreen, beef jerky, mints, hard candy, gum, etc. to donate to a nearby base or an organization like Blue Star Moms, or host a breakfast or make a small token of appreciation such as tissue paper flowers and thank you cards to give to Veterans in the families of the children you care for.
If you are looking for information about what Veterans Day is, you can download a Veterans Day Teacher's Resource Guide from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This guide explains the origins of Veterans Day, describes the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day, discusses respecting and folding the flag, and has instructions on how to download Veterans Day posters.
Don't forget to thank a Veteran!
Nov 01, 2024
NYSED Free Webinars.
Over the next year, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) will host a series of free webinars focused on sharing effective practices for Pre-K classrooms. The webinars will cover various topics, including how to promote positivity and inclusion in the classroom, ways to better support multilingual learners, and strategies to encourage a love of science in young children.
The first webinar will take place on November 6. View the NYSED Free Webinars flyer for more details and QR codes for registration.