Student Formation Newsletter: November
Thank you to everyone who attended the Internet Safety Event last month! Special thanks to the Santa Clara Police Department who provided helpful and eye-opening updates on how to keep our children safe online. Handouts from the event are still available in the school foyer. For more information and access to some of the resources and videos shared at the training, click here.
Day of the Dead / Día de los Muertos
With Halloween around the corner, for many of us, this time is also a reminder of the “Day of the Dead” or Día de los Muertos. This holiday is celebrated by many countries in Latin America as a way to remember beloved family members and pets who have passed away. The altar, or ofrenda, is adorned with pictures of loved ones, papel picado, foods loved ones used to enjoy, sugar skulls, candles, and flores de cempazúchitl (i.e., marigold flowers) to lead loved ones to the altar during their visits on November 1 st and November 2 nd . For more information on the holiday click here.
To bring this beautiful tradition to families who would like to remember their loved ones, we will be having a Día de los Muertos Ofrenda or Day of the Dead altar set up in the foyer. Set up will begin Tuesday October 31 after the Halloween Parade. The altar will be available for people to independently come by and add framed pictures (preferably copies of pictures), drawings, food offerings, flowers or decorations after morning assembly each day. The Ofrenda will be left in the foyer until November 6 until the end of the day. Please label your offerings with child’s name and grade level so that they can be returned to those classrooms.
Filipino American Heritage Month
I would like to acknowledge Filipino American Heritage Month. We celebrate the families and community members in our St. Justin community. We encourage you to visit your local libraries which are currently hosting events highlighting the Filipino community.
Pinoytown Rising Exhibit: Open until November 30, 2023
Attendees can expect a rich display of artifacts, historical photographs, traditional clothing, uniforms, and various materials generously loaned by the descendants of these pioneer families.
When: Open until November 30, 2023
Where: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, California Room, 5th floor
Cost: Free
Click here for more information.
Indoor Family Storytime: Filipino American History Month
San Jose Public Library is also hosting a special storytime to celebrate and learn about Filipino American History Month through stories, songs, and more of your favorite storytime activities. This program is in celebration of Filipino American History Month. Ages 0-5.
When: Tuesdays at 11 am (various dates available; see link)
Where: 5050 North First St. San Jose CA 95002
Click here for more information.
As always, if you’d like me to highlight community resources and/or share any cultural or family friendly event happening in the community, please send me an e-mail at drosasatkins@gmail.com. Please add on the Subject Line: PAC Student Formation.
Finally, I want to extend heartfelt prayers to families who may have been directly affected by the war in Israel and Palestine. We pray for peace and for the safety of families around the world. Inevitably, our children may come to you to request emotional support in processing such complex circumstances.
Please find a handout here from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network with resources on how to cope with collective traumas.
