ROOTS. DIVERSITY. GROWTH. COMMUNITY. ROOTS. DIVERSITY. GROWTH. COMMUNITY.
Where DID sunflowers come from? NATIONAL
OURFOREVER AMERICANIDOL Celebrating Raeford’s own Elijah McCormick HONORING OUR COAST GUARD History lesson on America’s Protectors
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AsweenterAugust,wefindourselvesinaseasonoftransition. Summerbeginstofade,andanewchapterbegins,remindingus that while times change, our focus must remain steady. In the race of life, success isn't just for the swift, but for those who persevere,whostaycommitteddespitethedistractions.
Let this be your reminder to stick to it Even when it looks like your plans aren’t going in the right direction, keep steering. It willallalignsoonenough.
Toallschoolstaffandstudents,Iofferawordofencouragement as you begin the 2024-2025 school year. Educators and administrators, your dedication shapes the future, and your impactisimmeasurable Students,embraceeachdayasachance to learn and grow, knowing that true success lies in perseveranceandintegrity.
As we step into this new season, let's do so with determination andhope,supportingoneanotherinoursharedjourney.Maythis Augustbringrenewedpurposeandstrengthfortheyearahead
ThankyouforbeingpartoftheARRAYcommunity.
On August 4th, we commemorate National Coast Guard Day, a day dedicated to honoring the United States Coast Guard and its nearly 234 years of service. Established in 1790 by Alexander Hamilton as the Revenue Cutter Service, the Coast Guard has evolved into a multifaceted branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, playing a vital role in nationalsecurity,maritimesafety,andenvironmentalprotection.
The Coast Guard's responsibilities are vast, ranging from search and rescue missions to law enforcement, from safeguarding our shores to maintaining navigational aids. In times of peace and conflict, the Coast Guard stands ready, protecting lives, ensuring the safe passageofcommerce,anddefendingournation’sinterestsatsea.
As we recognize National Coast Guard Day, we salute the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve with honor, dedication, and resilience. Their unwavering commitment to duty exemplifies the very best of what it means to serve our country.
Let us take a moment to express our gratitude to these selfless guardians of the coast, who stand watch day and night, ensuring the safety and security of our nation’s waters.
HappyNationalCoastGuardDay!
1. Oldest Maritime Service: The U.S. Coast Guard is the nation's oldest continuous seagoing service, established in 1790,evenbeforetheU.S.Navy.
2. Motto: The Coast Guard's official motto is “Semper Paratus,” which means "Always Ready." This reflects their commitment to beingreadytoserveatamoment'snotice.
3. Five Branches in One: The Coast Guard is unique among the armed forces as it operates under five main roles: maritime safety, maritime security, maritime mobility, national defense, and protection of naturalresources.
4. Peacetime and Wartime Service: The Coast Guard serves both in peacetime under the Department of Homeland Security and in wartime under the Department of the Navy, making it the only military branch with both law enforcement andmilitaryroles.
5. Largest Fleet of Small Boats: The Coast Guard has the largest fleet of small boats among U.S. military services, with over 1,400 vessels used for various missions, including search and rescue, law enforcement,andenvironmentalprotection.
6. Diverse Missions: The Coast Guard is responsible for over 11 different missions, including drug interdiction, icebreaking, migrant interdiction, and protecting marine lifethroughfisheriesenforcement.
7. Rescues Per Year: On average, the CoastGuardsavesaround3,500liveseach year, responding to over 20,000 search and rescuecasesannually.
8. First Woman Commandant: In 2022, Admiral Linda Fagan became the first female Commandant of the Coast Guard, making history as the first woman to lead a branchoftheU.S.ArmedForces.
To learn more about the United States Coast Guard, visit: https://www.uscg.mil/
Ineverycommunityacrossthecountry,teachersaretheunsungheroeswhodedicatetheirlivesto shapingthefuture Theyinspirecuriosity,nurturetalents,andbuildthefoundationuponwhichoursociety stands Yet,despitetheirinvaluablecontributions,teachersremainunderpaid,undervalued,and overworked.It’stimetosayitloudandclear:Teachersneedmoremoney!
TheRealityofTeachingToday
Teachingismorethanjustaprofession;it’sacalling
However,thecurrentcompensationforthisvital workdoesn’treflectitsimportance Accordingtorecentstudies,teachersintheUnitedStatesarepaid significantlylessthanotherprofessionalswithcomparableeducationandexperience.Thiswagegapnot onlyundervaluestheirworkbutalsoleadstofinancialstressandburnout
OUR TEACHERS DESERVE MORE (CONTINUED)
Every August 12th, music lovers around the world dust off their turntables, sift through their record collections, and celebrate National Vinyl Records Day. This day is a nostalgic nod to the days when music wasn't just heard—it was an experience. There's something magical about the crackle of a needle on vinyl, the tactile pleasure of flipping through album covers, and the ritual of placing a record on the turntable. In honor of this day, let’s take a musical journey through the decades, celebrating some of the greatest vinyl records from the 1950s, 60s,70s,and80s.
The 1950s: The Birth of Rock 'n' Roll - The 1950s were a revolutionary time for music, markingthebirthofrock'n'rollandtheriseoficonicartistswhowouldshapethesoundoffuture generations.
Elvis Presley – Elvis Presley (1956): This self-titled debut album by the King of Rock 'n' Roll is a must-have for any vinyl collector. With hits like "Blue Suede Shoes" and "Heartbreak Hotel," Elvis Presley became a cultural phenomenon, and this album was the soundtrack to a generation.
The1960s:TheRiseoftheCounterculture -The1960sbroughtawaveofsocialchange,and themusicofthetimereflectedthespiritofrebellion,experimentation,andhope.
The Beatles – Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967): Arguably one of the greatest albums of all time, Sgt. Pepper's broke new ground with its innovative production, eclectic style, and iconic cover art. Songs like "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" and "A Day in the Life" capturedthezeitgeistofthe60s.
The1970s:TheGoldenAgeofVinyl-The1970sareoftenconsideredthegoldenageofvinyl, withalbum-orientedrock,disco,andsouldominatingthecharts.
Fleetwood Mac – Rumours (1977): Rumours is a classic album that has stood the test of time. With its lush harmonies and emotionally charged lyrics, songs like "Go Your Own Way" and "Dreams"resonateasstronglytodayastheydidinthe70s.
SPINNING THE CLASSICS (CONTINUED)
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The 1980s were a time of experimentation, with genres like new wave, hip-hop, and heavy metal emerging alongside pop icons who dominated the airwaves.
Michael Jackson – Thriller (1982): Thriller is the best-selling album of all time, and for good reason. Withhitslike"BillieJean,""BeatIt,"andthetitletrack "Thriller," Michael Jackson set the standard for pop musicandmusicvideosinthe80s.
Prince–PurpleRain(1984):Prince’sPurpleRainis a genre-defying masterpiece, blending rock, pop, and funk into a sound all its own. The album’s title track, along with hits like "When Doves Cry" and "Let’s Go Crazy," showcases Prince’s unparalleled musicalgenius.
In an age where music is often consumed digitally, vinyl records offer a tangible connection to the past. The warmth of analog sound, the beauty of album artwork, and the act of playing a record all contribute to a unique and immersive listening experience that streamingsimplycan’treplicate.
On National Vinyl Records Day, let’s celebrate the music, the memories, and the magic of vinyl. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, there’s no better time to drop the needle and let the music play. After all, some classics are justtoogoodtobeforgotten.
Elijah McCormick, a talented singer from Raeford, North Carolina, captured the hearts of many as a contestant on American Idol. His journey is one of resilience, faith, and unwavering determination. If you saw his audition, you’ll know exactly why we deem him to be our very own “Golden Child.” Here’s a timeline of his remarkable story:
June 8, 2019: A Life-Changing Accident - Just hours after graduating from high school, Elijah McCormick was involved in a devastating car accident near his hometownofRaeford,NC.Theaccidentlefthimcriticallyinjured,andhewasairlifted to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill. Elijah flatlined nine times and endured numerous surgeries, including open-heart surgery. His road to recovery would be long and arduous.
Summer 2019 – 2020: The Recovery - Elijah spentseveralmonthsinthehospital,undergoinga total of 10 surgeries. His strength and willpower, along with the support of his family and community, saw him through the most challenging period of his life. During this time, music remained his beacon of hope, as he continued to sing, even fromhishospitalbed.
2020: The Return to Music - Despite his severe injuries and long recovery process, Elijah never gave up on his passion for music. As his health improved, he began to perform again, gaining local recognition for his powerful voice and inspiringstory.Hisperformancesatlocaleventsin Raeford and nearby communities resonated with audienceswhoknewthetrialshehadovercome.
Early 2022: American Idol Audition - With encouragement from his family and friends, Elijah decided to audition for the 20th season of AmericanIdol.Hisstoryofsurvival,combinedwith his incredible vocal talent, impressed the judges. Elijah’s audition quickly became one of the most memorable moments of the season, with judge LionelRichiestating,"You’rehereforareason."
2022: American Idol Journey - Elijah's journey onAmericanIdolwasmarkedbypowerful
performances that showcased not only his vocal abilities but also the emotional depth gained from his life experiences. Week after week, he captivated audiences with his soulful renditions of popular songs. Although he did not win the competition, his time on the show garneredhimnationalattentionandadevotedfanbase.
2023: Continuing His Musical Career - After American Idol, Elijah continued to pursue his music career. He released original music, drawing on his personal experiences to create songs that inspire and uplift. His single "Miracle," released in 2023, speaks to his journey of survivalandresilience,resonatingwithlistenerswhohavefacedtheirownstruggles.
Today, Elijah McCormick is more than just a talented singer—he is a symbol of hope and perseverance. He continues to perform, write music, and share his story with others. From a near-fatal accident to the national stage, Elijah McCormick’s journey is one that inspires us all.Andforthatreason,wewillforeverloveOURAmericanIdol. WE STILL LOVE OUR AMERICAN IDOL (CONTINUED)
Inaworldwherepoliticaltensionsoftenrun high, it’s easy to forget what truly matters. As debates intensify and opinions clash, we sometimes lose sight of the most important thing: our shared humanity. It’s time to remind ourselves that no matter what our party affiliations may be, we are all part of the same community, and our differences should never overshadow the respectweoweoneanother.
Political diversity is a strength, not a weakness.Differentperspectivesandideas
areessentialtoahealthydemocracy,butthewayweexpressthosedifferencesmatters.When conversations turn into arguments, and disagreements become personal attacks, we create divides that are hard to bridge. Instead, let’s approach each other with respect, listen more thanwespeak,andstrivetounderstandtheviewpointsofthosewithwhomwemaynotagree.
At the end of the day, we all want what’s best for our families, our communities, and our country. While we may have different ideas about how to achieve those goals, the common ground we share is far greater than the differences that separate us. We all care about safety, prosperity, justice, and fairness. These shared values should be the foundation of our interactions,guidingustoworktogether,ratherthanagainsteachother.
Politics should never be more important than people. When political discussions become heated, it’s crucial to remember that behind every opinion is a person with hopes, fears, and dreams—just like you. We must remind ourselves that the labels we wear—Democrat, Republican, Independent—are just that: labels. They do not define our worth, our kindness, or ourcapacitytoconnectwithoneanother.
The challenges we face as a society are too significant to be tackled in isolation. Whether it’s addressing social justice, improving healthcare, or ensuring a sustainable future, these issues require collaboration and unity. By focusing on what unites us rather than what divides us, we can build bridges that bring us closer together, enabling us to create solutions thatbenefiteveryone.
In times of division, kindness is a powerful tool. A simple act of kindness—whether it’s listening to someone with a different opinion, offering help to a neighbor, or speaking out against hate—can make a world of difference Kindness reminds us of oursharedhumanityandfostersasenseof community,evenwhenwedisagree.
As we navigate through these politically charged times, let’s commit to being more unified. Let’s keep the main thing the main thing: our humanity. By focusing on respect, kindness, and our common goals, we can move forward together, stronger andmoreconnectedthanever.
In the end, we are all part of the same story. Let’s make sure that story is one of unity, compassion, and mutual respect—because that is the legacy we want to leave behind for futuregenerations.
Political affiliation cannot and should not any longer create a divide amongst us. Yes, we may have different beliefs; however, we should all ALWAYS want the best for every single humanbeing.
Letyourconversationalwaysbelacedwiththatinmind.
Childhoodliteracyisacornerstoneofpersonalandcommunitydevelopment,layingthefoundation foreducationaljourneysandshapingfutureopportunities.InFayetteville,NC,promotingchildliteracy isessentialforempoweringyouthandensuringabrighterfutureforall
Literacyisfundamentaltoacademicsuccess,enablingchildrentoaccessinformationandexcelin school.Itdirectlyimpactsfuturecareeropportunities,asproficientreadersaremorelikelytopursue highereducationandsecurewell-payingjobs Additionally,readingfostersimagination,empathy, andemotionalintelligence,contributingtoimprovedsocialskillsandemotionalresilience.Aliterate populationalsoleadstolowercrimerates,increasedcivicengagement,andoverallcommunity growth,makingitaninvestmentinFayetteville’sfutureandabroad.
Despite the importance of literacy, many children in Fayetteville face challenges, with a significant percentage of students not meeting grade-level reading standards. Factors such as poverty, limited access to resources, and restricted parental involvement contribute to thesedisparities.
To improve child literacy in Fayetteville, we can promote early childhood education and support programs that enhance literacy-rich environments. Community reading programs can engage families, while volunteers can provide valuable mentorship and tutoring to struggling readers Ensuring access to books through initiatives like book drives and free distribution events is crucial, as is supporting literacy advocacy groups that address local challenges. Engaging parents and caregivers by educating them about literacy's importance and providing resources can empower them to play an active role in their children’sliteracyjourneys.
By prioritizing literacy initiatives and collaborating as a community, we can ensure that every child in Fayetteville has the tools they need to succeed. Investing in our children’s futuresfostersaloveforreadingandcreatesabrightertomorrowforgenerationstocome.
CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S “DAD JOKE.”
Whatdidthebeachsaywhenthetidecamein?
Every year on the second Sunday in August, we celebrate National Sunflower Day, a day dedicated to honoring one of nature’s most radiant and cheerful flowers Sunflowers, with their large golden petals and towering stems, are more than just a beautiful sight they symbolize happiness, warmth, and positivity. As we commemorate this delightful day, let’s explore the significance of sunflowers, their history, and how to celebrate in style.
Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are native to North America and have a rich history intertwined with both culture and agriculture. These striking blooms are known for their unique ability to turn their heads towards the sun, a phenomenon known as heliotropism This behavior not only showcases their connection to the sun but also serves as a reminder of the warmth and light they bring to our lives.
Beyond their beauty, sunflowers have practical uses The seeds are a popular snack, packed with nutrients, and are often used to produce sunflower oil, a healthy cooking alternative. Additionally, they attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, playing a crucial role in our ecosystems.
Sunflowers have been cultivated for thousands of years. Indigenous peoples of the Americas were the first to domesticate sunflowers, using the seeds for food, oil, and even as a dye for fabrics By the 16th century, European explorers brought sunflowers back to Europe, where they quickly gained popularity as ornamental plants.
In the late 19th century, sunflowers began to be grown commercially in the United States, thanks in part to advancements in agricultural practices. Today, they are widely cultivated across the country, especially in states like North Dakota and South Dakota, where vast fields of sunflowers create breathtaking landscapes.
CelebratingNationalSunflowerDaycanbebothfunandmeaningful.Herearesomeideasto embracethebeautyofsunflowers:
1.
PlantSunflowers:Whetheryouhaveagardenorjustasmallbalcony,considerplanting sunflowerseeds.Watchingthemgrowandbloomisarewardingexperiencethatconnects youwithnature.
2.
VisitaSunflowerField:Ifpossible,takeatriptoalocalsunflowerfarmorfield.Manyplaces offerpicturesqueviewsandphotoopportunities,allowingyoutoimmerseyourselfinthe beautyoftheseblooms.
3
CreateSunflowerArt:Tapintoyourcreativitybymakingsunflower-themedart.Paint,draw, orevencraftwithrealsunflowerstocelebratetheirvibrantessence.
4.
CookwithSunflowerSeeds:Incorporatesunflowerseedsintoyourmeals.Theycanbe addedtosalads,bakedgoods,orenjoyedasanutritioussnack.
5.
SharetheSunshine:Brightensomeone’sdaybygiftingabouquetofsunflowers.Their cheerfulappearanceissuretobringasmiletoanyone'sface.
6.
EducateandAdvocate:UseNationalSunflowerDayasanopportunitytolearnmoreabout theenvironmentalbenefitsofsunflowers.Shareinformationwithfriendsandfamilyaboutthe importanceofpollinatorsandsustainablegardeningpractices.
NationalSunflowerDayisajoyfulreminderofthebeautyandpositivitythatsunflowersbringinto ourlives.Aswecelebratethischeerfulbloom,letusappreciateitssignificanceinourculture, ecology,anddailylives.So,letthesunshinein,embracethewarmthoftheseradiantflowers, andspreadalittlehappinesswhereveryougo!
Maintaining a healthy diet doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Here are five quick and nutritious snacks that are perfect for busy lifestyles:
Rich in protein and probiotics, Greek yogurt is a satisfying snack that pairs well with fresh or frozen berries. Just add a handful of your favorite berries for natural sweetness and a boost of antioxidants. This combination is not only deliciousbutalsohelpskeepyoufull.
Slicing up an apple and dipping it in almond or peanut butter makes for a crunchy and satisfying snack. Apples provide fiber and vitamins, while nut butter adds healthy fatsandprotein,creatingabalancedandenergizingtreat.
Cutupcarrots,celery,cucumber,orbellpeppersandenjoy them with hummus. This snack is packed with vitamins, minerals,andfiberfromtheveggies,alongwithproteinand healthy fats from the hummus. It’s a great way to satisfy cravingswhileboostingyournutrientintake.
A homemade trail mix of nuts, seeds, and a few pieces of dried fruit or dark chocolate makes for a quick and energizing snack. Nuts and seeds provide healthy fats, protein,andfiber,whiledriedfruitoffersnaturalsweetness. Just be mindful of portion sizes, as nuts can be caloriedense.
Spread mashed avocado on a rice cake for a crunchy, satisfying snack. Avocado is rich in healthy fats and fiber, while rice cakes provide a light, crunchy base. You can also sprinkle some salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for addedflavor.
These quick and healthy snacks are perfect for anyone looking to maintain a nutritious diet without sacrificing flavor or convenience. Whether you're at home, at work, or on the go, these options will keep you satisfied and energizedthroughouttheday!
You’re never too old to color. Print this page off and allow yourself a few moments of self-care.
