In a Minute Industry facts, figures & fun

In a Minute

The month of February is Black History Month. Also known as African American History Month, the celebration grew out of “Negro History Week,” which was developed by Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson and minister Jesse E. Moorland. The duo founded the “Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), an organization dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by Black Americans and other peoples of African descent.” On Feb. 7, 1926, Woodson initiated the first celebration of Negro History Week, which eventually led to Black History Month and was meant “to extend and deepen the study and scholarship on African American history, all year long.” In 1976, during the nation’s bicentennial, President Gerald R. Ford urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Since then, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.

Sources: africanamericanhistorymonth.gov, history.com

Tidbits & Trivia

The Four Corners is the only spot in the U.S. where you can stand in four states at once: Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico.

The heart of the blue whale, the largest animal on earth, is 5 feet long and weighs 400 pounds.

It’s impossible to hum while holding your nose — just try it!

The first footprints on the moon will remain there for 1 million years.

National Celebration Days

Jan 17 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan 21 Nat’l Hugging Day Jan 24 Nat’l Compliment Day Feb Black History Month Feb 11 Nat’l Make a Friend Day Feb 14 Valentine’s Day Feb 21 Presidents Day March 4 Nat’l Grammar Day March 13 Pi Day

Crisis Talking Points

In school PR, crisis happens. This section takes a look at sample talking points for various crisis scenarios.

BULLYING

• The top priority of the (district name) is to ensure a safe and comfortable learning environment for all students. Because of this, we take any reports of bullying at our schools very seriously.

• Whenever we receive a report of bullying, we respond swiftly to ensure all students are safe physically and emotionally. While we cannot release any information about specific students or incidents, our schools have several programs in place to combat bullying and resolve conflicts. • We regularly review and update our curriculum and procedures to ensure those efforts are as effective as possible.

• If you have any questions about our policies or programs, please feel free to speak with your child’s teachers, site administrators or the district office.

Go to TSPRA Document Vault, accessible through your member portal, for more talking points & inspiration.

Grammar Time

GRAMMAR TIME

What is the difference between “e.g.” and “i.e.”?

“e.g.” is a Latin abbreviation for “for example” “i.e.” is a Latin abbreviation for “in other words”

If you’re unsure whether to use “e.g.” or “i.e.,” use “for example” or “in other words,” and you will naturally choose the right one.

The abbreviation “e.g.” is used to provide an example.

• You can choose any of the first three letters of the alphabet (e.g., B). • The buffet provided excellent variety, e.g., vegetarian and non-vegetarian soups, Italian and French breadsand numerous sweets. • He was the school champion of many activities (e.g., chess, badminton, hurdles and the high jump).

The abbreviation “i.e.” is used to restate an idea more clearly or offer more information.

• You can choose any of the first three letters of the alphabet (i.e., A, B, or C). • It happened in August, i.e., two months ago. • Service charge is included in all prices; i.e., you don’t have to leave a tip.

If you are like many people, when the clock strikes 12 on Jan. 1, you make a vow to do something in the new year. Maybe you want to eat healthier or make your bed every day. Instead of resolutions, consider setting some personal goals for 2022.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Express gratitude daily, whether you write in a journal or tell a friend how much they mean to you.

Find time to spend alone to relax and regenerate. Even after 15 minutes, you will feel refreshed.

Embrace life as an adventure, which may help the journey seem less scary.

Are you passionate about a topic? Learn something new about it and further your growth.

The only way you will fail anything is by not trying. Be less afraid of making mistakes and get out there and just do it!