PIC's Holiday Guide for Parents

PIC’s Holiday Guide for Parents

Family Activities to Encourage Learning Over the Holidays

Prepared for use by:The Parent Information Center

Urban League of Greater New Orleans2322 Canal Street, 2nd Floor Rear

New Orleans, LA 70119504-620-2332

Holiday Guide Cover & Interior Design by Dione Morgan for Morganhill, LLC

Greetings,

Every year children go into winter break full of newly acquired knowledge from their first semester of school, but then they

hit the dreaded “holiday slump”! It’s an unfortunate fact that many students find it difficult to get back on track with school after an extended holiday or vacation.

This is why it is so important that we use vacation time to continue to engage our kids in positive and productive activities while taking advantage of the opportunity to relax and bond with our families. With that in mind, the Urban League Parent Information Center (PIC) has created this resource guide for parents. In it you’ll find great activities and crafts to do at home, kid friendly events throughout the metro area, recommendations for books and movies to enjoy together, and opportunities to give back through service in New Orleans.

Hopefully, our suggestions will be helpful and even inspirational, and you’ll be able to incorporate them into your family’s holiday experience! As always, please feel free to call us or email with any suggestions or to request additional information. We hope you have a truly magical holiday!

With warmest wishes, The PIC Team

EARN Dinner & A MovieDuring the holiday season, children usually focus on “me,me,me” and parents usually hear “I want, I want, I want.” No matter your age it is easy to get side tracked by the dancing lights and holiday sale signs. As parents, we have a responsibility to teach our children - and to remind ourselves - that giving is better than receiving and the true spirit of the holidays comes from within.

It is important for children to understand that they are part of a community. In an effort to encourage families to give back, we want to reward you for taking part in one service activity this season. While we have provided a list of opportunities in the guide, we encourage you to find a cause close to your heart and lend a hand.

1. Choose 1 service activity from the guide or on your own in which your family can participate. For example, you can serve food at a soup kitchen or donate new or used toys to those in need.

2. Write a one page essay or draw a picture that describes your experience and how it made you feel. Also, include a picture of your family taking part in the activity.

3. Submit your essay or drawing and picture by January 31st, 2013 to receive dinner and a movie (valued at $30).

Please include your name, contact information, school your child(ren) attends, and the grade level your child(ren) will be entering in Fall 2013.

All submissions should be emailed or mailed to:ULGNO Parent Information Center

2912 Canal St., 2nd Floor Rear, New Orleans, LA 70119 [email protected]

Holiday Guide 2012 |5|

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Table of ContentsKids in the Kitchen .................................................. 6

Blue’s Thankful Sweet Potato Treat ................... 10Carrot & Apple Turkey Snack .............................. 11Wuzzleberry Pie ................................................. 12Gingerbread Men Cookies .................................... 13

It's A Small World ....................................................... 14Stories of Thanksgiving ......................................... 16Holidays Around the World .................................. 18

Arts & Crafts .............................................................. 20

Menorah ............................................................. 22Kinarah ................................................................ 23

Cone Cup Piñata .................................................... 24Paper Baskets ........................................................ 25

3D Ornaments ..................................................... 26

Story Time ................................................................. 27

Movie Night .............................................................. 28

Community Events ................................................... 30

Map: City of New Orleans ........................................... 36

Opportunities to Serve ............................................. 38

Soup Kitchens ..................................................... 39

Additional Online Resources ................................... 40

Activities .................................................................. 41

Who We Are .......................................................... 45

About the Urban League of Greater New Orleans .......................................... 47


For many families, the holidays mean lots of time spent cooking and, more importantly, eating. Cooking with your

children requires patience, close supervision, and usually more cleaning. The value of preparing meals as a family outweighs the extra work.

The best reason to cook with your children is that it’s fun! Kids love getting messy and feel proud when they make something especially tasty or interesting. Parents can also enjoy the opportunity for creativity and the extra time bonding with the children in such a positive way.

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Kids in the KitchenHere are some other great reasons to get the kids involved:

For the Family• Kids are more willing to sit down for a family meal if they had a

hand in preparing it.

• Children will have a better understanding of the work behind their meal.

• As children’s skills improve, they can help more with meal preparation as they grow.

Academically• Depending on your children’s ages, cooking encourages math skills like

number recognition, measurement, and arithmetic - especially when doubling or halving recipes.

• Following recipes involves a high level of reading comprehension and provides great practice in following detailed and complex directions.

• When baking, think about the chemical reactions taking place: Why does bread rise? Why do you need to add an egg to some breads?

• Cooking foods from other cultures is a great way to have conversations about the world.

Personally• Cooking with your kids can help get them interested in trying

healthy foods from which they might normally shy away.

• Cooking is a life skill that kids will carry with them into adulthood

• Successfully seeing a complicated project through will build confidence.

• Exploring and experimenting with different foods will awaken your child’s natural curiosity and encourage creativity in other areas of life.

The holidays are a great time to take on some cooking projects with your kids. The skills used when cooking are a great way to keep newly acquired academic skills sharp over the break. With that in mind, PIC has collected the following simple and fun recipes to try at homethis winter!


Keep Kids Involved

2- Year OldsBreakingScrubbingSnappingTearingWashing handsWiping counters/table tops

3-Year OldsCracking eggsCutting out shapes with cookie cutters MixingPouringRolling with handsShakingSpreading (soft into firm)

4-Year Olds GratingGrindingMashingPeeling (with fingers)

5-Year OldsCutting / chopping (with table knife) Dividing/portioningGreasing pansKneadingSiftingUsing rotary beater

Use this ledger as a guide when cooking the following recipes with kids. By involving children in age appropriate activities, it will help lessen frustration

and keep cooking interesting.

Blue’s Thankful Sweet Potato TreatServe up a sweet potato side dish that’s full of festive kid-friendly flavor. Topped with ginger cookies and a sprinkle of brown sugar, your kids will be sure to ask for seconds.

Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 15 min. | Cook Time: 30 min.

Ingredients:2 lb. sweet potatoes, peeled, cooked, and mashed 6 tbsp. butter or margarine, melted, divided in two 1/4 cup orange juice1 1/2 tsp. salt12 ginger cookies, finely crushed1/2 cup chopped pecans3 tbsp. brown sugar

Directions:1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Mix potatoes, 3 tablespoons of the melted butter, orange juice, and salt until well blended. Spoon into 2-quart casserole.

3. Mix the remaining 3 tablespoons of the melted butter, cookie crumbs, pecans, and brown sugar until blended. Sprinkle over the sweet-potato mixture.

4. Bake 30 minutes or until topping is golden brown.

Recipe Questions that you can ask your child while cookingIf we need to serve 8 people, how will this affect our ingredients?


Header Area Carrot & Apple Turkey

Snack

A simple holiday side dish recipe that picky eaters will gobble gobble down!

Servings: 12 | Prep Time: 30 min.

Ingredients:A dozen muffin/cupcakes of your choiceCarrotsSeedless red grapes Seedless green grapesSlices of apples

Directions:1. Cut a round slice of pumpkin bread or a pumpkin muffin for the turkey body.

2. Wash and peel carrots, then cut lengthwise slices.

3. Cut feathers and legs from these slices.

4. Cut the end from a red grape and use large piece for head.

5. Cut “wattle” from a thin apple slice and, using a small straw, cut out two little eyes.

6. Moistness of apple will make eyes stick to the turkey’s head.

7. Arrange on plate

Recipe Question that you can ask your child while cookingWhat shape is the turkey’s feathers? Body?

What other fruits/vegetables could be used for the feathers? Holiday Guide 2012 |11|

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Made with strawberries, blueberries and raspberries, this pie is a berry-licious delight! Add sugar, tapioca and pie crusts, and it’s nothing short of heavenly.

Servings: 8 | Prep Time: 30 min. Cook Time: 1 hr.

Ingredients:2 ready-made pie crusts6 cups frozen mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries and raspberries) thawed slightly3/4 cup sugar1/4 cup quick-cookie tapioca Flour for dusting

Directions:1. Adjust the oven rack to the lower third of your oven and preheat to 400°F.

2. Combine the fruit, sugar, and tapioca in a large bowl. Toss together and let it stand while preparing the crust.

3. Unroll a ready-made pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate. Press into the pan, allowing the excess to hang over the edge. Fill the pie shell with the berry mixture.

4. Lightly flour a large cutting board. Place the remaining pie crust on the board. Cut into 3/4-inch strips. Place five to six strips of dough across the top of the pie about 3/4 inch apart. To make a lattice design, pull back every other strip halfway on the pie. Place a strip of dough crosswire on the pie. Fold the pieces back. Now pull back the alternate strips of dough. Place another crosswire strip of dough on top of the pie, and then place the folded pieces of dough back over it. Repeat this method until the entire top is covered with the pastry strips.

5. Trim excess dough around the edge of the pie and crimp the top and bottom crusts together. Place the pie in the oven and bake at 400°F for 30 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F. Continue baking until the filling is bubbly and crust is golden, about 30 minutes longer.

6. Remove the pie from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before serving.

Wuzzleberry Pie


Gingerbread Men Cookies


A fun idea is to use the Gingerbread Men as decorations for your Christmas tree or even as gift tags.

To do this, pierce a hole in the top of each unbaked cookie using a straw or end of a wooden skewer. Bake the cookies until crisp and then thread a pretty ribbon through the hole and hang on your tree. Servings: 16 | Prep Time: 25 min.Cook Time: 40 min.

Ingredients:1 cup butter, softened2/3 cup dark corn syrup1 eggs, beaten1 tablespoon vanilla4 cups flour¾ teaspoon baking soda1 tablespoon cinnamon1 tablespoon gingerIcing of your choice

Directions: 1. Combine butter with sugar and corn syrup until smooth.

2. Add the vanilla and the egg, mix well.

3. Sift together dry ingredients and add slowly to the sugar/butter mixture.

4. Blend until dough is smooth.

5. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least one hour, or overnight.

6. On a floured surface, roll out dough until ¼ inch thick, cut with cookie cutters.

7. Bake on a slightly greased cookie sheet in a preheated oven at 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes.

8. Allow to cool before decorating with icing.


People from all over the world have many different traditions which are mostly grounded in activities that people do to observe

holidays. Holidays are usually celebrations or remembrances of events in history that have been important for one reason or another. Around the globe, people mark holidays with special traditions, festivities, and services. As our world becomes more and more interconnected, it is good to understand the similarities and differences among cultures. This section will give you the opportunity to explore holiday traditions from many different cultures around the world.

It's A Small World


History of ThanksgivingPrayers of thanks and special thanksgiving ceremonies are common among almost all cultures. Thanksgiving is a holiday surrounded by myths and legends. Many societies have a day set aside to give Thanksgiving for the many blessings they enjoy. This is a holiday that is primarily celebrated in the United States and Canada. Historically, Thanksgiving has roots in religious and cultural tradition. Today, Thanksgiving is primarily celebrated as a secular holiday.

Observances in North America

Canada - Occurring on the second Monday in October, it is an annual Canadian holiday to give thanks at the close of the harvest season. Thanksgiving is a statutory holiday in all provinces in Canada, except for New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. While businesses may remain open in these provinces, the holiday is nonetheless recognized and celebrated regardless of its status.

United States - Thanksgiving in the United States took its tradition from the annual autumn harvest feast between the Plymouth Colonists and the Wampanoag Indians. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a National Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. Thanksgiving is currently celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, but due to the longstanding traditions of the holiday, the celebration often extends to the weekend that falls closest to the day it is celebrated. Most families in the United States celebrate this day by gathering together as a family and sharing in a meal.

It's A Small World:Stories of Thanksgiving

Other observances known as Thanksgiving

Grenada - In the West island of Grenada, there is a national holiday known as Thanksgiving Day which is celebrated on October 25th. Even though it bears the same name, and is celebrated at roughly the same time as the American and Canadian versions of Thanksgiving, this holiday is unrelated to either of those celebrations. Instead the holiday marks the anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion of the island in 1983, in response to the deposition and execution of Grenadine Prime Minister Bishop.

Japan - Labor Day Thanksgiving is a national holiday in Japan. It takes place annually on November 23rd. The law establishing the holiday cites it as an occasion for commemorating labor and production and giving one another thanks.

Liberia - In the West African country of Liberia, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the first Thursday of November.

The Netherlands - Many of the Pilgrims who migrated to the Plymouth Plantation resided in the city of Leiden from 1609-1620, many of whom recorded their birth, marriages and deaths at the Pieterskerk. A non-denominational Thanksgiving Day service is held each year on the morning of the American Thanksgiving Day in the Pieterskerk at a Gothic church in Leiden to commemorate the hospitality the Pilgrims received in Leiden on their way to the New World.

Norfolk Island - In the Australian external territory of Norfolk Island, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the last Wednesday of November, similar to the pre-World War II American observance on the last Thursday of the month. This means the Norfolk Island observance is the day before, or six days after, the United States’ observance.

It's A Small World



It's A Small World:Winter Holidays

Christmas is the season during which Christians everywhere celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. This joyus cycle begins on December 25th, the Festival of the Nativity of our Lord, more commonly known in English-speaking countries as Christmas.

Fun Fact: The modern English word Christmas comes from the Old English Christes Maesse (Christ Mass), the name of the service of Holy Communion that commemorates Christ’s birth.

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday celebrated for eight days and nights. It starts on the 25th of the Jewish month of Kislev, which may occur at anytime from late November to late December on the secular calendar. The Menorah symbolizes Hanukkah having eight branches that each hold one candle. Each light represents each night of the holiday.

Fun Fact: In Hebrew, the word “Hanukkah” means “dedication.”

Kwanzaa is an African American celebration observed from December 26th through January 1st. It was developed by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966 as a way to celebrate and promote the African American culture. Kwanzaa focuses on seven principles namely Ujimah (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (cooperation and working together), Ujamaa (supporting one another), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith in the leaders and the community).

Fun Fact: The seven principles are all in Swahili, a widely spoken African language.

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It's A Small World


Bohdi Day celebrates the Buddhist story of how Buddha, the central figure and founder of their religion, came to be. The holiday is observed on December 8th. It is said that a man named Siddhattha Gotama became the Buddha as he sat under a tree and thought about all the problems in the world until he became “enlightened” with the solution. Families celebrate this important moment in their religion by hanging multi-colored lights, lighting candles, meditating, and snacking on rice and milk, which is the first meal The Buddha ate after his enlightenment!

Fun Fact: The “Bodhi Day” is also known as “Rohatsu” celebrated in Japan. Rohatsu is the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month.

Eid-al-Adha is a major Islamic holiday observed on the 10th day of the last month of the Islamic calendar (usually early December) as a celebration of having faith! Eid-al-Adha commemorates the Islamic story of the choice Abraham had to make when his god, Allah, ordered him to sacrifice his son, Isaac, to prove his faith. Though Abraham was prepared to follow Allah’s demand, Muslims believe Allah sent Abraham an animal to sacrifice instead. The holiday remembers the great faith Abraham had!

Fun Fact: The Arabic word ‘Islam’ means submission and obedience, and derives from a word meaning ‘peace’.

Los Posadas is celebrated on December 16th and is a nine-day Mexican tradition commemorating the part of the Christmas story in which Mary and Joseph asked for a place to stay at every inn in Bethlehem before finding shelter in a barn when Jesus was born.

Fun Fact: In some locations the word “posadas” is synonymous with “parties.” These parties are given every night for 9 nights during the celebration leading up to Christmas Day.

Three Kings Day, also called “The Epiphany” in some cultures, is a very important holiday in the Christian church that commemorates the movement when Jesus was recognized as God in human form. The holiday is celebrated with special sermons and masses.

Fun Fact: Twelve days after Christmas; celebrates the visit of the three wise men to the infant Jesus.


Arts And Crafts

What could be more fun than making projects as a family? We’ve provided directions for five simple and inexpensive crafts for your family to try.

Feel free to adapt these crafts in whatever way you see fit. When you’re finished, you can give these handmade treasures to friends and family as presents. For more great ideas visit www.DLTK-kids.com.


1. Art promotes cognitive and creative skills. Studies show that kids who make art do better in school, especially in reading, science, and math.

2. Art teaches kids to work through problems creatively!

3. Art incorporates culture and community into a child’s world, making them more open to new ideas and tolerant of alternate world views.

4. Crafting as a family creates wonderful opportunities to bond with and encourage children.

5. Watching how your children approach their artwork can tell you a lot about their learning style and preferences. It gives you a glimpse into how they think and view the world.

6. Art develops hand-eye coordination and other gross and fine motor skills.

7. When art is integrated with other subjects, like math or history, kids commit more to the learning process.

8. Making art promotes self-esteem, self discipline, and persistence when practiced regularly.

9. Artistic expression creates new and alternate avenues for communication.

10. Art is fun!

10 Reasons to Get Crafty


Hanukkah (Chanuka)

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday celebrating religious freedom.

During this festival, a candle is lit at the end of every day. Traditionally, each candle is placed in a Menorah. The middle candle (the shamash) and one other candle are lit on the first night. The middle candle is then used to light the third candle on the second night, the fourth candle on the third night, the fifth candle on the fourth night, the sixth candle on the fifth night, the seventh candle on the sixth night, the eighth candle on the seventh night and the ninth candle on the eight night. It is on the eighth night that all the candles are burning at once.

What you'll need• Cardboard toilet paper rolls• Masking or scotch tape• Cardboard or wood strips (approx. 2”-3” wide)• Yellow and orange tissue paper • Paint, brushes and water or magic markers

How to Make your Menorah

1. Take 9 cardboard rolls (4 pairs and one single). Keep one roll the length that it is and cut the other 4 down as shown above. The center will be tallest.

2. Tape (or glue) the tubes to the cardboard or wood.

3. Paint or use magic markers to color the menorah.

4. Glue pieces of yellow and orange tissue paper in the ends of the tubes to represent burning flames.

Test your knowledge of Hanukkah

1. What is the name of the middle candle of the Menorah?

2. Hanukkah is a ____________________ holiday.

3. What candle is lit on the second night of Hanukkah?

Menorah

Kinara

Kwanzaa

Kwanza is a traditional African- Amercain cultured celebration.

In fact, the word Kwanzaa is Swahili for “the first fruit”. Kwanzaa is a 7-day festival that begins on the 26th of December and it celebrates the ties that bind traditional African customs to the cultural history of African American and Canadians. You can make a Kinara (a seven branch candlestick) as a way of celebrating Kwanzaa. The seven branches and candles (one black, three red-on the right, three green-on the left) of the Kinara represent each of the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

What you'll need• Red, green and yellow construction paper

• Glue

• Heavy poster paper

• Tissue or crepe paper-the color of fire (red, yellow, orange)

How to Make your Kinara1. Cut the construction paper into strips- one black, three red and three green. Make the black strip the longest and make the red and green strips go down in graduated lengths.

2. Draw or glue a picture of the seven branch candlesticks onto the poster paper. Glue the strips of paper (to represent candles) on the picture of the candlestick.

3. Use the tissue and crepe paper to add the detail of fire burning from the candles

Test your knowledge of Kwanzaa

1. Kwanzaa is a traditional _______________ celebration.

2. How many days does the Kwanzaa festival last?

3. What is a Kinara?



Cone Cup Piata

Posadas

Posadas is celebrated December 16th - 24th in Spanish and

Mexican communities. The feast ends in the evening with a piñata filled with treats for the children. It celebrates the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. You can make your own mini piñata using paper cone cups, a few extras like paint and paper and treats.

What you'll need• Paper cone cups (pointed bottoms-like the ones used for water dispensers)

• Gold, silver, and brightly colored paints

• Pipe Cleaners

• Crepe or tissue paper

• Glue (or needle and thread-for older students)

• Paintbrushes

• Goodies to put inside (you could also leave the piñata empty and pretend)

How to Make your Pinata1. You need two cups for each piñata.

2. Insert the ends of a pipe cleaner through the pointed end of one of the cups. Spread the ends of the pipe cleaner inside the cup and leave enough on the outside. This will be the hanger.

3. If you decide to put treats inside the piñata, do this now. Make sure you don’t use any food that can spoil.

You can also use popcorn kernels or dry split peas instead of candy.

4. Place the rims of the cups together. Younger children can glue the cups together, while older children can sew the cups using needle and thread.

5. Decorate the piñata. This could be done in several ways:

• You could spray paint the piñata gold or silver and then drawpictures with markers on top of the painted piñata.

• You could glue tissue or crepe paper on the piñata to give it texture.

• You could decorate using magic markers.

• You could paint the piñata with tempera or water coloror acrylic paint.

6. Be creative.

7. Have fun decorating.

Test your knowledge of Posadas

1. Posadas is celebrated in what two communities?

2. Posadas celebrates the journey of ____________ and ____________ to Bethelem.

3. Posadas is celebrated in what month?


Thanksgiving Paper Baskets

Native Americans used baskets to store seeds, gather crops and

sift meal. Follow the lead of these resourceful crafters by weaving a basket out of newspaper “reeds.”

What you'll need • Newspaper • Scissors• Glue stick• Tape• Craft paints and brushes

How to Make your Paper Basket

1. Make a reed out of a 13 1⁄2 x 22-inch sheet of newspaper. Starting with a long edge, tightly roll the sheet into a tube. Flatten the tube and use a glue stick to secure the open edge. Assemble seven more reeds.

2. Lay four of the reeds side by side on a flat surface and weave in the remaining four. Slide the strips together to make the bottom of the basket. Fold the ends of the reeds up to form side spokes.

3. Now, cut the newspaper sheets into four 11-by 27-inch rectangles. Using the same method as before,

roll four more reeds. Tape the end of a reed to

the base of a spoke. Weave the reed in and out of the spokes, around the basket.

4. Tuck the end behind a spoke. Weave in the other reeds, one above the other. Fold the tops of the spokes into the basket and tuck them behind a reed.

5. Use craft paints to coat the finished basket inside and out, then add decorative symbols.

6. Place baskets on Thanksgiving table and have all invited write down one thing they are thankful for and share the notes at the end of the meal.

Test your knowledge of Thanksgiving

1. Thanksgiving is celebrated on the _________Thursday in November.

2. Name three things you are thankful for.

3. What is your most favorite food at Thanksgiving?

Christmas 3D OrnamentsMaking 3D

ornaments is a great way to develop an understanding of symmetry. It is also cost effective and a fun activity for parents and children.

What you'll need• Paper - either white or of different colors (old Christmas cards could be used for this)• Scissors• Glue• Thread

How to Make your 3D Ornament1. Fold your piece of paper along a line of symmetry.

2. On one side of the fold draw half of a Christmas shape or any object that is a symmetrical. (e.g. Christmas Tree, Angel, Star, Santa, Bell, etc.)

3. Trace the pattern onto the other half of the paper so that the design is perfectly symmetrical.

4. Color or decorate the design and cut out.

5. Repeat this process so that you have at least 3 identical shapes (older children should be able to handle several shapes).

6. Glue all these shapes back to back.

7. Use thread for hanging ornaments.

Test your knowledge of Christmas

1. Christmas is celebrated on the __________ day of December.

2. What is the best gift you have ever given? Why was it so special?

3. If you could give one gift to every single child in the world, what would that gift be?


Story TimeReading to and with your children is

one of the best ways to encourage literacy. Just as important, it’s a wonderful way to bond and learn about new subjects as a family. Most of the books listed are already available in New Orleans Public Libraries (see list of library branches on page 16). If a book is not at the library or is checked out, request it!

Thanksgiving: The True Storyby Penny Colman (Ages 10 and Up)

A narrative nonfiction style book that paints a fascinating picture of this cherished American holiday. The author examines numerous

Thanksgiving claims which were antecedents to the national holiday we celebrate today, raising the turkey question-does everyone eat turkey on Thanksgiving? - and shows Sarah Josepha Hale’s instrumental role in establishing the holiday. Get ready to delve into the rich past of Thanksgiving in an enlightening history that uncovers the true story.

Horrible Harry and the Holidazeby Suzie Kline & Frank Remkiewicz (Ages 6-8)

The holiday season is here, and the kids in Room 3B are learning about all the different ways people celebrate. In addition to Christmas and Hanukkah, there

is Kwanzaa, Three Kings Day, Korean New Year and more. All the talk about holidays has everyone feeling festive, that is, except Harry. He doesn’t seem to care about the holidays, the class pet, or event the new student in class. It is clear that something is bugging Harry, but what could it be?

The Stone Lamp: Eight Stories of Hanukkah Through History

by Karen Hesse (Ages 10-12)

In a series of eight powerful and evocative free-verse poems, Newberry Award winner Karen Hesse captures this resilient spirit of the

Jewish people over hardship and horror through the voices of eight children at Hanukkah.

Why Christmas Trees Aren’t Perfectby Richard Schneider (Ages 5 and Up)

Long, long ago, in a land far away, lived a perfect little tree named Small Pine. Small Pine hoped to maintain its perfect form and be selected

by the Queen as her Christmas tree. As the warm-hearted little tree gave shelter to birds, rabbits, and deer in the forest, its branches became damaged. Fortunately, the Queen had a different idea of perfection.

K is for Kwanzaaby Juwanda Ford (Ages 4 and Up)

A unique alphabet book for children and a wonderful introduction to Kwanzaa, the holiday that celebrates African American heritage. K is for Kwanzaa explains

the different facets of the holiday, from A to Z. Each letter of the alphabet represents an English or Swahili word, accompanied by a simple definition explaining its importance or relation to Kwanzaa.

Last Year's Picks: Pilgrim’s First Thanksgiving by Ann McGovern, Giving Thanks: A Native American Thanksgiving Lesson by Jake Swamp,

The Trees of the Dancing Goats by Patrick Palocco, The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg, Seven Spools of Thread by Angela S. Medearis


Movie NightWhile you might not immediately

think of movies as promoting academics, they can be great learning tools! Movies tell us stories about culture and the world, teach us lessons, help us to understand other points of view, and support literacy skills such as visual comprehension and narrative analysis. Discuss the film when you’re finished watching it to encourage critical thinking and practice comprehension skills. Some questions to ask might be, “How would you summarize this film?” or “What lesson does the story of this movie teach us?”

Pocahontas (1995)“Pocahontas” is a Disney animated film that offers a fictionalized look at Native American Pocahontas and Englishman John Smith as English settlers meet Powhatan Indians in Jamestown. Restless for adventure, Indian princess Pocahontas stumbles upon English settlers who’ve landed in the home of her tribe. She soon becomes entranced by handsome Captain John Smith, who’s also smitten by Pocahontas’ beauty and gentle spirit. However, when Governor Ratcliffe’s greedy followers

believe the Native Americans have hidden the gold they’re searching for and demand its return, tension builds between the two groups. It’s up to Pocahontas to discover her true destiny and restore peace among her people.

Rise of the Guardians (2012)

Rise of the Guardians is an epic adventure that tells the story of a group of heroes - each with extraordinary abilities. When an evil spirit known as Pitch lays down the gauntlet to take over the world, the immortal Guardians must join forces for the first time to protect the hopes, beliefs and imagination of children all over the world.

Dr.Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)It’s the day before Christmas, and all the Grinch can think about is how much he hates the whole Christmas season. He hatches a plot to stop Christmas from coming. Dressed as a rag-tag Santa, the Grinch sneaks into


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every home and, with the coerced help of his dog, drags all their Christmas decorations, food, and presents back up the mountain. But can he stop Christmas from coming? And can the love that Christmas embodies save his shriveled heart?

Lights: Miracle of Chanukah (1985)

An award-winning animated film about the deeper meaning of the Festival of Lights, The Miracle of Chanukah brings the story of Chanukah to vivid life through colorful animation, splendid set decoration, and a strong story. The Miracle of Chanukah not only examines the history of the holiday, but also aims to show young people that being different is something to celebrate. (Available for viewing at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_3kvFfZ28w)

A Rugrats Kwanzaa (2001)

When Aunt T. visits the Carmichaels to celebrate Kwanzaa, she tells Susie the holiday is a time to honor the legacy of our great people. Susie comes to the conclusion that she isn’t great and won’t be able to celebrate. {Availabe for viewing at: http://www.amazon.com/A-rugrats-Kwanzaa/dp/B004D1T860)

Last year's picks:• A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)• It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)• March of Penguins (2005)• A Christmas Story (1983)• The Nutcracker 3D (1993) • March of the Penguins (2005)



Community Events

Algiers Regional Branch3014 Holiday Dr. | (504) 596-2641

Alvar Branch913 Alvar St. | (504)596-2667

Central City BranchBldg. C, Rm. 325 | 2405 Jackson Ave. (504) 596-2628

Children’s Resource Center913 Napoleon Ave. | (504) 596-2628

Cita Dennis Hubbell BranchTemporary location and hours while Hubbell is closed for repair: 225 Morgan St. 70114(504) 366-0657

East New Orleans Branch5641 Read Blvd. | (504) 596-0200

Norman Mayer Branch (Gentilly)3001 Gentilly Blvd. | (504) 596-3100

Rosa Keller Branch4300 S. Broad St. | (504) 596-2660

Robert E. Smith Branch (Lakeview)6301 Canal St. | (504) 596-2638

Latter Branch5120 St. Charles Ave. | (504) 596-2625

Martin Luther King Branch1611 Caffin Ave. | (504) 596-2695

Mid-City Branch3700 Orleans Ave. | (504) 596-2654

Nix Branch1401 S. Carrollton Ave. | (504) 596-2630

There are so many things to do with your family in New Orleans! We’ve compiled a list of fun holiday activities for you and your family to enjoy! The icon next to each activity indicates its map

location, see page 36.

New Orleans Public LibrariesHours: Library hours for most branches are 10 am - 7 pm Monday-Thursday and 10 am -5 pm on Saturday

Cost: Free!

Location: New Orleans Central Library is located at 219 Loyola Ave. (see below for branch locations).

The New Orleans Public Library offers a huge number of children’s programs for free, throughout the year, and at all their branches. To find out about story time, arts and crafts, teen activities, book clubs and more, visit your local branch, the public library’s website www.neworleanspubliclibrary.org, or call their general information line at 504.529.READ (504.529.7323). Special winter events will be posted to their online events calendar as they are finalized, so check regularly!


Thanksgiving CampNov. 19-229 am - 3 pm Extended care is available for all days. Cost: 3 day camp $105 for members and $135 for non-members, One day only $35 for members and $45 for non-members. Holidays are fun times for daylong getaways at the zoo. Make Audubon’s Holiday Camp part of your tradition. Provide your child with plenty of action packed adventures among the animals at the zoo. Each day is full of animal exploration, scientific investigation, arts and crafts, and more!!!Location: Audubon Zoo

Hoppy ThanksgivingNov. 22-23 & 25-2710 am - 5 pmCost: regular admission. Get ready for a fun-filled Hoppy Thanksgiving at Audubon Insectarium! You can sample traditional Thanksgiving dishes done in ways you’ll only find at the Insectarium; turkey with cornbread and mealworm stuffing, wax worm cranberry sauce and cricket pumpkin pie. This might not be what the Pilgrims ate, but you’ll be surprised at how tasty it is. YUM!Location: Audubon Insectarium

Jingle BugsDec. 109 am - 5 pmCost: regular admission. Meet Santa Claus! Take your own photo or purchase from Amazing Photos. Test your knowledge of “winter bugs” with our GUMDROP HUNT! Look high and low for the gumdrops to answer the questions. Pick up game cards in the lobby. Turn in at the Metamorphosis Lab to enter for a prize! Meet PUPAE NOEL in METAMORPHOSIS LAB--check out his tiny red hat. He’ll be ‘hanging around’ all day! Sample HOLIDAY TREATS all day in BUG APPETIT. Kids, visit the craft table between Hall of Fame and METAMORPHOSIS LAB to make your very own holiday craft.Location: Audubon Insectarium

Holiday CampDec. 26-28Costs, location and description match the Thanksgiving camp, but with a win-ter theme.

Zoo Year’s EveDec. 3110:30 am - 12:30 pmCost: regular admission. Bring in the New Year at noon! Get the whole family together to welcome the year 2013!Location: Audubon Zoo

Audubon Nature Institute Audubon ZooHours: Tuesday-Friday, 10AM-4PMWeekends 10AM-5PMCost: Adults $16.00 Children (2-12) $11.00 Seniors (65+) $13.00 Location: 6500 Magazine St. 504-581-4629

Audubon Insectarium Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10AM-5PMCost: Adults $16.00 Children (2-12) $11.00 Seniors (65+) $13.00 Location: 423 Canal St. (504) 410-2847

Audubon Aquarium Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10AM-5PMCost: Adults $21.00 Children (2-12) $14.00 Seniors (65+) $17.00 Location: 1 Canal St. 1-800-774-7394

Entergy IMAX Theatre Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10AM-5PMCost: Adults $10.50 Children (2-12) $7.50 Seniors (65+) $9.50 Location: 1 Canal St. 1-800-774-7394


Community Events

Target Free SundaysNov 18 & Dec 1612 pm - 4:30 pmCost: Free admission all day!

Come and play the day away at the Children’s museum free of charge, provided by Target. Your kids will love it!

Falling into Harvest CampNov. 19, 20, 21 & 23Cost: $37.00 per day or $126 per week for members and $42 per day or $168 week for non-members.

Campers will create their own seed & bean mosaics and gourd creatures, create natural art with leaves, acorns, seeds and pine cones, decorate a planter, plant seeds and create edible art.

“Campout” While Schools OutDec. 19 - 21Cost: $37.00 per day or $111 per week for members and $42.00 per day or $126.00 a week for non-members.

Enjoy an indoor campout at the Museum! Build a tent and pretend campfire. Sing songs and tell chilly stories. Make trail mix, hot chocolate and other camping snacks. Play camping games and learn various survival skills.

Wish Upon A New Year CampDec. 26 - 28Cost: $37.00 a day or $111 per week for members and $42.00 per day or $126 per week for non-members.

Campers will learn about wishing traditions from all over the world. Make a Japanese Koinobori (healthy children wish fish). Create a Bengali flour painting and Moroccan Khamsas (good luck hands). Contribute to a collaborative Wishing Tree that will be displayed in the Museum at our New Year’s Eve Kids’ Countdown!

Louisiana Children's MuseumFall, Winter and Spring Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm and Sunday: Noon - 4:30 pm

Cost: $8.00 per person (adults and children). LCM members and children under 1 are free!

Location: 420 Julia Street New Orleans, LA 70130

The Louisiana Children’s Museum promotes hands-on participatory learning for children of all ages. Encouraging discovery through observation, inquiry, creative construction, role-playing, problem-solving, and free play, the Museum motivates children to develop their cognitive, physical and social skills while enjoying fruitful interaction with adults and peers.

Every day they have book readings at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. They also have special art projects in Art Trek. For more information, call 504.523.1357, fax 504.529.3666, or visit www.lcm.org


Storyland: Monday-Sunday 10 am-5 pmCost: $3 or free for children under 36’’ tall

Amusement Park: Saturday and Sunday 11 am -6 pm Cost: $3 dollars to enter $3 per ride or $20 per person for entry and unlimited rides.

The Botanical Gardens: Tuesday-Sunday 10 am -4:30 pmCost: $6 general, children 5-12 $3, and children under 5 are free.

The Sculpture Garden: Daily 10 am - 5 pmCost: Free!

Children’s Preview Party: Nov. 185 pm - 8 pmCost: $30 a ticket, $25 for Friends of City Park (limit 4 per membership)An all inclusive party for pint-sized patrons and their parents featuring food, rides, and live entertainment. More info call 504-483-9415 or email, [email protected]: Amusement Park and Storyland

Celebration in the Oaks: Nov. 23 - Jan. 1Fri. & Sat. 6 pm -11 pmSun. -Thur. 6 pm - 10 pm Cost: $7 per person, children under three and friends of City Park free, Rides: $3.00 per single ride ticket or $17.00 per unlimited ride band. Location: Botanical Garden, Amusement Park, and Storyland City Park’s annual holiday lighting exhibit and festival.

City ParkHours: Dawn ‘til Dusk. Cost: Free!

Location: 1 Palm Drive, New Orleans 70124

City Park is always free to enjoy and going on a simple afternoon walk or bike ride with your family is always fun! If you have any questions call their general line at 504·482·4888 , email [email protected], or visit www.neworleanscitypark.com.

Other activities open year round in City Park are:


New Orleans Ballet TheaterThe NutcrackerNov. 24 & 252 pm & 7 pm (Nov. 24th Only)Cost: adults $30 and students $20 (tentative) For more information: call 504-582-3800 or visit www.NOBT.org Location: Roussel Hall at Loyola Univer-sity 6363 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans, LA 70118

Lakeside MallSanta’s ArrivalNov. 179:30 amCost: Free!Santa Claus is coming to town... at Lakeside Mall! Join the parade of characters to Center Court where Santa will take his seat and welcome in the holiday season. Location: 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd Metairie, LA 70002

Longue VueTues. - Sat., Sun. 10 am - 5 pm, 1 pm - 5pm (Sun.)Cost: $10 regular admission, $9 seniors and military, $5 children and students, free for children under 2. Experience the history and beauty of Longue Vue House and Gardens. Longue Vue features Classical Revival style buildings and landscaped gardens, a magnificent collection of European and American decorative and fine arts pieces, museum exhibits, entertaining tours and educational programs. For more information visit www.longuvue.com or call 504.488.5488. Location: 7 Bamboo Road, New Orleans, LA 70124.

Turkey TeaNov. 191 pm - 3 pmCost: per child $15 for members; $18 for nonmember, per adult: $25 for members; $30 for nonmembers. Children and their accompanying adults are invited to celebrate Thanksgiving Longue Vue-style with songs, stories, games, and a fall craft. Toast the holiday with a complimentary glass of champagne, served with hot chocolate, cookies, sandwiches, and tea. Reservations are required, and seating is limited. Contact Lydia Vaughn at 504.488.5488 ext. 333 or [email protected].

Happy Ho, Ho, Ho Holidays Family Tea with SantaDec. 8 1 pm - 3 pmCost: per child: $15 for members; $18 for nonmembers, per adult: $25 for members; $30 for nonmembers. Glad tidings and great tea! Children and their parents are invited to join Santa in celebrating the holidays at Longue Vue with music, crafts and good cheer! Price includes a photo taken with Santa to capture and share the joyful spirit of the season. Toast the holidays with a complimentary glass of bubbly cheer, served with hot chocolate, cookies, sandwiches, and tea.

Mahalia Jackson TheatreDisney Mary PoppinsDec. 18-23 Cost: $45-$110 depending on sectionThis is the rare touring production that over-delivers on every level! Featuring the irresistible story and unforgettable songs from one of the most popular Disney films of all time, plus brand new breathtaking dance numbers and spectacular stage-craft! Location: 1419 Basin St., NOLA 70116

Community Events


Header Area

Canal Street

Canal Street Lighting Company Nov. 20 5:30 pmStroll along Canal St. and watch as the Downtown Development District and Astor Crowne Plaza hotel “flip the switch,” turning on move than 1 million twinkling lights on New Orleans grand corridor. Location: Astor Crowne Plaza

Holiday Movies on the Mississippi Nov. 30 & Dec. 7 6:30 pmTwo weekends of special outdoor movie showings. Check www.canalstreetholidays.com for titles.Location: Riverwalk’s Spanish Plaza

Krewe of Jingle ParadeDec. 1 1:00 pmThe “Krewe of Jingle” will once again delight locals and visitors alike with authentic parade floats, marching bands, stilt walkers, Christmas character and many more magical surprises.

Location: Canal St.

Reindeer Run and RompDec. 8 8:00 am (registration) | 9:00am (race)Calling all kids! The Downtown Development District and Entergy present the annual holiday run for kids on Canal St. Location: Aquarium of the Americas

Header Area


Toys for TotsMission: To help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas.

What you can do: Donate new unwrapped toys. Drop Off Locations: Toys R Us and Babies R Us visit their website to find additional locations or to make an online donation. www.toysfortots.org

Second HarvestMission: Second Harvest of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana is leading the fight against hunger in south Louisiana by working with other nonprofits and government agencies to meet the extraordinary needs of a region in recovery.

What you can do: Second Harvest relies on hundreds of volunteers who give more than 2,000 hours of their time each month helping families secure decent meals. There are a wide range of volunteer opportunities at Second Harvest Food Bank for both individuals and groups. Some volunteers prefer an office setting, while others prefer to work in the warehouse sorting and repacking food for distribution. Volunteers are needed for general office/data entry/ clerical assistance, food sorting and packing and special events. Remember you can volunteer by donating money, food or your time!

Contact: Volunteer Service Department at (504)729-2849 www.no-hunger.org

Caf ReconcileMission: Café Reconcile is a nonprofit restaurant that uses innovative strategies to provide life skills and job training to youth from at-risk communities in the New Orleans area. Since the restaurant opened in 2000, more than 500 young people (ages 16-22) have successfully completed the program and moved into

permanent jobs in New Orleans’ food service industry. Focusing on the kind of “soul food” for which New Orleans is known, the restaurant has earned high praise from local and national critics.

What can you do: Dine in at the café! Enjoy a very reasonably priced and delicious meal knowing that all proceeds go to support the Café Reconcile program.

Hours: Open for lunch Monday-Friday 11AM-2:30PM1631 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. (504) 568.1157www.reconcileneworleans.org

WGNO/ABC Bruce's Coats for KidsMission: Coats for Kids, presented by WGNO/ABC, does what it says - it collects coats for kids. So if you have an old coat or two in the back of your closet that no one wears, donate them. Imagine if you didn’t have a coat. It’s still cold and Bruce’s Coats for Kids is still collecting coats - new or gently used - for kids in need of one. Their motto is “One coat will warm one child...and one heart (yours).” It’s easy to drop off your coats at the following locations:

• Smoothie King (6600 Franklin Ave. & 5300 Tchoupitoulas St.)

• Just for Kids Dental (3502 S. Carrollton Ave.)

• YMCA (3517 General Pershing & 7400 Leake Ave.)

• State Farm (5555 Bullard Ave. Suite 104 & 6301 S. Claiborne Ave.)

Opportunities to Serve



Soup KitchensThere are several soup kitchens in the New Orleans area. There are places where food is offered to the hungry for free or at a low price. Call and offer your help serving food.

Feed the HungryWhen: SaturdayWhere: 1528 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. Contact: (504) 524-2959

Loaves and Fishes Feeding MinistryWhen: Monday and Tuesday Where: 1222 N. Dorgenois St. Contact: (504) 821-0529

New Orleans Revival CenterWhen: Monday Friday Where: 2218 St. Thomas St. Contact: (504) 525-1125

Ozanam InnWhen: 7 days a week Where: 843 Camp St. Contact: (504) 523-1184

Sixth Baptist ChurchWhen: MondayWhere: 928 Felicity St. Contact: (504) 525-3408

New Orleans MissionWhen: 7 days a weekWhere: 1130 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. Contact: (504) 523-2116

St. Joseph ChurchWhen: Monday -Friday, Saturday Where: 1802 Tulane Ave. Contact: (504) 522-3186


Additional Online Resources

Educational Websites• www.dltk-kids.com - craft ideas, printable worksheets, games and more! Topics range from holidays, to math, to superheroes.

• www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/thanksgiving/ - great Thanksgiv-ing fun for entire family including crafts, decorations, worksheets, activities and printouts.

• www.softschools.com - provides free math worksheets, free math games, grammar quizzes and free phonics worksheets and games. Worksheets and games are organized by grades and topics.

• www.tolearnenglish.com- website created by an ESL teacher, allows user to print vocabulary and grammar wo rksheets and also to take English placement test.

• www.familyfun.go.com –recipes, crafts, and articles written by parents for parents.

• www.writingwizard.longcountdown.com/handwriting_practice_work-sheet_maker.html - allows user to create handwriting practice worksheets for children learning to write the alphabet.

• www.tlsbooks.com/traceandprintlettersathruzoz.pdf - printable worksheet allows students to trace their letters and also words that begin with each letter of the alphabet.

• www.homefires.com/curriculum/holiday.asp - holiday curriculum for fami-lies that covers math, science, social studies, English, and reading.

Things to do in New Orleans• www.auduboninstitute.org - website for the Audubon Nature Institute.

• www.nobadance.com - New Orleans Ballet Association website with listings for events community dance classes. www.artsneworleans.org – everything going on in the New Orleans art world, from film, to theater, to stage performances, to gallery openings, as well as great guides to everything New Orleans complied by the Arts Council. www.lcm.org – website for the Louisiana Children’s Museum.

• www.nola.com –all listed New Orleans news and events in one place!

• www.nolaparent.com –information on local resources including pediatri-cians, toy stores, camps and classifieds. http://nutrias.org/ - website for New Orleans Public Libraries.

• www.urbanleagueneworleans.org – the official website of the Urban League of Greater New Orleans. | www.urbeanleagueneworleans.org/parent_index - the official website of Parent Information Center (PIC)!

• www.getengagednola.com – the official website of the “I Am Engaged” campaign



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COMMUNITY JEWISH REINDEER TRADITION FAMILY KINARA RELIGION TURKEY FEAST KWANZAA SANTA TRADITION

GINGERBREAD MENORAH SCOTTISH VOLUNTEER

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P R A Y B S Q A C I R E M A I E K I B A I A F E D I F T R E

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COMMUNITY JEWISH REINDEER TRADITION FAMILY KINARA RELIGION TURKEY FEAST KWANZAA SANTA TRADITION

GINGERBREAD MENORAH SCOTTISH VOLUNTEER

Holiday Word Search

Activites


Connect the Dots & Color

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What am I?

__________________

Activites


Holiday Crossword PuzzleThis crossword is SO BIG we couldn’t fit it on one page! It has really difficult questions and some that might be easier! Try to complete it as a family and take a little time to learn about the answers you don’t know! The answer key can be found on the last page.

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This crossword is SO BIG we couldn’t fit it on one page! It has really difficult questions and some that might be easier! Try to complete it as a family and take a little time to learn about the answers you don’t know! The answer key can be found on the last page.

Activites

CROSSWORD ANSWERS | ACROSS: 3. Gobble, 5. Kwanza, 6. Massachusetts, 7. Skiing, 8. Rudolph, 9. Ornament, 12. Traditions, 13. Acorn, 14. Wishbone, 18. Massaoit, 19. Christmas, 22. Menorah, 24. Snow, 25. Cranberry, 28. Yarmulke, 29. Maize, 31. Gingerbread, 32. Toyland, 35. Tannenbaum, 36. Turkey, 38. Pilgrims, 39. Mayflower, 40. Hanukkah, 41. Basting, 44. Ice, 45. Chimney, 46. Puritan, 47. Mistletoe. DOWN: 1. Cornucopia, 2. Hibernate, 3. Grandparents, 4. Leftovers, 7. Scrooge, 11. Santa, 15. Feast, 16. Northpole, 17. Wampanoag, 20. hohoho, 21. Football, 23. Dreidel, 26. Reindeer, 27. Harvesting, 30. Autumn, 33. Wreath, 34. Yam, 37. Recipe, 38. Present, 42. Stuffing, 43. Noel


Across3. The sound a turkey makes.5. A non-religious cultural holiday honoring universal African heritage first celebrated in 1966.6. The original Plymouth is located in the state now called...7. A sport performed by gliding wooden planks over the snow.8. A red nosed reindeer.9. An object hung on a Christmas tree.10. Referring to trees whose leaves change color and fall in autumn.12. Beliefs, customs, and practiced passed down from one generation to the next.13. An oak nut.14. Also called a furcula, this is formed by the fusion of a turkey’s clavicles.18. The Native American leader who reached out to the Pilgrims when they were starving.19. A holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus.22. A nine branched candleholder used during Hanukkah.24. Frozen water that falls from the sky.25. A small red berry commonly jellied and served with thanksgiving meals.28. Also called a Kippah, a small cap sometimes worn by members of the Jewish community29. The term used by Native American people for corn.31. A sweet that gets its distinctive flavor from molasses32. The world to which Clara is transported in “The Nutcracker”.35. The German world for the fir tree that traditionally stood as a Christmas tree36. This thanksgiving bird was almost our country’s emblem (but the eagle ultimately won).38. A term commonly applied to the early settlers of the Plymouth colony.39. The ship that brought the pilgrims to Plymouth.40. The eight day festival of lights.41. A cooking technique that involves cooking meat in its own juices and periodically recoated throughout the cooking process.44. Frozen water on the ground.45. How Santa gets into your house.46. The religious background of the Pilgrims.47. A plant under which you plant a kiss.

Down1. A horn shaped wicker basket also called the horn of plenty.2. What bears do when they sleep through the winter.3. The parents of your parents.4. What you put in a doggie bag.7. Famously said “Bah Humbug!”11. Gift bearing man in red.15. A very large meal, usually shared with many people.16. The northern most point on the globe (two words).17. The Native American nation that originally occupied the Massachusetts and Rhode Island area.20. Santa’s famous words21. The most popular televised sport in the United States.23. A four-sided spinning top played with during Hanukkah.26. Santa uses these animals to pull his sleigh.27. The process of gathering crops from fields and trees when they are ready to be eaten.30. Another name for the fall season.33. An assortment of pine boughs, flowers, or other materials arranged in a ring shape and often hung on doors.34. Sweet potatoes are often called by same name as this large yellow tuber.37. A list of ingredients and directions that, if followed correctly, will yield delicious food.38. Another word for gift.42. An edible mixture typically containing bread crumbs that cooks inside of a turkey.43. Another word for Christmas, deriving from French.

Activites


Parent Information Center The Urban League Parent Information Center strives to empower parents to be successful agents and advocates for excellent public schools, to educate parents about school choices, and to equip parents with skills to become leaders in their child’s school.

Our vision will be realized through parent workshops and trainings, school partnerships, advocacy efforts, and our Parent Leadership Academy. Signature activities include:

The Urban League Schools Expo is held annually in the Spring to provide parents a safe space to visit with school leaders and community organizations, as well as the opportunity to complete school applications all in one location. It’s also a family fun day with free food, activities, prizes, and giveaways.

The New Orleans Guide to High Schools, a publication established to provide parents with a comprehensive tool to aid them in high school choice decisions. It is released in conjunction with the Urban League High School Fair. The guide provides tools on all facets of the high school application and selection process, and includes all high schools throughout New Orleans, including public, private, and Catholic.

Parent Capacity Building - In an effort to ensure families receive regular updates on education-related issues, the PIC continues outreach to parents via multiple media and communication outlets including workshops, UL PIC newsletter, the Urban League website, email, direct mail and a mass phone messaging tool.

“I Am Engaged” Campaign is designed to raise awareness of the importance of parent engagement in schools while keeping them informed of all education-related issues, meetings, and events throughout the city. The campaign also implemented the PRIDE program, known as Parents Ready to be Involved to Deliver Excellence.


Parent Information Center

HOW TO CONTACT US2912 Canal Street, 2nd Floor Rear

New Orleans, LA 70119Phone: 504-620-2332

Fax: 504-620-9654

Keisha Dubuclet, Program [email protected]

Arielle McConduit, Senior Program [email protected]

LaRita Flotte, Program [email protected]

www.UrbanLeagueNewOrleans.orgwww.GetEngagedNola.com


Our MissionThe mission of the Urban League of Greater New Orleans is to encourage and empower African Americans and other emerging communities in the pursuit of economic self-reliance, parity and civil rights.

Agency HistoryIn 1938, the Urban League of Greater New Orleans was founded to foster and encourage activities that led to increased opportunities for under-served communities. The Urban League of Greater New Orleans is one of 100 affiliates of the National Urban League, which provides advocacy and direct service programs spanning 38 states.

For more than 70 years ULGNO has told the story of every man, woman and child and how access to equal opportunity is key to Empowering Communities and Changing Lives. Today, ULGNO has 70 years proven experience and is proud to continue its efforts to rebuild New Orleans and the surrounding area.

Positioned to achieve great success, ULGNO recognizes the opportunity and responsibility facing the greater New Orleans region. As such, ULGNO takes a broader consideration of both the value created in each life the Urban League touches and how such translates into rebuilding systems, infrastructure and the local economy, all of which are keys to creating sustainable change and improving individual life chances.

With a strategic focus on its three Centers of Excellence, ULGNO is poised to significantly contribute to the transformation of new and equitable New Orleans by leveraging lessons learned via direct service to inform public disclosure and public policy.

The Three Centers of Excellence are:• Centers of Education and Youth Development• Center of Community and Economic Development• Center of Policy and Social Justice

Throughout our history, Urban League programs have been focused to ensure quality education and access to information, equal employment, entrepreneurial opportunities, economic inclusion opportunities and shared dignity under the law. The Urban League believes the opportunities that emerge from closing these gaps will benefit business, industry and the greater community, and create a sustainable and dynamic future for everyone. With our tradition of success in symmetry with a continued wellspring support from every sector of the community, the Urban League is destined to remain the leading entity for social and economic as the new century continues to unfold.

PIC's Holiday Guide for Parents

Documents

Transcript of PIC's Holiday Guide for Parents