August 2022
Back to School Days
After what has been a more "new" normal summer, filled with in person activities, camps, family vacations and just enjoying free time and each other, August signals the return to the classroom for many.
4 important tips to devote time and thought to, that are sure to form the basis of a productive and enjoyable school year, for all age groups:
Get back to a good sleep schedule. During the summer, we often stay up later. A school sleep schedule, which allows for between 8-10 hours of sleep should be started at least a week before school starts.
Plan healthy lunches and snacks. Discuss with your young child or self-reflect, about healthy eating options to bring to school. Try out some new fruits and vegetables, yogurts and cheese and nuts (if the school allows nuts). Get creative with easy to make recipes and buy some containers to pack food and drinks. Avoid packing junk food and sweets as they can have a negative effect on concentration.
Make an appealing homework space and decide on a routine. A dedicated, quiet, well-lit, pleasant place within the home, regardless of how big or small will promote good study and work habits. There should be a desk or table set up with pencils, pens and other supplies. Avoid any area within viewing or hearing of a television!
Plan activities - and downtime. It is important to be physically active, so signing up for a team sport or other physical activity can be a good idea, and it can be fun to learn to do something like draw or play an instrument. Plan out some after school activities. Be sure there is enough time for homework and sleep - and be sure that there is enough downtime every day, as this is crucial for a student's mental health. Everyone needs time to relax and play, no matter what age. Every day there should be time that is totally unscheduled that can be used in whatever way a student wants.
Source: Edited from an article by Claire McCarthy, M.D., Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing
2022 SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
The PACCF Scholarship Committee has selected the recipients of the Majer & Lakowski Families Memorial Scholarships and the Richard C. Gorecki Scholarships. Recipients have been notified.
Congratulations! We wish all applicants a successful school year. If you were not selected this year, we encourage you to apply next year, if you meet the qualifications.
Help for Ukraine
The Republic of Poland has opened its hearts and arms to welcome its brothers and sisters to give them refuge. To date, there are now over 3,000,000 displaced citizens from Ukraine in Poland. With the atrocities of the Russian army bombing schools, apartment buildings, hospitals, and towns, numerous numbers of Ukrainian civilians are being hurt or killed in the conflict. During the conflict, it is always the most vulnerable - who suffer the most.
Many towns, humanitarian organizations, and the government in Poland are taking care of those who are in need, but Poland is on the edge of a humanitarian crisis.
The Polish American Congress Charitable Foundation has stepped forward and during a Special Board Meeting, the decision was made to support Polish humanitarian organizations Polski Czerwony Krzyz and Towarzystwo Przyjaciół Dzieci w Przemyślu.
The Lublin Regional Branch of the Polish Red Cross has provided camp beds, mattresses, and sleeping bags, which will allow many of the Ukrainian citizens in need at border crossings in the Lublin region. The Subcarpathian Regional Branch of the Polish Red Cross in Rzeszów is also preparing to provide needed assistance to those in need.
One of the goals of the Polish Red Cross is to always prevent suffering and their mitigation in all circumstances while maintaining impartiality, without any discrimination. To achieve this goal, the Polish Red Cross promotes knowledge of international humanitarian law and cooperates with public authorities to ensure that it is respected. The role of the Polish Red Cross is exceptional. It is the only humanitarian organization in Poland, which disseminates knowledge about international humanitarian law, which is one of the basic duties performed jointly by employees and volunteers.
The Society of Children's Friends in Przemysl, has been helping children and families with disabilities in Poland for over 100 years. Located on the border, they are currently fundraising to assist children and families fleeing from Ukraine to Poland to provide a safe space and shelter. Their goal is to provide support and help to children, youth, and families who are escaping into Przemyśl.
Displaced Ukrainian citizens, especially children and women, have been migrating to Polish cities from the first hours of the conflict. At the main railway station in Przemyśl, a reception point has been organized to help people coming from Ukraine. Many Polish families are providing strollers, food, clothing, and necessities to make their Ukrainian brothers and sisters feel safe and welcome.
The Polish American Congress Charitable Foundation is doing its part as well by donating $100,000.00 to assist our brothers and sisters in Poland to continue this great humanitarian mission they have chosen.
