Monday, January 21, 2013

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2013

Across our nation, people are celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is many ways:  parades, speeches, and service in our local communities are just a few ways in which people pay tribute to the life of Martin Luther King. School may not be open today, but that doesn't mean that learning stops!  Take a moment with your child today to talk about this important historical figure and how he contributed to our nation and society.  

Our Common Core curriculum calls for students to research, identify important information and often times apply their new found knowledge.  Follow this link to read the full text version of the historical speech Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered in August 1963.

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/martin-luther-kings-speech-dream-full-text/story?id=14358231

The site also offers multiple links that can lead you to additional information about the life and works of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Getting out of the house today?  Take a field trip to Raleigh and see how the city is paying tribute through the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Gardens.  I've attached the plan recently approved by the City to improve and make additions to expand the gardens creating a family friendly place for its citizens.  http://www.raleighnc.gov/arts/content/PRecDesignDevelop/Articles/MLKJrMemorialGardenExpansion.html

However you decide to spend your day today, please take a moment to reflect on the importance of the contributions made by Martin Luther King, Jr.