This week, President Biden signed a law to formally declare June 19th, or Juneteenth, as a federal holiday, in recognition of the abolition of slavery and the nation’s “second” Independence Day.
Even though President Abraham Lincoln declared the end of slavery with the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, it was not until two and half years later, and two months after the end of the Civil War, that Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to find that news of the proclamation had not reached Galveston, and people were still enslaved there.
Juneteenth is a great day for all of us to honor and embrace Black culture through art and history. Why not take this opportunity to read a book by a Black author, catch a film that honors Black life, or support Black-owned businesses?
Above all, it is important to remember that despite the tradition of celebrating the 4th of July as Independence Day, Juneteenth is the ACTUAL date that independence and freedom were officially granted to EVERYONE in our country.
Today is "Wear Your Pride Colors Day" and whether you are virtual or in person, we hope that you chose to show your support for the LGBTQ+ community at HMS and beyond. Our rainbow colors makes it loud and clear that here at HMS, we believe that all people, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Beyond wearing rainbow colors, and beyond Pride month, it is important to follow up with actions in order to be a true ALLY of the LGBTQ+ community. There are many resources available - you can start by checking out Dr. T's daily email for inspiration and more information.
Extra, extra - read all about it! Check out this school year's FINAL installment of *The Word*, the official newspaper of HMS! The reporters have been hard at work, gathering plenty of material to keep you going over the summer vacation.
First, Matt Shang shares the dramatic details of the Battle of the Books' final competition against another New Jersey middle school.
Then, also in the Features section, Saanvi Gande and Harmini Thomas share some advice for keeping students healthy - both physically and mentally - over their summer break.
Laxmi Atmakuru and Kyakunda Muhumuza also have some tips for you: read their article on ACADEMIC success so that you start the *next* school year on the right foot.
Then, want to build a solar-powered s'mores oven? How about a sustainable "starry night" for your bedroom? Naomi Medina and the Earth Day EnvironMentors show you how, courtesy of the website that they built in order to celebrate this year's Earth Day with our district's third graders.
And finally, Cynthia Lei sheds light on Asian-American discrimination -- and on the many inspiring ways that HMS students and staff are fostering unity in both our school and our community.
The writers and editors of *The Word* wish the entire HMS staff and student body a safe, healthy, and happy break -- and we look forward to a new year of bringing you the breaking news. See you soon!
If you have not yet picked up your yearbook, please report to the main office to pick it up now. If you would like to purchase a yearbook, please report to room B11 at this time.
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