Mental Wellness Month is in January. After the holiday season, it's an ideal time to recharge, shift our focus, look forward to new beginnings, new goals, and prioritize our emotional and mental well-being. It is important to realize the importance of maintaining our mental health, especially in light of the prevalence of mental health issues and disorders in our world today.

Moreover, With studies showing that almost half of adults (46.4 percent) will experience a mental health challenge during their lifetime in the United Sates, your commitment to advocating for the mental health and wellness is needed now more than ever to help improve the lives of others.

These days, social media dominates our world. Social media can be a powerful tool to promote eating better and moving more, especially among youth. Using technology like social media and health-related apps can make school wellness activities, physical activity, and nutrition tracking more engaging and fun for students. https://www.actionforhealthykids.org/activity/social-media-to-promote-health/

Human trafficking is a public health issue that impacts individuals, families, and communities. Victims can be of any age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, immigration status, cultural background, religion, socio-economic class, and education attainment level. In the United States, traffickers disproportionately target individuals who have experienced or been exposed to abuse, community violence, foster care, sexual assault, runaway and homeless youth; including persons displaced during natural disasters. https://www.state.gov/humantrafficking-about-human-trafficking/

We are delighted to congratulate our top artists, who were awarded gift cards for their artistic creations in the Anti-Bullying and Prevention Art Contest. Pictured L to R:

1. Vanni Batth, Kindergarten

2. Nathan Jang, 5th Grade

3. Siheon Lee, 1st Grade

4. Eden Choi, 4th Grade

Congratulations to the Peer Helpers for their Anti-bullying and Prevention Videos 2023-2024

• Forest Avenue Academic Magnet: 1st Place
• Bear Exploration Center for Math, Science and Technology School: 2nd Place

Students will celebrate this Spring with pizza and popsicle parties respectively.

The Black History Month 2024 theme, “African Americans and the Arts,” explores the key influence African Americans have had in the fields of “visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression.”

It is estimated that 53 percent of Black children will experience a CPS investigation by the age of 18, compared with 28 percent for Whites. At PCAA, we embrace the diversity of histories and cultures, recognizing their vital role in nurturing inclusive and supportive environments for all children.

In celebrating the rich history of African Americans and the Arts, Prevent Child Abuse America puts into the national spotlight the abundance of the past and the present with an eye towards what the remaining twenty-first century has in store. This year, PCA America highlights Art for Change, welcoming you to explore the purpose and the impact of black art across the nation. https://preventchildabuse.org/black-history-month-2024/

For nearly 50 years, the American Heart Association has been partnering with educators in elementary, middle and high schools across the nation to help educate students about healthy living.

The Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge are service-learning based fundraising programs that give students the opportunity to feel good, while doing good. It’s a way for students to better their life — all while changing someone else’s.

Students, families and staff will also learn valuable life skills, including how to make smart food choices, the importance of avoiding vaping/tobacco and the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR. https://www.heart.org/en/professional/educator/school-programs

In celebration of American Heart Month and to honor African American culinary significance, Montgomery Public Schools' Child Nutrition Program offers a healthier version of red beans and rice. For American food history, the dish came from West Africa. This Haitian specialty was introduced to Louisiana by thousands of free Blacks and European-Blacks fleeing to New Orleans. It is an emblematic dish of Louisiana Creole cuisine.

Also, berries are highlighted as one of the healthiest foods you can eat. Ms. Kayla Surls, Nutrition Specialist said berries are rich in antioxidants and reduce inflammation and multiple risk factors for heart disease.

Parents! Affordable internet is here. Whether it's health care, education, or your career, make the most of your Affordable Connectivity Program discount. Apply Here: https://www.GetInternet.gov

Experience art, dance, music, poetry, and more created and performed by Montgomery-area teens at this annual showcase of artistic expression.

Teens sign up to showcase your talents at An Expressive Evening using this link: https://forms.gle/RsqoMScQzQkG9P1S9