"Before anything else,
preparation is the key to success."
--Alexander Graham Bell
Dear Education Leader:
As students and teachers alike are settling into familiar class and extra-curricular schedules, I would like to direct your attention to some information that could be very helpful to you and your students. This e-mail update has content concerning the promotion of Red Ribbon Week, H1N1 preparedness in schools, and the commemoration of National Chemistry Week.
As always, please feel free to contact me if I can be of assistance. Also, please visit my website, www.reyes.house.gov to sign up for my e-mail newsletter, learn about my recent activities, and obtain information on federal programs.
Sincerely,
Silvestre Reyes
Member of Congress
National Chemistry Week
This month I introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives recognizing the importance of National Chemistry Week. National Chemistry Week takes place from October 18-24 and marks the 22nd Anniversary of this annual community event sponsored by the American Chemical Society (ACS). The theme for this year, “Chemistry – It’s Elemental,” was chosen to highlight the major role that the elements play in our daily lives in an effort to raise public awareness about the importance of chemistry and the chemical sciences.
Local El Paso college students are doing their part to promote chemistry in our community by coordinating the Chemistry Circus. Sponsored by the Department of Chemistry at the University of Texas at El Paso and performed by the American Chemical Society Student Affiliates, the Chemistry Circus consists of a sequence of vignettes exploring many fundamental concepts of chemical science. The performances are presented throughout the school year to K-12 audiences – and adults – emphasizing Texas science standards. To learn more about Chemistry Circus or request that they schedule a performance at your school click here.
You can view more National Chemistry Week information by visiting the student center section of my website. The site contains valuable information about different chemistry career paths, short biographies of chemists, and ideas for activities and lesson plans to engage children in chemistry, both in the classroom and at home.
I urge you to review the content and promote chemistry activities that will not only enlighten our students about the science behind chemistry, but make learning about it fun and engaging.
Red Ribbon Week
Since 1988, Americans have joined together during Red Ribbon Week to commemorate the life of El Paso Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered by drug dealers 24 years ago in Mexico. This year, Red Ribbon Week will be observed from October 17-25. During this period, people all over the nation will keep Camarena’s memory alive by wearing red ribbons and pledging to live a life free from drug use and the violence that stems from it. In 1989, the El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC) was dedicated to the memory of Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. EPIC is located on Fort Bliss and is run by the Drug Enforcement Agency.
Educating our students about the physical and social dangers of drug use is critical, and teachers play an important role in this effort. Reaching out to our students at an early age is essential in helping to turn them away from a lifestyle associated with drugs and violence.
Local fairs such as the 7th Annual Rio Grande Bi-National Red Ribbon Rally organized by the Rio Grande Safe Communities Coalition provide El Pasoans with an opportunity to raise awareness about the damaging effects of drug usage on families. The Red Ribbon Rally will be at the Socorro Athletic Complex on October 24th at noon and will feature over 50 booths concentrating on drug, tobacco, alcohol, and health awareness.
This year, take time to teach our students about the devastating effects of drug usage by incorporating Red Ribbon Week into your curriculum and school activities. For more information on Red Ribbon Week click here.
H1N1 Preparedness In Schools
As the flu season approaches, it is important to take the appropriate cautionary measures to prevent the spread of viruses. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published new guidelines for handling the flu and flu-related viruses, such as H1N1, and it is important to be familiar with these recommendations to prevent possible cases of the flu.
To that end, I would like to bring to your attention to a useful toolkit with basic preparedness information and communication resources to help schools and families implement recommendations from the CDC. The toolkit, Preparing for the Flu: A Communication Toolkit for Schools (Grades K-12) can be accessed by clicking here. Among some of the items in the toolkit are action plans for teachers, counselors and parents to prevent the spread of the flu at school and at home.
Investing in education and our future - The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 at work in El Paso. Click on the El Paso Recovery Map to view projects funded in our community.
