Community Appreciation

At NHE, we believe that every child will be more successful, both academically and socially, if they are in a community where all children are valued and belong.

We seek to embrace our differences and show appreciation within our school
community throughout the year as we recognize and celebrate various observance days, weeks, and months.

Have an idea of an observance we can highlight?
Contact us at artsandedu@nottinghampta.com

PTA’s mission to make every child’s potential a reality. Our collective backgrounds, perspectives and ideas allow us to best reflect the rich fabric of 21st century children, families, educators and community members—and create the strongest future and direction.

At NHE, we lead with empathy, and have respect for, people from different backgrounds and identities. We prioritize bringing different ideas, perspectives, lived experiences, talents, values, and worldviews to represent the broad variety of children, caregivers, educators, and communities within the NHE family.

We support the ability to create a fairness in resources, opportunities, and outcomes so that all children get what they need to be engaged and successful.

We continually learn and change to reflect our community's landscape in which unforeseen circumstances can affect our children, families, and communities.

We seize opportunities to build and share new models and ways of working on behalf of the success of all the students.

This means putting community appreciation into action with skill and intentionality to ensure everyone feels respected, supported, and valued—and can fully participate with equal voice and right to be heard.

SEPTEMBER

National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is recognized in the month of September. The observation began in 2012 under President Barack Obama and Gold has been the official color since 1977. Wear Gold, the symbolic color of childhood cancer strength and courage, to show solidarity. NHE wears Gold the last week of September and Student Council sells gold bracelets where all proceeds go to The American Childhood Cancer Organization. According to the American Childhood Cancer organization, every day, 42 families learn that their child has cancer, 1 in 285 children will be diagnosed with cancer before their 20th birthday and globally, approximately 400,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year. Currently though, for many children diagnosed with childhood cancer, the prognosis now is significantly better than it was only 40 years ago. Together, we can raise awareness and support those in need.
Explore More: www.acco.org

National Hispanic History Month
September 15 – October 15

The observation began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Johnson and was expanded by President Reagan in 1988 to cover a full month. National Hispanic Heritage Month (Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana in Spanish) is celebrated in the U.S. annually Sep. 15-Oct. 15, recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans on U.S. history, culture, and achievements. The 2025 theme for Hispanic Heritage Month is "Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future." This theme emphasizes recognizing the rich history and ongoing contributions of the Hispanic and Latin American communities, while looking ahead to how they will continue to shape the future. Hispanic and Latin countries are those that Spanish or Portuguese are the official language. We are proud to represent both Hispanic and Latin countries at NHE. The contributions and experiences of Latinos in the United States are an essential
part of our nation's history and culture. Pioneers in the Latin culture are Dr. Ellen Ochoa who became the first Latina to go to space in 1993 on the Discovery space shuttle and Justice Sonia Sotomayor who became the first Latina and third woman to serve of the Supreme Court of the United States. Lin-Manuel Miranda is an award-winning composer, playwright, and actor who created winning musicals like Moana and Encanto.
Explore more: https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov
Hispanic Heritage Month - Origins & Facts:
https://www.history.com/topics/hispanic-history/hispanic-heritage-month
How to make paper fiesta flowers: https://www.desumama.com/easy-paper-
flower-tutorial-hispanic-heritage-month/
Museum of Latin American Art: https://molaa.org/

OCTOBER

Dyslexia Awareness Month

As parents, we all want our children to thrive in school and beyond. But for some kids, learning to read and write doesn't come easily—and that might be a sign of dyslexia. October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, a time to learn more about this common learning difference and how we can support the children in our community who live with it every day.

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a brain-based learning difference that affects a person’s ability to read, spell, and sometimes write or speak clearly. It’s not related to intelligence or effort—children with dyslexia are just as smart as their peers, but they process language in a different way. You may notice signs such as difficulty sounding out words, slow reading, trouble remembering spelling patterns, or avoiding reading altogether.

Why Awareness Matters

Early recognition and the right support can make a huge difference. With proper intervention—like structured literacy instruction and classroom accommodations—children with dyslexia can build confidence and succeed
academically. But often, dyslexia goes unrecognized, leaving children to struggle silently and feel discouraged.

How Parents Can Help

 Support at home: Encourage reading in a relaxed, judgment-free space and celebrate your child’s strengths.
 Work with educators: Partner with teachers to develop strategies that support your child's learning style.
 Talk about it: Help reduce the stigma by having open, positive conversations about learning differences.

Dyslexia is more common than many realize, and with community support, children with dyslexia can thrive. As parents, we play a key role in raising awareness, advocating for our kids, and fostering an environment where every learner feels understood and empowered.

Little People Awareness Month

Little People Awareness Month is celebrated in October every year. Green is the official ribbon color and signifies support for individuals with dwarfism, promoting understanding and sharing facts about the condition. Green is associated with "growth and healing." Awareness leads to acceptance. Acceptance leads to belonging.

Facts

 A little person is someone with dwarfism, a condition that results in short stature (adult height of 4’10” or under). There are 400+ types of dwarfism. Achondroplasia is the most common. Dwarfism affects bone growth, not intelligence or abilities.
 Dwarfism affects an estimated 30,000 people in the United States.
 Dwarfism can be caused by genetic mutations, hormonal deficiencies, or other medical conditions. It can be inherited or occur spontaneously due to new mutations. Interestingly, about 80% of individuals with dwarfism are born to average-sized parents.
 People with dwarfism can lead full, active lives. They can pursue careers, hobbies, and family life just like anyone else.

Why Awareness Matters

✔ Belonging: Everyone deserves respect and opportunity.
✔ Kindness: Stops bullying and stereotypes.
✔ Accessibility: Promotes better design in schools.
✔ Celebration: Recognizes talents and contributions of little people everywhere.

Famous Little People Who Inspire

 Peter Dinklage – Actor (Game of Thrones)
 Ellie Simmonds – Paralympic gold medal swimmer
 Warwick Davis – Actor (Harry Potter, Star Wars)
 Becky Curran Kekula – Motivational speaker and advocate
 Matt Roloff – Author and star of Little People, Big World

How Families Can Help

 Use people-first language: “A little person.”
 Teach children to respect differences.
 Share books and shows that highlight diverse role models.
 Encourage empathy and kindness.

Resources

 Little People of America – http://www.lpaonline.org
 Dwarf Athletic Association of America – http://www.daaa.o
 Understanding Dwarfism – http://www.understandingdwarfism.com

ADHD Awareness Month

This October, join us in recognizing ADHD Awareness Month. By learning about ADHD, supporting those affected, and spreading understanding, we can reduce stigma and help children and adults with ADHD thrive. Let’s celebrate the many faces of ADHD — because every story matters.

What is ADHD?

Did you know ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopment conditions in children? It affects attention, organization, and self-control — but every child’s experience looks different. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity—ADHD—affects 11% of school-age children. Symptoms continue into adulthood in more for more than three out of four people diagnosed as children. ADHD is characterized by developmentally higher levels of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

Facts About ADHD

 There are more than 100,000 articles in science journals on ADHD and references to it in medical textbooks going back to 1775.
 Individuals with ADHD can concentrate when they are interested in or intrigued by what they are doing.

 Boys are diagnosed two to three times as often as girls, but about 4.2% of girls have received a diagnosis of ADHD at some point in their life

 Awareness matters because:
It helps us support ALL learners.
It reduces stigma and misunderstanding.
It empowers children to thrive at school and home.

How Can Parents Help?

 Create consistent and predictable routines at home (bedtime, homework, chores).
 Use clear, simple directions and break tasks into steps.
 Praise effort, not just results – encouragement build confidence!
 Build on their child’s strengths – kids with ADHD are often creative, energetic, and curious.

This month, let’s celebrate the many faces of ADHD and ensure every child feels seen,
supported, and valued.

Resources

CHADD - https://chadd.org/awareness/
ADHD Awareness Month - https://www.adhdawarenessmonth.org

Special Buddies PROGRAM

Vision

Our vision is to create an environment where differences are welcomed, and meaningful connections are made between students of different abilities in order to break down barriers that can be caused by fear, misunderstanding or simply the lack of opportunity to interact with those who have disabilities. Creating this culture of diversity and inclusion at an early age sets a strong foundation for all children to grow into successful students who value contributions from others, respect and celebrate their peers, and conduct themselves with empathy, integrity and kindness.

Mission

Childhood has many challenges, and these challenges are even greater when a child has a disability. Recognizing the opportunity we have to make a positive difference in the social and academic outcomes for these students, the mission of Special Buddies is to extend a caring hand to our children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through meaningful interactions with typically developing peers, while embedding SBISD’s Core Values for each student participant:

Every Child: Every Child. Every Day. Every Minute. Every Way
Collective Greatness: Diversity Makes Us Stronger
Collaborative Spirit: Assume the Best
Limitless Curiosity: Tenaciously Embrace Challenges
Moral Compass: Kindness and Mutual Respect

Goals

To eliminate any fears or misconceptions that children who do not have intellectual and developmental disabilities might have about children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
To provide children with IDD and children without IDD the opportunity to socialize. This will contribute to each child’s sense of purpose and self-esteem and provide positive skills for interpersonal relationships.
To teach all children to embrace differences and become caring friends.
To help all children learn that everyone has strengths, abilities, hopes and dreams and they each have something special to contribute to our school and community.

How your student can get involved

Students will be nominated to participate by their teacher in the Fall semester, and permission slips will be sent home. They will spend meaningful time with their Buddy in the Life Skills and APPLE rooms monthly. SPED teacher’s will guide students on how to interact with their buddies and introduce their
interests. Activities might include reading, listening to music, playing games, or working on crafts provided by the teacher or parent liaison. There will also be special events throughout the year to celebrate the friendships being made. Parents of any student participating in Special Buddies will be invited to attend and volunteer in small ways at each event. We look forward to another successful year of this program at NHE!