Every year on the third or fourth Wednesday in October, a very special event comes around — the Day of Unity, or Unity Day, as it is commonly called, which is celebrated on October 18 this year. This is the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month, also celebrated in October.

Red Ribbon Week take place each year in October. The mission of Red Ribbon Week is to help keep kids drug-free. Since its beginning in 1985, the Red Ribbon has touched the lives of millions of people around the world.

During this week, Memorial Middle School will be having individual daily themes to celebrate being drug free from October 23rd-27th!

Monday was Twin Day . . . students and staff were encouraged to find a friend and dress as twins.

Tuesday was Decades Day . . . our students loved throwing it back to the their favorite decade.

On Wednesdays we wear PINK for spirit week and to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Thursday was CLASS SPIRIT DAY!! Students were asked to wear their CLASS COLOR and all students were given the opportunity to attend our fall pep rally.

During the last school year, students, teachers and administrators talked about ways to beautify our campus to help make our school have a more family atmosphere that connected students to the school. Two projects that are currently ongoing on campus are accomplishing just that.

This first is our school garden that is being updated with new plants, trees, hydroponics and outdoor seating. Students will be able to have class outside and learn about growing, harvesting and STEM topics that relate to agriculture.

The other project is updating our cafeteria’s school mural. Memorial has a talented artist who is coming out and working with students in our art program to talk about being a muralist and adding inspiration through this kind of artwork. Students were able to ask questions and participate in creating art.

Interested in VOLUNTEERING at Memorial Middle? Sign up at https://www.ocps.net/departments/community_resources_/a_d_ditions_school_volunteers to volunteer today.

Want to see the latest on bus delays? Check out the link below that you can click each day to see if there are any delays in the Memorial Area.

This last week representatives from the district came out to our Media Center and recognized Ms. Crouse for her hard work in creating an inviting media center for our students.

One of our goals for the school year is to increase attendance making sure that Memorial Middle School is a place our students want to come and learn. You can see by the nearby chart we are achieving HUGE strides in accomplishing this goal. Last year at this time our school’s daily attendance rate was 86% on average. Now this year, our school’s daily attendance rate has jumped to a 93% average. That is a 7% percentage point increase in students learning at Memorial Middle School. 

If you ever see or hear of something suspicious or unusual, say something to SRO Daniel, a teacher, a coach, or any administrator right away. This is your school and this is part of having school pride. Thank you, Soldiers!

City Year of Orlando was recognized for their hard work and dedication to students and learning. They received a $50,000 check from the TACO BELL FOUNDATION. Congratulations CITY YEAR, we are so happy to have you on our campus supporting our soldiers.

Each year during September and October, OCPS honors National Hispanic Heritage Month. The event, which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, commemorates how these communities have influenced and contributed to American society. Memorial Middle marked these achievements locally with a month full of special events and festivities.

Source: Pew Research Center  Read full article  

Julio Diaz, a 31-year-old social worker in New York City, had a very simple routine after work each day. He got off a stop early on the subway to eat at his favorite restaurant. On this fateful evening it was not the usual dinner. Julio was stopped on the deserted subway exit by a teenager with a knife demanding Julio’s wallet.

He gladly gave it to the youth and as the young man walked away, Julio shouted to him, “You forgot something!” The young thief turned in confusion as Julio continued, “If you're going to be robbing people for the rest of the night, you might as well take my coat to keep you warm." The young thief was shocked and replied, “Why are you doing this?” Diaz told the young man if he were willing to risk his freedom for a few dollars, he must really need the money. All Diaz wanted to do was have dinner. In fact, he invited the young man to join him. Amazingly, he did!

Everyone in the diner from the waitress to the dishwasher stopped by the table to say hello to Julio, and the young “would be” robber was impressed. “Do you own the place?” the young man asked. “No, weren’t you taught to be nice to everyone?” Julio replied. “Yeah,” the young man said, “but I didn’t think people actually behaved that way.” The bill came and Diaz joked, “I guess you’ll have to pay, you have my wallet.” The young man gave the wallet back and they parted ways with both having a different perspective of the world.

It is bigger than just being kind to someone who initially was trying to harm you. The real story is about choosing the right attitude in difficult circumstances. Julio Diaz did not feel sorry for himself, did not feel hatred or anger toward the robber and did not change his outlook on life. Often people face difficult circumstances and are quick to blame a situation, another person, or the world for their problems. The best among us always hold on to a hope, a belief, an attitude that life is filled with wonder, excitement, and opportunity. With winners, one setback, one difficult situation, only doubles their resolve to succeed. 

Remember Soldiers: every failure only leads to a new and different path to success.

How can you look at life this way you might say? The real question is how can you not look at life this way? Make today your best day! That is… until tomorrow!

GO SOLDIERS!! ENJOY YOUR 3-DAY WEEKEND!!