*|MC:SUBJECT|*

2022-2023 UAP Newsletter

Volume 4

Photo (Above): Making homemade deodorant with 7th and 8th grade students at the Health Fair.

Annual Health Fair at UAP!

On Wednesday, November 30, UAP held its annual Health Fair in the school Cafeteria and Gym. Students in grades KG-8 rotated through 8 different stations run by teachers, which included: a "Do you know your drink?" activity, Healthy Eating display and samples, Trivia/Kahoot game, MyPlate game, Thumb Ball game, brushing model teeth activity, and making homemade toothpaste and deodorant. In addition, students in KG-4th grade enjoyed a story time session of the book "How to Deal With Anger the Islamic Way," while students in 5th-8th grade attended an informational session on the HPV vaccine with guest speaker Dr. Khlood Salman.

Besides the interactive stations, UAP was also happy to welcome guests from the medical community, coordinated by WEEE- Women Empowered for Entrepreneurial Excellence. They provided COVID vaccines and Flu shots to any adult or student (with parental permission) who wanted them.

The Student Council participated in the Health Fair by creating and selling Self Care Baskets, putting a focus on our mental health. Thanks to the generous donations of UAP families, they were able to sell all 13 baskets and 2 bags with various themes, including Family Game Night, Arts and Crafts, Family Movie Night, and Rest and Relaxation. In addition, donated hijabs, bracelets and bags were also sold, with all proceeds going to the Student Council for a future project.

Thank you for supporting such a memorable event at UAP!

Photo (Below): Kindergarten students participating in a “Do you know your drink?” activity at the Health Fair.

Special PreK Health Fair!

While the majority of students were participating in the annual UAP Health Fair on November 30, our PreK students had their own Mini Health Fair!

Students in both PreK classrooms combined for a fun morning of activities. It started with a special story time session of the book "How to Deal With Anger the Islamic Way," which focused on calming methods such as making wudu and saying "A'udhu billahi minash shaytanir rajim." Students also brainstormed new ways to calm down when they're angry. Afterwards, they moved through different activities, including a MyPlate game categorizing foods by group, brushing model teeth, and learning new exercises.

Students loved the interactive stations, and parents were happy to see the new things their children learned while making everlasting memories.

Photo (above): Pre-Kindergarten students learn how to brush their teeth during their Mini Health Fair.

In December, students in 1st-8th grade competed in Classroom Spelling Bees against their peers. The top 2 spellers in each grade level will move on to compete in the Annual School-Wide Spelling Bee on February 1, 2023.

December’s Guest Speaker:

Brother Ibrahim Alsoud

On Thursday, December 22, students received a visit from Guest Speaker Ibrahim Alsoud. Brother Ibrahim helped reinforce December's Character Development Theme of Forgiveness, focusing on the story of Prophet Yusuf.

Brother Ibrahim reminded students how Prophet Yusuf was the most beloved of Prophet Yaqub's 12 sons, causing his brothers to be jealous. As a result, Prophet Yusuf's brothers wanted to keep him separate from their father, causing him to live away from home for many years. Brother Ibrahim mentioned how Prophet Yusuf did not retaliate, or yell at his brothers, or ask why they acted that way. Rather, he forgave his brothers, thanked Allah for bringing his family back to him, and brought to his brothers a better life.

Brother Ibrahim reiterated that it was Shaytan that caused hatred and animosity. Allah wants us to ignore Shaytan, and instead worship Allah and do good. He also told students that it's good to forgive for the sake of Allah, but we also should try to talk to and help those who have wronged us.

Students then asked questions, with several about Prophet Yaqub's love for his son and the perceived unfairness of the situation. Brother Ibrahim explained that we have no control over our feelings, just like Prophet Yaqub had no control over the fact that Prophet Yusuf was his favorite. However, we can control our actions, and make sure they’re fair and equal. Our feelings are inside, but our actions are what we share and other people can see, and so long as our actions are fair, that's enough.

At the end of the assembly, Principal Shorouq Bader also shared an important reminder about why the focus was on forgiveness: because we care about their character, behaviors, and personalities at UAP. She told students that our thoughts will become our words, our words will become our actions, and our actions will become who we are. When someone wrongs us, it's not always about us, but rather tells us something about them. So when we forgive others, we are trying to help make the other person better by telling them that it was wrong, and leading them to someone who can help them improve themselves.

Photo (below): January’s Guest Speaker, Brother Ibrahim Alsoud, speaking to KG-8th grade students about Forgiveness.

Character Development Program: December

December’s Theme of the Month was Forgiveness. Remind your children of this important quality, and the stories of our prophets, including Yusuf (as) and Muhammad (saws).

Character Development Program: January

January’s Theme is Obedience to Parents. Reinforce this at home by reminding students of the story of Prophet Ismael (as), and the test he was given by Allah (swt).

November’s Guest Speaker:

Imam Chris Caras

On Tuesday, November 29, UAP was pleased to welcome back Imam Chris Caras from ICP as the guest speaker for our Character Development Program. November's Theme of the Month was Perseverance, focusing on the story of Prophet Mosa (as). Imam Chris reminded students that Prophet Mosa (as) helped Bani Israel escape Pharaoh, even when it seemed all hope was lost. He also stressed the concept of Allah (swt) guiding us in all things, and that we must continue to pray and work for what we want, as we will be rewarded in either this life or the next.

Students then listened to the Imam tell another story, emphasizing how there are two paths in life for us to choose- an easy road with a storm at the end, and a bumpy road that has the reward of a palace or garden at the end. After the assembly, 2nd grade students drew pictures in Quran class, depicting the story of the choices we have in life, the reminder to stay patient when facing obstacles, and the reward for perseverance (ultimately to be in Jannah).

Photos (below): December’s Guest Speaker, Imam Chriss Caras, speaking to KG-8th grade students about Perseverance. Picture drawn by a 2nd grader, illustrating the choices we have.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

There is NO SCHOOL on Monday, January 16 due to the 2nd Quarter Parent-Teacher Conferences. Teachers will meet with parents, either in-person or on Zoom.

Please check your email for the Sign Up Genius and Zoom Links.

Annual Scholastic Book Sale at UAP!

UAP is pleased to announce our Annual Scholastic Book Sale is back, January 16-20! Please check your child’s folder and your email for more information, as well as the link to online shopping.

Save the Date!

Important upcoming dates include the following:

No School/Parent-Teacher Conferences- Monday, January 16

Scholastic Book Sale- Monday, January 16-Friday, January 20

School Choice Week and Student Council Spirit Week- Monday, January 23-Friday, January 27

100th Day of School- Wednesday, January 25

Academic Pep Rally- Thursday, January 26

In Case You Missed It…

Here are a few more activities from the last couple months:

2 Spirit Weeks- November (before Thanksgiving Break) and December (before Winter Break)

Penny Wars Fundraiser, organized by the Student Council- December (winners to be announced in the next newsletter)

Reinstatement of Face Mask Policy- January 2

End of 2nd Quarter- January 6

Are you on Class Dojo?!

Follow your child(ren)’s progress and achievements on Class Dojo. Please email your child(ren)’s homeroom teacher to be connected!

Students Love the Dojo Store!

As part of our PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) approach, students earn Dojo points and redeem them at the Dojo Store for prizes. Help your child(ren) by donating an item for the Dojo Store.

Amazon Wishlist Link

Hot Lunch

Lunch costs $5/day, and includes a main dish, side vegetable, fruit, and drink.

If you would like to order hot lunch for your child, please see the attached Hot Lunch Form. Forms and payment should be submitted to the main office.

January Hot Lunch Menu