February 2007
1-28 Black History Month This observance began in 1926 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson, an African American concerned with the absence of black history in history books, initiated Negro History Week. In 1976, the month-long celebration was established as a time to reflect on the history, teachings, and achievements of African Americans. Read more at www.infoplease.com/spot/bhmintro1.html
1 National Freedom Day This day commemorates the signing of the Thirteenth Amendment which abolished slavery in 1865. Presidential proclamation established the date in 1949.
2 Groundhog Day Legend says that the groundhog will emerge from his borrow on this day to look for his shadow. If he sees it, there will be six more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow, spring is just around the corner. Visit www.groundhog.org for entertaining history and Pennsylvania (Punxsutawney) event information.
3 Tu B’Shvat is the 15th day of the Jewish month of Shvat is, also known as the New Year for Trees. "Tu" is the number 15 in Hebrew. Tu B'Shevat is the new year for the purpose of calculating the age of trees for tithing. In the Bible, the book of Leviticus 19:23-25 states that fruit from trees may not be eaten during the first three years; the fourth year's fruit is for “G-d,” and after that, one may eat the fruit.
5 Abington Junior High School PTO meeting, 7:30 p.m.
6 College Planning: Completing the Admission Application Seminar, 7:30 p.m. Details at “Keeping Current/Tips”
7 Kindergarten Registration at Abington Township elementary schools

Parenting Council meeting, Abington Junior High School, 7:30 p.m. Details at “Parenting Programs”
8 Overlook Elementary School PTO meeting, 7:00 p.m.

Abington Township Commissioners’ meeting, 8:00 p.m., Abington Township Building, 1176 Old York Road, Abington
11 Open House Rain Date at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology, 3075 Terwood Road, Willow Grove Details at “Keeping Current/Tips”
12

Abraham Lincoln's Birthday The sixteenth president of the United States, Lincoln served as President from 1861 until he was assassinated in 1865. His birthday, actually February 12, is observed on the third Monday in February as President's Day (see February 16). He is best remembered for the Emancipation Proclamation in which he declared freedom for all slaves in the area of the Confederacy not under Union control and his Gettysburg Address which dedicated the battlefield to the soldiers who had perished there and called on the living to finish the task that the dead soldiers had begun.

Copper Beech Elementary School PTA meeting, 7:30 p.m.
13 Abington Board of School Directors meeting, 7:30 p.m., School District Administration Building, 970 Highland Ave., Abington
14

St. Valentine's Day An occasion to celebrate love and exchange greetings and gifts. Read more at www.historychannel.com/exhibits/valentine/history.html

McKinley Elementary School PTO meeting, 9:00 a.m.

Highland Elementary School PTO meeting, 7:30 p.m.
18 Chinese New Year 2007 is the year of the Pic. Chinese New Year begins with the new moon and ends with the full moon 15 days later on Lantern Day. It is determined based on a combination of lunar and solar movements. A month is 29.5 days long. An extra month is added to the Chinese calendar every 7 years in a 19-year cycle. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are celebrated with family as a time or reunion and thanksgiving. Departed ancestors are remembered with great respect because they laid the foundation for the family’s fortune and glory. Their presence is acknowledged at a New Year’s Eve feast.
19 President's Day This Federal holiday is observed on the third Monday in February. It combines the observance of George Washington's (first President) birthday and Abraham Lincoln's (sixteenth president) birthday. Abington Schools and township offices are closed.
20

Frederick Douglas Day This African American journalist, who published an antislavery paper called the North Star, was known as a brilliant speaker and leading abolitionist. He fought to end slavery in the United States in the decades leading up to the Civil War He died on this date in 1894. His birth date is unknown.
Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday This is the day to celebrate and feast (on pancakes, doughnuts, and the like) before the Christian church season of Lent begins when Christians are called to fasting

Parent Advisory Council for Special Education meeting, 7:30 p.m. Copper Beech Elementary School
21

Ash Wednesday This is the first day of Lent, a period of fasting and penitence observed by Christians. Many choose to go to church to have ashes imposed on their forehead in the sign of the cross. This symbolizes that they belong to Jesus who died on a cross and reminds them of their mortality. The ashes come from burning palms from the previous Palm Sunday.

Lent This 40-day period begins in Western Christian churches on Ash Wednesday and ends on April 7, the Saturday before Easter. In the Roman Catholic Church, Lent ends at sundown on April 5, the Thursday before Easter, with the beginning of the Lord's Supper. Sundays are not counted as part of the 40 days because they commemorate the Resurrection. Lent calls Christians to a period of reflection and repentance in preparation for Easter.
22

George Washington's Birthday Born in 1732, Washington became the first president of the United States on April 30, 1789 and served two terms. Prior to his Presidency, he served as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army and was a prime mover in steps leading to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787.

Rydal Elementary School PTO meeting, 9:15 a.m.

Roslyn Elementary School PTO meeting, 7:00 p.m.
23 West Side Story - Abington Senior High School All-School Musical, 7:30 p.m. Details at “Things To Do”Roslyn Elementary School PTO meeting, 7:30 p.m.
24 West Side Story - Abington Senior High School All-School Musical, 7:30 p.m. Details at “Things To Do”
25 West Side Story - Abington Senior High School All-School Musical, 7:30 p.m. Details at “Things To Do”
26

Abington Senior High School PTO meeting, 7:30 p.m. in the Library

Willow Hill Elementary School PTO meeting, 7:30 p.m.
27 Abington Board of School Directors meeting, 7:30 p.m., School District Administration Building, 970 Highland Ave., Abington
   
       
         
 

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