Just in time for the new school year 1,000 back packs will be given away Sunday 8/11 (9:00-12:00)

Freedom Church Highland Park, which is located at 6408 Ruby St, Los Angeles, CA 90042, will be giving away 1,000 back packs in front of the church building this Sunday, August 11, 2013, from 9 am to 12 pm.  Every child with an adult present between the ages of 4 to 18 (all children need to be present) will receive a free backpack.  Every adult will receive a Free Opportunity Drawing Ticket for a $150.00 gift card for Food for Less.   The drawing will be held in the evening.  

Children and their accompanying adult/guardian just need to show up for the free giveaway, no other obligations are required.  This is an assistance that the church group is providing for the community.   



Please text Josie Herrera at (323) 568-7410 with any additional questions

Here are some firework safety tips to consider while celebrating our nation’s 237th Birthday

We hope you're enjoying your Summer Break...have fun and be safe.  There' will also be the first ever "4th of July Block Party in Grand Park" beginning at 2:00p and attendance is FREE!

4th of July Block Party in Grand Park
200 North Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Click here for more 4th of July Celebrations...

Fireworks Safety

With warm weather and family events, the Fourth of July can be a fun time with great memories. But before your family celebrates, make sure everyone knows about fireworks safety.

If not handled properly, fireworks can cause burn and eye injuries in kids and adults. The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home — period. Attend public fireworks displays, and leave the lighting to the professionals.

Lighting fireworks at home isn't even legal in many areas, so if you still want to use them, be sure to check with your local police department first. If they're legal where you live, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Kids should never play with fireworks. Things like firecrackers, rockets, and sparklers are just too dangerous. If you give kids sparklers, make sure they keep them outside and away from the face, clothing, and hair. Sparklers can reach 1,800°F (982°C) — hot enough to melt gold.
• Buy only legal fireworks (legal fireworks have a label with the manufacturer's name and directions; illegal ones are unlabeled), and store them in a cool, dry place. Illegal fireworks usually go by the names M-80, M100, blockbuster, or quarter pounder. These explosives were banned in 1966, but still account for many fireworks injuries.
• Never try to make your own fireworks.
• Always use fireworks outside and have a bucket of water and a hose nearby in case of accidents.
• Steer clear of others — fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Never throw or point fireworks at someone, even in jest.
• Don't hold fireworks in your hand or have any part of your body over them while lighting. Wear some sort of eye protection, and avoid carrying fireworks in your pocket — the friction could set them off.
• Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush and leaves and flammable substances. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that local fire departments respond to more 50,000 fires caused by fireworks each year.
• Light one firework at a time (not in glass or metal containers), and never relight a dud.
• Don't allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.
• Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the trash can.
• Think about your pet. Animals have sensitive ears and can be extremely frightened or stressed on the Fourth of July. Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk that they'll run loose or get injured.

http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/outdoor/fireworks.html

Sun 6/30 Concert at 5 pm; Fireworks Display when dark. Eagle Rock Park, 1100 Eagle Vista Dr

Bring your family to Eagle Rock Park this evening to celebrate Independence Day with family and friends!  Festivities take place from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. with Fireworks at approximately 8:30 p.m. 

6/30 at 5:00p at LA City Hall-Free to Public. Jimmy Kimmel to host & performance by Moby.

The transition of power at Los Angeles City Hall starts this Sunday evening as Eric Garcetti is sworn in as the city's new mayor, during a free public party in downtown's Grand Park.

The public can enter at 1st Street and Broadway, with gates opening at 5 p.m. Garcetti's staff is warning that parking will be limited and that people should arrive early. Those wishing to avoid traffic can take the Red Line subway to the Civic Center station, which has an exit near Grand Park.

Hollywood, a major backer of his campaign, will be on hand. Jimmy Kimmel is emceeing, and techno master Moby, accompanied by a choir, will kick off the event with a song.

The event will include Steampunk carnival games, multicultural music and an oath of office administered by the 13-year-old daughter of a janitor.

Besides Moby, there will be performances by Afghan American singer Ariana Delawari and two-time Grammy winner Melanie Fiona.

Support #EagleRock Elementary by donating copy paper 5/31-6/7. We're on campus today Sat, 6/1 (8-11)

Thank you in advance for your generous support! Every ream makes a difference!

Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, Decoration Day was established as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers by the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR).  Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.

The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.

The ceremonies centered around the mourning-draped veranda of the Arlington mansion, once the home of Gen. Robert E. Lee. Various Washington officials, including Gen. and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant, presided over the ceremonies. After speeches, children from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphan Home and members of the GAR made their way through the cemetery, strewing flowers on both Union and Confederate graves, reciting prayers and singing hymns.

 In 1966, Congress and President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, N.Y., the “birthplace” of Memorial Day. There, a ceremony on May 5, 1866, honored local veterans who had fought in the Civil War. Businesses closed and residents flew flags at half-staff. Supporters of Waterloo’s claim say earlier observances in other places were either informal, not community-wide or one-time events.

Click here to learn more about the history of Memorial Day.

Support #Moore response by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10 or at www.redcross.org

Red Cross
The Red Cross has set up shelters, but said they’re still assessing the greatest needs. In the short term, they ask that you donate to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by sending a text message. Text the word REDCROSS to 90999. As in the case with other donations via mobile phone, the donation will show up on your wireless bill. The Red Cross also suggests giving blood at a local hospital or the community blood bank. To donate online go to American Red Cross.

Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is organizing disaster response units to serve hard-hit areas in central Oklahoma, including Moore, where it is sending mobile kitchens that can serve meals to 2,500 people a day.

Supporters can donate online via the organization's website at SalvationArmyUSA.org. You can also text the word STORM to 80888 to make a $10 donation via cellphone.

If you want to send a check, the Salvation Army asks that you put the words "Oklahoma Tornado Relief" on the check, and mail it to: The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 12600, Oklahoma City, OK., 73157. Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769).

United Way of Central Oklahoma
A disaster relief fund is being activated as of May 21 so that individuals can specifically donate to tornado relief-and-recovery efforts. Their website states that the best way to help is to make financial contributions. Donations can be made online at United Way of Central Oklahoma’s Disaster Relief Fund is open. Checks, with a notation of "May Tornado Relief" can also be sent to the United Way of Central Oklahoma, P.O. Box 837, Oklahoma City, OK , 73101.

Feeding America
Through its network of more than 200 food banks, Feeding America, whose mission is to "feed America's hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks," will deliver truckloads of food, water and supplies to communities in in Oklahoma, and will also "set up additional emergency food and supply distribution sites as they are needed." Phone: 1-800-910-5524.

Take your kids on a fun filled family film adventure @CalArtsREDCAT

Saturday and Sunday (5/11 & 5/12) is the second of 3 weekends of family friendly international short-films at REDCAT (Roy and Edna Disney CALARTS Theater) located at the spectacular Walt Disney Music Hall Complex.

This global tour of charming, funny and poignant films —hailing from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Japan, Puerto Rico, Russia, Singapore, Spain and Taiwan, among others—is an awe-inspiring journey for the whole family. Festival highlights include the latest in both live action and animated shorts, and a very special Nickelodeon Family Fun Day!

Tickets are only $5!

REDCAT is located at 631 W 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Click here for additional information 

Saturday, May 11
12:00 pm   Short and Sweet
1:30 pm   Path Waves

Sunday, May 12, Nickelodeon Family Fun Day
12:00 pm   Nick Jr.
3:00 pm   Nickelodeon

Saturday, May 18
12:00 pm   Animal Kingdom
1:30 pm   For the Beauty of the Earth
3:00 pm   Shiver and Shake

Sunday, May 19
12:00 pm   Short and Sweet
1:30 pm   China Fantasia
3:00 pm   Caleidoscopio

Thanks to all our amazing teachers/staff for all the wonderful things you do for our children.

You truly are the best and we at Eagle Rock Elementary are lucky to have you all!

For your support and helping #EagleRock Elementary raise $5250 for the 2013 Annual @RelayForLife

We'd also like to thank Dan and Nancy Marfisi once again for their commitment and leading our team of awesome parents, teachers, students and community members who logged a total of 36 hours during the 24 Hour Event from Saturday, April 27 9:00a until Sunday, April 28 at 9:00a. 

Awesome Work Everyone!