All - Leep Calendar

National Charter Schools Week brings students, parents, teachers, and communities together to celebrate charter schools. Charter schools appeared in the United States in 1991 due to the state of Minnesota passing legislation to allow tax-payer-funded schools that could operate foreign of various regulations in exchange for increased accountability and elevated student achievement. The idea behind charter schools originates in the privatization movement, which believes government-run institutions are inefficient. Ideally, charter schools give educators more flexibility and autonomy to innovate and experiment with different teaching methods. Independent organizations, including nonprofit and for-profit companies, are paid by tax dollars to administer charter schools. Charter schools have been controversial since their inception, with critics arguing that they drain resources from government-run public schools and exacerbate inequalities by cherry-picking students and families. Supporters point to their success in improving student achievement and offering innovative approaches to education. Both sides have good arguments, successes, and failures. The US government states that 74-94% of students who started ninth grade graduated from high school in 2019-2020. Arizona had the lowest percentage; Iowa, Kentucky, and Texas had the highest, with over 21 states averaging over 90%, regardless of public, private, or charter. In poorer districts like Philadelphia, charter schools graduate more students within four years than public schools. In wealthy suburbs, there is little difference. Charter schools can accept or reject students. Government-run public schools cannot. Overall, no definitive evidence points to charter schools as a better quality system than government-run public schools. Location, tax base, student body, local economic conditions, teaching staff, and other factors impact both types of schools and lead to good and bad results within each system. For parents navigating education for their children, judge quality on a school-by-school basis, not on its purpose (public education, private or charter for-profit/nonprofit). Good and bad examples can be found in each system. This event began in 2010.

Africa

May

Check Your Wipers Day, Southern Hemisphere: May 16

06:20 AM | -

Windshield wipers are small, unassuming devices that play a vital role in maintaining clear visibility during inclement weather, making them an essential element of road safety. To underscore their significance, "Check Your Wipers Day" was established as an annual event, reminding drivers to ensure the proper functioning of their windshield wipers. Automobile accidents caused by impaired visibility due to worn-out or malfunctioning windshield wipers have been persistent. To address this problem and promote awareness, safety advocates, local automotive repair shops, and the Michelin Tire Company support Check Your Wipers Day. The Northern Hemisphere observes Check Your Wipers Day on November 16. The Southern Hemisphere observes Check Your Wipers Day on May 16. The main objective of Check Your Wipers Day is to encourage drivers to inspect their windshield wipers regularly and replace them when necessary. Wipers that have deteriorated over time or have cracked rubber blades can streak, skip, or leave smudges on the windshield, significantly impairing a driver's vision, especially during rain, snow, or fog. During Check Your Wipers Day, automotive experts and safety organizations typically provide educational materials, conduct workshops, and offer discounted wiper replacements at participating garages and auto parts stores. These activities aim to underscore the importance of proactive vehicle maintenance and foster a culture of responsibility among drivers. Non-functioning wiper blades produce rain-smeared or fog-obscured windshields, which can lead to accidents, endangering the lives of motorists and pedestrians alike. In addition to wiper blade replacements, drivers are advised to check their windshield washer fluid levels and ensure that their windshield is free from debris, such as leaves and dirt, that can hinder wiper performance. By taking a few moments to check and replace their wipers when needed, motorists contribute to safer roadways, reduce the risk of accidents, and demonstrate their commitment to responsible driving practices.

Africa

May

Cheese Month, American: May

06:20 AM | -

American Cheese Month celebrates the rich and diverse world of American-made cheeses beginning in 2011. The month highlights the incredible variety of cheeses produced in the United States, with various events and activities organized to promote American-made cheese and its producers. Cheese tastings, cheese-making workshops, cooking classes, and events focused on cheese enthusiasts provide an opportunity to learn more about American cheese and the people who make it. Retailers, restaurants, and other food establishments often showcase American-made cheeses on their menus and in their stores. Many retailers offer special deals during the month, while restaurants feature dishes made with local cheeses. American Cheese Month is an excellent opportunity for people to support small, independent cheese makers and producers across the United States. It also encourages people to learn about and appreciate the wide varieties of cheese produced in the country, from classic cheddars and blues to artisanal goat and sheep milk cheeses.

Africa

May

Cheese Rolling Competition, Gloucestershire (UK): May 25

06:20 AM | -

All you need is a seven to nine-pound ball of cheese, good running legs, and a sense of humor for the 300-yard downhill race on the last Monday in May. The Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling Competition occurs annually on Cooper's Hill, near Gloucester, England. Participants chase a round of Double Gloucester Cheese down a steep hill, and the first person to cross the finish line at the bottom wins the cheese (and bragging rights). The competition became official during the 19th century and has since become a beloved and iconic event in the region, attracting participants and spectators worldwide. Cooper's Hill is known for its steep and uneven terrain making the competition dangerous. Spectators watch participants tumble, trip, and slide downhill, chasing the rolling cheese. Several people are injured each year. Who and why it started is unknown (though ale was likely involved). Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling is a tradition from the Roman occupation nearly 2,000 years ago. The village of Brockworth champions the event, and though technically not a fundraiser, it is a critical event in supporting local businesses each year. The event was officially canceled in 2010 due to safety and insurance concerns—but that didn't stop it. A fan favorite, over 4,000 people a year still head for Cooper's Hill and celebrate the running of the cheese.

Africa

May

Cherry Cobbler Day: May 17

06:20 AM | -

Cherry Cobbler Day pays homage to the baked dessert of cherry pie filling topped with a butter, sugar, and flour drizzle first served during the 19th century. It is an unofficial event with no sponsor.

Africa

May

Chicken Dance Day: May 14

06:20 AM | -

Chicken Dance Day pays homage to the accordion tune popularized by Werner Thomas of Davos, Switzerland, in the 1960s. The song is derived from the Swiss song "Der Ententanz" (The Duck Dance). Essentially it's a drinking song, most commonly played as part of the Oktoberfest celebrations.

Africa

May

Chickens Day (Respect For), Intl.: May 4

06:20 AM | -

International Respect for Chickens Day seeks to raise awareness about the dire conditions in which many chickens (and other poultry, including ducks, geese, and peacocks) are bred and the horrific ways in which they are often killed. The event was created in 2005 by the non-profit United Poultry Concerns. The event focusing on chickens seeks to bring awareness to the treatment and conditions of all domesticated fowl, including ducks, turkeys, ostrich, peacocks, and geese. Supporting materials are available on the organization’s website. The organization seeks to promote a vegan lifestyle.

Africa

May

Chihuahua Day, Intl.: May 14

06:20 AM | -

International Chihuahua Day was created in 2010 by proud pet parent Nadia Alteria to celebrate the birthday of Teaka, her beloved Chihuahua, on May 14 each year. There are several theories on the origin of the Chihuahua breed. The first believe it originated in the northern Mexico state of Chihuahua in the early 1800s. The tiny dog was a souvenir for American tourists to take home with them. The second legend ties it to the Mayans and their predecessors, the Toltecs. The small dogs were believed to be guides in the afterlife, sacrificed and buried with their owners. This idea seems to hold merit as European explorer Francisco Hernandez describes the ritual using small tan-colored Techichis (predecessor of the Chihuahua) in sacrifices and burial rituals. A third theory ties the breeding of Techichis with the Chinese Crested. A fourth states the Chihuahua is the evolution of the ancient Xoloitzcuintli, a tiny hairless dog native to Central America for thousands of years. A fifth theory ties in European origins, Malta to be precise, and the aristocratic practice of keeping pocket dogs as companions. But then again, the dogs likely originated in the new world exploration, bringing us back to Mexico. Recent DNA evidence appears to knock out the Euro-Asian origins of Chihuahua, and travel articles by James Watson in the 1870s confirm the purchase of the small dog by tourists at the end of the 19th century. Nobody knows which is the true origin (or a combination thereof). People do know that Chihuahuas are delightful companion dogs that their owners love. Happy International Chihuahua Day! Image: Lemondrop, Melbourne, Australia. Pet Parent Sarah Vellios

Africa

May

Children of Fallen Patriots Day (1864): May 13

06:20 AM | -

Annually on the anniversary of the establishment of Arlington National Cemetery, May 13, 1864, Children of Fallen Patriots Day pays tribute to all the children who have lost a parent in service to the United States. This event began in 2015.

Africa

May

Children's Book Week: May 4-10*

06:20 AM | -

Children's Book Week is the annual celebration of books for young people and the joy of reading. It occurs in May and November each year. Children's Book Week originated in the belief that children's books and literacy are life-changers. In 1913, Franklin K. Matthiews, the librarian of the Boy Scouts of America, began touring the country to promote higher standards in children's books. He proposed creating a Children's Book Week, which would be supported by all interested groups: publishers, booksellers, and librarians. Mathiews enlisted two essential allies: Frederic G. Melcher, the visionary editor of Publishers Weekly, and Anne Carroll Moore, the Superintendent of Children's Works at the New York Public Library and a significant figure in the library world. With the help of Melcher and Moore, in 1916, the American Booksellers Association and the American Library Association sponsored a Good Book Week with the Boy Scouts of America. Children's Book Week is the longest-running national literacy initiative in the country. Every year, commemorative events are held nationwide at schools, libraries, bookstores, and homes—wherever young readers and books connect! Children's Book Week is administered by Every Child A Reader, a 501(c)(3) literacy organization dedicated to instilling a lifelong love of reading in children. The Children's Book Council, the national non-profit trade association for children's book publishers, is an anchor sponsor.

Africa

May

Children's Day (JP/KR): May 5

06:20 AM | -

Children's Day is a national holiday in Japan and South Korea, observed on Monday if May 5 falls over the weekend. The day goes back to ancient times when the fifth day of the fifth month saw the boy's festival of Tango no Sekku. Throughout the country, you'll see carp-shaped streamers symbolizing strength and success. In South Korea, Children's Day became a national holiday in 1975.

Africa

May

Children's Hospice Day, Intl.: May 15

06:20 AM | -

Created in 2005, International Children's Hospice Day raises awareness about children's hospices and their services worldwide. It is a day to recognize the compassionate care these hospices offer to children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and their families. The origin of International Children's Hospice Day lies in the broader movement to provide palliative care for terminally ill children. The concept of hospice care, traditionally associated with adults, expanded to include children by the late 20th century, recognizing the unique needs of young patients and their families. The establishment of the first children's hospices marked a significant shift in pediatric care, focusing on quality of life, pain relief, and emotional support. Over the years, as the number of children's hospices grew, so did the awareness of their importance. International Children's Hospice Day highlights the critical role these facilities play. It serves as an opportunity to educate the public about the specialized care provided by children's hospices and the difference it makes in the lives of children and families facing the most challenging circumstances. The purpose of International Children's Hospice Day is multifaceted: Awareness and Advocacy—increase public awareness about children's hospices and their essential services. Advocates for more support and resources to ensure these services reach every child and family in need. Support and Fundraising— fundraising opportunity. Many hospices rely on donations to operate, and the day helps to generate financial support through various events and campaigns. Celebration of Life—celebrating the lives of the children receiving care. Children's hospices don't just focus on end-of-life care; they also provide respite care and support families through their child's illness, emphasizing the importance of enjoying life. Global Solidarity—establishing camaraderie among organizations, healthcare professionals, and volunteers involved in children's hospice care. It promotes the sharing of knowledge, experiences, and best practices worldwide. International Children's Hospice Day underscores the importance of compassionate care for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. It brings attention to the need for more such facilities and resources globally and highlights these hospices' profound impact on the lives they touch.

Africa

May

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, Ntl: May 7

06:20 AM | -

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week occurs during the first full week of May and is observed in Canada and the United States by various organizations. Children's Mental Health Day occurs on Thursday during the week. It is also known as the Green Ribbon Campaign, a positive message campaign designed to provide hope and funding for resources dedicated to children's mental health. In Canada, see Children's Mental Health Ontario for details.

Africa

May

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (US/CA): May 3-9

06:20 AM | -

Africa

May

Chocolate Chip Day, Ntl.: May 15

06:20 AM | -

National Chocolate Chip Day celebrates chocolate chips. Chocolate chips are often added to cookies, cakes, and even cocoa drinks. Ruth Graves Wakefield of Massachusetts created chocolate chip cookies in 1938. She broke a Nestle chocolate bar into pieces and added the chips to her cookie recipe. Because of the recipe's popularity, Nestle agreed to print the recipe on the back of the chocolate bar. By 1940, Nestle began selling chocolate chip packs. National Chocolate Chip Day is an unofficial event with no sponsor.

Africa