
Bill Russell was an incredible basketball player who played for the Boston Celtics. He won 11 NBA championships, the most by any player in history! Bill was known for his amazing defense and leadership on the court. He inspired many people, both on and off the court, and became a strong voice for equality and civil rights. 🏀 #BlackHistoryatHawthorne


Major General Marcelite Harris was the first African American woman to become a general in the U.S. Air Force! She broke barriers as a leader and paved the way for women in the military. Her hard work and dedication continue to inspire many. ✈️💪 #BlackHistoryatHawthorne


Langston Hughes was a renowned poet and writer who used his powerful words to share the experiences of African Americans. He played a key role in the Harlem Renaissance, a time when Black artists, musicians, and writers expressed their creativity. Through his poems and stories, Hughes celebrated Black culture and spoke up for justice and equality. His poems are still admired to this day. 📖#BlackHistoryatHawthorne


Mamie Phipps Clark was an important psychologist who helped change the way we think about race and equality. She did a famous experiment with dolls to show how segregation affected children’s feelings about themselves. Her work helped the U.S. Supreme Court make important decisions about ending segregation in schools. Mamie’s research showed how much love and care children need to grow up happy and healthy.


Louis Armstrong, also known as ‘Satchmo,’ was a legendary trumpet player and singer who helped make jazz music famous! His incredible talent and joyful spirit brought people together through his music. Known for songs like ‘What a Wonderful World,’ he changed the way we listen to jazz and left a lasting mark on music history. What's your favorite L. Armstrong song?🎺🎶 #BlackHistoryatHawthorne


Mahalia Jackson was an amazing singer known for her powerful voice and love of gospel music. She became famous for sharing her faith through song and inspiring people around the world. She believed in spreading joy and hope with her music, and she remains one of the most important figures in the history of gospel music. 🎶 #BlackHistoryatHawthorne


Alma Woodsey Thomas was a groundbreaking artist and the first Black woman to have her work displayed in the White House. She was also a dedicated teacher for 35 years, inspiring young minds through art. Known for her bold colors and abstract style, her paintings continue to shine in museums today. Let’s celebrate her creativity this Black History Month! 🎨 #BlackHistoryatHawthorne


Dr. Harold Moody was a Jamaican-born doctor and civil rights leader. After facing racial discrimination despite excelling in medical school, he dedicated his life to fighting for racial equality. In 1931, he founded the League of Coloured Peoples to challenge injustice and push for equal rights. Let’s honor his legacy this Black History Month! #BlackHistoryatHawthorne


Charlotte E. Ray was the first Black woman lawyer in the United States. She worked hard in school, excelling at Howard University, where she became the first woman to graduate from its law program in 1872. Despite facing discrimination, she fought for justice and equal rights, paving the way for future generations. Let’s celebrate her legacy this Black History Month! ⚖️ #BlackHistoryatHawthorne


Charles Henry Turner was a pioneering Black scientist who made groundbreaking discoveries about insect behavior. He was the first to prove that bees can see colors and recognize patterns! His work helped shape the study of animal intelligence. Let’s celebrate his curiosity and contributions this Black History Month! #BlackHistoryatHawthorne


Good morning and welcome to the FINAL day of National School Counseling Week for 2025. This is Miss Friedman, your students' school counselor, one last time. For our last day, we'll talk about how school counselors help students thrive, I’d like to share a wonderful quote with you from the poet Maya Angelou: “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style.” This is my hope for each of your Hawthorne students. That you are passionate about learning and discover what brings you joy. That you approach your peers with compassion. That you pass through daily life with good humor, bringing your own style and sense of self. And that you follow your arrow wherever it leads. I can’t wait to see what each of you does. I’m grateful to be part of your journey. Go. Be amazing. Thrive.










Born into slavery, Sojourner Truth escaped and became a powerful voice for freedom, women's rights, and justice. She traveled the country speaking out against slavery and fighting for equality. Her famous speech, "Ain't I a Woman?", still inspires people today. Let’s honor her legacy this Black History Month! #BlackHistoryatHawthorne


Good morning. Miss Friedman, your school counselor here, and this week we are celebrating National School Counseling Week. As we’ve been discussing this week, the 2025 theme is “School Counseling: Helping Students Thrive.” The concept of thriving can be difficult to understand. What does it feel like to thrive? You know that feeling when you get a good grade on a test? Or when you ace a new skill in a sport or game? Think about that feeling. Thriving means feeling pleasure in your daily activities and having a sense of purpose. It means being able to manage your challenges, like homework or interactions with friends. It means maintaining supportive relationships and feeling a sense of belonging at school and in your community. It means feeling like you are growing and learning. It means being able to adapt and bounce back when you experience setbacks. And it means maintaining balance in your life. That may sound like a lot for a young person, but it’s what I want for each of your students. When I talk with your students about their emotions, I’m hoping to help them develop the types of skills needed to thrive in day-to-day life – skills like resilience, self-motivation, adaptability to change and effective communication skills. Are there any skills you’d like me to work on with your student? Send me a message on Parentsquare and I'll be happy to make a plan with you. Have a wonderful day today!




Next, we will honor Frederick Douglass. Born into slavery, Frederick Douglass escaped and became a powerful voice for freedom and equality. As a writer, speaker, and leader, he fought to end slavery and championed education and justice for all. His words and actions continue to inspire change today! Fun fact: Douglass is laid to rest in Rochester, NY. This is Miss Friedman's hometown and where his legacy lives on! #BlackHistoryatHawthorne


Miss Friedman, your school counselor, and we're already halfway through National School Counseling Week! Did you know that thriving at school includes ensuring we all enjoy a positive school environment? Thriving in school means feeling safe, included, and valued. I, along with your students' teachers, principals, and all school staff, are dedicated to creating spaces where everyone can feel respected and supported. We do this in several ways, including:
• Promoting respect and inclusivity, celebrating different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives.
• Building strong relationships among everyone in our school community with open communication, active listening, and empathy.
• Creating engaging and interactive learning environments that respond to different learning styles.
• Supporting mental health and well-being, as well as physical health, through sports and exercise
• Encouraging student voice and leadership.
• Celebrating student achievements and encouraging accomplishments.
• Ensuring our school facilities are accessible to students and staff of all abilities and are safe and welcoming, giving students spaces to relax and socialize while learning.
What is your favorite way that Hawthorne works hard to ensure your students are thriving?




Join Freedom Readers at Hawthorne on February 12 for hands on-activities grounded in the Science of reading, empowering you, as parents or caregivers, to help your children progress further along their literacy journey. Dinner will be at 6:00 - 8:00pm with CHILDCARE for ages 4-12 available as well!


Next, we have James Armistead Lafayette! James was a brave spy during the American Revolution. As an enslaved man, he risked his life to gather secret information that helped the U.S. win its freedom. Later, he gained his own freedom and was honored for his heroism. Let’s celebrate his courage this Black History Month! #BlackHistoryatHawthorne


Miss Friedman, again, your school counselor, and this week we are celebrating National School Counseling Week. Yesterday, I shared with you that we are focusing on how school counselors help all students thrive, but how do we know when you’re thriving? I know your students are thriving when I see them meeting their goals. Even if we’ve never sat down and chatted one on one, I know if they're succeeding in classes, if they could use some help in managing emotions, or if they would benefit from some coaching in managing friendships. I use information gathered from grades, from discussions with teachers, from meetings with school administrators, and more to make sure I have data to help all Hawks thrive! When I see improvements in grades, attendance, or class participation and more, I know that that goals are being met! When your student(s) THRIVE, I thrive, too. If thriving feels out of reach, let’s talk. I’m here.




Ellen E. Armstrong was one of the first Black women magicians in the US. Known for her amazing tricks and inspiring shows, she used her performances to uplift and empower Black audiences during challenging times. Let’s celebrate her magic this month! 🖤✨🎩#BlackHistoryatHawthorne
