Celebrating diversity in PTECH...

What do you know about Yom Kippur?

By Brianna Dove

Ptech Class of 2021

Not many people know the actual meaning of Yom Kippur. Most people think it is just a free day out of school. The actual meaning of Yom Kippur is that Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year in Judaism. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. Jews traditionally observe this holy day with a day-long fast and intensive prayer, often spending most of the day in synagogue services. Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah are known as Judaism’s “High Holy Days.” According to tradition, the first Yom Kippur took place after the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt and arrival at Mount Sinai, where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments. When Moses came down the mountain, he found the people worshiping a golden calf. Moses destroyed the tablets in anger, but the people atoned for their sin, so God forgave them - so the day of atonement. 

Some traditions that people who celebrate Yom Kippur have is refraining from work that is prohibited on Shabbat, plus five additional prohibitions: 1) eating or drinking; 2) bathing; 3) anointing the body with oil; 4) wearing leather shoes; and 5) sexual relations. They do this so they can feel closer to god. 

Yom Kippur and Christianity have some similarities. Christian fast as well. But some Christians also celebrate the holiday. Three ways you can celebrate it are First, you can extend radical forgiveness. Just as Jesus has given us grace, we too can extend grace and heal broken relationships during Yom Kippur. Second, you can consider fasting for a meal or entire day. During your time of fasting, spend time praying and meditating on the gifts God has given us. Third, you can gather your family and friends for a Tashlich ceremony. In Jewish culture, during this ceremony the people of the synagogue go down to a local stream or river and empty their pockets of crumbs, symbolizing sins being washed away. 

Although I’m not Jew, I appreciate the fact that I can learn from other cultures. We naturally tend to be with people like us. However, celebrating diversity helps us to learn about other people and their histories. It discourages racism, because racism is often born out of fear and ignorance. Understanding people and their backgrounds is important to personal and community growth.

Enjoy your day off along with the Jewish community here in RI and around the world!

Brianna Dove

What a successful back to school week!

 We made it!

A few days ago, we were probably wondering how a first week of back to school would look like. For myself, the answer is "SUCCESS". I had the opportunity to meet and spend time with some of the best students at PCTA. We shared our stories, our goals, interests, hobbies, and favorite foods. Do you guys remember ma favorite food? If you do, post your comment below to tell. 

We also discussed the norms and expectations that lay the foundations for our classroom community - a community based on trust, mutual respect, and love. You've demonstrated your desire to support this collective effort to transform our classroom in a warm and welcoming environment where everyone feels safe and valued for who he/she is. Mr. Frederique class is and will always be a "NO judgment zone" class. I value and cherish diversity - each one of you in my eyes is a precious piece that turns the puzzle into a beautiful picture. 

Finally, you were introduced to your new Cybersecurity course - a curriculum provided by Project Lead the Way (PLTW). This course is designed to expose you to the ever growing and far reaching field of cybersecurity. It inspires algorithmic thinking, computational thinking, and especially, “outside-the-box” thinking. As you can see, I have high expectations for you for this class, so I will challenge you to the fullest extent - that's my promise to you. Remember, this class is part of a concurrent enrollment program with URI where you can earn 4 college credits if you pass the final test.

I truly like this quote from Jimmy Dean who said "I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination." Yes, we're determined to reach our destination no matter what's happening around us - COVID-19 or not, life will always prevail and the future is yours if you of course invest now in your education. Go class of 2021!

Mr. Frederique

Welcome back Class of 2021!

Dear students, 

I am honored to be your Cybersecurity instructor this year. I hope you've had a great summer despite all the craziness around us. I remember when I was a kid many moons ago, back to school was one of the most exciting things for me. I couldn't wait to meet my bodies and my beloved teachers. I was also very excited to meet my new teachers and make new friends. I am sure it's been the same for you, but this year is special. You may feel things differently - actually, it's okay if you feel that way and you're not alone. How about your parents? As a father of two teenagers, I share their apprehension and concerns. 

You may have dozens of questions spinning right now in your head, so do I. We're all frustrated and angry because sadly no one can actually provide the answers. However, despite all the circumstances, I firmly believe that 2020-2021 can be a wonderful and memorable school year. It's up to all of us to make it happen. It requires us to work together as a community to protect and support each other. There'll be changes (lots of changes): wearing your mask at all times, keeping social distance, having less interactions with your friends and so on. So, to repeat after Jimmy Dean "I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination". Yes, this is the perfect time to adjust our sails to keep moving despite all the turbulence around us. Either in person or through distance learning, your senior year can still be an enjoyable experience if you're willing to adjust your attitude toward these changes. As Maya Angelou nicely put it "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude." We can't change the course of COVID-19 at least for now, but we're determined to remain positive, optimistic, and focus on the best gift of your life: access to top quality education at PCTA, your leading career and technical school across the region. I look forward to meeting you all and I am sure that you cannot wait likewise to reconnect with the PCTA community. 

Finally, here's this week inspirational quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr: “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward”.

What is the message of this quote? What are the most important ideas and values embedded in the quote? Is there something you can learn from this quote about how you should live your life? 

Share your thoughts and opinions with us by posting them in the comments section.

Go Class of 2021!

 

Nikerson Frederique 

PLTW/Cybersecurity Instructor

Phone: 401-526-2405

Email: nikerson.frederique@ppsd.org