1. National Day of Service and Remembrance – September 11

This year, September 11 is being honored as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. The President and First Lady ask Americans to volunteer in their communities as a way of honoring the heroes of September 11 and those who continue to serve in uniform.

Visit USA.gov’s 9/11 Commemorations and Information page for resources on volunteer opportunities, memorials, rebuilding efforts, exhibits, and more.

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2. H1N1 Flu – Vaccine in Development

Infections with the H1N1 Flu (previously called “Swine Flu”) continue to occur in the United States. While most of those infected have recovered without needing medical treatment, the H1N1 Flu can pose a more serious health threat to pregnant women, children, and those with compromised immune systems.

A 2009 H1N1 vaccine is being developed and is expected to be available within the next few months. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to learn more about the 2009 H1N1 vaccine.

As with the seasonal flu, you can avoid catching or spreading the flu by:

• Washing your hands often with soap and water.
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Staying home if you get sick and limiting your contact with others.

To stay informed about the H1N1 Flu and other forms of influenza, sign up for email updates or RSS feeds on Flu.gov. You can also help select the winner for the 2009 flu prevention Public Service Announcement. Check out the 10 great finalist videos and vote (thumbs up, thumbs down) by September 16th.

Influenza H1N1 (gripe porcina)

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3. National Preparedness Month

This time of year, certain areas of the U.S. are likely to be threatened by wildfires and hurricanes, but disaster can strike anywhere and anytime. Consider what you and your family would do if faced with a natural disaster or terrorist attack.

Visit Ready.gov for help in creating an emergency plan for you and your family. The three main steps to minimize the impact of a disaster are:

1. Getting a Kit
2. Making a Plan
3. Being Informed

Mes Nacional de Preparación para Emergencias

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4. FREE Teaching and Learning Resources

Federal Resources for Educational Excellence (FREE) offers more than 1,500 teaching and learning resources from the federal government.

Search by subject matter…
Arts and Music
Health and Physical Education
History and Social Studies
Language Arts
Math
Science

…or resource type:
Animations
Primary Documents
Photos
Videos

Recursos para maestros y estudiantes

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5. National Public Lands Day – September 26

National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve public land by removing trash and invasive plants, building trails, and planting trees and native vegetation. This annual event highlights the role that each American can play in preserving our nation’s irreplaceable lands.

Go to USA.gov’s Environment and Natural Resources page to learn about government efforts to study, protect, and enhance our natural surroundings; and find ongoing opportunities to volunteer on public lands by visiting Take Pride in America.