John Muir Junior High School

MAYA ANGELOU, world renowned and highly regarded American author and poet, dies at the age of 86. Maya Angelou (born Marguerite Ann Johnson; April 4, 1928 May 28, 2014) was an American author and poet. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, and several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning more than fifty years. She received dozens of awards and over thirty honorary doctoral degrees. She was active ...in the Civil Rights movement, and worked with Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. In 1993, Angelou recited her poem "On the Pulse of Morning" at President Bill Clinton's inauguration, the first poet to make an inaugural recitation since Robert Frost at John F. Kennedy's inauguration in 1961. She was revered as a spokesperson of African people worldwide, and particularly in the United States, and women. Her books centered on themes such as racism, identity, family, and travel and are widely used in schools and universities worldwide. See more

KNOW YOUR HISTORY: Memorial Day was started by former slaves on May, 1, 1865 in Charleston, SC to honor 257 dead Union Soldiers who had been buried in a mass gr...ave in a Confederate prison camp. They dug up the bodies and worked for 2 weeks to give them a proper burial as gratitude for fighting for their freedom. They then held a parade of 10,000 people led by 2,800 Black children where they marched, sang and celebrated. Thanks to Abstrakt Goldsmith for this nugget of history that most of us never learned in school.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY - MONDAY, MAY 26, 2014 Memorial Day is a US federal holiday wherein the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces are remembered.[1] The holiday, which is celebrated every year on the final Monday of May,[2] was formerly known as Decoration Day and originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died while in the military service.[3] It typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks its end. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries.

HAPPY CESAR CHAVEZ DAY 2014 Cesar Chavez Day is an official state holiday in the U.S. states of California, Colorado and Texas. The day is commemorated to promote service to the community in honor of Cesar Chavez's life and work. Many, but not all, state government offices, community colleges, and libraries are closed.

HAPPY PRESIDENT'S DAY 2014 Washington's Birthday is a United States federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday of February in honor of George Washington, the first President of the United States, and is also often called Presidents' Day. Both Lincoln's and Washington's birthdays are in February.[1] Lincoln's Birthday is a legal holiday in some U.S. states including Arizona, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, and Indiana. It is observed on the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth on February 12, 1809.

Black History Month, also known as African-American History Month in America, is an annual observance in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom for remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. It is celebrated annually in the United States[1] and Canada[2] in February and the United Kingdom[3] in October. The precursor to Black History Month was created in 1926 in the United States, when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced the second week of February to be "Negro History Week."[1] This week was chosen because it marked the birthday of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.[

NELSON ROLIHLAHLA MANDELA (07/18/1918 - 12/05/2013) Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician, and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the first black South African to hold the office, and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election. He also served as President of the African National Congress (ANC) from 1991 to 1997. Internationally, Mandela was Secretary General of the Non-Aligned Movement from 1998 to 1999. Mr. Mandela gained international acclaim for his activism, having received more than 250 honors, including the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize, the US Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Soviet Order of Lenin and the Bharat Ratna. He is held in deep respect worldwide.

The 2013/2014 school year began for the Cougars on August 13, 2013. Let's wish all current students at John Muir at healthy, successful, enjoyable, and memorable school year. GO COUGARS!!!