Populations of elf owls have continued to decline in recent years due to a continued loss of native habitats, particularly those in the desert areas of California. Human activities, like increasing water diversion and home construction, have decimated these desert and riparian areas, as well as increasingly abundant invasive species (such as the salt cedar). The destruction of habitat leaves many elf owls unable to nest, hunt, and reproduce in areas like California, Arizona, and elsewhere.
To date, elf owls are not considered a globally threatened species, yet they are listed as "endangered" in California due to a population of fewer than 150,000 individual owls in the United States. California has implemented a captive breeding program in an attempt to increase this number, while numerous environmental and government agencies work to preserve their riparian and desert homes. Some sources report that the elf owl has already been nearly eliminated in California.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup frozen chopped onion
- 2 (14-1/2-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 7 cups chicken broth
- 1 (19-ounce) package frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 (9-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach
- 1 (14-ounce) package frozen Italian blend vegetables
- freshly shaved Parmesan cheese
- In a soup pot over medium-high heat, heat oil until hot, but not smoking.
- Saute onions until tender, then add tomatoes, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper; cook 5 to 7 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stir in broth and bring to a boil. Add tortellini, spinach and vegetables and cook 6 to 8 minutes, or until tortellini are tender. Garnish each bowl with Parmesan cheese, serve immediately.
November 20th each year recognizes National Child’s Day and all the potential represented by our children’s ambitions, dreams, and goals. Through educational goals, STEAM projects, and academic missions, educators and families join forces to provide excellence at all levels of education.
Education begins at home, and by providing parents with resources vital to growing minds, we encourage curiosity and brain development. From the day they are born their education begins. Language and social skills are essential building blocks to any child’s early education.
Schools and educators are investing in science, math, and arts programs. As technology becomes a more integral part of our lives, innovation drives education as well as nearly every career in the world. No matter where our children’s interests lie, technology will advance the way we learn, heal, communicate, travel, change, and protect the world. Our children will be the innovators of the future. All we need to do is give them the education and the tools to dream and learn to their fullest potential. National Child’s Day inspires communities, educators, and parents to do just that.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Get involved with your child’s school. Discover your child’s passion. Support extra-curricular activities. Encourage community endeavors that promote Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math because these areas of focus support the way we live every day, and they are lacking in education today.
- Science – Every day, we use science in nearly every facet of life. From medicine to the development of new products to solutions to socioeconomic issues, science is a necessary tool in the educational toolbox.
- Technology – It’s growing every day. We communicate with people around the world who speak another language. Hundreds of years of compiled science allow us to continue developing new technologies to explore space. New innovations will enable us to cure a disease before babies are even born.
- Engineering – Without engineering, many innovations never happen. Whether we look deep to the ocean floor or miles above the earth, engineers visualize and then create the components that work together. It’s a fusion of science, technology, and design.
- Art – By human nature, we need the arts. Those who have a creative outlet perform better at work. While we’re more likely to be more productive, the arts allow us the opportunity to connect to the human condition. It’s also an ability to understand design and quality. When a product has an aesthetic design, it holds its value longer. Quality products are also a piece of art.
- Math – When it comes to each of the above areas, every one of them relies on math. We wouldn’t have gone to the moon without it. If we want our children to move us with music or with the next greatest automobile, they will need outstanding math skills, too.
NATIONAL CHILD’S DAY HISTORY
In 1995, Lee Rechter set out to create National Child’s Day. The retired school counselor wanted a day that honored children. In 2001, she succeeded in her mission, and President George W. Bush signed a one-time proclamation for the nation to observe the day on June 3rd. The declaration proposed supporting children in their endeavors from the very beginning. And while it was initiated as a single-day observance, it aimed to nurture and uphold the belief that all children deserve to have the same opportunities.
However, Rechter pursued a continuing resolution for the observance. She succeeded, and for the next seven years on a Sunday in early June, the President proclaimed National Child’s Day.
Then, in 2009, when President Barak Obama took office, the observance was changed to November. Each year since National Child’s Day has been observed on November 20th at a time when children are in the midst of their education and surrounded by families.
Children FAQ
Q. When will children born in 2021 graduate from high school?
A. Children born in 2021 will graduate from high school in 2039.
Q. How much does a four-year degree cost?
A. As of 2021, the cost of tuition and fees at a four-year college runs between $42,000 for public education and $150,000 for private. Keep in mind, these numbers do not include room and board.
