Proud to be a Woman!

Each year in March we commemorate the accomplishments of remarkable American women by celebrating Women's History Month.  Throughout our history women have made important contributions to our country and our society.  Here are just a few examples.


Alice Waters



Bonnie Cashin

Brownie Wise

Coco Chanel

Dolley Madison

Dr. Frances Horwich

Ellen Swallow Richards

Fannie Merritt Farmer

Josephine Cochran

Julia Childs

Marion Donovan

Mary Randolph

Ruth Benerito

Ruth Handler

Ruth Wakefield





Marion Donovan invented the disposable diaper.

Josephine Cochran invented the automatic dishwasher in 1886.

Ellen Swallow Richards founded the profession of Home Economics.

Children's educational programming was pioneered by Dr. Frances Horwich.

Fannie Merrit Farmer published the first modern cookbook in America in 1896.

The wash and wear treatment for fabrics was invented by Ruth Benerito in 1958.

Julia Child's pioneered the first cooking show on public television.

The first American cookbook was written by Mary Randolph.

Dolley Madison functioned as First Lady to President Thomas Jefferson and saved priceless documents and artifacts from falling into British hands in 1814.

Ruth Wakefield developed the recipe for America's favorite cookie--the chocolate chip cookie.

Bonnie Cashin designed the classic car coat and other iconic fashion creations.

Ruth Handler designed the Barbie doll in 1959.

Brownie Wise pioneered and perfected the profitable home party sales technique when she worked for the Tupperware company.

Coco Chanel declared that every woman should own a version of the "little black dress."

Alice Waters pioneered the organic and slow food movements popular today.

You'll find many historical novels that will help you introduce students in your FACS programs to the important role of women in American history.  Check out the selection at http://www.facsbythebook.com/ and our curriculum At Home With History at http://www.freshfacs.com/ .

Happy Read Across America Day!

Read Across America Day commemorates the birthday of Theodor Suess Giesel, known simply to the world as Dr. Suess.  The wonderfully imaginative stories that he created are generally considered reading for children.  However, the whimsical characters and engaging language of Dr. Suess' writings touch a chord in teens and adults, as well.  On one occasion a few years agi, the principal at the high school where I taught read the book Oh The Places You Will Go by Dr. Suess to the entire student body via closed circuit television as a tribute to our graduating seniors.  It was both an amusing and touching gesture which sparked some very interesting discussion in our classrooms.  Proof positive that Dr. Seuss is not just for young children.

President Obama released a very eloquent and moving tribute to Dr. Suess in the form of a Presidential Proclamation today.  You can read the text of this document at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/03/01/presidential-proclamation-read-across-america-day-2011.  To learn more about the life and works of Dr. Suess, go to the official Dr. Suess website at http://www.seussville.com/.

I hope that Read Across America Day 2011 is the day that you make a commitment to making reading an integrated part of your FACS curriculum.  Helping our students to learn to appreciate books and reading isn't only the responsibility of our elementary teachers.  We all need to join them in this important endeavor.

Have a Fresh FACS Day!
Ramona