From the Principal…
Oh boy…here we go! Ready or not, the busiest month of the year is here. I don’t know about you but I look forward to this month with the greatest anticipation. With all of its stress, crazy schedules, and deadlines, it is still the time of year most filled with joy and magic. I always find myself feeling nostalgic as I unpack the Christmas decorations and remember the special times associated with each ornament or stocking. When my girls were growing up, one of our traditions was having them each pick an ornament each year. Of course, they usually chose something associated with their interest at the time, like ballet or basketball. They rarely went for the expensive ones, preferring instead the simplest decorations that symbolized their passion of the moment. Now, as I carefully unwrap each one to hang it on the tree, the memories flood back to the times when the girls were little. I love to remember the happy times when we shopped for each special ornament and then hung them in just the right spot on the tree. My girls are all grown up now, so we enjoy different traditions these days. But the memories from when they were little help me to slow down, take a deep breath, and savor each moment of this special time of year. Be sure to take the time to enjoy your special traditions. The simplest ones are the ones that will stay in your heart. I wish you and your family a calm, joyful holiday filled with lots of love and hugs!
Special Days in December
There is a long list of special days that we
celebrate in December. The idea of these
days is to create a sense of camaraderie
and fun among the students. It is important
to remember that you should NOT spend any
money to participate in the special days. Have
your child wear something they already have,
or make something out of found materials to
represent the theme of the day. The complete
list is on the front side of this newsletter. We
hope you join in the fun!!
Mark Your Calendars
December 10: Reindeer Day
December 14: Candy Cane Day
December 17: Cocoa & PJ Day
December 18: Christmas Tree/Pine Tree Day
December 19: Snowman/Snowflake Day
December 20: Santa Day
December 21: Jingle Bell Day (FULL DAY)
January 2: School Resumes - Welcome to 2008!
FAMILY INVOLEMENT PROJECT
The Take-Home Turkey Project in November was a huge success! We want to thank all of the families that participated. 55% of our students turned in a decorated turkey, and we drew 19 names to win $10 gift cards to Glen’s. We know how busy this month is, so instead of an event at school we are sending home another Family Project. We would love it if you participate. Decorate your pine tree any way you wish, then write about your favorite family tradition. Send it back to school by December 14th for a chance to win a gift card from WalMart. Each classroom will have one lucky winner! The project will be coming home with your child this week.
Waiting Games
Waiting has become a part of our everyday lives. The next time you hear, “How much longer?” try one of these ideas to occupy your youngsters:
Play word games. Start with a simple word like “up” and take turns thinking of opposites or alternative words. Examples: down, left, right
Take all the change out of your pocket and let your children sort it. Then, show them how to count it out. How much change will make a dollar?
Work on “skip” counting. Practice counting by fives or tens. Say each number and ask you youngsters to repeat them after you.
Try an alphabet search. One person finds an object that begins with the letter “a”. the next finds something beginning with “b” and so on.
