1 December 2009
Dear Parents:

* I will second Georgia Gurley’s newspaper column this past Sunday: time REALLY is flying!  Here we are at the first of December already, and we have just under three weeks before our Winter Break.

* Thank you to all for your participation in our Fundraisers this year.  Most recently, thank you for making “Escape to Gilligan’s Isle” a big success.  The auctions raised nearly $36,000, and as soon as the outstanding ticket money is turned in (please do so if you haven’t already), we expect to have reached our fundraising goal for the year!  Thank you! 

* Our Board of Trustees recently voted to install 18 Promethean touch boards (with slates and document cameras) in all of our classrooms in grades K-12.  This huge technology leap forward will make us one of only a handful of schools in the state with this latest educational technology throughout the school.  The boards will be installed over Christmas break and our teachers will return early in January for additional training.  We are thrilled to be able to provide our students with the latest educational technology that is changing instructional delivery throughout the country.

***  CALLING ALL COMMUNITIES.  Yes, indeed, we have caught the bug.  Thanks to the enthusiasm of Mrs. Wendy Hooks, principal at Brogden School, one of last year’s national winners, and a current parent, with the coordination of Mr. Eric Snoddy, our school will attempt to win one of the $100,000 prizes this year.  We have earmarked any winnings to augment the number of Apple Carts and to expand our growing number of classroom computer microlabs.  Please see the enclosed flyer and help us win. 

*Thank you to all who participated in the annual “Pie Palooza” just before the Thanksgiving Break.  The proceeds from the pie sales were divided equally between the News-Argus Empty Stocking Fund and Victory Junction, an agency for disabled children.

* In this season, please consider picking up a dove from our Dove Tree.  In conjunction with St. Mary School, again this year we will brighten the lives of 300 Wayne county children.  For each dove, we ask that you purchase an article of new clothing and a toy appropriate for the age and gender of the child listed on the dove.  Please attach the dove to the outside of the gift and bring it to the front office no later than Monday, 7th  December.  Also, again this year we are collecting $5 per child to benefit two charities: The Soup Kitchen and Diamonds in the Ruff.  Descriptions of both charities are available in the main office.  We will collect this money through the Christmas Concert and then make the cash donations to both organizations the following day.  Thank you for your Christmas spirit!
                                                                                               
*Now that Mrs. Smith has her library back, (well, most of it anyway) we will hold the autumn Book Fair from 7th-14th December.  Look for more details coming home in Friday folders.

* Juliette Jones is coordinating another Blood Drive for the Red Cross at our school on Thursday, 10th December.  Please call the school to schedule an appointment for the drive, which will begin at 8.30AM and end at 1.00PM.

* Also on Thursday, 10th December, we will have Santa pictures for Preschool and Lower School students in the morning.

* Please mark Tuesday, 22 December at 10.30AM in our gymnasium for the annual Christmas Concert.  Choirmaster Rebecca Fordham has planned an especial program this year and we hope to see you there!

* Upper School parents, the first semester exam schedule is now up on the school’s website.  The two exams on Thursday and Friday, 17th and 18th December will have a full day of classes following the respective exams.  Monday, 21st December will have no classes after the second exam, no luncheon will be served, and your student will be ready for pick up after 1PM. 

*Preschool and Lower School students will observe a half day of classes on Monday, 21st December with a dismissal at noon.  Also, Preschool and Lower School will begin their Christmas breaks after the Christmas Concert (around 11.30AM).  After school care will be available on both days until 5.30PM.  Child care will also be available on 23rd December all day.  More details will follow in Friday folders.

In this season of miracles, my very wishes to you for a warm and happy holiday season!