News From Our Classroom

      Hello.  I hope this newsletter finds you well on your way to being ready for the Holidays.  Though I do some shopping throughout the year, the bulk of MY preparations will happen over these next two weekends.  Crazy!   I hear, too, that the first plow-able snow is expected this weekend!  Yeah!  Okay, parents, time to dig out those snow boots, snow pants, winter jackets, hats and mittens/ gloves!  Oh, and please don't forget to send in shoes/ sneakers to be worn when inside.  Thanks!  Feet get awfully hot and sweaty in boots all day long. If you would like to have your child keep his/her "gear" here at school, please write a note so stating, so I don't get in trouble for not sending them home.  Ski pants all go home every week end to be washed, so the custodians can clean the coat rack area.  Sneakers can be left here, also, if your child has more than one pair.   Kids who don't have the "gear" they need to play in the snow will have to stay on the tarred section of the playground,  and that can be a BORING way to spend their half hour of playtime.

       This coming week is "Spirit Week"  at Crescent Park!   The Student Council has chosen activities they hope will begin to build the excitement towards the Holiday Break.  To that end, they are asking that we all participate in the following activities.
Monday 12/11: Ice cream and Holiday Socks Day.  The cost for the ice cream is 50c per child, but I will pick up the cost for my students' ice cream.  Merry Christmas!
Tuesday 12/12:  Holiday Sweater Day--Sweaters can be ugly, wacky, or beautiful, but should reflect the upcoming Holidays in some way.  I WILL NOT BE IN SCHOOL THAT DAY.  I HAVE SEVERAL DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENTS SCHEDULED--FOR MYSELF, THIS TIME.
Wednesday 12/13: Christmas Character Day--dress up as your favorite Christmas Character--Rudolph, Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves, Frosty, The Grinch, etc.
Thursday 12/14: Winter Hat Day.  Student Council will be collecting a $1 donation from anyone wanting to wear a winter hat all day.    We also will have our first trip to Sunday River on that day.  We will leave school at 12:30 and we will leave the mountain at 3:30.  The buses will have already left for the day, so arrangements will need to be made to get your child home to you.  Children not picked up at school by 3:45pm will be sent to MKA, and the cost will be passed on to you.
Friday 12/15:  Christmas Spirit Day--Wear red, white and/ or green.  Student Council will be distributing candy canes to all of the students for their participation in the week's events.

Monday 12/18:  Dr. VanBuren will visit the first grade to talk about circulation.  Your child's "Secret Santa" student gift can be brought in as of this date.
Tuesday 12/19: First Grade will have a celebration for completing the read-aloud chapter book  Toy Dance Party.
Wednesday12/20: Grade 5 will put on a Christmas play for the school.  In the afternoon, we will have our Holiday Party (snow date--12/21 in the a.m.). 
Thursday 12/21:  Lunch begins at 10:20.  Children will dismiss to buses or to parents at 11:30 a.m.

Speaking of our Holiday Party, I am looking for families who would be willing to contribute to the food for the party.  I have purchased the paper products and will provide a veggie platter, but I am looking for help with juice boxes, a sweet treat or two, and cheese and crackers.  Would you be able to help?  Please let me know by putting a note to that effect in your child's Daily Folder.  Thank you for any help you can provide.
      A few of you still have not filled out the paperwork for your child to attend the Sunday River Rugrats program.   This program provides an opportunity for your child to learn to ski at NO COST FOR LIFT TICKETS OR SKI RENTALS.  Children who do not attend Rugrats with our class will either have to go home for the remainder of the day or do schoolwork in the principal's office.
      I wanted to remind you, too, that if your family is finding that there's just no money to spare for your child to participate in our "Secret Santa" classroom event,  please let me know.  We can help.  Oh, and speaking of that, I also have heard from Katina Colombotos that we have a few winter jackets and snow pants that have been donated to the school for children who need such articles.  If this would help your family, please send in a request for a specific article and size needed.
      That's all for this weekend.  Have a wonderful pre-Christmas week!