Good Morning:

  I hope you had a wonderful weekend.  My daughter had her first basketball scrimmage, and my team had their first one as well.  On Saturday evening, our kids' school had a lantern parade in Waterbury.  It was quite an impressive sight, seeing that many glowing lanterns marching along.

  It is hard to believe but we have less than three weeks before vacation.  This time will certainly fly by and will be packed with the typical academic demands and a few special events/projects.  Below is a list of a few of those things.  Please take note of all of this and please feel free to contact me any questions, concerns, or any additional feedback.

*The Valley Rotary's  Light Contest.  For the past three years our class has participated in this contest by decorating the windows in our classroom that face the parking lot.  Each year the Rotary picks a theme and asks the community to get involved.  It is a great nonsecular way of celebrating community spirit.  This year's theme is Vermont Country Holiday.  I am going to hang white lights in the windows, and ask that the kids design snowflakes and use paper to draw and decorate mittens.  I will also put a runner sled in the window that appears to be riding along the winter hillside.  If anyone has any of the white batting that looks like snow, could you please let me know.

*Secret Pal:  I would like to have the kids participate in a classroom wide Secret Pal event.  This would involve the students doing three specific tasks for their Secret Pal.  The event would run the last week of school before our holiday break.  On Tuesday, December 20th, the kids will have to make a Happy Holiday's or Happy New Year's card for their Secret Pal.  On December 21st, the kids would have to make a snack for their Secret Pal, and on the 22nd, the kids would have to bring in a wrapped book for their Secret Pal.  If you don't want your child to participate in this, please let me know by Thursday of this week.

*Ms. Hines Last Day:  Thursday December 22nd, will be Ms. Hines' last day with our class.  I would like to have a little good bye and thank you celebration on this day.  If you would like to donate a food or drink item for the celebration, please let me know.

*Parent Volunteers:  I am going to ask that we don't have any of our regular parent volunteers come in during the week of December 19th-22nd.  The kids will be working on a special "New Year's" gift for their families.  It would be nice for them to keep this a surprise.  As always, people are free to come in during the day any other time that week.

I hope everyone has a great week.  Please remember to read each night and fill out the book log.  This is week 2 of the math game, so their will not be a new game sent this week.

Peace,
Tom