November 19, 2009

Parents, it was wonderful to see a great turnout for the event at Zest that took place last Friday. It topped off a very busy week full with learning and excitement.

Several of our children thoroughly enjoyed a visit from Alligator Aaron. Each class had the opportunity to meet him, learn about his pets, and a few were able to hold or pet an alligator named Gucci, a vulture named Mozart, an indicator frog, a coati named Betsy, and a boa constrictor. The program was quite interactive, and Alligator Aaron made curriculum connections and discussed endangered animals from all over the world.

During chapel, as we begin to prepare for our Grandparent and Special Friend Day service, we have been reminded about begin thankful for the items God has given us that we can and cannot see. The children took turns drawing items for a large cornucopia at the front of the church. Chaplain Grace does a spectacular job with our students, and I encourage you to drop by one day to observe and/or participate. Yesterday Bishop Kate showed slides from her experiences in Ghana. The children enjoyed learning what life is like for students in another part of the world.

If your child has a speaking role for Grandparent and Special Friend Day on Tuesday, November 25, please encourage them to practice their lines for the big day. I practiced with Grades 2-4 yesterday, and I will continue with the other grades today. All parents should be reminded that the children are dismissed at 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, November 25. If you would like your child to leave earlier in the day with their special guest, please send a note indicating this permission. We expect a great turnout and are looking forward to it. Please see Ms. Ridley's Aftercare page if you are needing Holiday Care for the remaining part of the day on Tuesday, November 25. Please see the below schedule as it has changed from past years.

Lower Division (PK3-Kindergarten)
8:15-8:40              Trinity Church Chapel
8:45-9:15              Individual Classrooms        
Lower Division (Grades 1-4)
9:45-10:15            Trinity Church Chapel
10:20-10:50          Individual Classrooms      
Middle Division (Grades 5-8)
11:15-11:40          Trinity Church Chapel
1:45-12:15            Individual Classrooms      
 
As you may know, the first term ended on November 14. The teachers and I are busy preparing comments for the report cards that you will receive shortly after Thanksgiving. It is exciting to see the areas of growth and development since the start of school. If you have any questions upon receiving these, please do not hesitate to contact the teacher. If I can be of assistance, please let me know.

Finally, this week's book selection is perfect for those of you wishing to find a book to get into the Thanksgiving spirit.

The Night Before Thanksgiving  by Natasha Wing (Author), Tammie Lyon (Illustrator)
Summary from Amazon.com
A creative spin on the Clement C. Moore classic, The Night Before Thanksgiving is a warm, whimsical celebration of everyone's favorite fun-filled, family-filled, food-filled holiday! Follow along as the feast is prepared, cousins are greeted, and thanks are given, all with an extra helping of holiday fun.