Dear Parents,

 Welcome back!  Due to our snow days we are unable to walk to the Onekama Public Library until January 7^th.  Your child’s books have been renewed until our next visit.  You may keep them for the holidays or return them by December 22^nd.  I’ll return them after school.  Of course you are always more than welcome to return them to any Manistee Public Library branch.

Next week we will have gingerbread activities throughout the week with Mrs. Lyman’s first grade class.  The activities will focus on art, reading, writing and mathematics. 

On Monday all items for Toys for Toys/Gifts for Teens are due.  The drop off gift barrel is located in the Student Services office.  Items should be unwrapped.

On Thursday we will participate in a virtual field trip to the Milwaukee Public Library through our distance learning room.   We will enjoy a story, The Christmas Tree Ship written by Jeanette Winter and create a craft.  In the evening we will have our annual holiday program.  Your child should dress in their holiday attire.  I will meet your child in our classroom at 6:45 p.m.  The program begins at 7:00 p.m. in the gymnasium.  There will be no homework this night.

On Friday all items for The Giving Tree project need to be turned in.  If you have a tag, then bring your wrapped item to the office.  If you are donating a personal item, then send it in with your child.  Over the weekend I’ll purchase a laundry basket to donate along with our personal items.  Unfortunately we only have four items.  We need any personal items such as shampoo, hand soap, bar soap, body soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, lotion, dish soap, toilet paper, laundry soap, etc.  Please send in all items by December 18^th.

Our holiday plans have been finalized.  Please find the enclosed letter from Mrs. Hagen regarding the holiday movie.  We will see a movie at the Garden Theater in Frankfort.  The cost is $5.00 per person.  You and siblings are more than welcome to attend.  In order to keep the money organized, please send your child’s money in envelope labeled with your child’s name.  If you and/or siblings are attending, please label a separate envelope with names attending and how much is enclosed.  I’ll take this envelope to the office.  I am only keeping track of money for my students.  Any questions, please let me know.  For more information, please read the enclosed letter.  Please attach the money envelope to your child’s permission slip.  During this day we will have a pajama day in our classroom.  Your child is invited to wear their favorite pajamas accompanied with slippers, but please be sure your child’s pajamas are weather appropriate.  Your child will be going outside for recess. 

The following are dates that you may want to add to your calendar:

• ¨      PTO Order Pick-Up – READY NOW!

• ¨      Toys for Tots Items Due – December 14

• ¨      Christmas Program – December 17 at 7:00 p.m.

• ¨      Giving Tree Items Due – December 18

• ¨      Christmas Break – December 23 – January 3

• ¨      Teacher In-Service (No School) – January 25

• ¨      Good Behavior Ski Day – February 9  (1^st, 2^nd & 3^rd)

• ¨      Winter Break (No School) – February 12 & 15

Warmly,

Shantel