HTS Newsletter of December 18, 2009
Principal’s Corner
Children & adults look at the holiday season:
For children, it's the countdown to celebrations and gifts and goodies has begun.
For adults, it's the # of shopping days left to finish our shopping.
For children, it's the fun of singing and joy of licking candy canes.
For adults, it's the concerns with gaining a pound (or more).
For children, it's the excitement of cold cheeks and sipping hot chocolate.
For adults, it's the concern with groggy batteries and snow shoveling.
For children, it's the thrill of careening down a hill on a sled, of skating, and snowboarding.
For adults, it's the fear of falling on the ice and slipping a disk.
For children, it's the giddiness of keeping a secret.
For adults, it's remembering where we actually hid those pesky presents.
For children, it's anticipation to the Nth degree.
For adults, it's wondering if we'll survive the demands of another holiday season.
May each of us be more childlike this holiday season…enjoying the time, the weather, the anticipation and the joy of the season as we did as children.
Donna McGibney
Dates to Remember
December
22nd: Wear your favorite Holiday hat, and red & green clothes
22nd: Last day of school before break
23rd: Holiday Break begins. See you January 4th!
January
4th: Welcome back!
12th: PTA Meeting, 6:30 in library
13th: Reflections workshop, 3:15- 4:30
18th: No school- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day observed
28th: Reflections workshop, 3:15- 4:30
Important Attendance Note -
If your child will not be coming to school,
please call us at 724-3930. All student absences are considered unexcused until parental
contact has been made with the office.
Bundle Up ... It’s Cold Outside!
Now that cold weather is here, students need to dress appropriately for outside recess - including hats and extra mittens or gloves. When there is snow on the playground, students who are not wearing boots and snow pants will need to stay on the paved areas.
Each student should have a complete change of clothing
to be kept at school or in his/her backpack. Please be sure
to label all of your child’s belongings.
We continue to hold recess outdoors throughout
the winter unless the weather is exceptionally cold. All students are expected to participate in outside recess unless there is a health reason accompanied by a doctor’s note.
News from Your PTA
A BIG THANK YOU to all the hands who helped craft, donate, organize, set up, assist little shoppers, and clean up after the event. Thanks especially to Becky Donahue for her dedicated and tireless efforts in organizing this wonderful event this year. It was a delight for the children to be able to shop for their loved ones.
HTS kids are welcome to participate in the Reflection's Program challenge to create "Beautiful is..." We look forward to seeing and celebrating how creative our children are.
Wishing you all a wonderful Holiday Season and many happy wishes for a bright New Year. Enjoy winter break and looking forward to seeing you at our next meeting in 2010 on Tuesday January 13 at 6:30 p.m.
No School Announcements
In the event that schools are unable to open due to inclement weather, announcements will be broadcast on TV stations channel 6, 8, & 13 and by radio stations WABK and WMME as early as possible. Cancellations are also posted on WABI’s StormWatch at www.wabi.tv. Please listen for the announcements and do not call the schools, principals, superintendent, or teachers. Occasionally, school is dismissed early during the day, which would also be announced on these radio and television stations.
Remember to send in your empty printer cartridges, Box Tops for Education,
soda can pull tabs, Campbell’s logos, and Pennies for Peace!
A Message from Title I
"What is often remembered long after they've been used, are often passed on from one generation to the next, and can create connections between people far and near? Books, of course! They make readers weep and laugh, learn and question, introduce ideas and deepen them.
They are gifts that last and are just right for any occasion. They are truly the gift that keeps on giving. So give a book, share a book, and enjoy a book with the children in your lives. Happy Holidays from Reading Rockets!"
Reading Rockets is a website dedicated to "teaching kids to read and helping those who struggle." For a buying guide for holiday gift giving, try this link:
http://www.readingrockets.org/books/buying guide/2009
...and please, over the break, read to your child every day. Best wishes for good health and happiness in 2010!
Wendy Oakley
Title I Literacy Specialist
Time for a Change?
Are you thinking about going back to school, but don't know where to start? Have you been laid off, or are you considering a career change? Maine College Transitions is a free program designed to assist adults with making decisions about careers, looking at ways to finance college or training, and taking steps toward academic preparedness. Classes and workshops are available to any adult who would like to begin college, or return to college. Through our partnership with Kennebec Valley Community College, we even have tuition-free classes such as Introduction to Psychology, College Composition, College Algebra, and Medical Terminology available to help you get started. The Maine College Transitions program wants to ensure your success in achieving your goals. To find out more, call Melinda Gilman at SAD#11 Adult Education, 582-3774.