HTS Newsletter of January 15, 2010
Principal’s Corner
A younger friend of mine e-mailed some thoughts under the title
Handbook 2010, Little Lines with Huge Payoffs. In keeping with the old adage “Why reinvent the wheel?”, I’m sharing these thoughts with you. Read, apply to your lives, and reap the benefits for the new year!
Health:
Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a beggar.
Live with the 3 E’s -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
Play more games.
Take a 10-30 minute walk daily. And while you walk, smile.
Personality:
Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
Invest your energy in the positive, present moment.
Don’t take yourself too seriously . No one else does.
Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip.
Dream more while you are awake.
Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
Make peace with your past so it won’t spoil the present.
No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
Smile and laugh more.
Society:
Each day, give something good to others.
Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of six.
Try to make at least three people smile each day.
Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
Life:
Do the right thing!
Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful, or joyful.
However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.
The best is yet to come.
Donna McGibney
A reminder that there is no school on Monday, January 18th in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Dates to Remember
January
18th: No school- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day observed
21st: Memory Book meeting, 6:00 - 7:00, library
25th & 26th: WinterKids activities
28th: Reflections workshop, 3:15- 4:30
February
5th: Pre-K Family Fun Day, 9:00 - 10:30
6th: PTA Family Fun Day, 1:00 - 4:00
9th: Reflections submissions due
9th: PTA meeting, 6:30
12th: Movie Night
15th-19th: Winter break
22nd: Fifth grade popcorn sale
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.
News from Your PTA
Happy 2010 from the PTA. As the new year begins, so we begin preparing for some fun and excitement!
Coming soon is our annual Family Fun Day. On Saturday, February 6th, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. you and your family are invited to come out of the cold and enjoy some board games, a book swap, organized gym games, crafts and snacks. This free event is open to all Helen Thompson students and their parents. The PTA needs volunteers for Family Fun Day, specifically anyone who would like to host some structured games in the gym. If you'd like to volunteer, please call Laura Collette at 441-8819 or Cindy VanDenBossche at 582-2022.
"Beauty is..." That's the theme of this year's Reflections Program and we encourage all students to participate in literature, artwork, photography or music. Of course, students can always create their artwork at home, but there's one more chance for an after school workshop in the art room with a PTA volunteer on Thursday, January 28th from 3:14 to 4:30. Basic writing and art supplies will be provided. Guardians - please come to the art room promptly by 4:30 to pick up your child. The submissions are all due by February 9th, so get those creative juices flowing, fill out your entry form (more available at the school office), attach it to the back of your work and bring it to school by the 9th. If you have any questions contact Susan at jscaldwell@roadrunner.com or 582-8658.
WinterKids is coming to Helen Thompson School on January 25 & 26! WinterKids instructors will come to each classroom with a goal of encouraging healthy lifestyles including outdoor physical activities in the winter. Students will have a brief overview in the classroom first, focused on the importance of good nutrition and physical activity, and then will head outdoors for a snowshoe lesson! Please make sure that students are prepared regardless of the weather for extra outdoor fun. The PTA is providing funding for this program for all K-5 students. Check out http://www.winterkids.org if you are curious to learn more about this organization based in Portland, Maine.
We will soon be organizing our 7th annual Spaghetti supper. This fun-filled event takes lots of hands. We hope to count on yours!
You are always invited to join a monthly meeting or volunteer, even if you're not a member. We appreciate all you do for our HTS students.
Pre-School & Kindergarten Registration
The Four Year Old Program is currently accepting applications for the 2010 - 2011 school year. Children must be four years of age on or before October 15, 2010. If you are interested, please call 582-5346 for more information and for an application. Space is limited.
It’s also kindergarten registration time! If you have a child who will be five years of age on or before October 15, 2010, or if you know of one, please contact the school at 724-3930.
Free & Reduced Lunch Application Reminder
If your financial situation changes at any time during the school year, please let us know and we will send you a new application. You may now qualify for free or reduced lunch for your children.
Visit MyNutrikids!
Parents ca n access mynutrikids.com at any time to deposit money to their students’ lunch accounts or to see their remaining balance. Check it out!
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!
Bundle Up ... It’s Cold Outside!
Now that cold weather is here, students need to dress appropriately for outside recess - including boots, snow pants, hats and extra mittens or gloves -- each and every day. When there is snow on the playground, students who are not wearing boots and snow pants will need to stay on the paved areas. 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.
Each student should have a complete change of clothing to be kept at school or in his/her backpack. Be sure to label all of your child’s belongings.