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November 19, 2009 |
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Dear Parents, With next week being a short week, there will not be a newsletter or Thursday folder. So, I want to take the opportunity now to wish all of our families a wonderful Thanksgiving. For a couple of months I have been kind of dreading the upcoming holiday, as it was my mother’s favorite. Knowing it would be difficult on my dad, my daughter, and the rest of the family, I having been wishing I could just skip over next week. Besides, with some of the other challenges in my life, I think I haven’t been feeling particularly thankful. But then I went to the beach a couple of weekends ago, my perspective was transformed. I don’t know if it was putting my toes in the expansive Atlantic Ocean, or if it was simply being able to get away. Whatever it was, I returned with a hopeful heart and thankful spirit. I realize I have tremendous blessings in my life, and I awake each day now thankful for all of them. I encourage all of you to step out from the trees and see the beautiful forests in your lives. Happy Thanksgiving! Updates & Reminders · SGA Turkeys: Thank you to all of the families who participated in the SGA turkey decorating activity. The turkeys and stories line the hallways. I can’t move through the hallways without smiling at the festive artwork and entertaining stories. Stop by when you get a chance to have a look for yourself. Thank you to the SGA for sponsoring this wonderful event! (View at http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/monocacyes/) · Bobcats on Parade: Well, today we finished our book! Ralph Mouse saved the day. While reading this week, we had a great debate between the students who claimed the author did tell that they were teachers and those who said the author didn’t tell that they were teachers. Finally, one student said, the author did not exactly say it, but you could figure it out! This illustration of “making an inference” became the theme for the week. Each day we practiced determining when something is said “out right” and when the reader/listener had to make an inference. If you are the parent of a first grader, see if your son or daughter can tell you what it means to make an inference. · Principal’s Chat: This past week I had only one parent (and one Board of Education member), join me for my November Principals’ chat. As it was the day after the BOE hearings, I suspect many parents who would have attended the chat were tired from a late night. Not to worry, I will have the next chat on Friday, December 11th at 8:30 a.m. Please be reminded that the chat is, an open forum where I share what is going on at school, and parents ask questions and share concerns. I hope to see many more parents in December. · School Improvement Plan focus: I had planned to share parent feedback from the chat this week, as parent communication is one of our SIP goals. Instead, let me take this opportunity to thank all of the teachers for conducting conferences last week. I received feedback from several teachers that parents were particularly pleased with the e-mail distribution lists that are being used in most grades. We are hoping to have all grades using weekly communication via distribution lists by December. In these weekly mailings, parents may hear about everything from upcoming test dates, to ideas for supporting students with homework.
Calendar
A Month
Ahead: News From Staff & Community · Barnes & Noble: Please see the enclosed flyer from Barnes & Noble regarding an upcoming Book Fair, in which parents support scholarships through their purchases. · Montgomery College Youth Programs: Montgomery College will be offering piano classes for kindergarten through grade 3 students and playing/composing in the percussion orchestra for students in grades 4-6. Classes will occur each Saturday from January 23-May 15, 2010. Enrollment is limited. For more information please go to www.montgomerycollege.edu/youth or see the brochure on the parent information stand at MES. Sincerely,Cynthia R. Duranko Principal |
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