Dear I.C. Parents,
October 30, 2008
Days are getting shorter, leaves are changing color, pumpkins are everywhere,
and Jack Frost has visited us!
These are signs that the holidays are nearing and a good time to focus on family
activities and traditions.
Given the fast pace of today’s society, we often forget that one of the greatest
gifts we can give our children is the gift of time.
If you ask most adults what meant the most to them growing up, the reply
is often of fond memories of times together with family and friends.
There are many simple ways you can build just a little more family time
into your lives. Make every effort
to sit at the dinner table together for meals so you can visit and talk about
your day. Schedule times to turn
off the TV and pull out the board games.
Even young children enjoy playing games plus it is an opportunity for
children to learn how to be a good sport and engage in social activities.
Enjoy a family hike or walk around the neighborhood.
In order for children to want to talk with parents it is important for
parents to be available in a relaxed atmosphere.
I know that many of our families are spending time discussing the upcoming
election and you are doing a good job.
I over hear discussions daily from our students and it is clear that the
election issues are being discussed at home.
I don’t ever remember our students being as knowledgeable about the
candidates as this year. Even some
of our preschoolers know the names of the presidential candidates and some of
their “talking points”. On
November 4th, our students will have the opportunity to be a part of
the election process. Last month Student Council conducted voter registration.
Each student was given their own registration card.
Student Council will open our polling booths on November 4th.
They have “official” looking ballots with pictures of the presidential,
vice presidential and gubernatorial candidates.
We too will have long lines at the voting booths!
This is a great way for our students to
have a “hands on” learning experience with the democratic process that is set
forth by our U.S. Constitution.
Please remember to vote!
We have had some special assemblies this past month.
Kippie Kutz from the Kitchen did a presentation about the homeless and
told us ways we can help those who are less fortunate.
She demonstrated how a homeless person sets up camp using cardboard, a
bucket, tin cans and items from the dumpster. It
made all of us thankful for bathrooms, electricity and warm beds.
Alli James, an I.C. graduate and junior at SCHS, talked to our 7th
and 8th graders about the book she wrote and published and intrigued
us with ideas from her upcoming sequel.
She will be at Barnes & Noble on November 8th for a signing –
this coordinates with our H & S fundraiser.
Next week, on Monday, Governor Matt Blunt will speak to our 7th
& 8th graders about our government.
Please don’t be alarmed when you see Highway Patrol cars and security
personnel when you arrive at school on Monday.
They will be here prior to Governor Blunt’s arrival at 9:00 a.m.
Home and School events continue to be a great benefit for our school.
Tanya Hanna, with the help of many parents, were hard at work to make
Fright Night a fun family event. JoAnn
and Steve Baker organized our Barnes & Noble Days and are ready for November 7th
& 8th. Sydney Guilliams
is busy finalizing plans for Breakfast with Santa on December 7th.
SCRIP gifts cards have almost become a full time job!
Michelle Tyson and LaShelle McGuire and their volunteers are kept busy
with your orders. Now is a good
time to make plans to purchase your Christmas gifts with SCRIP gift cards.
This is a great fundraiser for our school and helps your tuition.
Remember, half of the funds earned can go toward your tuition and half
goes to I.C. Home & School. Thanks
to all of you who support our events!
Please make time to enjoy these beautiful fall days and have a safe and Happy
Halloween!
Blessings,
Paula Baird, Principal