How quickly the first quarter has gone by!  As we prepare for the Holiday Seasons, we appreciate what we have and demonstrate our concern for others.  The Harvest of Giving Food Drive ends Friday, 11/20.  In December, we will once again decorate our hallway tree with warm hats, scarves, & mittens.  All donations go to Middletown Helps Its Own.

REPORT CARDS & PARENT – TEACHER CONFERENCES:  You will notice that report cards have a new look this year.  This is due to our new student database program, Power School. We look forward to productive Parent-Teacher conferences starting on Thursday, November 19^th. Please remember, however, that this is a 10-minute period in which to discuss the report card, and teachers’ schedules are tight in order to accommodate all parents.  Your cooperation in adhering to the schedule is appreciated.  If additional time is needed, a phone conference or another meeting should be scheduled.

ABBREVIATED DAY SCHEDULES: Abbreviated days will begin on Thursday, 11/19 and continue through Wednesday, 11/25. 

Grades K-5 and elementary ungraded classes:   9:00 am – 1:30 pm

Self-contained Preschool:                                   8:45 am – 11:45 am

Half-day Preschool:       AM session 8:45 a.m. - 10:15 a.m     PM session 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

 School is closed for Thanksgiving on 11/26 and 11/27.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Theater Week – December 7 – 11.  Be sure to join us for this year’s production!

Holiday Craft – December 15 – 18. Children will enjoy making gifts for family & friends.

PTA Activities – BINGO Night is coming, and there are many fund-raisers and other activities in progress.  Check the website for more details.

“GOING GREEN” – Old habits die hard, but we are committed to reducing our impact on the environment by reducing the amount of paper we use. You’ll find that some notices will come home on half-sheets, and/or printed on both sides.  District, School, PTA, and Community notices are posted on our school website, www.middletownk12.org/newmonmouth.  Please take a moment to put our site in your “favorites”, and check it often.  The district website is a great resource for up-to-the-minute information. Don’t miss out on important memos and flyers.  If you do not have computer access, please contact the school office, and paper copies will be provided to you.

HEALTH OFFICE NOTES: As always, the best offense is a good defense.  Enhanced sanitation procedures have been in place since September.  Students are encouraged to wash hands frequently, and hand sanitizer is available in classrooms. Coughs and sneezes go into the elbow, rather than the hand. Parents can help by being alert to symptoms of colds and flu. See the school website for details. It’s important that children are kept at home when ill, at least 24 hours after a fever breaks without medication, and until strength returns so they are not susceptible to other illnesses.  The Homework policy states that homework will be provided starting the second day of an absence. Please make your request for homework when you call in the absence in the morning.

Wishing you and your family happy times and warm memories, 

 Linda S. Chadwick