Upcoming Days in Rotation

Monday, November 30^th – Day 1

Tuesday, December 1^st – Day 2

Wednesday, December 2^nd – Day 3

Thursday, December 3^rd – Day 4

Friday, December 4^th – Day 5

Reminders

• Please remember to review choices for Beyond the Books with your children.  Next week, they will be choosing three options in which they would like to participate.
• Don’t forget that the Holiday Market is on Thursday, December 3^rd.  PGPG still has shifts open for volunteers.  Visit  PGPG HOLIDAY MARKET WEBSITE to learn more.  Also, Lower School students will be performing during the Holiday Market at the following times:
  • 11:00 – 3^rd Grade
  • 12:10 – 4^th/5^th Grades and LS Choir

A Thanksgiving Message from Brannen and Julie

Vicki Zakrzewski, Education Director at the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley defines gratitude as “affirming that there are good things in the world - gifts and benefits that we’ve received - and recognizing that these sources of goodness come from outside ourselves.”  As we all take a moment this week to think about all that that we are thankful for, we should remember this notion that much of what we have does indeed come from outside ourselves.  We are blessed to live in the United States of America, a country that allows us to live freely and pursue what we chose to pursue.  We are lucky to be a part of this Porter-Gaud community, a caring group of people who work diligently in support of one another.  We are thankful every day for the sound of happy children, playing and learning together.  We enjoy them daily, and we sincerely appreciate the growth they make during the time they are with us.

We are also learning the importance of showing gratitude.  Giacomo Bono, a professor at California State University, Fullerton, has presented findings that “practicing gratitude at a young age promotes later development of self-control and self-regulation” which clearly are resources for lifelong success.  We know that the most effective way to nurture any skill in our children is to model it ourselves.  We are working hard here at school to have an open dialogue with our students about gratitude and purposefully demonstrate it in all that we do.  Once your eyes are open to the benefits of saying thank you, it can become part of who you are and what you do every day.

Today we would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of our parents.  We are thankful for the partnership we have with you. We are grateful for all that you do to allow your children to learn, to laugh, and to grow.  Most importantly, we are thankful to you for allowing us to be a part of the lives of your children.  We sincerely wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving - we hope you are able to spend it with those you love most.

5^th Grade LaCrosse

The Fifth Graders have started a new PE activity - Soft Stick Lacrosse.   Soft Stick Lacrosse teaches basic lacrosse skills and requires safe and responsible non-contact game play.  The students are learning the skills of cradling, scooping, catching, throwing, shooting on goal, and they will play 4 vs 4 non-goalie games in class.

Math Fun

On Monday, the 5th grade math classes played a game of Bingo based on the math concept of the Order of Operations. Teams made out their Bingo cards, and then they had to solve various math problems to know which squares on their card they could cover. On Tuesday students enjoyed solving Gobble Wobble Word problems with their classmates. 

It was a fun way to practice their math skills!

Visiting Author

Author Amey Lewis (grandmother of fifth grader David Warder and third grader Clifton Warder) and illustrator Gerry McElroy shared their book Nipper of Drayton Hall with our fourth graders.  With the help of Ms. Kent, they read the story in character, helping the students learn all about Drayton Hall and the historic time period here in Charleston.  Mrs. Lewis graciously gave a copy of the book to our Lower School as well as a Nipper dog, both of which will reside in our library.  We are thankful that both of these talented women came in and shared their talents with us.

Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.  ~John Quincy Adams

Upcoming Days in Rotation

Monday, December 7 – Day 6

Tuesday, December 8 – Day 7

Wednesday, December 9 – Day 1

Thursday, December 10 – Day 2

Friday, December 11 – Day 3

Reminders

• The Winter/Spring, 2016 After School Program is now online. To register, go to the Porter-Gaud homepage, click on the “I am a Current Parent” tab and scroll to After School Programs. 
• Monday, December 7^th – Friday, December 11^th - Porter-Gaud Toy Drive – We encourage all students to bring in a new unwrapped toy next week. We will donate toys to 11 different organizations in Charleston. 
• Friday, December 11^th – School Wide Dress Down Day – On this day, Children are invited to dress festively for our all school holiday assembly (antler headbands, Christmas light necklaces, and Santa hats are encouraged). 
• Note for week after next: Wednesday, December 16^th – We will have our Christmas Chapel from 10:15am - 11:00am (please note the time change).  Our Lower School choir and Treblemakers will perform as well as each fifth grade class (they will play the chimes).

Holiday Market Performances

Our third, fourth, and fifth grade students enjoyed ringing in the holiday season as they performed for friends and family at the Holiday Market.  The children's voices rang out as did their musical instruments, helping everyone get into the Christmas spirit.  Even the visit from the Grinch couldn't spoil everyone's excitement.  We appreciate all the Mr. Monsell does to help our student shine!

 Fifth Grade Writers

Fifth grade students have begun practicing for the spring WrAP, the writing assessment of the ERB.

First Graders Enjoy Books

Partner reading in 1^st grade

Santa's Stage

Students had a blast buying presents from their loved ones at Santa's Stage! Thank you Parents Guild for providing this shopping opportunity for our kids.  It is one of the highlights of our year!

Patriotic Angels

Clay angels - a sign of the season - with a twist.  Fourth graders have begun studying the founding of our country, so their angels have a patriotic flair!

Patience is a Virtue

Our second graders introduced our virtue of patience this week - a very important virtue, especially this time of year.  Along with Zach Efron and Elmo, they shared what patience means and helped all in the audience gain a meaningful understanding.  We can only imagine the patience it took for all of them to form the word patience for the photo that served as the perfect conclusion to their presentation.  We thank all of our second grade students and teachers for educating us in such an interesting way!

Pen Pals

Several third graders have received replies and mementos from veterans after writing letters thanking them for their service on Veterans Day. How exciting!

 Intramurals

Thursday marked the end of intramural season. Students ended on a high note with two final games of kickball, and as usual, fun was had by all.  We look forward to the Spring intramural season!

Dear Parents, 

With one week of classes remaining before exams, the Holiday concert tonight, and our Skating Social on Friday, there hardly seems enough time in each day!  I keep reminding myself to slow down and enjoy all the season brings and to support our students wtih some calm as they prepare for exams.  Sometimes that's easier said than done!  Please read the contribution by our student writer for this week, Sam from the seventh grade, who shares his perspective on the holiday season at Porter-Gaud.  

We have a few variations to our schedule this week:  

• Chapel and Jewish Life will be on Wednesday of this week rather than Thursday, and students should wear their Chapel dress on Wednesday.  
• This Friday is our annual first through twelfth Holiday assembly. Students are encouraged to bring a new toy for our annual toy drive.  Students who bring in a toy may dress down day on Friday.
• Friday night is also our annual Ice Skating Social at the Ice Palace. It always makes me laugh to see some of our kids trying to ice skate using the PVC walkers for balance! Having grown up in New York, despite being a little wobbly at first, there is something about ice skating that really makes me feel like it is the holiday season! Students should bring $10 to cover the cost of skating and skate rental. Our student council will be providing some light snacks, and DJ Jam Jordan will provide the music in our PG Party room. This is an official WATCH points event. The 7th grade is currrently in the lead for the second quarter, but both the 6th and 8th grades have an opportunity to take the lead based on attendance on Friday.  

All of our students will be attending Winterim meetings Tuesday during community, and we met with parents for the out-of-town trips last week. Please be sure to turn in all permission forms. If you have any questions regarding any of the experiences, you may contact Chris Tate at ctate@portergaud.edu.  Since we return to Winterim directly following the break, this week and next are the best times to get answers to any questions you may have.  

I wish you all the best for a safe, restful, and happy holiday season,

Maureen

From the Classroom 

Bob Irving has been selected as one of 300 teachers in the U.S.A. for the 3 year MIE program for innovative teachers. He will be partnering with thousands of people across the world who engage in Computer Science in exciting ways. There will be opportunities for travel, conferences and workshops, sneak peeks at new software, access to development teams such as Minecraft, discussions, forums, and just connections with fellow innovators.  Congratulations to Mr. Irving!  

Students in Ms. Duncan's PE classes have been learning Archery as their most recent activity. Students know how to prepare the bows, select arrows, and follow whistle commands as they attempt to hit the targets. The archery equipment was donated by DNR as a part of grant to increase participation in the sport. Porter-Gaud is fielding an Upper School and Middle School archery team. I was impressed with both the skill level of the students as well as the attention to safety protocols as the class practiced! 

In Mrs. Flynn's 8th grade science classes, students recently completed a lab testing the solubility of several different substances. Students measured two different amounts of five solutes and made observations to determine the solubility. Students demonstrated a solid understanding of lab terminology, and they worked together well as lab partners! 

Students in Mrs. Trice's Chinese class practiced the skills of buying and selling. Students were asked to alternate roles as shopkeepers and consumers. Their command of Chinese even allowed the students to haggle over prices!  

Sam Bozeman - 7th Grade

                Porter-Gaud Middle School Holiday Spirit

Well, here we are at the peak of holiday anticipation in the PG Middle School. And, as much as we all LOVE coming to school everyday, Christmas vacation takes a very close second! Hahaha. Oops, I mean ho, ho, ho. For example, the halls are decked with cheer, backpacks strewn about with festive holiday abandon. The teachers are all cheery with a pep in their step as dreams of finals dance in their heads.  And boy, we students can’t wait either! But the reality of it is this - Porter Gaud is a wonderful place to be; no matter what time of the year it is. The spirit of giving is everywhere...right now. But here at PG, giving is a year-round activity. Being kind to others is also especially stressed between November 1 through January 1.  Here in PG Middle School, we actually make kindness a continuous goal and priority.So I guess what I’m really saying is, minus the holly and the carols, the REAL spirit of the holidays is always “present” here at Porter-Gaud Middle School.

Reminder: Exam Schedule for Next Week 

EXAM TIMES:

Exam 1: Report at 8:00. Exam 8:15-9:45
Exam 2: Report at 10:05. Exam 10:15-11:45

*On days with 1 exam, students will report at 8:00

Monday, 12/14
6th: Exam 1: F Block / Exam 2: B Block
7th: Exam 1: B Block / Exam 2: F Block
8th: Exam 1: B Block / Exam 2: F Block

Tuesday, 12/15
6th: Exam 1: C Block
7th: Exam 1: E Block
8th: Exam 1: C Block

Wednesday, 12/16
6th: Exam 1: E Block / Exam 2: A Block
7th: Exam 1: C Block / Exam 2: D Block
8th: Exam 1: A Block / Exam 2: D Block

Thursday, 12/17
6th: Exam 1: G Block
7th: Exam 1: G Block
8th: Exam 1: G Block

Friday, 12/18
Make ups / Conflicts

A Week

Patience Virtue 
Quote of the Day! 

“Patience can’t be acquired overnight. It is just like building
up a muscle. Every day you need to work on it.”
~ Eknath Easwaran

COMMUNITY: Open --- CHAPEL IS TOMORROW

Wednesday 12/9- C: Christmas Eucharist (Upper School:11:00-11:30) / Jewish Life
*Slightly adjusted schedule  (No Homeroom, class time and  and sequence not affected)

THIS WEEK!

12/7-12/11- Toy Drive

12/11- All School Christmas Assembly / Dress down day

Next week .... Monday, 12/14-Friday, 12/18- Exams!

Service:  

 Mrs. Tate has confirmed with nine incredible local organizations that are in need of our toys. I hope that the 29th year can be our largest toy drive yet! We will be donating our toys to: Neighborhood House, Pink House, Without Walls Ministry, Head Start James Island, Our Lady of Mercy Outreach, Sea Island Habitat for Humanity, HALOS, Veterans Angel Tree, and our own maintenance staff with children under the age of 12. Below is an idea of some toys that each organization is looking for. You will receive a collection box by Friday. PLEASE begin encouraging your students - send parent and student emails, hang the attached poster, play Christmas music each morning as a reminder (ha), etc! I appreciate anything and all you can do to remind all students. If they bring in toy(s), they earn a dress down day for Friday, December 11th.

*Board games, Legos, educational games, dolls (ethnic dolls are always needed), footballs, soccer balls, basketballs, hand held electronic games, arts & crafts sets, infant toys, makeup sets & costume jewelry, stuffed animals, Play-Doh sets, puzzles, toy vehicles, baby toys, new books, building blocks, movies and truly anything you can donate to this year's toy drive!  

   Athletics:     

Thursday, December 10th

· Girls JV Basketball HOME vs. Baptist Hill 4pm 

· Boys JV Basketball HOME vs. Baptist Hill 5pm

· Girls Varsity Basketball HOME vs. Baptist Hill 6:15pm

· Boys Varsity Basketball HOME vs. Baptist Hill 7:30pm

· MS Girls Basketball - Engelhardt at Ft. Johnson Middle 6pm

· MS Boys Basketball - Naumoff at Ft. Johnson Middle 7pm

· MS Girls Basketball - Frye at Ft. Johnson Middle 8pm

· MS Boys Basketball - James at West Ashley Middle 8pm

 Clubs / Events:

The final Math Team Meeting of the semester will be Wednesday during lunch.  We will be working on SCISA Speed Round questions and determining the final roster for the SCISA math competition in January.

Detention this week will be held Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 3:25 to 4:05 in room RH426  with Mrs. Hyde 

 College Counseling:

Thursday, December 10th

1:00 pm Campbell University

Dear Parents,

Please enjoy this new monthly blog from the Upper School. Topics include upcoming exam schedule, student and faculty highlights, events, and an update on PSAT scores. Please look for Upward & Onward on the second Wednesday of each month. If there are topics you'd like to see included, please email Anne Frazier.

Have a safe and joyous holiday season!

Brad Gilman, Head of Upper School

Anne Frazier, Dean 

 Exam Schedule

Monday, Dec. 14th-- 9:30-11:45-  World Language

 Tuesday, Dec. 15th--9:30-11:45- Math

 Wednesday, Dec. 16th--9:30-11:45- English and 12:45-3:00- Make Ups

 Thursday, Dec. 17th--9:30-11:45- Science

 Friday, Dec. 18th--9:30-11:45- History 

**Breakfast will be served each day in the Cafeteria starting at 8:00 a.m.

PSAT Scores from Karen Kimberly, College Counseling

With the redesigned PSAT, we are anxiously awaiting the results from this year’s testing that took place in October. According to College Board, each student will receive an access code to view his/her scores via email approximately two months after the test administration.  If a student did not provide his/her email address at the time of testing, Porter-Gaud should also be receiving each student’s access code from College Board around the same time as the student. 

However, knowing the time delay that has followed many redesigns and updates, I would not be at all surprised if the PSAT scores didn’t arrive until sometime in January. Please advise students to keep an eye out for this email from the College Board.  We are returning the student’s test booklet now, so students may have this information whenever the test scores arrive.

Life Academic with Holly Hyde, Spanish faculty member and advisor

"I have been an Upper School advisor for all of the eight years that I have been at Porter-Gaud and the experience has been an incredible one for me with all of the groups that have come through 426 Richardson Hall.  However, the group that I have this year (and have had since they were freshmen) is a special one.  A really special one.  As freshmen, this group of young people came into my room not quite sure about their respective places in the Upper School community.  They had some dips and peaks that first year as ninth graders.  It was a roller coaster ride. There are times when I hardly recognize them as juniors because they are confident, connected, and making it happen academically, as if it was an easy task.  They are talented kids and much of their success is their own, individually.  But all of them will tell you, including me, that we have drawn strength and motivation from one another.  Advisory each morning has been our happy place, our safe place, when at times things outside of our circle have been teetering out of control. They have supported each other and me unconditionally, and I them.  We do service projects together, celebrate victories and defeats together, and have made each other collectively better as a group.  Our secret Santa activity and culminating lunch celebration during exams is one of the small ways that we try to create bonding experiences through the unit of our advisory group. Advisory has the potential to be one of the most important experiences at school for a student, as well as for a teacher." Holly Hyde 

Point of View: Vestry member Hunt Cramer '16  

"Each year Porter-Gaud participates in the Charleston Leadership Prayer Breakfast co-hosted by Mayor Riley and Mayor Summey at the North Charleston Convention Center. I felt blessed to be one of the students from Porter-Gaud chosen to go to the Charleston Prayer Breakfast. It is truly an incredible experience to gather with over 1,000 community leaders, and devote that time to prayer. This year's mood was somber, yet confident. The table of honor was reserved for the Emmanuel 9, and a moment of silence was held in their honor. The speaker at the event spoke about her own struggles moving on from a personal calamity, and her message was well received by members of the audience still grieving. The event was a beautiful one, and I am very thankful to have been a part of it!"  Hunt Cramer '16

 December Events

• December 7-12 is Computer Science Education Week: Join us in the Computer Science Lab on Tuesday evening from 5:30-6:30 p.m. for 9th grade Symposium with com sci demonstrations,  on Wednesday and Thursday at 3:30- 8:00 p.m. for Parent Tutorial Sessions by our 10th graders (Xbox games and web design) and Friday is our Shark Tank session for 11th grade from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
• Thursday, December 11 at 11:00 a.m. is the All-School Holiday Assembly in Wendell Center at 11:00 a.m. Parents are invited!
• Saturday, December 12 at 7:00 p.m. is the Festival of Lessons and Carols, which is one of Porter-Gaud’s most beautiful Advent traditions. It will be  held at the Church of the Holy Communion on Ashley Ave., where Dr. Porter founded our school 148 years ago.
• December 19-21 is the 2015 Holiday Classic - visit Athletics News.  

Classroom Spotlight

Mole Money, Mole Money, Mole Money with Science teacher CAITLIN ADELSON

Students in Mrs. Adelson's class are working with moles. No, not the furry menaces that dig up your backyard, but the standard scientific unit for measuring large quantities of very small entities such as atoms, molecules, or other specified particles. Throughout the chemistry unit, students have been using moles in their experiments, chemical reactions and even determining the number of moles used by chalk in writing their names (pictured above). As an incentive for semester exam extra points, students can attain mole money by doing extra puzzles, mini projects and providing great insight during class discussions. Emma Grice and Anna Grace Greenho are pictured above with their mole money. 

 Geometry Bridge Building with Math teacher COLLEEN JONES

Let the games begin! 9th grade math students had five days to build bridges using popsicle sticks, which led to a competition on Tuesday, December 8th. This year's competion winners included:   Judges were Head of School DuBose Egleston, US Dean Anne Frazier, DETAILS TO COME

Serving the Community with service director GRETCHEN TATE

Porter-Gaud will be supporting the community this holiday season and we encourage to to join us and participate if you are willing and able!

• Our 29th annual Toy Drive will be held December 7th - December 11th. We will donate toys to 11 different organizations right here in Charleston. Students who bring in an unwrapped toy will get a DRESS DOWN DAY this FRIDAY!
• We will be forming a Porter-Gaud team to run/walk the Reindeer Run on Saturday, December 12th. Prices go up after tomorrow, so register today and let me know and I'll pick up your packet! This is such a fun race. 
• HALOS is looking for individuals and organizations to "Adopt-a-Family" this holiday season. They will mail you names of neglected children, their ages, and their hobbies and they ask for you to sponsor that child this holiday season. You can email me or Tara Durham directly: tara@charlestonhalos.org. There are still over 400 children that need support this holiday season.
• Lost and Found items will be spread out on Thursday and anything that remains will be donated to Neighborhood House.

 Final Words

• The WATCH student magazine is available NOW.

• Keep an eye out! PG Magazine will be in mailboxes the week of December 21.

Upcoming Days in Rotation

Monday, December 14^th – Day 4

Tuesday, December 15^th – Day 5

Wednesday, December 16^th – Day 6

Thursday, December 17^th – Day 7

Friday, December 18^th – Half-Day – not in rotation – Dismissal is at 11:30; There will be no Upper School carpool or Extended Day.

Reminders

• Due to Upper School exams next week, we will not have Upper School carpool.  All Lower School students must be picked up in the Lower School carpool loop between 2:50 and 3:05.
• We will have our Christmas Chapel on Wednesday, December 16^th from 10:15 to 11:00am (please note the change in time).  The Lower School Choir, The Treblemakers, and the 5^th grade will perform.

All School Holiday Assembly

On Friday afternoon, all three divisions gathered in the Wendell Center for our annual Holiday Assembly. Students brought a mountain of toys to be donated to local organizations, and we enjoyed music performed by students and faculty. Our Lower School students were thrilled by a special visit from Santa Claus, and we ended the event with a fabulous rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas.  What a terrific Porter-Gaud tradition!

3^rd grade Fun

An Hour of Code

In many classrooms this week students participated in the global event, an Hour of Code.  The Hour of Code is "a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify code and show that anybody can learn the basics."  The students were very excited to choose a project from the website and work for their Certificates of Completion!  For more information visit https://hourofcode.com/us

The Traditions of Hanakkuh

Students enjoyed hearing about the traditions of Hanukkah and learning about a time in history when the Jewish people rededicated the 2nd Temple.  The students lit candles, played the dreidel game, and ate doughnuts.  Thanks to Mrs. Bluestein and Mrs. Wey for sharing their traditions with us.

Recognizing the Virtues of Thankfulness and Patience

We have been practicing thankfulness and patience during this very special time of year.  We are proud of all the students who were recognized for their virtuous behaviors.  First through third graders who received virtues vouchers over the past few weeks enjoyed a very festive holiday luncheon, while 4th and 5th graders received a dress down sticker and a bag of special treats.  A very special thank you to the parents on our Virtues Committee - these experiences are a real highlight for our children!

Book Brag

Fourth graders have been working hard on their "Book Brag" Projects in reading class. Students chose a book on their reading level and created a presentation to present to their classmates. This project gave students the opportunity to "brag" about a book that they read and enjoyed.

Parent Talk

Parent Talk - Thoughts for Advent and Christmas

http://www.portergaud.edu/groups.cfm?groupID=1294   

Upcoming Days in Rotation

• The first week back at school we will be in Beyond the Books classes and we will not have rotation days.  Our daily rotation will begin on Monday, January 11^th and it will be a Day 1.

Reminders

• Beyond the Books will be held January 6^th ,7^th,and 8^th. All students should wear their PE uniforms each day of Beyond the Books.

Simple Gifts

It would not be Christmas without the second grade performance of The Simple Gifts of Christmas.  The children truly shined on stage.  Bravo!!!!  A big thank you to all of the teachers who directed this terrific show!!

Reindeer Run

Porter-Gaud had over 60 people register to participate in Saturday's Reindeer Run, which benefits MUSC Children's Hospital. Two of our Lower School girls won prizes in their age group. We are so proud of their effort!

From Elf Towers to the Polar Express

Third grade was engineering elf towers today...the winner was the tallest tower THAT COULD SUPPORT 3 PEPPERMINTS (that was the super hard part). 

3rd graders enjoyed a "Polar Express" themed Christmas party. After reading the book, they compared it to the movie. What fun!

Can you say Merry Christmas in Mandarin?

Fourth and fifth grade students made Merry Christmas cards with Chinese characters.  Fifth grade also tried a super hard tongue twister in Chinese; most students learned to say it quickly!

SEWE 1^st Place Winner

We are so proud of third grader, Forbes Ball. Last year (when he was a 2^nd grader), he created a beautiful piece of artwork that received 1st place in the 2016 Kids for Conservation Poster contest.   The artwork will be displayed during the Southern Wildlife Exposition (February 12-14^th) at the Main Branch of the Charleston County Library.  A big thank you goes to Ms. Dogan who submitted Forbes's work to the contest and for her support of our students as they become artists.

Middle School Volunteers Help Third Graders

Middle Schoolers generously volunteered their time after exams to help third graders in Ms. Rounds' reading class this week.

Christmas Chapel

We enjoyed a wonderful Christmas Chapel this week with performances by the Lower School Choir, The Treblemakers, and the fifth grade class. Thanks to Ms. Jennie for bringing in the Christmas season in such a special way.

Treblemakers Performing in Marion Square 

Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.  ~John Quincy Adams

Upcoming Days in Rotation

Monday, December 7 – Day 6

Tuesday, December 8 – Day 7

Wednesday, December 9 – Day 1

Thursday, December 10 – Day 2

Friday, December 11 – Day 3

Reminders

• The Winter/Spring, 2016 After School Program is now online. To register, go to the Porter-Gaud homepage, click on the “I am a Current Parent” tab and scroll to After School Programs. 
• Monday, December 7^th – Friday, December 11^th - Porter-Gaud Toy Drive – We encourage all students to bring in a new unwrapped toy next week. We will donate toys to 11 different organizations in Charleston. 
• Friday, December 11^th – School Wide Dress Down Day – On this day, Children are invited to dress festively for our all school holiday assembly (antler headbands, Christmas light necklaces, and Santa hats are encouraged). 
• Note for week after next: Wednesday, December 16^th – We will have our Christmas Chapel from 10:15am - 11:00am (please note the time change).  Our Lower School choir and Treblemakers will perform as well as each fifth grade class (they will play the chimes).

Holiday Market Performances

Our third, fourth, and fifth grade students enjoyed ringing in the holiday season as they performed for friends and family at the Holiday Market.  The children's voices rang out as did their musical instruments, helping everyone get into the Christmas spirit.  Even the visit from the Grinch couldn't spoil everyone's excitement.  We appreciate all the Mr. Monsell does to help our student shine!

 Fifth Grade Writers

Fifth grade students have begun practicing for the spring WrAP, the writing assessment of the ERB.

First Graders Enjoy Books

Partner reading in 1^st grade

Santa's Stage

Students had a blast buying presents from their loved ones at Santa's Stage! Thank you Parents Guild for providing this shopping opportunity for our kids.  It is one of the highlights of our year!

Patriotic Angels

Clay angels - a sign of the season - with a twist.  Fourth graders have begun studying the founding of our country, so their angels have a patriotic flair!

Patience is a Virtue

Our second graders introduced our virtue of patience this week - a very important virtue, especially this time of year.  Along with Zach Efron and Elmo, they shared what patience means and helped all in the audience gain a meaningful understanding.  We can only imagine the patience it took for all of them to form the word patience for the photo that served as the perfect conclusion to their presentation.  We thank all of our second grade students and teachers for educating us in such an interesting way!

Pen Pals

Several third graders have received replies and mementos from veterans after writing letters thanking them for their service on Veterans Day. How exciting!

 Intramurals

Thursday marked the end of intramural season. Students ended on a high note with two final games of kickball, and as usual, fun was had by all.  We look forward to the Spring intramural season!