If a picture's worth 1000 words, enjoy these next sweet 21,000 :)

There are so many moments that just fill my heart with these sweet 23 children. Our SPARK project this month gave us the opportunity to reach out to younger children. We built a bond and offered some big-kid love modeling Christ when he called young children to himself. Our class visited Mrs. Baker's preschoolers and had a wonderful morning. After practicing fluency and expression, each of the "big kids" read a special story to his or her young partner. We then listened together to a turkey story (a few pairs came to the carpet hand-in-hand) and then we made a triangle turkey together. Our big kids were very eager to teach the preschoolers the ropes when it comes to triangles :) We hope to continue this relationship with another visit later this school year. 

There are many important dates and tidbits of information to you, so I'll let the pictures offer the narrative this week. 

• The homework that came home today will not be due until Thursday, November 29.

• The reading incentive 1/4 paper is due Monday, November 19.

• In your child's Friday folder, you will find a swimming permission form. This must be returned before your child can partake in lessons. Please sign and return this form by Monday, November 19. There is no need to pay the $1. This cost is covered with the activity fees you paid in the beginning of the year. Buy yourself a Coke (can you even buy a Coke for $1??)

• The HC kitchen staff has graciously agreed to serve a fancy Thanksgiving meal to ALL of Holland Christian so that our 1st graders can have a special feast on Tuesday, November 20. How sweet is that?!?!? If your child does not typically receive hot lunch, he or she may bring $2.25 to enjoy the meal with all the first graders. Today, with the help of some wonderful parents, your child made headgear to help them transform into a Pilgrim or a Native American for our feast. Your child may add other touches if he or she wishes (Dutch costume skirts work great for a Pilgrim girl). 

• Your child will bring home spelling words next Wednesday. The test will not be until Friday, November 30th.

• Due to tensions and negative emotions brought on by BeyBlades and other toys brought from home for play at school, South Side is now asking that these such toys please be left at home. We have plenty of equipment and balls for children to enjoy gross motor play at recess. Thank you for helping enforce this with your child at home. 

• Finally, here is the link with the video that was played at the Celebration of Learning night. http://vimeo.com/53182397