Precious Children

"I have told you these things so that you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33. 

Tonight the media is saturated with the inconceivably tragic events that took place today in Connecticut. In response, we turn our tear-streaked face to our Father in Heaven and cover these families and victims with our prayers and pleas for comfort.

Your children were not made aware of the events today. If you talk together this weekend about this tragedy, please reassure them that God's love is much bigger than any single person. While we do have trouble in this world, Jesus was born into this imperfect world to overcome sin. We can choose to trust in our loving Father in heaven. Secondly, Mr. Brandsen's priority is to keep South Side a safe place to learn. We have plans, and have practiced these plans, to keep our children out of harm's way. Finally, you can please remind your child that I love him or her so dearly. I promise to do all I can to keep each of them safe.

I have been asked to spend Monday at the administration building reviewing various math curricula. If you feel that your child would be more comfortable coming back to school with my presence and reassurance in the morning, please don't hesitate to send me an email. I can speak with Rosemary Ervine and make arrangements to begin the day with the children. Presently, the plans are for Mrs. Amy Luce to teach our children on the 17th. I have not told the children about my absence because I didn't want to create undo concern for the entire weekend. I'll trust your wisdom with your child to mention this news.

One additional message about email: it seems that several messages to my hollandchristian.org account as well as other teachers' accounts have received messages a day or two late or not at all. Please know that I try to return messages with 24 hours. If you haven't received a reply from me within that time frame, it may be due to this misdirect. Hopefully, this will be corrected soon. In the meantime, it may take an additional message or you can text me at 510-1593.

With a heavy heart, we do continue to make plans for our next school week.

There were no new spelling words sent home as we have a short week next week.

Wednesday, December 19 from 8:30-9:00 a representative from World Renew will be at our chapel to accept our offerings. What can I say more than a huge THANK YOU for your support in this cause. When we began this project several weeks ago, our high hopes were a $60 sheep and MAYBE a $12 mosquito net. Look at what your child was able to democratically choose to offer to families all around the world:

Calf-$90
Water filter-$25
Health kit-$18
Mosquito net-$12
Stove-$17
9 chickens-$14
6 packets of seeds-$12

I tried my best to help them understand how this will bring so much joy to many families around the world. Each family will tangibly realize God's love and share in our bounty. Thank you for helping your child be a part of this experience.

Wednesday, December 19 from 10:15-11:30 we will bless the residents at Rest Haven with Christmas carols. Please feel free to join us in praise by meeting us at school for the walk over or drive right to Rest Haven to meet us. What a blessing the sound of children's voices singing Christmas praises will be to the residents!

Wednesday, December 19 from 2:00-3:00 we will have our very own Mexican Pasoda at school. This will culminate in the art room with a Mexican fiesta. Ask your child to teach you the dance moves he/she learned (hopefully it's the hat dance!)

Thursday, December 20 from 10:30-11:30 our class will celebrate Christmas with a fun party. Thank you to the room moms who are at the helm on this one. Would you please have your child bring a wrapped $3 gift tagged "To (boy or girl). From (your child's name)? You may send those gifts to school anytime next week to "hide" under the Christmas tree.

Because my own children are playing throughout the house tonight, our T.V. is off. I'll likely catch the main points of today's events on the nightly news. Please know that, without exception, your child is loved at school. It is my tremendous honor and privilege to work for them and for you. It makes me happy to picture each child at home with you this weekend. What an amazing gift and responsibility God has given us when he granted each of us the miracle of life in these precious children. I do not take this lightly and do so love your child.

Ms. Verastegui has a blog for you and your child to enjoy together:

http://spanish-south-side-k-1st-2nd.posterous.com/ 

Please enjoy a few pictures from the week.