Newsletter

December - January Newsletter

Happy Holidays to All!
We wish everyone a safe and joyful holiday.

Santa

To Santa or not to Santa, that is the question...Holiday traditions are as diverse as the families that celebrate them, and the concept of Santa Claus is no exception. As the winter holiday draws near, each child anticipates the special traditions of the season. In our school community, Santa has been a very hot topic! The children have had some very interesting (and sometimes heated) discussions in the classroom! To some children Santa Claus is no more than a fictional character but to others he is is as real as you or I. How do we avoid conflicts in the classroom? By acknowledging that we can "agree to disagree." We can respect the beliefs of others - even if we don't share them.

On a more practical note, the children frequently try to cover all the bases. Several preschoolers were recently overheard in the classroom discussing an upcoming visit to Santa. There was some dispute as to whether or not he would be the "real thing." They finally decided that he probably wasn't (they concluded that the real Santa only leaves the North Pole on Christmas Eve) but they would tell him what they wanted anyway - just in case. Better safe than sorry!

Whatever traditions your family celebrate this season, have a safe and happy time together. See you in 2008!


Inside the Classrooms

Children's House 1 and Extended Day students welcomed a new "student" this month: a one year old male ringneck dove. "Lonesome Dave" (as he was dubbed by his pet shop caretakers) arrived this week and his sweet temperament has already made him a cherished member of the class. As many of you know, we lost our thirteen year old zebra finch, "Virginia" shortly after Thanksgiving; we are looking forward to an equally long and happy relationship with our new pet. A dove is a fitting addition to a peaceful classroom. Needless to say, "Lonesome Dave" isn't lonesome anymore!

Elementary News

In addition to the usual holiday activities, the elementary students are busy preparing for their upcoming Open House on Tuesday, Dec. 18th at 6:00pm. The event will include several skits based on Sumerian myths and refreshments prepared by the children that feature a Sumerian flair (barley and dates, anyone?). These activities are a precursor to the study of ancient civilizations which will begin later this month. This study was put into perspective this month when the students crested a "terrain timeline" outdoors. As you drive toward the school, you can see the timeline on the left side of the driveway; look for the red, pink and blue colored stakes in the ground. The forsithia tree marks Ancient Sumer; the remaining stakes mark the passage of time to the present day (by the school sign).

Thanks to Anita Fuentes for coordinating the donation and delivery of pet supplies for the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society. The students enjoyed collecting much-needed supplies for our furry friends, great and small!

Calendar Reminders

- Gloucester Campus Friday, Dec.21, 11:30 dismissal no ASC

- Dec 22 - Jan. 2 School closed for Winter Break

- Jan 3 Students return, normal schedule

- Jan 21 School closed, Martin Luther King Day

- Dec 22 - Jan 1 School closed for Winter Break

- Jan 2 Students return, normal schedule

Fundraising Update

We will be having our next meeting for Not Just Desserts on January 10th from 3:30-4:30pm at the Gloucester campus. Another NJD meeting will be held at the Kilmarnock campus in early January, date and time still to be determined. If you are unable to attend we would still like your unput - please email Margie Miller (margielynmiller@yahoo.com) with any suggestions. Here are a few things to keep in mind during the holidays:

* 50/50 raffle tickets make great gifts for friends and familiy. Tickets are only 25.00 each and can be purchased in the office.

* Cash donations are always welcome and can go a long way to offset the costs of this fundraiser. All checks should be made out to GMS; the school will provide a reciept for tax purposes.

* Friends and family members can place "dedication ads" in the Not Just Desserts program. Ads are available as 1/4 page(25.00), 1/2 page (50.00) and full page (100.00). This is a great way to show support for your child and school at the same time!

* We need some new ideas for auction items. We would like to focus on items that will raise the maximum amount for the school.

News from the Board

The next meeting of the GMS Board of Directors will be on Tuesday, January 7th at 6:30 pm at the Gloucester Campus. All interested parents are invited.

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday!