November 1, 2009
Dear Mustang Families,
Now that all the excitement and anticipation of Halloween are over, our focus will turn to Thanksgiving and winter holiday preparations. November marks the beginning of the season where we not only give thanks, but also share our good fortune and care with others. Caring is the character trait that we celebrate during November and December.
Our school is participating in “Operation Care Package” and we ask that you send in items that will be shipped overseas in November. Many of you have already generously donated and our collection boxes are filling up. Please continue to send in donations that will be boxed up to be sent overseas to the brave men and women who currently serve our country.
On November 11th, our fifth grade class will perform their powerful musical for our school and the special guests we plan to have in the audience. Veterans from our Churchill family as well as from our community have been invited to be recognized and honored for their service to our country. The evening program is scheduled for the same day at 7PM. Please join us this special evening as we honor our heroes.
Here at Churchill, our staff, students and families consistently show ways in which we care. Did you know that when you join us for Culver’s Night, John Witcpalek, owner of Culvers gives our school ten percent of the evening’s proceeds? His generosity and commitment to our community is admirable and greatly appreciated. We in turn, ‘pay it forward’ and give back to members of our own community that are in need. This past month, we donated to families that are facing some significant medical issues. Please join us for Culver’s nights as a way to strengthen our community and help our friends in need.
Our Churchill community has always demonstrated caring and generosity. I am proud to be a part of this family.
Promoting literacy is one of our priorities and we are always thinking of ways to enhance our instructional programs. Parents and families can participate and support our efforts by reading with children each evening, asking them questions about what they are reading and having rich conversations about vocabulary, story elements, and main ideas. Please talk with your child’s teachers about other ways in which you can support literacy development.
The first week in November marks the kick off of our Word of the Week initiative, which is designed to build student vocabulary. Look for a new and challenging word each week in your teacher’s newsletter or children’s planner, talk about the word and have your child help you generate sentences, illustrate or act out the word.
Don’t forget to sign up for conferences with your child’s teacher. This is a great opportunity for you to get some insight into your child’s progress, connect with their teacher, and see the terrific environment in which your children spend their days.
Thanks to all the parents who assist us and volunteer their time on a regular basis. We appreciate all you do!!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday.
Christine Nelson