Starting Off 2011

A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE! We hope that the holiday change of pace was relaxing and enjoyable. The students have come back to class ready to learn and I’d like to make you aware of some special events right around the corner.

Rainforest Presentation. We are pleased to welcome Understanding Wildlife’s program “Live on Stage, The Rain Forest” on Tuesday, January 11. This exciting program will offer presentations in each of our elementary buildings on that date. Students will get firsthand experience with a variety of exotic animals including snakes, jungle cats, monkeys, parrots and macaws. Animal Trainers will talk about how energy conservation and recycling will help save these magnificent animals.

Understanding Wildlife will offer two additional presentations for the public that evening. Both programs will take place at East Side Elementary at 5 and 7 p.m. The evening program costs $5 per person with children under 3 admitted free. All children must be accompanied by an adult for these programs.

Observing Martin Luther King’s Birthday. There will be no school for students on Monday, January 17 in observance of Martin Luther King’s birthday. We will celebrate prior to the event by wearing red, white and blue on Friday, January 14.

Ogdensburg Command Performance. This year’s program for Grades 4 and 5 is entitled “Virtually Me” and will be offered at the high school the morning of Wednesday, January 19. This is a musical program that deals with the issue of cyberbullying and technology and is considered to be appropriate for Grades 4 through 9.

Our Monthly Assembly. Our character trait this month is respect and we are pleased that Mrs. Scott is back with us to help coordinate the activities. We will honor students who have served as role models of respect for their peers in our assembly on Thursday, January 27 at 1:15. The program will be offered by Grade 5. Look for report cards to come home the following day.

Elementary Spelling Bee. We are all excited about our first district wide spelling bee for elementary students. All our students will participate in classroom competitions to select winners for the district event which will be held at the high school on February 1. The winner of the district competition will then compete in the Regional Spelling Bee on March 15. You should have received a letter home in December explaining the spelling bee in detail and spelling lists were sent home right after we returned to school. Please feel free to call, though, if you need the lists or more information.

Sounds like a great way to start 2011. I hope that many of you can be a part of these different events.