Our new Character Trait from Chick-Fil-A was introduced this week. This month's trait is self-control, choosing to do what you should do, not what you want to do. Losing self-control can happen to all of us. Whether it is eating healthy or following the rules of a game. We discussed the importance of displaying this trait and how it can often times bring about other traits such as respect, responsibility, and patience. This trait can also be very helpful to us as we achieve our New Year's Resolutions!

Reminder about our January PTO meeting tonight at 6:30. Hope you can make it.

The temperatures are finally proving it is Winter. I reminded the students this morning to wear winter coats, hats, and gloves. They will be going outside for recess as long as the temperature, with the wind chill, is 20 degrees or higher. A pair of boots may be needed if there is snow on the ground to let the students use as much of the playground as possible.

Happy 2012! It is nice to be back into our school routine after the Holiday rush! Hope everyone enjoyed time with family, friends and did not eat too much! This month is one of my favorites for being in school! Routines are established, there is a calm in the air, and students are ready to move forward with their learning. Please re-establish and keep those school-home routines to make this week a successful transition for "school mode."

Twas the day before winter break when all through the school not a person could wait, not even the teachers. The children were anxiously awaiting the sound of the 2:30 bell, while visions of playing danced in their heads...

May you and your family enjoy the Holiday Season. I'll see you in the New Year!

Our Winter Festival was a success! I want to extend a BIG thank you to all the parents who made the day so enjoyable for our students. The students made a frame, an ornament, and a snowman. An obstacle course, snowman ring toss, and "Tic-tac-snow" were played for us to burn off some energy. All enjoyed a snowman sugar cookie and hot chocolate while listening to The Polar Express. Pictures were taken today during the festivities. These will be making their way home on Thursday. WKBN was here filming our Winter Festival so be sure to tune in tonight for the local news. It looks as if this will become an annual event!

Today the High School Seminary Singers performed at our school. The program began with traditional Holiday songs with the students dressed in their choir robes. The program ended with contemporary songs along with a guest appearance by "Elvis". It was such a treat to have them visit and also to see the former North students.

Our 1st Winter Festival will be held tomorrow afternoon. The students will rotate between 5 stations set up throughout the school. All 3rd and 4th Graders need to bring hats, gloves, or scarves for their picture to be taken. Our Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Graders will be having their picture taken with a "special guest". I look forward to a fun-filled afternoon!

Our "Operation Stay Warm" was a success! The Act of Kindness assignment collected 35 winter coats to be donated to a local elementary school. The students had such pride in their donations. A few in fact had to show me the coat they put in the box. How nice to instill this character trait in our students. Mrs. Weimer delivered the coats and the school's gratitude was overwhelming. The generosity from North was again incredible. Thank you to all who donated!