December 20, 2007

The Last Thursday Letter of 2007

December 20, 2007

It was terrific to have such large audiences for last week's Winter Festival Concert. The students' pride and pleasure in their accomplishments and performances are palpable and being able to share this with family and friends is just the best. Thanks for taking the time to be here.

Growing up in Michigan, I remember winters filled with snow, cold, and endless hours outside building forts or houses and playing Fox and Geese in the snow. This was before Land's End style warm clothing so included in my memory bank, too, are icy toes and fingers. One part of our house was heated with only a wood stove, so cold mornings are part of my memory as I would make the daily dash from the cold bedroom to the toasty warmth of the stove in the other room. Along with these memories, I have a storehouse of winter break memories, times when my mom or dad were unexpectedly available to play a game or to bake cookies. One time, my dad even took me ice fishing very early in the morning! While this is a fond memory because of the time with my father, it did cure me for all time of any interest in standing out on the ice holding a skinny pole with a dangling fish line.

Times have changed in so many ways. Now, there are actually warm clothes that can make being outside even more fun. Families of all configurations have developed traditions of who is with whom when and as with my own now blended family; celebrations can go on for days in multiple different states. From my conversations with children here at Cumberland, though, one thing has remained absolutely the same from my childhood to now; children still look forward to and value time with the adults in their lives. I wish for you during these next two weeks the opportunities to spend time with those you love, to make memories that will stick for the next several decades, and to build on traditions that bring pleasure and meaning to your family. Tomorrow, Friday the 21^st is the last day of school until January 7^th when we return to regular school. Happy New Year to you!

Notes:

• Attention all K4, K5 and 1^st Grade Families: Join us on Thursday, January 24^th from 5:00-7:30 for the Second Annual Family Literacy Night. This year, Richards School will host the event. You will have the opportunity to choose from several fabulous sessions, walk away with literacy games, activities and specific skills that you can use at home to encourage your child's efforts to read and write. Sue Boquist will share her incredible knowledge about how children learn to read and write in a session for parents. Pizza dinner and child care will be provided. Reserve your spot now by completing the form that was sent home last week. More forms are available in the office. The registration deadline is Friday, January 11^th. Due to advance planning for food and space, no late registrations can be accepted. If you have any questions, contact Lisa Seiler at 963-3943 or lseil.ms.wfb@wfbschools.com.
• Parents and Guardians of 4^th and 5^th graders are asked to complete a World Language survey online at http://www.wfbschools. Once at the website, select your child's school from the column on the left. Select 'Curriculum' and follow the survey link on the Curriculum page. Thanks for completing this survey prior to January 6^th.
• Poison Prevention safety tips: In today's folder is a two page hand out from the Wisconsin Poison Center at Children's Hospital. Filled with information specific to this time of the year, it can help prevent accidental injuries.