Updates and Mystery Reader

• Holiday Hike is on Friday, December 19th at 1:40 or in case of inclement weather Monday, December 22nd at 1:40.  This hike is based on the story, "Night Tree"  by Eve Bunting.  As a follow-up to this story, the students will hike on the trails next to the playground and decorate trees for the animals.  This activity is in lieu of a holiday party.   All families are welcome to attend.  
• BOOK SWAP and PAJAMA DAY on Tuesday, December 23rd
  .  Please bring in a used book from your child's book shelf that is wrapped.  On Tuesday before vacation, I will read the book, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" by Dr. Seuss.  Each time I read the word 'Grinch" in the story, the kids will pass the book along to the person sitting next to them.  When the story is complete, the students will unwrap their new book and have a new story to read over winter break.
• If anyone would like to help in our classroom with a few stringing activities from 10:30-11:30 this Friday, December 19th, please let me know.

Mystery Readers are below!

Important Updates and Pigeon Party Pictures

Please have your child bring in a wrapped, gently used picture book, not gender specific by Tuesday, December 23rd.  We will participate in a special activity to receive this special gift from our classmates.

The hike is this Friday, December 19th.  We plan to leave the classroom by 1:40!

If you would like to volunteer this Wednesday, December 17th from 10:00-11:30 to help us with a special project in our classroom, please let me know by Tuesday.  The students will be dismissed at 12:50 this day!

This month we will be studying holidays around the world...learning traditions through books, poems, and projects. We will be learning about St. Nicholas Day (The Netherlands), Diwali (India), Hanukkah (Israel), China (Chinese New Year) and Mexico (Las Pasadas) as well as our own Christmas traditions. Your child's paper cut-out in costume is due on Monday, December 8th. They will adorn our hallway for the month.

     As we focus on family traditions and celebrate holidays this month, we will read the book, The Night Tree by Eve Bunting. As a follow-up to this story, the students will hike on the trails next to the playground and decorate trees for the animals. All family members are welcome to join us. Hot chocolate and muffins will be enjoyed by all after the hike. We will be going out at 1:40 on Friday, December 19th with a snow date on Monday, December 22nd at 1:40. This activity is in lieu of a holiday party. We hope you can join us!

      We are busy writing stories inspired by our mentor author/illustrator Mo Willems. We will be showcasing our completed works before school on Wednesday, December 10th from 8:00 to 8:25. Please come and check it out!  Bring your camera or phone for a "Selfie Booth" photo opportunity.

     Also, Mrs. Saxton and I do not expect Christmas gifts, but we would be honored with a monetary donation to"St. Vincent de Paul"or by sending in non-perishable food items. The Stratham Teacher's Association will be collecting food items here at school for the month. Any contributions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.