We were a sea of primarily red and pink with a few waves of white and purple on Valentine’s Day.  The children looked very festive, and we much appreciated your guidance in having them pick out clothes that were appropriate but in the spirit of Valentine’s Day.  Each classroom celebrated in their unique way, and it was interesting as to how each was developmentally appropriate for the grade level involved.  Pre-K was rolling red play-dough and using heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut heart shapes out of the play-dough.  They were also making pictures and cards using red, pink, and purple paint and heart-shaped sponges.  Kindergarten parents planned a party, much of which took place in the hall so the children could be active as they participated in well-planned relays.  First graders were really into reading their own valentines – for many a first time experience.  It was wonderful to hear them sound out each word and try to figure out just what the card said.  They were really proud of their abilities – and to think they were practicing their reading skills!  Second and third graders worked all day immersed in valentine thoughts.  Some did math problems in hearts, others solved coded messages using vocabulary words, and still others had word problems that included a valentine theme.  Each had their own party with snacks and valentines.  In fourth grade where the students are just on the brink of being too “sophisticated” for a traditional Valentine party, the children went sledding AFTER recess so they were outside all on their own.  Then they came back in for hot cocoa in plenty of time to open and read each card.  In all classes students were not allowed to skip anyone if they were bringing valentines, so the day left everyone feeling warm and fuzzy.  Thanks go to each teacher for being able to figure out what would work best in their classroom, and thanks to all of the parents who respected these wishes and came in to assist where needed.  The cafeteria looked wonderful and the children were especially surprised to see it decorated on Monday.  That was a great way to kick off our week of kindness.

Thursday the 22nd the Girl Scouts will be selling cookies in the hall after school.  If you haven’t ordered any, now is your chance.

Friday the 23rd the third graders will be hosting their Poetry and Pastries celebration where each child will recite a poem that they have selected about food.

Wednesday the 28th our 3/4 Choir will join the Upper School Chamber Choir for a song to open the Upper School Vocal Concert.  If you missed the 3/4 Choir Concert on the 9th, here is a chance to hear the beautiful combination of the full, deep voices of the Upper School combined with the light lifting voices of our Lower School.  There will be a slight break after our 3/4 Choir sings so people with young children may leave or stay to hear the rest of the concert.  If you do bring your children, please make sure they are seated with you and in their listening mode.

If you are planning on using Panther Club during March break, please get your registration in by March 2nd so we can staff the club appropriately and order enough supplies for all of the crafts.  (On the bottom of the form that came home it said register by February 2nd, but the cut-off is actually March 2nd.)  We have extra copies of the registration form in the Lower School Office.

Tuesday, March 6th we will have a beach lunch where the children will don their sunglasses and hats, and we will eat our lunch on beach towels on the cafeteria floor.  (We do clean the floor before they come in.)  That same day after school, the Parents Association sponsors a Beach Party with music and games.  It has been well-attended in past years and proves to be lots of fun.  If you need another registration form, just let Betty know and she will make sure to send another home.

The warmth we are seeing is great, but it sure would be nice to get some more snow.  Think snow.