Dear School Community,

Unless we have some severe weather between the time I write this letter and you receive it, I have to admit that December's arrival seems quite impossible. The mild fall weather has fooled me into thinking that we have lots of time left before the end of the semester. Not so! In a few short weeks the students will be taking their final exams, and we will dismiss for Winter Break.

December's calendar is filled with dates that you may want to highlight. Concert dates, winter sports, and the final exam shedule are just a few of the important dates included in this newsletter.

It is important that students stay focused on their academic studies through the last final exam. Please encourage your son or daughter to take advantage of the additional help availible to them from their teachers if they need it. The work done in the last few weeks of a semester and on the final exam often can make a difference in the final grade so students need to stay both attentive and in attendance untill the end of the semester.

One of the challenges we have in helping students be academically succesful is that some students have developed bad habits with class attendance. We have too many students who have unexcused absencesm particularly in periods before or after lunch and the first and last periods of the day. A new attendance policy, outlined on page three of this newsletter, will be implemented second semester. We hope that the new policy and your support will positively impact the truancy issues that we are currently experiencing.

Once again, I send my sincere thanks to all of you for your continued support and involvement in your child's education. On behalf of the staff, I wish you a wonderful holiday season. Enjoy the company of family and friends, be safe in your travels, indulge in your favorite holiday treats and find some time to relax. Enjoy the holidays!

Warmest regards,

Susan Humphrey

Principal