Felida Newsletter 11/26
Principally Speaking
PRINCIPALLY SPEAKING
“Simple Gifts” is a Shaker song that was written and composed by Elder Joseph Brackett, in 1848. The song became world-famous when composer Aaron Copland featured it as part of the score of Martha Graham’s ballet, Appalachian Spring. Since then, the song has been recorded by various singers (from balladeers to pop stars), performed by university marching bands, and even featured in television commercials. In all its forms, it is a favorite.
The lyrics are especially poignant as we enter our season of giving.
‘Tis the gift to be loved and that love to return,
‘Tis the gift to be taught and a richer gift to learn,
And when we expect of others what we try to live each day,
Then we’ll all live together and we’ll all learn to say…
(Additional verse, added after original composition)
As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, this is an appropriate opportunity for me to convey my thanks to all members of our Felida school community, for the “simple gifts” of your commitment, support and partnership.
Thank you, parents, for the gift of grace. For recognizing that in all life’s jobs, the “human factor” exists. When we make mistakes, despite our best efforts, your understanding and continued trust are important to us. Thank you also for the gift of partnership. Your time and commitment before and after school hours, at school conferences and various school events is appreciated.
Thank you, students, for the gifts of kindness, respect, and perseverance you demonstrate regularly. Your hard work, generous spirit, and consideration for others bring sunshine to our days.
Thank you, staff, for your gifts of compassion and focused work and instruction. You create and foster a warm and rich environment that promotes learning and risk-taking. It is an honor to work with you.
I am thankful for you, Falcon family. Wishing you all many simple gifts of the season.
Kris Janati
Lost & Found Will Be Donated!
Can we help your family?
Important Upcoming Events
Every Monday is a 40-minute early release
11/27-11/29: No School, Thanksgiving Break
12/4: Cocoa & Carols Choir Performance, 6pm
12/6: Report Cards Home
12/9: Share House Wish Tags Due
12/10: Yearbook Cover Contest Due Date
12/10: Panda Express Dining Night For PTA
12/11: Felida Families Wish Tags Due
12/13: Spirit Day, Ugly Holiday Sweater
12/23-1/3: No School, Winter Break
Giving Tree
Weather-Related Closure Information
School closure and/or delay decisions are made as early in the morning as possible. A top priority in making the decision to close or delay schools is the safety of students and employees. If schools are closed or dismissed early, after-school and evening activities also will be canceled. Community use of schools will be canceled only if schools are closed.
If no information regarding school closures is reported, then schools are open and on regular schedules.
There are several ways to get school closure information:
• Go to the VPS homepage at www.vansd.org
• Go to FlashAlert at http://flashalert.net
• Subscribe to receive free email and text announcements about school closures: go to www.flashnews.net to sign up.
• Download the free Vancouver Public Schools mobile app to your smartphone or tablet, http://www.vansd.org/mobileapp.
• Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to see our school closure posts: www.facbook.com/VancouverPublicSchools.
• Call the District’s Snow/Closure Info line at 360-313-1401, General Information at 360-313-1000, or the automated information line at 360-313-1234.
• Check radio, television and newspaper websites.
• Only if schools are closed early during the school day, the district will send automated phone calls to families.