CN Jr/Sr HS WeAreOne
December 8, 2019
Focus 2019-20
Communication
Please continue to communicate with students and parents regarding the end of the semester. Continuing 2nd semester following the holiday break is a change, please make sure families are aware of this.
Also, I have signed several vacation forms already. Some are starting before the break, and some are continuing afterward. We have encouraged students and parents to communicate regarding finals and make-up work. Please do the same so everyone is on the same page.
Reading
We started a Christmas tradition with our kids when they were little. A friend of my mom had shared it with me, and it became one of my favorite holiday traditions. Right after Thanksgiving, we would gift wrap 25 Christmas books. Then Starting on the first of December, each night we would unwrap a book and read it as a family. Over the years our collection of books grew larger and larger. There were favorites we always included and we always looked for new ones to add each year.
I did not do that this year, but I really miss it and so I was trying to figure out some way that we might adapt this tradition for our kids who are now older and maybe have outgrown Santa Mouse, but could share some time together each night reading about the spirit of Christmas. I said something to my kids, and right away they started naming some of their favorites. So I don't think we are going to do anything different. I'm going to get out our favorites and maybe look for some new ones to add to it and get our tradition back on track.
But as I was brainstorming tonight it got me thinking . . . how many of our students have never experienced reading time with their parents not only at the holidays but ever? How many of them have never read Santa Mouse, Dream Snow, the Night Before Christmas, and the list goes on and on? I know many of our students are older, but so many of these stories share simple truths that we all need to hear. So if you want to try, maybe pick a couple books, as students to bring in some of their favorites, and share them as a class. You could adapt lessons from the stories themselves, or simply spend a few minutes reading the words and catching the spirit. We could all benefit from some holiday cheer these next several weeks as we wind down the semester.
If you try it, let me know and share some "feel goods" that resulted.
Social/Emotional Wellness
We did not get a Christmas family this year through the Miracle Tree. There are still tags we can ask for, but I wondered if maybe we wanted to do something a little different this year. We have many students in need at the Jr/Sr High School. What if we created some "Cougar Christmas Packages" and identified students at each grade level that would benefit from one. We could include items like a CN tshirt, hats, gloves, socks, hygiene/toiletries, school supplies, candy, snacks, etc. We would have to get moving on purchasing items and assembling bags, identify students in need, and decide how to distribute them. If you like this idea and would like to help, we'll get started. If you have another idea, please let me know asap. I can start a Google Sheet to sign up for items to donate, or you can just take a bag and fill it up, or make a donation. Give me some feedback and we can get going.
Christmas Parade Fun!
World History Projects
Staff Changes and Additions
Staff Holiday Party
Upcoming Events:
12/11 - Sr High School Holiday Show
12/12 - CN Miracle Makers Trip
12/13 - 10th Grade IMPACT trip
12/13 - Staff Holiday Party
12/17 - School Board Meeting
12/18 - Jr High Winter Concert
12/20 - Secret Santa Breakfasts