Little School News
December 2022
Halloween 2022 was a blast this year!
Some of our 3s teachers
Ms. Katie, Ms. Amy, Ms. Tiffany
Our office staff
Ms. Cali, Ms. Kelly, and Ms. Amanda
Our Music Teachers
Ms. Laura and Ms. Sheri
Ms. Nancy, one of our staff members, serves as a guest reader and chapel organizer
Merry Christmas
When I taught 6th graders, one of my favorite units was a holidays unit. Each student picked a different December holiday around the world to study, and no two students had the same holiday. That means that at least 25 holidays were studied and shared with the students. With the days getting darker in December, bringing light and joy to the world is a common desire across cultures through the celebration of holidays. People decorate their homes with Christmas lights that bring joy to others. The Three Wise Men followed a bright star on their search for baby Jesus. Others light a menorah each evening of Hanukkah, the festival of lights. In Scandinavian cultures, children parade with candles to bring the light during St. Lucia Day. For Kwanzaa, seven candles are lit in homes of those who celebrate. Regardless of the culture, religion, or region, our human family seeks light and joy during the darkest months of winter.
At Little School, we too find ways to bring joy and light to our lives during the dark month of December. We begin with learning about the incredible giving spirit of St. Nicholas and how his generosity brought joy and light to those less fortunate. Our students put their shoes under the Christmas tree at school in hopes that St. Nicholas will fill their shoes with treats while they are at chapel. Of course, we also discuss the birth of Jesus and how His birth brings joy and light to people all over the world. Another fun event we have is the holiday shop. This is where our students learn the valuable lesson of giving to others. Your child has the opportunity to bring money to school, shop with adults at our holiday shop, and pick out presents on their own for the loved ones in their lives. Then we have the most joyful event of the year, our Christmas programs! Approximately 700 people come to the Christmas programs over the course of the performances. There are very few things in life more joyful than preschool students, dressed in Christmas outfits, singing Christmas carols. During the last week before Christmas break we will have pajama day and pancake breakfasts. Mr. Barry, our maintenance manager, cooks pancakes for our entire school and we eat together in Fellowship Hall.
This month is our favorite here at Little School. Each day is another opportunity to see the bright smiles on our students' faces as they begin to understand and celebrate the holidays. Their excitement brings happiness to our lives, and we hope you see the light in your students' eyes as they come home each day with the joy of the season. We want to wish you a Merry Christmas and happy holiday season if you celebrate any other holidays this month.
Merry Christmas,
Kelly Amadeo, Director
Holiday Shop!
Gift Bags! The holiday shop could use some extra gift bags. Please bring them to the office if you have any to donate.
Little School Events
December 1st: Kindergarten Transition Meeting 9:30am in the Sanctuary
December 5th: Explorers Informational Meeting 9:30am in the Sanctuary
December 6th: Explorers Informational Meeting 9:30am in the Sanctuary
December 7th and 8th: Chapel-St. Nicholas Day
December 12th and 13th: Christmas Program Rehearsals
December 14th and 15th: Christmas Program Shows!
14th: 9:15am -2.5-and 3-year old classes
14th: 11:00am - 4-year-old classes
14th: 12:15pm -5-year-old classes
15th: 9:15am -2.5s and 3-year-old classes
15th: 12:15pm 4-year-old classes
*If your child attends 5 days a week, your teacher will let you know what day you will have your Christmas Program.
December 19th and 20th: Pajama Day and Pancake Breakfasts
December 21st: Last day of school before Christmas break
December 22nd-January 9th: No School! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
January 10th: First day back to school after break (yes, it is a Tuesday). Registration opens at 9am to current and alumni families.
From the Advisory Board
We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving week!
Little School has almost completed their ratings review so we will be providing lunch next Monday and Tuesday for all staff!
Additionally, we wanted to offer a group holiday gift for the front office staff, music teachers and Mr. Barry who all are essential to St. Luke's Little School.
We are asking for a contribution of $10 or more per student. You are welcome to bring cash to school in an envelope with "Advisory Board" written on the outside or you can Venmo Kaitlyn Haupert: Haupert Family @Daniel-Haupert
Please make all contributions by THIS FRIDAY, 12/1. Thank you for your continued support of our school and staff!
The Advisory Board
Registration for the new school year starts in January!
Visit our website for more information https://www.stlukeslittleschool.org/
Music Class News!
Each age group will be singing different Christmas songs. You might start to hear the words to, “Hallelujah, Merry Christmas,” “Sounds of Christmas Bells,” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” around your house this month! Again, we thank you for sharing your children with us. It is such a joy to see them learning with us each day. We hope you have the merriest of Christmases, and the best of New Years.
Your Little School music team,
Ms. Sheri, Ms. Laura, and Ms. Jana
St. Luke's United Methodist Church Events
Christmas Movie Night "The Star:” Dec. 2nd from 6:00-8:00pm. Come as a family for Christmas activities and a movie, or drop off your children with a reservation. RSVP to sharon@stlukeshr.com
Sunday December 11th: CHRISTMAS CANTATA at 9:00am and 10:45am. Enjoy this favorite St. Luke’s tradition featuring the Chancel Choir, Soul Purpose Youth Choir, Kidz Prayz Choir, Tintinnabulators Handbell Ensemble, and the St. Luke’s Orchestra. (Family Worship Day - No Sunday School)
St. Luke's Little School
Email: littleschool@stlukeshr.com
Website: https://www.stlukeslittleschool.org/
Location: 8817 Broadway, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
Phone: 303-79101982