Dear Larson Families,

It is hard to believe that our school year will soon be half over! As we wind down the second quarter and get ready for the winter break, I wanted to let you know how proud we all are of your kids! We have just finished Measures of Academic Growth (MAP) and Aimsweb testing. WOW! Our Larson Eagles are soaring high and making excellent gains. Thank you for working with your kids at home, encouraging/helping them read and practice their math facts. It really shows in their academic progress.

There are only four days of school the week of December 19th as Friday, 12/23 is a workday for teachers. We will be doing our annual Holiday Spirit Week, so dust off those jingle bells and prepare for some holiday fun! See below in the newsletter for more detailed information regarding each day’s theme.

A big SHOUT OUT for our FTA team that partnered up with staff to decorate our entry and hallways for the season. We appreciate you! THANK YOU. Mark your calendars; school starts back on January 9th after break and report cards will be available electronically on January 13th. If you have questions, please chat with your child’s teacher.

I personally hope each of you have a joy filled, restful and safe break. On behalf of the entire staff here at Larson--We Wish You a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Lisa Kwoka

The Elf Shelf Holiday Store is Back!

Elf Shelf has hand-picked items for students to buy as gifts for their families and friends. Elf Shelf shopping begins Monday, December 19th - Thursday, December 22nd (classes will be previewing the items the week of December 12th). Teachers choose shopping times for their classes, so please contact your child's teacher for specific shopping times.

On Friday, December 16th students will get into the holiday spirit at the 3rd Grade Holiday Music Performance. Larson families are invited to attend one of the time slots that works for them:

10:10am - 4th and 5th Grade Classes /2:35pm - Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and 2nd Grade

Our Lost and Found is OVERFLOWING! if your student is missing items, please have them check the Lost and Found at the front entrance of the school. We also have another lost and found located in the alcove by Room 101. Unclaimed items will be donated after winter break.

As the holiday season approaches and the cold weather continues, we may find ourselves inside more, with the possibility of increased family time. The busy season ahead does not need to detract from quality time with loved ones. A simple and effective way to enhance communication is to reduce screen time, specifically with our phones. Technology has increased our ability to gain information but has potential for lessening our face to face connections.

A simple way to increase family conversations is to remove phones from family mealtime. Place phones and other devices away from the table, silence notification or place phones/devices in a box. Add some fun conversation or questions into your family gatherings. You can ask silly questions, fun questions or talk about interests you have and why you like them. With the holiday’s approaching you can talk about family traditions, what activities you would like to do and what you are excited about with the holidays.

Please feel free to reach out if you have questions or would like to chat about how we can support your student. I can be contacted at 907-352-2312 or via email at casandra.saunders@matsuk12.us.

Casandra Saunders, MS - Mental and Behavioral Health Coordinator