The Cardinal Rule
A Weekly Update for Holly Tree Families
The Power of Storytelling
Ms. Joyce Grear came to Holly Tree on Monday to share her storytelling talent with our students. The words below were written and read by 5th-grade student Shelby Caulder who introduced Ms. Grear
Ms. Joyce was born and raised in Wilmington, NC and has done many things to help her community through drama and theater. She has directed instructional programs for teachers and students. She has also founded and co-founded programs to help at-risk youth to help give a sense of family and community.
Ms. Joyce is a passionate storyteller. She tells stories from different perspectives. She has performed as Harriet Tubman, Phyliss Wheatly and Minnie Evans. She has also told African folktales and classics to people across the U.S. and overseas. Ms. Joyce is the storyteller of her village because she knows that storytelling is the oldest form of the village school.
I know Ms. Joyce through my mom. Ms. Joyce is a substitute teacher in the EC classes at Gregory Elementary where my mom works. She has shared many of her life lessons and traditional manners which my mom has shared with me. My mom speaks highly of Ms. Joyce . She also thinks that Ms. Joyce is a phenomenal storyteller. She wanted to share this experience with all of you.
Read Around the Bases
The Wilmington Sharks came to get us excited about reading! Holly Tree will be participating in the Read Around the Bases Program. In the next few weeks, you will hear from your child's teacher about a reading goal for the rest of the school year. Students who meet their goal by the end of the year will receive two free tickets to Holly Tree night at the Wilmington Sharks on Monday, June 12th. More info coming soon!
Student Photographers
Our five student photographers share what it's like to be a Holly Tree student.
Habit of the Week February 27 - March 10
Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind®
Have a Plan
I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that have meaning and make a difference. I am an important part of my classroom and contribute to my school’s mission and vision. I look for ways to be a good citizen.
5th Grade Parent Reminder - Baby Pictures
Attention 5th Grade Parents! If you have not submitted your child's baby picture for the yearbook you still have time! Please email (
ripley.kt@gmail.com) or text (910-262-1384) Katie Ripley with your submissions.
THANK YOU!
Thank you for a successful Boosterthon! Here are our top fundraisers and classrooms.
The top teacher in each grade wins a $25 gift card- those winners are below:
- Ferrentino- Kindergarten
- Downing- 1st
- Brobst- 2nd
- Lancaster- 3rd
- Harkness- 4th
- Day- 5th
Teachers with 90% registration or more are entered into a drawing for a donut party;
- The winner of the drawing was 2nd grade teacher Mrs. Ciamillo!
Below are the top student fundraisers:
- Lucas McNeel (Kindergarten)
Trent Thompson (1st grade)
As promised, Mrs. Jackson and Mrs. Smith were duct-taped to the pillars of the school! Way to go students for meeting your fundraising goals!!
