Hornet Herald
The Principal's Newsletter: A Dive into the HIVE
'Tis the Season
It's hard to believe that the holiday season is upon us. Even though many love this time of year, many would opt-out if given the option. Each day comes with its own set of stressors, but during this time of year, the stress levels are amplified– throw in COVID, and you've got a recipe for disaster. So, how do we, as adults, provide a meaningful holiday season for our children amidst a pandemic?
First, take a deep breath because you are not alone. Recently, I read a quote that may help us all get by: "A child is going to remember who was there, not what you spent on them. Kids outgrow a toy or outfit, but they never outgrow time and love." Simply put– be present. Being "present" takes being "there" to a deeper level. Plan intentional moments that are more 'time well-spent' than money dependent.
Here are some suggestions:
- make a batch of your favorite cookies
- have a cookie decorating contest
- make gingerbread houses out of graham crackers and icing
- make some homemade cards to send to friends and family
- narrate a picture or chapter book as a family– add sound effects, music, etc. and record it on your phone or other devices
- record a video of each family member sharing a memory from the year
- create a time capsule for 2020
- listen to your favorite songs
- have a dance party
- plan and prepare a meal together
- make sock puppets and put on a puppet show
- cut out snowflakes [patterns are available online]
- take a walk and explore the lights
- play a board game or charades
- make a holiday craft using household items
- create a robot using spare nuts and bolts
- get out the Playdough or make your own
- make ornaments out of salt dough [Ingredients: 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of salt, and 1 cup of water; mix and knead the dough; roll out to 1/4" -1/2'' thick; use cookie cutters; bake at 250º for one hour
- take a walk and try to find the letters of the alphabet hidden in nature [take pictures]
- watch a favorite movie
- pajama party [build a blanket fortress in the living room]
The possibilities are endless. I guarantee that these special memories will last a lifetime.
Save the Dates
Twelve Days in December [participation is optional]
DAY 1: 12/07 – Christmas Time is Here [wear red or green]
DAY 2: 12/08 – Happy Feet [wear your favorite holiday socks]
DAY 3: 12/09 – Don We Now our 'Plaid" Apparel [wear plaid]
DAY 4: 12/10 – I'm Dreamin' of a White Christmas [wear white]
DAY 5: 12/11 – Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree [‘80s Theme Day]
DAY 6: 12/14 – Tree Topper [wear your favorite holiday hat, reindeer ears, Santa Hat, etc]
DAY 7: 12/15 – Tacky, the Penguin [wear an ugly sweater or mismatched clothes]
DAY 8: 12/16 – It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas [wear your favorite holiday shirt]
DAY 9: 12/17 – Candy Cane Lane [wear a combination of red and white]
DAY 10: 12/18 – Welcome to Whoville or should we say Celeste-ville –[dress in green like the Grinch or dress as a Who]
DAY 11: 12/21 –Baby, it’s Cold Outside [wear your scarves and hats]
DAY 12: 12/22 –"Twas the Night before Christmas Break” [it's pajama day!]
December Calendar
- December 1 – 4 Penguin Patch [visit: shop.penguinpatch.com]
- December 1 – 4 Celeste Spirit Wear sale [see Celeste PTO Facebook page for all the details
- December 7 – PTO Meeting, 7 pm [see Celeste PTO Facebook page for all the details]
- December 7 – 22 Twelve Days in December [see above for all the details]
- December 22– Last day of 2nd Quarter
- December 23 – January 4 Holiday Break
- January 5 – Happy New Year and Welcome Back to School!
COVID Updates
Check out the infographic below which includes tips on how to lower the COVID exposure risk. Please take some time to review these tips with your child. We are doing a great job at Celeste, and hope to continue this trend in the days ahead.
Testing Schedule
iReady Reading MOY Diagnostic – grades 4 & 5 [Testing window: December 7-22]
Please note: Grades K-3 will take iReady Reading MOY Diagnostic in January.