Larson Elementary
News You Can Use for December
A Note from Our Principal.....
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 next week as Friday, 12/17 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 3rd after break and report cards will be available electronically on January 6th. 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!
Beckie Murphy
Holiday Spirit Week at Larson!
Winter break!
A Note from Our School Counselor.......
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 questions into your family gathering
- Would you rather have to eat a whole turkey in one sitting or never be able to eat turkey again?
- Would you rather get the best gift you ever received again or get a new gift (but have no idea if it will be good or bad)?
- Would you rather relive a past winter holiday again or get to travel to a future winter holiday?
- Would you rather spend the holidays with your family or with three celebrities (you can choose the celebrities)?
- Would you rather have to cook the big holiday meal every year or have to clean up and do the dishes after the holiday meal every year?
- Would you rather be a kid or a grandparent during the holidays?
- Would you rather give up one family tradition or start a new one?
- Would you rather have the (skill) of (family member) or the (another skill) of (another family member)?
- Would you rather get to invent a holiday on whatever day you want or have a holiday fall on your birthday?
- Would you rather eat holiday food every day or never again?
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 aleah.hall@matsuk12.us.
Aleah Hall, MS
Lost and Found
Calling All Elves......
The Elf Shelf 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 13th - Thursday, December 16th (classes will be previewing the items on 12/9 and 12/10). Teachers choose shopping times for their classes, so please contact your child's teacher for specific shopping times.
Matsu Special Santa Program 2021
The Special Santa Program provides gifts for Valley children in need. Forms are available from our School Nurse, Mrs. Ramilo. Deadline to apply is December 17th.
If you would like to give to child in need, there are Santa tags on our Christmas tree in the lobby. Items collected will be delivered to the Santa Workshop by Mrs. Ramilo. For any questions or to request sign-up forms please call Mrs. Ramilo at 352-2305
Candy Grams for Sale!
The R.I.S.E. (Reaching Independence through Structured Environments) Program at Larson Elementary is raising funds for their annual Challenge Alaska trip! They will be selling Candy-cane grams and Smencil-grams. These will be delivered to friends, teachers, or family members on Wednesday, December 15th. Candy-cane Grams are 50 cents and Smencil-Grams are $1.00. Order forms are available in the office. Please submit forms with cash or check made out to Larson Elementary to the GIANT DROP BOX in the school lobby by Friday, December 10th.
Happy Holidays from the Larson Family to Yours!