As we ring in the New Year it is an exciting time to reflect on our accomplishments and review goals for what we have left to do in this school year. Can you believe that we are halfway through this school year? Our school-wide goal is for every student to show growth in reading and math. You can help by reading with your child every night and reviewing the math skills that are being taught.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank all those teachers, students, families, friends and community members that came together in the spirit of giving to help members of the South Norfolk Community that needed help during this holiday season. Many needs were met, tears shed and grateful hearts filled. A huge shout out to Greenbrier Primary's PTA for coordinating our efforts to make it happen.

Happy New Year Everyone!!

Have you ever considered replacing your lengthy New Year’s resolution list with a one-word resolution that encompasses how you want to approach the entire year? For example, maybe your word for the year is “discipline” and you want to approach your work, relationships, and fitness goals with discipline. Or maybe your word is “relax” and you want to work on finding balance and learning how to relax. By focusing on one word, you can determine the kind of person you want to become and strive towards actualizing that in all aspects of your life. Click here for a list of potential words.

• December 20 - December 31 Winter Break
• January 3- Schools Reopen
• January 10 -21 PALS Assessment K-2
• January 14- Early Release Day- 12:04
• January 17- Martin Luther King Jr. Day- Schools Closed
• January 18- Virtual Literacy Night- 6:00 pm
• January 28- End of Second Grading Period/ Early Release Day 12:04
• January 31- Teacher Workday - Schools Closed
• February 1- Teacher Workday/ In-Service Training Day - Schools Closed
• February 2- 11 MAP Assessment K-2
• February 10- Issue Report Cards

At Monday’s board meeting, our School Board directed School Administration to make masks for students, COVID-19 vaccines, and testing for student athletes optional beginning January 3, 2022. As a result, masks will be highly encouraged on school property, especially for non-vaccinated students, but not required starting January 3, 2022. It is important to remember that mask-wearing helps keep students in school as it lessens the likelihood of the need for quarantine. Families will not have to opt-out of masking nor will there be any paperwork required. However, masks are still required on school buses, as per the federal requirements. At this time, there is still a mask requirement (regardless of vaccination status) in place for school employees and all visitors.

Through our partnership with Rite Aid, we will host a series of vaccine clinics in our school buildings offering first, second, and booster COVID-19 vaccines for all eligible individuals, including kids aged 5-11 years old. Parents and guardians must be present for all minors receiving the vaccine. For information on vaccine clinics please visit our website.

• Wednesday, January 12, 3:00-7:00 PM at Western Branch Primary

• Wednesday, January 19, 3:00-7:00 PM at Rena B. Wright Primary

• Wednesday, February 2, 3:00-7:00 PM at Western Branch Primary

• Wednesday, February 9, 3:00-7:00 PM at Rena B. Wright Primary

Parent Drop-Off will be from approximately 7:00 to 7:45. The tardy bell rings at 7:35. The drop-off will stay open until 7:45. We will accommodate parents that are in line at this time. However, we do ask that you try and arrive as early as possible. The line is a lot shorter during the earlier part of parent drop off. Students have a much smoother start to their day when they are in their room for announcements and morning routine. Anyone arriving after this time will be directed to the front of the school.

Schools will be closed a number of days in the next weeks. On January 17th schools will be closed in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. January 14th and 28th will be an early release days for students. Dismissal will occur at 12:04 p.m. January 31st and February 1st are teacher workdays. Schools will be closed to students. Check your daycare provider to make sure they are aware of these changes to these attendance/dismissal changes. Be reminded that if your child is changing his dismissal destination, you must provide a written authorization. Sometimes, little people become confused and interpret a parent’s intention incorrectly. Please help us keep your child safe by sending a note when a change is needed. Also, this would be a good time to update any changes in emergency contacts for your child. It is imperative that we be able to contact parents at all times.

There is no school on Monday, January 17th in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday. In today’s polarized society, I draw your attention to one of Dr. King’s most famous quotes: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that." It’s too easy to point to those that disagree with us and say they are wrong, it’s much more difficult to dialogue with them and come to some sort of understanding of one another. Dr. King invites us to look to the light, to look to love, when dealing with those with whom we disagree. What a great reminder on this National Holiday in his honor!

January is Liteacy Month. We will have a Virtual Literacy Night on January 18 at 6:00. More information will be forthcoming. This year’s theme is: “Reigniting Our Passion for Literacy Through Kindness.” Greenbrier Primary’s PTA has graciously provided each family a copy of the book, How Full is Your Bucket? by Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer . The books will be distributed to each family on Thursday, January 6. (The book will go home with the oldest family member.) A number of activities have also been planned for the students to celebrate this event throughout the month. A calendar outlining these activities is also included.