-Scott Loehr

As we wrap up fall athletics and begin winter sports, I want to extend congratulations to our fall sports teams at CHS. The Cross Country team, coached by Frank Krebs was named 2018 PVL Champs. Varsity Girls Volleyball made playoffs with a record of 10-10, winning the first round but losing in the second round. Varsity football made the playoffs with a 7-3 record, winning the first round at home but losing in the second round to Bear River.

‘Tis the season for giving from the heart. Even the smallest gesture of kindness and compassion for others can make a difference. I am proud of the tradition of giving that starts at our elementary schools and continues through high school. These efforts to make the holidays a little brighter for those in need, teach compassion while giving students the chance to experience the satisfaction of giving to others while expecting nothing in return.

Each year Center High School Student Government and Student Leadership classes balance three charitable activities during November and December; Canned Food Drive, Dear Santa and Operation Santa. The Annual Canned Food Drive brings in over 2,000 non-perishable food items each year. These donations are delivered to the families of CHS students who are in need. Through Dear Santa, student government and leadership students provide Christmas for families in need, including food and gifts. Through Operation Santa, Leadership and Student Government spend the afternoon with selected elementary students. Together they make crafts and the children leave with a wrapped gift.

McClellan High School maintains a food bank on site that will support the needs of MHS families throughout the year. Staff and students contribute to this food bank to support our families in need. Families can call our main office for access to the food bank. During the holiday season, the MHS Staff partners with the Antelope Lions Club to provide Thanksgiving meals for our families. Through the generosity of former MHS employee Roger Calhoun, the current MHS staff, and the Antelope Lions Club, Thanksgiving dinners were provided for 14 McClellan families this year. In December, MHS staff will partner again with the Antelope Lions to provide a special gift to two MHS students. Each of the selected students will receive a gift card from Walmart, generously donated by the Antelope Lions Club. The MHS staff will contribute toward gift cards for other MHS families at this time, also.

The staff at Wilson Riles will be spreading holiday cheer again this year. Utilizing the generous staff and community donations made year round to the Riles Food Closet, Riles will provide Christmas meals to families in need. The Riles Food Closet serves families throughout the Center District. It is open year round for donations and to fill the needs of families in the Center community.

The North Country Student Lighthouse Team hosted the KCRA Kids Can Food Drive this year. Students collected cans from October 8-November 2. This year, we were able to donate 41 boxes of food to the North Highlands Christian Food Ministry. We are proud to continue this spirit of giving back to the community.

Spinelli students collected over $1,300 for Pennies for Patients as part of their fall giving efforts. These funds go to support the Leukemia Soliety.

Each year students and staff at Oak Hill Elementary and North Country Elementary generously donate canned goods and non-perishable food items to the Kids Can Food Drive, benefitting families throughout the Sacramento area. This effort teaches even our youngest students the value of helping others less fortunate.

December is a busy time for families. Mark your calendar for these special events throughout the district:

Dec. 1st & 7th Fall Play, Center High

Dec. 6th Winter Drama Performance, Wilson Riles, 7:00pm

Dec. 8th Santa Breakfast, North Country Elementary, 8:30-10:30am

Dec. 13th Winter Concert, Wilson Riles, 6:30pm

Dec. 14th Winter Concert, Center High, 7pm

Dec 18th: Holiday Social, Spinelli, 3:30-4:30pm

Dec. 18th- 21st Final Exams, Center High

Dec. 21st : Kindergarten Performance, North Country Elementary, 10am-11am

Center JUSD schools will be closed December 24th through January 4th. School will resume on Tuesday, January 7th.

I wish all of the families of Antelope a safe and happy holiday and best wishes for a prosperous new year.