Toll Gate Times
December, 2019
Happy Holidays
The holiday season is now upon us and 2019 is rapidly coming to a close. It is a good time to reflect back on the many gifts we have been given. We thank you for the gift of your children who we have the privilege of working with each day. We also thank you as parents for the partnership you have helped us to create. As a staff, we feel truly blessed to be, along with you and your children, part of the Toll Gate Elementary family.
We would like to extend to you our warmest wishes throughout this holiday season. However you may celebrate this most special time of year, we offer our sincerest wishes that 2020 would be a year of peace, health and prosperity for all of you. We have much left to teach your children in the year ahead and we look forward to continuing a strong partnership with you. We hope that this season you will give the gift of time to share and enjoy your family and friends.
FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS,
The Toll Gate Elementary Staff
Dates to Remember, December 2019
Dec. 4 Dec. 4 Mobile Dentist
Dec. 9-13 Kids Toy Drive for Violet Township Fire Dept.
Dec. 10 1st Gr. Performance - Marcus, Poeppelman & Whitt only
Dec. 11 Two Hour Late Start Professional Development
School Day as follows:
Gr. 1-4 – 11:15 a.m. – 4:05 p.m.
AM Kndg. – 11:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
PM Kndg. – 2:00 p.m. – 4:05 p.m.
Dec. 12 1st Gr. Performance – Gullett, Lanier, Steele & Zwiebel
Dec. 13 Movie Night
Dec. 20 End of Quarter
Jan. 6 Return to School
Jan. 17 NO SCHOOL – Professional Development Day
Jan. 20 NO SCHOOL – Martin Luther King Day
Dec. 23- Jan. 3 NO SCHOOL – Winter BreakOOL – Winter Break
Holiday Assistance
Dear Toll Gate Elementary Parents,
The Holiday Season is quickly approaching, along with all the joy and memories it brings. However, it is not a joyous time for all families due to financial hardship or difficult family situations.
PLSD is once again partnering with the Violet Fire Department to collect toys and gift cards for families within our school district. If you are out and about and can pick up needed items, please bring or send them to Toll Gate Elementary School the week of December 9-13th. We will have a large red collection box in front of the media center.
Birthday Book Club
The following students have helped our library grow by purchasing a book from our Birthday Book Club Collection. Thank you for supporting our school library.
Maksym H. Kiana M. Xavier J. Andrew H. Autumn W.
Isaac M. Fritzlyne M. Ellie H. Isaac P. Curtis L.
Mason N. Jadon B. Logan S. Kynleigh R. Juliana S.
Gavin M. Eli J.
NOTES FROM THE NURSE
The clinic is in need of clothing for when the unexpected happens!
The following items are needed:
**Socks (new)—all sizes
**Underwear (new): Boys – small 6-8 medium 8-10, large 10-14
**Sweatpants (new or gently used) …gender neutral
Sizes: S 6-8, M 8-10, L 10-12, XL 14.
You can leave the items in the office.
Holiday Stress and Children
Help your child beat the holiday stress by following these tips:
1. Limit TV and video games It may be easier to let the TV or video games occupy your child’s time, however, children who are stressed need some type of physical activity or exercise. Physical activity is a great way to decrease stress in everyone.
2. Remember routines Routines are very important to children. During the holiday season, children’s routines can be disrupted with shopping expeditions and special events. When a routine is broken, stress can result. Try to keep your child on their routine to keep the stress level down.
3. Family traditions are very important to children. They offer comfort and security. Enjoy the family traditions you have started. Some traditions to try might be, baking cookies, reading holiday books together, or visiting an elderly person.
4. Attitude check Both children and parents need to have an attitude check before the holiday season begins. Take a deep breath, and have everyone in the family pledge to make the holiday season a time of joy and peace. With the right attitude, everyone can enjoy the holiday season.
5. Nutrition Eating healthy helps us to stay well. Plan at least one healthy meal as a family everyday. Remember to toss in a healthy snack while you’re out shopping.
6. Rest and relaxation Everyone, especially children need to take a “time out” over the holiday season to rest and relax. When a child is well rested, they will enjoy the holiday activities better. Schedule some R&R time for everyone in the family.
7. Laugh Laughter is still the best way to beat stress and change everyone’s mood from bad to good. Take time to read the comics to your children or find a holiday joke book with family humor at your bookstore or library.
The holiday season does not have to be a time of stress and exhaustion. Hopefully, following these simple tips will help reduce the holiday stress in your family.
Tami Tackett, R.N, BSN, School Nurse