A month of fun holiday celebrations is upon us! These next four weeks are sure to fly by - filled with excitement and cheer for our Lancers. As December passes, rest assured that we will do everything in our power to give students memorable and fun experiences while also emphasizing the important learning that occurs daily in our classrooms.

As always, I would encourage you to reach out anytime with questions, concerns, ideas, or just to chat. Your partnership in your child's education is invaluable. I appreciate your support!

As we approach and celebrate this holiday season, please accept my warmest wishes for peace, happiness, love, and togetherness with those special to you. I am thankful and honored to serve the Lancer community. I can't wait to see what we will do together in 2023! Happy Holidays!

With Lancer Pride,

Mrs. Marcello

(585)757-9967 ext. 2150

mmarcello@elbacsd.org

COVID-related regulations put a strain on normal routines for schools everywhere. In Elba, data analysis has shown a need for extra practice with testing cycles, as students' lack of knowledge and experience in testing routine and stamina could hinder their overall performance. For this reason, the Jr/Sr High School will be implementing a midterm cycle from Tuesday 1/24- Friday 1/27. Students will report only for 1/2 days (either AM or PM), Tuesday-Friday. Each day, they will have a testing block, where they will either be taking a Regents Exam, midterm, or completing a project or assessment as determined by their teachers. In some instances, students may need to report for both the AM and PM block. A specific schedule for each student will be forthcoming, but please mark your calendars as being 1/2 days for most students on the dates listed above.

*This only applies to students in grades 7-12. Elementary students will have regularly scheduled full days*

To celebrate the Holidays, the JSHS will host a Spirit Week 12/19-12/23. On 12/23, students can enjoy a variety of fun options throughout the day, including ornament making, cookie baking, fun and games, and a movie! The week's dress up days are as follows:

Monday 12/19: "Silent Night" (Wear Holiday Pajamas)

Tuesday 12/20: "Silver & Gold" (Wear Holiday Colors)

Wednesday 12/21: "Christmas Movie Character"

Thursday 12/22: "White Christmas" (Appropriate White Lies T-Shirts & Holiday Socks)

Friday 12/23: "Ugly Christmas Sweaters"

We're looking forward to a fun week before break!

A special Congratulations to our OAE Aggies Football Team - the 2022 Section V Class D CHAMPIONS! We are so proud of these athletes and their coaches for representing our district so well this fall.

Saturday 12/10: Pancakes with Santa (9:00-11:00am)

Tuesday 12/13: Board of Education Meeting (6:30pm)

Thursday 12/15: Winter Concert (6:00pm)

Monday 12/19: BEST Meeting

Monday - Friday 12/19-12/23: Holiday Spirit Week

Monday 12/26 - Monday 1/2: Holiday Recess. No School.

As mentioned, we are in the process of organizing a trip to Gettysburg and Washington, D.C. for our freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Be on the lookout for an upcoming parent interest meeting. The approximate cost of the 3-day, 2-night trip will be between $300-$400. The school will also provide opportunities to fundraise. The tentative dates of the trip will be Tuesday March 28th-Thursday March 30th.

More information forthcoming!

**Attention Seniors***

You are encouraged to have all college applications completed before winter break!

Each month, one student in each grade level receives "Student of the Month." Nominations are based on students' display of hard work, kindness, and leadership. Elba JSHS is proud to present our November Students of the Month (pictured below from left to right):

7th Grade: Ryan Marsceill

9th Grade: Mark Bondaruk

10th Grade: Mariah Ognibene

8th Grade: Evan Winspear

12th Grade: Aurora Brugnerotto

11th Grade: Alexandra Manley (Not Pictured)

Congratulations - and thank you for your Lancer leadership!