November always flies by, and I am surprised again that it has come to an end. The month started with a new trimester, the LCFEF Jog-a-Thon, and some memorable field trips. Parent-Teacher conferences were held, report cards were sent home, and before I knew it, it was time for Thanksgiving break. I hope you all had a restful holiday, and I look forward to spending the next weeks with your children. This newsletter will review some of the events that took place at LCE in November and will preview upcoming events for December.

Sincerely,

Emily

Mr. Jose stopped by the other day to say hello. He officially retired from the district on Nov. 30. Our entire staff misses this man. His work ethic was above and beyond anything I've ever seen. Jose became a US citizen during his time at LCE, and we celebrated with him. In the next Lion Times, you will read about a way to contribute to a gift if you would like to show your appreciation in this way. We are also collecting letters and cards in the office. Our school will honor Mr. Jose at our Spirit Rally on Feb. 16.

November was Native American Heritage Month. Our fifth graders learned about the Wampanoag Native Americans who helped the English Pilgrims who settled in Plymouth in 1620. They created Native American dream catchers on the day of their Thanksgiving Gathering of Gratitude. Mrs. Melillo read The Rough-Faced Girl, an Algonquin version of the Cinderella story, to the upper graders. She used an app called Novel Effect which adds sound effects to her read-alouds. The primary students heard stories like Giving Thanks, Fry Bread, We Are Water Protectors, and Thunder Boy Jr. Ms. Hirshberg used a Cherokee story in her therapy sessions to help students understand that every culture has its own way of acknowledging and supporting the power of mindset to manage emotions. That story is attached below.

Kathy Boyett, LCE Paraprofessional, took the birdhouse that got the most student votes and placed it in one of our outdoor areas over the break with the help of Roger Rangel, LCE Custodian. Colorful plants were also added to the space. I am so grateful for this amazing staff!

In addition to Arden's newspaper article (4th-grade writing sample), families should know that the Book Fair started today. It is open before school, after school, and during the school day. Students can visit during their recess, and each class has reserved a day and time to visit. It will also be open during the Parent-Child Lunch on Friday, Dec. 2.

Our sixth graders and their teachers spent the week before Thanksgiving break at Pali Mountain Outdoor Science School. The students had a great time learning and having fun both indoors and outdoors.

Did you know that our Food Services Department updated its website? It can be accessed at this link. It includes nutritional information, a way to identify allergies or food sensitivities, and the menu can be translated into multiple languages. There is also a way to add menus as an app for your phone. Parents, you can also add money to your child's lunch account in case they wish to get seconds. At the end of this newsletter, you will find the Harvest of the Month flyer for December.

Mrs. Melillo is starting a Harry Potter Lunch Bunch! This is for 3rd - 6th graders and they are invited to the library to listen to Harry Potter on audiobook starting Dec. 5.

Times:

3rd and 4th graders: Every Wednesday from 12:20 - 12:40

5th and 6th graders: Every Monday from 12:50 - 1:10

Students can sign up using the clipboard on the outdoor stage. Mrs. Melillo will welcome a maximum of 36 students each day.

For the next few weeks, our school will focus on Responsibility. We want students to:

• Do what you are supposed to do. Try your best.
• Persevere. Keep on trying.
• Be self-disciplined.
• Think before you act. Consider the consequences.
• Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes.

The Parent-Child Lunch is at LCE on Friday, Dec. 2. Here are the times you should make arrangements for:

Arrive by 11:20 a.m. for the 1st Grade Lunch.
Arrive by 11:25 a.m. for the 2nd Grade Lunch.
Arrive by 11:55 a.m. for the 3rd and 4th Grade Lunch.
Arrive by 12:25 p.m. for the 5th and 6th Grade Lunch.

The arrival times are slightly before the start of the lunch periods to give you time to find parking and to support our students who may worry about you if you are not present when lunch begins.

Make arrangements for where to meet your children. Consider carpooling or parking off-site and walking. Understand that lines may be long at local fast-food establishments. If you ordered Jersey Mike's, those lunches will be available in the lunch pavilion that day. Our school lunches are available, as well (free for students only).

The Book Fair is in the cafeteria, and parents can bring their children into the cafeteria after lunch for some shopping.

Cross your fingers that it will be a dry day, and I hope to see you on Friday! Please be aware that this is not the only opportunity for a Parent-Child Lunch this year. We are planning for one on April 13 and one on May 11.