Eagle Rock Talk

December 2004, Volume 1, Issue 5

Character Trait of the Month

• Compassion

Dates to Remember

• Dec. 6 - No school
• Dec. 8 - Field Trip, Bellevue Theatre
• Dec. 15 - 1/2 day
• Dec. 17 - Multi-Age Day
• Dec. 22 - Winter Break

Upcoming Events

by Kylie McMillan

We are going to be having a Christmas celebration on the 17^th, our multi-age day. We also are dressing up in red and green. We’re decorating cookies, Making yummy to my tummy hot chocolate, singing carols, making holiday necklaces, making Christmas ornaments, and taking holiday pictures. I hope you’re looking forward to it!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

From the Director | FoodBall | Newsletter Staff | November Character Trait | PTA Reflections | Playing Field | What You Want | School Day | Young Author's Corner | Other News

Notes from the Director’s Chair

It is at this time of year when I realize how lucky I am to be in the position in which I find myself. I teach in the best of all schools, and teach the most wonderful children anywhere. I work with the best of staff, for the best parents in the world. I am so grateful to all of you who put your heart and soul into making Eagle Rock the best possible place to learn.

In this same vein, I had my students write what they were thankful for, and thought it was appropriate at this time of year to share some of their thoughts with you:

“I am thankful for my mom, because she comforts me.” (Rachel)

“...to great and wonderful teachers who take their time to teach us, even when we’re annoying.” (Jessica)

“...for having a tasty meal to come home to.” (Emilie)

“...for everyone who helps keep the environment clean.” (Mackenzie)

“I am thankful to have good friends to play with and joke with.” (Trevor)

“I am thankful for the world we have, because if we didn’t we would probably just be floating out into space.” (Garrett)

“I am thankful for all the good people in the world so I can feel safe.” (Lizzy)

“My sister is someone I’m thankful for (most of the time).” (Eleah)

“I am thankful for good health, because with good health you can do things you can’t do when you’re sick.” (Ana-Lys)

“I am thankful for my loving family, and my pets, my house, and food, water, and my friends.” (Kylie)

“I am thankful for my sister for helping me pass a hunting test.” (Justin)

“I am also thankful for friends, because they help you when you’re down.” (Chris)

“I am thankful for a wonderful teacher who makes learning fun, and awesome classmates that when I am down they put me back up on my feet.” (Austin K)

“I am thankful for a home, because without a home life is a hard place to grow up.” (Aaron)

“I am thankful for my friends, because they help me make decisions.” (Riley)

“My dad works at Microsoft. He went to college for many years to get smarter, and I’m glad he did that.” (Cameron)

“I am thankful for my dog Blazer because he is very gentle, and of course my turtle Speedy. She is cool to watch and she doesn’t bite like some turtles do.” (Austin P.)

“I am thankful for my grandma, because she gives me a lot more stuff than I need.” (Maggie)

“Another thing I am thankful for are my clothes and my house and this country of richness that has health insurance and peace.” (Ben)

“I am thankful for Thanksgiving, because we celebrate everything we’re thankful for.” (Kevin)

“I don’t think all this could be possible if I didn’t live in America.” (Sara)

“I am thankful for living in America and being free.” (Etta)

I don’t think I could have put it better, students. Thank you!

Mrs. Harris

FoodBall

by Jessica Pitts

December 1 through December 16th, Cedarcrest will be having its annual “Foodball”. It is when the schools in our district bring non-perishable foods to school to give to the unfortunate families who need food for the holidays. We would like our goal to be as much as possible, so please bring in those non-perishable items!

From Your Newsletter Staff

The newsletter would like to welcome two new staff members, fourth graders Maggie Gronberg and Kylie McMillan. The newsletter staff works hard to bring you the best about Eagle Rock. Staff members are:

• Sara Ullman
• Jessica Pitts
• Mackenzie Woelz
• Cameron Byer
• Kylie McMillan
• Maggie Gronberg

Production manager is Mrs. Karen Waddington, and the staff advisor is Mrs. Judy Harris.

November Character Trait Assembly

On November 24th all of the teachers and Office members gave out awards to those who have demonstrated the trait for November, 2004, which was Honesty. Mrs. Harris gave awards to Trevor Ashby and Bennett Minnie, The Office gave its awards to Jo H. and Eleah L. Mrs. Taylor gave out awards to Nick C. and Elliot L., and last but not least, Mr. A. gave out the awards to Everett A. and Tyler B. The book that we read was The Symphony of Whales by Steve Schuch. After the assembly we had a thanksgiving feast with mashed potatoes, turkey and tons of pumpkin pie. I estimated there were at least 10 of them!

For the month of December the trait is Compassion, which is the ability to help another person in need.

Thanksgiving Feast

by Maggie Gronberg

On November 24, our school had a big feast for Thanksgiving. Everybody brought something for people to eat. Parents came, and there was LOTS and LOTS of food. The pumpkin pies were all delicious. It was a wonderful event and it had to do a lot with sharing and giving thanks.

P.T.A Reflections

by Cameron Byer

Now that Eagle Rock has a P.T.A., students can take part in the national “Reflections” program. This year the Reflections theme is “A Different Kind of Hero.” Entries can be photography, dance, and visual arts, and are due on January 7, 2005. Applications are available at the office. So don’t miss out!

Playing Field to Get New Look

For the last 15 months, parents and staff have worked unsuccessfully to secure sod for our playing field. Seeding is not a viable option now that the cold weather is here, and if we were to seed in the spring the field would continue to be unusable until next fall at the earliest.

The district has agreed to spread some type of coverage (preferably wood chips) several inches deep over our whole play area. This would provide immediate access for students, eliminate the mud now being brought into the rooms, and be easier to maintain than grass. Hopefully, we will be able to have this done within the next two weeks.

What You Want

by Cameron Byer

I have listed a few things kids want for Christmas.

• First, Trevor is asking for a N-strike (a nerf gun).
• Kevin wants a new bionicle for his big collection.
• Brooklyn asked for a stuffed dog to love a lot.
• Finally, Darby would like an air hockey table.

Have a merry Christmas!

Changing the Length of the School Day

Our first meeting to discuss changing the length of our school day on November 10 was sparsely attended. So it was decided to create a survey to gather parental input. A rough draft is ready for us to look at. Thank you, Therese Minnie. We will meet to polish this survey on Tuesday, December 7 at 5:00 PM. If you have ideas for us to look at, or are interested in being involved, please plan on attending the next meeting.

Counting up the number of missing minutes, students at Eagle Rock attend school at total of 24 days less than other students.

Young Author's Corner

Dear Sophie,

I love you because, when I’m alone you make me happy and when I’m sad you comfort me. I love the way you look at me; it makes me feel good when I’m angry at somebody. I love the way you run around because it’s fun to play with you. I love to lay down with you because you’re so soft and you keep me warm. Your tongue feels good on my face when you lick me. In the morning you wake me up. And you come with me on my vacations. When it’s night and I’m alone you are my guard dog. When I’m scared you make it so it’s not scary anymore. I love your big brown eyes and your soft blonde fur. The first time I saw you I saw love.

Love,
Your Owner Corinna

In other news

Hats Off to Mr. A!

Don’t forget to come and help sew “Chemo Caps” with Mr. A. on Wednesday, December 15 at 5:00 pm.

...And More Hats off to Mr. A.

Our own Mr. A. has been nominated by a number of different people for the DisneyHand Teacher Awards, which honors creativity in teaching. This award is to publicly recognize and reward the outstanding, creative work that teachers do throughout the year to engage students in learning. Disneyhand is an outreach of the Walt Disney Company

Report Car Survey

The school district is gathering infomration as it begins the process of redesigning the elementary report cards. Please check the district website and let us know your feelings about our current reporting system. Students in Mrs. Harris' class will be bringing home a survey with their report card.

Riverview School District Emergency Operations Information

From the Director | FoodBall | Newsletter Staff | November Character Trait | PTA Reflections | Playing Field | What You Want | School Day | Young Author's Corner | Other News