Hello and Happy Holidays,

     I want to let you all know that the class is doing well.  We are working hard to prepare for the upcoming TAKS test, but not really in a way that the students know or feel stressed about.  I do need to say again though, how important attendance is.  If they are not here they cannot learn, sorry but this includes leaving early as well. We do learn up until 3:15.

     I want to let the kids have a Christmas party on the last day of class before the break.  December 22 is a half-day so I thought that would be a good time.

I would appreciate help with snacks, drinks, and any other goodies you might like to send.  I would also like to let them do a gift exchange.  I did this last year and it worked out very well.  I need the boys to bring a boy gift and the girls to bring a girl gift.  They will simply draw a number and get a gift.  I tell the kids that they need to make sure that they bring something that they would not mind getting themselves because they might actually get it. It is very important that the gifts are of equal value, and I find $5 to be a fair amount.  Please try to stick to the amount and not go over or under so that no one gets more or less than another.  If you choose to not participate that is fine, but please understand that means your child will not receive a gift on that day.

     Look for your child’s letter to Santa in the Hereford Brand. Please remember the Christmas break starts on December 23 and the students return on January 9, 2007!

                            Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

                                      Diane Stokes 4^th Bluebonnet