"Bah! Humbug!"

For the past several years, I've had the pleasure to perform a narrative reading of "A Christmas Carol" with a community theater group. It's one of my favorite books and I've enjoyed nearly every film version of the story as well. I think one of the things that still draws people to the story is Scrooge himself. He is a character that we can laugh at, cringe at, and whether we admit it or not can sometimes relate to. He reminds of us what can happen if we isolate ourselves from others and warns us of the results of being cynical. What I love about the story is that it shows that Scrooge wasn't always a cynic...he was once a happy boy who experienced a lot of hardships and made choices that kept him from the company of his fellow man.  Most importantly, the story is about redemption and that we have the power to choose our fate through our attitudes and actions.

As educators, it can be easy to become cynical about all the problems that face our profession and to focus on the barriers to success for our students. Budgets are getting tighter, legislation is constantly changing, and time and resources seem to be shrinking.  Yet, we continue to focus on the areas we CAN impact and the lives we CAN make better. I was recently reminded of the fact that while we long for the time off for the holidays to spend with our families, many of our students may not be looking forward to an extended break from school.  School may be the one place in their lives that is stable and where they are surrounded by caring adults. Knowing this, we can strive even more to be the positive and loving influence they need. So as we deal with all the hustle and bustle of the holidays and scramble to get to our various parties and gatherings, take a moment to remember the words of the penitent Scrooge as he said, "I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." Thanks for all you do for our students!!

PEARLS OF WISDOM

"Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn't come from a store." - Dr. Seuss

"He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree." - Roy L. Smith

"I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph." - Shirley Temple

UPCOMING EVENTS WHEN WE RETURN

Monday, January 6: Welcome Back!!

Tuesday, January 7: Market Day Pick Up

Wednesday, January 8: 8:15 am Achievement Team Meeting (Nadon)

Thursday, January 9: 8:00 am Staff Meeting
                                1:00 pm Elementary Principal Meeting
                                6:30 pm PTA Meeting

Friday, January 10: 

VIDEO WORTH WATCHING

With Christmas right around the corner, I thought this "Pay it Forward" video was a great thing to share again!