We rarely have the day off from school in our area, but today is the exception. With a couple of inches (or more in some of our rural areas) of ice–not snow–ice, the call was made to close today. Wise decision. Here’s hoping you 
are warm, safe, and enJOYing a little pre-Christmas break before the break…which brings me to our question today: What do you like to do on SNOW/ICE days off from school?
Be safe out there and above all, Keep Calm and Be Merry! 🙂
Is there anything more exciting to a child than this season of love, peace, JOY, and goodwill? Carols are playing in classrooms during workstation time, learners are sharing creative ideas and writings, classroom leaders are engaging students in all manner of clever activities, and everyone coming into the front office is smiling more these days. Capturing all the sights, sounds, scents, and sentiments of Christmas can be a daunting task (and even overwhelming for some). Finding ways to express the reason for the season can be so powerful that it becomes challenging to express the story well. One young writer today was having no trouble though…
A young writing friend stopped me during walkabout to share 
his homemade card (completed in the card workstation yesterday). His choice of colors and textures intrigued me. While his words were personally heartfelt and filled with love for the recipient of this beautiful card, he made the comment, “You know…I hope someone sends me a card like this sometime; I’ll keep it forever!” We talked about Christmas cards and why then mean so much to others who receive them.
As is our LME tradition, I begin each morning in December with a Christmas question-of-the-day, so today is dedicated to my young writing friend who asked me: “What was the greatest Christmas Card you remember receiving from a friend or family member?” Here’s hoping you send someone a special greeting card this holiday…the impact may be more than simply sentimental!
Note: Speaking of sentiments, we greatly appreciate all the Angel Tree participation and assistance you are giving to the LME Angel Tree Project! Please remember all items are due back to our caring counselor, Mrs. Stanley, this week.
He’s a mean one, that Mr. Grinch! Our first grade team studied the clever writings of Dr. Suess by celebrating GRINCH Day in their classrooms. From Cindy-Lou-Who to Mr. Grinch himself, students and staff read, wrote, computed, and 
discovered the imaginary world of the extraordinary Dr. Suess and his The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.
In the meantime, our Monty Moose was busy in the library media center redecorating and reading his favorite Moose literature 
including the book MOOSETACHE by Margie Palatini. He shared his other favorite books and some cute moosetaches with some fun library patrons for a great day of reading fun and Christmas learning.
We also enJOYed the creative decorations of several 
of our MISD “big yellows.” You won’t find Grinches on these buses! It’s great to have the BEST drivers in the state right here in MISD and at LME! Thanks to each dedicated driver for sharing the JOY of the holiday season safely on the roads with our learners.
If you’re feeling grinchy, then it’s time for you to find some holiday JOY through the eyes of child today! 🙂
The elf may be off the shelf, but there’s a northern friend loose in the hallways and classrooms of LME these days. Monty the Moose is popping in, up, and all 
around the building. Dressed in his Christmas finest, he is making the rounds and joining in all the seasonal fun. For example, he worked out with the third graders in the gym early Monday morning because he was feeling rather sluggish from all the Thanksgiving feasting and wanted some exercise. It is reported he
showed off his best Miller Moves with the jump ropes too. Later, he was spotted by a 4th grade class trying to brush his teeth with a teacher’s toothbrush–what a mess! Today Monty appeared inside the Happy Camper Reading Tent of a first grade classroom where he was reading his favorite book, If You Give A Moose A Muffin. Did you know, 
if you really give Monty Moose a muffin while he’s reading, he will smack and chew so loud he has to move his clip? Did you know Monty really doesn’t care about moving his clip because he’s a moose? It’s a good thing young readers love him. As one friend told me, “Mrs. Van, Monty may be loose, but he’s doing great Moose work!” Where will Monty Moose turn up next? 🙂
Christmas is coming; the evidence is all around. Christmas is coming and excitement abounds! We are in high gear at LME with today being just one of 14 remaining school days before the big holiday starts. Learners shared their activities throughout the past week, talking turkey and telling stories about their adventures. Classroom leaders went on a hunt for Monty Moose, who’s hiding in various places throughout our campus right now–oh, the stories they are sharing about him! PTO is prepping the annual Peppermint Village Gift Shop for next week where students can experience the JOY of giving to others by selecting gifts for the whole family. Speaking of giving to others, 
Camden donated her hair last week to Lock of Love; this is her second time to grow it out and cut it off for someone in need…way to go, Camden! Christmas Party reservation forms went out today for everyone wishing to join us on the LME Christmas Cheer Express. Finally, yes, students actually did lots of amazing and engaging school work today–the “real reason we’re here, Mrs. Van.” 🙂 Here’s hoping you catch the spirit of the season through the eyes of a child today…
It’s time to reconvene and push our way to another holiday soon. We look forward to welcoming back our LME learners, families, and classroom leaders bright and early tomorrow morning! In the meantime, finish up those leftovers, layout the backpack, and get ready to usher in a season of JOY as we share learning and laughter together. Welcome back! 🙂
During a late-evening walkabout to check on a reported concern, 
I stopped to read some precious learner work displayed outside a classroom doorway with this picture:
I’m thankful for carrots and peas you see
I’m thankful for mommy and daddy and Steve
I’m thankful for seasons and football and school
I’m thankful for you and for me so cool! 🙂
We have MUCH to be thankful for at LME; here’s hoping you take time to reflect on the many blessings and gratitudes in your life too! EnJOY this week away, learners and classroom leaders; safe travels and Happy Thanksgiving!
We wrapped up a busy week before Thanksgiving with a variety of heartwarming teaching and learning opportunities today:
Our annual Super Outrageous Science (SOS) Day events found us exploring everything from butter to electricity to owl pellets (yes, really). Learners shared delightful commentary and observations throughout the morning as we visited classrooms. You can see some Head Start friends here presenting their theories on the process of making butter.
I also enJOYed some special reading time (after buttter making) 
with Kinder friends in Mrs. Nanney’s class when I read with them the book they gave to me.
Our campus participated in a special Miller Rally this afternoon that involved us welcoming home a soldier mom stationed overseas for the past 15 months. She successfully surprised her second grade daughter on our campus, yet we surprised the mom with lots of flags, banners, and welcome home signs to show our appreciation for her service to our country. Special thanks to all involved who ensured we successfully pulled off this important mission! Welcome home, soldier; enJOY your family this holiday season!
Finally, several students shared their blessings of thanks and giving. Here’s hoping you take time in the coming days to count your blessings too! 🙂
Note: Our campus is closed November 25-29. Have a safe and blessed holiday!
My Kinder friends in Mrs. Nanney’s class surprised me today with a random act of kindness. You see, they know a few things about me: I love books; I love reading and writing, and Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday (just to 
name a few). They each signed and gave me the sweetest book ever…Give Thanks For Each Day by Steve Metzger. They wanted me to share the text with you:
Give thanks for each day. Give thanks for each night.
For colorful flowers; for stars shining bright.
Give thanks for new crayons; red, green, and blue.
Give thanks for the moments when wishes come true.
Give thanks for the train that chugs down the track.
Give thanks for the comfort when Mommy comes back.
Give thanks for a puzzle, a favorite bear.
The thrill when you’re lifted way up in the air.
A hug! A parade! A bath! A new toy!
The things in our world that fill us with JOY!
Give thanks for a walk by a lake in the park.
Give thanks for the light in our home after dark.
Give thanks for the snowflakes that fall from above.
For getting together with people you love.
Give thanks for sweet ice cream; for ducks in a row.
Give thanks for great stories, which help you to grow.
Give thanks for the ocean; give thanks for the sand.
The sweet, simple pleasure when we’re holding hands.
Give thanks for “I love you,” the best words to say.
Give thanks for each night. Give thanks for each day!
Thanks to these thoughtful young readers who know me so well; thanks for sharing the JOYs of everyday simple things and reminding us all to Give Thanks For Each Day! 🙂
In walkabout today, several learners commented to me about their gratitudes and blessings; this is a common theme in our classrooms this week (and, I hope, every week). 🙂 In talking with one particular learner 
who is dealing with a great deal more than a young child should know, I was reminded of this saying my Granny B often quoted:
May you always have enough…
Yes, it is important to teach our children to share and embrace the gratitudes of daily life along with the necessary coping skills to deal with stress and pressure too. Our daily focus on strong character traits at school (like trust, respect, responsibility, service and more) help to reinforce these coping skills and focus on the blessings all around us. Together, we are working to truly maximize foundations for our future leaders today and everyday. Thanks for walking the journey with us; thanks for sharing your most valuable blessing, your child, with us!
Van Am Gram 