I'm sorry it's been so long since I posted. I actually forgot my account information and have been locked out of my gmail because I honestly couldn't remember "who" I was. (I realize this sounds like something a 13-year-old might say, but it's true: I couldn't remember my gmail address for this account.) It's similar to how our kids have a brain cramp and can't remember their locker combination, or how I sort through my mental phone list and can't recall my best friend's number because I haven't dialed it in so long. Yes, I really forgot my funky blogger work gmail account information. Go figure.
Anyway, now I can write to you once more; I'm thrilled because I want to let each of you know that our kids did smashingly well on the EOC Exam for language arts that they took today! I'm oh-so-tickled with the results and know that the kids are overjoyed as well. Make sure you praise your kids for all of their hard work this last night weeks: I have several students who have earned an "A" for second quarter, and I know it's because of all of the extra effort they've put into their assignments, reading, and preparation for tests!
Grades are due on the computer (for MMS) on Wednesday, December 18, so you should be able to see exactly what your child has earned tomorrow night. (Actually, I have only one student whose absences have left her grade incomplete at this time, so everyone can look right now--except for She-Whose-Name-Shall-Not-Be-Mentioned--and know what they've earned.) I do believe celebration is in order! Please know that the kids couldn't have made these improvements without your help and support at home; your encouragement has helped them to rise to the occasion and meet the expectations of the class and I'm so thankful for your involvement!
We'll celebrate the holidays this Thursday and Friday. Please have your child bring a wrapped "white elephant" gift; the value shouldn't exceed five dollars; if you can't find anything interesting around the house, the dollar store always has excellent and weird ideas for the kids to wrap up for our little fifth period family. We will put the gifts in a pile and then play a game where we steal them from each other until they are frozen and can no longer be taken from their owners; it's terrific fun (and daunting)! During the two-day celebration, treats (homemade or store-bought) are welcome and encouraged both days. Try to balance sugary snacks with those that are sugar-free. One last note? We are likely to have a dance party on Friday to flaunt our joy and tie up the festivities for 2013. After all, it'll be the last time we see each other all year! (Oh, that makes me sad... My "kids" won't be with me for two entire weeks. *sigh*)
Thank you, as always, for sharing your kids with me. They've made my life brighter, they've made me laugh, and they've made me proud. They truly are my family, and I hope you all have a wonderful winter break and enjoy the little things in life that we all-too-often overlook.
Here's to a holiday of simple pleasures, gratitude, and joy! I'll see you all in 2014, even if I do win the Idaho Raffle.
Merry merry,
Mrs. Gott
