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PATHFINDER “THURSDAY THOUGHTS”

Good, Better Best! Never Let It Rest, Until Good Is Better And Better Is Best!”

December 2007

LET’S MAKE A DATE:

JANUARY 2

School resumes

JANUARY 4

Pine & Dunes presentations to Mrs. Melville’s class

JANUARY 7

Hearing Screening for all 2nd graders (1st & 3rd graders by referral)

JANUARY 8

Hearing Screening for all 2nd graders (1st & 3rd graders by referral)

Family Fun Night 6:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m.—Pathfinder gym

JANUARY 9

Pine & Dunes presentation to Mrs. Kempf’s Class

Pine & Dunes presentation to Mrs. Miller’s class

JANUARY 11

Pine & Dunes presentation to Mrs. Heyboer’s class

Pine & Dunes presentation to Miss Berens class

JANUARY 15

Release Time Bible Class

JANUARY 17

Next issue of “Thursday Thoughts”

JANUARY 25

Brainstormer Assembly

Comments from Mr. Cassiday

Mittens, boots, hats, oh my!

The blistering winter wind tore sharply across the roof, whipping Old Glory into a proud stance atop the silver flagpole. My eyes were momentarily drawn skyward by the familiar metallic clanking of the rope weights beating time. Materializing out of the early morning darkness I could just make-out the aircraft carrier sized blue-gray snow clouds looming just over the horizon. Snowflakes big as half-dollars began to tumble heavily from the lead colored sky and the snowstorm was on!

Looking like long lines of lumpy white caterpillars piled high with white fuzz cars began to creep steadily into the slick parking lot. As each one slid to a slow stop in front of the school it plowed pillowy furrows of thick snow around wet tires that shone black like licorice.

Backpacks clutched tightly, an assorted jumble of kids began eagerly spewing from each vehicle and onto the sidewalk. Skating haphazardly toward the front door many kids were dressed in a wide array of mix-matched gear. Some wore snow pants or snow suits, others wore light jackets, some had gloves, others did not, many sported tennis shoes, and a few wore boots. “Where are your gloves, hats, mittens, boots, snow pants, coats?” I heard myself asking child after child. The replies were as varied as their outfits: “Mom forgot it was winter!” one little pink cheeked blonde cherub wailed. Another, bent low to guard against the swirling snow, shuffled by in sneakers untied, “We haven’t gone shopping yet!” unhappily he mumbled.

Gloved hands warmly nestled deep in the pockets of my black insulated trench coat, sympathetically I shook my head; black earmuffs bopping up and down in the chilly wind. Finally, the Fremont Winter I’d heard so many stories about had finally arrived with all its frigid and beautiful fury!

Growing up in the Saginaw Valley and the Thumb area of Michigan winters are wet, and often times icy, but not too deep with snow. In October, neighbors start preparing snow blowers and fences for blizzards that never come and schools close mostly because of boiler or water problems. All too infrequently drifting snow and slick ice close rural roads, causing scores of disappointed children to grudgingly attend school instead of enjoying the pleasures of snowmobiles and sleds in daylight.

So, since children must attend school, and as we delve further into the blustery depths of winter, please remember to dress your child appropriately. Any day the wind chill is above 10 degrees Fahrenheit, and it’s not sleeting or raining, the kids will be going outside to play. Fresh air and exercise are so important to growing healthy children that it’s part of their planned daily activities. Recess is also a necessary outlet for all that energy that small bodies seem to generate on a regular basis. Without it I’m certain more parents and I would be on a first name basis. And please remember, if your child has an earache or some other physical condition (other than asthma) that would prevent her or him from going outside, they’re probably too ill to be in school and should remain at home. The teachers here at Pathfinder need your help to educate healthy and happy children and the best way is to ensure that their classrooms and school are healthy. Dressing him or her warmly will go a long way in helping your child remain healthy.

COUNSELOR’S CORNER

Love & Logic parenting classes are coming to Pathfinder in January. Pathfinder will be hosting them on January 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th from 6:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m. Call Mr. Wojcicki at 924-7265 to sign up. FREE daycare will be available.

NEWS FROM THE CAFETERIA

In the event of a two-hour delay due to weather, breakfast will still be served at school.

Also, when school resumes on January 2nd, please take time to make sure you are current on your child’s lunch count balance. Thanks!

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

Our last day of school before Christmas break is today, Wednesday, December 19th. School will resume again on Tuesday, January 2nd , 2008. Have a GREAT break!

FAMILY FUN NIGHT

Our next Family Fun Night will be Tuesday, January 8th from 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. This is a great time to come with your children and enjoy some light exercise and play some great games! What a great way to get in some quality family time! Hope to see you there!

INK CARTRDIGES, BOXTOPS AND LABELS

Please continue to save your ink cartridges, box-tops and labels for us. This is a great way to earn money for our school. Ink cartridges can be brought to the office and labels and box-tops can be turned in to your child’s teacher.

The parent group would like to remind you that they only need the UPC code on all Campbell soup labels. Please do not send in just the front of the label. Thanks for your help with this!

MISSING GLASSES?

We have five pair of glasses in the Pathfinder office. If your child has lost a pair of glasses, or if you know of someone else who did, please stop by and check them out. If they aren’t claimed soon, they will be donated to a worthy charity.

Thanks!

Gerber Memorial Health Services and Fit for the Future Invite you to join us for…

A new 8-week weight management program for kids ages 6-13 and their families.

Children learn about . healthy eating . the value of exercise . tasty food preparation . healthy lifestyle choices

WEDNESDAYS Jan. 30 - March 19 5:30 —7:00 PM Tamarac 1401 W. Main, Fremont

Cost is free to Fit for the Future Participants or $100 to non-participants

Call Katherine at 924-8896 for information on Fit for the Future Call Cathy or Kristen at 924-1377 for information on Way to Go Kids!

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