MEMO – May 22 through 26, 2023

The drums roll and the symbols clash, for ‘tis the final week of classes! We have this Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and then… we wrap things up with an off-to-summer bow! But first! A word about last week’s performances! Thanks to Darla Harryman, the Ballet, Hip Hop, individual dancing and guest numbers on Saturday were extraordinarily special! Oh my, we have talented students! It was a blessing to witness their skills! And Eimiko Murlin, Patt Duff, Autumn Mackert, and Kathy Starr, we say a whopper thank you for your class’s accomplishments, presented at last Tuesday’s Performance Spotlight…thanks for sharing all they’ve learned!

THIS WEEK: THIS Mon. 22nd- Gymnastics Mock Meet! In the D.P. Gym…with grades K – 2 presenting at 4:30 pm, and grades 3 – 12 performing at 6:30 pm. All these students have learned so much this past year – come and be part of their big night! See you there, big supporters! THIS Tues. 23rd- Arts Night - 7:00 pm at the High School Theater. Featured Classes: Dance Team, Tap, Irish Dance, Cheer, Sign Language, Country Line Dance. So much action and rhythm and expression…dare I say you’ll love it?? Oh, YOU’LL LOVE IT, all right! You can’t beat high energy performances! THIS Thurs. May 25th – Kindergarten and Eighth grade Graduation, at the DPHS theater. Our ceremony follows the final day of classes, with a recognition of the accomplishments of two of our most special grades. If you would like for your Kindergartener or 8th grade student to participate in the ceremony, please sign up at the front office. Thank you! Everyone’s welcome to attend. LASTLY! JUNE 1 = FAIR DAY!! Our extraordinary, End Of Year Fair and Celebration! ALL HOME LINK FAMILIES ARE MOST WELCOME! There will be games, face painting, races, photo booth, face painting, popcorn, snow cones, cotton candy and so much more! It's from10 am till 2 pm - don't you miss a single minute! Have you signed up to help?????? Please do!! The more Volunteers, the merrier! We need you! And parents, remember to pick up a Fair food punch card from Connie, for every member of your family attending the Celebration. Thank you! June 9, Home Link Graduation – Deer Park High School, 7 pm. Has everyone picked up their yearbook?? They’re here, at the Deer Park site, just waiting for signatures! And what about Silverwood tickets??! Also here! Students’ tickets are available for parent-pick up at the DP campus library until June 1. Silverwood Theme Park thrills await, you mighty readers!! Pssst: LOST and FOUND. Ai-yi-yi! Before you go out our doors for the summer -could you do a quick check of our merchandise? (We have the great makings of a yard sale!) All items will be taken to a local charity at the end of the school year. They’ll be lost and gone forever; dreadful sorry, Clementine. Cool fact: Rogan Webb, 6th grade, recently participated in the WA state Chess Tournament, at the Tacoma Convention Center! There were over 1,400 players in attendance at the tournament. Each participant played a total of 5 games…Rogan placed 2nd in his grade level, winning a total of 4 games. There were 584 kids in this group. Rogan placed 3rd in 6th-12th grade and 4th out of all 1,426 players! An awesome experience-playing with several hundred games going on in one room and with such highly rated players!! Rogan, we’re overwhelmed by your ability! And thank you Jason Bennetch for your instruction! As we all head towards summer and a relaxed mindset, consider this beautiful quote from Frederick Buechner: ‘Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredom and the pain of it no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, swell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it because in the last analysis, all moments are key moments and life itself is grace.’ What a reminder of each day’s importance; the value of every encounter and shared conversation. Gifts. Have a most wonderful Memorial Day weekend, all you dear ones…may it occasion much thankfulness!

MEMO – May 15 through 19, 2023

Happy Mother's Day! I so hope the joy of being with your family took your breath away as you were celebrated for who you are, and your mighty impact! Aren’t Mother Teresa’s words a treasure: ‘If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.’ And ALL of you have done just that, you world changers, you! One final opportunity to learn about OUTDOOR EDUCATION for parents and students is today, Monday, May 15, at 6 pm at D.P. in the gym. This is a totally new option for Home Link students, for the 2023-24 school year. All day outdoor Science camp at Camp Gifford on Tuesdays next year. Exclusively for grades 5 through 8…you need to know more?? COME JOIN US! And THEN! This Tuesday, May16th- Performance Showcase! It’s at 4:00 pm at the D.P.site, in the Gym. Featured Classes: Sewing and Fashion Design, All the World’s a Stage, Introduction to Drama, and Fiddle. It’ll be lively and so great-please come join us!

THIS Sat. May 20th is our Ballet Performance held at the D.P. High School theater, with shows at 12:00 noon and 3:00 pm. Yep, tickets required- pick up from Connie. This is one of our most exquisite events of the year; a pure delight of motion. Come drink in the talent before your very eyes! And next week, during our FINAL week of classes: Mon. 22nd- Gymnastics Mock Meet 4:30& 6:30 pm, DP site; in the Gym Tues. 23rd- Arts Night 7:00 pm at the High School Theater. Featured Classes: Dance Team, Tap, Irish Dance, Cheer, and Sign Language. May 25th – Kindergarten and Eighth grade Graduation, at the DPHS theater. Whew! LASTLY! June 1 = FAIR DAY!! Our extraordinary, End Of Year Fair and Celebration! ALL HOME LINK FAMILIES ARE MOST WELCOME! There will be games, face painting, races, photo booth, face painting, popcorn, snow cones, cotton candy and so much more! It's from10 am till 2 pm - don't you miss a single minute! Have you signed up to help?????? Please do!! The more Volunteers, the merrier! We need you! Remember parents, pick up a fair food punch card for every member of your family who are attending. Seniors! Remember that the deadline for the Nikki Winterton Scholarship is THIS THURSDAY, May 25th. Silverwood tickets! Here! Parents, you may pick up your students tickets at the DP campus library until June 1. You've all done a fabulous job reading, now go check out the thrills at Silverwood Theme Park!!! And remember that the ongoing Home Link Reading challenge has a deadline of THIS FRIDAY, May19 to turn in student Reading Charts. Train cars can be dropped at both Deer Park and Clayton campuses right up to that day, so keep on keeping on chug, chug, chugga chug READING! We hit the jackpot with end-of-year performances last week- the Choral concert was sweet and beautiful and included both our older and younger choirs… I’d attend all over again; loved listening to our students! The play, ‘Framed’, was also incredibly worth attending again, and I did! Director Rachel Horner wrote such a humorous, engaging script- one that was designed for the very actors and actresses in her theater class. Is that called perfect casting, or what?? Rachel also had to assume the part of one of the sick cast members…she wrote the play, directed it, and performed within it; reminds me of the proverbial little red hen! The show was a hoot; an absolute delight! As was each cast member! We’ll so miss you, Rachel!!!! Grab your sun glasses, my dear ones, and have a memorable week of curriculum wrap-up, classes, and performances, remembering that YOU Are The Sunshine Of Our Lives!

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MEMO – May 8 through 12. 2023 Yoodelaaeeeo! We’re baaaack together, with a total of three whopping weeks of classes remaining. Crazynuts. And so many DOINS!! We have a month FULL of ‘em! Need a re-cap?! THIS WEEK, TUES. the 9th AND THURS, the 11th- OUTDOOR EDUCATION for parents and students at 3:30 pm at D.P. in the gym. This is a totally new option for Home Link students, for the 2023-24 school year. All day outdoor Science camp at Camp Gifford on Tuesdays next year. Exclusively for grades 5 through 8…you need to know more?? COME JOIN US! Also THIS THURS, May 11th- our own spring Choir Performance, starting at 3:45 pm at Mont Lamm Event Center. It’s a stunning setting with music to match – a must for all! And THIS FRIDAY, May 12th, AND SAT, May 13th- is out Home Link Drama Performance, at both 3:00 & 6:30 pm on Friday, and 3 pm, and 6:30 pm on Saturday. The location is the D.P. High School Theater. Tickets are required for 6:30 pm, Sat night show only-available at Connie’s desk. The drama is ‘FRAMED”, an original play written by our own Rachel Horner…you don’t dare miss it! See you there! Keep an eye on next week: Tues. 16th- Performance Showcase! It’s at 4:00 pm in the Home Link Gym. Featured Classes: Sewing and Fashion Design, All the World’s a Stage, Introduction to Drama, Fiddle, Ukulele. It’ll be lively and great! That Sat. May 20th is our Ballet Performance held at the D.P. High School with shows at 12:00 noon and 3:00 pm. Yep, tickets required- pick up from Connie. This is one of our most exquisite events of the year; a pure delight of motion. During our final week of classes: Mon. 22nd- Gymnastics Mock Meet 4:30& 6:30 pm Tues. 23rd- Arts Night 7:00 pm at the High School Theater. Featured Classes: Dance Team, Tap, Irish Dance, Cheer, Sign Language, Country Line Dance And May 25th – Kindergarten and Eighth grade Graduation, at the DPHS theater. Whew! Silverwood tickets! Here! Parents, you may pick up your students tickets at the DP campus library until June 1. You've all done a fabulous job reading, now go check out the thrills at Silverwood Theme Park!!! Not to be missed: some individual student accomplishments have occurred during the past number of weeks. Sydney Levasseur, Ethan Frank, Jonah Hodgson, Hailey Billesbach performed unbelievably well at the Empire Classic Weightlifting competition with Mr. Odell! Ask them about their feats; we’re so proud of them! And Kaili Levasseur competed in District One finals with Deer Park Equestrian Team - SHE IS GOING TO STATE with her drill team!! She placed top 10 and top 5 in most of her other events and broke every one of her own personal records, competing in :In-Hand Trail, Canadian flags, Flags, Figure 8, Poles, Barrels (16 seconds!!),Bi wrangle, Steer dabbing, Versatility, Drill team, Working pairs, In-hand obstacle relay. Whoa Nellie! And Rogen Webb took his well-honed Chess playing expertise all the way to the State Chess Competition, and did beautifully! CONGRATULATIONS ALL! Your abilities thrill us! And remember that the ongoing Home Link Reading challenge has a deadline of May19 to turn in student Reading Charts. Train cars can be dropped at both Deer Park and Clayton campuses right up to that day, so keep on keeping on chug, chug, chugga chug READING! How many of you participated in Bloomsday?? Exceptional fun to do with friends, including the ones made that very day! In the spirit of a race, can you believe the come-from-behind spur our spring blooms are doing??! All the color-filled flowering trees, the forsythia, the LILACS, tulips and daffodils! After 6 months of winter, and such cool temperatures until 10 days ago, spring has turned that final corner and is barreling for home…your home, and mine in glorious bursts of color! Join me in opening your arms and saying, “Hurry home to Mama, you’ve been a long time comin!” Happy week, dear folks!

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MEMO – April 17 through 21, 2023

A show of hands of those who worked outside this past weekend??! Thought so! You know what they say…in the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell LIKE DIRT. Do ya???! REMINDER! State Testing is slated for the last week in April, and the first week in May. Each family has been assigned testing days for students grade 3 through high school, though we will rearrange those days/times for you if you like! Thank you so much for participating! Extremely important is the reminder that there will be NO Home Link supplemental classes for TWO weeks starting next week, April 24 - 28 through the following week, May 1 - 5. High School Academic Track students WILL have their classes next week only, at the Clayton campus at their scheduled times.(Ask Kamisha for the assigned room.) We’ll be back to our normal routine as a program, starting the week of May 8 – 12. Whew. Got that??!! Relatedly, there is one final week of SBAC practice sessions THIS Tues, Wed, or Thurs afternoon, from 3:15 through 4:15 pm. This preparation is for the Science portion of the testing – don’t miss out! Parents of 8th grade students and beyond- might you have questions about the transition into high school? Well THIS Wednesday, April 19, at 3:30 pm there’s a High School Orientation for our students in the Training Room, D.P. site. Come ready to learn all kinds of things, and ask questions galore! Be there! Dance, dance, dance pictures are centerstage THIS Friday, April 21. Ballet, Hip Hop, Tap, Cheering, Irish Dance, and Dance Team are scheduled for group and individual pictures. Come flash those smiles! Our 'Charity Never Fails' class is hosting their 3rd annual school-wide reading challenge. The class invites all students k-12 grades to participate. They are asking k-5 graders to read a minimum of 10 hours, and 6-12 graders to read a minimum of 20 hours before the deadline of May 19th. The Reading chart along with detailed information are in parent boxes already, (check it out!) Prizes will be given to each student that completes the reading goal appropriate for their grade level...and turns their signed chart in before the deadline. Additionally, Ice cream will be given to the grade that turns in the most train cars, currently on display at both Home Link campuses. And finally, the student who reads the most hours will be rewarded as well. The class hopes this will help inspire our students to continue developing better reading and comprehension skills as the school year wraps up. BEAUTIFUL!! From Miss Darla: a big thank you to all who contributed to this year’s Choreography Showcase. The winners are Amarie Morden, Graciah and Ruth Helt. They will be performing their piece in this year's Spring Dance Concert held on May 20th in the Ken Fisher Theater (Deer Park High School). Everyone did a great job...Gina Levering will be contacting the other choreographers for a chance to perform at Arts Night. Thanks again to the families that showed their support and our lovely judges, Mary Ekblad and Gina Levering. Blessings! And, here’s a reminder from Melissa/Resource Library: Summer curriculum checkout begins May 1st through June 1st. Please bring all circulation library books back during May. The last day to checkout from the CL and DP circulation libraries is April 20th. During the month of May return any curriculum materials you are no longer using, and checkout new items for summer and fall. The resource room will be closed after Fair Day on June 1st. All instruments and electronics will need to be returned before summer. Please return them the last day of class or bring them to the resource room. Guitars, violins, ukuleles, keyboards, microscopes, chrome books, DVD drives, etc., all need to be returned by May 25th. Thank you! Please return all academic track textbooks to your teacher on the last day of class or return them to the resource room. Yep! It’s time for year wrap-ups, final events, performances…such busyness in our lives. What a perfect time, therefore, for all of us reflect on these words of Laura Ingalls Wilder: The true way to live is to enjoy every moment as it passes, and surely it is in the everyday things around us that the beauty of life lies. Indeed, my friends, indeed. May Events Mon through Fri., May 1 through 5: State testing Tues. 9th- Outdoor Ed Orientation 3:30 pm at D.P. Thurs. 11th- Outdoor Ed Orientation 3:30 pm at D.P. Thurs. 11th- Choir Performance 3:45 at Mont Lamm Event Center Sat. 13th- Drama Performance 3:00 & 6:30 at the High School Theater (tickets required for 6:30 show only-available at Connie’s desk) Tues. 16th- Performance Showcase 4:00 pm in the Home Link Gym Featured Classes: ● Sewing and Fashion Design ● All the World’s a Stage ● Introduction to Drama ● Fiddle ● Ukulele (tentatively) Sat. 20th- Ballet Performance at the High School 12:00 and 3:00 (tickets required) Mon. 22nd- Gymnastics Mock Meet 4:30 & 6:30 pm Tues. 23rd- Arts Night 7:00 pm at the High School Theater Featured Classes: ● Dance Team ● Tap ● Irish Dance ● Cheer ● Sign Language ● Country Line Dance Thurs. 25th- K-8 Graduation 7:00 at the High School Theater

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Memo-April 10 through 14, 2023

Welcome back, me hearties! I just know that the break did your hearts good, right?! And even though winter has been sluggish in letting go of us- it’s now April (!) and BLOSSOM BY BLOSSOM, THE SPRING BEGINS. It’s here! Let the earth rejoice!

Remember now, CURRICULUM orders for the remaining few months of THIS school year are due by this Friday, April 14th.

There are two remaining weeks of SBAC practice sessions: THIS Tues, Wed, Thurs afternoons, from 3:15- 4:15 pm in the computer lab at D.P. and NEXT week as well, same days, times, and location. The focus is on preparation for the Math portion of state testing. It’s open to any student (and parent!) in 3rd grade and above. Please know that attending even one of these sessions provides a tremendous orientation in the use of testing tools provided and the test format. Instructor Richelle Harget- you’re the bomb!

And, drum roll…state testing is a’ comin. Last week of this month (April 24 through 28) and the first week of May (May 1through 5) are designated all-things-assessment. Reminder: NO Home Link classes during those two weeks, aside from H.S. academic classes that first week, only. As always, huge thanks for participating!

Dance Pictures are being taken next Friday, April 21. Ballet, Hip Hop, Tap, Cheer, Irish Dance, and Dance Team classes are all scheduled to have smiling individual and class pictures taken.

Parents of 8th grade students and beyond- do you have questions about the transition. into high school? Please mark NEXT Wednesday, April 19th at 3:30pm on your calendars for Home Link's High School Orientation in the district training room. This will be a great chance for you and your child to learn more about earning credits, core 24, course expectations, etc. See you there

District Transportation reminds parents not to park on Main Street, on the Admin side of our Deer Park site. The pick-up/drop-off bus sites for district students become blocked. Thank you for helping us keep that a parking free zone!

During last week’s Spring break, perhaps you took on a bit of cleaning? I’m SURE the following would never happen you you?????!

I needed to do the laundry, but then I realized I was out of detergent, so I went to write a shopping list and realized how unorganized the junk drawer was, and started checking pens for ink. When I went to toss all the junk, I saw that the trash was full but before I took it out I wanted to get rid of old food in the fridge. That's when I realized a juice jug had leaked so I needed to clean it up but when I went to grab a rag, I saw that the pantry closet was a nightmare so I started organizing it. And that's how I ended up on the floor looking at my old photo albums from 1990's and not doing laundry.

Have a great week, my friends!

From Shani Hunsaker: the 2023 Writing. Contest is a ‘wrap!’ Everyone who entered did a fantastic job! Hope to see you all next year.

This year's winners are:

3rd-5th grade

1st place- Henry Hatley "The Dog I once Lost"

2nd place- Easton Brittain "Moore or Les"

3rd place- Cheyenne Flugel "The First Kids on Mars"

6th-8th grade

Ist place- Charlene Hatley "Don't Sit Back: A Story of World War I!"

2nd place- Anabelle Miller "Hurricane Michael"

3rd place- Aubrey Longly "The Bishop'

9th-12th grade

1st place- Ethan Richardson "Fallout"

2nd place- Emmaline Prettyman "The Girl Named Friendship'

3rd place- Jennifer Sinclair "The Glass Princess"

A sincere thank you to this year's judges. Their time is so valued: Monica Easley-Cate, Heidi Thomas, Denise Porter, Crystelle Knox, Jeanne Flugel, Ellie Chambers, Rachel Dixon, Kayla Hiatt, Lydia Brown

A huge appreciation goes out to all of our business sponsors, all of whom have family members in Home Link. Because of their generous donations, we were able to award a $125 first prize, a $75 second prize, and a $25 third prize. In addition, all winners received a nice journal and the first prize winners received a cute mug. Please let these businesses know how much you appreciate them!

Empire Roof Coatings - owner; Mark Carpenter, 509-230-7262

Dewnorth Aviation - owner Raymond Thomas, 509-993-9843

Hiatt Services (Land Clearing, Excavation, Logging) - owner Chet Hiatt, 509-342-5084

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MEMO – March 27 through 31, 2023

Tonight, March 27, at 6 pm at the D.P. High School library, is a regularly scheduled School Board meeting. IF you are interested in the procedure to select a new Superintendent, replacing Travis Hanson, please know that they plan to share an update on their search process at that time. Are you welcome to attend? OF COURSE – PLEASE DO! SPRING BREAK is straight ahead, you know! All next week, April 3 through 7, is YOURS to play with, dream with, be productive with, LIVE happily with! May good days abound!

Progress reports, me darlins, are past due, as in do-do for some forgetful ones. This is the second week of some top-notch SBA testing prep, thanks to Richelle Harget. Come experience her skillful instruction as she leads folks through an orientation of the testing process, describes how to use the tools imbedded in the test, as well as sample exercises in the following areas: March 28-30: ELA PT (Writing) 3:15- 4:15 pm, Computer Lab- Deer Park Campus Next month, Richelle will also be holding practice sessions, April 11-13 and April 18-20 in Math approaches. Thanks for attending these sessions – parents are welcome, too, of course!

The Choreographer’s Showcase is THIS THURSDAY, March 30 th at 3:30 pm, in D.P. Gym. Everyone is signed up and ready to perform?? The prize for our winners – they will be featured at the DPHL Dance Concert held on Saturday, May 20th. All levels of dance participants are encouraged to perform for this week’s showcase...JUST DO IT!! (In case you’re in need of last minute reminders: Dance music must be approved- so send Miss Darla an email with the song. Make sure you provide your own music the day of showcase. CD formats are easy – a Bluetooth speaker is available or you can provide your own. Try to have at least 2 minutes of choreography.) AND - the sign-up sheet is outside the ballet room. YOU’LL BE SO GREAT!

Final call! Registration forms for your family, for NEXT year in Home Link are due THIS Friday, March 30. These forms are for your current students or for any additional students of yours that will be attending Home Link. Get ‘em in, my friends! Our Orientations for new families from our waiting lists are scheduled already for April. Our intake numbers are based upon commitment numbers from this current year’s families. If you’re ambivalent about anything concerning next year? Make an appt with me, won’t you? If it would help, I’d love to talk through anything that’s on your heart…because that heart of yours matters. Always.

CURRICULUM orders for the remaining few months of this school year are due by April 14th. That’s right on the other side of spring break – don’t forget!

High school Orientation for 8 th grade and older, for Home Linkers

There will be an Awards ceremony for the finalists in the Home Link Writing Contest THIS week, Wednesday, March 29, at 3:15 pm, in the DP Gym. Come support our budding authors, won’t you? What a beautiful thing to have such mighty pens among us!

The District Transportation has asked that we remind parents not to park on Main Street, on the Admin side of our Deer Park site. The pick-up/drop-off bus sites for district students become blocked. We apologized for such, and thank you for helping us keep that parking free zone!

And in the spirit of spring (break) – Live Simply, and Bloom Wildly! And have a ball this upcoming week! See you back on April 10 through 14!

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MEMO – March 20 through 24, 2023

The first day of SPRING is Monday of this week! Whoop!! Such an endless winter, and we made it!! Breathe it in and let the joy course through you! And remember, "When one flower blooms, spring awakens everywhere.” Beautiful. Progress reports – are yours in??? Turn that ‘almost’ into oh, I finished those, like, clickety split this month. And thanks, faithful ones! Guess what starts this week?? Some top-notch SBA testing prep, courtesy of Richelle Harget. What a skillful job she does of leading students through an orientation of the testing process, instruction in the use of the tools imbedded in the test, as well as sample exercises in the following areas: March 21-23: ELA CAT (Reading) 3:15- 4:15 pm, in the Computer Lab- Deer Park Campus March 28-30: ELA PT (Writing) 3:15- 4:15 pm, Computer Lab- Deer Park Campus Next month, Richelle will also be holding practice sessions, April 11-13 and April 18-20 in Math approaches. Thanks for attending these sessions – parents are welcome, too, you know! Come one, come all to the Choreographers Showcase, on March 30th, at 3:30 pm, in D.P. Gym. And of course, students are welcome to sign up for the showcase…the prize for our winners will be performing the DPHL Dance Concert held on Saturday, May 20th (2 shows so we need them to commit to both). All levels of dance participants are encouraged to join...DO IT!! (Psst: Dance music must be approved- so send Miss Darla an email with the song. Make sure you provide your own music the day of showcase. CD formats are easy – a Bluetooth speaker is available or you can provide your own. Try to have at least 2 minutes of choreography.) AND - the sign-up sheet is outside the ballet room. Can’t wait to see YOUR name on the sheet! Reminder! Registration forms for your family, for NEXT year in Home Link are due by March 30. These forms are for your current students or for any additional students of yours that will be attending Home Link. Bring ‘em in, my friends! We’re beginning the process of Orientations for new families from our waiting lists. These numbers are predicated upon an accurate tally of interest/commitment from this current year’s families. If you’re ambivalent about anything concerning next year? Make an appt with me, won’t you? If it would help, I’d love to talk through anything that’s on your heart…because that heart of yours matters. Always. Also! Sometime during the next couple weeks, you might weigh whether you have CURRICULUM needs for the remaining few months of this school year. If so - connect with your Consultant and get your order in before the April 14th purchasing deadline. As always, curriculum pre-orders for the 2023-24 school year are usually submitted in May, or, after next year’s WSLP’s are established. Spring Break is around the corner! April 3 through 7th. TaDa! (Now, because there are weekends on either side of those dates, you could think of the break being from March 31 through Easter, April 9. You’re welcome!) Have you heard the sounds of a bluebird? Seen a few buds on a willow or silver maple? Perhaps heard a chorus of tiny frogs? The earth is awakening! I’ve included a sweet little children’s poem on the reverse of this Memo/enjoy, my dear ones! And may this be the best first week of spring, evah!! It Must Be Spring, by May Fenn Hush, can you hear it? The rustling in the grass, Bringing you the welcome news that Winter’s day is past. Soft, can you feel it? The warm caressing breeze, Telling you the sticky buds Are bursting on the trees. Look, can you see them? The primrose in the lane. Now you must believe it — Spring is here again. HALLELUJAH!!

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MEMO – March 13 through 17, 2023 This week includes Saint Patrick’s day! Will you be wearin a bit o’ the green? Telling a few Irish jokes? Enjoying some Irish Stew? Well, you can bet that I, Molly O’ Murphy, will be! Join in, me lads and lasses!! First, a little something about last Friday’s Game Night. Man oh man, were there some tremendous contributors to the evening’s wonderful success. Gina- for your overall management and planning of events and particulars- where would we be without your keen ability to rein everything together?? And all of it done with that glorious smile of yours! Tracy Tobeck- your Volleyball-ers were the best of entertainment, with skills traceable directly to YOU! Huge thanks to your planning and ordering…every one of our teams had a shirt that distinguished them- so great of you, Tracy! It wouldn’t be Game night, Nancy Brickner, without your Dance Team’s performances- pretty special that your team captains originate every one of the dance steps that the audience witnesses and enjoys. Wow to the leadership opportunities you give our students! And Nick Tucker, for your work with the Basketball-ers; Shannon Sieman for the musical uplift that your Choir contributed; Marie Layman for the student Signing accompaniment to the Pledge of Allegiance (cool!), and lastly? Shani Hunsaker- your cheerleaders were a thrill to watch and cheer with! Every sweet young girl was all-in, of high enthusiasm, and so confident= what great skills! To ALL who attended and contributed to Game Night – thanks for the feel-good night!!! Heads up! Sometime during the next 4 weeks, you might weigh whether you have CURRICULUM needs for the remaining few months of this schoolyear. If so - connect with your Consultant and get your order in before the April 14th purchasing deadline. Curriculum pre-orders for the 2023-24 schoolyear are usually submitted in May, or, after next year’s WSLP’s are established. Reminder! Registration forms for your family, for NEXT year in Home Link are due by March 30. These forms are for your current students or for any additional students of yours that will be attending Home Link. Bring ‘em in, my friends! We’re beginning the process of Orientations for new families from our waiting lists. These numbers are predicated upon an accurate tally of interest/commitment from this current year’s families. If you’re ambivalent about anything concerning next year? Make an appt with me, won’t you? If it would help, I’d love to talk through anything that’s on your heart…because that heart of yours matters. Always. Pssst: Spring Break cometh! April 3 through 7. TaDa! (Now, because there are weekends on either side of those dates, you could think of the break being from March 31 through Easter, April 9. You’re welcome!) BRIEF REMINDER: if you pack a container of pre-packaged macaroni and cheese for your little ones’ lunch? Maaaybe you could send it prepared, instead? We’re finding that many of our younger students don’t eat for at least 20 mins because there’s a wait for a microwave, and then the actual process of macaroni preparation. It’s not speedy! Just a thought! The Character focus for this month of March is ENCOURAGEMENT. Is there anything better?? One of our Consultants has offered these reminders of encouragement: A word of encouragement is it refreshing as a cold drink on a summer day. A word of encouragement during failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success. A child needs encouragement like a plant needs water. We should seize every opportunity to give encouragement, because encouragement is oxygen to the soul. Encouragement is always other-focused, with words that inspire and reassure others, while giving support, confidence, or hope to someone. So, my friends, never underestimate the power of your encouraging words; YOU can the world go around! (Annnd, may you experience the luck of the Irish this week, to boot!!)

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MEMO – February 21 through 24, 2023 & February 27 through March 3

Guess what? Last weekend, two of our students, Ethan Frank, and Hezekiah Slind wrestled in the Regional Wresting tournament, with great results! This is Hezekiah’s first year ever, to wrestle, and he took fourth place regionally. Something! And Ethan, after wrestling in the Championship match, is now ranked third in the State, and will be wrestling this weekend in the Tacoma Dome, against other state-ranked individuals. Big stuff! Man oh man, you’re doing us proud, you two mighty men!! Are your children returning to Home Link next year?? Say YES! If this is true – please remember to look through the Registration packet that’s in your mailbox. It’s a good guide as to the forms involved in securing your place, year by year. An important reminder is that you must go online and fill out your non-resident enrollment form if you live out-of-district. All the paperwork needs to into Connie’s hands by March 30…from your competent hands to hers; sounds like a winning combo! Parents of younger students (K through 2nd grade): we have a tool that is sensitive to visual recognitions that children experience. The test is a spot-check on what young ones see and can identify; it is quick - lasting no more than 1 to 2 mins. This is a pre-dyslexia screening and the results are just for parent information. You may certainly sit with your child as he/she responds to the assessment. If you’re interested, great! Your Consultant administers the assessment. We continue to remind students that cell phones are NOT to be in use during the school day. I know that it’s easy to get sloppy and forgetful…so please help your kids remember? Because, alas, we WILL be taking them. Speaking of assessments, you’ll be receiving some information on the Smarter Balanced Assessment scheduled for late April and early May. (I know! Can it really be time to be thinking about spring testing?? Indeed, it is!) Just a reminder that starting this year, Home Link’s results are woven into the overall district scores- so everyone’s involvement counts. We’re so thankful for your willingness to have your children participate- you’re just the best! Home Link’s Young Writers Contest, open to any student in grades 3 through 12 is DUE March 2nd, at the D.P. Library. Is yours submitted yet?? Remember the writing entry needs to be a narrative story; the format for each entry, along with the writing traits that each entry will be measured by is available, why, it’s in your very mailbox! The entries will be judged and prizes will be awarded in three separate groupings; 3 - 5 grade, 6 - 8 grade, and 9 -12 grade. And there’s this bit of fantastic news: three of our program families have decided to support the upcoming writing contest through their business sponsorship. A big thank you to Empire Roof Coatings, Hiatt Services, and DewNorth Aviation. Because of their generous donations, we have fabulous cash prizes that are significantly larger than in years past as well as a few other special things in store for our winners. Now, if you have any questions or need clarification about the contest, please contact the most wonderful shani.hunsaker@dpsdmail.org. Lastly, three FYI’s: Would you like to place your vote for the Cover of our 2022-23 Year Book? Sure you do! Look for the sheet in your family mailbox that contains the QR code and link needed. Deadline: Feb 28. Questions-Contact david.horner@dpsdmail.org Intrigued by the idea of a 3 hr. snowshoe hike at Mt. Spokane State Park? If you’re a Home Link student in grades 6-8, or the parent of one, look for the info sheet on this cool activity -it focuses on winter/forest ecology and snow science. The hike’s on Thurs, March 2, from 10-1 pm. Limited participation; sign up with Connie! There’s a free Gem and Mineral Show on March 10 and 11, at the Colville Ag and Trade Center on the Colville Fair Grounds. Look for the sheet with all details! Turn to the flip side for info regarding Game Night, and Spirit Week, won’t you??! Thanks, sweet folks! Drum roll! Spirit Week will be March 6-10. Prizes will be awarded at lunch for best participation…all of which is a gearing up for our annual Game Night! So remember: Mon. the 6th- U.S.A.-Red White and Blue Day Tues. the 7th- Sports SWAG- Day Wed. the 8th- Flannel Day Thurs. the 9th- Favorite Storybook Character Day Game Night March 10th at 6:00 pm at the Deer Park Middle School! Join us for this fun filled family night! Our Volleyball classes have put together teams and they will be competing for the medal. Also, if you are in the 6th-12th grade, you have the opportunity to sign up to be on a basketball team. The sign- up sheet is in the front office. There will be two practices, Tues. March 7th and Thurs. March 9th. Volleyball and basketball players must attend at least one practice if you wish to be on a team. These practices will be held at the Deer Park Home Link gym. Basketball will be at 6:00 pm and Volleyball will be at 7:00 pm. Our young Cheerleaders will guide us as we focus on our Volleyball and Basketball teams. Not to be missed!! Also, our Dance Team will perform during half time and end our evening with the famous Light Show! And is there FOOD? But of course! Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be available for purchase. So, bring the whole family, we say!

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MEMO – February 13 through 17, 2023

What is that bit of colorful excitement that greets you as you go through Home Link doors?? Why it’s in the cards, and candy and snacks and what-nots that the Charity Never Fails class selling for Valentine’s Day. Need a little sumpin-sumpin for a friend, a Grandpa, a Mama?? Step right up to their table of wares and contribute to two great causes = theirs and yours! Happy shopping!! The Charity class is very excited to be working with Kathy Starr's Sewing class to serve the children at Anna Ogden Hall's crises center. The Sewing class will be making personalized pillows and the Charity class will be filling backpacks with age appropriate needed items. Also, beginning in April, our Charity class will be starting our schoolwide reading challenge. Prizes for each participant are purchased with the money raised through Valentines’ sale funds. Thank you for your support of the Charity class’s mission to serve not only our students, but our community! The Valentines sale will end on February 16th. Parents of younger students (K through 2nd grade): we have a tool that is sensitive to visual recognitions that children experience. The test is a spot-check on what young ones see and can identify; it is quick - lasting no more than 1 to 2 mins. This is a pre-dyslexia screening and the results are just for parent information. You may certainly sit with your child as he/she responds to the assessment. If you’re interested, great! Your Consultant administers the assessment. We reminded students last week that cell phones are NOT to be in use during the school day. I know that it’s easy to get sloppy and forgetful…so please help your kids remember? Because, alas, we WILL be taking them. And Seniors- as you make decisions about colleges and/or the ‘what nexts’ in your lives, remember to check out Dollars for Scholars, which is in place for Deer Park students. Information is online- it’s worth $1,000, and is due on April 18. Good luck! Another important scholarships is in honor of one of our former students; The Nikki Winterton scholarship. Character is the primary focus of this financial gift. We were blessed to know this lovely girl- and each year’s recipient is chosen because his/her heart exudes the same qualities as Nicki’s. Ask at the D.P. front desk for all specifics; $500. Parents, you’ll be receiving some information on the smarter balanced assessment scheduled for late April and early May. (I know! Can it really be time to be thinking about spring testing?? Yep, ‘tis time!) Just a reminder that starting this year, Home Link’s results are woven into the overall district scores- so everyone’s involvement counts. We’re so thankful for your willingness to have your children participate- you’re just the best! In your mailboxes, you have received an informational sheet on this year‘s Deer Park Home Link’s Young Writers Contest. It’s for ANY student in grade 3 through 12 who’s game to share his or her creative talent. Every year it’s an opportunity to spotlight the abilities of students among us. Love it! The writing entry needs to be a narrative story, a definition of which is included, along with the format request for each entry, and a rubric that shares writing traits that each entry will be measured by. The entries will be judged and prizes will be awarded in three separate groupings; 3rd through 5th grade, 6th through 8th grade, and 9th through 12th grade. SO! Sharpen those pencils, get ready, set, go!!! And there’s this bit of fantastic news: three of our program families have decided to support the upcoming writing contest through their business sponsorship. A big thank you to Empire Roof Coatings, Hiatt Services, and DewNorth Aviation. Because of their generous donations, we have fabulous cash prizes that are significantly larger than in years past as well as a few other special things in store for our winners. A reminder that all entries are due March 2nd. Please turn them into the Deer Park Campus library. If you have any questions or need clarification about the contest, please contact the most wonderful shani.hunsaker@dpsdmail.org. Now don’t forget – this upcoming weekend break is extended by a day on both sides. There is no school, nor school activities on either this following Friday, or the next Monday (February 17, and 20) = Presidents’ Day weekend. Now, don’t be knockin on our doors because there’ll be no answer! Enjoy those added days, indulge in an extra morsel of chocolate, and know you are so loved, Valentines!!

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MEMO – February 6 through 10, 2023

Our 'Charity Never Fails' class has kicked off its 4th annual Valentines Sale located at both Clayton and Deer Park campuses. Not only do these Valentines provide an opportunity for students and staff to share their love with others, it also raises money for their second semester service projects. The Charity class is very excited to be working with Kathy Starr's Sewing class to serve the children at Anna Ogden Hall's crises center. The Sewing class will be making personalized pillows and the Charity class will be filling backpacks with age appropriate needed items. Also, beginning in April, our Charity class will be starting our schoolwide reading challenge. Prizes for each participant are purchased with the money raised through Valentines’ sale funds. Thank you for your support of the Charity class’s mission to serve not only our students, but our community! The Valentines sale will end on February 16th. All classes in the Art and Woodworking portable at Deer Park are now resuming their usual locations, in the Fine Arts portal. Great statement to be able to write and SEE in actuality! A MILLION thanks to EVERY single one of the Specialists and students affected by this inconvenience- how we appreciate your gracious flexibility! And Seniors- as you make decisions about colleges and/or the ‘what nexts’ in your lives, remember to check out Dollars for Scholars, which is in place for Deer Park students. Information is online- it’s worth $1,000, and is due on April 18. Good luck! Another important scholarships is in honor of one of our former students; The Nikki Winterton scholarship. Character is the primary focus of this financial gift. We were blessed to know this lovely girl- and each year’s recipient is chosen because his/her heart exudes the same qualities as Nicki’s. Ask at the D.P. front desk for all specifics; $500. In your mailboxes, you have received an informational sheet on this year‘s Deer Park Home Link’s Young Writers Contest. It’s for ANY student in grade 3 through 12 who’s game to share his or her creative talent. Every year it’s an opportunity to spotlight the abilities of students among us. Love it! The writing entry needs to be a narrative story, a definition of which is included, along with the format request for each entry, and a rubric that shares writing traits that each entry will be measured by. The entries will be judged and prizes will be awarded in three separate groupings; 3rd through 5th grade, 6th through 8th grade, and 9th through 12th grade. SO! Sharpen those pencils, get ready, set, go!!! Entries are due Thursday, March 2, DP campus. Have questions? Contact shani.hunsaker@dpsdmail.org or 509-599-0948. And Shani- thanks for spearheading this goodness once again! Now that all of you are mindful of using the secured access/entrance to the Deer Park site (thanks!) may we emphasize that end-of-day dismissal needs to be along the Fourth Street side of the building. We have kindergartners and other young ones who are bolting out of the back gym door, saying their parent is waiting in that back parking lot. We have limited ability to cover that exit adequately. And many of these sweeties don’t realize that vehicles are backing up, or pulling out. This worries us! So, we request that all students are picked up along the Fourth Street side of the building. Would you help us with this, parents? DANKE!! I read recently about the discovery of a wandering sheep weighed down, get this, by seventy- five pounds of wool that was extremely filthy and matted. Rescuers in Australia, who found the sheep, speculated it had been lost in the bush for more than five years. He was handled gently by volunteers as the enormity of heavy fleece was sheared away. Once freed from his burden, the sheep’s legs grew stronger, he ate well and became more confident and content. Quite the visual, isn’t it? We’re not far from that picture of the matted sheep when we feel weighed down by physical, mental or emotional burdens. We don’t function as well, do we. Maybe we could make a deliberate effort this week to reach out and comfort someone alongside us who needs a supportive lift. Imagine what this sort of encouragement could mean to a person who feels weighed down, lost, or forgotten. It might start a shearing process that could eventually result in a spring in their step. And in yours as well! May there be blessings galore in the week ahead, my friends

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MEMO – January 30 - February 3, 2023

February arrives with an arctic blast! Brrrr! Such cold temperatures this week! Please make sure you take good precautions, as you send your kiddos our way, won’t you? They need coats, hats, gloves AND good sense about wearing them!

This week, all classes in the Art and Woodworking portable at Deer Park will be displaced to alternate meeting spots. Severe leaks were discovered in that portable last Friday and the back wall is now experiencing some reconstruction. This rebuild will be ongoing, but after this week, our classes will be able to resume their normal locations, despite workman and occasional competing noise. It’s caught all of us off-guard… BUT! Classroom adjustments have been made; Specialists have been so accommodating and gracious; we’ll guide affected students, no worries, and it’s gonna work! Deer Park’s Family Room will have classes taking up meeting space this week (parents who enjoy this room while their kids are elsewhere…it’s going to be a bit squished, just know!). A MILLION thanks ahead of time to EVERY single one of you for being your flexible selves the next four days!

Integrity: Character award winners for this past month are being chosen for this value. I say wow. Few other values encompass as high a personal quality. These students understand the challenge of doing the right thing always, regardless of circumstances…of being the same person to everyone one encounters, and of always being so very honest. Hats off to these winners- our finest!

Now that all of you are mindful of using the secured access/entrance to the Deer Park site (thanks!) may we emphasize that end-of-day dismissal needs to be along the Fourth Street side of the building. We have kindergartners and other young ones who are bolting out of the back gym door, saying their parent is waiting in that back parking lot. We have limited ability to cover that exit adequately. And many of these sweeties don’t realize that vehicles are backing up, or pulling out. This worries us! So, we request that all students are picked up along the Fourth Street side of the building. Would you help us with this, parents? DANKE!!

Signed up for the Silverwood Read 2 Ride Program?? If not, please pick up information and reading logs at the DP library. For students K - 6th grade…the Reading Program runs until March 30th. That’s Spring Break, and it can’t come quickly enough!! Read, read, and read some MORE!

SO! Tell me, why do skunks love Valentine’s Day? Why, because they’re scent-imental creatures, of course! And why shouldn’t you fall in love with a pastry chef? Because he might just dessert you. Hey! Do you know what one calls a very small valentine? A valen-tiny! Now, did you hear how the phone proposed to his girlfriend on Valentine’s Day? Right! He gave her a ring! Maybe you already know what the flame said to his buddies after he fell in love? “I found my perfect match!” Then there are the bed bugs who fell in love – yep, they’re getting married in the spring! Know where all the hamburgers take their girlfriend on Valentine’s Day? To a meat-ball, of course! I know these are all on the corny side, but in the middle of this juuust so very long winter, isn’t it delightful to have something that makes you smile- even a lop-sided smile?? Yep! So I say, grab a box of chocolates and get ready to snicker at the cheesy messages which Valentine’s Day cards often present. Those little valentines are here to stay whether you roll your eyes or not. One more: Knock knock. Who’s there? Olive. Olive who? Olive YOU! (And I do…each one of you!) Now if any of YOUR KIDDOS make up their own Valentine jokes or riddles?? Lemme me know, and I’ll include in next week’s Memo, OK?? Thanks! STAY WARM, STAY SAFE, AND STAY YOUR LOVELY SELVES. Have a splendid week, my friends!

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MEMO – January 23 through 27, 2023

I had an opportunity to be in some delightful classes this past week; makes my entire day to see first-hand the quality of what our students experience at the hands of some pretty amazing Specialists. From Derby car construction, to the immensity of the world’s oceans and the life within them, to stunning art from paint and strokes from paper towels, to first-rate Piano instruction to our Academic track courses… I pinch myself at the offerings! That said, should there be a need to exchange one class for another? THIS is the final week to re-arrange. Starting next week (January 30 - Feb 3), all student class schedules are set. OK? OKAY!

Youhoooo! All 10th or 11th graders interested in checking out, perhaps even attending NEW TECH Skills Center, please explore the options offered at the facility’s Career Night THIS Thursday evening, January 26th, from 5:30 - 7 pm. You will meet instructors, and take-in the various programs available. Such great opportunities! And importantly, attending students will receive early access to next fall’s 2023 application. Slots fill up and classes close in such a hurry…THIS is a leg up: see you there!

Progress Reports, progress reports, PROGRESS REPORTS!!! Oh, thanks for listening!

SPECIALISTS! MEETING THIS FRIDAY! 9 am to 1 pm. Thanks for coming and contributing, fantastic ones! Yep, lunch is on the house.

HUGE thanks for your great attitudes about morning drop-offs at the Deer Park site. You folks were out-of-sight cooperative; why we even received compliments on the pom-pom enthusiasm displayed by Consultants. Yeah! They’re really something! As are YOU! One final time, allow me to include the instructions for morning arrivals at Deer Park: No longer will anyone be entering through the reception door near Connie’s desk. We are now utilizing the secured access on the west side of the building that flanks Main Street. It’s the more formal-looking entry near district Admin offices. To drop off your kiddos, please turn off of Main Street, onto Fifth, and into what we consider the back parking lot. There will be welcoming, loud staff members in place to guide you. You won’t miss it! If you’re parking and coming in? Great! Park on either side of the building, in the slots that you normally use. Picking up kiddos at the end of the day will be like always. Just know that everyone, Specialists, students, families- alike will all use the secured access from now on. Thank you for your patience with this security feature. We’ll all get used to this together, knowing we’re that much safer!

Silverwood Read 2 Ride Program is coming back to Home Link! Oh yes it is! Parents, please sign in and pick up information and reading logs at the DP library. For students K - 6th grade - the Reading Program runs until March 30th. That’s Spring Break…and it’s not as far off as it seems! Read, read, read, why, read about things that you can do on Spring Break!

Anyone know what Hygge is?? It’s Danish in meaning and urges taking time away from the daily rush to be together with those you love, and to relax in life’s quieter pleasures. Sounds restorative, doesn’t it? We can’t neglect the things that balance us, my friends— especially because the tyranny of the urgent often claims so much of our time. Things must get done, yes, but not always at the expense of those things that bring us back. In case anyone reading this needs to be reminded to celebrate the small joys in life…just remember the Danes say to make the atmosphere cozy-appealing and let the great unwind begin! Det er rigtigt! (Yes indeed! in Danish).

Have an exceptionally great week, dear ones, and throw a little hygge in the middle of it!

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MEMO – January 17 through 20, 2023

I heard a message yesterday, on Martin Luther King Day, that emphasized the need for kindness always. We were charged to look for kind acts happening around us: they exist, and are right there, before us. Amen, I say!

Second Semester begins! The first week on new classes is off and running- may students and Specialists alike revel in all that’s shared; it’s all gonna be great! And thank you, Schedulers, for all the last minute re-vamping that was necessitated this time around. Whew. Now. Should there be any desire for change of classes? This week, and next are in place for such re-arranging, if you like. Beginning with the week of January 30 - Feb 3, class schedules are set; no more shifting. Get it, got it, good???!

Morning drop-off of your kiddos, at the Deer Park site changes this week. No longer will anyone enter through the reception door near Connie’s desk. We are now utilizing the secured access on the west side of the building that flanks Main Street. It’s the more formal-looking entry near district Admin offices. To drop off your kiddos, please turn off of Main Street, onto Fifth, and into what we consider the back parking lot. There will be welcoming, loud staff members in place to guide you. You won’t miss it! If you’re parking and coming in? Great! Park in either side of the building, in the slots that you normally use. Picking up kiddos at the end of the day will be like always. Just know that everyone, Specialists, students, families- alike will all use the through the secured access from now on. Thank you for your patience with this security feature. We’ll all get used to this together-and feel that much safer!

There will be an information meeting THIS Wednesday, January 18, at 3:15pm in the Science Room Deer Park campus, dealing with vocational options open to your student for next year. We will be providing information about NewTech Skill Center, as well as vocational programs through Running Start. (In mid-March, we will have another meeting where we will be providing information about academic programs through Running Start.) If your child is at all interested in pursuing a vocational career and/or vocational training, we strongly suggest attending this meeting. If you are unable to attend or have questions, feel free to contact Rod Armbruster at 509 – 468 – 3315.

RELATEDLY! All 10^th or 11^th graders interested in attending NEWTech or at least those interested in checking out the facility and learning of all the options offered: NEWTech (Skill Center) Career Night is Thursday, January 26^th from 5:30 - 7 pm. You will meet the instructors, and take-in the various programs available. Such great opportunities, and, importantly, those students attending will receive early access to next fall’s 2023 application. Slots fill up and close in such a hurry…this is a leg up: be there!

Silverwood Read 2 Ride Program is coming back to Home Link! Parents, please sign in and pick up information and reading logs at the DP library. For students K - 6th grade - the Reading Program runs January 9th - March 30th.

Guess what’s due this Friday?? You got it- January’s Progress Reports- been thinking about them?? (They’re due, anyway!)

Below are some reflections of Martin Luther King, should you have an extra moment???

Happy week, dear ones, may this second semester be a grand one for you!!

What an extraordinary man Martin Luther King was…he showed the American people/ all people that we can fight battles without violence, but instead with compassion, love, and kindness. He continues to make an impact on people of all ages and backgrounds more than 50 yes after his death. Here are a few of Dr. King’s quotes on acceptance and kindness:

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”

“Those who are not looking for happiness are the most likely to find it, because those who are searching forget that the surest way to be happy is to seek happiness for others.”

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.”

“The time is always right to do what is right.”

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

“If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.”

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

“Not everybody can be famous but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service… You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.”

May we all keep kindness at the forefront of everything that we do. We may never know the impact, but do it anyway. After all, “The time is always right to do what is right.” M.L.K.

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MEMO-January 9-13, 2023

First! Reminder: no school next Monday, January 16, Martin Luther King Day.

Secondly! Class Registration week for second semester!

Please reread the front page of the second semester handout. The Schedulers bulleted key points to remember while preparing to register: vital to keep these points in mind!

You have noticed that our website/pencil page has altered a bit? The district made changes to each school’s website over the break (in compliance with a state ADA mandate). PLEASE go to our webpage and make sure you see the ALEx tab, and that you’re able to log in, PRIOR to the registration process. You don’t want to get caught off guard, now, if you’re planning to register online!

As you know, our Schedulers feel the class schedule may now be able to support an increase beyond five choices for our newest families. It’s true! How many? 7? Even more? That number will be determined after the majority of class registration is complete. S0 stay tuned, first-year folks, and we’ll give you specifics before this Friday’s Open Registration.

Join me in making a collective bow to the exceptional talents of our two schedulers; a very deep bow. We owe them so much! We also owe so much to this fall’s Specialists for the splendid classes they provided for our students- -first-rate opportunities, from the best of the best. Thank them this week, won’t you?

Silverwood Read 2 Ride Program is coming back to Home Link! Parents, please sign in and pick up information and reading logs at the DP library. For students K - 6th grade - the Reading Program runs January 9th - March 30th.

Getting a little tired of the ice and rain? Uh huh! Remember Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and James and the Giant Peach? Well, these books’ author, Ronald Dahl, said this about January:

If I had my way, I would remove January from the calendar altogether and have an extra July instead.

Love that whimsy of his, and bring it, I say!

Here’s to a marvelous week, folks- may the scheduling process be smooth and most satisfying to all!

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LAAAST week of the school year! It’s a short ride; hop on! Let’s go, Rudolph!

UGLY SWEATER WEEK is NOW!! It’s ON this week, December 14-16. Prizes (yes, it’s a contest!) will be awarded at lunchtime. YOU game for the fun???! Thanks, mighty participants!!

CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR is THIS WEDNESDAY! The wonders that you will behold are all through the crafty hands and minds of our 6^th through 12^th graders. Come take in their talents, shop a little and support these dear ones of ours! Thanks ahead of time to you! The Fair will be located in the Training Center at the Deer Park campus from 10 am through 3 pm. Why, something perfect for you awaits!

ALSO, this is the FINAL week of the Christmas Auction. Make a final swing through the items, re-bid for your favorites, and don’t miss that raffle for the lovely quilt! The money we raise will bless a Home Link family. A million thanks!

What did one plate say to the other?? Lunch is on me! With that very sentiment in mind, PLEASE come to my office for a snack this week; won’t you? Grab a cup of coffee, and something to munch, and bless the room with your happy face!

Remember that Home Link is offering ASVAB testing this Friday, Dec. 17, 9 am, in the Deer Park Computer Lab. Don’t miss this opportunity.

THANK YOUS and CUDOS(!!) to our Drama students who presented Treasure Island this past weekend. The cast had their audiences engaged and clapping and thoroughly enjoying the production and student achievement – wonderful job by all! Special thanks to Rachel Horner, who stepped into the director role, was the picture of encouragement to her students, re-wrote the script and brought forth great actors for our enjoyment. YOU are a sweet marvel, Rachel – hats off to you!

With only a few weeks left in 2021, I so thank you for all the smiles and sweet spirit you’ve brought to this fall…one of my best memories was an after-school moment. Our younger kiddos were waiting outside for their parents. An active running/tagging kind of game had resulted in a young kindergartener being tagged a little too enthusiastically. She began to cry, and looked immediately for her (slightly) older brother. He opened his arms, and she clung to him, her arms wrapped totally around him. And there they stood; she crying and clinging, and he, holding tightly and shuuushing. It was as sweet as it was spontaneous. You. Your special families. You model the ways to care for one another, you encourage, and your kids demonstrate the love they have been shown. THAT is the most vital education of all. What a privilege to witness your childrens’ hearts…glorious!

Merry Christmas, ALL!! Have a wonderful break – we’ll see you next year!

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It’s DECEMBER! Whoa, it’s come quickly! Another holiday will be here in no time -and the countdown is on, among our kids! Many folks already have their Christmas trees…a snowy white covers the ground… outside lights bring a glow that’s festive and inviting…and this very setting begs THIS question:

Does every Hallmark movie have the same plot?

Yes.

Am I still going to watch them and act surprised when Susan falls in love with the small time baker who only wears sweaters instead of falling for the big city CEO?

Yes.

Well, we’ve covered THAT about this season! Now it’s on to a few other things!

Drama Performance!! IT’S THIS WEEK…December 10th and 11; show times are 3:00pm and 6:30pm at the Deer Park High School Theater. Our Drama Department is taking you on a journey to “Treasure Island." There will be a total of four performances; two on Friday, and two on Saturday (again, at 3 pm and 6:30 pm respectively). YOU coming?! Of course! Tickets are required for all shows BUT the tickets are free and are available at the front desk. Ask Connie!

CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR is WEDNESDAY, next week! WHAT, oh what, will our 6th through 12th graders be contributing to the success of this event? They’re the whole enchilada – it’s all about their talents and wares. Can’t wait to see the variety of what they present! That’s Wednesday, December 15th, from 10 am through 3:30 pm. located in the Training Center, at the D.P. site. If there are any last minute entries, please let us know pronto, so we can reserve your spot! Fill out the application form which is on the back of the informational fliers, and turn it in to Tracy Tobeck’s teacher’s box, in the D.P. Reception area. The entire Christmas Fair is happening compliments of our 6-12 graders – come out and support them!

December’s Christmas Auction is in its final two weeks! You may still contribute - the donated items range from holiday ornaments to festive crafts and decor. There’s even a raffle for a beautiful quilt! Come in and survey the items…we’re raising money to bless a Home Link family. We’d love your help! THANKS!

The UGLY SWEATER CONTEST is NEXT week, during our last week of classes, December 14-16. Oh it’ll be sumpin!! Prizes will be awarded during each day’s lunch, each campus, for the Ugliest Sweaters. YOU game??? Thanks ahead of time for participating!

Lastly, remember that Home Link will be offering ASVAB testing on Friday, Dec. 17 in the Deer Park Computer Lab. That’s the final day before Christmas break- but an important opportunity for some juniors and seniors.

As you find yourselves immersed in the busyness of the season and the inherent time conflicts that arise … remember it might just be that our greatest contribution to this world isn’t something we do, but someone we raise. What a beautiful, leveling realization. So! Go focus on your ‘someone’s, and know that your true gifts are already before you.

Have a great week, dear ones!

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MEMO - Nov. 29 through Dec. 3, 2021

Were YOUR last five days jammed with food and leftovers and family and naps and games and decorating and food and leftovers and family and naps and games and…multiple delights on repeat?? Something! Can you believe we’ll do this all over again in less than four weeks?? Goodness gracious; I repeat, goodness gracious!

Start planning for the Ugly Sweater Contest, being held during our last week of classes, December 14-16. Oh it’ll be sumpin!! Prizes will be awarded, during each day’s lunch, each campus, for the Ugliest Sweaters. YOU game??? Thanks ahead of time for participating!

Tenth and Eleventh graders-don’t forget ‘Welcome Wednesdays’ at the Skills Center either this Friday, December 3, or the following Wednesday, Dec 8. Visit classes, and take-in all the Skills Center offers. Remember that you can apply NOW for courses offered second semester.

PLEASE do remember that Home Link will be running ASVAB testing on Friday, Dec. 17 in the Deer Park Computer Lab. That’s the final day before Christmas break- but an important opportunity for some juniors and seniors.

Drama Performance!! December 10th and 11; show times are 3:00pm and 6:30pm at the Deer Park High School Theater. Our Drama Department is taking you on a journey to “Treasure Island." There will be four performances (again, Friday the 10th and Saturday the 11th at 3:00 and 6:30 pm). You coming?! Of course! Tickets are required for all shows BUT the tickets are free and are available at the front desk. Ask Connie!

WHAT, oh what, will our 6th through 12th graders be contributing to the Christmas Craft Fair?? Can’t wait to see the showcase of talent! It will be held next month, on Wednesday, December 15th, from 10 am through 3:30 pm. The Fair will be at the Deer Park site, in the Training Center. Please share your desire to participate, so we can reserve your spot! Fill out the application form, which is on the back of the fliers, and turn it in to Tracy Tobeck’s teacher’s box, in the D.P. reception area. The entire Christmas Fair centers on our6-12 graders, and they’re totally up to it!

As you know, December’s Christmas Auction is ongoing! If you’d like to contribute (PLEASE DO!!) the donated items may range from ornaments to crafts. There’s even a raffle for a quilt! Come in and survey the items…we’re raising money to bless a Home Link family. We’d love your help! Bring your contributions to D.P. site. THANKS!

I found this on my desk – whomever left it knew that I’d get a chuckle from it, as will you!

Dear Lord,

So far today, I’ve done all right.

I haven’t gossiped,

Haven’t lost my temper,

Haven’t been greedy,

Grumpy, nasty, selfish, or overindulgent.

I’m really glad about that.

But, in a few minutes, God, I’m going to get out of bed, and from then on I am going to need a lot more help!

Thank you, Lord, and Amen

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Picture a bulbous cow. You’re looking at her front-on, her doe-eyes looking at yours, her ears raised, a slight bit of grass dangling from her mouth and the ever-rounded sides of her belly in your field of vision. Now, let me share these liberating words with you…PROOF! Eating salad all day does NOT make you skinny. HaHaHa! I say GO, conscience-free and make your plans for next week’s scrumptious feast! PS: Don’t even bother with a salad!

YESIRREE, we do have classes next week. We’ll have our regularly scheduled classes on Monday and Tuesday. Then, Wednesday, classes will be held in the morning, ONLY. You, my friends whose children take Wednesday classes, will have your chariots poised to pick up your children at your morning site at noon, engine revved and ready to race home to start peeling those potatoes for the smashing and mashing that must happen to transform them into readiness for the.. GRAVY. Ahhh. And it all starts by being at school, on time, for your beloveds! RIGHT???!!

There are two remaining ‘Welcome Wednesdays’ at the Skills Center for you/and a son or daughter to choose from, if you’d like to visit classes, and take-in all the Skills center offers. The first is Friday, Dec 3, or that following Wednesday, Dec 8. Home Link students do extremely well, and leave high school with marketable skills and confidence. You can’t beat it! And, drum roll…yes, students can be applying NOW to attend the Skills center second semester.

We are offering the ASVAB test for our high school juniors and seniors on Dec 17^th. Interested?! Good! Contact your Consultant, please!

Anybody thinking about progress reports???????????????????????

Will there be a Christmas Auction this year?? You bet! It will be in December, and Kathy Starr asks that you start your wheels a’ turnin now! Auction items are of a donated variety…from paintings to ornaments, from quilts to crafts. These are items that you can part with, that will help us raise money which will bless a Home Link family. Interested?? Ok, then! Kathy says that we’ll accept contributions anytime. THANKS, folks!

We are building a closet… we actually have socks and shoes shirts and jackets, and water bottles and much more in our Lost and Found. (Christmas shopping?)

What a month to be thankful! As we crescendo towards the holiday and experience the lift it brings to celebrate the joy of where we live, and with whom…may it all be savored with humility and a spirit of gratitude.

Norman Rockwell's Turkey Feast Is a Thanksgiving Touchstone—Here Are 3 Things You Might Not Know About 'Freedom From Want'

Norman Rockwell’s painting of Thanksgiving always captures it best for me…gosh, we’re a fortunate people! Have a rip-roaring good and thankful week, my friends.

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YOOOHOOO! PLEASE REMEMBER, we have NO school this Thursday, Nov11, VETERANS’ DAY

Also – while mentioning November dates, in 2 weeks, during Thanksgiving week, as always, Home Link will have regularly scheduled classes on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday MORNING, only. At noon, we turn into pumpkins who must shop and prepare for the next day’s feast. Children who are forgotten by their parents will be allowed to forage and find enough leftovers in our kitchen refrigerators for the 4 ½ day break. We have couches, two blankets in my office, and tapes for the TV’s. Many changes of clothing are possible through our Lost and Found. Also some writing prompts on ‘My loneliest Thanksgiving ever.’ All the essentials!

We have surplused textbooks available, if families would like to have them. Here are a few for starters!

Exploring Creation with General Science/Solutions - Apologia - 2004

Exploring Creation with Physical Science/Solutions - Apologia - 2000

Exploring Creation with Biology/Solutions - Apologia - 2000

Biology - Prentice Hall - 2008

America, Pathways to the Present - Prentice Hall - 2003

Washington: A State of Contrasts - Dale Lambert – 2001

TOMORROW, Nov 10, there is a free hands-on Career Fair, in the Construction Industry. This is a community event for all ages, about operating equipment and using power tools. Thirty different Construction companies will be represented. Interested? It will be at Mead High School; 5 pm -till 8 pm.

Hey now, is anyone is interested in the Skills Center? There are three ‘Welcome Wednesdays’ for you to choose from, goooooo visit the Skills Center and take-in the variety of what’s offered. These opportunities are THIS Wed, Nov 10; then Dec 3; lastly, Dec 8. And, drum roll…yes, students CAN apply now to attend THIS second semester. DO IT!

Will there be a Christmas Auction this year?? You bet! It will be in December, and Kathy Starr asks that you start your wheels a’ turnin now! Auction items are of a donated variety…from paintings to ornaments, from quilts to crafts. These are items that you can part with, that will help us raise money which will bless a Home Link family. Interested?? Ok, then! Kathy says that we’ll accept contributions anytime. THANKS, folks!

We are building a closet… we actually have socks and shoes shirts and jackets, and water bottles and much more in our Lost and Found- you might give it a once-over, and find your own take-away. PLEASE!

If you’re looking for a stand-out beautiful book about Thanksgiving- The First Thanksgiving, by Jean Craighouse George (Julie of the Wolves and My Side of the Mountain) and Thomas Locker, stunning illustrator. The book shares that the Pilgrims called the celebration the Harvest Feast. The Pawtuxet Indians thought of it as the Green Corn Dance. BUT the first Thanksgiving was much more than that, and Thomas Locker’s oil paintings bring beauty to every page. Perhaps you all have a favorite Thanksgiving book? Bring it out, and enjoy afresh! Isn’t that what this holiday is all about… gathering together amid family traditions in a country unlike any other. BLESSED, are we!

Can any of you figure this out?? Aubrey Longley presented this riddle to me; I’m stumped!

I’m going on a camping trip. I can bring with me: an apple, and sodium, titanium, a dog, a fish, and a bird. Hint: it’s a pattern. Ummm, thank you!!

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Man! The temperature has taken a nose dive, hasn’t it?! Better be breaking out your cozy sweaters/scarves//hats/boots because fall season is in full swing which means it’s time to eat pumpkin flavored everything! Plus, should you feel like sleeping instead of showering and want to wear a winter hat all day and call it fashion – go for it! ‘Tis the season!

And don’t forget – there’s a time change this weekend – we ‘fall’ baaaaack an hour.

We have surplused textbooks available, if families would like to have them. Here are a few for starters!

Exploring Creation with General Science/Solutions - Apologia - 2004

Exploring Creation with Physical Science/Solutions - Apologia - 2000

Exploring Creation with Biology/Solutions - Apologia - 2000

Biology - Prentice Hall - 2008

America, Pathways to the Present - Prentice Hall - 2003

Washington: A State of Contrasts - Dale Lambert – 2001

Speaking of curricula – our MOBIUS orders are in, PLUS we have many extras…ifins you’d like, come grab a few for these November days. Check with MaryLou at the D.P .campus. Kiwi and Mel Science orders will arrive in 2 weeks.

Need a quick smile? Share the following riddles with your children:

What is something that belongs only to you, but your friends use it more than you do!???

What are two things you can never eat for breakfast???

Will there be a Christmas Auction this year?? You bet! It will be in December, and Kathy Starr asks that you start your wheels a’ turnin now! Auction items are of a donated variety…from paintings to ornaments, from quilts to crafts. These are items that you can part with, that will help us raise money which will bless a Home Link family. Interested?? Ok, then! Kathy says that we’ll accept contributions anytime. THANKS, folks!

There are 202 pairs of happy feet! THANKS to all of you! Socktober produced warm, heavy socks galore for the homeless…80 pairs of socks will be delivered to Crosswalk; and 61 pairs of socks will be given to Blessings under the Bridge. Aren’t you something??! (There are also 6 pairs of gloves, and 3 toasty hats for good measure!) MUCH generosity = much good!

We actually have socks, and shoes and jackets, and water bottles and much more in our Lost and Found- you might give it a once-over, and find your own take-aways

Home Link Junior, Johnny Brooks is representing Newport this Saturday, competing in the Cross Country State Championship for division 1A. CONGRATULATIONS to him! What a personal accomplishment- go like the wind, JD!

My heart sang some wonderful lyrics yesterday: “I see the evidence of your goodness…all over my life, all over my life.” Look for that goodness, my friends. Truly? It IS all over your life, all over your life. Go forth into this week, each of you; may it be a bountiful time of goodness!

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Final week in October- whaaa???! Hope you’re enjoying some bonfires, brisk walks, splitting wood, pumpkin lattes, flannel shirts, the tipping point of autumn’s colors…why, it’s fall harvest at its best!

October’s Progress Reports –help us harvest those as well, ok???!

Some final honorees will receive the Character trait of POSITIVE ATTITUDE this week. We have so many students with encouraging, upbeat attitudes – how we love their good cheer. ‘He who looks for good, finds good will.’ These kids are wise beyond their age…and it’s such a brighter world because of them!

thanks for remembering that there’s only one entrance door at the deer park and clayton sites. when students come through those doors – if they’re late, we continue to ask they stop main desk so know among us. otherwise, absent in system - can’t have that!

The winners in the Pumpkin Decorating Contest (extraordinary efforts!! 65 stunningly clever entries, by the way!) are as follows – in the K – 2 group: Emerson Brittain (The green stem fire-breathing Dumpkin!) in the 3 – 5 grade grouping: Colton Birky (Quill and Hedge, the candy corn hedgehogs!) and in the 6-8 grade category: Joeli Thomas (Movie theater night popcorn !) lastly the 9-12 grouping was Brooke House (Charlie Brown Pumpkin Patch!) The winner in the best overall; Maddy Birky (The ultimate cheese burger, with cocoa Krispy patty, fondant lettuce, cheese and tomato with tic tac sesame seeds!) Whooeeee - The Charity Never Fails class did such a fantastic job in selecting this contest, and managing it – our grateful thanks! To each parent, staff and student who voted – whew, you know how challenging these contests were. And to all who beautified and slaved over their unique creations??? Enormous THANKS for participating!! Come pick up those most wondrous creations no later than this Thursday, Oct 28^thbecause some are starting to ooze!

I’ve been incredibly impressed with your responses to SOCKTOBER – wow, what a great outreach of warmth you’ve brought to those who are homeless. Our onsite collection sites for these new socks - boxes with balloons spotlighting where to drop off contributions at each campus is getting full and ready to be shared. Remembering that socks are the number one need of those who’ve very little to call their own- we say THANK YOU for your kindness and empathy for many among us. You have terrific hearts!

MOBIUS orders are in – plus we have many extras – would you like to grab a few for these rainy days?? Sure! Hurry our way – check with MaryLou at the D.P .campus. Kiwi and Mel Science orders will arrive in 2 weeks.

Psssst: We’re considering adding a Math support lab(s) next semester- these would be limited to a maximum of four students per session. Is this of interest/need? Please mention to your Consultant.

Way back when, well, actually it was in 1969, I read a just-published novel, ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.’ It was something. On the heels of the tumultuous 60’s, it was really something. Maya Angelou’s first book. Here are some later words, I bet you know many of them, written in a letter to her daughter: “I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life. I’ve learned that making a ‘living’ is not the same thing as making a ‘life.’ I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one. I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn. I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Pretty beautiful, isn’t it. In that same spirit, may I say thank you for the way each of YOU makes me feel. Like I’m the luckiest person on earth! I am! Have a good week, dear ones.

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Aren’t the colors of the world around us just a visual pallet of goodness? There’s a striking burnt orange-red color that accents all the gold (bet you’ve noticed!)… ‘tis is the perfect backdrop for a Robert Louis Stevenson poem called Autumn Fires:

In the other gardens, And all up the vale,

From the autumn bonfires See the smoke trail!

Pleasant summer over And all the summer flowers,

the red fire blazes, the gray smoke towers.

>span>Sing a song of seasons! Something bright in all!

Flowers in the summer, Fires in the fall!

A wide-eyed five-year-old repeated the poem to me multiple times this past week, pleased as punch with herself! YOU have a little one who might like to ‘perform’ and wow people??? You’re welcome!

Progress Reports are due THIS WEDNESDAY…whyyyy, I bet none of you are even thinking of such! But thanks for getting on it!

Yes, that tremendous Character trait for October is POSITIVE ATTITUDE. Such students see the best in each person and situation – they are cheerful, joyful and thankful for all that each day brings. Don’t you just love them??! They make the world go round! A big thank you ahead of time, to each of the students selected for this character trait!!

Remember… ONE entrance at Clayton, and DP Home Link; please don’t use the Administration door!

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! (WHO, oh who, remembers this cast of characters??? Charlie Brown, Sally Brown, Franklin, Frieda, the little Red-Haired Girl, Marcie, Peppermint Patty, Pig-Pen, Schroeder, Shermy, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy, Rerun, Violet, Woodstock??) Well, they’d ALL be so proud of our Pumpkin Decorating Contest, sponsored by the Charity Never Fails class. And this is the final week! both your child’s entry form, and his her beautifully decorated pumpkin (not carved!!) must be dropped off at either deer park, or clayton campus no later than this thursday, oct 21st. this is the final week! both your child’s entry form, and his her beautifully decorated pumpkin (not carved!!) must be dropped off at either deer park, or clayton campus no later than this thursday, oct 21st. >span>All of the participating entries will be judged on Oct 22nd.The categories are by grade: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Be creative and have a ball with this! The judging for the best overall pumpkin in each grade category will be through both student/staff voting – THANKS for participating!!

Did you pick up an extra couple pairs of socks on your way out of any stores this past week?? There’s still another week to participate in SOCKTOBER – this is a great outreach of warmth for those who are homeless. Did you know socks are the number one need of those who’ve very little to call their own? We have onsite collection sites for these new socks - each campus has a box with balloons spotlighting where to drop off contributions you feel led to bring! And thank you! One of our new Consultants, Paulette Hines is spearheading this outreach, and is an enthusiastic proponent of the need, and the gratitude it brings…you gots questions?? Paulette’s gots answers!

Psssst: We’re considering adding a Math support lab(s) next semester- these would be limited to a maximum of four students per session. Is this of interest/need? Please mention to your Consultant.

HOW TO STAY ON TOP OF LAUNDRY WHEN YOU HAVE TWO CHILDREN OR MORE?

You can’t
Find a new dream

HaHaHAAAA

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