Christmas is right around the corner. As a service project, we are collecting money for Heifer International in an attempt to purchase an animal for a destitute family. Please ask your child for the letter sent home on Nov. 30th for details. No donation is too small! Christmas break will begin with early dismissal on December 18th! Classes resume on Monday, January 4, 2010. All of my reading students are required to read and take tests on a minimum of 2 Reading Counts books per 9 week term. The minimal level is 5 points and 5th grade lists. A new addition at the recommendation of our librarian - if a book is 8 points or higher, the level may drop down to 4. Five points extra credit will be awarded for each book passed with a grade of 80% or higher over the required two books. There are lots of wonderful books available so everyone can find something of interest. Parents, I know how busy life gets, but please encourage your child to read and take some time to read with them if at all possible. Research has proven that the best readers are those who read and are read to at home with their families. HAPPY READING! " AVID READERS CONCENTRATE BETTER, ARE STRONGER WRITERS, LEARN NEW THINGS WITH LESS EFFORT, SCORE HIGHER ON STANDARDIZED TESTS, AND ENJOY LEARNING MORE! " PICTURE SCHEDULE: 3.10.10 Spring Individual, Class Groups, Softball, Clubs