December 14, 2009 – Day #3

Dear Parents,

What a marvel technology is.  Today we send you a clip from the magnificent choral concert – elementary and advanced choir – from Thursday night. This was placed on Sietske Noshie’s blog for immediate enjoyment and transmission. I am in awe of the writing opportunity and writing that blogs have supported in student learning. Daily we are invested in some aspect of creating and learning with technology.

It is monitored and controlled!

Technology can be dangerous. There appears to be no limits if not monitored and controlled. Face book is an ongoing device of bullying and harassment. (It is not alone, but it is my concern today in this letter.) Wicked words and nasty language is being communicated by and to the most innocent of children.  I use the word children here purposely. Parents have agreed to the lie that their child is 13 and above when they allow younger children to join. Difficult to understand this willingness, but more disturbing is not then monitoring and controlling.

I beg you.  Take notice. Understand the risks. Look at the option of privacy, a must for children.  And be able to access your child’s account, and then do so regularly.

Face book can be a marvelous social tool. I enjoy mine on a limited basis – but enjoy I do.  I exercise the greatest caution and I never, never befriend children and invite or accept students to mine.   Teachers must not be doing this.

I end with the gladness of the season.  I wish you a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and a beautiful holiday.

Sincerely,

Geri Branch

Announcements:

WINTER CARNIVAL AT SCHOOL TODAY.  The beautifully decorated and organized Carnival for Saturday had to be canceled due to the rain and flooding. It sits all ready to go. So much work and positive energy has gone into it, not to mention the disappointment of children that the parent committee, Mrs. Hutchison and I decided to take the children in shifts to the Carnival today.  Every student will get to go.  Very important that we now request donations. There is cost to producing these events.  The door entrance fee to the Carnival on Saturday would have met those expenses.  Now we have to ask.  Please send a donation of 5,000LL to school tomorrow to defray the costs. And we greatly thank you. (I have offered a small form at the end of this letter to include.)

EARLY RELEASE ON THURSDAY. On this final day before the vacation begins, the entire ACS school will release students at 12:00 noon.

NO PURCHASED GIFTING POLICY.  Just a gentle reminder that the new policy needs to be followed by everyone. Homemade cards and simple gifts are the option that captures the real spirit of the season.  Thank you.

THURSDAY’S ASSEMBLY – I greatly regret the lack of space that allows parents to attend assemblies.

Monday, Dec. 14                                            Winter Carnival for all children

THURSDAY, Dec. 17     12:00               EARLY RELEASE                  

Last day of school before Winter Break

Dec. 18 – Jan 6                                               Winter Break

Thursday, Jan. 7                                              Classes Resume

Monday, Jan. 11                     8:00                 Parent Coordinators

Thursday, Jan. 21                    8:00                 Parent Coffee

Friday, Jan. 22                         6:30                 Family Folk Dance