S.O.A.R. NEWSLETTER
MAY 22, 2008
by Debbie Fischgrabe
May 21, 2008
S.O.A.R. Program
Putnam Co. R-I School District
Newsletter – May 22, 2008
WEBSITE INFORMATION
I would like to remind each of you that the S.O.A.R. Newsletter and other pertinent information regarding enrollment, future field trips, etc. may be found on the school website at www.putnamcountyr1.net. The video that the students did on bullying may be viewed there also. I hope that you will be able to take advantage of this communication resource and that it will keep you continually updated on activities and events.
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
As a well-known, golden oldie song from the past reminds us, “school’s out for the summer,” and with the completion of the school year, we all realize we are merely turning to the next chapter in our children’s book of life. I’m sure most of you have exciting plans for the summer—be it ballgames, trips with family or some much-needed “down” time with your children. I trust that you have had the opportunity to enroll your children in the S.O.A.R. summer program. If you need an application or have additional questions or need further information, you may contact my office at 947-3361, ext. 392.
FIELD TRIP TO KIRKSVILLE AQUATIC CENTER ON JUNE 7, 2008
I have received field trip permission forms from the following students who will be attending the S.O.A.R. Field Trip on June 7, 2008:
Delaney M., Brylie P., Mallory S., Dawson F., Alaina S., Sabryna S., Tanner B., Tony B., Dylan M., Dylan B., Kolby R., Hunter C., Tristan M., Curtis B., Shaylin B., Masey B., Justin W., Ulysses B., Mary B., Shelbi F., Dominic S., Cory M., Nash R., Cameron S., Ashley C., Jamie T., Megan T., Ariel P., Jill L., Chloe T., Payne P.,
And Brandon M.
Tickets were ordered based on the permission slips that were turned in. If your child’s permission slip was turned in late, a ticket was not purchased for them. If your child was unable to attend this outing, perhaps they will be able to take part in future field trips.
The students will have lunch at the Pizza Hut that day and will visit the Dairy Queen after their swimming time at the Aquatic Center. The bus will be back at the Education Building with your children at 4:00 p.m. Someone will have to sign your child out so be sure that whoever meets the bus is authorized to sign them out. We appreciate your help with this to alleviate any confusion on that day.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS WEEK
The S.O.A.R. students have had a unit of study on manners this week. They have discussed good manners in general as well as the importance of good table manners. Ms. LeAnn had the girls make corsages and the boys made wrapping paper ties to “spruce” up the atmosphere when practicing good table manners.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Another field trip has been planned for Monday, June 23rd. The students will be boarding a bus that day after the regular summer school day and travel to Centerville, Iowa to go bowling. The students will eat supper at McDonald’s. I hope that all of our summer enrollees will be able to attend this fun activity. I will provide more information regarding this field trip in the weeks to come.
SUMMER ENROLLMENT
All students are encouraged to join in on the summer activities that have been planned for the S.O.A.R. Program. The following should help to answer any questions that you may have concerning the summer program. Please feel free to contact me should you have questions or need additional information regarding summer enrollment.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Looking back on my childhood, I remember the last day of school. There was always a knot in my tummy as I knew I wouldn’t be seeing my friends on a daily basis at school, yet there was an uneasiness or giddiness about the freedom that came with summer vacation.
I remember fishing early in the morning with my grandpa—a true exercise in self control—as we were instructed that “the fish wouldn’t bite if we made any noise.” I never could understand how the ‘catch of the day’ went unaffected by the familiar chorus of the bullfrogs yet was so easily distracted by the noise on the pond bank.
I remember how my sisters and I would pick clover--tying the stems end-to-end in long clover chains. Oftentimes, we would hang them on grandmother’s clothesline using the meager remains (from leftover school supplies) from our Prang watercolor paint boxes, to paint the clover heads. While the paint was drying I had the wonderful opportunity to read a few chapters of a favorite book; rest in the gigantic hammock, anchored between big maples; or lie on my back, looking to the clouds for inspiration. Time sort of stood still—or at least the lazy days of summer appeared to move at a much slower pace than the days of the other seasons.
I remember the earthy smell of the rich, black dirt that we tilled and hoed and watered to urge growth from the array of seeds that lovingly were planted in hopes of yielding juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, and watermelon. And, of course, the strawberry patch provided the very best summer desserts!
Summer evenings were filled with riding our bicycles, roasting marshmallows over a campfire, and catching the elusive fireflies before heading for the bathtub and getting ready for bed.
My summers were filled with lessons to pique the senses. The smells, sights, tastes, and sounds are as vivid in my mind’s eye today as they were in the years of my youth. Looking back, I realize that I have many moments that I hold near and dear to my heart. The events—moments--were not planned and certainly were not special, but they have become very special in my heart.
Treasure the ‘moments’ that you spend from each day with your children. Who knows what will be special to them when they are adults.
Enjoy your summer! Thanks for your input, cooperation and encouragement throughout this school year. We’ve enjoyed working with your children and getting to know each of you. Have a wonderful summer!
Ms. Debbie, Ms. LeAnn, Mr. Reed, Ms. Nellie and Ms. Elladean
