To Pam Allan (our awesome field trip driver coordinator), Wendy Buscaglia, Cal Dalrymple, Cathy Dial, Leesa Gendel, and Marina Obukhov: Thank you! Not only did you make sure we got out to the Barboni Ranch and back to Rancho, you did a wonderful job of helping and supervising students as they planted trees. We could not have done it without you. Despite a cold start (What water there was in the creek was covered by a layer of ice when we arrived!), the students, with Mrs. Dees' class, planted 65 native trees! The Bay Institute's S.T.R.A.W. staff, as always, were so organized and helpful that students were trained and hard at work right away. It was wonderful to see how seriously the students took the work. Students were enthusiastic and wonderfully diligent and energetic. They cooperated well in their teams, and carefully followed directions for planting each plant. They also got to experience water in a new way--I hope you got to hear about it! Not only will their work help prevent soil erosion and improve water quality in and around the creek, it will also help provide habitat for the wildlife in this ecosystem. I am very proud of the work that they did. This was the perfect culminating activity for our science unit on the environment.

Our wonderful room parents, Amy Sullivan and Kristin Van Weele, have sent out an email about our December holiday party (Friday, Dec. 18 1:45-2:50 P.M.). I'm hoping that everyone will be able to tap into the spirit of the season and contribute something that we can donate to Homeward Bound. The list of appropriate/requested items is in their email. It would be great if each student brought in a new pair of socks (or package of new socks), or any other item from the list that fits for your family. This is an entirely optional activity.

There have been reports that some of the students of room 11 have been using inappropriate language. I have not personally witnessed it, but I consider this a serious issue and would love for each family to have a chat about what is appropriate language and what is not. Swearing, of course, is always inappropriate. Saying hurtful things or teasing others is also inappropriate. The consequences for inappropriate language can be severe and can include suspension. At this point, I do not think it is a big problem, but the fact that it may be happening at all is disturbing. I know I can count on all the families of room 11 to help students understand what is acceptable and the consequences for unacceptable behavior. If you have any specific concerns, please contact me.

I know December can be a busy month (With children, is there ever a month that doesn't seem busy?), but it is still very important for students to get a good night's sleep every night. When students can hardly keep their eyes open and yawn throughout the day, it is hard for them to do their best work or learn effectively. Please help your child make the most of each school day by giving them the gift of enough sleep.

Enjoy the weekend!