MONTH OF JANAURY, 2008

Mrs. Marcel Hall, Principal Mr. Benjamin Mertes, Assistant Principal

Mrs. Diann Cupid, Administrative Secretary Mrs. Mia Lewis, Front Office Secretary

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

“We cannot always control what happens to us, but we can control how we react,

if we think first before acting”

“Of all the forces that make for a better world, none is so indispensable, none so powerful, as hope without hope we are only half alive. With hope we never cease to believe in the possibilities of what could be.” This quote was written by Charles Sawyer.

Happy New Year to the Randallstown Elementary School community! A New Year brings new beginnings for some and for others the continuation of those things we need. A new year is also the opportunity to reflect on these things that should be changed. But most important a new year is a time to be thankful for the opportunity that each of us has to lift someone else up! Through the American Student Fund Character Traits Program, our students are encouraged to display those characteristics that would inspire others and themselves. The value of one’s character is determined by one’s attitude, decisions and reasons for making the decisions. As we begin the second half of 2007-2008 school year, we do so with the hope that all of the families of our school community will join hands to say, “We will be victorious, We will hold fast to our dreams of a better world, and We will live each day with integrity, empathy and compassion.” It is our children who will reap the benefits from the seeds we plant. Let us plant seeds of hope, joy and love for one another. As we reflect on the words of our students, it is evident that they do know the importance of positive character, good choices and positive thinking.

FROM THE MOUTHS OF BABES

“Diligence means to me to not give up and to believe I what you are doing. If you are playing a game and you’re losing don’t give up. Believe in yourself and before you know it you may win. That is what diligence means to me.” Joshua McNair

“Confidence means to believe in yourself. When you think you need to give up and don’t have faith in yourself. For example, if there is a contest that you lose, don’t give up. Remember you tried your best. Plus, there will be other contests that you may win.” Aniya Towe

“The Golden Rule is when you treat someone the way you want to be treated. The Golden Rule means to me that you respect someone. For example, I respected another boy’s feelings and then be respected my feelings and we became friends.” Jonathan Sembly

“Determination means to me that if you’re happy about getting something done you’ll do whatever it takes to reach your goal. For example, my family showed determination in getting the highest fundraiser orders. We worked hard but we enjoyed selling the cakes and pizzas.” Kyle Stokes

“For me Self-control means to take over my behavior. For example, when I get in trouble and my brother is laughing at me I want to hit him but I use self control. When you use self control it’s safer. This is what self control means to me.” Haven Evans

“Responsibility means to me to take care of something. For example, I take care of my room by cleaning it. When I am responsible I have a better place to play in.” Matthew Lewis

“Loyalty is being trustworthy to a friend, relative, or anyone. For example, my dad wants me to tell the truth and almost do anything for him. By doing what he says and more I am showing loyalty to him. This is what loyalty means to me.” Emmanuel Olaleye

Something to Get Excited About!!

Reflections from 2007

Kids Helping Kids, Change For change and Canned Food Drive

We wish to extend our sincere appreciation to all of those who contributed donations for this cause. More than $500.00 in change was collected. We also collected more than 775 canned food items for the Harvest for the Hungry Food Bank Program. Thank you to Mr. Hess and Mrs Amy Wood for coordinating these events.

Toy Drive-Rehoboth International Church

We wish to extend our gratitude to those who donated toys to this worthy community cause.

Winter Concert – Band & Chorus

Congratulations to all of the fifth grade students who performed in the Winter Concert. A special thank you goes out to Ms. Karen Seward and Ms. Nicole Vincent for planning this annual event.

Gateway Park Lighting of the Community Tree – November 30th

We wish to thank all of the students, parents and teachers who attended this community event. Under the guidance of Ms. Vincent, our fifth grade students performed holiday selections to make this a joyous occasion. The Gate Way Park has a fountain, benches and beautiful trees. It adds a special touch to the Randallstown Community. Our students also participated in the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the park that was held on November 15^th. James Smith County Executive and Councilman Oliver complimented our students as positive representatives of our school community.

100 Book Challenge School-wide Program

Congratulations to the many students who have achieved 100 steps which is equivalent to reading 100 books. Medals have been distributed as well as incentives to encourage other students. We would also like to commend those students who have read more than 300 books. Remember, you can read a book anywhere and it doesn’t have to be a long one, but an appropriate one for your age and level. Keep Reading!

Scholastic Book Library Fundraiser

We wish to express our appreciation for your support of this annual event. A percentage of the proceeds will go towards purchasing books for classrooms, the library, and book shelves.

Calendar Updates and Events

January 2^nd Schools Reopen

January 8^th PTA Executive Board Meeting 7:00 p.m.

January 10^th 100 Year Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m.

January 15^th Martin Luther King’s Birthday – Assembly 10:00 a.m.

January 18^th Black SAGA In-School competition 2:00 p.m.

January 21^st Schools Closed for Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday

January 24^th Parents Supporting Parents to Help Male Students Succeed

Part II: Next Steps 7:00 p.m.

January 29^th Grade 5 Parents End of Year Activities Planning Committee Meeting

7:00 p.m.

Reminders For Parents

· Always check the lost and found for lost items

· Do not drop off students in the bus loop during arrival and dismissal times

· Please do not drop students off before 8:45 a.m. (unless they are having breakfast). There is no supervision for the students before that time.

· Keep students lunch account updated monthly

· Keep students emergency information updated

· Cell phones for students are not permitted in school

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