• Thank you to everyone who volunteered to drive for our field trip on Thursday.  We actually have more spaces than students, so some drivers may only have their own child in the car.  If you decide you want to team up with another parent and carpool, let me know and I will write that on my list.   If you volunteered to drive, please arrive at school around 9:15, so we can leave by 9:30.  IMPORTANT:  if you are driving, you must stop in the office and have them make a copy of your driver’s license and insurance.  If you can do that before Thursday morning, that would help the office not get backed up on Thursday.

• Lunch menu change for next week:
  Because of the recall on romaine lettuce, we will not be able to have a salad bar as the first choice next Tuesday, 12/04.
  Instead we will be serving:
  nachos and cheese for first choice
  cheese pocket for second choice

• Once again, the organization Children for Hair Loss will join Howard students at our holiday sing along in December. (Children for Hair Loss)  Is anyone interested in donating their hair?  Last year, my daughter Avery donated 8 inches of hair, and this year Aubrey will donate 8 inches of hers.  If you, your child, or someone you know is willing to donate for this special cause, please let me know and I will get you the form.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving break!!  Just a few pics from today 🙂

(Somehow I missed recognizing our October Students of the Month)

CONGRATS to Mila Saad and Noah Zahr for working hard and making safe and responsible choices during the month.

We had lots to smile about today!  Congrats to our 4 students who ran for student council.  They each did an amazing job giving their speech.  The votes were calculated and our senator is Houda H.

Brownie making was a big hit today also!  Thanks so much to our parent helpers – we couldn’t have worked so smoothly without you.  (More brownie pics will come soon)

• We did it!  We earned our brownie point reward 🙂  We plan to make brownies on Friday this week.  Students are able to bring a drink of their choice to enjoy with their brownies in the afternoon.

• Please return permission slips for our STEM/roller skating field trip as soon as you can.  We are looking for a few more parents to drive.  If you know for sure that your child is not going, please return the permission slip or a note that lets me know that so I can plan accordingly.

• We went outside for recess this morning and I noticed some friends did not have gloves or a hat.  Please make sure your child has these items every day!

• Picture retake day is Wednesday, November 28th.

• NO SCHOOL:  11/21, 11/22, 11/23

• Disguised Turkeys are due on Monday 🙂

• Permission slips came home today for our STEM and skating field trip on Nov. 29th.

• SNOW  – we WILL be going outside even when there is snow on the ground as long as the temperature is 20 degrees or above with the wind chill. Children will be allowed to play on the snow provided they have the proper attire.  This includes snow pants, boots, gloves/mittens, hats and scarves.

• See the post on the Howard blog for more information about Student Council.  If your child is interested in filling out the application, please click here:  student council application

A few reminders for the coming week and beyond:

• Tuesday 11/6 – No School
• Tuesday 11/6 – PTA bake sale during voting.  The PTA is still in need of baked good donations and people to help.  Please follow this link if you can help: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409054baeaf2ea6fc1-election 
• Thursday 11/8 – Parent/Teacher Conferences
• A heads up that we have a S.T.E.M. field trip planned at the Lincoln Park Skating Center for Thursday, November 29th and we will be needing parent drivers. More information coming home soon!
• Turkey Project –  I was so excited to read the story Turkey Trouble and send Turkey home with your child on Friday!  Below are some examples of turkeys done in the past. Click here for a copy of the directions if you need them.  Let the kids have fun and be creative! The disguised turkeys are due Monday, November 12.

We had SO MUCH FUN!!  Thanks so much to to everyone who came to see the parade and/or hung out with us – we love having you here 🙂  A huge thank you to our room moms for planning such a perfect party, as well.

Take a peek in your child’s Home Folder today if you haven’t already.  There is an orange note with reminders for Halloween AND a  note about conferences (it’s bright pink).  Please fill out the conference note and return it by Friday.

Reminder:  1/2 day Friday. Students will be dismissed at 11:45

• Social Studies test tomorrow.  The study guide came home last week.  If you need it, you can click here:  SS Study-Guide

• Pumpkin Raffle will take place on Friday.  Students can buy raffle tickets at lunch.  They are $1 each.  Pumkin Raffle

• Halloween is next Wednesday.  The parade is at 1:30.  Students should not come to school in their costumes, they will change after lunch.  As always, no masks or weapons.  Our room parents sent home a note last week with information about our classroom parties.  Here it is in case you didn’t see it:  Classroom Parties

• 1/2 day of school next Friday, November 2nd.  Students will be dismissed at 11:45 a.m.

• There is a new law about students being able to read by the end of their 3rd grade year.  A team of Howard support teachers will be hosting a meeting with more information regarding this law.  This is an important topic!!  More information about the meeting is provided  here:  Read By 3rd grade Law