Specials Update/Odds & Ends

• Thank you to everyone who took time to voice an opinion regarding our Specials Areas reduction. I was expecting to announce a decision this week; however, the principals have been asked to wait on these decisions until late next week after the Governing Board meets. Some questions regarding district-wide cuts need to be addressed, and the answers may (or may not)have an impact on our decision. Once these district-level clarifications have been made, we can then move forward with finalizing our Special Areas for next year. I am expecting to announce this decision by Feb. 17.

• Some of our upper-grade students were left short this week when it came time to buying a lunch. Unfortunately, our lunch count was off significantly that day: 181 students said that they would be purchasing a lunch that morning, but more than 220 tried to purchase a lunch. Either our counting was way off, some of our students forgot that they were buying a lunch, or some of the students changed their mind when they saw the cafeteria lunch (fan-favorite Chinese). I have already addressed this with the students, but please help your students understand the importance of providing an accurate count during homeroom. The district menu is available on the district website so students can get an early look at the lunch entrees.
• I offered our students popsicles if the Cardinals won the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, the storybook ending did not happen. I overcame my disappointment long enough to realize that we have an opportunity to celebrate a great game and effort, which is important to emphasize in today's society. So, I will be giving out Otter Pops after lunch on Friday. Here's to next season!