December 1, 2006

A Chirp of Knowledge… “ABILITY is what you are capable of doing. MOTIVATION determines what you do. ATTITUDE determines how well you do it.” Lou Holtz (1937-). American football coach.

STUDENTS...Our students were so thankful to be the receivers of books from the Harvest of Books event. Each first grade student received three books and each second grade student got to select one book for the gracious giving of books, given by so many of Lincoln community, along with others including the Lincoln Education Association. To the right are first graders Jack P. and David B., selecting their books.

TEACHERS…Fifth grade teacher-Mrs. Peterson, and Library Media Specialist – Mrs. Millard, have been collaborating on a biography/research unit with objectives to promote student mastery of biographical research on significant individuals, with a culminating activity of students taking the character of their researched individual by dressing like that individual, participating in an awards ceremony, and giving an acceptance speech, along with telling a bit about their character.

Along with the research and unit project, Mrs. Peterson, Mrs. Millard and these students, have been videotaped, and will have their ‘cast party’ in the near future..

It was my pleasure to be invited to the Awards Ceremony on Thursday, November 30, in our Library Media Center. There I saw Sitting Bull, Paul Revere, Betsy Ross, Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, and other famous people. The presentations of these “famous” people by our very special fifth grade students, were prepared and delivered with excellence. I am so proud of this level of acquisition and validation of learning and teaching!

Pictured is Sitting Bull – Denise Y, Daniel Boone – Tyler M, and Matthew Henson – Conner T.

MENTOR Mr. Richard Cotter, and the above math students, recently participated in the National On Line Math competition. Craig O– fifth grade student, placed first in the nationwide first round competition. In the fifth grade statewide math competition , Craig placed first, while Drew H and Sam W tied for second place, and all of the fifth grade Morley team placed in the top twenty-five statewide competition.

Our fourth grade team placed first in the statewide math competition.

Fifth Grade Team members Tianye C, Craig O, Grant D, Sam W, Drew H, and Kevin J with Mr. Cotter. Greg D not pictured.	Fourth Grade Team members Adam S, Zaran C, Eric B, and Addison K, along with Mr. Richard Cotter.

We are so proud of these students and Mr. Cotter in this exceptional accomplishment!

PARENTS AND VOLUNTEERS…Our PTO QSP fundraiser was highly successful. Along with PTO President Vicki Fisher and me, please thank our QSP coordinators Amy O’Neill, Kristi Puls, and Barbara Scudder-Soucie for such great leadership in our major fundraising effort.

Also, Coordinators Kristi Puls, Amy O’Neill and Barbara Scudder-Soucie want to extend thanks to all who volunteered to help organize this task. They also want to thank those who graciously understood that minor glitches go along with such an involved task…everyone’s understanding is greatly appreciated! Also, given the large amount of money to trade hands, they would like to thank those who took the time to write checks instead of cash!!!

Barb, Kristi, and Amy wish to thank each child, family, and staff - for helping every step of the way! Out of 450 students, 207 participated in helping to raise money for the betterment of our school. The fundraiser takes approximately 120 volunteer hours to complete this fund-raiser, in addition, to the hours families put into gathering orders. Each and every effort is so very appreciated.

Last year, $21,000 was raised of which Morley, got to keep approximately one-half for school improvements and curricular materials, directly supporting the education of our children.

This year’s QSP fund-raiser (also known as magazine sales, etc.) raised over $26,000!!! Morley will be able to keep approximately $13,000 (the other half goes back to QSP) and will put it towards supporting our curriculum with books and classroom materials, classroom experiences such as some field trips and speakers, PTO communications, etc. This year, a separate fundraiser (Innisbrook) was not held, so some of the funds will help support the fifth grade as they end their careers at Morley (part of Camp Kitaki activities, etc).

We, also, with to thank Carrie Heerman and Lisa Brauch, PTO Co-chairs, for ordering and delivering the seasonal Poinsettias. The plants are so beautiful and, also, the sales help to raise PTO funds.

Morley Elementary School Calendar for December
Sunday, December 3rd
Happy Birthday Mrs. Reinhard!
Happy Birthday Mr. Cotter!

Wednesday, December 6th
8:00am=”Winter Warming” Instrumental Program/lunchroom

Thursday, December 7th
12:30-1:45pm=Gingerbread Houses/all 2nd grades
Happy Birthday Mrs. Albers!

Sunday, December 10th Happy Birthday Mrs. Busboom!

Tuesday, December 12th
8:00am=Extra Chorus Rehearsal
7:00pm=”Five Golden Rings” Chorus & Orff Program

Wednesday, December 13th
Morley Teams Up Against Drugs (wear team clothing)
8:15 - Spirit Team Meeting (Media Center)

Thursday, December 14th
8:00am=Hoop Shoot Contest for 3rd/4th/5th Grades
Happy Birthday Mrs. Smith!

Friday, December 15th Happy Birthday Mr. Erickson!

Saturday, December 16th
4:00pm=Free Women’s Basketball tickets for students/staff (NE vs Northwestern)

Monday, December 18th
10:45-11:45am=Winter Tea/Miss Griffin’s Kindergarten
1:30-2:30pm=Winter Tea/Miss Griffin’s Kindergarten
Happy Birthday Ms. Streeter!

Tuesday, December 19th
8:30am=Spirit Team Holiday Pencil Sales
9:15-10:45am=Gingerbread Houses/Rempe, Udell & Gross

Wednesday, December 20th
8:30am=Spirit Team Holiday Pencil Sales

Friday, December 22nd
3-3:30pm=Winter Sing-Along

Monday, December 25th Christmas – school not in session
Happy Birthday Mrs. Howell!

December 26-January 2 - School not in Session