We would like to congratulate Mr. Brian Carrington on winning the-

"Step Up Parent Award for Volunteerism"

From left to right: Delegate Proctor, Mr.Brian Carrington, Dr.Janice P. Hay 

WE LOOK AHEAD

November  2008
25           Honeybaked Ham Fundraiser Pick-up 3 - 6:00 p.m.
26-28      Thanksgiving (Schools Closed)

December  2008
2             MSA Parent Workshop 6 - 7:30 p.m.
3             Lifetouch Picture Make-Up Day
10           Instrumental Winter Concert 7:30 p.m.
11           Lifetouch 5th Grade Picture Make-Up Day
16           Science Fair Help Night 7:00 p.m. MP Room
18           3rd Grade to The Puppet Company
18           Second Quarter Progress Reports Released
22-31      Winter Break (Schools Closed)

January  2009
1-2         Winter Break (Schools Closed)
5            Classes Resume
19          Martin L. King, Jr. Day (Schools Closed)
20          Inauguration Day (Schools Closed)
22          Science Fair
23          End of 2nd Quarter
30          Grading/Teacher Planning (Schools Closed)

PRINCIPAL'S CORNER
Dr. Janice P. Hay
 
Mattaponi/Brandywine Lions Club Food Drive
The holidays are fast approaching, and we use this season to emphasize the importance of giving.  The Mattaponi family has participated in the collection of canned and nonperishable foods for many years, and our efforts have brought joy to many needy families during the holidays.  Students in each class may begin bringing items immediately.  This is a wonderful opportunity for you to share the meaning of joyful giving with your child.  The food drive will end December 19, 2008.  Please help.
 
Picture Make-up Day - Wednesday, December 3rd
Mark your calendars-Picture Make-up Day is Wednesday, December 3rd.  Make-up day is designated for students who were absent on the original picture day and for those who are not satisfied with the pictures that they received.  Please let your child's teacher know if you need an order form. Order forms and payment must be received by the photographer at the time of sitting at the camera.  If your child is retaking their picture, you need to send in the original pictures on December 3rd.
 
American Education Week
Many thanks to the parents and others who helped to celebrate American Education Week with the staff and students at Mattaponi Elementary School on Wednesday, November 19, 2008.  We are always proud to showcase our awesome students and outstanding instructional program.  Come again soon to visit our school!
 
Dress for the Weather - Brrr!
As the cold weather arrives, we stand by our belief that children need fresh air and physical activity even during the winter months.  Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for recess and P.E. class.  Remind your children to wear hats, gloves, mittens, scarves and thermal undergarments.  It is also advantageous to dress in layers, so students may adjust clothing according to the temperature at the time of the outdoor activity.  Generally, the students have outdoor recess when the temperature is between 35° to 40° or above.  The wind chill factor will be considered in the decision to have indoor/outdoor recess or P.E.
 
MSA Workshop-Tuesday, December 2nd   6-7:30
Third - Sixth grade students and parents don't miss this great opportunity to get great tips in preparation for the MSA testing.  This workshop is being presented by the teachers, administration and reading specialist.  We strongly encourage parents to put this event on your calendar and plan to attend.
 
Congratulations To Our Talented Students
This week we celebrate the hard work and dedication of Seanne Coates, violin, Messiah Nelson, violin, and Chris Hudson, cello.  These three students were selected to perform with the Prince George's County Elementary Honor's Orchestra this year.  Their concert was Tuesday night, November 18th at Eleanor Roosevelt High School, along with the Middle School Honors Orchestra.  It was a great evening of music.  Congratulations on this wonderful accomplishment!
 
Safety Concerns
Parents should not park beside the yellow curb in front of the school between 7:45 - 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 - 2:45 p.m.  This practice impedes the arrival and dismissal of our buses, and creates an unsafe situation for all students.  Your support with this concern is greatly appreciated.
 
Have a Blessed Thanksgiving
We wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends.  Please take the time to reflect on all of your blessings and to pray for those less fortunate and for our troops abroad.
 
Thought For The Week
Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe.  It is not enough that a thing be possible for it to be believed. 
- Voltaire
 
Thanksgiving Break November 26th—28th
We will not have a Mattaponi Matters next week.