Happy holidays to all of you from all of us at Engadine Consolidated Schools. School is out from December 24 to January 2. We return to school full time Monday, January 5. We wish all a safe and rewarding holiday season.

Engadine High School has been recognized nationally for educational excellence by U.S. News and World Report. We received a bronze medal for meeting two of the three rating criteria. These criteria were: 1) Overall student academic performance that exceeded the state standards, 2) Students of lower socio-economic and minority status who exceeded state standards, and 3) the number of students with the highest level of achievement related to college readiness. Although we did not receive credit for this third criteria, we will appeal it, because most of our secondary educational programming is college preparatory and typically 80% to 90% of our students attend post-secondary institutions, whether vocational and/or collegiate in nature. Regardless of the color of our medal, we are very appreciative of being recognized. U.S. News and World Report uses the Standard and Poors Educational Assessment data to determine a district's eligibility for this prestigious award.

Engadine's Students of the Week are Tanner Flatt, grade 7, and Kayla Miller, a junior. Both of these students were chosen by teaching staff because they are responsible, hard working, have positive attitudes toward staff and peers, and are committed to academic success. Weekly winners of this award receive a fresh fruit shake from the Anchor In in Naubinway.

The junior and senior high school band concert December 16 was a huge success. We had the largest audience in more than five years. The musicians put forth a great effort that is much appreciated.

The elementary students collected $45 in pennies for the Engadine Pantry and filled in the back of a pick-up truck with canned goods and other food for the needy. This year, the needs are even more pronounced.

When students return Monday, January 5, we will have roughly three weeks until the end of semester.

Have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year.