Happy holidays! School is out of session from Wednesday, December 23, through Sunday, January 3. Classes resume at 8:15 a.m. Monday, January 4, 2010. Upon their return, students will be working on completing the first semester of this school year. The semester ends Friday, January 22.

If a child is having trouble in a class, please encourage him or her to attend after-school tutoring or the homework club Tuesday and Thursdays, from 3:20 p.m. to 4:20 p.m. For more information, contact Larry Vincent at 477-6449, extension 113.

The Parent Volunteer Organization and the student councils have been instrumental in planning special activities for the students. The PVO presented a holiday activity for the elementary students this week. The elementary Student Council has planned special Fridays twice a month. Last week, students were invited to dress up like their favorite holiday character. We had many Santas, elves, and Mrs. Clauses. Donations of canned food or $1 were encouraged. These items have been donated to the West Mackinac Food Pantry.

The junior high and high school student councils have been taking a leadership role in the school. Council members take care of picking up garbage after the lunch hour and have also been disinfecting the water fountains at lunch time. They planned and hosted a fun afternoon for junior high and high school students and also organized sending cards to servicemen and women. I appreciate the students volunteering their services and time!

Have a very merry Christmas! I hope each of you has a restful, peaceful holiday. See you in the New Year!

Students of the Week

Joseph Swider and Austin Buss are Students of the Week for the week December 21.

Joseph has been chosen because of his work ethic and desire to do well in his classes. He is a quiet young man who always tries to do the best he can in all of his work. Reading is one of his passions. If you would like to know of a good book to read ask Joseph. He has read almost all of the books in the school library. He also is on the basketball and quiz bowl team. He plans to attend college and major in pre-med.

He is the son of Mark Swider of Engadine.

Austin has been chosen as the junior high Student of the Week. He is in the seventh grade Wood Technology class and has been diligent about doing his best throughout the year. His attitude about getting to work and doing his best is outstanding.

His positive influence has been appreciated by the instructor. He patiently waits his turn for the use of the equipment and is willing to help another student, often choosing to be last in line time and time again. He is sometimes hard on himself, as he has extremely high expectations of his own performance. This diligence and drive for perfection will carry him far in life.