Dear Parents,

Brrrr... I love winter and enjoy the snow, but I have to admit, it is getting harder and harder for me to get up in the morning, brave the cold and scrape the ice off the windshield of my car. But, by the time I get to school each day, I know it's worth it.

The students at Swan School have had a wonderful start to December. When the snow started falling from the sky last Thursday just after the morning recess, it didn't take long for the kids to see it out the classroom windows. As each class made the discovery, a loud spontaneous cheer went up that was quickly heard by the students in the neighboring rooms. It reminded me of being at a Mariner game in 1996 and watching the fans cheer on the team with "the wave." It also brought a big grin to my own face as I remembered what a wonder-filled time of year it is for children. The excitement they show for everything life has to offer rejuvenates me every time I have a moment to step back and watch the students marvel at the world around them.

On the subject of snow, our late start last Friday was due to some icy roads that caused the Port Townsend public schools to announce a 2-hour late start to their day. Swan School's policy has been to mirror the Port Townsend schools' schedule. Several emails were sent out as reminders of this earlier in the week, staff were called, a sign was put on the door, and King 5 news was called so that they would post Swan School's late start along with all the others on their television broadcast. However, because of what looked like a pretty clear morning, a number of parents showed up at school at 9:00 a.m. only to see the sign on the door. (Several took advantage of the unexpected free time and went sledding with their children, those kids told me they had a blast!) Because of the inconvenience this caused for some, we're going to look more closely at how we can better communicate schedule changes in the future... keep posted.

I have heard from some that sales of tree certificates are going well. Remember to check with Jude or Mark if you have need for more certificates. These make GREAT gifts and are just in time for the holiday season. Also don't forget the Swan School Dessert Cookbook. There are a ton of fantastic recipes in there and I know we still have a few left, so put in your order as soon as you can before they are all gone!

Well, speaking of dessert, I can smell something yummy baking in our oven, and it needs my attention :-) Have a great December, and remember to take the time to enjoy your child's wonder during this exciting season.

Russ