RAY SCHOOL NEWS FOR PARENTS
www.RaySchool.org

Emergency Response Drills Scheduled
As part of our schoolwide emergency preparedness efforts, in addition to our routine fire drills, we are also conducting medical emergency drills during school hours. The first medical drill will take place the morning of February 5. The drill will involve one class so it should not be too disruptive to the rest of the student population. However, some staff members serve on our Emergency Response Team and will respond to the messages that will come over the intercom. Teachers are preparing students for these drills. Please be aware that your children may come home from school talking about what they saw and heard. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Sarah Curtis, Assistant Principal.

Music Notes
The next mini-recital will be on Friday, February 15th, at 1:30 p.m., in the music room. This recital is for students in third, fourth and fifth grade. Here is some important information:

1. All students must play for Ms. Luce the week BEFORE the maxi recital (not the week of). That means auditions are the week of February 4th. When the students come to play at that point, their selection should be polished and prepared as if that were the day of the performance itself. Good intonation is considered part of being prepared. This also means that all costumes, props, scripts, etc. are in use.

2. All students must sign up for an audition. The sign-up sheet will be on Ms. Luce's office door. Please do not "drop in" for an audition.

3. Sometimes what a student feels is "ready" is not in agreement with what Ms. Luce feels is ready. Ms. Luce makes the final decision based on what is best for the student performer and the student audience.

4. All levels of ability are welcome - it's not how advanced a student is, it's about how well they perform their chosen selection.

5. Karaoke and pop music are not acceptable for this type of performance. A capella singing is fine, BUT it's much harder to sing a capella and that may make it more difficult to get your selection approved.

Please see Ms. Luce if you have any questions

February is Healthy Heart Month at Ray
Included with your pink sheet today is a letter explaining our school-wide initiative for February, Healthy Heart Month at Ray, and our theme "We choose to Move!" This is an optional school-wide program that encourages and promotes daily physical activity. Students may do the Passport to Winter Fun and/or the Healthy Heart activities. Both activities enable them to join the "Ray School All Star Activity Team."

News From Physical Education
The Fifth Graders will perform in the annual Fifth Grade Tumbling Show on Friday, February 8, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Each year the fifth graders, during their PE class periods, work in groups of four to eight students to create a short routine of tumbling and movement skills. The real task is not so much the tumbling skills as the ability to work together with others who have different skills. The result is always wonderful. The theme of the show is the Summer Olympics, which is being held in Beijing, China, beginning, 8/8/08. In each routine, the fifth graders not only create a group balance, but they pantomime or act out one of the sports of the Summer Olympics. Parents are welcome!

Ray Writers
Ray Writers will begin on Monday, January 28th, from 2:45 to 4:15, in the Library.
5th grade Ray Writers will meet on 2/11, 2/25, 3/10 and 3/24.
4th grade Ray Writers will meet on 4/7, 4/21, 5/ 5 and 5/19.
(There may be a few spaces available for students in grades 4 and 5 who have not yet signed up). Students in grade 3 who are already signed up for Ray Writers will have an opportunity to meet again in the fall. If you have questions, please feel free to call either Hatsy McGraw or Sherrie Greeley.

PTO News
The staff appreciation soup luncheon on Friday, January 25th was a huge success. Many thanks to the parent volunteers who contributed their time and 15 crockpots of soup which were served at this event. Look for the recipes soon on the Ray PTO website.

Social Thinking Workshop
The first of four (hour long) free monthly workshops will be held on February 7, at 3:00 p.m. in the Ray School Office Conference Room. The workshops are for parents, teachers, and educational assistants to discuss how to define and implement social skill strategies at home and school. A brochure for more information can be found at the Ray school website www.RaySchool.org and in the school's vestibule.

Lost and Found
Found items are on display in the hall outside the Ray Cafe. When you are in the building, please check for items you may be missing. On Friday, February 22, items left unclaimed will be donated to a local charity.

Local Activities
Join the Hanover Conservation Council for a Winter Adventure on Saturday, February 2nd, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Elisha Huggins will lead a XC Ski and Snowshoe Trip. Directions: Take Hanover Center Rd. to Ruddsboro Road to Dana Road to Moose Mountain Lodge Road. Meet at end of Moose Mountain Lodge Road. For more information contact Hugh Mellert 643-7778 or HSM@dartmouth.edu.

Summer Days Camp offers a one week vacation camp from February 18-22, for children ages four to twelve. Camp is held at the Upper Valley Events Center on Route 5 south, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There is a three day minimum. Please see their website for details - www.uvPresents.org or call 802-649-2772.

Howe Library February Vacation Special programs are as follows: Peter Boie, magician, will perform on Thursday, February 21, at 10:30, in the Mayer Room A magic workshop, for children seven and up, will follow from 11:30 to 12:30. (Please sign up for the workshop at the library.) Beginning Origami, for children ages six & up, will be held on Wednesday, February 20, from 10:00 to 11:30. (Sign up in the children's room.)

Children of all ages are invited to a Valentines Crafts Party at the Etna Library on Thursday, Feb. 7, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. For more information, please call 643-3116.

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