MOUNTAIN LAUREL MONTESSORI SCHOOL

NEWSLETTER

Friday, December 14, 2007

Winter Weather Advisory

It is likely that snow could complicate our schedule on Monday, so here is a reminder about our policies:

SNOW POLICIES

The closing or delay of school because of weather will be announced on WFTR (1450 AM) and WINC (92.5 FM). Closing and delay of school information will also be posted on the homepage of our website:

www.mountainlaurelmontessori.org

There is a chance our website may be down (the host has been working on it for the past two days).

We certainly hope it is fixed by then, but stay close to your radio just in case.

We will not be following any of the county public school systems for our decisions to close or delay school. Never attempt to drive to school if you have any concerns about your safety! There may be times when we make different decisions for the Front Royal campus and the Sunny Slope campus, so listen to the announcements carefully. We will try to make closing/delay decisions by 6:30 AM, but weather conditions can deteriorate quickly so please continue to monitor your radio and the website for updates.

WOMEN'S SHELTER FOOD PANTRY

Thanks to all who have already brought in non-perishable food, as well as hygiene and cleaning supplies, to contribute to the Women's Shelter. Collection boxes are located in the Front Royal campus library and Primary foyer until the last day of school before Winter Break.

ANGEL TREE FOR FAMILIES IN NEED

All of us at Mountain Laurel are deeply touched by the outpouring of generosity by so many of you who have contributed presents and money for our Angel Tree. This is the first year that every tag was taken. This means that all of the cash contributions can go directly to gift certificates to help the mothers make ends meet buying groceries and essentials. Thank you for your heartfelt expression of the holiday spirit.

SPECIAL SCHEDULE FOR THIS WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19

Wednesday, December 19 is a very special day at our school. There is no Toddler Community on this day. There is no before school care on this day. Primary children should arrive between 8:30 and 8:45 AM - no later, please. Elementary children should arrive between 8:00 and 8:30. Dismissal for Primary children is at 11:30 AM and dismissal for Elementary children is at noon. The Farm School bus will arrive in Front Royal at 12:15 PM.

VOLUNTEERS FOR CELEBRATION OF WINTER HOLIDAYS AROUND THE WORLD

Thanks to all who have volunteered their time to prepare activities and/or bake for the big event. Those who volunteered to help set up on Tuesday afternoon should report to the school at 3:00. All volunteers will be contacted this weekend with the specific assignments for the day itself (Weds. 12/19). Please check your email a few times over the weekend and if nothing has come through, contact Elaine Glier at MLM123@earthlink.net or telephone 540-272-7715 (cell). For those of you who haven't previously notified Elaine of your interest but would like to participate, simply respond to this email or call. As with all big holiday events - The more the merrier!!!

ELEMENTARY WINTER PERFORMANCE

This Tuesday, December 18th at 2 PM is our Elementary Winter Performance at the Front Royal Moose Lodge. All families are welcome to attend this festive program of seasonal music and good cheer. All elementary students participate in this event and look forward to sharing this special time with their families.

BOXTOPS FOR EDUCATION

Thanks to the hard work and diligence of Julie Smith, our school has already made over $140.00 this school year from sending in Boxtops for Education. Please check your cupboards and pantry for those cute little pink squares on General Mills brand items. Please follow this link for a complete list of participating products: http://www.boxtops4education.com/AboutBoxTops/Products.aspx. Thank you!

MARTIN'S A+ REWARDS PROGRAM

As many of you know, Mountain Laurel participates in Martin's A+ School Rewards Program. So far, our total rewards amount is $401.11 with 85 card numbers registered!!! We're still the top earning private school in the local area - way to shop!!! If you have not already done so, please send your 11-digit Bonus Card number to Elaine Glier via email, telephone, or the office, so we can designate your school bonus points to Mountain Laurel (this has no effect on any other promotions that you accrue with your Bonus Card). All Bonus Card numbers begin with 480. No other information is needed, so please don't worry about getting unsolicited correspondence - not even your name is required for registration! Do you have any relatives, neighbors or friends who shop at Martin's? Ask them to let us designate their Bonus Card numbers, too! Thanks to all those who have already sent in their numbers to help us take full advantage of this generous and simple fundraising opportunity!!!

CALENDAR REMINDERS

December

18 (Tues.) - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR TODDLER COMMUNITY before Winter Break. Change from original calendar.

18 (Tues.) - 2 PM - Elementary Performance @ Moose Lodge. All families are invited.

18 (Tues.) - NO AFTERCARE to enable volunteers to set-up for Winter Holidays Celebration.

18 (Tues.) - Special Overnight for Farm School Students.

19 (Weds.) - 9 AM - PTO Celebration of Winter Holidays from Around the World for Primary and Elementary.

No before-school or after-school care. Elementary children arrive 8:00-8:30 AM; Primary Children arrive 8:30-8:45 AM.

Event begins @ 9 AM. Dismissal for All Primary @ 11:30 AM; Elementary @ 12 PM.

19 (Weds.) - Farm School Early Dismissal. Local students should be picked up @ noon. Bus arrives in Front Royal @ 12:15 PM.

20-Jan. 1 - SCHOOL CLOSED - All Students for Winter Break.