And This One Belongs to Estes

Estes won the Hot Chocolate Challenge again this year. Last year the Estes team won the best marketing campaign and this year our Estes teams won by totaling the most money collected. Congratulations to Mr. Sorce and his third and fourth grade teams. They would like to thank everyone that came out and supported them.

The Estes Hot Chocolate Team was invited to the Chamber of Commerce to talk about the Hot Chocolate Challenge.

Catch Me if You Can!

Ms. Ellis' class read about the Gingerbread Man and made our own. But then he ran away and we had to search the school for him!!!
The students had to go all over the school and ask if anyone had seen the Gingerbread Man. They found him in the PRC. What a great time they had looking for the Gingerbread Man!!!

JA in 4th Grade

On Friday, Junior Achievement came to teach 4th grade students about regions in the United States. Ms. Vincent's class learned about entrepreneurs and how they use their region's resources to start a business. Students worked in groups to develop a business plan and an advertisement! Kaylie and Gavin were assigned the Springfield, Illinois region and created "Kaylie & Gavin's Garden. They designed this ad for a billboard - brought to you by 4-H! We have some entrepreneurs in the making! (Gavin actually hopes to own a restaurant one day!)

Making Ornaments

Ms. Manqueros' students have been making ornaments for their Christmas Tree. It sure does look like they were having fun with this activity.

School-Made Ornaments

 Mrs.Blevins' class had a blast making ornaments to decorate their Christmas tree!

You ARE SPECIAL!

Mrs. Holly asked this to the students and the adults in her room- "You are special, why?" Next, every kid, and adult had to name something special about themselves. If some kids struggled with coming up with a reason their buddies would come up with something special that they saw in their friend. It was an empowering lesson for everyone. Thank you Mrs. Holly for sharing this experience with the blog especially around this time of year when some people have feelings of depression. We all need to remember that we are special and that someone loves us and counts on us.

Thanksgiving Memories

This past Sunday I went to my parents house to celebrate Thanksgiving. Yes, it wasn't actually on Thanksgiving but being married and having two siblings that are married it is hard for us to celebrate on Thanksgiving. The actual day isn't important to me because I enjoy my time with my parents and celebrating Thanksgiving. Walking into my parents house and smelling the turkey and all fixings brought back a flood of happy memories. I can remember waking up on Thursday's and the aroma of turkey and dressing filling my house. I can remember the first Thanksgiving that I got to pull on the wishbone and the feeling that gave me. I can remember my grandparents coming over and all the stories that they told me about my parents and what they were like when they were kids. I can remember going out and playing football before the feast and then the nap that soon followed the feast.
Thanksgiving can be a magical time for everyone and especially children. Make this Thanksgiving a special one for them with the traditions that your family has.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!