Monday....Burrrrrrrrrr

Boy is it good to be back.....not sure if I'll feel the same way in a few days, but today, it's good to get back in the routine. Hope everyone had a great break. Mine was awesome. Got to see the kids, grandkids and got way more than I deserved in presents. We also went for a few days to Vermont snowboarding/skiing....which is a story that is way too long for this blog. The short version is that there was very little snow, mostly ice with wind gusts of 40 mph. Not a good combination for my skill level but it was good family bonding time and no one broke anything so the trip was a success.

Just a reminder, stating the obvious...but it's cold outside. As in any large building, we are going to have cold/cool areas (like my office for example). Please remind your child to dress like it's January. Kids, many times, don't think too far in advance. What looks good in the mirror before they leave for school doesn't always feel good during the day. I still remember my sons, when I would question their choice in clothes..."dad...style over comfort". Hopefully everyone can find a sweatshirt that is in style.

Choir and Band Concerts

Why is it year after year I am continually amazed every time I see our kids perform? You'd think after 20 years of seeing these concerts I'd get used to it. Nope. Last night, once again, I'm reminded at what talented kids we have. Hats off to everyone and a special pat on the back to our Band Director Mr. Decker and Choir Director Mrs. Schultz-Zydek. GREAT job.

DC Fundraiser, Round 1

Our 7th grade Achatz Pie Fundraiser has concluded and it was a huge success. On average, everyone that participated saved approximately $80 off their trip. We had eight students that saved over $150 and two students that saved over $200. Not bad for a few hours of work. We'll be having another fundraiser in the Spring. Don't forget that the deadline to register, and the first payment of $125 is due on February 5th. It's an AWESOME educational trip.

Recalled H1N1 Vaccine

The St. Clair County Health Department reports today that no doses of the H1N1 vaccine recently recalled by Sanofi Pasteur were administered to anyone at vaccination clinics conducted at any community location or at the Health Department. None of the recalled lots was distributed to any local provider by the Health Department.

Ski Club Update

I had the wrong phone number...oops. I corrected it and updated the Blog below by adding Mrs. Werden's e-mail address.

Trying Something New

As most of you know, we have a No Zero policy at SCMS. Despite all of our efforts....phone calls home, Lunchtime Homework Help, Parent Connect, etc....some kids find themselves behind the eight ball with missing assignments and have a heck of a time getting caught up. On Tuesday, January 5th when we get back from Winter Break, we are going to having a Homework Recovery Session from 3:30 to 5:50 in our cafeteria for students with multiple missing assignments. Some students are going to be required to attend and they'll be receiving a letter home this week with their invitation. The one way a student can opt out of this session is if they complete all of their missing work over Winter Break and turn it in on Monday morning, January 4th. Our goal is to make this a positive experience, improve grades, get organized and back on top of their assignments. If your son or daughter doesn't receive an invite, but has missing assignments and you'd like them to stay, they are more than welcomed. Our NJHS kids will be on hand to help if needed.

Another Round of H1N1 Shots

The East China School District received notice this week that the St. Clair County Health Department will be conducting a FREE H1N1 Vaccination Clinic at the Pine River Elementary School Gymnasium from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 for our students and community members. Initial H1N1 vaccinations will be available, as well as the follow up vaccination for children under 10 years old who have been vaccinated at least 28 days prior.

Since your child does not attend Pine River Elementary School, you may bring your child there to be vaccinated (nasal flu mist or shot, per discretion of St. Clair County Health Department staff) from 3:45-7:00 p.m., along with the completed 2-sided document titled St. Clair County Health Department MCIR Season Influenza / H1N1 Scan Form (SF7) / Consent Form. Those forms are being sent home with your child. Choosing to be vaccinated or to have your child vaccinated is strictly on a voluntary, non-mandatory basis.

The hours of 2:00-3:45 p.m. are designated for students who attend the clinic site school and the hours of 3:45-7:00 p.m. are designated for students whose parents wish to be present during the vaccination and for adults of any age in our community.

Consult the website www.stclaircounty.org/offices/health for more information about the clinics and/or the H1N1 virus.