We have had a fun week with lots of classes going to see the Festival of Trees and the mall and with many holiday craft items and cards being made by students. Classes have talked about holiday traditions around the world and read books such as The Gingerbread Man, The Grinch who Stole Christmas, and A Christmas Carol. Today, our younger students at Hollis had their annual Polar Express Day, complete with pajamas and snacks. Also this week, Jeff Hart came to film Linda Thigpen in connection with the Golden Apple Award.  Be sure to watch her segment the Thursday before Christmas.

Next week will be very full as well in that some classes will have community excursions, in addition to all the guests and activities on the two campuses. On the main campus, the JL Mann Special Education Singers will entertain on Monday, and the St. Mary’s band will be in concert here on Tuesday. On Thursday, classes will enjoy watching the movie, “A Christmas Carol”, while having snacks and hot chocolate. Wednesday, the PTA will be serving a holiday lunch to the staff; and on Friday, we will hold our big party complete with Santa and lots of presents and treats.

On Thursday of next week, representatives from Blue Cross/Blue Shield will be at Hollis to present Sharon Russo with their “Fearless Teacher” award and a check to fund a special project she has developed. Also we plan to get out the holiday edition of the Washington Center newsletter, and it will be available by email, hard copy or on our website.

Gifts from the Klaver Klub girls have been going home already, and the girls have definitely brought in enough gifts to fill up all our storage areas. Also, the Heller group from Furman has provided a new pair of socks for each of our students.

Happy shopping and I hope everyone will have a good weekend.