We have had quite a week here with concerts by St. Mary’s students and a group  from JL Mann, lunch provided for staff by the PTA on Wednesday, and Sharon Russo receiving her Blue Cross/Blue Shield recognition and check on Thursday. Also on Thursday, Tracy Amick with the Children’s Little Theater dressed in reindeer costume and read a reindeer story to Hollis students. Of course, the biggest deal of all was our Christmas party today and for that many thanks go to Julie Dail, Cindy Brown and the holiday party committee, to the Klaver Klub girls, and to our friends from Eastside High School. It was a great time, and everyone enjoyed the snacks provided by the Daughters of Penelope, as well as the music and gifts. Thanks especially to Alan Madden who was a great Santa for us this year.

On a sad note, I need to let you know that one of our students, Melissa DeLoa Valadez’s funeral mass was held last Saturday and this week she was taken to Mexico for burial. Melissa was dear to all of us and she fought very hard to stay, but it was just not to be. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.

This week we still had classes going to the mall and to see the Festival of Trees. While one group was at the Hyatt, an amazing Christmas event occurred. A gentleman there saw Mary Grace Orr’s students and asked to donate to her class $100 in honor of each of her students. This week he came to Washington Center and brought a speaker system for the school and gift cards for staff. All of this because he saw some of our children and wanted to be a part of making their holiday season a special one.

The school newsletter went out this week, so if you are not able to access it online, let  your student’s teacher know and a hard copy will be sent to you. Thanks to Linda Thigpen, Barbara Bingham and Gloria Munoz for their work on the newsletter.

We here at school send best wishes to each of you for a joyful holiday season, and we all hope that 2017 will be your best year ever. Take care and we will be looking for everyone on January 2.