New Year's Eve

Wishes for the Coming New Year

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtKrYuDolg8&feature=player_detailpage

Nothing but the BEST wishes for your loved ones and family as we
bid farewell to "2012" and welcome in the days of a brand new year! 

Snowy Friends

"Watching the cardinals is such a treat!"  ~Jonathan

Climate Changes

 Walking out to the garage........
"Bbrrrr, that wind is chilly!"
"It's okay, mom. I'm used to living in an arctic climate now, like the polar bears."  ~Daniel

Budding Architects!

How about this snow fort?

FUNNY!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Glimpses of Christmas Vacation

"Around 3 in the morning I heard my son yelling that Santa had been here."  
                                                                              ~Parkside Dad early, early on December 25th

Delightful Fun

Christmas Eve..............

Sunday Thought

"Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.”
~ Peg Bracken

 

Last Friday Before Christmas & Break

"I have a special gift for my teacher!"   ~Annastyn
"Today we get to play games and have a Christmas party."  ~Evan
"Oh....it's COLD outside.  Maybe we will get some snow now."  ~Kristen
"Can't wait for my mom's wedding & Christmas.  ~Henry
"I hope the Christmas carols don't go away......."   ~Christopher
"I have special treats for our party today!"  ~Amy
"The decorations in school are so pretty."  ~Madi
"My mom brought goodies for my sister and I to give the teachers."  ~Josh
"Hooray, we get out early today!"  ~Thomas
"Glad 5th graders collected food for the Humane Society."  ~Colton
"On a scale of one-to-five, I'm a five today.~"  ~Lathan
"I can't wait for my teacher to open up her gift."  ~Dakota

A New Edition!

Welcome to Josephine Jane Pulleyblank.
1st grade teacher Mrs. Pulleyblank and her
husband became grandparents this week. 

What a beautiful Christmas gift, congratulations!

It's Important to Help the Kids at Sandy Hook

"I am glad we're making these handprints for the school."   ~Skylar
"The green and white are their school colors, right?"  ~Rachel
"A colorful border around the page will make them smile."  ~Tanner
"I invited the janitors to make one too!"  ~Xavier
"Can we make another one?"  ~Andew
"My mom gave Mrs. Mack this idea!"  ~Drew
"I invited Mr. Mikeworth & Mrs. Petty to make one too."  ~Cody
"Mrs. Hayes took a picture while we were drawing."  ~Harley
"I hope our messages helps them feel hope and love." ~Megan
"It was sad.  It's important to help."  ~Tanner

Holiday Wear

The Christmas sweaters around here are are bright and fun.  Everytime you turn around someone has on something different!"  ~Justice

Sweet Sounds of the Season

"I love music class with Mrs. LaGrand."  ~Tabytha

Show Them You Care

Really Miss Her

"Linda was my babysitter but I called her grandma.  She died last week and I will
 really miss her.  She made the best Christmas cookies for us every year."     ~Katelyn

Gift Wrapping

Who's doing this job with holiday goodies or surprises at your house?

http://twentytwowords.com/2012/12/18/how-to-wrap-presents-explained-by-kids-acted-out-and-lip-synched-by-adults/

Treasured Artwork

"Art is long and time is fleeting."  ~Longfellow

Never Too Many

"You can never have too many candy canes."  ~Cody

Sunday Thought

Saturday December 15th's "Saturday Night Live" opening.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTbhVlHuONo

Grief knows no stranger while compassion rewards us with new friends.

Prayers, Thanks, Remembering

"I am thankful for the many educators who go to work daily to serve as positive, compassionate, steadfast, and caring role models.  It's important, it's what we do.  The lives of our students are in our hands, a precious responsibility.  Let us lift up the Sandy Hill community in anyway we can."

On the List

"I sure hope Parkside kids are all on Santa's GOOD list!"   ~David

"How do you know who makes up the list!  What if they spell my name wrong?  ~Nikali

"Hmmm, I did some not too funny things this year.  Do I still have a chance?"    ~Brianna

"I am trying to make Santa's list......don't want coal in my stocking!"    ~Mark

"Mrs. Wells' first graders are all on Santa's list.  She has them outside her room."  ~Lisa

Something New

"Having cookies with Santa & Mrs. Claus is a new tradition for us at Parkside, right?"  ~Wade

Holiday Poll

Official Holiday Poll:
YES or NO? The mother intended to break the "leg-shaped lamp" when watering the plants.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVOOjV_E3s4

                          Pupils say "YES!"
                          And we're out of glue.....                                                          

Almost Show Time.....

We're ready for the PreK Christmas program to begin!
How about you?

Great Memories

"Caroling with my students was so much fun this week!" 

Quick Change Artists

"Some kindergartners change into special outfits with
a little help from mom, on Christmas Program days. 
Oh these quick-change artists make me smile and the heart sing."

Wink-wink!

Christmas programs are the best!

All Dressed Up for a Special Visit

Weekend fun.......our little ones loved seeing Santa & Mrs. Claus! 

Think You Might Like This!

Nothing like life in our hometown, Lawrenceville, Illinois. 
It's almost Christmas & another project 5th graders in Mrs. Waggoner's class are involved
in is  collecting canned goods for others.  Now that's a great plan, kind of "magical!"

I Think You Might Like It
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGNIDXUaVts&feature=player_detailpage

Sunday Thought

"Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try."

Our 5th graders are collecting dog & cat food,
to make a donation to the Lawrence County Humane
Society before we start winter break on December 21st.
Thanks in advance for helping them make a difference.

  

"Milk and Cookies with Santa"

Santa and all his helpers made our Saturday something special.

Santa Knew Our Names!

"Santa knew my name, my sister's and my brother's too.  How can he remember us all?    ~Wade

Busy Lady

"I heard that Santa brought his wife with him to Parkside from the North Pole.  With all those cookies to bake, how did she have a chance to get away and come here to see us?"    ~Nikali

She Came Prepared!

Mrs. Hayes:  "Thanks for coming today to 'Milk & Cookies With Santa.'                      
                         Did you tell him what you wanted for Christmas?"
Gabriella:  "No, I gave him my list instead!" 
                                                                                ~Mother, standing by just smiled and smiled.

2nd Graders Wish You a Merry Christmas

Tis the season to be jolly; thanks for coming to our program today!

Reading Check-ups

Miss Williamson:  "I am going to show you some letters. I want you to point
                            to each letter and say its name.  Start here; ready, begin."
Rachael:  C, R, o, d, y, j, A, g, O, H........
Miss Williamson:  "Keep going honey."
Rachel:  "I'm on it!"

We Can't Wait

"Did you see the lights, reindeer, and the snowman on our stage?  Santa & Mrs. Claus are coming to Parkside Saturday.  We can't wait!"  ~Hailey and Jenna

Santa on Vacation

Morgan:  "I bet Santa is busy making all those toys this time of the year."
Joseph:  "Yes, Santa works all night long!"
Simon:  "I think he needs a vacation.  Do you think he goes on The Polar Express?"
Joseph:  No, I I think he goes to bed and sleeps for two weeks after Christmas."
Morgan:  "I think he goes to the beach."
Simon:  "Santa on the beach, in a swimming suit?  Oh no!"   
 
                                                                             ~lots of giggling at this point

What About the White House Christmas Tree?

"I bet the President has his Christmas tree up already."  ~Simon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=lce5gWKgMXI

Bo Inspects the 2012 White House Holiday Decorations

Are You Coming to Hear Us?

"I wore a red Christmas sweater for the program today.  I love to sing!  We've been practicing and practicing."  ~Alexis, 1st Grade

Our Traditions 2012

"We're lucky!  Can you guess why?  We have an Elf on the Shelf, our very own Christmas spirit.  We call him Rex.  He's been busy in the room decorating --yes all over the place!  See him hiding in the  Christmas tree?  He even wrapped some holiday gifts for us."  ~Mrs. Wells' Third Grade

It's All About Lights

"I like watching all the different lights this time of the year.  My family used to enjoy the display in Mattoon, Illinois, where we lived.  We also go to Olney to see the ones in their park.  There are even a lot of houses in my neighborhood that are lighted up in December.  It's all about the lights!  Seeing the different kinds is a lot of fun.  It feels like Christmas.  Now all we need is some snow, right?"   ~Dorian

Heatwave!

                                         http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6tV11acSRk
                                  Who knew it would be 70 plus degrees on December 3rd? 

MONDAY MORNING......
Mrs. Arnold:  "Hi, how was your weekend?"
Jamie:  "Fine, it sure is warm though."
Mrs. Arnold:  "Yes, so are you ready for spring break?"

                              

Sunday Thought

December is here!  Time marches forward, and as our students grow and achieve new things we could not be more thankful and proud of our learning community.  "Hats-off" to the young athletes at Parkview Jr. High School who won a regional championship game Friday night, for the second year in a row!  Congratulations to the players, coaches, Parkview teaching staff, and proud families.  We recognize these young people; it seems as if just yesterday, they were at Parkside.  Yes, time marches forward......

Our Traditions 2012

"My family puts up a lamp and it's pretty funny.  It looks like the one in that movie "The Christmas Story."  When it goes up, it feels like Christmas at our house."   ~Katelyn

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=OMGnRayA_U8

Our Traditions 2012

"Christmas is always the same:  lots of cousins and lots of food!"  ~Louis

Our Traditions 2012

"I love the Christmas parade, are you going?  Oh....I'm on Santa's list of good boys!"   ~Jordan

A Case of Mistaken Identity?

Throughout November many classrooms explored the origins of Thanksgiving.  During one such lesson, a child excitedly raised his hand to respond to the teacher's question, "Does anyone know something they could share about the great Indian Chief, Massasoit?"  He proudly exclaimed, "Yes, yes, I've got this one!  He was that famous guy who died.  But then, guess what? 
Three days later he came back to life." 

Our Traditions 2012

"On Christmas morning our family has a special red, round ornament that helps us decide just who gets to open up the first present.  It's hidden somewhere on the holiday tree but no one knows just where it will be. On December 25th we all hurry into the living room where the presents and tree are, looking among the branches.  Someone finally spots our red ornament.  Hooray!  I may be the lucky person who's able to open the first gift this year."   ~Justin

Our Traditions 2012

"During this time of the year my Oma spends special time with us.  Oma is German for grandmother. She lives in Illinois but leaves her home here and goes south for the cold, winter months.  She's what some people call a snowbird.  Last week she was with us and we celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas at the same time.  I loved it!  We decorated a little for each holiday, had a lot of delicious food, time together, and opened gifts.  I'll miss Oma when she's gone but I know she will be back again in the spring.  Do you know any snowbirds?"    ~Megan

Our Christmas Traditions 2012

"At the holidays we visit our grandparent's house and celebrate Christmas together.  Every year there is a special, wrapped mystery gift.  It's passed around and around for a good look!  We see check out the size and shape, the weight,  and everyone tries to guess what's inside. Whoever guesses correctly is awarded "The Santa Trophy."  The winner gets to keep the present and it's their job to buy the mystery gift for our next Christmas gathering.  Our grandma came up with the idea for this and we love it." 
                                                                                                         ~Alexia and Sydney

Our Christmas Traditions 2012

"At our house, we like having holiday decorations.  After Thanksgiving day we put up a candle in each window.  They are lighted now and people can see them when you drive by.  Next we will put up the Christmas tree and decorate it.  I love doing that!"  ~Haley

Discover Lawrenceville Lore

Looking back and the history of Lawrence County:  what did the holiday season of 1939 look like?
Share this blog with your favorite reader and let's get some student writing started about how we celebrate in 2012!

gspot.com/2012/11/christmas-in-lawrenceville-1939.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+LawrenceLore+%28Lawrence+Lore%29

POLL: Best Part of Thankgiving

~Celebrating with family
~Traveling to see relatives
~Helping make Thanksgiving dinner
~Playing with my cousins
~Sleeping over at a friend's house
~Going to basketball games
~Seeing my grandparents
~Playing basketball
~Watching my favorite TV shows
~Getting a new puppy
~Going Christmas shopping
~Eating favorite foods
~Getting a Christmas tree
~Saved for and got an iPad
~Making noodles with mom
~Seeing my Aunt and Uncle
~Playing video games
~Getting to see the school my dad went to
~Playing outside
~Having seconds on pie
~Picking up visitors at the airport
~Seeing Christmas lights
~Shopping with my dad
~Spending time with my family
~Christmas songs on the radio
~Riding my bike
~Taking lots of pictures
~Going to the movies
~Playing in the park
~Getting to stay up late
~Getting to sleep in
~Being with the people I love  
                                                    
                     It's the little things that make Thanksgiving break memorable!

Chicken Pox

During reading, 1st graders were spelling the word pox.  Two students commented that it was part of "chicken pox."  Worried, one quickly questioned:  "If we eat chicken, does that cause chicken pox?"

Sunday Thought

One time of the year, here come the December holidays.  Let's make
them special for one another, all in our learning community. 

After all, it's just that "that time of the year." 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=1XtJbFMBmZo

Oh Christmas Tree

"We're going to go with Aiden and Max to pick out a tree tomorrow,
a fresh one.  My husband likes the Charlie Brown type."  ~Mrs. Crawford

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQeKdvXliIU&feature=related

Going to the 2012 Capital Classic?

Basketball players just want to have fun!
Good luck Lawrenceville Indians in the Lawrence County Capital Classic.

Fun for 1st Grade Classmates

"Here you go!"  ~Madi

Isn't the power of imagination, kindness, and "giving" what
Thanksgiving should be about for our young people?

A Festive Look

"Oh, the Christmas bulletin board Mrs. Crawford put up for us is neat!"  ~Gracie

So Thankful

"My neighbor's son is in the military and he spent Thanksgiving last year in Afghanistan.  This week he's home, celebrating the holiday with his parents.  What a blessing." 

Sunday Thought

"There are many little ways to enlarge your child's world. Love of books is the best of all."

                                                                                                   — Jacqueline Kennedy

 Thank you to the many volunteers who were a part of making last week's PTO Book Fair
and our 2012 Family Reading Night of November 15th successful for Parkside families and staff. 

Help

"Local clergymen are going to help meet the needs of homeless students. This is huge." 

Wise Words

During reading time a pair of Miss Negley's students were attempting to match up pictures with
correct letter sounds.  One was having difficulty and his buddy patted him on the back saying,
"You are trying hard and not giving up.  That is good because it's all about the learning.  We
get there in different ways."  ~Chris

I Will Never Forget It

Parkside 5th Graders made a trip to CANDLES Museum today.
"It was so amazing.  Eva Kor is something else.  Her speech was
something I'll never forget."   ~Skylar

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eva_Mozes_Kor
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forgiving_Dr._Mengele

Taking the Stage

"Did you know my teacher's in the play "Airplane" at the high school?  He's a real actor!"  ~Roman

Simple as That

While busy within a small group in Miss Mary's PreK room today, one girl attempted to settle a difference of opinion between two friends.  The discussion among them was at a stalemate and no one could come up with a solution.  She finally put her hands on her hips, turned to them and exclaimed, "You get what you get and don't throw a fit!" 

"If I Were President"

The 2012 Presidential election is "in the books."  Mrs. Emily Wells' third graders wrote their thoughts about serving others, if given the chance.  Mr. Obama, here's what our younger generation dreams about:  "I would......"

~treat the world fairly
~help world hunger and homelessness
~deal with pollution
~bring about world peace
~not allow people to smoke
~teach
~give some of the money from rich people to the poor
~make laws that prevent bullying everywhere
~keep endangered animals safe
~give money to hospitals
~give poor people homes
~get poor children toys
~not take money from people's banks
~stop costly policies
~give money to those who need it
~lower the cost of health insurance
~help kids learn
~include people that are poor
~help the churches
~give money to Medicare
~find jobs for everyone                           Maybe we should get this input to Washington D.C.

Sunday Thought

http://foxnewsinsider.com/2012/11/11/video-president-obama-lays-wreath-at-the-tomb-of-the-unknowns-on-veterans-day/

We remember those who served as Veterans this week at Parkside Elementary, and across Lawrence County.  Today President Obama laid a wreath at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. (video link above)

Thank you to all who honor the men and women who serve in the armed forces, by helping young people understand the importance of their contributions.

A Tribute for Time Honored Veterans

Fourth graders at Parkside perform "God Bless the U.S.A." at school to honor Veterans on Friday November 9th.  Thanks to Mr. Ryan Roush for this film as Mrs. Robin LaGrand and her students shared a special tribute with families and invited guests. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hf32dm8-y2w&feature=share

Lawrence County Courthouse Clock Ringing Again!

Lawrence County Illinois Courthouse Clock Restoration - installation and bell ring test.
Take a climb with Mr. Ed Brumley to the top of the courthouse clock and bell tower.
A special "Thanks!" goes to Mr. David Burgett for starting this process.  History in
in the making; we can all hear the bell ringing again on the square!

A special day, this November 6, 2012

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QQbqYmcHdg&feature=youtu.be

Pictures of the restoration process from Mr. Ed Brumley:
https://picasaweb.google.com/edbrumley/CourthouseClockRestoration?authkey=Gv1sRgCPqR--iHwpCTtQE

Thinking Ahead

What do you want to be when you grow up?
     a lawyer          Jade
     a pet sitter       Harley
     a professional singer     Yzabella
     a marine          Thomas
     a teacher          Kristen
     a vet                Haley
     a policeman    Joseph
    
    
    

Election Day 2012

"The polls are open.  Go out today, do your duty and vote!"  ~WAKO Radio

Sunday Thought

It is a week of elections across the U.S. as well a time to honor Veterans.  

Thanks to all who served or are serving today. 
Such dedication makes possible freedoms we all enjoy.    

http://video.about.com/dc/Tips-for-Visiting-Arlington-National-Cemetery.htm

Together We Learn & Grow

Failure is part of growing up.  Kids need real support from adults who stand behind them all the way.  "Finishing a race together," is so very important.  The process and modeling is how our young
people will learn to negotiate life.

http://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/3368

BEE-utiful!

http://lawpubliclibrary.org/ 

There's always something special at the Lawrence Public Library!
Mrs. Dianne Brumley (above) is their Youth & Program Director
 

Mrs. Terrie Tucker, Director

814 12th St.

Lawrenceville, IL 62439  (618) 943-3016

Hours: 

M, W, F -  10:00a - 5:00p

T, Th - 10:00a - 7:00p

Sat - 10:00a - 3:00p

Sunday - Closed

Follow them on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/LawPublicLibrary

Lawrence Public Library is also on Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/lawpublic/

Priceless

Coming into the room after his classmates had arrived ahead of him:

"Wait!  Wait!  Don't start the learning without me!  ~Chase

The Votes Are In

If Parkside's NIGHT OWLS were voting for President, Mr. Obama would defeat Mitt Romney and return to the Oval Office.  Thanks Joseph and Megan for tabulating the results!

"I think adults should look carefully at the candidates, listen,
 and make a choice responsibily because it's a big decision.  ~Roman

They Notice............

"I wish we didn't have a sub.  My teacher is gone today and it is not the same!"  ~Emily

Watch Out for Those Little Halloween Guests!

"Nothing on Earth so beautiful as the final haul on Halloween night."     ~Steve Almond