Christmas Toys for Learning and Growing

Your child may be hoping that expensive PS3 or PSP will fit under the Christmas tree, but let me suggest that you consider purchasing toys that build character and develope skills that will help them in school - and aren't quite as expensive as the electronic alternatives! It may be tempting to buy toys that will keep children occupied while we adults rest or watch TV, but the times and experiences shared with good toys that the whole family can enjoy will give us a great feeling for the rest of our life.

As you prepare to shop for your children's Christmas toys, please take a look at the following websites for ideas and guidance in purchasing toys that will be fun AND educational.

The first link I suggest is http://www.besttoys-guide.com/ for a great site for articles about and pictures of games and toys that you can buy at most Wal-Marts, Freds, and Dollar Stores.

Go to http://singleparents.about.com/od/havingfu1/tp/Board_Games.htm for great ideas for classic, inexpensive games for the whole family to play. This link also gives leads you to other great topics about child rearing and how to make your time with your children count.

My personal list of favorite games for the kids and family are:
Card Games
Uno
Go Fish (using regular playing cards)

Board Games for Two Players
Checkers and Chess
Battleship

Board Games for 3 or More Players
Chinese Checkers
Sorry
Monopoly
Clue

If you have ideas for fun AND educational games, leave a post or send me an email.

A Message for Parents of 6th Grade Students

Hello Parents,


I hope your Thanksgiving holidays are going well! Also, I need your help.

Friday I observed that only two 6th graders passed their math test. This was a re-test from a test that was given Monday, November 16. I asked Ms. Landrum what had happened, and she said many students did not put forth any effort on the retest. Some students even told here they were not going to work the problems because they didn't want to. It sounds incredible, true, but I too have noticed a lack of effort on the part of the students in our 5th and 6th grades. This time the 5th graders outperformed the 6th graders, however. In fact, the 5th graders did very well on their retest. One student who retested made a 92 on her retest.

To give the 6th graders an opportunity to pull up their failing grade, I asked Ms. Landrum to allow the students to study over the holidays and take a second retest Monday, November 30. This second retest will be averaged with their grade from this past Friday.

Please help ensure that your child studies for this test. It will cover adding and subtracting fractions with like and unlike denominators and determining the GCF (greatest common factor) and the LCM (least common multiple) of two numbers.

Students who do not pass this retest will require a parent conference. So, please help them prepare for the test.

If you have any questions, please email me. Have a safe and happy holiday.

Jimmy Henderson

Second Graders Show Their Patriotism

The SLE Second Graders presented their assembly program today, November 20. Even SLHS Band Director, Latoya Bradley, placed Taps and patriotic music for the program. Thanks to Ms. Tate, Mrs. Todd and Mrs. Summers-Jones for all their hard work. Of course, thanks to the students who did a great job, too!

From L to R: Zarria Rushing, LaRavia Evans, Diamond Patrick, Tiyunna Cooks, and Falandria Barrett warm up for the program back stage.

Ms. Charlen Tate looks on as Zion Havey and Jakira Yarbrough give the news and weather during the program.

"Uncle" Earl Truss awaits the opening curtain before the assembly program.

SLE Jr. Beta Stuffs Samaritan Purse

Seated: Tyshaun Andrews and Jayla Kennedy

Middle Row L to R: Michael Wells, Journee Peavie, Wallace Bass, Steven Lackey, Keviyun Hutchins, Brianna Wells, Jarmeisha Townsend, Brittany Truss, Jennifer Hughes.

Back Row L to R: Mrs. Rose Weathers, Ravyn Shaw, Sharon Patrick, KeEric Odom, Mytasia Giles, Desmond Stewart, Brandon Williams, Kobe Gates, and Shawn Lewis.

The SLE Jr. Beta members collected gifts and school supplies for the Samaritan Pursea recently. These boxes will go to needy children aroudn the world as part of the yearly Christams gift program. Thanks to all who helped make this year's program a success.

Jr. Beta members help Mr. Henderson load his truck for deliver to the pickup point in Carthage.

Businesses Visit SLE

I want to thank the following people who visited SLE Wednesday to talk about important school and community issues. The people attending our "summit" were:
City of Lena - Cine Watkins
Central Electric - Steve Bryan
Bank of Walnut Grove - Teresa Withers
Madden Hospice - Shirley Jones
Britt Barnes Realty Group - Britt Barnes
C & C Grocery - Cindy Jones
Leake Memorial Clinic - Kristi Estep
SLHS - Shaniece Mabry
Carthage Chamber of Commerce - Melanie Hartley

The group gave the school some vaulable input which we hope to act on soon.

Britt Barnes and Steve Bryan grab a snack after our tour of the school.

Shirley Jones and Cindy Jones at the SLE Business Symposium today.

November Newsletter

November Events


3- Book Fair Night

3- 4th Grade Field Trip

10 – K Vision Test

12- 5th Grade Safety Expo

12 – 6th Grade Field Trip

12- Progress Reports

13-2nd Grade Field

20- K Trip To Library

20 – 5/6 Grade Ball Game

23-27 – No School

30 – School Reopens



From the Principal:

Progress reports will go home again with children Thursday, November 12. It is very important that you contact your child’s teacher if they are making low grades in any subject. Please plan to meet, if you are contacted by your child’s teacher for a conference. You may contact me by phone or by email through (www.schoolnotes.com )for further help. - JH

Thanks for Saturday Work

We want to thank all the folks who turned out to help beautify the campus on Saturday, October 17. Visitors will see some of the flowers that were planted in front of the school. Thanks also to parents who donated money to help defray the cost of this project. If you missed helping out this time, call the school and ask how you can help make the school a better place for all our children. “Thanks” also goes to the Book Fair Volunteers this week!

Second Grade Assembly Scheduled

Friday, November 20 at 9 a.m. the SLE second graders will present a seasonal play. All parents and friends are invited to plan to attend. But don’t wait! All parents of second graders are encouraged to contact the teachers to see how they can contribute to make this play one to remember. Sets, costumes, props and other items are needed. NOTE: They also have an AR Reward field trip to the fire department Friday, November 13.



Donate Used Uniforms to SLE

If your child has outgrown his or her uniform, and it is still in good condition, please consider donating it to the school. This can go a long way in helping families and children in need. Please talk to Mrs. Weathers, 601-253-2324, for more information.

Remember the Dress Code Concerning Coats

Please help your children stay within the school board dress code when it comes to coats. Many children are wearing coats that do not meet the guidelines. “Coats that are to be worn all day must be solid navy, khaki, black or the school color” (blue and white). Children who wear coats that do not adhere to this cannot wear them in the classroom. Please talk with Mr. Henderson (253-2324), if you have any questions about the policy.

Halloween Pumpkins

Look at what SLE second graders did with their pumpkins!

Homecoming Pictures 2009

Better late than never, as the saying goes. Here are some pictures from this year's great homecoming activities. Enjoy!

Recent Saturday Work Day

Thanks to all the folks who came out Satruday, October 17 to help clean up and beautify the SLE campus. Speacial thanks go to the SLHS Boosters for providing breakfast.