Gracias - The Thanksgiving Turkey

Tired of this picture?





In Gracias The Thanksgiving Turkey, Joy Cowley puts a spin on a holiday story that will engage children who have had it up to here with pilgrims!

This brightly colored children's tale follows the story of Miguel, a young Puerto Rican boy living in New York City. Miguel is thrilled to receive a present from his father, a truck driver who spends his days on the road.

"Fatten this turkey for Thanksgiving," the note from Miguel's father reads. "I’ll be home to share it with you. Love from Papá."

Conflict ensues when Miguel befriends Gracias the turkey, whom he then hesitates to eat. Problems range from where the turkey will sleep in a tiny New York apartment, to whether or not the turkey can come to Mass. I won't spoil the ending, but kids will love Miguel's struggle over Gracias -- as well as his reunion with his father.

Gracias is characterized by bright pictures and colors, and a multi-cultural dimension makes this story unique in a way that is missing from many more traditional Thanksgiving stories.

Going home today....

For those parents who pre-ordered the Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Cabin Fever by Jeff Kinney, copies were delivered to the school today and are going home with your child!

Conference appointments (date/time) are being sent home today. Please look for your appointment time in your child's Take Home Folder. Mark your calendars and please make sure to be on time to not interfere with other appointments.

Grade 4 students are taking the DRP test tomorrow. Your child will have the pretest in their folder. Review it with your child. Please make sure they have eaten a good breakfast and are well rested for this, rather lengthy, assessment.

Happy Veterans Day

To the veterans, we thank you. Your spirit and strength have kept this country safe and free. We honor you today!

A few reminders.....

It was nice to get back into the swing of things. Routine is good!!

Just a few important reminders:

If you you haven't returned the conference preference form, please do so by tomorrow. Teachers are setting appointments tomorrow afternoon and by providing your preferences it makes it easier to schedule a conference time. Changing a time later is difficult. If you lost the form, just send in a note noting your prefered days in 1-3 order. Conferences are scheduled for the evening of Tuesday, November 29 beginning at 5:30, the afternoon of Wednesday, November 30 starting at 1:35 and the evening of Thursday, December 1 starting, again, at 5:30pm. Your scheduled appointment date and time will go home on November 15.

Thanks to all the families who participated in the UNICEF collection! If you still have a UNICEF collection box at home, please return it to school so we can submit the donation.

Last day to order from Scholastic for the month of November is Wednesday, November 9.

A food drive to benefit the Monroe Food Pantry is currently underway at Fawn Hollow School. Students are creating posters and morning announcements promoting this very worthwhile activity. Food will be collected until November 18. Thanks to all of the parents, students and staff for their support!

The Innisbrook orders have arrived! You may pick up your order from the stage on the following dates:

Tuesday-3:30-4:00 and 5:30-7:00

Wednesday-3:30-4 and 5:30-7:00

Thursday-3:30-4:00 and 5:30 - 7:00

Friday-8:00-9:00 am and 3:30-4:00

Our next PTO meeting will be held on Thursday, November 10 in the staff lounge. All are welcome!

Fawn Hollow School will observe Veteran’s Day on November 11. Our day will begin on the front lawn with Morning Exercises and a presentation by fifth graders about the significance of Veteran’s Day.