WOWED BY THE MUSIC
On Friday afternoon, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students and teachers enjoyed an absolutely amazing performance by the Stanley Jazz Messengers.  This group of talented musicians took a day to tour and perform at all the elementary sites.  The music was inspiring and sophisticated and these students talented and rightfully proud to share their skills.  Our students provided a very enthusiastic and engaged audience.  I hope they left inspired, impressed, aware of the connections between hard work and possibilities and options.  Many thanks to Judy Haxo-Kapoor (a Happy Valley parent alum) for coordinating this opportunity and to Stanley teacher Bob Athyade for sharing his skills, his enthusiasm for music, and his ability to help students develop their talents in such amazing ways. 

PILLAR OF RESPECT IS OUR FEBRUARY FOCUS
During the month of February, we will highlight the Pillar of Respect, helping our students to better understand what it means to be respectful of others.  We're looking forward to the Respect Pillar Party, hosted by our 5th grade students on Thursday of next week. I've included just below some specific details from a Character Counts chart about what "Respect" looks like.  I would encourage you to take some time to talk to your children about these ideas, both as a more focused conversation and as situations arise more naturally in the course of your daily family lives.

RESPECTFUL PEOPLE
-Treat others with respect
-Follow the Golden Rule
-Are tolerant of differences and consider people's feelings
-Use good manners, not bad language
-Don't threaten, hit, or hurt anyone
-Deal peacefully with anger and disagreements

HAPPY VALLEY CLASSROOM VISITS
On Monday afternoon, Superintendent Fred Brill and Board President Stephenie Teichman journeyed to Happy Valley to hear a little about some recent happening and to visit classrooms.  They enjoyed watching a variety of lessons that focused on math talks, social studies, reading, an indoor P.E. activity, and spelling wizards.  Students were very happy to talk about what they were doing; it was wonderful to share in their enthusiasm. 

VALENTINES DAY LUNCH - THANKS 5TH GRADE PARENTS
On Tuesday, Happy Valley staff enjoyed a wonderful treat in the Multi - a delicious lunch provided by 5th grade parents.  The cheerful tables, great music, beautiful flowers, delicious soups, salads, chicken, pasta, yummy cookies and other sweets made us feel very appreciated! This wonderful Happy Valley tradition is always special, providing a few moments to reflect on the passage of time and our connections to current 5th grade students and their families. Special thanks to the lunch coordinators Amy Cummings, Jennifer Larson and Erika Pringsheim-Moore and to all 5th grade parents who are finishing their final year at Happy Valley!   

Enjoy a fabulous 4 days!  Hope to see you on the 21st!

Wendy Patterson