From the Principal’s Desk…
March has been a long month!! With Easter coming later in the month of April, it makes for a long haul between President’s Day and Spring Break! But we have survived unpredictable weather, roller skating in PE and ISAT Testing for 3rd and 4th graders. Our second Family Skate Night, sponsored by the Midland PTO will be on Friday, 4/1, starting at 5 pm in the gym. We had a great turn out last week...hope to see many of you again tomorrow night!!
Due to our snow days earlier this year, the school calendar has been adjusted. Our last day for student attendance is tentatively set for Monday, May 23rd. This is a 2:25 pm dismissal day. Our Awards Assembly also be on May 23rd, starting at 9 am in the gym. We will hold our annual Field Day activities on that same day, May 23rd, starting around 11 am. You will receive more information about these activities in the May newsletter, but I wanted to inform you of the dates now in order to plan accordingly.
April is designated as Autism Awareness Month, and on Fridays, you may see several teachers and staff members wearing special t-shirts to bring attention to this important month. Autism and autism spectrum disorders affect on average one child out of every 110 births in the United States. Locally, a Midland Elementary parent is trying to help parents of children who have autism by purchasing iPads to assist with communication needs. On 4/1 and 4/2, “Sing for the Silent: A Musical Revue” will be performed at the Peoria Players Theater in Peoria. The show is sponsored by Loud Mommy, a support group started by parent Tara Oathout to help mothers of autistic, apraxic or nonverbal children. Monies raised at the performances will be used to help purchase iPads for families of children with autism in need of these communication devices. You can learn more about this fundraiser and about Mrs. Oathout’s support group by visiting www.loudmommy.com.
Tuesday, April 5th-two important things to do on this day...don’t forget to vote in the general election, which includes Midland School Board Elections; and don’t forget to attend the Midland PTO Meeting that starts at 6:30 pm in the cafeteria. . This will be great time to find out how you can help during Teacher Appreciation Week, Field Day or even an activity or event for the 2011-12 school year! We have a wonderful PTO which provides so many things for our students in both buildings, but we need LOTS of parents at all grade levels to be involved to make our group a thriving group! I look forward to seeing you there!
Julie Albers, Principal