From the Principal’s Desk…

Brrr! Winter has really hit us with frigid cold temperatures and windy conditions these past few days! We still need your help in ensuring your children are appropriately dressed for the cold temperatures. Many children are still without gloves or mittens and hats; we will go outside for recess when the temperature or wind chill is 20 degrees or higher. It is important that children have the opportunity to get outside in the fresh air, and we try to take advantage of those days when possible. Also, please remember to send a change of shoes for your child when s/he wears snow boots. Those boots get awfully warm when worn all day long, and it’s difficult for children to participate in PE activities without gym shoes. Thanks for your help with both of these concerns!

            Just a reminder that our school carnival will be held on Saturday, February 7th at the middle school in Sparland from 4-7 pm. WOW-the themed baskets and totes that the classes have created are wonderful! It will be hard to make just one or two bids! Many people have worked long hours to ensure the success of this night~please take time from your schedule on Saturday to enjoy some family time together and support the Midland PTO. Thank you to all of the members of the PTO, parents and teachers for all of their work to ensure a successful night for all!

            Our third and fourth grade students and their parents are invited to attend our ISAT Parent Night on Thursday, February 26th, starting at 6:30 pm. We’ll spend some time with parents, talking about the test and showing them how we prepare the students for the assessments, while the 3rd and 4th grade students enjoy some fun, games and pizza in the cafeteria. You can read more about it in the newsletter.

            January definitely ended on a sad note for the Midland School District and our entire community. Retired Midland High School and Sparland High School agriculture teacher Art Engelbrecht died suddenly on Thursday, January 22nd. “Mr. E” as he was known, began his teaching career in 1966 and taught the children of our community for more than 30 years. Since his retirement, he served as a daily bus driver and occasional substitute teacher. When I shared the news with Art’s bus riders last week, the children had so many warm, caring and funny stories to share with one another. From candy bars at Christmas-time to playing kids’ CD’s on the bus stereo, the kids have many fond memories of Art. We will surely miss him and his warm and gentle presence at school each day. Our thoughts are with Art’s wife Marilyn and his entire family.

            Stay warm and we hope to see you at the carnival  next Saturday night!    

Julie Albers, Principal