Here we are the first week of November. I am still waiting for the cooler weather. We are close to the end of the 2nd six weeks. Report cards will go home next week. This was a short six weeks. Remember that you can always check grades on the district's link to Gradebook. Please contact the school if you need more information on how to check grades online. Also, if you are not receiving emails at home, please sign up for the parent listserv by clicking the spinning envelope on the district's home page, www.devineisd.org.

To celebrate Veteran's Day Thursday, Nov. 11, we are declaring it "Red, White, and Blue Day". We will have a parade at 9:30 a.m. and we have planned some activities for the occasion. Active military and veterans will be our honored guests. Students may be out of uniform if they wear red, white, and blue.

We are hosting our annual "Thankful for Parent's Breakfast" on November 16th. Elementary parents can sign in at the cafeteria, pick up their breakfast and meet their child in the classroom. Second grade is eating in the cafeteria this year and the breakfast time for them will be from 7:40 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. An invitation will be coming home soon with all the times listed.

This past month is guidance class we have covered many safety topics. We celebrated Fire Safety Week with our annual visit from the Fire Department. They did a great job explaining some fire safety tips and showing off the equipment used on the fire truck. We also celebrated Red Ribbon Week. We talked about 'Saying No' to drugs. We had a great pep rally at the football stadium. A special thanks to the high school band, cheerleaders and athletes who helped and made it a great experience for our students.

This month's tip from the counselor is five ways raise to nicer children. Consider these five ways to help children be nicer people. 1. Make eye contact. Looking at someone in the eye when speaking tells others you are interested in what they are saying. Good eye contact demonstrates respect for others. 2. Always say, "thank you." Express appreciation for anything you get. This is especially important around birthdays and Christmas; there is nothing more meaningful than a heartfelt thank you note for a gift received. 3. Do it right the first time. Taking the time to do a job well teaches children to expect the best of themselves and shows others we care about how what we do affects them. And, when you do it right the first time, you don't have to do it again. 4. "Just Because" As parents and educators, we try to give reasons for what we ask children to do, but sometimes kids need to do things, "just because" it's the right thing to do. 5. Be Polite. A child who listens without interrupting, respects others' opinions and uses a friendly tone of voice will be welcome anywhere.

Have a nice November and a great Thanksgiving holiday. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns at stephanie.kohlleppel@devineisd.org or 830.851.0395.