Dear Family,

With our annual fundraiser, Steeplechase, behind us, words can't adequately express my gratitude for your continued support for our school programs. I also want to thank Cathy Wilmoth, our Steeplechase coordinator, for working tirelessly to organize this event-- and counting every penny that came in!

Our student leader teams, comprised of fourth and fifth graders who want to make a difference in our school, have also been working hard. They are busy with philanthropy projects, recruiting students to be conflict managers and participating in Edna's Student Council.

Our philanthropy team recently collected candy for our troops and is now organizing a Dollar Day for Children in Somalia coming up on November 30. Meanwhile, our Student Council is coordinating a food drive for the Marin County Food Bank that will be held in December. We have a food drive every year. But this year, we also have a chance to win money for our school, thanks to a challenge sponsored by Lindsay Olives (see the LindsayOlivesFlyer.pdf for more details).The group that collects and donates the highest percentage of canned goods and other non-perishable food items for its local food bank will win $3,000 for its school!

Teachers Mrs. Govi and Mrs. Dan are training our fourth and fifth grade conflict managers. These students are learning how to help their fellow students resolve small conflicts on the playground and problem-solve issues as they arise. Look for them in their bright green t-shirts out on the playground soon!

In case you haven't heard, on Fridays, I've been handing out "Oscar Awards" (coveted stuffies of Oscar the Grouch) to the classes with the tidiest lunch areas. As you know, Oscar LOVES trash. Especially when it's put in the trashcan! Mrs. Marks's kindergarten class and Mrs. Stachon's first-grade class are currently tied for earning the most Oscar Awards AND the chance to win an afternoon dance party!

Finally, I want to thank all the parents who attended conferences these past couple of weeks. A strong home-school connection is very important to us and benefits our students.

All the Best,

Lisa Zimmer

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on November 10