Principal’s Notes from Nottingham – November 22, 2017

Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our Thanksgiving.
-W.T. Purkiser

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Wishing you and yours a restful Thanksgiving holiday break and safe travel whether near or far.

I hope you’ve had a chance to drive by and see our marquee in which we express appreciation for all members of our Community of Learners. It was great fun to slip on my cowboy boots and join you all at the Boots and Bluegrass PTA Auction. Hats off to our co-chairs and their army of volunteers! Also, many thanks for your generosity in bidding for the many different types of donated auction items.

Hopefully by now, your child’s classroom teacher has shared information with you regarding Arlington County’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Literary & Visual Arts Contest. More info here. Thanksgiving break might prove a great opportunity for your child to reflect on Dr. King’s statement concerning courage: Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

NPR’s Great Thanksgiving Listen project is another way to have fun and record some family history. I have used this framework and gleaned fun family facts and stories that can be shared across generations. StoryCorps suggests using its app to have a meaningful, one-on-one conversation.

Clinic News

As we encounter cold and flu season, please see the following request from the clinic. Mrs. Christina W. Cuesta,, Public Health Nurse/School Health, writes: Please remember to keep your child at home when he or she is sick. Children cannot concentrate and learn, or have fun when they feel sick. A student who has a fever, is vomiting, or has diarrhea needs to stay at home until he or she is free of fever and symptoms without medication for 24 hours.

5 Conversations to Have with Your Kids After Wonder | Common Sense Media:

For parents/ guardians of 3-5th grade Knights, I hope you have been able to read the book Wonder with your child before taking them to see the movie. For a few years now I have alternated incorporating aspects of the story into my end of year awards ceremony and the fifth grade promotion ceremony. This is a powerful story and a great way to broach topics of kindness and respect for differences with your child. See the following from Common Sense media: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/oblog/5-conversations-to-have-with-your-kids-after-wonder

Teacher of Year (TOY)

It is that time of year again when we call for nominations to select Nottingham’s 2018 Teacher of the Year! If you wish to nominate a teacher for this honor, please submit a letter of reference to Nottingham via Mardi Moorman no later than this Monday, November 27. She can be reached at 703-228-8339 or email: mardi.moorman@apsva.us. Our instructional lead teachers serve as the nominating/selection committee. Together they will review the nominations and select one candidate. The Nomination Committee will meet and vote to select our TOY at the November 30th Lead Teacher’s meeting. Stacy Rosenthal, as the PTA President, will serve as the community member on the selection committee. We look forward to sharing the announcement of Nottingham’s 2018 Teacher of the Year.

Dates to Remember:

11/28/17: Report Cards Issued
12/1/17: Family Bingo Night – Multipurpose Room

Enjoy a restful break and thank you for being a partner in your child’s education.

Mary Beth Pelosky, Principal

Marybeth.pelosky@apsva.us
@NTMPrincipal @NTMKnightsAPS