Night of the Notables 

 

Favorite characters from classic stories, an adventure on the Polar Express, famous North Carolinians, and other notable figures from history and the present will be at the Scholars' Academy on Tuesday, December 15, from 6 to 7 p.m. We invite the members of our school community to spend the hour with us in some fascinating and rewarding conversations and presentations with students from the Discoverers I to the Apprentice Scholars III levels. Come prepared with questions to learn about the life and times of J. K. Rowling, Niels Bohr, Valentina Tereshkova, Frank Lloyd Wright, Cleopatra, Thomas Wolfe, The Cat in the Hat, Sleeping Beauty, and a ride on the Polar Express. Notable persons in grades 5 through 8 will assemble in the gym to meet and greet guests. Notables in Ms. Miller's classroom will meet in Ms. Bolick's classroom (Room 10). Notables from Ms. Smith's classroom will meet in Mr. Yodice's classroom (Room 9). All of our famous guests will be available in their classrooms, from 6 until 7,  to talk with visitors about such topics as their families; their contributions to the world at the time in which they lived; the challenges they faced to reach their goals; and the people who were important to them, both personally and professionally. We hope you are able to set aside this hour on Tuesday, during the busy holiday season, to experience The Night of the Notables.
 
For those families who wish to have information about supporting students who are interested in the Spelling Bee, please check out the website, www.spellingbee.com. A tab at the site for students and parents will provide information about how to "study" to be a good speller. Scripps-Howard, the sponsor of the national Spelling Bee, no longer provides written booklets for word study.
 
We have a sizable collection of coats, jackets, pants, assorted clothing, plastic containers, and water bottles at the lost and found in the hallway near the new office. Any items left there on Friday, December 18, will be donated to the Crisis Assistance Ministry.
 
I love the spirit of giving and good will that we experience during the holidays. In lieu of traditional gifts to me, I request that families make donations in my name to Appalachian Voices, 191 W. Howard St., Boone, NC  28607-4038; or Catawba Lands Conversancy, 105 W. Morehead St., Charlotte, NC  28202.
 
I wish all of you peace and joy for the holiday season and the coming year.