November 11 is Veterans Day, the date set aside to honor our veterans and the sacrifices they have made and are making so that you and I can experience the precious gift of freedom that we hold so dear.  This national holiday was originally known as Armistice Day to commemorate the date, "the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month," when hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany ceased at the end of World War I.  It was not until June 1, 1954, however, when the name was officially changed to Veterans Day.  It is fitting that we offer a special prayer of thanksgiving to God for our country, the lives of freedom and peace which we live, and for the many men and women who unselfishly defend our right to these freedoms, often with their own lives.  God Bless America!

Teachers are looking forward to meeting with you on Thursday and Friday of this week, November 11 and 12, for your Parent Teacher Conferences.  (These are 11:30 dismissal days!)  This is an opportunity for teachers to get to know your children better, from you, their parents, who know them better than anyone!  It is also a chance for you to get to know the professional educators who strive to help every child learn and grow in our wonderful St. Thomas More School.  How can you prepare for these meetings?  Here are a few tips to help you set the stage for these important meetings.

• First of all, talk to your child!  Ask if he or she has anything they want the teacher to know, or might want you to discuss, and jot down their questions, as well as your own.
• Arrive on time for your meeting!  Others are scheduled after you, and the teacher must stick to the schedule.
• Be willing to share information with the teacher to help her see the side of your child you experience every day.  It might help her to know that your child struggles with homework, or is suffering with allergies and is having trouble sleeping, or has just lost a pet.  Issues like these impact learning and teachers need to know what is wrong in order to help. 
• Listen with an open mind!  Remember that teachers want your children to flourish in their classes...they want to help!  St. Thomas More School teachers are dedicated to your children, and they are on your side! 
• Your appointment time is 20 minutes long from start to finish, and the next family is waiting.  Do stick to the most important matters, and be respectful of the schedule.
• Ask questions, and jot down notes to take home and mull over.  Discuss topics with your child to help them feel part of the process. 
• As the end of the conference, do thank the teacher!  If you have more questions, don't hesitate to send a note and ask the teacher to meet with you again.

I hope that these ideas have been helpful!  The weather is supposed to be lovely and warm...enjoy the next few days!