December 22, 2013
Greetings,
Although we were hit again with a snow day and delays, the week was full of "Holiday Happenings" that we'd like to share with you.
At Swain we have many holiday traditions, including our two Winter Concerts and the Holiday Assembly on the last day of school, for the Preschool-5th graders.
 The PS - 2nd grade students kicked things off with their Winter Concert. The Kindergarten students shared an energetic rendition of "Holiday Hoedown", and the first graders presented the traditional "Hanukkah" dance. (Click on the photo for more pictures.)
The evening Winter Concert featured 3rd-8th grades, including the Swain Chorus (left), made up of 3rd-5th graders. The program featured a variety of vocal and instrumental music, including a performance by the Swain Band. (Click for more pictures.)
The Holiday Assembly is a nice way to send us  off on our Winter Break.
All of the PS-5th grade students entertain each other, followed by a sing-along and a visit from a special guest and his friend!
(Click on the image for more pictures.)
 The annual "Angel Tree" gift drive for the local Salvation Army is always well-supported by the Swain community. This year, four eighth graders initiated "Project Warm", a coat drive to help families at Allentown's Washington School. The Swain community responded with over 250 coats - thank you for your generosity!
And maybe this will become a new
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A new holiday tradition?
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tradition too: our band director, Miss Worrich (on trombone) and history teacher Mr. Burns (on baritone) roamed the halls Friday morning to serenade us with holiday tunes.
We're glad to share this video that Mrs. Akers' and
Mrs. Johnson's PK class put together!
Click on the photo to play the video.
Let's close with this heart-warming story that third grade teacher Lisa Young shared:
 She has a childhood friend, Mike Miller (right), who is serving in the military in Afghanistan. The third grade students are penpals with the soldiers in his unit. Around Thanksgiving, the Martin family (in Swain's name) so generously sent him a traveling guitar, as they occasionally do to soldiers. He said it really turned the morale of his unit around, especially at this time of year that can be tough to be away.
Thank you for all you do to make Swain the wonderful community it is! Have a safe and meaningful winter break, and we'll see you on Monday, Jan. 6.
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