"LIGHT OUR JOURNEY"
MATCHING CAMPAIGN--18 DAYS TO ACT

Journey's future is bright! The Light Our Journey campaign is in full motion. The Foundation has already received $7500 and the Coveyou family is stepping up to match these monies. An additional $13,000 has been pledged and is expected to arrive by year's end, and $2000 in stock is on the way thanks to the Shuster family. An additional $30,000 was raised prior to December.

In sum, more than $60,000 has been donated and/or pledged. This means we have achieved 40% of our overall campaign goal, which is to raise $150,000 by 12/31. We still have 18 days to go! The McGee family is ready to MATCH every dollar raised.
Imagine, the Foundation, led by President Colleen Patterson, could have over $300,000 very soon. Proceeds will allow us to fund an effective Fundraising Headquarters, also known as the REACH Development Office. A priority will be to launch a capital campaign so the children may have a beautiful campus of their own. More gifts are on the way and it's never too late to help! Here's what you can do:

• Contact friends, family, alumni, employers, companies, etc.   
• Emphasize any gift is appreciated- 'small' amounts, stocks or bonds  
• Pradhan Studios will provide free photo sitting for top donors    
• Building naming rights are still available  
• Below are electronic resources to help you as a School Ambassador:  
• Click here to donate now   
• Click here to share potential donor contact information
• Click here for a donation letter you may forward to others 
• Click here to to get your questions answered 

Friends, this campaign is about much more than money. It's about a community of caring people who want to make a positive difference in students' lives by giving them a top-notch and ethical education. It's also about contributing important innovations and ideas that have the potential to transform schools across the country. Let's go for it! 

SWING BY FOR YOUR SWEETIE PIE

The 7th and 8th Graders successfully transformed their classroom into a pie factory yesterday. Your Sweetie Pies are ready for pick-up! The freezer truck leaves tonight, so don't forget to pick up your pies TODAY. Also, if you missed your chance to order, pie filling and topping is on sale for $5.

ENCOUNTERING JACK FROST

As winter approaches, the students are experiencing first hand what Jack Frost does to plants and how they might help. The 6th grade students are especially enjoying completing tasks previously performed by volunteers. In fact, Master Gardener Erik has such trust in Ms. Kelley's students that he is taking a well deserved rest during December. We invite everyone to join us in the Green Heart Garden on Wednesdays from 8:30-10am. Volunteers are also welcome after drop-off this Friday to help build pest control cages. Click here for more garden updates.

THE WHY OF WINTER FESTIVALS

Santa Lucia Day - Second graders bring to life their year-long study of saints and upright figures from fables and mythology as they parade through the school delivering baked bread and singing songs honoring Santa Lucia on 12/13.

Spiral Walk - Next week, students walk an evergreen spiral representing the child's path toward the light, the balance between the darkness we all feel during the depths of winter, and the preparation and expectancy of the return of the light in springtime. The Winter Spiral Walk is also symbolic of the triumphant human spirit that shines in all of us.

All parents are invited to join us for the annual Spiral Walk. Click here for more information about our beautiful festivals.

LIFELONG LEARNERS: BOOK STUDY & ARTICLES FOR PARENTS

The best way to encourage your child to be a lifelong-learner is by example. Be a model by joining Ms. Tammra Tanner in her Simplicity Parenting book study facilitated with support, learning, and reflection--and designed to bring peace, less stress, and joy back to your family life and parenting. Click here for the flyer.

Published articles and research come out every week reinforcing our teaching style and school charter.

• Should schools teach social media skills?   
• A Growing Movement (Journey School mentioned in Coast Magazine)  
• Science Says Art Will Make Your Kids Better Thinkers (and Nicer People) 

THANKS TO OUR FAIRY MARKET VOLUNTEERS

The children have enjoyed a wonderful time at this year's Fairy Market and we thank all the volunteers who work behind the scenes to make it happen each year, especially Lisa O'Neil. Each child who participated made gifts to stock the market and were able to bring home wrapped, handmade gifts for friends and loved ones.

A RICHER COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE

Auction Committee Friends
Something magical happens when people come together for a greater cause: Joy is brought to our children's education, friendships form, and a sense of community and fulfillment develops. Our Annual Dinner/Auction Gala will be held on FRIDAY, March 7th. Planning committees are forming now and meetings take place each week. Next meeting: Wednesday 12/18 @ 9am in the MPR.

Evergreen Cuttings Needed for Spiral Walk
Lowe's, Home Depot or any Christmas Tree sellers will often donate surplus from tree cutting. The more we have, the better for the Spiral Walk experience. We will collect cuttings outside the MPR.

RESPECTFUL ATTENDANCE & TIMELINESS

Parents, thank you for your support with attendance. Month 1 attendance was 96.40, Month 2 attendance was 94.71, Month 3 attendance was 94.61, and this week's attendance is currently 94.44. PLEASE do not start your Winter Holiday early, and ensure that your child is present on Monday, January 6th, for the successful launch of a new year.

STORE HOLIDAY HOURS & EVENTS

The Oak and the Acorn offers beautiful gifts for the holiday season. Come visit the cafe for a hot drink and to chat with other parents. Click here for holiday deals and holiday workshops. Special store hours before winter break: Wed 12/18 8:30am-1:30pm and Thu 12/19 & Fri 20 8:30am-4:00pm

WHAT'S COMING UP

SAVE THE DATES