A Celebration of African History and Culture with TJ Reddy 

Learn more about Mr. TJ Reddy by visiting his website: http://www.tjreddyartist.com

Artist, Storyteller and Freedom Activist, Mr. T.J. Reddy was a guest of honor in UE 3 this week.  Mr. Reddy is a relative of Jacobi and Janice Gray.  His own two daughters attended Countryside many years ago.  Ms. Lynne was their teacher!

He told about his ancestry and family lineage in Africa, shared some ancient proverbs and played beautiful music on native instruments. 

Ms. Sally and Ms. Alicia had the students write thank you notes to Mr. Reddy after his visit.  Reading their comments, you can see what a powerful experience it was for the children and the profound impact he had on them.

Thank you for teaching us about the culture of Africa. Thank for reading us your poems and proverbs. Thank you for telling us what it was like back then and what you did for freedom.

Thank you for coming and teaching us about believing in ourselves. Even though I am still discovering who I am, I do know that I want to be a kind, creative person. You helped me discover the meaning of "me".

Mr. Reddy brought this painting to show the class.  See more of his artistry at his website: http://www.tjreddyartist.com/portfolio.php

I thank you for coming to our class. I liked the way you expressed the emotions in the poems. I also like the clothing you wore. It was great for you to come, and I really enjoyed it. I learned about so many things. I'll always remember: 

 1.  Never insult an alligator before crossing a river.
2. Going on a trip alone, is better than going on a trip with a misguided friend.
3. Telling a secret to an unworthy friend is like carrying a bag of grain with a hole in it. 

I might even tell my children those three things and tell them about you!

Thank you for teaching this lesson. I really enjoyed your poems, your character, and your thumb piano. You're a really good person and I enjoyed listening to your poems and stories. I really got excited when you said you were a co-founder of the Harvey B. Gantt Center, because he is my Uncle.

 Please Send Us Your Grandparents' Mailing Address 

Invitations will be mailed next week. 

Please email Sian Kolozvary, with your grandparents' names, mailing address and your child's name/grade level.

Even if your "Grands" don't live near Charlotte, they will appreciate receiving an invitation and knowing we have a special day in their honor.    

In this year's invitation, we'll be encourage those who can't attend to send a card to their grandchild c/o the school. 

We're dividing the event between two days:

Thursday, February 28, 2013

 PC Campus:  Classrooms 1 - 4

Friday, March 1, 2013

PC Campus:  Classrooms 5 - 10

Toddler House:  All 4 classes

MC Campus:  1st - 6th grades 

Re-Enrollment Contracts Due March 15th 

Re-enrolling for next school year is easy.  Fill out the one-page, double sided form, sign the bottom and return it with your 10% tuition deposit.  

Can't find your re-enrollment packet in your post-holiday piles?  No worries. We made extras. Stop by any campus office for another one.

Everyone is invited to our first, annual

Friday, February 22

Place:  The Mallard Creek Campus Gym

Doors Open:    6:00 pm

Family photos sessions begin 

Dinner:   6:30 pm  

Menu:  Baked Ziti with marinara sauce, salad with choice of two homemade dressings, rolls and a variety of desserts.  Catered by Derita Soda Shop and Grill

Dancing:  7:00 - 8:30 pm 
A DJ will play all the favorite music for dancing including several opportunities for "Father/Daughter", "Mother/Son", "Parent/Child" dances.

Attire:  Winter Elegant

Special Feature: While you're all dressed up, get your family portrait taken with a Winter Wonderland backdrop. 
 $10 minimum photo order required.  Photo packages range from $10-$40.  Book your photo session in advance or that night. Click here for order form.

RSVP:  Check your email for your e-vite.  The meal is free for the whole family but we will need a head count.  Please RSVP on the e-vite to let us know how many people will attend.

This event is sponsored by the CMPTO.  Come "break bread" together and
let's get to know each other.

(l-r) Sara Mirantes, Countyrside Exchange Student from Spain and Shannon Sullivan, UE 2 Teacher served on the "Punch Crew" at a Habitat for Humanity House on January 25.

Join the Countryside Volunteer Corp!

Our newly formed Volunteer Corp is a collection of Countryside families who work together to help others in our Charlotte community.

Last month a crew of dedicated souls braved the icey temps on Saturday, January 26 to serve on the "punch crew" for a Habitat for Humanity house.  Special thanks to:

The White Family:  Earnest and LaToya, Kahdari Bryant and grandmother, Francis Smith.

Shannon Sullivan

Sara Mirantes
Sian Kolozvary

Two more events this school year:

Greenway Clean-up:  Saturday, March 23rd.  This activity will be fun for the whole family (no age limit required). We'll meet behind the MC campus and walk in both directions, picking up trash and debris along the greenway.

Ronald McDonald House - Saturday, May 25th @ 5:30 pm

We'll be preparing and serving dinner to their guests for the evening.

Attention High School Students:  These volunteer efforts are a great way to log in some Community Service hours. 

More details coming about both these events.  In the mean time, please email Sian Kolozvary, Countryside's Community Outreach Coordinator if you're interested in serving on the Countryside Volunteer Corp!