Traditionally, just before Christmas break each year, the Elementary students come together for their December assembly. The blizzard last month that forced school to close for three day created a change of plans. This morning, as true to tradition as possible.
\r\nMrs. Kammer said in her monthly newsletter to parents,
\r\n"Once again the Holyoke Elementary students and staff will be participating in the food drive. Throughout the school year there are hardworking and dedicated families that may need some help during the winter months to provide enough food for their families.
\r\n
With the extra cost associated with Thanksgiving, the Holidays and with the extreme cold temperatures family budgets can get stretched very thin. With all the support that our families and community members show our Holyoke Elementary School and the Holyoke School District, it is very worthwhile to be able to give back when we can to say thank you.
\r\n
This year we will be collecting any and all non-perishable food items such as canned goods or prepackaged box items that will be donated to local food banks to be distributed to individual families as needed."
\r\n
Additionally, each month the staff at the elementary school highlights the achievements of students who have demonstrated positive behavior. This behavior is represented by the acronym SOAR.
\r\n| S | Safety |
| O | Ownership |
| A | Achievement |
| R | Respect |
This month teachers and students focused on Respect and the following students were recognized for their efforts with a certificate.
\r\n
At the same assembly, students and teachers also celebrated those students who demonstrated Visible Learning. Teachers encourage Visible Learning with the acronym LEARNERS.
\r\n| L | Learn from mistakes |
| E | Evaluate work |
| A | Ask questions |
| R | Receive and respond to feedback |
| N | Never give up |
| E | Effort matters |
| R | Reach goals |
| S | State what we are learning |
This month teachers and students focused on "R" Receive and respond to feedback and the following students were recognized for their efforts with a certificate.
\r\n
A special thank you to the Elementary Student Council members and their sponsors for hosting the assembly where these students were honored in front of the whole school.
\r\nOne student from each grade, who had earned a SOAR ticket for demonstrating a positive behavior, was chosen to win a prize.
\r\n
Lastly, all student were given a candy cane on the way out the door as a thank you for a great first half of the year.
\r\n