December is Here!

Thank you to Ms. Martin, Mr. Schock, Mr. Salvatierra, Ms. Mimms, Mr. Webb, Ms. Jenkins, Ms. O'Brien and others for a wonderful Talent Show!

November/December Field Trips and Special Events:
Nov. 29--Lockdown drill at 10am
Dec. 1--1st grade field trip to UVA Art Museum, 12:45 and 1:15; Most enrichment clubs end for the fall
Dec. 2--Reception for the 2011 4th grade class gift mural unveiling, 5:00-6:30pm
Dec. 5-9--Winter Book Fair.  Evening hours on Tuesday and Friday
Dec. 6--PTO Meeting to elect new officers, 5:30pm; Book Buddies Dinner, 6:00pm in the South Cafeteria
Dec. 9--Winter Concert, 6pm in the auditorium
Dec. 12--4th grade LEAD (science) assembly, 12:30-1:30
Dec. 13--Last day for All-Star club
Dec. 16--Last day of school for students in 2011
Dec. 19-Jan.1--Winter Break.  School resumes on Jan 2, 2012

Afternoon Car and Walker Dismissal Reminders

In order to maintain everyone's safety, please review and follow these guidelines for afternoon dismissal.

Help Needed for Winter Book Fair!

If you are able to come work at the book fair during the week of December 5-9, please contact Ms. Schrank.  See this flyer for dates and times when we could use another set of hands.

Members of the "Venable 9" Share Stories with Students

On Friday, November 18, members of the original "Charlottesville 12," the first African American students to integrate Venable Elementary and Lane High School, were honored at a ceremony on our front steps.  Our 4th grade chorus sang and student Tiara Strait spoke as part of the program that preceded the unveiling of the new historical marker that now stands at the corner of 14th St. and Gordon Avenue.  Later that afternoon, five of the "Venable 9" returned to speak with students about their experiences.  Special thanks goes to Charles Alexander, Ronald and Roland Woodfolk, Regina Dixon and Sandra Wicks Lewis for sharing their stories with our students.  Also thanks to Charlene Greene of the Dialogue on Race for helping to coordinate the program and the afternoon visits by our honored guests.

Historical Marker Text
Mrs. Kershner's Welcome
Tiara's Speech
Program of Events
Press of Friday's event
Press of Saturday's event

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PTO Meeting, Dec. 6, 5:30-6:00pm

Childcare and pizza provided. Elections of new officers is the sole agenda item.  To vote, please attend the meeting.

First Graders Track the Start of Spring

We're already planning for Spring in 1st grade!  Mrs. Minor, our Talent Development teacher, planted tulip bulbs with first grade in conjunction with the international project, Journey North.  Students will use interactive technology and observations of our gardens to learn about climate and the change of seasons around the globe.  To learn more about this project, visit the Journey North website.