December began with a flurry of activity. Kicking off the month was Family Game Night. It was wonderful to see so many families engaged in a variety of unique games at this very successful event. Thank you to Co-Chairs Kathi O'Neil and Debbie Osofsky for all of their efforts.

The arrival of snow today reminds us that winter weather is here. Our custodians did a great job clearing the concrete plaza and the egress paths. Please remember that students have outdoor recess each day unless it is raining or the temperatures and/or wind chill make it unsafe for outdoor recess. In order to play on or in the snow, students must wear snowpants and boots. Without boots and snowpants, students are restricted to the blacktop. A warm jacket, a hat, mittens and/or gloves are also necessities for participation in outdoor recess. Please be sure that all of your child's belongings are labeled with his/her name. The Lost & Found area is overflowing with all of these items. If your child is missing items, please encourage him/her to check for lost items at Lost & Found at the exit to the playground.

I am sure that you have noticed the recent media attention relating to the Massachusetts Ethic Law regarding gift giving restrictions for elected officials, public officials, and all public employees, including school personnel. The application of this law to school employees means that no school employee may accept "anything of substantial value". Anything worth $50.00 or more is considered to be of substantial value. This guideline would apply to a class gift as well. No teacher or school employee expects a gift at any time of the year. If gift giving at the holidays is part of your family's tradition, please keep the restrictions of this law in mind.

The next Principal's Coffee is sponsored by the PTG and is scheduled for 11:30 AM on Monday, December 14th in the Conference Room. Please stop by the Conference Room for coffee and conversation if you are able.

Math Specialist Laurie Penney is planning a Parent Math Workshop for Wednesday, January 27th at 7:00 PM in the Willard Library. Please mark your calendars. Details of this event will follow soon.

The first semester will conclude on January 27th. Progress Reports will be mailed on February 5th.

Punch list work continues at Willard. A subcommittee of the Willard Building Committee is working to prioritize the punch list. It is expected that the contractors will be spending a great deal of time at Willard over vacation week to address this work. I will keep you posted about their progress.

As always, thank you for all you do for Willard School.
- Pat Fernandes