     It is amazing how time has flown as we make our journey through this new school year! The first quarter is behind us already. October was truly a great month at Shelley Elementary.
    We began the month with a combined PTA Board/School Community Council meeting, where we visited with Mr. Tim Osborn, school board member, and Dr. Gary Seastrand, district administrator. Dr. Seastrand reviewed the "What Counts" process, the Mission, Vision, Values, and Goals of Alpine School District, and then shared the revised Areas of Focus. He then presented attendess with the new "cube"--a colorful, three-dimensional, manipulative representation of all we had discussed. Dr. Seastrand concluded with a question and answer session, inviting feedback and responding to questions specific to our school or about the district in general. It was a very productive hour of dialogue and exchange of ideas among parents, faculty, and school and district leaders.
     The next week were Parent Conferences, which were well attended as students, parents, and teachers met to celebrate strengths and to plan for increased student growth and learning. We were especially pleased with the on-line registration for the conferences new to Shelley Elementary this year. We got a late start as the online program people worked out final details with district personnel in getting class lists and teachers' information ready on Skyward, but we had very positive feedback overall on the convenience of signing up without having to come to the school and look over each teacher's sign-up sheet posted in the hall. (We anticipate that all the bugs will be worked out by the time we open the window for sign up for our February conferences, so all should go very smoothly by then.)
     Our Shelley Explorer Walk-a-thon was a huge success, bringing in over $11,000! We appreciate everyone's efforts and support. We could not have asked for a more beautiful day for the activity. It was a delight to be out among the students doing lap after lap, working diligently toward individual and classroom goals, all to the rhythm of some energizing and upbeat music. Parents and teachers were busily helping mark off student laps, cheering the students on. Details on the celebration assembly may be found in the PTA portion of the newsletter. Thanks again to PTA president Amber Barnes and her committee for their hard work in behalf of the school and students.
During our Fall Break, the satellite building was demolished and removed. It served us well for many years, but it was time for it to go now that we are settled in our lovely new addition. In its place the district will lay a base fill and then cover the area with asphalt, which will provide welcome additional space for student play during recess and lunchtime.
     We ended the quarter with a week-long celebration of Red Ribbon Week, participating in a series of activities each day reminding students to "Take a Stand" against drugs and violence. Thanks to Sherri Christensen and her committee for a fun week focused on this very important topic.
     Then, last Friday, Mrs. Miller's 3rd grade first quarter specialty classes presented a program of song, dance and poetry sprinkled with individual talent sharing as well. They performed during the day for the other students of the school, and again in the evening for parents and family. I had to resist the temptation to join in when the students moved across the floor in a grand waltz to the song "Try to Remember!" We appreciate the efforts of Mrs. Miller and her students in this fine performance.
     Yes, October passed quickly, but in the process many great things have happened at our school. If I didn't have such a strong feeling of loyalty to Mr. Shelley for his generous donation of the property for our school, I might consider changing the name of our school to Barnum and Bailey Elementary, for we truly have the "Greatest School on Earth!" Each day I am more grateful to be a part of this excellent educational establishment.
     I wish everyone a wonderful upcoming month of changing seasons and time of Thanksgiving.

Peggy Crandall,
Principal

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If you have questions or comments about this page, please contact:
Peggy Crandall email: pcrandall@alpine.k12.ut.us
Brandon Engles email: bengles@alpine.k12.ut.us