The public is welcome to walk in the high school hallways after school beginning at 2:45 p.m. Walkers must be in the school by 6:00 p.m. after which time the main doors are locked. Walkers may remain in the building until done walking.

PLAYGROUP

A wonderful opportunity exists in Berrien County for families with children newborn to age five.  The Berrien RESA is pleased to provide to the area a program for families that recognizes parents as a child's first and best teacher.  It is called Parents As Teachers, or PAT.
One aspect of this program is monthly playgroups.  These are available throughout the county to connect parents in the local school communities.  They are designed to provide young children with appropriate social contacts and a stimulating play environment.  The playgroups seek to meet the needs of infants and toddlers alike with theme-based learning through play.

DATE:      November  17, 2008            
                Moccasin Elem.                   
                9:30am – 10:30am

THE 2ND ANNUAL “COATS FOR KIDS’ DRIVE HAS BEGUN SPONSORED BY THE BRAIN BUSTER’S CLUB

Last year was a huge success – which means the middle school needs well over 100 gently used coasts to distribute to needy kids in our area.  It is getting time to dig out that winter gear, so if you put on last year’s coat and the sleeves are at your elbows instead of your wrist-donate it to the “Coats for Kids” project at the middle school.  Mr. Brohman will be collecting them and dropping them off at the drycleaners before they are handed out to kids who will be happy to get a new warm coat this winter!  Thanks Brain Buster’s – great idea!!

COATS FOR KIDS-WHAT AN AWSOME WAY TO SHOW WE CARE

Natures’ Calls From Fernwood
Wendy E. Jones, Head Naturalist

Get a jump-start on your holiday shopping by coming to Fernwood on Saturday, November 15th   from 10:00am-4:00pm for our Holiday Market.  Local artisans and crafters will have floral arrangements and wreaths, pressed flower items, herbal treats including flavored vinegars and Fernwood teas, recycled tote bags, carved wood bowls, stained glass, felted wool products, and much more for sale.  Fernwood’s Gift Shop is also filled with unique gifts and holiday decorating items and delicious food is available for lunch in the Café.  See you at Fernwood!   
Fernwood is located just west of Niles, following signs from exit #7 off the US 31 bypass.  Call 269-695-6491 or visit www.fernwoodbotanical.org for more information.

Michigan (CSI) Cyber Safety Initiative

The Michigan Attorney General’s office conducted very informative Internet safety presentations for students in grades 2nd-5th during the week of November 3rd at Ottawa, Stark & Moccasin Schools.

The 2nd-3rd grade presentation included a video of the acclaimed book Faux Paw’s Adventures in the Internet.  The book and seminar material are presented in cooperation with the Internet Keep Safe Coalition.  The primary focus is to emphasize that students should:  keep safe by not sharing any personal information; keep away from Internet strangers; and keep telling parents or a trusted adult about everything they see on the Internet – especially when something makes them uncomfortable.

In addition to the keep safe, keep away, and keep telling messages, students in 4th-5th grade also learned about common tricks Internet predators use and appropriate responses to cyber harassment.  Fourth and fifth grade students watched a realistic fiction video entitled “Predator” provided compliments of the nonprofit group i-SAFE Inc.

All students received a cyber contract that can be signed by both child and parent.  Please have your child share what they learned during the presentations and take this opportunity to discuss your rules at home regarding Internet use, passwords, appropriate sites (i.e. many parents are not aware that the popular MySpace social website is illegal for children under 14 years of age) and ask to see all of the program handouts.

Additional information about the Cyber Safety Initiative (CSI) program, details of an online community seminar, and copies of handouts used during the presentations can all be accessed at the Attorney General’s website:
www.michigan.gov/ag

Thanks for helping us to keep our students safe, smart, and aware in this ever-changing technological world!

STUDENT SCHOOL DAY

8:10 a.m
Ottawa Breakfast Students Enter
8:30 a.m
1st Bell Rings –  Students Enter
11:50 a.m
Dismissal of
Preschool/Young-5/Kindergarten
12:20 p.m
Preschool/Kindergarten Classes Begin
3:35 p.m...... Dismissal

School Office Hours:
Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

November

13 Parent Teachers Conferences 4:00- 8:00 p.m.
13 Market Day order forms due to school
14 NO SCHOOL
14 Happy Birthday Mrs. Fox!!
19 Two Hour Delay – School starts at 10:35 a.m.
19 3rd Grade-Mr. Miller’s rm to Lansing.
20 Thanksgiving Feast (By prepaid reservation only).
22 Market Day pick up 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
26 THANKSGIVING VACATION
27 THANKSGIVING VACATION
28 THANKSGIVING VACATION

KIDKARE
 KidKare is a before-and after-school licensed, non-profit fee-based program available to school age children in grades K-5.  The program focuses on recreational and enrichment activities.  KidKare is located here at Moccasin School.  Shuttle Service is available for students from Ottawa and Stark.  For registration information or forms, please call 695-8437.

Buchanan District Library:
Library News

New for kids 1st-5th grades, the “Kids Culture Club”. Each Wednesday from 4:30-5:30 you can explore the customs, food and culture of countries from around the world. Call the library now for details or to register.

Preschool Story Hour continues every Tuesday at 10:30 am. See you there for some great stories and some fun crafts!