The Greendale Pride

As part of our holiday celebrations, GES held a door decorating contest. Students and teachers used their creativity to put together seasonal and holiday spirited door decorations. A team of administrators visited the school to judge the doors, and students had the opportunity to vote for their favorite door for People's Choice.

Students and staff had many opportunities to show off their festive gear during dress-up week.

Students in grades 2-5 had the opportunity to submit a coloring page for the coloring contest. Winners for each grade level are as follows:

Second Grade - Jayden Gill, Dane Loudy, Ava Whittaker

Third Grade - Sophia Shearrow, Bristol King, Brylie Whitt

Fourth Grade - Gage Wise, Molly Clayman

Fifth Grade - Brody Lewis, Emily Spears, Chevy Estep, Millie Thomas

Students participated in creating ornaments for our storybook character Christmas tree in the library. Students made some amazing ornaments. Our judges chose four ornaments as the winning ornaments. Winners were:

First place - Kaelyn McCoy - Eva from the Owl Diaries

Second place - Maddie Baker - Pigeon from Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus

Third place - Elijah Roark - The Grinch

Honorable mention - Mackenzie Mitchell - Cat in the Hat

On the evening of the TItle I Family Night, students in Pre-K to second grade joined their teachers for a snow themed fun night. Mrs. Landeros joined as the guest reader for the read aloud of Ten Ways to Hear Snow written by Cathy Camper. Students learned how to say "snow" in Spanish (nieve), and parents joined their children in making a ruler craft for measuring snow! Families got to enjoy a simple meal while Mrs. Selvaggi, Mrs. Clayman, Mr. Colston, and Mrs. Whitson shared about how parents can support their students in their learning at home. The night ended with all students receiving a snow-themed book to take home, and a few lucky students had their names drawn to win literacy game prizes to take home and play with the whole family.

Greendale Lions put into practice our theme to Be a Light by collecting items to share Christmas joy and love with our neighbors at Greendale Home. Items collected included puzzle books; socks; toothpaste and toothbrushes; peppermints or butterscotch discs; and body wash, shampoo, and deodorant. Gifted students helped to assemble the gift bags and the bags were delivered on Thursday, December 14.

During the PTO meeting on December 14, Greendale kindergarten and first grade presented a program of Christmas music. Students, decked out as seasonal characters sang songs about Santa Claus while demonstrating their beat and rhythm skills with instruments and body percussion. Prior to the students' performance, the faculty presented a skit called "The Twelve Days of Students."

D.A.R.E. Graduation was held for fifth graders who have completed the D.A.R.E. Program. Students were presented with certificates and DARE Officer Balthis recognized Elijah Hall as the DARE Essay Contest winner. Elijah read his essay to the audience before receiving his medal and the DARE Bear.

For the last day of school before Christmas break, students prepared for the holiday spirit with several fun activities. Arriving at school in their pajamas, students began the day with a school-wide sing-along of favorite holiday songs. After having their train tickets punched by the conductor, students then enjoyed a reading of The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg while sipping on hot chocolate. Mr. Colston entertained during lunch playing Christmas songs on the piano and inviting students to sing along. It was a fun day for all.

Students participated in a school-wide sing along on the last day before break. Students joined together to sing seasonal favorites such as "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" to name a few. The faculty and staff presented their skit called "the Twelve Days of Students."

Congratulations to Mrs. Fugate, our guidance counselor, for being chosen as the Elementary Teacher of the Year for Washington County Schools. We are so honored to work side by side with her. The faculty, staff, and our Greendale families are so appreciate of everything she does for our Greendale community.

December 16-January 1 - Schools Closed

January 3 - 4-H

January 10 - 2 Hour Early Dismissal /End of 2nd Nine Weeks

January 19 - Cloverbud

February 6 - 4-H and Cloverbud

February 8 - PTO Program for 2/3 Folk Dances

February 22 - 2 Hour Early Dismissal / Parent-Teacher Conferences

13092 McGuffie Road

Abingdon, VA 24210

276-739-3500