Hello Upham Community,

  Happy New Year! I trust that you had a wonderful holiday break with your family and this “COVID MESS” did not interfere too much. I spent time catching up on some reading. If you have not read The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse, by Charlie Macksey please get it. It follows the developing friendships between the four protagonists of the title. The author describes it this way, “All four characters represent different parts of the same person,” he explained, “the inquisitive boy, the mole who’s enthusiastic but a bit greedy, the fox who’s been hurt so is withdrawn from life, slow to trust but wants to be part of things, and the horse who’s the wisest, the deepest part of you, the soul.” It is a story of innocence about life’s most important lessons.

Sometimes I feel lost”, said the Boy. “Me too,” said the Mole. “But we love you and love brings you home.”

It is a story that can be shared with everyone. I highly recommend it. Given the backdrop of our world today, this book gives hope and rekindles what is needed most… love and kindness.

SBRC (Standards-Based Report Card)

The teachers are now working on the Standards-Based Report Cards. They will be ready for you to view on Friday, January 29 through the PowerSchool Portal. You will use your login and password to access your child’s report card. It will not be mailed out in the paper form. Once the final plans are completed, I will send more detailed information on logging in to PowerSchool.

Kids Sum Up 2020

In a New York Times feature, Lucas Smith, age 9, asked young people around the U.S. to describe 2020 in just six words. Here are his favorites, from contributors age 7 to 11:

  • Daytime pajamas make great school attire.
  • Never take seeing friends for granted.
  • The world is a fragile place
  • Great parents aren’t always great teachers.
  • Life can be easy…and hard.
  • If I learned one thing: masks.
  • I love and hate my family.
  • Be catlike: Nap, eat, avoid humans.
  • Real friends actually stick with you.
  • Lifesavers: doctors, cousins, teachers, elections, Minecraft.

Important Dates

Monday, January 18 Martin Luther King Day (No School)

Wednesday, January 20 (Full Day Cohort A)

Friday, January 29 (SBRC Standards-Based Report Cards) Available via the PowerSchool Portal

Thank you for your support.

Dare to Dream,

Mr. Dees

 

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