BLAIR MOODY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: It's pancakes with Santa!

Students at Blair Moody Elementary School got the chance to have pancakes with Santa on Wednesday December 18.

Students let Santa know what it was they really wanted for Christmas.  

A big "thank you" to parent volunteers, who organized the entire morning, along with the Watch D.O.G. dads, who volunteered to cook and serve the pancakes.

A very special thank you to Santa for taking the time to be with our students. We know he is a very busy man this time of year!

MELISSA SKOPCZYNSKI: Past two weeks have flown by ...

By Melissa Skopczynski

Truman High School Principal

Wow, the last two weeks have flown by with all the activities in and outside of the classroom at Truman High School.

Our second trimester is off to a good start and so are the girls and boys Cougar basketball teams (both are currently undefeated). Way to show that Cougar Pride!

As the holiday quickly approaches let me take the opportunity to extend my warm holiday wishes to you and your family. I hope everyone truly enjoys their time off and comes back refreshed and ready to go.

I am blessed to have a wonderful staff. Thank you to Kim, Linda and Vickie for making out staff party a success. We appreciate all your hard work and effort. I would also like to recognize Ms. Carr and Mrs. Hutter for putting on a great play.

Merry Christmas.

WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL: Drive collects items for needy families

With Principal Trish Kaechele and counselors Amy Hicks and Kim Cason leading the drive, the staff of West Middle School collected food, clothing and bought gift certificates for eight families in need of help this holiday season.  

McGuckins Pub even sponsored a chili cook off to raise money for Taylor families in need of help and donated over $200 to one of West's eight families.  

It is amazing how generous everyone is this time of year and the West staff is very proud to have been able to help.  

And they wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

TAYLOR PARKS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Music fills the air!

There is nothing like music filling the air, especially during the holiday season.

The choir students at Taylor Parks Elementary School outdid themselves during their annual Holiday concert.  

Students practiced for months to perform their songs for students, staff and parents.

And they did a great job!

TAYLOR PARKS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: More photos from the cookie makers!

Here are some more pictures from Mrs. Abramas' class at Taylor Parks Elementary School.

TAYLOR PARKS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: It's great when you can eat your best work!

The students of Mrs. Abramas' class at Taylor Parks Elementary School like reading and comparing many gingerbread stories. 

They created a story board in the hallway showing the storyline of each book.  

The books included, "The Gingerbread Boy," "Gingerbread Friends," and "Gingerbread Mouse and Santa."

At the end of the unit, the students had the added fun of decorating gingerbread cookies and enjoyed eating them with a cup of warm hot chocolate.

RANDALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Students do wonderful job delivering backpacks!

Many of the fourth- and fifth-grade students at Randall Elementary School help deliver "Blessings in a Backpack" each week to all of the classrooms. 

Those involved are doing an awesome job!