Dear Farmin Stidwell Families,
    As we cruise into December, we are adjusting to the colder temperatures and have snow on the playground! Students should definitely plan to play outside each day, and need to dress for the weather. All students go outside for outdoor education class as well. Please write names on snow gear so that we can return it to your child if misplaced. Our attendance team is also hard at work tracking student attendance. Please call the office at 208-265-2417 if your child won't be at school or isn't feeling well to avoid unexcused absences.
    Our Title I team is hosting Title I Family Movie Night on December 8th at 5:45 p.m. Please join us for a viewing of the Grinch (newer cartoon version), literacy handouts, a book giveaway and snacks. Children must be accompanied by an adult for the entirety of the movie.
    December brings our annual food drive and our holiday performance. This year we have changed our plan for giving to include the little pantries around Sandpoint. At the culmination of our food drive, I will be taking a group of 10 students to fill the little pantries at five community locations. Students applied for this opportunity through essays, and those selected will be notified next week. The rest of the collected food will be given to the Bonner Community Food Bank. Our holiday concert, directed by Ms. Jessica Hanna, will feature grades K-2, Life Skills, 6th grade band and the Farmin Stidwell Choir. We hope to see families of the students performing on Dec. 21st at 1 p.m.
    With the winter months come many seasonal layoffs in our area, and we are here to help. If your family is facing hard times during the holidays, please reach out to me to fill out a free and reduced lunch application or to sign up for a weekend food bag. We have many sizes of coats, snow pants, and boots on hand in our resource closet for those in need.
    As we move into the long break from school, I wish each and every Farmin Stidwell family a wonderful holiday and a joyous new year. I can't wait to celebrate baby Madison's first holiday season. 

Season's Greetings from my family to yours,
Betsy Dalessio
Principal, Farmin Stidwell 

*A reminder, for the most up-to-date school information and all events, please read our monthly newsletter (sent through School Messenger text and email to all parents/guardians) or follow our Facebook page @Farmin Stidwell Elementary. You can find past issues here: PAST ISSUES