Week of January 10, 2016

Let it SNOW, Let it SNOW, Let it SNOW....

With the balmy weather we had over the holidays, it is hard to start thinking about snowy days ahead. That said, many of our students were wistfully wishing for a snow day when they saw the flurries on Monday morning.

We all know too well that SNOW brings with it the potential for poor road conditions, the hassles of schedule changes, and on occasion, frazzled adults. As a chance of snow may be on its way soon, below is how St. Michael's handles snow:

In the case of snow, ice or power outages, the Headmaster may decide to close School, delay School opening, or in rare instances, send students home early. News about these decisions is communicated as soon as the decision is made in these ways: 

• Parents notified by e-blast and text message. 
  
• Announcement posted on the St M Facebook/Twitter pages, plus the Website home page.
  
• Recorded message on the School telephone answering machine. 
• Broadcasted on WWBT Channel 12's School Closings list. 

If possible, pending changing weather conditions, best efforts are made to announce the decision by 6 a.m. on all information outlets.  

Here is what happens in each situation when the School schedule changes:

• Schools Closed- All School buildings and Administrative offices are closed. All school activities are canceled unless otherwise announced. 
• Delayed Opening- Schools will open one or two hours later than usual. Field trips are canceled. As always, doors open 20 minutes prior to the start time. Student supervision is not provided before then.
  
• Early Dismissal- Though rare, School will dismiss early if conditions require. We do believe that students are safest remaining at School when parents have not had a chance to make alternate plans for their children’s return home.  However, concerned families who prefer to pick up their children early during inclement weather are very welcome to do so. 
  

While the weather outside may soon be frightful, hopefully this information will make SNOW a bit more delightful.

LS Author Visit/Autographed Book Opportunity 

Two amazing authors are coming to St. Michael's Lower School (Grades 3-5) on Wednesday, January 20th!  New York Times bestselling author Margaret Peterson Haddix and James Riley are visiting in celebration of their new books launching this month. "Under Their Skin" is the first book in Ms. Haddix's thrilling new series, and "The Stolen Chapters" is book #2 in Mr. Riley's' action-packed Story Thieves series. Our local bookshop, bbgb bookstore, is bringing these authors to our School and is offering the opportunity to purchase books signed by the authors.  (Note: "Under Their Skin", Margaret Peterson Haddix's book is best for 4th grade and up.)  

You may purchase autographed books for your child on bbgb's website at bbgbbooks.com/book-buzz. We are receiving a 15% discount when you use coupon code stm15. At check-out, choose school delivery, then select St. Michael's Episcopal School and indicate your child's name, teacher and to whom the book(s) should be signed. The books will be delivered to School on January 20th. Please place your order by Thursday, January 14th. You may call bbgb with any questions at 804-353-5675. 

Third Grade Families: Send in Recycling

A reminder to third grade families to please send in recycling items for the current science unit. Mrs. Hettrick sent details home in an email.

Calling all Bookworms!

Join us for the St M Book Fair to be held January 26-28.  Click here for more info!  15% of sales come back to the SMPA!

MLK Holiday: St. Michael's Church Aftercare

Let's Be Friends! 

Current and past issues of "This Week at St. Michael's" are now archived on our website under "News and Events," as well as under "Community."