Kind and Caring Students

Miss Leaver's  Second Grade Students wrote letters during the holiday season to  a former Mendon graduate of Nipmuc Regional High School, SPC Jason Papadopoulos. Jason is in the  United States Army and has been serving over in Afghanistan  for the past 278 days. Students asked him  a variety of questions and took time to  thank him for serving our country.  The students received an e-mail back  from Jason to thank the students for thinking of him and  bringing a piece of home to him over in Afghanistan. He also sent us several pictures of him and troop over in Afghanistan.

High School and Elementary Spanish Connection

 

Nick Pezzote is a Spanish teacher at Nipmuc High School. His students from his Spanish III Honors and Immersion classes  wrote Children’s Christmas and winter short stories in Spanish. He brought his students to  Clough today to read their children’s stories to Sra Lopez's 28 Kindergarten Spanish Immersion students. Not only did they read to the students but they spent time chatting with them in Spanish. This was a fantastic activity that brought together students of different grade levels within the district. Having the high school Spanish students reading with the little kindergarteners and talking with them in Spanish was beyond precious. 

I had the wonderful pleasure on December 12th to hold a special luncheon for eight students. I don't know who had more fun ~ me ~ or the students.  The "Lunch with the Principal" was  a direct result of very generous parents who participated in the raffle at the Monster Mash event sponsored by the PTO. Eight students won the raffle and I had the opportunity to have lunch with them. It was so much fun spending over an hour with them getting to know them and them having an opportunity to get to know me better. They asked me some great questions! Can I just say how much I love my job?  I wish I could spend every day like this.

Talk about Kind, Caring, and Compassionate People

Mrs. St. Pierre, one of our second grade teachers, spearheaded a drive at our elementary school to collect  non-perishable items for the Mendon Food Pantry.  Thanks to all who so generously participated in this worthwhile cause.   All donations went to the Mendon Food Pantry which is housed at the Mendon Senior  center.  http://www.mendonma.gov/TownGovernment/FoodPantry.aspx    

The picture below was taken after we already loaded many many bags into Mrs. St. Pierre's truck.

 

State Representative visits Clough School

The students in Mrs. Brigham’s third grade class had a very important guest. They had the pleasure of Representative Fernandes visiting their class. Mr. Fernandes talked with the students about what his job entails and took a great deal of time to answer all of their well thought out questions about his job, what he likes, and what his hopes are for the future.  I was extremely impressed with the students inquisitive minds. It was wonderful to see someone as busy as Representative Fernandes make time for the students at Clough. He promised he will back to read during our Dr. Seuss celebration. We look forward to having him back in our school.

At this time of the year when many people are thinking about family, friends, and what they are thankful for, I would like to say a fond Thank You to each of you who have helped us in so many ways. Some of the specific things that I am thankful for at Henry P. Clough Elementary are:

v  I am thankful for students who eagerly come to school to learn as much as is possible each day.

v  I am thankful for a beautiful school where students can come to learn and grow.

v  I am thankful for teachers and staff who give many hours of their days to provide students with the instruction and guidance needed to help students succeed.

v  I am thankful for parents who support the efforts of our school.

v  I am thankful for the community for their support.

It is gratifying to be involved with such a caring, supportive, and effective group of people working together for our children. One team, one goal, no limits!  Thank you for all you do to help Clough be the best school it can be.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families!

Most Sincerely,

Janice Gallagher

Teddy Bear Drive

In honor of a former Mendon student and resident, Jill Carboni, who lost her life in a car accident at the young age of 21, one of our first grade teachers, Lauren Poxon, is spearheading a Teddy Bear Drive. She is looking to collect new teddy bears and stuffed animals. All items collected will go to local charities such as hospitals, police and fire departments, doctor's offices and childcare facilities for underprivileged children. If you would like to make a donation, you may drop off your items in the labeled box in the Clough lobby. Thank you!