January 25, 2012
Dear Hanger Hall Families:
Greetings from Crest Mountain! This has been a great week at Hanger Hall. We began the week with a special Group session. You may recall reading in last week’s blast a letter from Tadd Clarkson (father of Hannah.) On Monday, Tadd pitched the girls on a new home for our school. He asked their help to share with us those components they believe are important in our permanent home. The girls have through Wednesday to share their ideas on poster boards located in the main hallway. On Wednesday evening all of the teachers and staff will meet to partake in the same type of activity. All of this information will be collected and added to input from our alumnae, past and current parents, and the Board. For more information contact Tadd at taddclarkson@yahoo.com.
This morning I am watching the 7th grade girls play flag football outside. It is a wonderful gift to be outside in the middle of January enjoying the sunshine and playing! I can hear 6th grade Spanish cheering each other on as they learn to tell time. Yesterday afternoon I was serenaded by a music class rehearsing for the Spring Arts Festival (I am lucky enough to have an office above the music room!) Hanger Hall truly is a special place. As we begin the second semester I am excited about all that is ahead for our girls. And if you are an 8th grade parent you might be interested to know that there are 17 weeks until graduation! Speaking of forecasting, 6th grade parents have been invited to join me for conversation and camaraderie on Groundhog Day (February 2nd) from 8:30 to 9:30 in Katie Conner’s room. Please rsvp to Marijo if you are planning to attend (marijos@hangerhall.org.)
I hope you all enjoy a great rest of the week!
Best,
Catherine A. McClain
Calendar
Feb 9 PTC Meeting
Feb 16 No School- Parent Conference Day- am event
Feb 17 School Closed- Teacher Workday
Feb 26 to Mar 1- 8th grade trip
Mar 2 8th grade only- No School
Parents we need your help!
As the school year continues we have observed that some of your daughters are carrying more and more items to school with them such as clothes, stuffed animals, and craft supplies to name a few. The items needed for school are text books, notebooks, pencils, gym clothes and a lunch. I am asking your help to weed through your daughter’s backpack and clear out those items not needed during the school day. We encourage the girls to leave items in their locker that are not needed for half of the day. For example we encourage the girls to carry to class only the morning items then at lunch time switch out for the afternoon items. The hoarding has resulted in suitcases being brought to school instead of backpacks. Space is at a premium and the excessive baggage is beginning to spill over into the classrooms and hinder the ability of the girls to safely carry their belongings as well as to minimize the space in the classrooms. We must work within our limitations and I am certain that the creative minds among us will be very resourceful! Thanks in advance for your help!
Annual Fund Update
Nearly 50% of our parents have participated in this year’s annual fund. Thank you! Kudos to the 6th grade parents for leading the way with 64% participation!! The 8th grade parents are coming in at 41% and the 7th grade parents are at 32%. The good news is there is still time to make your gift. As we move ahead with our plans for a permanent home for Hanger Hall we are also developing our prospects for private support to make our dreams a reality. One way you can be part of the action is to make an annual fund gift. It carries much leverage with other funders if we can say our parents support our annual campaign 100%! Again, the goal is participation and not the amount. Our development committee will be making follow-up calls in the coming weeks. If you would rather not be called, then feel free to make your gift today and move our gauge closer to 100%! Thank you! (the website for online gifts is www.razoo.com.)
Progress Reports
It is that time of year again! Progress reports will be emailed next week. Please call or email Brigitta (258-3600 or brigittab@hangerhall.org) if you would like a hard copy of the report.
Parent Teacher Council (PTC) meeting
The next meeting is Feb. 9th at 9am in Katie Conner’s room at Hanger Hall (206). Come for coffee and bagels. We will be planning for the Spring Arts Festival, a Community Dance, Teacher Appreciation Week and discussing Yearbooks, Miss Representation and other upcoming fundraisers. All are invited.
Basketball
Our next basketball game will be held on Tuesday, January 31 at UNCA. Come on out and cheer on the girls!
SILSA Open House
SILSA is hosting two Open Houses for prospective families, one on Friday, February 10 at 9am and the other on Tuesday, February 28 at 5:30. Both are located in the Asheville High auditorium and will include information about SILSA, Asheville High and FX. For more information, call SILSA directly at 828-350-2700.
Family Vacation
Please note that the end of April and the entire month of May is full with the arts festival, curriculum review and exams. We discourage vacations during this time of year. In the past, students who have missed classes during the last weeks of school often feel overwhelmed when they return. It’s a tough way to end the year. Please consider this when planning any family trips.
8th Grade Trip
The 8th grade trip to Space Camp and Atlanta will take place Feb. 26 – March 1. No school for 8th graders on Friday, March 2. More info will be sent out next week for 8th grade parents.
Manna Food Bank
Thursday, Jan.26 after school until 6pm. If you are picking up at Manna, please arrive at 5:45pm
Future Manna dates:
Feb. 9
Feb. 23
March 8
March 22
April 12
April 26
7th Grade Community Service for Hospice
Next month Marijo will be starting up the 7th grade pillow making sessions for Hospice. We make therapeutic pillows for hospice patients. This after school opportunity is open only to 7th graders during the spring. We will be sewing on Wednesdays after school 3 – 5 pm. Other students who know how to make the pillows are invited to make them at home and bring them in. They can earn 1 hour of service for each pillow.
Pillow sewing dates:
Feb. 1
Feb. 22
March 7
March 21
April 11
Community Service Opportunity
Sarah Gralnick, mother of 7th grader Avia, is offering a community service opportunity for the girls. Dula Association of the Mountain Area, a non-profit organization, is hosting a benefit, Chocolate and Talent Festival at the Masonic Temple, 80 Broadway on Feb. 29, 1 – 5. The girls can come and help in the children’s area or sell tickets.