December

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we enter the month of December, we are reminded that this season is truly one of giving and receiving. It is a time when our school community comes together to support one another, show appreciation, and celebrate the moments that make this time of year so special.

The holidays offer us an opportunity to slow down, enjoy each other’s company, and reflect on the growth our students have made so far. Whether your family’s traditions involve festive gatherings, quiet moments at home, or simply taking a break from the everyday routine, I hope you find time to rest, connect, and recharge.

December also brings with it the excitement of a new year. Many of us begin thinking about resolutions—goals that help us become better versions of ourselves. We encourage our students to do the same by setting positive, achievable intentions for the months ahead, both academically and personally.

As always, thank you for your continued partnership and support. I wish you and your family a joyful holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year.

Warm regards,
Paul Clark
Middle School Principal

Bobby Piechocki

McKayla Spencer

Zeke Ginter

Amelia Higgins

December is often a joyful time of year, but it can also bring unique challenges for many students and families. The pressures of holiday shopping, financial concerns, changing family dynamics, and the responsibility of hosting gatherings can become overwhelming. It’s important to remember that you are not alone—many families experience similar stress during this season.

Encouraging our students to recognize and manage holiday stress is an important part of supporting their overall well-being. A few helpful strategies include:

• Maintaining routines whenever possible, which helps students feel secure and grounded.

• Setting realistic expectations around gift-giving, schedules, and family events.

• Practicing simple coping skills such as deep breathing, taking breaks, and spending time in calm, enjoyable activities.

• Talking openly with your child about how they are feeling and reassuring them that it’s okay to experience a mix of emotions this time of year.

As we prepare to welcome a new year, this is also a wonderful opportunity to help students think about healthy and achievable resolutions. These might include setting academic goals, practicing kindness, staying organized, or prioritizing personal well-being. Small, intentional steps can make a big difference in helping students feel confident and ready for the year ahead.

If your family needs additional support during this season, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to help.

Warmly,

Mary Beth Hardie

*Family ID will be open all of December for Winter Sports registration

12/6/25 Shop with a Cop Program-12:00pm

12/9/25 Christmas Band and Chorus Concert-7:00pm

12/10/25 Community Movie Night, Elementary School Multipurpose Room-6:00-8:00pm

12/11/25 Grades 3-6 Page Turners Competition at Alexander-9:30am

12/15/25-12/23/25 Holiday Spirit Week

12/24/25-1/2/25 Holiday Recess

12/1/25 Odyssey of the Mind, (Division 2 Problem 5)-3:30pm

12/2/25 Odyssey of the Mind, (Division 1 Problem 3)-3:30pm

12/3/25 Lego Robotics-3:30pm

12/4/25 Odyssey of the Mind, (Division 2 Problem 2)-3:30pm

12/4/25 Fresh Connections: Holiday Baking-3:30pm

12/5/25 Ag in the Classroom: Pine Tree and Cabbage-3:30pm

12/8/25 FFA Night Meeting-5:30-6:30pm

12/8/25 Odyssey of the Mind, (Division 2 Problem 5)-3:30pm

12/9/25 Odyssey of the Mind, (Division 1 Problem 3)-3:30pm

12/10/25 Page Turners, grades 5/6-3:30pm

12/10/25 Fresh Connections: Wreath Making-3:30pm

12/11/25 Odyssey of the Mind, (Division 2 Problem 2)-3:30pm

12/15/25 Odyssey of the Mind, (Division 2 Problem 5)-3:30pm

12/15/25 Art Club-3:10-4:30pm, Room 325

12/16/25 Odyssey of the Mind, (Division 1 Problem 3)-3:30pm

12/16/25 Fresh Connections: Christmas Party-3:30pm

12/17/25 Middle School Yearbook Club-3:30-4:30pm

12/17/25 Lego Robotics-3:30pm

12/18/25 Odyssey of the Mind, (Division 2 Problem 2)-3:30pm

12/22/25 Fresh Connections: Hot Cocoa, Holiday Games-3:30pm

As we move into December, cold and flu season is in full swing. This time of year brings fun and excitement, but it also brings an increase in common illnesses that can affect our students and families. Taking simple steps to care for ourselves can make a big difference in staying healthy throughout the winter months.

A few reminders to help keep everyone well:

• Encourage good handwashing habits—one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs.

• Make sure students get plenty of rest to keep their immune systems strong.

• Keep water bottles filled to promote regular hydration.

• Teach children to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow.

• Monitor symptoms such as fever, persistent cough, sore throat, or stomach issues.

If your child becomes sick, please keep them home to rest and recover. Students should be fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication before returning to school. This helps prevent the spread of illness and ensures your child is well enough to fully participate in the school day.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s health, feel free to contact the Health Office. Wishing you a healthy and safe holiday season!

If you have any concerns regarding your child’s health for the 25-26 school year, please call Mrs. Cooley at 585-591-0400 extension 1214 or email at tcooley@atticacsd.org.

The district is requesting that all student drop off and pick up for arrival and dismissal take place in the parent loop and that families no longer park along the side of the road on route 238.

Morning Drop-Off Procedures: (7:45-8:20 am) Cars should enter the parent drop off/pick up loop (far left loop) and continue to the designated drop off area. Once you enter the designated drop off area, please let your children out on the right hand side of the car, and have them cross utilizing crosswalk 29. All students being dropped off by parents will enter the school through door 29. Please proceed to exit the loop making sure to yield to any bus traffic. No vehicle traffic will be allowed in the Bus loop. There will be staff to direct students and traffic to ensure student safety.

Afternoon Pick-Up Procedures: (3:10-3:30 pm) Cars should pull into the parent drop off/pick up loop and line up along the median. Do not double-park in the far-left lane; this will enable cars to pull away once a student is picked up in the designated pick up area. Dismissal starts at 3:10 pm and exit doors 28-30 will be open. Students are able to use crosswalks 29 and 30 to cross to the parent loop to be picked up in the designated pick up area. All traffic must yield to busses at all times. There will be staff to direct students and traffic to ensure student safety.

We are aware that not all cars will be able to fit in the parent loop during our afternoon pickup. Once the lot is full we are asking all families to use the overflow lot off of route 238 adjacent to the stadium until the parent pick-up lot is no longer full. Students will also be encouraged meet any parents in the overflow lot as a walkway is connected to our secondary campus and the overflow lot. No cars will be allowed to park on route 238 during dismissal and will be monitored by our school resource officer and our local law enforcement agencies.

We thank you again for your cooperation with these changes to our procedures and look forward to promoting a safe environment for all of our students and families.