Arthur Rann Newsletter - 12/25
Happy December
Message & Important December Dates
Greetings from the Arthur Rann Administration!
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As the winter season soon kicks off and surrounds us with its crisp air and festive cheer, we want
to take time to acknowledge the incredible journey we’ve shared so far this school year.
Numerous achievements and opportunities have showcased the talent and dedication of our
students and staff over the past months. It has been a privilege to watch your children grow,
learn, and thrive as part of our school family.
We will soon approach the winter break. As we do so, we send our best wishes to all for a time
to rest, recharge, and enjoy special moments with family and loved ones. This time of the year
offers a chance to create memories, celebrate traditions, and prepare for the upcoming new year.
The new year provides opportunities to start fresh and to meet new learning experiences.
Tuesday, December 23rd is an early dismissal day with students being dismissed at 1:30PM.
School will be closed from December 24th through January 4th . Please mark your calendars
for our return to school on Monday, January 5, 2026 which will be a full school day.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we are building a vibrant and
nurturing environment ensuring that “At Rann, Everyone Succeeds!” Wishing you and yours a
joyful holiday season and a wonderful start to the new year!
Warm regards,
Ken Berardis, Principal & Terrence O’Connor, Jr., Assistant Principal
A Fond Farewell from the Assistant Principal
Dear Arthur Rann School Family,
Greetings to all! After many wonderful years at our district and at Arthur Rann Elementary
School, it is time for me to bid farewell as I prepare to retire from my role as Assistant Principal at the end of December. This decision comes with a heart full of gratitude and memories that I will treasure in the years to come!
Every day here has been a gift—from morning greetings, to classroom visits filled with curiosity
and laughter, to school events that show just how strong, supportive, and caring our community
is at Arthur Rann Elementary School. I have watched students learn, grow, and discover who
they are, and I have worked alongside dedicated teachers, staff, and families who give their best
to our children every single day. I am so very fortunate to have been a part of this school family!
Thank you for your trust, your kindness, and your partnership over the years. This school is a
special place because of all of you, and I will always carry it in my heart. Though I will soon no
longer be in the office or the hallways, I will be cheering you on proudly as you continue to
shine!
Keep learning, keep caring for one another while sharing your Dragon P.R.I.D.E., and never
forget that you are capable of great things. I wish you all a future of happiness and success.
Though you will be missed greatly, I am confident that Arthur Rann Elementary School will
continue to positively impact the lives of so many well into the future!
With deep appreciation and warmest wishes,
Terrence O’Connor, Jr.
Assistant Principal
Important December Events & Dates:
3-4 EARLY DISMISSAL & Parent/Teacher Conferences
4 - Winter Concert at GTMS - 6pm
5-11 - HOLIDAY SHOPPE
5 – Make-up School Picture Day, Pretzel Sale
10 – Cookies, Cocoa, & Character Event from 6-8pm and Holiday Shoppe Family Night from 6- 8pm
12 – School Spirit Theme Day
17 – 1st Grade Holiday Show at 9:30am
19 – Holiday Theme Dress Day, Kindergarten Gingerbread Houses at 9:30am
22 – Holiday Sweater Day, 1st Grade Holiday Brunch, Snowball Sling
23 – Early Dismissal for all students (no childcare program)
12/24 – 1/2 – Schools Closed for Winter Break – Season’s Greetings!
January 5, 2026 – School resumes with a full day.
Increasing Student Success
Increasing Student Success
A child’s overall success can be increased by improving basic qualities that make for a successful person. Parents/Guardians can work with their children to increase their level of:
· RESPONSIBILITY – Assist children to learn to be responsible for their own words and actions. Encourage children to do what is right.
· CONFIDENCE – Instill in children the feeling that they, in fact, CAN succeed and meet the challenges of life.
· MOTIVATION – Work to motivate children to always do their best and have a desire to succeed.
· CARING – Model for children how it is important to show concern for others and help others.
· EFFORT – Teach children that it pays off to work hard and do their best.
· PROBLEMSOLVING – Practice decision-making with children. Help them to learn how to solve problems based on past experience(s).
· COMMON SENSE – Assist children in understanding that it is important to use good judgement when making decisions.
· TEAMWORK – Help children to learn about the importance of w· DETERMINATION – Instill in children the drive to follow through on things they start.
· ACTION – Encourage children to take the initiative and move into action on their own.
Together, we can all encourage and enhance the skills our children need for success in school and beyond!
Parents/Guardians
Do’s for Parents/Guardians
· Do take time to talk with your child(ren).
· Do read to your child(ren) often.
· Do listen to your child(ren).
· Do provide a variety of reading and math materials and games for your child(ren) to enjoy.
· Do volunteer at the school when you can do so and see how you may assist the school in supporting your child and other students.
· Do monitor your child(ren)’s activities and time spent on technology. Technology is a helpful tool, but there can also be danger in who children may communicate with and what they may be able to access online. Do limit their screen time and encourage other activities.
· Do monitor and limit the amount of time spent watching TV.
· Do have your child(ren)’s hearing and eyesight checked periodically.
· Do offer your child(ren) a variety of experiences that they can draw upon in later life.
· Do spend time reading so that your child(ren) will see the importance you have placed on reading.
· Do keep in mind that children learn at different rates and in different ways.
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
–Theodore Roosevelt
Thank You!
Thank you to all the families who generously donated to our food drive! Your kindness and support make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. Together, we’re building a stronger, more caring school family. We truly appreciate your contributions!
Friendly Reminders:
* No eating or drinking on the bus
* Cell phones should not be seen or heard in school. Students may not take pictures or videos at
school, on the bus, etc.
* Please encourage children to speak and act with respect.
* Encourage children to always do their best.
* Before saying or doing anything, please ask if it is kind and/or helpful.
* Please be on time for school and attend regularly as there is important learning happening every
day.
* Respect our school (including staff, students, bathrooms, materials, bus, etc.).
* Have fun!
Snowball Sling
This is our 21st Annual Snowball Sling! This cherished tradition has been bringing our community together for two decades, and we’re thrilled to celebrate this milestone. We need your help to make it a success—please consider contributing monetarily to our efforts. Look for the snowball sling donation buckets at all of our December events. Let’s make this year the best yet!
The Rainy Day Project
Learn more about the incredible organization we’ll be supporting with this year’s Snowball Sling donations! Together, we’re making a difference and spreading joy in our community:
Dragon Pride
SHARE YOUR DRAGON PRIDE TODAY!
Practice Kindness
Respect myself and others
I own my behavior (Showing Responsibility…taking ownership of own behavior/learning…etc.)
Do my best (Effort, making improvement, etc.)
Encourage others
P.R.I.D.E. focus for December: Do My Best! (Showing effort, improvement in an area/areas)
