The Greendale Pride

Congratulations to our Greendale Elementary Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Abby Rasnake! Mrs. Rasnake has also been named the Washington County Elementary Teacher of the Year! She has been teaching for eight years and has taught across multiple grade levels, including fifth, second, and currently third. We wish Mrs. Rasnake well as she enjoys her time at home over the holidays with her new daughter.

There have been many field trips during the month of December. Kindergarten, second grade and fifth grade all went to the Barter Theatre to see the production of Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Fourth grade traveled to Emory and Henry to see a production of A Charlie Brown Christmas. Third, fourth, and fifth grades all traveled to the Paramount Theatre to see Bristol Ballet's production of The Nutcracker.

On Thursday, December 12 the kindergarten and first grade classes presented a program of Christmas music. The program opened with the teachers presenting a Boomwhacker rendition of "Jingle Bells." There was a lot of laughter as students and families watched teachers whack each other on the heads to play the song. Then the K/1 students presented a program that included "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

Some students in 4th and 5th grades participated in the 4-H Share-the-Fun competition. Share-the-Fun is like a talent show. It allows students to show off their talents such as singing, playing an instrument, acting, dancing, etc. Students will find out the results of Share-the-Fun in January. Students who receive blue ribbons will advance to the county competition.

D.A.R.E. Graduation took place on December 5. There were 38 fifth grade graduates this year. The D.A.R.E. essay winners were Ainslee M. and Sidney M. Both read their essays as part of the graduation ceremony. Superintendent Dr. Perrigan and Sherrif Blake Andis were both special guests of the event.

The fourth graders at Greendale Elementary decided to do a community service project instead of a gift exchange. They took up donations for our local animal shelter. We are very proud of them for giving back to our community. They demonstrated the true spirit of Christmas!

On December 13, GES students received a special treat with a visit from the bearded man himself, Santa Claus. Communities in Schools arranged this special visit and every student who was present in school that day received a candy cane from Santa. On this day there were over 240 students present.

The last day before winter break, GES celebrated Polar Express Day. Faculty, staff, and students all wore their pajamas to school. The day began in the gym with a school-wide holiday sing-a-long led by Mrs. Gates. The sing-a-long kicked off with a Boomwhacker performance of "Jingle Bells" by several faculty members. Afterward, students returned to their classrooms to hear a reading of the book The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. Students then watched the movie while sipping hot chocolate provided by our PTO. The festive day was rounded out with Mr. Colston playing Christmas songs on the piano while students ate lunch. We hope everyone has a safe and Merry Christmas!

January 6 - Teacher Workday

January 7 - Students return to school

January 20 - MLK Day - School Closed unless used as a make-up day

13092 McGuffie Road

Abingdon, VA 24210

276-739-3500