It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The students and staff at Mt. Hall Elementary and Naples Elementary have been truly blessed by our wonderful community.

I remember last year during this time that I was approached by quite a few people who wanted to give back to their community and sponsor a family during the holiday season. Well this year is no exception, and the same secret Santas approached me again. I hope they read this article, and I hope they know how truly grateful these families and Mt. Hall and Naples staff are of your generosity.

Speaking of the holidays, there is nothing that sounds as sweet as children singing Christmas carols.

Mrs. Lori Carpenter from Mt Hall and Ms. Chloe Cavender from Naples are doing a fabulous job putting together the Christmas Programs. Of course they aren’t doing this alone. Mrs. Myrna Myers (Mt. Hall) and Mrs. Angela Atkins (Naples) are helping out, and we really appreciate them.

Naples is having their program on Tuesday, Dec. 13, and Mt Hall is having theirs on Wednesday, Dec. 14. Both are going to be a jolly good time.

Now that the weather is starting to turn and it’s getting dark earlier, please be extra cautious around our buses. Our students get out of school when it’s already dark. Our bus drivers do an excellent job making sure our students make it to and from school safely. We would all appreciate your help in making this a priority of everyone on the road.

Here’s another winter warning I’d like to put out there: it seems today that kids don’t get cold. I am constantly having to send students back inside from recess because they are not wearing jackets. In their defense, I believe that some are in fact not cold, but I’m not budging on my jacket rule. If you have students who attend Mt. Hall or Naples, please make sure they are bringing warm clothes to school.

Mt. Hall is sad to say goodbye to their custodian, Tyler Zimmerman. Tyler and his family are moving to Madrid, Spain. Although we are going to miss him, we are so excited for all of the adventures he’s about to go on.

Safety is a number one concern of any school administrator. I would like to thank our local police force for their help in a recent event at Naples Elementary. I truly appreciate these professionals and the job that they do. Thank you for helping me keep our schools safe.

I wish you all a safe and happy holiday season.