December is a shorter month in session, but packed with many exciting school activities.  To kick off the month, we will have Santa Pictures and Santa Hat Day on December 5, 2008.  Mr. and Mrs. Claus are planning to visit NPI from 9:30 a.m. until approximately 2:00 p.m.  Photos may be taken with our special guests for $5.00 each.  That day will also be Santa Hat Day.  All students and staff are invited to wear their holiday hats to kick off the season. 

     The Choctaw-Nicoma Park Board of Education has called for a bond issue to be voted on December 9, 2008.  The bond proceeds will go to new construction and renovations around the district.  This includes approximately $53,623.000 of the proceeds "upfront" to begin construction immediately.  The benefits of this bond issue will be tremendous!  We would like to encourage all of our patrons to vote at their regular polling locations on Tuesday, December 9^th. 

     On December 16, 2008, NPI will host Tuesday Tech Time from 6:15-7:00 p.m.  This session will allow our third grade teachers and students to showcase their technology skills using our SMART Boards.  Our teachers and students are looking forward to impressing those in attendance with their “techie” skills.  On that same evening at 7:00 p.m., the NPI 3^rd graders will perform “Frosty’s First Adventure.”  This program is sure to be an excellent way to get all of us filled with holiday spirit and joy.  Speaking of singing, our very own Falcon Footnotes have been invited to sing on December 5^th at 6:00 p.m. at Holiday Lights Spectacular in Midwest City.  This group will also provide entertainment at Choctaw Christmas in the Park with their amazing musical talent on December 13^th at 1:00 p.m.  Please mark these special performances on your calendar because you definitely won’t want to miss them!

     Many charitable projects that will greatly touch the lives of others are under way at NPI.  First of all, Student Council is sponsoring a school-wide Sock and Mitten Drive.  These articles of clothing will be donated to Love Links to assist homeless children for Christmas.  Second, each grade level is collecting new toys for children around our community.  This Bedlum Toy Drive is also being sponsored by the NPI Student Council.  Our school has set a goal of collecting 500 toys for this worthy cause.  And last but definitely not least, we are collecting food to support the Choctaw Lions Club’s effort to provide for those less fortunate within our community.  Through the various service-learning opportunities conducted this month, our students will be practicing the Life Principles of compassion and service.  I am extremely proud of the genuine spirit of kindness and generosity that continually permeates NPI!

     December 19, 2008, will be the last day in school before Winter Break.  That date also ends the first semester of this school year.  Teachers will be involved in professional development activities on January 5, 2009.  Classes will resume for students on Tuesday, January 6^th.  Students should get ready for an awesome second semester filled with many fantastic new learning experiences!  

     I would like to wish the NPI families a very blessed holiday season.  It is my special wish that all of you have a safe and enjoyable conclusion to 2008 and a bright new beginning in 2009!