Gathering
This week Stuart Manning, Eve’s father, talked with the students about Ireland and St. Patrick’s Day.  He told the story of St. Patrick and why he is an important person in Irish history and to the church. He also shared with us the symbolism of the shamrock, the three parts representing the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Next week, Ker Ferdinand who is from Haiti, will speak to us in Gathering.  Parents are welcome to join us Wednesday mornings from 8:50 – 9:10.

Soup and Arts Fest
Thanks to all who helped to make the Soup and Arts Fest a success.  We especially thank Laura Stoltzfus, Amy DePoy, Monica Carlson, and Joy Anderson for displaying our students’ art work and leading our students in the live performances of music and drama.  Thanks also to all of the elementary parents who supported this event by attending.

Pajama Reading Day
Tomorrow is Pajama Reading Day.  Students should dress in their pajamas, bring a sleeping bag or blanket, a pillow, stuffed animal (optional), sneakers for playing outside and, of course, a book.

Haiti Health Kits
For those of you who would like to donate to the Haiti health kit project, here are the items needed:
Contents (NEW items only)

• 4 large bars bath soap (leave in wrapping)
• 1 plastic bottle shampoo (380-710ml / 13-24oz; place bottle in a re-sealable plastic bag)
• 4 large bars of laundry soap (Some stores carry Fels Naptha, Sunlight or Zote brands; contact your local MCC warehouse with questions)
• 1 squeeze-tube toothpaste (minimum 130ml / 6oz; leave in box)
• 4 adult-size toothbrushes (leave in packaging)
• 4 new bath towels (medium weight, dark or bright colors)
• 2 wide-tooth combs(6 to 8in / 15 to 20cm)
• 1 fingernail clipper
• 1 box adhesive bandages (minimum 40, assorted)
• 1 package sanitary pads (18-24 thin maxi)

Rice and Bean Meal for Haiti
Haitian guest, Ker Ferdinand, will share about his childhood years in Haiti during Gathering on Wed. March 24th in preparation for our Rice and Bean Meal on Thursday March 25th.   During gathering we will listen to Ker’s stories plus discuss rice, the second most widely cultivated grain in the world and a staple food for over ½ the world’s population. We will learn how to soak dry beans and discover that 1 cup of dry beans yields about 3 cups when cooked.  We’ll also compare prices of canned beans we buy in the store to bagged dried beans.  

On Thursday, the students do not need to pack a lunch.  The school will provide rice and beans (a $5.00 donation per student is suggested).  Please have your child bring his/her donation on Thursday.  Much like the “Jingle Jar” we used in December to raise money for Roberta Web Childcare Center, the children should bring their cash donation themselves so that they can drop it in a jar before the meal.  If you would rather send a check please make it out to MCC. 

In conjunction with the donation gathered on Thursday, the Third Grade class will present the Relief Kits, sheets, and comforters that they have collected over the past month to an MCC (Mennonite Central Committee) representative.  MCC delivers these kits through MCC Haiti.

Before long these Relief Kits will be in the hands of the Haitian people.

To continue our Haitian awareness activities The Bowl of Good restaurant will host an event for the whole family to experience more tastes, sounds and customs of Haiti.  More details and a date about this opportunity will follow shortly.  

If you have any questions feel free to call Kathy Yoder at 434-7981 or Lynette Mast at 896-7797.

Yearbook Photos
If you have any photos of EMES students during this school year, contact Vicki Simonetti.  She will be coordinating our yearbook again this year.

Other announcements
There are some changes to the lunch menu that was sent out on Tuesday.  We will send a revised menu home tomorrow.

Remember to drive carefully and slowly during drop-off and pick-up.  Once you are on Cornerstone Lane, you are in a “school zone” which is typically 25 mph.  We want to make sure all students are safe around the school grounds.

Upcoming Events
Friday, March 19 – Pajama Reading Day
Thursday, March 25 – Rice & Bean Meal for Haiti
Friday, March 26 – No School – Teacher Work Day
Easter Break – Thursday, April 1 – Tuesday, April 6
Friday, April 9 – 3-5 to Library
Thurs & Fri, April 15 &16 – No School – Teacher Work Days
Thursday, April 29 – Dessert Theatre
Friday, May 14 – 3-5 Field Trip to DC