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This article was last modified on January 26th, 2022.
3rd-8th grade students: “Bee” on the lookout for Spelling Bee information in the announcements! You can also email me at nlagergren@helendalesd.com if you would like to participate. Speaking of spelling…while you’ll have to memorize words for the Spelling Bee, learning to spell is not just memorization. Kids actually learn in various stages as they learn spelling/phonics rules. A google search on “Stages of spelling development” or “Invented Spelling” will lead you to more information if you’re interested.
Happy Reading – Mrs.L
Ms. Gjerde and Mr. Kast Mr. Kast’s Thoughts – Learn to be Grateful
With Thanksgiving just past us, I want to encourage all of you to know that one of the greatest things you can do is to stop and reflect on the things that are good in our lives, the things we can be grateful for. Life will give you challenges, but if you continue to focus on those parts that are good, it will change how you look at life. Be grateful today!
Another month has passed and I am pleased with many of my students’ progress. My focus this past month has been time on task. You will never be very good at anything if you don’t put in the time, and when I see someone not doing very well, a large part can and will be how much time and effort has been put into it. As the saying goes “You 100% fail at everything you never try.” Put your time in this month and watch your success grow!
Our Senior class this year is composed of a group of young people who are ready to step out into the real world and take their place as the next generation of dreamers, builders, and leaders. We have a few Seniors that are presently taking college classes in both Barstow and Victor Valley community colleges and a few who are preparing to join the military upon graduation. We are working closely with our Seniors in helping them with their ”Post Graduation Plans” as they prepare to transition into the real world of work and adulthood.
As we near the completion of our first semester, many of our seniors are already stepping out into the real world as they gain employment, take college classes, and assume adult responsibilities; they deserve a big SHOUT OUT!
Many of our seniors have been with ICA since middle school, so it has been a real pleasure, and sometimes a real challenge to get to where they are now. We still have a lot of hard work to do, but together we will get there. We look forward to the last part of our shared journey as we get them across the graduation finish line.
What is the greatest holiday gift you ever received? For many, it is a fond memory of a game station for Christmas or a trip for Hanukkah. For others, it is the memory of a great meal surrounded by family and friends. Did you know that even though we call this holiday season a time of celebration that many struggle to find any reason to celebrate at all? As a professional therapist, I find that I am the busiest during the times of year that are ‘supposed to be’ the most joyous.
Many struggle through the holidays feeling a dark cloud over their heads caused by depression or disappointment – that feeling deep down inside that it is ‘supposed to be’ better than the way the person is feeling. Blame it on all the holiday hype. We search for the perfect gift without a thought of what the person truly wants or needs. Let’s decide to return to the time in our American history when the holidays were not about the gifts you received, but rather about the gifts we give. This task is as easy as remembering the 3 Ts: Time, Talent, and Treasure. Time is the one gift you cannot give to extend a person’s life, but the very thing that an older generation wishes they had more of. Give an elderly or secluded person in your family or neighborhood the gift of spending quality time together.
Talent is something we all have but struggle to share. Little ones love to entertain by dancing and singing, but we often forget about the talent of washing dishes, vacuuming, washing a car, mowing a lawn, patching a hole in the wall, or painting. YOU have many talents. Imagine how the gift of your talents could improve the life of someone else.
Treasure is not money. Treasure is something of value. I never save the gifts others have bought for me, but I deeply treasure the handmade card, gift box, or noodle necklace my children gave to me. Those are my dearest treasures because while my children were making their gifts, they filled them with the greatest treasure of all… Their love!
Make this a great holiday season by focusing on all those who need the 3Ts in their lives. Who knows… Perhaps one of your ICA teachers is in need of some of your time, talents, or treasures to make their holiday a little brighter this year. May you and your family have a very joyful holiday season and an incredibly blessed new year!
Any seniors interested in purchasing senior pictures can do so. The photographer we use is Gonzalez Photography. Aracely Gonzalez is the owner and her phone number is 760-694-2008. You can contact her to set up an appointment to get your sitting time and senior pictures completed.
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