November 25, 2002

THANKSGIVING IS THIS WEEK and there are so many things to be thankful for here in Sunol. We have a very special community, with lots of generous people who volunteer their time, energy and money for children, education, the elderly and the environment. Sunol is a nature lover's paradise and a wonderful place for people of all ages and our many beloved pets. We all agree - no matter what's going on in the rest of the world, it's always a blessing to come home to Sunol.

SUNOL TEACHER OF THE YEAR: Certainly, having such a great staff at Sunol Glen is one of the things for which we are grateful. The individual from this group of talented and dedicated colleagues to wear the mantle of Sunol's Teacher of the Year for 2002 is Nancy Chiprich. Nancy has been at Sunol Glen for seven years. She served as director of our school's Extended Day Childcare program for two years before signing on as a classroom teacher, initially for fourth grade and now first.

"Nancy has always been inquisitive, multi-talented, and innovative," said Superintendent-Principal Diane Everett. "She is exceptionally creativity, and keenly aware of the individual needs of her students. Nancy is a great planner who comes up with dynamic instructional strategies." Praising Nancy's motivational and stimulating teaching style, Diane remarked, "Once you step into her classroom, you, too, wish you were a child again. She instills in students an appetite for the joys of learning."

Diane is not alone in her admiration for Nancy Chiprich, who is popular with staff, students, parents and the community. "She gives without reservation, unselfishly, and has the highest goals in mind," Diane concluded. "She has my greatest admiration and respect." Hear, hear! Congratulations to a dedicated and deserving educator.

GIRL SCOUTS WANT WARMIES: The Sunol Glen Girl Scouts will once again be participating in "Operation One Warm Coat," a council-wide project to provide warm clothing for the needy. The girls have already started gathering used sweaters, jackets and coats, and would very much appreciate your donations of same. If you would like to contribute to this important cause, please contact Helen Eberle at elenaortez@attbi.com.

STUDENT COUNCIL NEWS: Sunol Glen's Student Council is sponsoring another of their wild and whimsical Wacky Wednesdays on Dec. 4. The theme is Pajama Day, and students are reminded to adhere to dress code rules - no tank tops or bottoms too short to meet the code. The following week there will be a dance on Friday the 13th with the appropriate theme of "Unlucky." I guess that means there may be some ladders to avoid walking under, and perhaps it's not the best night to take a big risk on romance! Thanks to Council representative Jamie Thurman for these items.

SUCH GOOD KIDS! There was an awards assembly at Sunol Glen on Friday (11-22) to acknowledge our students' exceptional performance during first quarter. There are too many names to cite individually, but check out these stats: Honor Roll accolades went to 11 fifth graders, 14 sixth graders, 14 seventh graders and three eighth graders. Positive Citations were handed out 34 students and Champ Cards to 30. Cap all that off with 74 students achieving perfect attendance, and anyone would agree that's a mighty impressive student scorecard. Way to go, kiddos!

JINGLE BELLS A'COMIN: Don't forget to join Santa at the Sunol Grandmas' downtown holiday celebration on Sunday starting at 5 p.m. Be sure to buy a prize drawing ticket for the eighth-grade decorated Christmas tree from any eighth-grader or at the event. They're going for a dollar apiece, six for $5, or 13 for $10. (Last week I mistakenly stated that the proceeds would go towards the class trip, when, in fact, the money will be used for graduation activities.) So come for the caroling, tree lighting, train ride and more and bring along a sweet treat to share.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving festivities and I suggest we all hide our scales 'til January 2!