The holiday season is upon us. During this season we have time to reflect about how the course of this year has gotten us to where we are and what direction we would like to move forward to in the upcoming year. As we reflect, we think of all the positive events in our lives that has brought us joy. At Winter Gardens we are thankful for the amazing supportive school community we have. We are grateful for having such amazing teachers that teach our students important educational lessons, social-emotional lessons, and life lessons that touch on the appreciation of cultural values. We, at WGE, appreciate all that you do to assure our students attend school daily. We appreciate the time you take to review your child's homework, stay focused on their studies, and the care you take to make sure if your student is sick that they remain safe at home. We know that all these efforts will make a big difference in your child's education in order to have a bright future. We are thankful and appreciative for the attention and support you place on your child's education. As you know, they are our future. May all that is beautiful, meaningful and brings you joy be yours this holiday season and throughout the coming year!

The last day of school prior to Winter Break is December 15. Students are on Winter Break from December 18-January 8, 2023. Students return from Winter Break on January 9, 2024.

May you share quality time with loved ones, enjoying each other's company in a safe and healthy manner. Have a very wonderful holiday season!

In Partnership,

Dr. Cortez, Principal

Come see this beautiful performances by the classes listed above that will take place on Wednesday, December 13, at 8:45 in the school cafeteria. This is sure to be a holiday treat for all!!

Student awards are earned by students every two months. The awards are as follows:

• The Penguin Award for a student who demonstrates growth in an academic area.
• The PBIS Award for a student who demonstrates they follow our behavior expectations of being kind, respectful, responsible, and safe.
• The Student of the Month Award for a student who demonstrating academic success.

Every semester, or twice a year, we give the Perfect Attendance Award for the semester. This award is for students that have been present in school every day from August 14th - December 1st for the first semester and from January 9th - May 17th, 2024 for the second semester. Please note the scheduled times for invited parents in our school website calendar or down below in this newsletter. Our PTA will be fundraising small balloons and gifts out side of the cafeteria upon your arrival.

When: December 9, 2023, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Theme: Whittier Wonderland

Parade route: From Hadley to Mar Vista on Greenleaf Ave,

The 69th annual parade route runs along one mile of Uptown Whittier's historic Greenleaf Avenue from Hadley Street to Mar Vista Street. The Annual Christmas Parade includes an estimated 100+ entries. So please bring your chairs to view a community driven, old-fashioned parade, and cheer our very own Winter Gardens Cheer Team!!

We are happy to announce that the library is now open for extended hours. Please review the days and times in the flyers below.

Please note that this schedule only applies if it is raining during dismissal times.

Vacation's coming; it's a thing.

Parties in school, the kids are wild

I can't wait till grades are filed.

• This video has really easy tips for making beautiful holiday cookies
• This article from the Today Show has helpful ideas for $0 spending this holiday season
• This is a handy-dandy guide of what to watch this week (to simplify vacation binging...!)
• And if you're not really feeling the holiday spirit this year, that's ok, too. This post has concrete, useful suggestions for how to tend to your own wellbeing.