I don't know if it's because of the extended warm weather that made October and much of November feel like it was still summer or simply my failure to pay close attention to the calendar, but regardless of the cause, December and the end of the first semester sneaked up on me.  From my conversations with many others around the district, I know that I'm not alone in feeling this way.

  

The last two weeks before winter break are always packed with special events and I want to highlight a few of them today so you can plan accordingly.  From now until December 12th, the MMES Falcon Leaders are collecting new men's and women's socks to benefit the Shoebox Ministry and the homeless in Phoenix.   The 2nd grade students will be taking a field trip to the Fountain Hills Community Theatre to see Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! on December 8th and then on December 9th, the FHHS student government will host the Winter Wonderland fundraiser at MMES from 6:00-9:00 PM.  On the 13th, the 3rd grade will present its holiday music program, Santa's Shopping Network, at 6:30 PM in the multipurpose room.  On December 15th and 16th, students will enjoy their class holiday parties.

At the middle school, the baseball and softball teams start their games during the week of December 5th.  Check the Athletics page on the school's website for specific games, dates, and times.  The first middle school band concert of the year will be on Tuesday, December 6th in the FHMS multipurpose room at 6:30 PM and the musicians will certainly appreciate the presence of an enthusiastic audience.  The Four Peaks Falcon Leaders are hosting a Bagels for Bravery event on Wednesday, December 14th to say thank you to our local veterans.  There is also a combined Four Peaks/Middle School MEGA Dance from 5:30-8:00 PM on December 15th with proceeds going towards covering the costs of 4th through 8th grade off-campus field trips.

Winter sports are underway at the high school and the specifics can be found on the school's Athletics page. On Thursday, December 8th, the High School band and choir will present their holiday concert at the Community Center at 7:00 PM.  This is always a special event and the level of performances are outstanding.  Final exams will be administered on Thursday, December 15th (Periods 1, 3, and 5) and Friday, December 16th (Periods 2, 4, and 6), with dismissal for high school students at 11:45 AM each day.

I hope you're able to get out and enjoy some of these special events and performances prior to winter break.