We are transitioning from a time of reflection on what we are thankful for and what is important to us, to a time of giving. MSOE was so fortunate to experience such an impactful Thanksgiving celebration at the school. The event seemed so seamless and that was thanks to the staff, all of the parents who contributed items and the parents who were able to give of their time and help in the kitchen for what truly was a feast. Not that it was unexpected, but it is also worth mentioning how wonderful and well behaved all the children were. So reserved and well behaved that several parents commented on how impressive it all was. Before eating together, the children all patiently waited for me to give a little speech about the past, what Thanksgiving meant and how important it is to understand our history and appreciate what people before us went through and go through so that we could all be here together and enjoy that experience. I did my best to speak to all levels throughout my talk and my heart was warmed watching them looking up at me as I moved from spot to spot while it seemed like they were wondering what I was going to say next and probably, "okay when can we start eating."

With regards to the spirit of giving, I just want to touch on a couple of topics. A few parents have asked if the classrooms will have a giving tree or something of the like. The fact that parents wanted to know that is very much appreciated. To that end we will create a google spreadsheet for each classroom over the next week with requested items. If parents choose to do that it is nice to know that we have that option.

On a similar note of giving, part of a Montessori education is introducing ideas for the children to give back to the community or others who are far. There is so much value in this. It is something that I have very much been wanting to do and was able to do for children in Haiti during our first year of operation. A few years ago I made a connection with someone through the Montessori Model United Nations. Part of this person's mission is to help provide food and education to children who are starving or can't make it to school. He has now been working with children and adults to help these children in eleven different countries. Another idea of this experience is to have the elementary children interact with them through letters and skype via computers that my contact has donated to some of them and their very small schools. We are in talks to figure out ways to work with Montessori Elementary children to learn how to be entrepreneurs and give back through the money that they make via their small or possibly large and lucrative businesses. 

Part of our talks are leading to how MSOE can be the first to initiate such a task and then replicate it to other Montessori schools. One simple idea that he has is to see if children will be willing to donate a dollar a month of their "allowance." This is in the early stages of its development for MSOE, but it is an exciting opportunity, and I thought it would be nice to share it with you under the possibility that some of you might have some ideas or would like to participate somehow.

In conclusion, I have a few other things to note. We are looking forward to kicking off our MSOE Facebook Group this coming month. Our Winter Concert will be taking place on December 21st at 6:30 p.m. We will be rescheduling our first Primary Collaboration night for January 4th. In the next newsletter we will announce when and where the next social event will be in January. MSOE is looking forward to the month of December, all it has to offer and what we will be sharing to recap that month.