Congratulations to our 4th and 5th grade Smokey Bear/ Woodsy Owl poster contest winners!
Left to right: Kirkland Couey, Maci Williams, Ann Edward Smith, Hensley Trussell, Presley Yeager
Not pictured- Kylie Smith
A Christmas Reflection

2020 has been quite a year so far. Many in our community have experienced loss, and we all have carried the stress caused by the uncertainty of living through a completely novel time in our country’s history. The meaning of Christmas is uniquely powerful in times like these. One of my favorite passages of the New Testament is in the book of John in chapter 16. 

Beginning in the preceding chapter through the end of chapter 16, Jesus tells his disciples some difficult things. Jesus tells them their lives will have troubles because they have chosen to follow Him. He tells them some of them will lose their physical lives because they have chosen to follow. But Jesus then closes the message by saying These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33 NASB)

Immanuel is one of the names of Jesus and means God with us. Christmas is about hope, and the hope is not because God is on our side. The hope is because God is with us as we struggle through days and years like we have all faced in 2020. We are not promised an easy time, but we are promised One who is with us no matter how difficult or joyful the time is. 

May each of you experience the hope of Christmas this year as you celebrate!

Jeff Pinnow, Head of School
Exam Information from Dr. Grant

Please encourage your students to begin studying early. For example, if a student spends three hours studying for an exam, higher retention is shown if a student spends an hour at a time over a few days rather than a three-hour cram session. Also, as a reminder, our faculty are available every day after school to help your student solidify their understanding of course material. Also, while sleep and proper nutrition are important for success in life, these are especially important elements in exam preparation. 
Report cards will be sent on Thursday, January 7.
Exam Schedule
December 14
1st Period    8:00 - 9:30
Break        9:30 - 9:55
2nd Period   10:00 - 11:30

December 15
3rd Period    8:00 - 9:30
Break        9:30 - 9:55
4th Period    10:00 - 11:30

December 16
5th Period    8:00 - 9:30
Break        9:30 - 9:55
6th Period    10:00 - 11:30
The Washington School Band performed for our students on Tuesday. We hope you will watch the video on our YouTube channel. Don't forget that many of our events are broadcast live and you can also view the recordings that are posted anytime.

Be sure to subscribe to the channel so you can watch all events!
Elementary Events for Next Week
Monday - Wear your jeans and a red or green Christmas shirt!
Tuesday - Wear your pajamas as we watch The Polar Express together.
Wednesday - Get your picture made with Santa, enjoy a cookie, and your class Christmas Party!
WS elementary students, Kayne Blalack, Miller Oglesby, Kelton McCorkle, and Reed Hooker recently played for Mississippi’s Olympic Development Program (ODP) 2010 Boys & 2010 Girls soccer teams at the GSA Puma Invitational held December 5-6 in Atlanta. The 2010 Boys team lost a tight 1-0 match in the semifinals, & the 2010 Girls team came home as Finalists, losing in the championship match on kicks from the mark after a 1-1 tie in regulation. Mississippi ODP is part of US Youth Soccer ODP, a nationally recognized player identification pathway that provides playing & development opportunities for high potential players at the state, regional & national levels.
Thank you for your support of the PTO! A new record was set this year with over 400 hams sold. Look for information later this week about when you can pick yours up next week.