'Awesome' Arcadia

Congratulations to Vickie Nichols -

'Awesome' Arcadia's "School Star"

Last week Vickie Nichols, para-educator at Arcadia Elementary, was the winner of the KZZU radio's "School Star" award. Vickie was nominated because of her never ending patience, her ability to make kids be the best they can be, and her commitment to perform every task with a smile. Principal Bonnie Bantis shares that Vickie "...has a heart as big as the moon and she gives and gives to kids and staff all of the time. She will come early and stay late just to help out. Vickie never asks for anything and she is always wanting to know what is best for kids."

The Public School Employees Association (PSE) and KZZU Radio (92.9) along with Qdoba are sponsoring a new and exciting award called the "School STAR Award". Each Thursday beginning in January 2010, a "School STAR" will be selected from the Spokane area and featured during the morning show with Dave, Ken and Molly. Award winners can be school bus drivers, custodians, teacher's assistants, secretaries, cooks, security guards, playground supervisors and maintenance workers.

The School STAR segment is a 60 second feature story highlighting how public school employees improve the lives of children throughout the day at school. Each weekly winner will receive $100.00 from PSE of Washington, pre-loaded gift cards from Qdoba and a plaque. At the end of the school year, one School STAR grand prize winner will be selected for the year and will win $500.00 courtesy of the PSE of Washington.

Congratulations Vickie!

Another Stepping Stone Family Night will be Tuesday, February 2

from 5-7pm at Arcadia Elementary.

There will be crafts, dinner, Group Time, free pictures, Guitar Hero and board games. Your son or daughter should have received an invitation in the after school program.

NO SCHOOL - Monday, January 18

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A NOTE FROM PRINCIPAL BANTIS

During this very special time of year, we reflect upon the things we are thankful for, the good things happening in our lives, and all of our family and friends whom we hold so dear. As citizens we are so thankful for our freedoms and the service people who are away from loved ones fighting for freedoms in other parts of the world. It is a good time to be alive and living in such a beautiful area.

In reflecting on life in general, I for one am so very thankful for children! These wonderful, curious, generous, laughing, funny, bright, wondering, carefree, young cherubs keep me in a state of wonderment and loving life each and every day. They are one of my reasons for existence. Parents are the luckiest people in the world, and this is another thing to be thankful for in life! (Being a parent is also the most difficult job in the world, too!)

In observing children durng this special time of year, one will see smiles, inquisitiveness, love, happiness, sadness, and of course excitement. They love to be outside in the snow and cold just running, jumping, throwing a ball, playing 4 square, swinging, and being the ‘best’ at tetherball. They seem to grow right before our eyes!

Thank you to all the children, parents, Deer Park community, and Arcadia Staff for making my job an enjoyable and wonderful job. I am truly blessed to be here and be working with such a superb group of people. May this special season and the New Year bring you health, happiness, and excitement. Your children are the reason I am here. Thank you so much, and happy holidays!

Love & blessings, Mrs. Bantis