The Rewards of Reading You know how important it is to read to your children. Children whose families read with them do better in school. And the bonds that you make with your children when you read with them help them feel loved, comforted, and secure. Like most families, you want to read with your children, but somehow days can go by without you sitting down with them and opening a book.

The key is to make it a priority. Here are a few suggestions to help your children improve their reading skills.

• Fifteen minutes a day can change their lives. You may be surprised to know that educators recommend just 15 minutes a day of reading, as a minimum. Like exercise, of course, longer sessions are even more beneficial.
• Always have a book on hand, no matter where you are. Keep a small book in your purse or your car’s glove compartment. Or have a picture book or two in the baby’s stroller. Make sure that you and your children always have something to read when time is available.

February 11 is African American Parent Involvement Day There are a number of special events. The Silent Auction Committee will provide coffee and treats during their Wall of Wine Raffle Ticket Sale before school. There is an opportunity to give input into our School Comprehensive Improvement Plan from 8:00-9:00 a.m. in the library. You could listen to our celebrity readers in the library with your child.

• Police Chief Harrington (9:00 a.m. for Grades K – 2)
• Fire Chief Butler (10:00 a.m. for Grades 3 - 6)

You could come for lunch with your child (please RSVP to Margie Trojan in the cafeteria (651-293-8965 x114.) You could also help your child and their classmates with schoolwork in the classroom from 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Family Service Night A Big Success Friday, January 25 two hundred thirty-nine people, including one hundred twenty-three kids, came to Do Good Together!  With the help of 33 volunteers, families made:

• 400 salami sandwiches for the homeless
• 58 tie fleece blankets for children in crisis
• 200 whisper phones for novice readers
• 73 Valentines for seniors
• 49 cards for sick children
• 107 decorate bags for Meal on Wheels

The comments and evaluations reflect the Horace Mann community's interest and commitment to teach our children the importance of family service. A good time was had by all!

Request for Reassignment, Daycare Transfer, and Elementary Transfer Sibling If you live in the Horace Mann reassignment area, have a daycare transfer, or live outside the attendance area and have younger children who will attend kindergarten next year or in the future, please contact Judy Browne. We are working with District Administration and Student Placement to deal with our attendance area change. This information will be crucial in helping us predict next year’s enrollment and to make plans for classrooms and teachers. Thank you.

WINE RAFFLE TICKETS ARE HERE!....Stop by the office to purchase your wine raffle tickets or to check out some tickets to sell.  ALSO - look for volunteers selling tickets all next week before and after school.  Volunteers will be stationed in the school at drop-off, by the pick-up exit after school and at Discovery Club pick-up.  Warm beverages and treats will be served!  Tickets are $10 a piece and there will be five winners.  You do not need to be present at the Silent Auction to win.  Help us make the Wall of Wine Raffle a great success. Thanks for your support!

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