October 2006 NEWSLETTER  ANOTHER GREAT DAY AT BALLARD SCHOOL!

The other morning I was greeting students when a first grader came up to me and excitedly reported that he had

discovered a gi-normous

spider building it's web around back. Of course, I had to go with him to look at this impressive creature.

Upon our arrival I noticed that a group of similarly impressed students had gathered in appreciation of this 'gi-nonmous' spider. After talking about the spider and its web, my first grade friend and I left the group to ~return to the playground.

After a few steps I noticed that he was not with me. An of a sudden I heard, "Awesome! Look at this ... a slug!" Sure enough, a rather large slug was oozing his way ever so slowly across the walk.

How fortunate to see a gi-

normous spider AND a slug before the school bell even rang. I told my first grade friend, "What a great way to start the day. It doesn't get any better than that!"

He thought for a moment and quickly replied, "Well, if a

Great Day cont.

helicopter landed on the playground that would be better. And if they had ice cream on the helicopter that would be even better!"

Events cont.

Parent/Teacher Conferences will be hel during the afternoons of Tuesday, October 10, through Friday, October 13.  Students in grades 1-6 will be dismissed at 1:00 on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Kindergarten students will be dismissed at their regular tirnes; noon on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and 1 :00 on Thursday. Please do not miss this important opportunity to meet with your child's teacher.

I had to agree with him, but even without an ice cream toting helicopter we both agreed that our day was off to a fine start!

1t has been a wonderful first month of the school year. I am truly enjoying myself and have been extremely impressed with our Ballard School community - the students, parents, and staff.

Red Ribbon Week (week of October 23) activities will focus on making positive choices and living drug free lives. We will be treated to an assembly, Perfection on Wheels, on Monday the 23rd. This outstanding bicycle stunt team will kick off Red Ribbon Week with their amazing talent, spectacular stunts, and positive message.

Every day at:Ballard is a great day! Now if we would just have a helicopter drop off some ice cream sometime!

AUTUMN TRADITIONS & OCTOBER EVENTS

The Halloween costume parade and  PT A sponsored Halloween carnival ate rapidly approaching. We are all are looking forward to the traditional 6tih grade  Haunted House that is guaranteed to 'scare those who dare!' The parade will be held on  Halloween Day, Tuesday, October 31. Students will be dismissed at noon to go home for lunch and to change into their costumes. Everyone who wishes to participate in the festivities may return to school at 1:00.

HOMEWORK :HELP

The Santa Barbara Public Library System received a 1arge grant to provide free online tutoring for students in grades 4 - 12. This service will be provided daily from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., connecting students one-to-one with tutors.  For more information, please visit the library's website: www.sbplibrary.org .