We celebrated a wonderful Grandparents Day in the middle school. Classrooms were filled with happy faces, old and young! It is now the time for Thanksgiving and we gave back a little for all of our goodness by donating canned meats and turkey money to the Julie Center. When we return from our feasts we will jump right into many activities. On December 3rd there is an early dismissal, the 4th is our Christmas bazaar and Santa in the Castle, Dec 8th we watch the Juniors as they receive their Maryvale rings, the 11th is the high school placement test for 8th graders, the 16th is the Christmas Concert, and on the 17th our Candy Cane Social! Lots to do while keeping up with school work and social activities. Maryvale Middle School ladies are a busy bunch.

On November 17th, the seventh grade had a great time helping the residents of Oakcrest Village with their traditional Turkey Trot. They taught them songs and helped them walk around the campus. Several students reported some very touching stories about their encounters with the residents. This community service project provided our students with a chance to give back to the community and interact with a different population.

Congratulations to all of our "Little Women". The Fall play was a wonderful production that included many middle school students.

Saturday was a wonderful day at Maryvale and a day to be proud of our community. Middle school students gave tours and told why they love being at Maryvale. I was proud to see these wonderful young ladies doing such a great job!
Lunch Buddies continues and I would really enjoy hearing your feelings on this program. Many girls are truly embracing this opportunity to learn more about members of our community. I have heard comments such as, "I ate lunch with the coolest sixth grader today." "I had the best time at lunch today."
November 17th our seventh grade students will be participating in the Turkey Trot at Oakcrest. This is a community service trip where our students are paired with a senior citizen and help them complete their part in the Turkey Trot, which is a fund raising activity to feed needy families.

As the new marking period begins, so does the start of many exciting events. Open House is Saturday, November 6th from 10-1. All middle school students have been invited to serve as tour guides. If you can come for the entire time or just part of the time, your help is greatly appreciated. Sunday, November 7th is the annual Father/Daughter dinner dance at Hillendale Country Club, and of course our Fall Play, "Little Women", begins Wednesday, November 11th.
Please remember to turn in all Fall sports uniforms to Ms. Moeser in the gym on November 4th from 3- 3:00.