By MARK GRUEN
Royall School District superintendent
Just like the cold weather caught me off guard a little bit, so have the holiday concerts. By the time you read this, you might have already missed the first one, which was Dec. 11. The rest are as follows:
• 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, in the high school gymnasium — intermediate school concert
• 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18, in the elementary school gymnasium — 4-year-old kindergarten through fourth grade
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As we get close to closing the calendar on 2017, I hope you take time to look back and reflect on the many blessings we have in our lives. As you are reflecting on your own good fortune, do not forget about others less fortunate. My annual challenge stands that each of you helps spread good cheer to those in need. Remember to help give them hope, as hope is a key ingredient to any success.
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On another note, our annual booster-club alumni weekend is fast approaching. It is planned for the weekend of Jan. 26–27. We kick off Friday night with a spaghetti dinner put on by the Royall Booster Club. Our Wall of Fame inductees will be unveiled at halftime of the varsity boys game that night.
On Saturday, we will have alumni basketball and volleyball starting at 9 a.m. On Saturday night, we will have an alumni social at the Kendall Community Hall starting at 6 p.m.
Please consider joining us for all or part of the special weekend. The booster club puts a lot of energy into this fundraiser annually and certainly would appreciate your support.
On the topic of the Wall of Fame, please consider nominating someone for this prestigious award. You can contact me directly for the application process.
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I have reserved from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, for my next lunch with the superintendent. It is very simple: Join me for lunch to discuss whichever topic you choose, such as budgeting, scheduling, staffing, or even politics. I would appreciate it if you called to let me know you plan to attend so we could plan for the appropriate space. I am also willing to come to you with information. Please give me a call and let me know where you would like to meet, when you would like me to attend, and what to prepare for, and I will be there.
Happy holidays.