The holidays are upon us! As you are making your plans, please don’t forget about the following dates that will impact the students and your visits: November 26, 27, 28 – Thanksgiving holiday Friday, December 5 – early release day Friday, December 19 – early release day December 22 – January 5 – Winter Break Monday, January 5 – Students return Friday, January 16 – early release day Monday, January 19 – Holiday Monday, January 26 – teacher workday, no students Have you ever felt like the picture above during the holiday season? Be sure to take time to relax with your canine companion (and your human companions as well), count your blessings, remember that not everything has to be perfect to still be wonderful, and enjoy yourself during the holidays as much as possible! Pamela Partis, Angela Zumwalt, and Linda Evans will be presenting the Reading Tails Program and the Pet Responsibility Program at the leadership meeting of elementary school principals on December 10th. Please email one of us and tell us examples of the wonderful differences you are all making in the lives of children so that we can share these special stories with the group. Pam Partis – [email protected], Angela Zumwalt – [email protected], Linda Evans – [email protected] The school year is quickly passing. In speaking with principals of schools that have Reading Tails volunteers, I am hearing such positive comments and that y’all are an important part of the school family. Please remember to email Linda Evans pictures of your Reading Tails dog so that Dr. Rach can create a flyer for your school that showcases your dog. We want to keep the Reading Tails presence in the forefront at the schools and what could be better than a picture of your gorgeous reading volunteer? Thank you for all that you do for the students and staff of Moore County Schools. You are making a difference every time you and your Reading Tail volunteer enter a school, visit with students, open a book, and give your attention to that student’s development. The students often tell me that you and your dog coming is the highlight of the week for them. The unconditional attention and support you provide does wonders for so many of our students who may not receive many positive messages in their lives. You and your canine companion touch our student’s lives in many ways – through listening, giving support and praise, making connections, providing a smile and a warm heart, and just by being there. You may leave a session wondering if you have made a difference – please know that you have even if it does not appear obvious at the time of your visit. Students talk with their teachers about you and your dogs after you have left and until you visit again. It takes a tremendous amount of dedication to get yourself and your dog ready, get in the car (particularly on a cold morning), drive to school, sign in and out, and read with your students. I cannot thank you enough for giving your time and talents to this effort.