Mustang Musings ~ October 26, 2011

The beginning of school last August brought a mixed bag of emotions for staff and students alike. We've experienced a huge change in staff, both expected and unexpected. The transition proved a challenge for not only the staff, but the students as well. Through this we learned how courageous and resilient these youngsters are, and how patient and understanding their parents. With the first quarter of school behind us, we can truly say we have the best students around. Without the wonderful support of parents and community, our school would certainly falter with all the changes, not to mention the effects of an unstable economy. Manton parents and community, you're the BEST!

We're well into autumn and things are looking brighter. It's RED-RIBBON WEEK here at Manton School and the Mustang spirit is soaring. Monday we all wore our pajamas (my favorite day), Tuesday was crazy hat day, and today we're sporting wild hair. With the help of hairspray, my mane is boasting quite a bit of red glitter, but it pales in comparison to the imagination of our students. So far I've seen cool collections of hair adornments, big back-combing affects, and wild wigs. Tomorrow the kids will take a field trip to Hawes Farms wearing their school colors. Hurray for the red, black, and white! Finally on Friday, we celebrate dress-up day--our annual precursor to the Halloween festivities to come. As much fun as it is to dress up and be crazy, Red Ribbon Week reminds us all how important it is to teach our youth about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.

Speaking of Halloween, this Saturday is our annual "Trick or Trunk".  At 6:30 pm the gymnasium will open its doors to an array of delights to tickle your taste buds as well as games and other fun things. At 7:00 pm, kids will venture, if they dare, to the track where they'll be met up with ghouls and goblins slithering from decorated car trunks, truck beds, and even horse trailers. These characters may look scary, but never fear. We only allow safe and trustworthy folks on campus AND they must come bearing lots of tasty treats!

As I gaze at the red glitter sprinkled on my desk (I should've used more hairspray), I'm reminded of the Manton Mustangs apparel on sale. On behalf of the Student Council, I've put together a nice variety of shirts and fleece vests we'd like to offer for purchase. The shirts are the same ones we've had before. They come in both short and long sleeves with the Manton Mustang logo silk screened in the center. These are great for the students to wear on field trips. The crew-neck and hooded sweatshirts will also be available with the logo embroidered at the upper left. In addition to the shirts and sweatshirts, we're offering short and long-sleeved polos and fleece vests. Both will have the Mustang logo embroidered at the upper left. You many have seen staff sport these items in the past. Now, we're making these available to everyone. I've purchased the mid-night heather fleece vest and love it. The logo looks great against the dark grey. I also have t-shirts, polos, and sweatshirts at home I can bring to the school for those who would like to preview the goods before buying them. The order forms are available at the school office and have been given to the teachers to send home with their students.

The Student Council is holding a fundraiser beginning in November. The students will be selling items from Nature's Vision catalogs.  This environmentally friendly company offers t-shirts, candles, flower bulbs, jewelry, and other amazing items promoting environmental awareness. Go green and get your Christmas shopping done early. The catalogs and order forms will be sent home with students next week. We'll have a few extras in the office for those of you who do not have children in school.

Hope you enjoyed this new installment of Mustang Musings. Thanks for visiting our school's website and please do come back by soon. If you have questions about our school, the content of this post, or any other concerns, please call the school office at 530-474-3167. Office hours are Monday - Friday, 8 am to 3:30, except Wednesdays when we close at 1 pm. The office will be closed on holidays and other non-instructional days listed on the website calendar.

Happy Autumn!

Linda Strawn,

Manton School Secretary