As the holidays approach we are all feeling the stress and need to hurry from one thing to another. Possibly as a result we are having some problems with the reserved parking spaces in the front circle. Please respect the reserved spots. The Chen Family donated a large amount to have the privilege to park in their "Marked" parking spot daily, and anytime of the day. Please do not park in that parking spot. Additionally, although there are days when the office and the administrators are off campus all day, more often then not we return from meeting. When our parking spots are taken we have to find other parking, after dealing with the traffic in the circle in trying to get to our parking spots this make getting to meetings on campus challenging to say the least. Our health clerk generally arrives at 9:00 but there are days when she must come in early due to special health screenings. Please be respectful of all reserved parking, this is especially true for the special reserved spots for our upcoming concerts that were auctioned off.
I have a personal request and message that I would very much like you to share with your family and families of McGaugh Alumni. As many of you know, for years we have allowed and enjoyed the tradition of fifth grade students who have toilet papered our home the weekend prior to promotion. We understand that celebration and have actually been fairly impressed with some of the talent, however once a year is the tradition. Our home has been toilet papered three times since school started, one time it happened on the night preceding a brunch shower I was giving for 36 people, and most recently it was done this passed Saturday night. I do not know if these are current students or alumni, but I would appreciate parents sharing that our house is not to be toilet papered. Please remember that we have raised our own teenagers and helped them clean up toilet paper from their friends, and while I am very happy to allow our fifth graders to continue this ANNUAL tradition, I ask for your help in getting out the word that the Palmer home is really not toilet paper friendly.
Please take time this holiday season to enjoy the special gifts from your children. At the elementary age the things they say and do could fill a book of memories that will cause you to laugh about for years to come. I will never look at a pumpkin pie without remembering our son deciding climbing on the counter to reach something could not possibly result in a footprint in the pumpkin pie. I am laughing now remembering his face and foot covered with pumpkin filling. I never even missed that pie but treasure that moment when his small voice called for help. Enjoy all the things that really make life important, our families and time making memories together. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving enjoying with people you love and enjoy.
Daryle A. Palmer
Principal, McGaugh Elementary School
