This month we will be collecting loose change for a good cause! Starting on Monday, December 13, we will be having a penny war! A penny war is where students try to get the most pennies (or points) for their class. Each class will have their own coin jug for collecting money in their classroom. Add points to your jug by adding pennies and dollar bills. Subtract points from other classes by adding silver coins to their jug. Students may only add money to other classes in their own grade level BEFORE school starts. 

Mrs. Jane Olson was recently honored as the Maple Ridge Crystal Apple winner for this year. Mrs. Olson has taught sixth grade at Maple Ridge is now teaching fourth grade. Mrs. Olson is a consistent source of positivity and joy for students, teachers, and staff alike. She has a smile and kind word for everyone she comes in contact with and is always ready to step in and help whenever she can. She is a talented teacher and is well-loved by all. Congratulations Mrs. Olson! 

Fourth graders in Mrs. Mathews' and Mrs. Sanders' classes enjoyed a presentation from Dusty Jansen and his daughter Lily. Mr. Jansen taught the students about Native American customs and traditions and Lily did a hoop dance while Mr. Jansen played the drum and sang. The students enjoyed the presentation from one of their peer’s parents.

Today was our annual Maple Ridge Gobble Off! Each class chose a representative to come down and gobble for the school over the intercom. The classes then voted on their favorite gobbles. Congratulations to our winners! First place--Arial Griffin (1st grade), Second place--Micah Julian (5th grade), and Third place--Lexi Jensen (2nd grade). Each of them won a turkey to take home to their family. Happy Thanksgiving to all our Maple Ridge students and their families! We are thankful for you!

Maple Ridge fourth graders in Mrs. Mathews' and Mrs. Olson's classes reviewed math concepts that they have learned since the beginning of the year using black lights. They had a great time and did a fantastic job! Kudos to Mrs. Mathews for organizing this activity and helping make reviewing math fun!