DECEMBER

It’s hard to believe it is almost time for winter break to be here.  It’s also a very busy time of year.  Don’t forget to take time over winter break to read each day with your child, it has been proven to improve learning in all subject areas.  Make learning fun by tying reading, math and writing into your daily routine so students understand the importance of education.  One idea could be to have students help write a grocery list, calculating the cost of items and reading the sales ads.

REMINDER

Looking for something to do with the kids during winter and winter break?

Check Below!

Holiday Trees

·       In downtown Olympia, the community tree is found at Sylvester Park and Capitol Way.

·       Lacey’s tree is at Huntamer Park in Woodland Square on 7th Avenue SE.

·       In Tumwater, the tree is lit up at Tumwater City Hall at 555 Israel Road SW.

·       The state holiday tree on display in the Capitol Building rotunda. The noble fir from Port Blakely Tree Farms of Tumwater is decorated with 5,000 LED lights.

Holiday Tours & Lights

·       Olympia's Lighted Ship Parade (Olympia Yacht Club), Dec. 5 and 8, 6 p.m. along Port Plaza.

·       Governor’s mansion holiday tours take place on December 14th and 17th; reservations are required and can be made by calling 360.902.8880.

·       Neighborhood lights and a popular lit-up location is The Lights at KenLake, at 2228 Lakemoor Dr. SW in Olympia. Last year visitors dropped off enough non-perishable items to support local food banks.

·       Harvest Drive in Tumwater has fully illuminated homes at 817, 833, and 826 – Santa has even been known to make an appearance on the weekends.

Spotting Santa

·       The 3^rdannual lighted tractor parade is in downtown Centralia. 

Date: December 15, 2012 Time:6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

http://www.downtowncentralia.org

·       Cabela’s offers free pictures with the Jolly Old Elf in their gift department, on December 10^th,11^th, 17^th, and 18^th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00p.m.

·       The 63rd Annual Santa Parade is on Market street in Downtown Chehalis.  Date: December 1, 2012 Time: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM http://www.chamberway.com

·       Santa arrives at I-5 Toyota, so get your complementary photos, cookies, apple ciderand hot cocoa on December 3, at 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM http://www.I-5Cars.com

Making Gifts

Homemade gifts are a kid specialty and there are many gifts kids can make.  Check this website for some inspiration: http://workathomemoms.about.com/od/giftskidscanmake/Gifts_Kids_Can_Make.htm

Snow Play
Designated areas are available fortubing and general snow play at Fields Spring Sno-Park, Lake Wenatchee Sno-Park, Hyak Sno-Park, Rose Springs Sno-Park and the Oldman Pass Sno-Park. In addition, tubing and general snow play are permitted in non-designated areas in many Sno-Parks and in state parks that are open in the winter.

http://www.parks.wa.gov/winter/

FREE CONCERTS!

·       Lewis CountyCommunity Band

Date: December 4, 2012 Time:7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Event Description: Come bring your family for an enjoyable evening of instrumental music. The Lewis County Community Band will be presenting a free concert at Corbet Theatreon December 4th at 7:30 pm. There is no charge for admission.

http://www.centralia.edu

·       Centralia College Choir

Date: December 10, 2012 Time:7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Event Description: The Centralia College Choir is presenting a musical concert of seasonal favorites free of charge at the Harrison Square Presbyterian Churchin Centralia.

http://www.centralia.edu