Thanksgiving Trivia

Originally known as Macy's Christmas Parade—to signify the launch of the Christmas shopping season—the first Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade took place in New York City in 1924. It was launched by Macy's employees and featured animals from the Central Park Zoo. Today, some 3 million people attend the annual parade and another 44 million watch it on television.



Tony Sarg, a children's book illustrator and puppeteer, designed the first giant hot air balloons for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1927. He later created the elaborate mechanically animated window displays that grace the façade of the New York store from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Snoopy has appeared as a giant balloon in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade more times than any other character in history. As the Flying Ace, Snoopy made his sixth appearance in the 2006 parade.



The first time the Detroit Lions played football on Thanksgiving Day was in 1934, when they hosted the Chicago Bears at the University of Detroit stadium, in front of 26,000 fans. The NBC radio network broadcast the game on 94 stations across the country--the first national Thanksgiving football broadcast. Since that time, the Lions have played a game every Thanksgiving (except between 1939 and 1944); in 1956, fans watched the game on television for the first time.

Week of November 16th-20th

Big week this week:

The 7th grade is going bowling on Thursday. In math there will be a quiz on Wednesday.

The 8th grade is going bowling on Friday.

In 8th grade reading and language arts all students should have their biography novel read by Monday. Our book projects will be introduced and rubrics discussed on Monday. All projects will be due on Friday, 11/20/09.

We are finishing The Outsiders novel and the final test will be coming up soon.

Currently, we are working on a persuasive essay. Final drafts essays will be due Friday, 11/20/09.

Polished essays are due on Wednesday of this week for 10 points of extra credit. Do you have yours typed?

This week in 8th grade reading and language arts we are starting our persuasive essays, and continuing to read The Outsiders novel.

BEARS WIN!

Ghouls and goblins will take over the night. But even scary creatures need to be safe
and celebrate Halloween right. Halloween's greatest hazards aren't vampires and
villains, but falls, costume mishaps and automobile collisions.
Safe Halloween tips, the Lucky 13:

• Map out the route that you plan to roam, so adults are assured you will
find your way home!

• From the bravest of superheroes to the noblest of knights, everyone
should remember to bring their flashlights!

• If you visit a house where a stranger resides, accept treats at the door
and, please, don't go inside.

• When you get ready to put on your disguise, use face paint instead of
masks, which will cover your eyes.

• Always remember, before you embark, to wear light-colored clothing
to be seen in the dark! (And remember to use reflective tape, even on
bikes, and brooms and the edges of your cape!)

• Whether you walk, slither or sneak, do it on the sidewalks and not
in the street.

• As you roam through the neighborhood collecting your treats, please
look both ways before crossing the street!

• Wigs, capes and costumes are flammable attire, so avoid open
flames to prevent a fire!

• Use a glow stick instead of a candle so your jack-o-lantern isn't a
safety gamble!

• You may fly on a broom or a space ship from Mars, but please be
on the lookout for drivers in cars! (Between parked cars is no place
to hide, be sure that you’re seen whether you’re a clown or a bride.)

• Monsters and zombies should stay off the lawn, and only visit homes
with their porch lights turned on!

• You may be dressed as a werewolf, a cat or a frog, but be cautious
around strange animals, especially dogs.

In 8th grade language arts we are currently working on a character sketch essay. Ask your child who they are writing about!

Have you taken time to check out the fall color? It is amazing and at its peak right now. I was at the Morton Arboretum yesterday, what a beautiful place that is.

The Explore Test will be given to all eighth grade students on Wednesday, October 14th.

Try your best students, it's important!

Get a good night's rest and eat breakfast.