Hi all,

We've had a short week, but the kids-- okay, and maybe the staff too-- are ready for a little break! Here are a few things to think about while you're relaxing during Thanksgiving vacation...

ART AFTER SCHOOL TODAY
Diane has room in her art after school program this afternoon from 12:30-3:30. Call the office if you'd like to sign up.

SURVEY ONLINE THIS YEAR
The parent survey that we ask you to complete twice each year is available online this year. Your feedback is very important to us and we're hoping the ease and convenience of having it online will improve the return rate. Please take a moment to click the links and fill out the survey (please complete parts 1 AND 2)! You are welcome to use the computer in the office to complete it if it's more convenient for you!
Complete the survey:
Part 1: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/C832FZL
Part 2: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/C8DLNXV

TREE CARD SALES OPPORTUNITIES
We have several opportunities to sell tree cards in the next few weeks-- the first one being TODAY from 1-3 pm at Henery Hardware. Please sign up in the office (or send me an email) for one of the following dates and time slots:

Today!	Henery Hardware	1-3
Sat. 11/28	Farmer's Mkt	9-10:30
		10:30-12
		12-2
Sat. 11/28	Henery Hardware	10am-noon
		noon-2pm
Sat. 12/5	Farmer's Mkt	9-10:30
		10:30-12
		12-2
Sat. 12/5	Henery Hardware	10am-noon
		noon-2pm
Sat. 12/12	Farmer's Mkt	9-10:30
		10:30-12
		12-2
Sat. 12/19	Farmer's Mkt	9-10:30
		10:30-12
		12-2

BOOK ORDERS!
This is your chance to order books for your kids for Christmas and/or presents for others. Please see the order forms that Tara put in your child's folder last week. Book orders are due back on Monday, November 30th. Remember, the more books we buy, the more books for your child's classroom and the school library. Kids are already taking advantage of the "free" books we received from the last order. Please make your checks out to Tara Henery this time as she is gong to do the order online with a credit card.

DANCE AFTER SCHOOL
Jade Addae, who came and did dance classes with our kids for PE a few weeks ago, is offering after school classes starting after Thanksgiving break. Classes will be Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30-4:30 and will be just $40 for 6 sessions-- not the $75 for 8 sessions she originally advertised. Please sign up in the office or call her with questions: 821-9616.

PICTURES ARE IN
Don't forget to check your child's hanging folder in the office (since you'll be in here signing up for tree card sales opportunities anyway... ;-). School photos and Scholastic book orders are waiting for you!

REMINDER ABOUT ABSENCES
Please don't forget to call the office if you're going to keep your child home for the day; we appreciate knowing about vacations, etc, in advance, too. Thanks!

PLANTATHON SALES THOUGHTS...
I heard a couple of really good sales techniques last Saturday that will sure to help with the sales of your Tree Cards wherever and whoever you sell them to. First is to start with a question like, "Have you heard about the Plantathon?" or something that invites an interaction. A second technique, after mentioning all of the details of the card, is to tell them that people are buying these cards to offset their holiday travel carbon footprint. This is a value-added aspect of the product that will turn a few "on-the-fencers." Third is to follow up by saying that it is a fantastic business opportunity for the buyer if they want to gift their favorite customers-- this is a golden opportunity for selling a stack of cards. Lastly, if they don't have the cash on hand but want to buy, be sure go give them something with Swan School's phone number or website address on it.

Rowan and I sold 25 cards in a couple of hours at the market, and it was fun to talk to friends and to spread the word about how great Swan School is. Once Rowan got started he was unstoppable at roaming the crowd on his own and selling cards to people he knew. Just think of it as a good time and giving people an opportunity to feel good about donating to a good cause (no, a GREAT cause)! -- Lowell Jons

Enjoy the extra day off tomorrow, and have a restful and rejuvenating Thanksgiving!