Autumn is a beautiful time of year! Just last weekend, I had an opportunity to visit beautiful Pigeon Forge, TN. On the way home, I traveled through the great Smokey Mountains and was in awe of the colorful display of leaves - gold, orange, red, and yellow! I also saw some Cherokee Navtive Americans dancing and enjoyed seeing some of their authentic pottery and leather goods.

I found that Fall Break is a terrific time to visit Disney World and Epcot. My husband, Rick, and I took our daughter, Lindsey. It was her first trip to Disney World! It was also her first time flying in an airplane. Se we had lots of fun! It sure is nice to have my own family!

Here at school, things are busy too. We have begun our second phase of Panther Power. During this Enrichment Block, our students are currently learning Literal Skills. Literal Skills help students find stated information. Using Literal Skills, students will be able to use different parts of a book, such as a glossary or index. They will be able to look for facts and details stated in sentences or chapters, and learn how to use text features such as charts, maps, or timelines. We think that our students' increased knowledge of Literal Skills will help them greatly in life, and on PACT too!

Our students have been working hard this nine weeks, and I hope that it will really show when they receive their Report Cards on November 7. So parents, look for those Report Cards!

Based on their good grades, some of our fifth grade students will be invited to join the Jr. Beta Club. We will have our Jr. Beta Club induction on November 15 at 7 p.m. in the media center.

Our School Improvement Council has been meeting regularly and discussing ways to improve our school. The next meeting of our School Improvement Council will be on November 26 at 4 p.m.

Our PTO has been very busy this year. Our fundraiser was a success, and we will soon be talking about how we can best use this year's money. Thanks so much to everyone who purchased items from our fundraiser. On November 14, our PTO will sponsor Muffins for Dads. So come on out dads and have breakfast with us at BLES before you go to work.

Finally, we are very thankful for our upcoming Thanksgiving holidays. Students, faculty, and staff will have November 21-23 out of school. Let's take some time out to think about all of the blessings we have in our lives. I am thankful for the BLES family of students, parents, community members, faculty, and staff. Someone is looking out for me to allow me to be principal of such a fine school with such fine students, parents, community members, faculty, and staff. I am truly blessed.