Students discover letter-writing; find rewards in mail

They’ve written to such varied audiences as Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor; Dixon Ticonderoga, the pencil manufacturer; McDonald’s Corp.; various football players; Crayola, and McKee Foods Corp. (the maker of Little Debbie snacks).

As they began to receive replies, students learned that letter writing brings rewards. McDonald’s sent Happy Meal coupons, which the class used for their Valentines’ Day party snack. Dixon Ticonderoga sent six dozen pencils and shared that each pencil can write 45,000 words.

One of their most exciting responses came from Esther Price Candies, as the company responded with a personal answer to each student, written by company employee Lynn Revelos. The company also sent bags of chocolate, which the class saves for special occasions. The class hung the letters in the hallway on a bulletin board decorated like an Esther Price candy box—gold foil paper with a big, red ribbon.

Esther Price plans to send a representative to visit the class later in the spring to do an educational project.

Madison sets open enrollment

Open enrollment applications for Madison Local Schools for the 2010-11 school year will be available at the Madison Board Office, 1324 Middletown-Eaton Road beginning Monday, March 15. Completed applications will be accepted from April 1 through April 30 for students who live outside the district in first through 12th grades. Applications must be picked up and returned in person.

MUM continues Free Fridays series

Miami University Middletown’s Fantastic Free Fridays series continues its 10th season on March 26 with 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. performances of “Hansel and Gretel” by ArtReach Theatre. Both performances have limited walk-in seating for individuals.

Hansel and Gretel sing, dance and discover the hidden truth about an old lady in a gingerbread cottage. This creative version of the classic tale is recommended for grades K-5.

Fantastic Free Fridays spring performances will conclude with The Muleskinner Band at 10 a.m. on April 16. A generous donation from the Bever family of Oxford is again helping to support the Fantastic Free Fridays program. Fantastic Free Fridays performances are open to the public. Groups interested in attending performances should contact Susan Joyce, music faculty member at Miami University Middletown, at joyces@muohio.edu, or by voice mail at (513) 727-3415.