December is full of activities at the Bluffton elementary. Here's an update of those events. The December elementary newsletter is attached at the bottom of this story.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT:  The Bluffton Elementary Christmas concert is Monday, Dec. 12, at 1:30 p.m. in the high school gymnasium. If school is cancelled, the concert will be rescheduled Monday, Dec.19.

ELEMENTARY SERVICE PROJECT:  The Christmas service project is “Pennies for Patients.”  Students, teachers and staff are collecting coins for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society until Dec. 16.

ELEMENTARY MEMORY BOOKS:  A colorful elementary Memory Book for the 2016-2017 school year will be on sale in January until Feb.16. Look for flyers from students.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:  Reading Tutors are needed at all elementary grade levels. Grandparents are welcome. If you are interested, contact Beth Ackerman at 419-358-7951.

FIFTH GRADE QUIZ BOWL SEASON BEGINS:  Jan. 23 is the first match. All matches are at Shawnee Middle School.  Bluffton's team members are Theo Andreas, Ella Armstrong, Milo Combs, Ashley Fleece, Riley Geesaman, Ben Hartzler, Adanna Johnstone, Liam Jordan, Izzy Stechschulte, Skyler Thomas and John-Paul Yoder. The coach is Christine McCafferty. 

ELEMENTARY ART WORK: Stop by Community Markets  to enjoy holiday artwork created by first, second, fourth and fifth graders. Artwork by students is posted during December.

• First grade students designed patterned ornaments and used oil pastels.
• Second graders learned how to make different values with paint and designed strings of lights.
• Fourth grade students designed stars inspired by stained glass.The
• Fifth graders used geometric shapes to create  snowflakes. 

P.T.O. NEWS:  Flyers are on the way regarding Bakery Bingo Saturday, Feb. 4. Each classroom will have a basket to fill along with a theme, then at Bakery Bingo tickets may be purchased for a chance to win a basket. Last year there were over 80 baskets.

December
Friday, Dec. 9 - Midterms go home
Monday, Dec. 12 - Elementary concert, BHS, 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 14 - Third grade field trip – Allen County Museum and Kewpee
Tuesday, Dec. 20 - Last Day of School 2016
Wednesday, Dec. 21 to Jan. 2, 2017 - Christmas break

January
Tuesday, Jan. 3 -School re-opens
Monday, Jan. 9 - PTO,6:30 p.m. – elementary library
Wednesday, Jan. 11 - Third grade – University Lion & Lamb, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 16 - No school, Martin Luthern King Day (make up day if needed)
Friday, Jan. 20 - End of second grading period
Monday, Jan. 23 - 5th-6th grade quiz bowl, Shawnee, 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 24 - Second grade - University Lion & Lamb
Friday, Jan. 27 - Grade cards go home
Monday, Jan. 30 - 5th-6th grade quiz bowl, Shawnee, 4:30 p.m.