Continuing last year's popular program, El Oasis owner Mauricio Salinas will again be donating 50 gift certificates to Leal every month to reward students who make it to school on time! The gift certificates, good for one scoop of ice cream or a paleta (ice cream bar), will be given to randomly selected students who have been in the building before the second bell (8:15 am) every school day that month. Being in the building before the second bell is the best way to start the day, and this just sweetens the deal. Good luck to everyone! Questions? Contact Leal parent Stephanie Nevins ([email protected]) or Karen Jenkins ([email protected]), the new Student Academic Engagement Coordinator. El Oasis is located behind Walgreens on University Avenue in Urbana.

On December 3, Leal will be hosting a Winter Festival to showcase the various cultural traditions celebrated around the winter solstice (Posadas, Christmas in other Countries, Chanukah, etc.) here at Leal. Dr. Amanda Harris will teach the students the traditional Mexican Villancicos sung at las posadas (carols), but as a multicultural winterfest, with booths, slide shows, story corners, foods, et cetera, please consider participating with your child (or classroom, if you are a teacher) by hosting a booth. Contact Amanda Harris at [email protected] for more information!