Good morning, parents.  Perhaps this is not the most tasteful medium for communicating about a recent event in my life, but it is the most effective.

Yesterday morning, on my drive to work, I received a call from my father.  My grandmother (my mom's mother) died after complications from extensive internal bleeding.  I'll spare you the rest of the details--in part because it's a fairly long story--but I wanted to let you know that I will not be going to Adventureland on Monday.  Unfortunately, the wake has been scheduled for Sunday and the funeral on Monday morning.  Heather Greiner will be the acting teacher on that trip.

There is also a somewhat probable chance that I may not be making it to the Fifth Grade Graduation.  I have informed Marty Beenblossom and Laurie Nichols (who've been planning the lion's share of the graduation).  I will do whatever I can to be there, but I'm letting you know about the possibility of my absence.

I have just spoken with the fifth graders about this.  I would have let everyone know yesterday, but I felt it was inappropriate to spoil Natalie's birthday.

On a couple of lighter notes, I have some quick reminders for you:

• Field trip permission slips and money for Adventureland are due today.  I currently have Jack, Natalie, Teegan, Drew, Gavin, Colin, and Charley.  I still need everyone else's slips, as well as a few chaperone payments (Jeremy Twaddle, Adam and Stephanie Brown, Genoveva Diaz).  
• The 'Class of 2016' shirts are scheduled for delivery tomorrow.  I have payments from the following students: Drew, Jude, Gavin, Teegan, Natalie, Charley, and Colin. So, I'm missing payments for Lindsay, Kevin, and Jack.
• We will still be having D&D Club this Friday.  All that were present last time are invited back.  The meeting will last until around 4:45.
• Photos for photoboards should be brought in by tomorrow morning (Marty will be dropping by to pick them up). 

I think that's everything for now.  I'll keep you all updated as I figure the logistics out.

Thank you,
Tommy