Traditions Awaken As We Make Dreams Come True!

October has now folded into November. How many of us have been on our way home from a week or day filled with way too much to do...let alone accomplish? We often consider multi-tasking "The Way of Life!" The cultural norm places an enormous value on multitasking, so much so that often you will hear a heart friend tell you don't do as I do...do as I say. In other words...try stillness or silence for just a moment. Listen exclusively to your heart and reflect on what is worthy of meaning to sustain our heartbeat. I invite you to be still, clear the voices in your mind, listen, read, and visualize the wondrous events that Alimacani Family Members unfolded for each learner.

Author-Author-Author!

Not one, Not two, but three authors have enchanted the staff and learners of Alimacani.


Patsy Roberts made a return visit to Alimacani Elementary School during the month of October. Patsy has been on at least twenty trips to Africa. She shared her African adventures, what children are like in the areas of Africa she visits as well as the culture and environment they are exposed to on a daily basis, along with authentic photographs. Her love of photography is captured in each of her wondrously written books. Each of her books embodies the value of always believing in yourself, and that help can and often does come in surprising ways. She unfolds timeless values through the character development of the animals that are indigenous to Africa in each of her books. We hope this is just the second of many visits Patsy will bring to Alimacani. Patsy, you have become a valued member of our Alimacani family.






Jill Handler Grens, author, former Alimacani teacher, and currently a third grade teacher at Atlantic Beach Elementary School returned to our Sweet Land By The Sea. Mrs. Grens signed books and read her book, I Saved the Day to enchanted students.

The concept of this book was developed by United Way of Northeast Florida's Life Act 2 initiative. Their objective is to enhance multi generational understanding and appreciation. This is a wondrously positive and engaging story that uses images of older people to help children understand the contributions older individuals share with each age group. They remind us of stories yet to be told and those that we will unpack as we chase cherished memories.

Please enjoy the Voice Thread as Jill's book: I Save the Day comes to life.



November will indeed be a month to remember for Alimacani. We kicked off November with author Ross H. Mackenzie. Mr. Mackenzie allowed students to draw on their prior knowledge and schema as he walked students through the writing process using his book, My Sailor Dad. Ross H. Mackenzie is an active duty Navy pilot, former instructor of English literature and writing at the U.S. Naval Academy. His book, My Sailor Dad, is a heartfelt tribute to all Navy families. The book engages students with literary language and visual images that celebrate the sacrifices of today's military. This book most certainly touches the heart of so many of our military families. This powerful vehicle helps children and family members navigate the journey and challenges that are the reality of military families.

Alimacani continue to celebrate the joy of reading with The Scholastic Book Fair Safari . Dates: November 13th through November 25th.

We will continue our focus on the joy and value of Reading with Real Men Read Week: November 17-21. Alimacani will host Real Men Read Night on Thursday, November 20, 2008 from 5:30-8:00 pm. This is indeed a wondrous opportunity to showcase Real Reading Role Models for our children.

Alimacani honored our timeless and purposeful tradition of paying tribute to our armed forces with a treasured Veteran's Day Ceremony on Friday, November 7, 2008. The Alimacani Family gathered in gratitude and celebration. We are proud to be Americans. We lovingly thank our Veterans and men and women serving in Active Duty for their unselfish contributions in safeguarding our freedoms. Our students find heroes here at Alimacani, both in person and memory. We celebrate our American heroes who show us that ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they choose to live lives based on noble principles, inspired by courage, and impelled by commitment.

We would like to thank HSL-48 for their mentorship and continued support to our students. Our Flag presentation and Helicopter Fly-Over was performed by HSL-48.



Alimacani proudly maintains our patriotic spirit. It is with purposeful resolve that we share our patriotic spirit with each member of the Alimacani Family and beyond. I hope your enjoy the following video. The video shares The National Anthem sung by fourth grade students.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuYNiwAGTjA