Dear Parents:

Happy Holidays! Though it is difficult to believe, the holiday season is already upon us. There seems to be no escaping the Christmas music and displays in almost every store that I go into lately. I love the holiday season as it is a time that we can’t help but spend some time reflecting upon many blessings that we enjoy in our lives. I want each of you to know how much my staff and I enjoy having the opportunity of working with your child and your family. There is no greater joy than watching young people set and achieve goals. It is truly a miracle to participate in the growth of your child here at Richfield Residential Hall.

Most worthwhile pursuits are more successful when undertaken by a team. The pursuit of academic and social achievement is no exception. It has been my experience that children who have a strong support network at home, do better in almost every situation. Certainly students, who have involved parents, tend to achieve academically on a much higher level than those who do not. I want to express my appreciation to you for your constant concern and support of your student as they strive to be the best person that they can be; academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. I would also like to thank you for your support of our staff as they strive to teach your child important life lessons each day that they are here. I am confident that the combination of our resources and expertise with your loving support will give your child every chance at success in whatever they undertake.

I encourage you to spend some time during the holiday vacation talking with your child. Ask your student about the successes and struggles they are having at RRH. Share stories of your youth, and of your experiences. Encourage them to do their best in all that they do here. Make concerted efforts to develop strong bonds with your child through quality time spent talking with one another. I believe you will look back on this experience as one of your most cherished.

We cordially invite you and your family to our annual Christmas Dinner to be held at 5:00 pm on Monday, December 21st in the Richfield Residential Hall dining room. If you plan to attend, please contact us so that we can ensure that we have a sufficient amount of food prepared.

Students are looking forward to seeing family again, and there is a great deal of excitement about the upcoming Christmas Vacation. Buses will leave Richfield on Tuesday, December 22nd at 1:00 p.m. and arrive at the following locations:

Page Lumber 5:00 p.m. (approx)

Tuba City Bashas’ 7:00 p.m. (approx)

ALL TIMES ARE MOUNTAIN STANDARD TIME

If you plan to pick your student up you should do so at 1:00 p.m. on the 22nd. Student should not be checked out early. The return trip will be on Sunday, January 3rd, 2010, with buses leaving from Tuba City Bashas’ at 12:00 (noon) and Page Lumber at 1:30 p.m. The Dorm will open at 4:00 p.m.

I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!