As you may have heard, during this week, your student has been participating with artist-in-residence Mrs. Yvette Lewis and her program "So This Is Opera". This Friday, October 12, 2007, Hammond Elementary students will perform the excerpts and arias from their grade-level operas at Hammond Elementary's "Night at the Opera"!! Following the performance, a reception will be held in the school's cafeteria. To coincide with each of the grade-level operas, we are holding a cake-decorating contest!! Students and parents are asked to donate a decorated cake in the theme of their grade-level opera. I have made a few suggestions, however, please feel free to be creative!! The operas that will be featured are*:

Kindergarten & Grade 1 - The Three Little Pigs (original) – pig faces, "dream" pig houses
Grade 2 - Hansel and Gretel – gingerbread houses, Hansel & Gretel in the forest
Grade 3 - The Mikado (Japanese opera) – kimonos, masks, fans
Grade 4 - La Boheme and Gianni Schicchi – Paris in the 19th century, love (hearts)
Grade 5 - Don Giovanni – jester masks

If you still wish to participate in the Cake Decorating Contest, please feel free to bring a cake decorated in the theme of your child's opera. PLEASE NOTE: Due to food allergies, we ask that you do not use any peanuts, peanut oils or any other type of nut products in your cakes. Cakes should be delivered to the school cafeteria on the evening of the performance no later than 6:30. We look forward to seeing you on Friday, October 12th!!!

Sincerely,
Mrs. Armstrong