By JUDITH WOOD

Greenwood Elementary is a busy place this year. We have an exciting array of new programs at our school and we'd love to share them with you.

Our newest program is the Nihongo Fun Japanese Language and Culture course that will be taught in every classroom. This new curriculum was developed by a special team in the Seattle School District and includes video instruction and many hands-on teaching aids. Most exciting though, is that we will have a Japanese college student at our school from January to June of 1999 assisting with this program. She will be staying with neighboring families and spending her time outside of school getting to know Seattle and learning more about our culture. If you speak Japanese or have a special interest in Japan, we would love for you to meet our student and add to her experience here.

In addition to tackling a new language, Greenwood teachers and students are immersing themselves in inquiry-based science activities in all classrooms. The school is taking part in a National Science Foundation program to provide really interesting science curricula at all grade levels. Every teacher has committed to 100 hours of professional science training and they are bringing their enthusiasm back to their classes. The children are exploring many fascinating (and sometimes messy!) concepts in the physical sciences.

Greenwood is an interesting place to be - and we'd love for you to be part of the excitement. Volunteers are always appreciated, especially those who can give an hour or two each week to assist in the classroom, either as a teacher's aide or as a tutor for students who need a bit of extra encouragement. The computer lab and the Japanese and science programs would all benefit from community volunteers. If you think you'd like to expand your world to include the students and teachers at Greenwood School, please call 298-7444, box 8230. Or stop by the school office - we'd be happy to meet you!

OPEN HOUSE JAN. 19:
Greenwood Elementary will hold an open house for prospective parents on Tuesday, Jan. 19, from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Parents may also call the school office (706-3850) to schedule a tour at any time. The school is located on the corner of Third Avenue NW and NW 80th.