I would like to wish everyone a happy holiday and a happy new year. As we enter the second half of the school year, it is a time for us all to regroup and focus on a productive second semester. I would also like to remind everyone in case of severe weather to listen to the local radio stations and the Quad City television stations for school closings and delays. Also please remember that the elementary typically is released 15 minutes after the junior high and high school. Finally, just a reminder that the school board election petition papers are due Monday, Jan. 26.