Notes from Principal Simmons: March Madness!

March madness is upon us and it has nothing to do with basketball and everything to do with fun-filled learning experiences!

Tip off

March 4^th was the tip off for PARP (Parents As Reading Partners). Reading aloud with a child is a wonderful opportunity to build a love for reading. It should include lots of rich conversations as together you let the story unfold. Be sure to include some of your own childhood favorites as you read together. Kids love to learn about what you liked when you were in school.

This year’s PARP theme is Reading Across America and it’s a clever way to get kids to explore landmarks across our 50 states. The goal is to reach a predetermined destination somewhere in the USA by accumulating minutes read that will later translate into miles. It has been exciting to view the large maps displayed near the cafeteria. Join the fun by reading each night with your child and participating in any of many events listed on the PARP calendar. I’ve listed a few of my favorites. I hope you like them!

*The Bee Tree by Patricia Polacco
*Oh, The Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss

*Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes
*Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel

*The Art Lesson by Tomie De Paola
*The Paper Bag Princess by Robert N. Munsch
*Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst

Time out!

First grade students spent some time out of the classroom when Jack Gramlich from Eco To Go came to visit and tap into some signs of spring. They learned how to carefully drill a hole in the tree, insert a spout, collect the trees watery sap, and boil it into syrup. The only thing missing was the pancakes!

Teamwork- Welcome Stonehedge Bus Drivers!

Recently, we had the opportunity to welcome the Stonehedge bus drivers into our school. They spent time in the classroom to learn about the Stonehedge “I Stood Up” initiative and how they too can reward students who display good character and respect for others. They learned about the definition and different types of bullying. We shared with them specific no bullying language that is used throughout the Stonehedge community. The session ended with the bus drivers signing a pledge to join us as we take a stance against bullying. Bus drivers will be on the lookout for students who they would like to recognize for exemplar behavior!

Coaches in the Classroom
Mrs. Vincentini, first grade teacher, Mrs. Dyl, Instructional Specialist, and Miss Elmer, first grade inclusion, support and challenge student thinking during this math lesson. I’m sure you have noticed that the math your child is bringing home looks much different than in previous years. The new math Common Core Learning Standards require students to show their work and explain how they arrived at an answer. Teachers are finding that by focusing on getting children to talk and communicate about math they can deepen their mathematical thinking and develop confident problem solvers.

Stonehedge Players

Fun is what it’s all about!

Character Education Presentation
First grade children share their thoughts on patience and acceptance. During the assembly, students listened to a reading of The Rainbow Fish, an award-winning children's book by Marcus Pfister. Thank you to Mrs. Donahue, Mrs. Vislosky, Mrs. Malbone and Miss Munley for orchestrating this presentation.