It's a Winter "Wonder"land at Stonehedge Blue

We certainly have had more than a taste of winter weather over the past few weeks. Sometimes our local weather can make us feel cooped-up and in turn, we experience the winter blues. K-2 teachers and I have been working hard to bring some excitement to our learning environment and we think January is the perfect time!

Beginning this week, Stonehedge students K-2, faculty, staff, and several parent volunteers began a Project Based Learning experience that will run through February 13, 2014.

Students in Miss Dusart's second grade class work with parent volunteer Colleen Fesinger to research their I "wonder" questions.

Many times students have “I wonder” questions that motivate them to learn more. Students will have the opportunity to research a topic of interest under the guidance of their teacher. My hope is that your child’s enthusiasm for learning will spill over at home, and as a family, you will support him or her in his or her quest for knowledge.

I encourage you to search for additional materials on your child’s topic by visiting your local library and searching online sources together. Please label all materials you send to school to ensure all resources are returned to their rightful owner.

Students will not only become an expert on their topic, they will also be responsible for sharing their findings through a self-directed presentation. They will deliver oral presentations to their classmates and projects will be on display as we celebrate learning on the evening of Wednesday, February 12 from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Families will be invited to view the finished products in a format similar to that of a science fair.  

Our Winter “Wonder”land promises to be an exciting experience for all involved. Please mark your calendar for this evening event as students celebrate their learning.

Character Education and Students Recognized with HEDGE Awards 

*Those that show perseverance work hard toward goals, overcome obstacles, do not give up easily, and are resourceful in reaching a goal.

Our character education trait for this month is perseverance. This is perfect as students take the lead on their Winter “Wonder”land research projects. During our assembly last Friday, I stressed the importance of working through the challenges they may face as they take on a more intense level of responsibility for their own learning. Making mistakes or facing obstacles can be a valuable opportunity to learn and grow, especially when we persevere and reach our goals.

We also discussed ways in which each student should strive to function within their cooperative group. Being a respectful listener, accepting others’ opinions, and taking turns will all be important contributions of a top notch working partner. Please be sure to discuss daily progress with you child and offer ways in which they can persevere and operate as a positive and productive group member. 

Below are our HEDGE Award winners for the month of December. Congratulations to all these caring and compassionate Stonehenge students!

First Grade HEDGE Award Winners

Justyna Apps, Kaelyn Ashby, Carson Berg, Johanna Betchel, Christian Bower, Sydney Buckhout, Enya Dafoe, Kyira Davis, Rachel Hann, Janie Kang, Jacob MacCaull, Yuliana Melnik, Marissa O'Connor, Brooke Owens, George Ponto, Greta Propper, Peyton Rosenthal, Randal Smith, Trinity Smith, Ava Spraker, Aiden Tucker, Jack Wade, Christopher Watkins, Hannah Wood 

Second Grade HEDGE Award Winners

Noah Austin, Mia Barnello, Christian Bishop, Dominick Caraccio, Jenna Carr, Dillon Collier, Tyler Elmer, Quinn Frese, Logan Furbeck, Andrew Landon, Peyton Long, Zaynah Mere, Joliana Paratore, Dreonna Pullium, Emily Schiffer, Landyn Shaw, Jameson Seeber, Hannah Sparks, Waverly St. Louis, Tristan Timson, Karna Warner, Reyann Zahran

Dr. Brown to Host Dialogue With Superintendent

Please remember that the Dialogue with the Superintendent will be held this Wednesday, January 15 from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. in the high school large group instruction room.  The first hour will be for regular questions and the second hour will be a discussion on the common core learning standards and all that surrounds them. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Winter weather is here, please make sure that your child has appropriate clothing. Students not only walk to and from the bus, but also play outside for recess. We want to make sure they stay warm!

Important Dates to Remember

Just a reminder that there is no school on Monday, January 20 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. In addition, Friday, January 31 is a professional development day for staff and there is no school for students.