Notes from Principal Simmons

November Brings a Cool Blast of Excitement

It’s hard to believe how quickly the time is going by, you blink and it’s November! So far this month, children have participated in the Turkey Trot, tried their luck at Family Game Night, been recognized with HEDGE Awards, participated in an assembly depicting what it means to be thankful, and taken time to learn about and recognize our Veterans near and far!

They work diligently with their teachers each day to grow both academically and socially. It has been a wonderful first semester. Thank you to all staff, PTA, and the countless volunteers it takes to support these experiences for our students.

Give me a T-H-A-N-K-F-U-L-N-E-S-S

This month’s character trait is THANKFULNESS. Mrs. Prosser, Mrs. Jackson, and Mrs. Lizzi’s second grade classes led the assembly with a cheer about thankfulness. Individual students shared what they are thankful for. Some student responses included, “family, nature, snakes, Nickelodeon, food and a favorite of the crowd, snow days!” (Are you listening Dr. Brown!)

All kidding aside, November is one of my favorite months as I am not heavily into the sometimes stressful holiday season, yet I seem to be surrounded by family and friends. To be thankful, you must be reflective. It’s easy to get caught up in what’s not perfect in our life. It’s easy to forget about all those things we wanted so badly, like the spouse of our dreams or children to complete our family or that perfect job launching a meaningful career. All of which on any given day may be labeled as less than perfect! It takes effort to stop and think about what is pretty close to perfect. I hope you find some time this month to smile about the imperfections in your life that make it so rich!

"Give me a U!"

During the Character Education assembly, students cheered as they spelled out the word thankfulness and listed all they were thankful for.

First Grade HEDGE Award Winners

Alanna Bowman, Ryan Boyer, Sarai Card, Isaiah Coleman, Jakob DiMauro, Jack Dotzler, Lila Hennessy, Giorgia Hess, Annalin Hyatt, Liliana Ippoliti, Allison Ivery , Lena Kent, Addison Maddery, Jocelyn Moses, Hayden Muller, Emily Neves, Michelle Nuzzo, Nash Oudemool, Jack Panek, Evan Pompo, Devin Reed, Rei Riggall, Jacob Skardinski, Gloria Valenzuela, Alex Vincentini

Second Grade HEDGE Award Winners

Gracie Burns, Norah Emery, Sofia Barba, Lianna Basilia, Tucker Bealer, Johanna Bechtel, Noah Bell, Samantha Bullock, Ty Buza, Rileigh Cook, Gwenyth DeMass, Rachel Hann, Carly Mathewson, Kylie Murphy, Grace Napierski, Jack Neves, Connor Parker, Diana Petrovets, Rowan Prior, Greta Propper, Christopher Ramones, Krishna Sharma, Zakaria Zagha

Veterans Honored At Stonehedge

Stonehedge students paid tribute to our local veterans and active duty service men and women with a special ceremony that featured the fifth grade choir singing a selection of patriotic songs. Students in the primary grades worked together to write letters and poster-sized letters to the veterans. The posters were hung throughout the library. Each veteran is related to a student in our school community and some are members of the Honor Guard.

Game Night a Big Success

We had a great turnout at our first PTA game night of the year. Nearly 200 people enjoyed playing games together and all the students left with a book. The event was for the families of our kindergarten and first grade students.