October is Filled with Fun!

Orange is for October 
October is National Bully Prevention month. Today is Unity Day. All students, staff, and faculty were encouraged to come together, wear orange, and send one large ORANGE message of hope, support, and unity! 

Stonehedge's ADA-PEP counselors, Kathy Elmer and Susan Sheehan, united the school by working with students and teachers to create a long orange banner spanning the length of the connecting hallway between the Blue and Gold sides. The banner is filled with hand print cut outs. Each paper hand was decorated by a student or teacher and listed at least five positive character traits about them. Our UNITY banner is displayed in the corridor connecting our buildings. Everyone can make a commitment to bully prevention by signing the digital petition here!  

First Graders Study Senses of Wonder

First grade students dove into learning about the five senses last week. On Friday, students rotated in between five stations. Each classroom featured activities relating to a different sense: taste, smell, touch, hearing, and sight. 

Students were all ears in Miss Elmer's room.

These kids were excited to show off their completed sense booklets.

All eyes were on Miss Cantone as she discussed sight.

Mrs. Leonardis takes a sniff of a mystery ingredient.

Lemon wedges were a big hit during the taste session.

Miss Kolis demonstrates how to apply sample strips of different textures in her room while discussing sense of touch.

The Circus Came to Stonehedge

Horses, elephants, musicians, clowns, oh my! Three entertainers took on the part of circus folk for an educational and fun visit from the Merry Go Round Theatre to kindergarten classrooms. Each class was visited by an actor who talked about the power of imagination and taught students how to creatively imitate circus animals, performers, and musicians. Following the classroom visits, the entire grade headed to the gym for a big top performance with a very interactive audience. 

PARP's Reading Partner Guest Readers Mosey into Classrooms

Dozens of guest speakers are visiting Stonehedge during the month of October and reading to students as a popular part of the PTA's PARP (Pick a Reading Partner) program. Along with PARP's cowboy theme, these guests enthralled readers in all grades. A few pictures follow:

Senator John DeFrancisco read to Miss Cantone's first grade students.

Board of Education member Neil Widrick read to Mrs. Lauricella's kindergarten class.

Former Stonehedge Principal Marilyn Stone read to second graders in Mrs. Lizzi's class.

New York State PTA President Bonnie Russell shared a story about Davy Crockett with Mrs. Farrow's second grade students.

It's Spooky How Soon Halloween Is!

As costumes get finalized and candy is purchased, we look ahead to our school's Halloween celebration. The Stonehedge Halloween Parade will kick off at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 30 beginning with our kindergarten children. Classes will parade out of the Blue Entrance and follow the sidewalks along the front of the building and to the bus circle. Parents may also view the parade as it tours around the Blue playground in the back of the building. Visitors are sure to have a great view at any point along this route. There is no need to sign into the building to view the Halloween Parade. Look for a letter coming home soon with more detailed information.

~Lori