Holiday Happenings Around Stonehedge

December has flown by and with the upcoming holidays, it is an exciting time to broaden the typical elementary day.

Second Grade Brings Greek Gods to Life

Second grade students have been diving into the world of Greek Mythology. The gods and goddesses that ruled the day are making appearances throughout second grade classrooms in the form of voluntary projects that the students are making.

Hunter shares his project about Hephaestus which included a 3D volcano, a shield, facts, and pictures.

One student in Mrs. Mathewson's class made a Zeus figure entirely out of fondant. Others made posters, dioramas, and even wrote a book! Each child is given an opportunity to share their projects and knowledge with the class.

In Mrs. Prosser's room, the Gallery of Greek Gods and Goddesses is showcasing projects by Tyler, Frank, Avery, Archer, and Audrina. 

Teaching Kindness and Compassion to our Youngest Learners
Earlier this week, Mrs. Donahue and Mrs. Malbone's kindergarten students were treated to a visit from high school teacher Mrs. Deemer's Teaching Tolerance class. Mrs. Deemer, whose son Benjamin is in Mrs. Donahue's class, brought her high school students in and spent time in both classes reading to the kindergarten children about kindness. Prior to their visit, the older students fundraised so they would be able to purchase books to give each of the younger students in Mrs. Malbone and Mrs. Donahue's classes. The older kids gave every student a book as a gift and encouraged them to be kind. 

Celebrating Holidays Around the World
Our first grade students learned a sleigh full of information about holiday traditions as part of a unit that studied Holidays Around the World. As each group visited different classrooms, they were told about a different country's traditions. They even created passports to document their journey.

When students visited Mrs. Ross' room, they learned about the German tradition of the Christmas Tree, or Tannenbaum, and sang the famous carol "O Tannenbaum".

Students visiting Miss Munley's room left a shoe in the hallway during their presentation about Dutch traditions. When they were done, their shoes had been magically filled with goodies. 

Mrs. Cunningham, dressed as Sweden's Saint Lucia, taught the children about Swedish traditions.

 

Liam shows off his passport. Every child received a stamp after visiting each classroom, filling up their holiday passports. 

Kindergarten Plays Their Reindeer Games
This morning was set aside for kindergarten reindeer games. Students rotated through classrooms and crafted paper hats, made reindeer food, and listened to a reindeer story.

These giggling reindeer just completed their paper hats.

Devin and his class played reindeer games like this one.

Dylan worked hard on his magic reindeer food.

Callie was more than prepared for today's festivities.

Spreading Holiday Cheer

District courier Larry Bednarczyk (center with hat) and Stonehedge Head Custodian Paul Burtch (to the left of Mr. Bednarczyk) take a quick break from their very busy days to grab a holiday treat with students before school. 

Important Dates to Remember

Monday, December 26-Monday, January 2 No School, Winter Recess

Monday, January 16-No School, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Monday, January 30-No School for Students, Professional Development Day

Thursday, February 16- Winter Wonderland Event, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Please have a safe and happy holiday recess. We look forward to an exciting 2017!

~ Lori

Caring, Compassion, and Communication

As December gets underway, we begin to have many conversations with students about compassion and caring. The season brings out the best in many, but we recognize the struggle many children (as well as adults) feel at this time of year. During this stressful and busy month, let's all make the time to have conversations with our children about what's really important.

Constant communication with students is one way our teachers, staff, counselors, and I keep in touch with our young ones. Conversations about everything from the new Trolls movie to what's for lunch to appropriate behavior on the playground, in the classroom, and on the bus happen every day.  When students find adults whom they trust, they are better able to ask for help and have their needs addressed.

If I speak to a child about an incident, I typically call parents to make them aware and to set the stage for a follow-up conversation at home. Please remember that children are learning how to conduct themselves within a school setting. When they make mistakes, we bring it to their attention as a teachable moment. We then move on with the hopes that the mistake will be corrected.

I always tell students that tomorrow is a new day, full of new opportunities to make good choices. Conversations with children, as you can imagine, are an important part of a principal's job and in many cases, it's the best part of my day!

Lunchtime cafeteria visits are a quick and easy way to check in with the kids as they munch along, chatting with their friends. 

Growing Our "Grinch" Hearts

At today's Character Education assembly, first and second grade students were recognized for their thankfulness. They were also challenged to work during the month of December to show their caring and compassion. Mrs. Keevil reminded students that being caring and compassionate doesn't have to cost anything. It is more about how to act towards each other. 

Miss Elmer's and Miss Kolis's classes helped with the short presentation built around the famous Dr. Seuss story, "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas".  Several students held up red paper hearts and read descriptions of how they could show caring and compassion. They took their hearts and pinned them to a big cut-out picture of the Grinch. 

Each teacher was given a picture of the Grinch to place on their classroom door. As students earn hearts, the hearts will be placed on the door to help the Grinch's own heart grow. 

Congratulations to our first grade HEDGE award winners (given for thankfulness):

Ethan Best, Lilly Bullock, Lennon Breen, Dakota Brown, Joshua Cohon, Isaac Corbacio, Liam Daley, Thomas Duncan, Ireland John, Hannah Licameli, Damien MacIntyre, Ethan Makarchuk, Audriana Moscibrodzki, Layla Nuzzo, Noah Offutt, Jimmy Patch, Caleb Pierce, Ben Petrik, Kiley Rivers, Jack Terry, Cameron Testa, Brady Vanderpool, Parker Vienne, Rick Vogt, Leah Voutsinas, Jayden Watson

Congratulations to our second grade HEDGE award winners (given for thankfulness):

Sarah Abumustafa, Jad Abdelqader, Olivia Astafan, Nikki Betts, Aidan Bosak, Liam Breen, Dominic Cieri, Sophie Castello, Lincoln Christopher, Chase Denman, Kendra Dudman, Gabriella Graham, Veronica Grobsmith, Frank Groth, Abbey Jacuk, Brody Knox, Avery Mathewson, Julia Nicolucci, Finley Prior, Ellison Schad, Abbey Smith, Lucas Strain, Madison Szabo, Rosemary Vrabel, Payton Wagner, Jack Werbeck

Please Support Our PTA's Giving Tree

You may have noticed the festive tree in our lobby. It is part of our PTA's annual Giving Tree program. Each year as the holidays get underway, the Stonehedge community turns its heart and thoughts toward others. The PTA's Annual Giving Tree drive is underway and collecting holiday gifts for families in need at Stonehedge. In an effort to meet the specific needs of these children, we are asking families of students in kindergarten, first, and second grade to please consider donating cash or Target gift cards. Please use the special collection envelope that came home with your child to return your donation to your child's teacher. Even a small donation can make a big difference to a child.The Giving Tree runs now through December 9. 

  

Important Upcoming Dates:

December 9: Giving Tree Drive ends

December 12: Holiday Concert (Grades 4 and 5), WGHS at 7 p.m. 

Monday, December 26-Monday, January 2: No School, Holiday Recess

~Yours,

Lori

CODE Assemblies Promote Healthy and Safe Behaviors

CODE Presentations Engage Students

Jami Ryan, community outreach and education specialist with the McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center speaks with kindergarten students about their bodies. With Ms. Ryan are Officer Brand, and Lauren Penizotto and Derek Tefft (seated), also community outreach and education specialists. 

Officer Brand visited our school today with representatives from the McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center to discuss a variety of topics with our students. The short, age-appropriate presentations were part of the district's Community Oriented Drug Education (C.O.D.E.) program. The serious nature of the topics will hopefully result in some important conversations at home. 

Topics included:

Kindergarten: Keeping My Body Safe and Healthy. The children were read the book, "Your Body Belongs to You."

Grade 1: Keeping My Body Safe and Healthy. The children were read the book, "Your Body Belongs to You." They also learned the difference between "secrets" and "surprises".

Grade 2: Bullying, Not Being a Bystander, Problem Solving Skills, How to be a Good Friend

The McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center is non-profit organization dedicated to ending child abuse through intervention and education. Learn more on their website: www.mcmahonryan.org

Snow Days May Be Coming Soon

Though we were fortunate to have had a mild November so far, snow is just around the corner. When winter weather is predicted, stay tuned to Dr. Brown's twitter feed, the website, district Facebook page, the West Genesee app, and the local radio and television stations for information on delays and cancellations. In addition, 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!

Blackboard communications software allows us to send emails, texts, phone app notifications, and make phone calls. (Phone calls will be used for emergency situations only) Parent/Guardians and Staff will NOT need to sign-up to receive information from schools that you are registered for in Schooltool. (You will have the option to opt-out if you choose not to receive emails, texts, and/or phone calls.)

For more information and/or to sign-up (if you are not a parent/guardian or staff in the schooltool system) go to the website and click on the WG Communications logo from the home page, or logo above. For more information about the new system click here. 

We look forward to seeing parents for their conferences on Monday and Tuesday. Please remember dismissal is at 11:30 a.m. on both Monday, November 21 and Tuesday, November 22. There is no school on November 23-25 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Please enjoy time with family and friends over the holidays!

~Lori

Thankful Times at Stonehedge

The 15th Annual Turkey Trot took place on Tuesday, November 1. Children in grades K-5 ran, walked, and trotted, along with teachers and family members. Encouraging students to stay active, even on the day after Halloween and in chillier weather, the event keeps the kids moving. This year, students walked 1,444 miles.

In addition, this year, students were asked to bring in donations to help local families have a brighter Thanksgiving holiday. Overflowing boxes lined the gym floor demonstrating what a generous and thankful community Stonehedge is.

Mrs. Barbuto, Mr. Gangemi, Mr. Mercado, and Mr. Yarnell worked very hard this year to coordinate the Turkey Trot and have our greatest thanks. All special area teachers dedicated their days to helping with the event from handing out Popsicle sticks, keeping students safe along the path, and sorting donations. Thanks to all.

These first graders were just some of the many who donated to the Turkey Trot food drive. 

These are just some of the boxes of food donations collected. 

These kindergarten friends couldn't wait to start their first Turkey Trot.

THANKFUL for our Students

This month’s character trait is Thankfulness. Mrs. Prosser, Mrs. Jackson, and Mrs. Lizzi’s second grade classes led our Character Education assembly with a cheer about thankfulness. Individual students shared what they are thankful for including “turkey, family, friends, Stonehedge, hearts, happiness, America, kindness," and more.

Students also watched a video by Kid President about being Thankful. Watch for yourself here:

Congratulations to our students who were given HEDGE awards for last month's character trait of respect.

Our Second Grade HEDGE award winners:

Cali Abear, Frankie Barbuto, Amelia Bleskoski, Mason Boyles, Madison Brigati, Hunter Briggs, Carter Brown, Zachary Channels, Michael Creedon, Elliot Flint, Sam Froio, Landon Germinio, Tyler Gorzka, Daniel Guglielmo, Cole Hamilton, Molly Humphrey, Sabeeh Islam, Vlad Kishov, Isabella Licamelli, Nikolas Lisovets, Archer Macholl, Evelina Mauro, Charles Mellan, Veronica Moss, Arionne Pinkston, Madelyn Root, Ava Vincentini, Lucas Walsh

Our First Grade HEDGE award winners:

Patrick Alfieri, Lilly Bullock, Laila Burgin, Lillian Burgin, Dylan Cardone, Nathan Corfield, Matthew Gomes, Jamison Huff,  Gavin Jackson, Kiley Johnson, Allison Landon, Riley Loy, Jackson Neuser, James O'Keefe, Ava Parker, Breanna Poppe, Andrew Prior, Max Pudney, Charlotte Retkwa, Aiden Schreyer, Leah  Sherwood, Jamison Smith, Maelin Tafel, Vincent Testa, Addison Thayer, Kaelyn Vargas, Lydia Walker

This Thursday, November 10, our school will honor our veterans with a special ceremony. The Fifth Grade Chorus will perform a selection of patriotic songs and servicemen and women will be recognized during the event. Paper stars honoring members of the Stonehedge family in the military (active duty or veteran) currently line our hallways.

Making the Most of Parent Teacher Conferences

November 21 and 22 are our scheduled Parent Teacher Conferences. For many, it will be the first opportunity for you as parents to discuss your child’s academic and social development. We look at parent conferences not only as an opportunity to discuss your child, but also as an opportunity to nurture a positive partnership between home and school. 

Here are some tips provided by the National PTA that I thought might prove helpful in ensuring a successful conference:

Establish rapport—As an icebreaker, take time to share something that reflects well upon the teacher. For example, thank the teacher for having made thoughtful notes on your child's homework or for the special attention in helping your child learn to multiply.

Ask questions—Questions you ask during the conference can help you express your hopes for the student's success in class and for the teacher. It's a good idea to ask the important questions first, in case time runs out. The teacher's answers should help you both work together to help your child.

Make a list—Before you go to the meeting, make a list of topics to discuss with the teacher. Along with questions about academics and behavior, you may want to talk to the teacher about the child's home life, personality, concerns, habits and hobbies, and other topics that may help the teacher in working with the child.

Addressing problems—Parent-teacher conferences are a good time to discuss any difficulties (either academic or behavioral) a child might be having at school.

Develop an action plan—If the student needs help with a behavioral or an academic issue, you and the teacher should agree on a specific plan—that you both will work on—to help your child do better. Be sure you understand what the teacher suggests. If it's not clear, ask him or her to explain. Set up a way to check on your child's progress. You and the teacher can decide how best to stay in touch, such as through phone calls, notes, or additional meetings.

Ending the conference—End the conference by reviewing what you discussed and restating your action plan. This is also a good time to set up your next meeting if needed.

If you have further questions after your conference, please do not hesitate to contact me. I would be happy to sit with you to ensure everything is in place to make certain your child has a successful school year.

Please remember these important dates:
Tuesday, Nov. 8, Early Dismissal at 11:30 a.m., Professional Development
Friday, Nov. 11, No School, Veterans Day
Monday, Nov. 21, Early Dismissal at 11:30 a.m., Parent Teacher Conferences
Tuesday, Nov. 22, Early Dismissal at 11:30 a.m., Parent Teacher Conferences
Wednesday, Nov. 23-25, No School, Thanksgiving Holiday

~Lori

Halloween ROCKS at Stonehedge

Princesses walked alongside zombies. Soldiers marched with kitty cats. The annual Halloween parade was tons of fun for all of our students. Student costumes ranged from flowers to sharks to Transformers. The staff celebrated with a Rock N Roll theme of costumes which played off our PARP theme.

Gobble, Gobble, Time for the Turkey Trot

Tomorrow, November 1, is the annual Turkey Trot. The Turkey Trot is a fun run/walk where children, by grade level, will "trot" on a marked course. Please have children dress appropriately for this event is held outdoors. Students need to wear sneakers and bring a water bottle. 

The character education trait for November is Thankfulness. This year we will be collecting non-perishable food items which will be used to make Thanksgiving baskets to feed families in our very own community.

Please see the list below outlining what we would like each grade level to donate. Every little bit helps. 

Scheduled Times for Turkey Trot, Suggested Donations

9:25-10:05 Grade 5: Boxed or bagged cereal, oatmeal

10:10-10:50 Grade 4: 100% Apple Juice, canned soup

10:55-11:35 Grade 3: Pumpkin pie filling, jello, pudding, brownie mixes

12:50- 1:30 Kindergarten: $10.00 gift cards from Wegmans, Tops or Walmart to be used toward the purchase of a turkey, applesauce

1:35-2:15 Grade 1: Instant mashed potatoes, gravy

2:20-3:00 Grade 2: Stuffing (boxed or bagged), green beans

*Stonehedge Staff* Jars of Spaghetti Sauce

Reminders:

Tuesday, November 8, Early Dismissal at 11:30 a.m., Professional Development

Thursday, November 10, 9 a.m., Veterans Day celebration featuring veterans and active duty servicemen and women

Friday, November 11, No School, Veterans Day

Have a fun and safe night of Trick Or Treating,

Lori

"Orange" You Glad You Go To Stonehedge?

Yesterday, October 19, was Unity Day. According to Pacer.org:  Make it ORANGE and make it end! What are your true colors when it comes to bullying? If you care about safe and supportive schools and communities make your color ORANGE on Unity Day. That’s the day everyone can come together – in schools, communities, and online – and send one large ORANGE message of support, hope, and unity to show that we are together against bullying and united for kindness, acceptance and inclusion.

Kindergarten students proudly show off their orange with ADA-PEP counselors Susan Sheehan (left) and Elizabeth Miller. 

As part of Stonehedge's recognition of Unity Day, students and teachers created paper t-shirts. The shirts, hung from a clothesline down the entire length of the connecting hallway between sides, were written and illustrated with ways that people can be kind to each other. 

Stop, Drop, And Roll!

"Get Out! Stay Out!' was just one piece of life-saving advice our students in grades K-2 received when firefighters from the Fairmount Fire Department came to school. Firefighters discussed what to do should there be a fire at home. Students learned:

• To get out and stay out!  
• To stop, drop, and roll if their clothing catches on fire, 
• To stay low and crawl to avoid smoke and heat, 
• And the importance of establishing a meeting place so all members of a family can be accounted for.  

Thank you to all the Firefighter Mazzoni and all the firefighters from Fairmount Fire Department who came out to the school and led our assemblies as well as tours of the firetruck! Special thanks to Mrs. Barbuto for organizing the visit and supplemental materials for teachers. 

Firefighter Jesse dressed in full gear and crawled around the gym showing children that firefighters are nothing to fear. He encouraged students to answer a firefighter's call when looking for people during a fire. 

Firefighter Mazzoni demonstrated "Stop, Drop, and Roll" with two kindergarten students.

He rocked! He rolled! He made story ninjas out of us all! When children's author Sigmund Brouwer visited last week as part of the PTA's PARP (Pick a Reading Partner) program, he got students and teachers moving and grooving and excited for the art of storytelling.

Mr. Brouwer's performances were tailored for age appropriateness at each grade level. He explained his love of the stories that are hiding between the book covers. He also gifted us with three free e-books. Check out orcabook.com/myrockandrollbooks/ to view them.

Special thanks to the PTA for bringing him to Stonehedge and to the library staff for hosting! Be sure to check out Stonehedge PTA's Facebook page for even more pictures and video from his video.

Halloween Happenings

Halloween is almost here!! Costumes are being decided and candy is at the ready.  The Stonehedge Halloween Parade will begin at  10 a.m. on Monday, October 31, 2016.  We hope you will be able to join us by lining the parade route out in front of our school. The children love to see you there! No need to sign in for parade viewing.

A few simple guidelines will make the day a safe and happy one for all of the children. 

1.  Please send your child’s costume to school in a bag.  Do not send your child to school in costume or wearing make-up.  All scary, bloody masks, weapons, spears or other dangerous accessories must remain at home. Our youngest students can be frightened easily, and we want them to have a positive experience.

               

 2.  Classroom party times will be determined by the teacher and announced ahead of time. Due to health and safety concerns only adults who are designated helpers will be permitted in the classrooms during the parties. Helpers are asked not to bring younger children.

3.  If you are going to join the festivities and dress up, please avoid masks.

Naturally, we need to be able to recognize everyone who is interacting with the children.

4.     We will follow normal dismissal procedures.  Please encourage your child

to ride the bus home. 

5.     If you must pick up your child due to appointments or other business, be sure

to sign him or her out in the main office.

We look forward to a wonderful holiday with the children.  Your cooperation and assistance is very much appreciated.

For additional fun, please visit our annual district  Halloween Carnival sponsored by the R2 Program on Thursday, October 27, 2016 from 4-7 p.m. in the West Genesee High School LOWER GYM. Click here for more information. A “spooktacular” night is sure to had by all! 

Channel 9 News included a brief story about Stonehedge's new outdoor classroom on their Cool School segment. Click here to view, and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Please note these upcoming important dates:
Family Fun Night, Friday, October 21, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Halloween Parade, Monday, October 31, 10 a.m.
Early Dismissal, Tuesday, November 8, Election Day, Professional Development (Dismissal at 11:30 a.m.)
Veterans' Day Celebration. Thursday, November 10

~Lori