'Tis The Season for Kindness

We Want to Hear from You! Standards-Based Grading and Reporting

We are hoping that you have found our new report cards to be informative as well as easy to read and understand. We would like to get your feedback regarding our new report cards. Please take a minute to complete this short, five-question survey about the report cards as well as the timing of parent conferences. Your honest feedback is appreciated.

Save The Date: Parenting Wisely Workshops

On Tuesday, January 16 the Prevention Network, in conjunction with the elementary school counselors, will be offering a night on parenting. Prevention Network educators will offer sessions derived from a researched-based program called ParentingWisely. Three different topics will be offered. The evening will be hosted at Stonehedge Elementary. Pizza and child care will be provided. More information on this important night will be sent home soon.

There is no better place to be than an elementary school the week before the holidays. 

This month we studied the Positivity Project's character traits kindness and self-control. We recently had a "buddy day" where older students were paired with younger students to complete some fun projects. The projects demonstrated their kindness in working together and that #OtherPeopleMatter because their hard work was given away to help brighten another's holiday. Working together kindergarten and fifth grade students colored placements that will be brought to the Samaritan Center. First and third grade students colored holiday cards for Saint Camillus Nursing Home. Second and fourth grade students teamed up to create cards for Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital. 

Mrs. Schweitzer's second grade class teamed up with  Mrs. Lilienthal's fourth graders.

Mrs. Leonardis' first grade class teamed up with Mrs. LoBello's third grade students.

Mr. Ramsden's fifth graders worked with Mrs. Stalter's kindergarten friends. 

CODE Presentations Offer Great Opportunities for Family Discussions

Last week Officer Brand, of the Camillus Police Department, provided our second CODE assembly of the year. She spoke on different topics at each grade level.

Kindergarten – Students today had a presentation with the staff at The McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center co-presenting with Officer Brand. The children learned a safety plan called “No, Go, Tell” to help them deal with situations that make them feel unsafe or uncomfortable.  They learned the importance of reporting certain situations to trusted adults. The children were read the book “Your Body Belongs To You.”

First Grade – The theme of this assembly is esteem building and the importance of positive self-esteem.  Accepting ourselves, and others, the way we are was discussed.  Being a good friend, and making good decisions, tie into self-esteem.  Officer Brand read the book “I’m Gonna Like Me” and showed a Sesame Street video titled “I Am Special.”

Second Grade – The theme of the presentation was on bullying and bullying behavior, and being a bystander and being an “upstander.”  The students watched a video titled “Haines Elementary School” which showed how the children can properly handle bully situations.  The students also learned about the importance of reporting certain situations to trusted adults.

Dates to Remember:
Monday, December 25-Monday, January 1: No School, Winter Recess
Tuesday, January 16: Parenting classes

Warmest wishes to you and your family this holiday season,

~Lori