'Tis the season for Positivity Project Character Traits

Friday’s Positivity Project assembly was a wonderful opportunity for students to learn more about the character traits we are all studying this month, Kindness, Humility, and Self-Control.

We were very fortunate to have a special guest speaker for our Positivity Project Assembly,  Alamin Muhammad.  Four years ago, our guest established a group called, We Rise Above the Streets.  It was a dream of his to give back to the community.  His goal is to make sure the homeless, poor and anyone who needs help in our community experiences genuine care. His mission encompasses what we talk about every day with our positivity project and #otherpeoplematter. Ask your child why accomplishing this dream was so crucial to Alamin.

Classroom teachers donated bread, granola bars, and other supplies in support of his organization. A special thank you goes out to Miss Emily Carlson for coordinating this experience for our children. Miss Carlson is a Social Worker intern working with Mrs. Sheehan here at Stonehedge.

CODE Presentations

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 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 was 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 "It's Okay To Be Different" 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.

PTA's Giving Tree

I am very grateful for the generous outpouring of support for our Giving Tree project. With the donations provided we are going to be able to help make the holidays a little brighter for many Stonehedge families as well as supporting the Samaritan House. The Giving Tree project is a great way to teach the students kindness and that #otherpeoplematter.

Spirit Week

This week is Spirit Week.

• Monday 12/17 - Tye Dye Day - Wear colorful tye dye or bright colors
• Tuesday 12/18 - Twin/Triplet Day - Dress like your friends
• Wednesday 12/19 - West Genesee Day - Wear blue and gold
• Thursday 12/20 - Team Day - Support your favorite team or a team you are on
• Friday 12/21 - Ugly Sweater Day - Wear a silly sweater or create your own silly shirt

Important Dates to Remember

Classroom Celebrations - 12/21 (morning)

Holiday Recess, 12/24 - 1/4

School Resumes, 1/7/19

Warmest wishes to you and your family this holiday season.

~Lori

Building Character at Stonehedge

This week the Positivity Project's character trait that we studied was kindness. Aristotle defined kindness as, ”helpfulness towards someone in need, not in return for anything, nor for the advantage of the helper himself, but for that of the person helped.”

I spoke with children about the PTA's Giving Tree collection, encouraging students to be kind and reminding them that Other People Matter. Our two community projects include supporting Stonehedge families and supporting the Samaritan House.  I am very grateful for the generous outpouring of support already for our Giving Tree project. Please keep the donations coming as many ST children benefit from the kindness we generate as a community.

Mrs. Prosser's 2nd Graders created a kindness reindeer

A Special Night for our Kindergarten Children and their Families

A snowy winter night was the perfect scene for our Kindergarten December Get-together. Children had the opportunity to mingle with their classmates and introduce their families to their new friends.  Our PTA created a station approach in which they played board games (favorites included Pop the Pig and Shark Bite!), listened to a sweet story entitled "I Need My Monster" by Amanda Noll, made a popsicle stick snowman, and topped it off by frosting and decorating a cookie. Enjoy the pictures below.

Fun in the Kindergarten classroom:

Students in Kindergarten classes are learning about shapes. Ask your child about using Geoboards! They've also been able to get outside at recess and enjoy the fresh air and the snow!

Mrs. Erwin's class has fun with Geoboards

Please come by the school to check for your child's lost clothing, backpack, or lunch boxes. Clothing and other items will be on display until the Holiday Recess. All remaining items will be donated after that. 

As a reminder, report cards go home today.

Important Dates to Remember:

Report Cards Go Home - 12/7

Giving Tree Drive - through 12/10

Classroom Celebrations - 12/21 (morning)

Holiday Recess, 12/24 - 1/4

School Resumes, 1/7/19

~Lori