Notes from Principal Simmons: Weekend Update October 16

It was another great week at Stonehedge. I have been able to read to most of our Kindergarten classes as a PARP Guest Reader. Teachers have been working hard getting students screened for reading and math. First grade participated in a virtual REV Theater (formerly Merry-Go-Round) performance which reviewed the fables they have been learning about. Students have been working hard getting into the swing of new content. We are looking forward to next week!

Walk for Peace

The Central New York Social Justice League will be holding a Walk for Peace on Saturday, October 17th, from 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm. All persons interested in promoting and learning about how to advocate for social justice and building peace in our communities are welcome to attend. The location has changed to the Camillus Municipal Building. For more information and to register for the event, click here!

Positivity Project

Next week's Positivity Project Character Strength focus will be FORGIVENESS! Please click here to review the Character Card on Forgiveness for a preview of what our students will be working through next week!

Unity Day October 21-Wear Orange

Make it ORANGE! 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 united for kindness, acceptance and inclusion.

Unity Day is Wednesday October 21, 2020. Unity Day is a day for everyone to come together! Please remind students to wear orange on Wednesday October 21, 2020

Tip for Supporting your young learner.

This week I was able to attend a virtual reading symposium. I attended a session by FSU researcher Sonia Cabell. She talked about the power of conversations. Here is a link to website that includes information for families. These videos and activities provide families with information about how to support children as they practice foundational reading skills at home.

Questions About Remote Learning

I have had a few parents ask if their child can switch to remote learning when they are out sick or when they return from a state that requires quarantining upon return. Unfortunately, the answer is no. Our remote teachers have a full class of students and are likely not on the same exact pacing as the child's in-school teacher. Some requests for work during a child's absence can be accommodated, however providing the missed assignments does not replace the instruction and experiences that occur during the absence. Each child is unique, so the teacher will know which lessons and activities need to be made up upon the student's return. Also, please note that if a family knowingly goes to a state that is on "the list", the child's absences upon return will be considered unexcused. Thank you for your understanding, and please let me know if you have any questions.