Marching Into April

Open House

Thank you all for attending Open House last night!  We enjoyed seeing you and having the opportunity to share the learning that goes on in the classrooms.  Students were so excited and proud to share their work with you.  It was a pleasure to watch the anticipation build as students and teachers put the finishing touches on their classrooms.  I have included several photos below, one of which is of Gabriel June, a student from Mrs. Shepard's room who shared his experience with four generations of family members!


Kindergarten in Room 10




Mrs. Shepard, Gabriel and family




Mrs. Bailey's room




Checking out a journal in room 10

















Thank you also to the many PTA committee leaders and volunteers who again sponsored a top notch Ice Cream Social.  The ice cream and endless topping choices were worth the wait in line!


Our PTA at work



Adding another topping



Looks yummy!



Spring Break Date

Note:  Date change from original calendar.

There will be no school Friday, March 29, 2013 through Monday, April 8, 2013.  Students will return to school on Tuesday, April 9, 2013. 

Have an enjoyable break and hopefully when we return Spring will truly be in the air!

Lori

March Madness!

March madness is upon us and it has nothing to do with basketball and everything to do with fun-filled learning experiences!

Tip off

March 4^th was the tip off for PARP (Parents As Reading Partners). Reading aloud with a child is a wonderful opportunity to build a love for reading. It should include lots of rich conversations as together you let the story unfold. Be sure to include some of your own childhood favorites as you read together.  Kids love to learn about what you liked when you were in school.

This year’s PARP theme is Reading Across America and it’s a clever way to get kids to explore landmarks across our 50 states. The goal is to reach a predetermined destination somewhere in the USA by accumulating minutes read that will later translate into miles. It has been exciting to view the large maps displayed near the cafeteria.  Join the fun by reading each night with your child and participating in any of many events listed on the PARP calendar. I’ve listed a few of my favorites. I hope you like them!

*The Bee Tree by Patricia Polacco      
*Oh, The Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss

*Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes  
*Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel

*The Art Lesson by Tomie De Paola     
*The Paper Bag Princess by Robert N. Munsch
*Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst

Time out!

First grade students spent some time out of the classroom when  Jack Gramlich from Eco To Go came to visit and tap into some signs of spring. They learned how to carefully drill a hole in the tree, insert a spout, collect the trees watery sap, and boil it into syrup.  The only thing missing was the pancakes!

Teamwork- Welcome Stonehedge Bus Drivers!

Recently, we had the opportunity to welcome the Stonehedge bus drivers into our school. They spent time in the classroom to learn about the Stonehedge “I Stood Up” initiative and how they too can reward students who display good character and respect for others. They learned about the definition and different types of bullying. We shared with them specific no bullying language that is used throughout the Stonehedge community. The session ended with the bus drivers signing a pledge to join us as we take a stance against bullying. Bus drivers will be on the lookout for students who they would like to recognize for exemplar behavior!

Coaches in the Classroom
Mrs. Vincentini, first grade teacher, Mrs. Dyl, Instructional Specialist, and Miss Elmer, first grade inclusion, support and challenge student thinking during this math lesson. I’m sure you have noticed that the math your child is bringing home looks much different than in previous years. The new math Common Core Learning Standards require students to show their work and explain how they arrived at an answer. Teachers are finding that by focusing on getting children to talk and communicate about math they can deepen their mathematical thinking and develop confident problem solvers.

Stonehedge Players

Fun is what it’s all about!

Character Education Presentation
First grade children share their thoughts on patience and acceptance. During the assembly, students listened to a reading of The Rainbow Fish, an award-winning children's book by Marcus Pfister.  Thank you to Mrs. Donahue, Mrs. Vislosky, Mrs. Malbone and Miss Munley for orchestrating this presentation.

1^st Grade HEDGE AWARD WINNERS – HONESTY AND TRUST

Miss Cantone – David Jang, Lauren Miner, Marisa Closson

Mrs. Cunningham – Sebastian Rivera, Hannah McLaughlin, Joe Panek

Mrs. Donahue – Kyler Chigaridas, Peyton Long, Landyn Shaw, Karolina Lata

Mrs. Malbone – Kendall Fenn, Luke Skardinski, Henna Carr

Miss Munley - Dominick Caraccio, Benjamin Pietrafesa, Jesse DeSena, Emily Schiffer

Mrs. Vincentini - Kelly McManus, Kaitlynn Salvatore, Julissa Bague

Mrs. Vislosky – George Kazantsev, Ethan Oot, Tony Tucciarone, Camryn Hubbard

 

2^nd Grade HEDGE AWARD WINNERS – HONESTY AND TRUST



Mrs. Bailey – Nora Haines, Cameron Daniul, Christian Granato, Hassan Zawahreh

Mrs. Carrington – Haania Hamad, Sam Laufer, Liz Quinn, Robert Lopez-Cunningham

Miss Dusart – Liam Burns, Aidan Gartner-Baca, Anastasia Chuvik

Mrs. Prosser – Alexis Michaels, Ruth Melnik, Ethan Smithers, Maxwell Walker

Mrs. Schweitzer – Jacob Perry, Joshua Pierce, Kaitlin Fisher, Keegan Ribble

Mrs. Shepard – Brandon Campbell, Shannon Daley, Luciano Paratore



Short Month but Many Ways to Shine

  Each year in preparation of the 100^th day of school, first grade students are asked to visualize what life would be like when they turn 100 years old. Their responses are then recorded and displayed next to their incredibly creative artwork. Each year the responses generate a chuckle or two worth sharing. Enjoy their innovative ideas about aging!



By Anna Kroner





By Tyler Peebles







“Good Character is what you think in your head, feel in your heart and do with your hands.”

This month’s character education highlights the traits honesty and trust. Mrs. Baily, Mrs. Shepard and Mrs. Schweitzer’s classes prepared skits to demonstrate students being honest and trustworthy.

Second graders led these role playing situations to help students understand that telling the truth sometimes involves admitting mistakes and accepting consequences while you try to make a situations right. 

What would you do if you found money on the floor?

Being trustworthy is doing what you know you should do even when you think no one is listening. Thank you to Mrs. Schweitzer for narrating the accompanying slide show!

Perseverance



Can you do this?



Thank you to the 5^th grade Jump Rope Club for presenting at our recent Character Education assembly on Perseverance. Their performance included several intricate routines that can only be mastered with hard work, determination and a commitment to teamwork. Their performance is a wonderful example of perseverance.  Please help us in congratulating the following "Hedge Award" recipients

For Perseverance:

 

 Second Graders:  Isaiah Apps, Julia Quinn, Paul Walintukan, Dylan Healy, Nathen Tyler, Jaidyn Kotlarz, Grace Monchelli, Michael Herrington, William Van Horn, Nevin Amer, Noah Forte, Brianna McLaughlin, Oleg Grebenevich, Raphael Kornyoh, Marta Hevko, Emily Rolince, Bryan Tanner, David Gulev, Kevin Bailey, Leah Bigelow, Kate Kuppinger



 

 First Graders:  Dillon Collier, Henry Steitz, Lauren Miner, Brianna Hebert, Karna Warner, Dylan Radcliffe, Gavin Provo, Jameson Seeber, Devon Moses, Ella McIntyre, Irina Kasyanov, Brayden Kitterle, Afaf Zawahreh, Patrick Ford, Hayden Reynolds, Leah Flint, Brock Dyer, Mikayla Hart, Tyler Jacopelle, Wyatt Corbin, James Logana, Brianna Bullock, Seth Fitch, Peyton Cooper, Mia Kehoskie

For Caring and Compassion:

 First Graders:  Tristan Timson, Osvaldo Valenzuela, Lawrence Evans, Alex Camarata, Jordan Kolar, Alex Maione, Dylan Radcliffe, Landyn Shaw, Peyton Long, Reyann Zahran, Heavenly Valenzuela, Claire Petty, Madison Wicks, Ciara Breeeze, William Langmeyer, Nicole Vasilev, Acelynn Thomas, Ryan Radcliffe, Tyler Elmer, Logan Calkins Scout Oudemool, Tyler Jacopelle, Robby Tucciarone, James  Logana, David Fisher, Ava Spraker, David Pererscak, Joliana Paratore

Second Graders:  Jay Ramsdell, Ava Hanlon, Margaret McDonough, Samantha Whitten, Delaney Capucilli, Jaidyn Kotlarz, Joe Martini, Daniel McManus, Sophia Lefevre, Tyler Wavercak, Katelyn Hagadorn, Alexis Michaels, Elsa Propper, Collin Sutton, Logan Hamilton, Allison Putnam, Keegan Ribble, Kacen Chigaridas, Rebecca Lavender, Maria Toumbacaris

 Reminder:

Don't forget about the 2013 Stonehedge PTA Founder's Day Celebration tonight at 6:30 p.m. in the library.  Hope to see you there!

Lori

Technology Night Reminder

 

December Happenings...





Caring and Compassion

Stonehedge students and staff have spent the month of December involved in many different activities that demonstrate our ability to care for others. Our December Character Education assembly featured students from Mrs. Cunningham, Miss Cantone and Mrs. Vincentini’s class. Caring connects us so we can shine brightly was the theme presented to students. Children shared the special ways in which the demonstrate caring for others. Congratulations to the following students who received a Hedge Award for last month’s character trait, Thankfulness.

1^st GRADE – 2012 HEDGE AWARD RECIPIENTS – THANKFULNESS

Miss Cantone – Quinn Frese, Andrew Landon, Dreonna Pullium

Mrs. Cunningham – Maya Abedrabbah, Logan Furbeck, Hannah Kenna, Gavin Provo

Mrs. Donahue – Jameson Bard, Madison Barrett, Andrew Bova, Ella McIntyre

Mrs. Malbone – Lauren Petty, Ty Thomas, Paul Sheehan

Miss Munley – Kyaira Orozco, Joseph Paoli, Emily Schiffer

Mrs. Vincentini – Owen Coleman, Frank Nazarkiewicz, Madison Payne, Nathan Ruzekowicz

Mrs. Vislosky – Lauren Battaglia, Amelia Degilio, Emmett Jacuk, Tyler O’ Brien

2^nd GRADE –  2012 HEDGE AWARD WINNERS – THANKFULNESS

Mrs. Bailey – Noah Coleman, Ella Thome, Morgan Priddy

Mrs. Carrington – Tatianna Blount, Robert Lopez-Cunningham, Hannah Mazzoni, Tilak Patel

Miss Dusart – Michelina Colapaolo, Emilie Shoults, Zoryana Yaromich

Mrs. Prosser – Angelina Gittschau, Ruth Melnik, Ethan Smithers,

Mrs. Schweitzer –Derek Dishaw, Vincent Firenze, Isabella Gibson-Rudy, Jacob Perry

Mrs. Shepard – Carly Fura,  Gavin Garofalo, Olivia Sam-Foote

Winter Concert

Today our students attended the 4^th and 5^th Grade Winter Concert. Students heard selections from the orchestra conducted by Mrs. Cheney and the 4^th and 5^th grade chorus directed by Mrs. DeMartini. It was a wonderful performance with many familiar holiday selections as well as some new pieces. It’s just what was needed to get us all in the holiday spirit. Thank you to all the students and staff involved in this delightful concert. The evening performance will take place at the WGHS tonight at 7:00.   

Safety at Stonehedge

If you are like me, you spent time this past weekend gathering information and trying to make sense of the tragedy that occurred in Newtown, Connecticut at the Sandy Hook Elementary School. Our thoughts and prayers go out to that community as they seek answers and begin the painful healing process.

At Stonehedge we work diligently to ensure the safety of students and staff. Our building safety plan is reviewed and adjusted annually. We continually practice with students many safety drills and procedures such as fire drills, stay-in-place drills, lock down drills and bomb threats. District administrators work as a collective to brainstorm ways to ensure safety. Nothing is more important than the safety of your children. 

Parents also play an important role in safeguarding our children. Such responsibilities include respecting and adhering to building rules and dismissal procedures.  It is extremely important that parents put in writing transportation/dismissal changes and update emergency contact information and adults designated to pick up your children. It is also imperative that parents are attentive and traveling slowly throughout school parking areas. Although not always viewed as convenient, we ask you not to take shortcuts through these procedures.  

  

Your children are very special to me and I hope that you enjoy your holiday season by spending quality time with family and friends.

Lori

October Happenings

Family Fun Night

This Friday, October 19^th our PTA will sponsor Family Fun Night.  The event takes place from 6:00 – 8:00 pm.  Come as a family and enjoy Story Time, Face Painting, Music & Dancing, Bingo, Pizza, and much more.

  

October is Fire Prevention Month

Students at Stonehedge have had many opportunities to learn about fire safety.  Many thanks to Mrs. Margaret Barbuto, one of our Physical Education teachers as well as our PTA Chair for Health & Education, for organizing Fire Safety activities. Teachers had availability to Fire Safety DVDs, supplemental grade appropriate materials and of course the visit by the Fairmount Fire Department. 

Students in K-2 took part in an interactive presentation led by the fire fighters. Students learned about gear worn and tools used when fighting a fire. They were taught safety procedures that they should follow at home and reviewed procedures utilized here at school. Experiences such as this would not occur without the support from our community. Thank you to the following firefighters for spending the day keeping children at Stonehedge safe:

Captain Matt Schultz

Lieutenant Jake Carlson

Lieutenant David Mazzoni

Fire Fighters - John Abert, Rick Dunlop, Dan Hamilton, Ian Herford, Dan Kogel,  Mike Putnam, Hunter Rogers, Cassidy Tiska, Chris Unz  

 

Off to a Great Start!

 

It’s all about the bus ride!

                  

Pictures are worth a thousand words and these are no exception! We’re off to a good start as students at Stonehedge are settling into new routines and classroom procedures. It’s a welcoming sight to see the hallways full of children eager to start a new school year!

Be on the lookout today for a letter regarding our upcoming Open House night planned for September 12^th.  A schedule of classroom presentation times has been included for your convenience.  We will also be showing a DVD presentation designed to inform parents of our No Bullying Educational Program.  The DVD will be shown every half hour beginning at 6:00 with the last showing at 8:30.  I encourage you to commit to viewing this presentation and becoming familiar with the approach we will be taking to educate students and staff about bullying behaviors. 

It has been a busy week for staff and students.  Enjoy the weekend and I look forward to seeing you September 12^th at Open House.

Mrs. Keevil


Siblings and friends show first day Stonehedge kindergarten students the ropes!