Students Recognized with HEDGE Awards 

During our character education assembly today, where we learned about citizenship, Nancy Graham from the SPCA spoke to students with a special friend-- Grizzly the dog. Grizzly was all too happy to accompany her human to speak to students about the responsibility, caring, and compassion needed for pet ownership.

Students asked questions about Grizzly and how the SPCA operates. Ask your child if they remember what SPCA stands for, hopefully they can tell you!

Below are our HEDGE Award winners for the month of April. Congratulations to all these students who demonstrated patience and acceptance!

First Grade HEDGE Award Winners

Sofia Barba, Luke Beck, Noah Bell, Kiera Braun, Gracie Burns, Gianna Caraccio, Riley Cook, Iliana Dafoe, Audrey Diddle, Erik Dombroske, Makayla Dunham, Tommy Gozzi, Sidney Hamilton, Gabriella Hinman, Thomas Levison, Carly Mathewson, Madison Mayer, Joey Mazzoni, Cathleen O'Keefe, Jacob Orozco, Rowan Prior,  Jacob Service, Michael Vetter, Angelo Vrabel

Second Grade HEDGE Award Winners

Camille Bohli, Aiden Bovenzi, Maria Brandt, Owen Coleman, Peyton Cooper, Wyatt Corbin, Noah Cosamano, Jesse DeSena, Chanllin Ginty, Jamison Gorzka, Hannah Kenna, Andrew Landon, Joliana Paratore, David Petercsak, Dylan Radcliffe, Yazen Salman, Emily Schiffer, Charlie Searle, Landyn Shaw, Robert Tucciarone, Madison Wolfe

Tapping the Sap Right on School Grounds

Recently, our first grade students were treated to a morning spent with local maple syrup expert "Mr. G". He walked the classes outside and showed them how to tap a tree to get sap out. Upon returning to the classrooms, the students were shown how to boil down the sap and turn it into syrup. Everyone got to sample the sweet treat. Don't let the snow on the ground fool you, these pictures were only two weeks ago! 

Budget Presentations are Scheduled

Superintendent Dr. Christopher Brown will be giving a visual presentation to explain the proposed 2014-2015 school budget at the Stonehedge PTA and public meeting on April 28 - 7:00 p.m. at the High School Large Group Instruction (LGI) Room. To access the budget presentation and supporting documents please click here.   

Don't Forget to Register Your Child for Kindergarten

Parents of children entering kindergarten in the Fall are encouraged to register their child(ren) now. We look forward to welcoming our newest additions to the Class of 2027 in September. If you missed registration call the Blue Office at 487-4633 as soon as possible to arrange for an appointment. Learn more by clicking here. 

Spring Weather Reminder
Now that the snow has finally melted and the weather is warming, please remember that students will go outside for physical education classes and play time as much as possible. With the ground as wet as it has been, it's easy to get muddy while playing outside. Sending in a change of clothes is a great idea in case your child gets muddy! 

Have a great weekend,
Lori

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Stonehedge was fortunate enough this St. Patrick's Day morning to have several students from the Harrington School of Irish Dance perform for our students.

The dancers performed traditional jigs and other dances. We were also treated to a bagpipe performance by Mr. Cunningham.

Thanks to dancers Sophia Barba, Katelyn Channels, Molly Channels, Meghan Christie, Meghan Cook, Nora Emery, Erin Fortune, Sarah Hardin, Abbie Korzeniewski,  and Maria Toumbacaris. 

~Lori

Math Night, 100th Day of School, Enrichment, and More

Join us for Math Night

On Tuesday night, March 4, Stonehedge Blue will be holding a parent math night. As most of you are aware, the math instruction that your children are receiving is definitely not the math instruction that you and I received when we were students. We would like to spend some time talking to you about the changes that the Common Core requires and discuss ways you can help your child. This night is a learning opportunity and will not be a time to discuss the pros and cons of the Common Core.

The night will be structured as follows:

6:30 – 7:00           Presentation by Mrs. Keevil and Mrs. Gipe (math coach) for all parents (Blue Cafeteria)

7:00 – 7:30           Break-out sessions for grades K, 1, and 2 (in designated classrooms TBD)

We are asking that you RSVP by this Friday, February 28 so that we can get an idea of how many classrooms will be needed as well as the appropriate number of handout materials. 

Kindergarten registration held this week

Parents of children entering kindergarten in the Fall took some time out of their week to register their child at Stonehedge. We look forward to welcoming our newest additions to the Class of 2027 in September.

Did you miss registration? Call the Blue Office at 487-4633 as soon as possible to arrange an appointment. 

PTA volunteers helped register the new arrivals throughout the week.

One new member of the Class of 2027, Tyler Gorzka, registers for kindergarten with his father, Brian.

Enrichment to be held Saturday, March 1

The PTA's Enrichment program will be held this Saturday. Interested students were offered several choices of sessions including cheerleading, woodworking, cake decorating, rainbow loom, and much more. Sessions are being offered free of charge as a way to break up the winter blahs with some fun and exciting offerings. 

In the event of inclement weather on Saturday morning, please check the district website, www.westgenesee.org, and/or the district's Facebook and twitter accounts and Stonehedge PTA's Facebook page. 

100th Day of School Celebrated

Tuesday, February 25 marked the 100th day of school milestone. Teachers took the opportunity to celebrate and encourage creative lessons centered around the number 100. In kindergarten, students made capes decorated with the number 100. First grade students gazed into the future and guessed what they would look like when they were 100 years old.

Super kindergarten students in Mrs. Gauzza's class showed off their capes.

Mrs. Lauricella's kindergarten class posed with their crowns and capes.

Transportation Changes Need a Note

Please remember, if your child's transportation needs change, even for just a day, a letter must be sent in with your child letting the office know. Requests for early pick up or change of bus must be sent in writing. 

Congratulations to PTA Founders Day Award Recipients

Last night the Stonehedge PTA honored four amazing members for their countless volunteer hours and tireless dedication to the Stonehedge community. Kindergarten teacher Julia Gauzza, and parent volunteers Meghan Channels, Michelle Shackleton, and Debbie Welles were presented with the Founders Day Award, one of the highest honors our PTA gives out.

Congratulations to our PTA's Founders Day Award recipients from left, Julia Gauzza, Debbie Welles, Michelle Shackleton, and Meghan Channels.

Stonehedge Students Learn About Keeping Their Buckets Full

Today our school was visited by the Bucket Filling Fairy, Professor Smarty Pants, and a charismatic  cast of characters performing Have You Filled a Bucket Today? The Play.

Peaceful Schools brought us this lively production, based on Carol McCloud's award-winning books, to help teach our students to be bucket fillers by being kind, respectful, and helpful to others. Students learned that everyone has an invisible bucket to hold your good thoughts and feelings about yourself. You feel happy and good when your bucket is full, and you don't feel good when your bucket is empty. 

Many of our teachers, and many across the district - mostly in the primary grades, start off the year with this book and encourage their students to fill each other's buckets. It's used as a positive behavioral management system as well. There are bulletin board displays in many rooms that play off of the book.

The assemblies were sponsored by the PTA. 

Be sure ask your child about their bucket!

~Lori

Our "Wonder"land Week

Stonehedge Blue has been very busy working on projects and finishing up research for their "I Wonder" questions. Lots of parent volunteers and community member visits have allowed children to explore their subjects in great detail and create projects to showcase what they have learned.

As a reminder, students will deliver oral presentations to their classmates and projects will be on display as we celebrate learning on the evening of Wednesday, February 12 from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Families will be invited to view the finished products in a format similar to that of a science fair.  

Our Winter “Wonder”land promises to be an exciting experience for all involved. Please mark your calendar for this evening event as students celebrate their learning.

Parent volunteers helped kindergarten and first grade students construct paper mache animals.

Are you taller than an Emperor penguin? Kindergarten students wanted to find out!

Second grade students made smoothies with Physical Education teacher Mrs. Barbuto. Here they are showcasing all of the healthy ingredients they used.

Second grade students studying exercise and nutrition took a break to do some Zumba with instructor Dawn Marie from Go Figure Gym.

Dr. Stephanie Grice and nurse Erin Shortslef from Golisano Children's Hospital spoke to students in Mrs. McCarthy's second grade class about blood and the heart.

Great Response to First Annual Stonehedge PTA SOUPER Bowl 

While the actual superbowl isn't until Sunday, the first annual PTA SOUPER bowl has been going on all week. Students were asked to bring in non-perishable items for donation to the Samaritan Center. Boxes were placed in each lobby representing the Broncos and the Seahawks. Students put their donations in the box for their favorite team. Our Stonehedge family has been very generous! As of this minute, it is too close to call! Stay tuned, we'll announce the winner on Monday.

Please remember: There is no school for students tomorrow, Friday, January 31. It is a staff development day.

 Keep warm,
Lori

Stonehedge Blue Busy Wondering and Researching

The hallways and classrooms have been filled lately with curious students and parent volunteers as the K-2 grades work on their Winter "Wonder"land research projects. 

Students have been wondering and researching everything from penguins to the Olympics, the human heart to different types of rocks, cheetahs, lions, and much more!

Over the next two weeks, students will be focusing on their presentations. Students and teachers have many interesting and unique ideas of how they would like to represent their learning. It's all very exciting!

As a reminder, students will deliver oral presentations to their classmates and projects will be on display as we celebrate learning on the evening of Wednesday, February 12 from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Families will be invited to view the finished products in a format similar to that of a science fair.  

Our Winter “Wonder”land promises to be an exciting experience for all involved. Please mark your calendar for this evening event as students celebrate their learning.

The pictures below capture a few great moments during research. 

REMINDER: There is NO SCHOOL for students on Friday, January 31. It is a professional development day for staff.

Stonehedge Blue teachers are collecting paper towel and toilet tissue tubes as well as old newspapers for use in projects. If you have any of these items, please send them in with your child. 

Winter weather is here, 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!

Second and Third Grade Families Enjoy Game Night

I would like to thank all the families who attended Family Game Night last night. Mr. Suddaby and I enjoyed watching students win and then scan the book table for just the right book to take home. Thank you to all the parent and teacher volunteers and to our PTA for selecting and purchasing such an awesome array of books for our prizes. The gym was filled--impressive for such a cold night!

Stay warm and enjoy the weekend!

Lori 

It's a Winter "Wonder"land at Stonehedge Blue

We certainly have had more than a taste of winter weather over the past few weeks. Sometimes our local weather can make us feel cooped-up and in turn, we experience the winter blues. K-2 teachers and I have been working hard to bring some excitement to our learning environment and we think January is the perfect time!

Beginning this week, Stonehedge students K-2, faculty, staff, and several parent volunteers began a Project Based Learning experience that will run through February 13, 2014.

Students in Miss Dusart's second grade class work with parent volunteer Colleen Fesinger to research their I "wonder" questions.

Many times students have “I wonder” questions that motivate them to learn more. Students will have the opportunity to research a topic of interest under the guidance of their teacher. My hope is that your child’s enthusiasm for learning will spill over at home, and as a family, you will support him or her in his or her quest for knowledge.

I encourage you to search for additional materials on your child’s topic by visiting your local library and searching online sources together. Please label all materials you send to school to ensure all resources are returned to their rightful owner.

Students will not only become an expert on their topic, they will also be responsible for sharing their findings through a self-directed presentation. They will deliver oral presentations to their classmates and projects will be on display as we celebrate learning on the evening of Wednesday, February 12 from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Families will be invited to view the finished products in a format similar to that of a science fair.  

Our Winter “Wonder”land promises to be an exciting experience for all involved. Please mark your calendar for this evening event as students celebrate their learning.

Character Education and Students Recognized with HEDGE Awards 

*Those that show perseverance work hard toward goals, overcome obstacles, do not give up easily, and are resourceful in reaching a goal.

Our character education trait for this month is perseverance. This is perfect as students take the lead on their Winter “Wonder”land research projects. During our assembly last Friday, I stressed the importance of working through the challenges they may face as they take on a more intense level of responsibility for their own learning. Making mistakes or facing obstacles can be a valuable opportunity to learn and grow, especially when we persevere and reach our goals.

We also discussed ways in which each student should strive to function within their cooperative group. Being a respectful listener, accepting others’ opinions, and taking turns will all be important contributions of a top notch working partner. Please be sure to discuss daily progress with you child and offer ways in which they can persevere and operate as a positive and productive group member. 

Below are our HEDGE Award winners for the month of December. Congratulations to all these caring and compassionate Stonehenge students!

First Grade HEDGE Award Winners

Justyna Apps, Kaelyn Ashby, Carson Berg, Johanna Betchel, Christian Bower, Sydney Buckhout, Enya Dafoe, Kyira Davis, Rachel Hann, Janie Kang, Jacob MacCaull, Yuliana Melnik, Marissa O'Connor, Brooke Owens, George Ponto, Greta Propper, Peyton Rosenthal, Randal Smith, Trinity Smith, Ava Spraker, Aiden Tucker, Jack Wade, Christopher Watkins, Hannah Wood 

Second Grade HEDGE Award Winners

Noah Austin, Mia Barnello, Christian Bishop, Dominick Caraccio, Jenna Carr, Dillon Collier, Tyler Elmer, Quinn Frese, Logan Furbeck, Andrew Landon, Peyton Long, Zaynah Mere, Joliana Paratore, Dreonna Pullium, Emily Schiffer, Landyn Shaw, Jameson Seeber, Hannah Sparks, Waverly St. Louis, Tristan Timson, Karna Warner, Reyann Zahran

Dr. Brown to Host Dialogue With Superintendent

Please remember that the Dialogue with the Superintendent will be held this Wednesday, January 15 from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. in the high school large group instruction room.  The first hour will be for regular questions and the second hour will be a discussion on the common core learning standards and all that surrounds them. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Winter weather is here, 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!

Important Dates to Remember

Just a reminder that there is no school on Monday, January 20 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. In addition, Friday, January 31 is a professional development day for staff and there is no school for students.