Thankful Times at Stonehedge

The 15th Annual Turkey Trot took place on Tuesday, November 1. Children in grades K-5 ran, walked, and trotted, along with teachers and family members. Encouraging students to stay active, even on the day after Halloween and in chillier weather, the event keeps the kids moving. This year, students walked 1,444 miles.

In addition, this year, students were asked to bring in donations to help local families have a brighter Thanksgiving holiday. Overflowing boxes lined the gym floor demonstrating what a generous and thankful community Stonehedge is.

Mrs. Barbuto, Mr. Gangemi, Mr. Mercado, and Mr. Yarnell worked very hard this year to coordinate the Turkey Trot and have our greatest thanks. All special area teachers dedicated their days to helping with the event from handing out Popsicle sticks, keeping students safe along the path, and sorting donations. Thanks to all.

These first graders were just some of the many who donated to the Turkey Trot food drive. 

These are just some of the boxes of food donations collected. 

These kindergarten friends couldn't wait to start their first Turkey Trot.

THANKFUL for our Students

This month’s character trait is Thankfulness. Mrs. Prosser, Mrs. Jackson, and Mrs. Lizzi’s second grade classes led our Character Education assembly with a cheer about thankfulness. Individual students shared what they are thankful for including “turkey, family, friends, Stonehedge, hearts, happiness, America, kindness," and more.

Students also watched a video by Kid President about being Thankful. Watch for yourself here:

Congratulations to our students who were given HEDGE awards for last month's character trait of respect.

Our Second Grade HEDGE award winners:

Cali Abear, Frankie Barbuto, Amelia Bleskoski, Mason Boyles, Madison Brigati, Hunter Briggs, Carter Brown, Zachary Channels, Michael Creedon, Elliot Flint, Sam Froio, Landon Germinio, Tyler Gorzka, Daniel Guglielmo, Cole Hamilton, Molly Humphrey, Sabeeh Islam, Vlad Kishov, Isabella Licamelli, Nikolas Lisovets, Archer Macholl, Evelina Mauro, Charles Mellan, Veronica Moss, Arionne Pinkston, Madelyn Root, Ava Vincentini, Lucas Walsh

Our First Grade HEDGE award winners:

Patrick Alfieri, Lilly Bullock, Laila Burgin, Lillian Burgin, Dylan Cardone, Nathan Corfield, Matthew Gomes, Jamison Huff,  Gavin Jackson, Kiley Johnson, Allison Landon, Riley Loy, Jackson Neuser, James O'Keefe, Ava Parker, Breanna Poppe, Andrew Prior, Max Pudney, Charlotte Retkwa, Aiden Schreyer, Leah  Sherwood, Jamison Smith, Maelin Tafel, Vincent Testa, Addison Thayer, Kaelyn Vargas, Lydia Walker

This Thursday, November 10, our school will honor our veterans with a special ceremony. The Fifth Grade Chorus will perform a selection of patriotic songs and servicemen and women will be recognized during the event. Paper stars honoring members of the Stonehedge family in the military (active duty or veteran) currently line our hallways.

Making the Most of Parent Teacher Conferences

November 21 and 22 are our scheduled Parent Teacher Conferences. For many, it will be the first opportunity for you as parents to discuss your child’s academic and social development. We look at parent conferences not only as an opportunity to discuss your child, but also as an opportunity to nurture a positive partnership between home and school. 

Here are some tips provided by the National PTA that I thought might prove helpful in ensuring a successful conference:

Establish rapport—As an icebreaker, take time to share something that reflects well upon the teacher. For example, thank the teacher for having made thoughtful notes on your child's homework or for the special attention in helping your child learn to multiply.

Ask questions—Questions you ask during the conference can help you express your hopes for the student's success in class and for the teacher. It's a good idea to ask the important questions first, in case time runs out. The teacher's answers should help you both work together to help your child.

Make a list—Before you go to the meeting, make a list of topics to discuss with the teacher. Along with questions about academics and behavior, you may want to talk to the teacher about the child's home life, personality, concerns, habits and hobbies, and other topics that may help the teacher in working with the child.

Addressing problems—Parent-teacher conferences are a good time to discuss any difficulties (either academic or behavioral) a child might be having at school.

Develop an action plan—If the student needs help with a behavioral or an academic issue, you and the teacher should agree on a specific plan—that you both will work on—to help your child do better. Be sure you understand what the teacher suggests. If it's not clear, ask him or her to explain. Set up a way to check on your child's progress. You and the teacher can decide how best to stay in touch, such as through phone calls, notes, or additional meetings.

Ending the conference—End the conference by reviewing what you discussed and restating your action plan. This is also a good time to set up your next meeting if needed.

If you have further questions after your conference, please do not hesitate to contact me. I would be happy to sit with you to ensure everything is in place to make certain your child has a successful school year.

Please remember these important dates:
Tuesday, Nov. 8, Early Dismissal at 11:30 a.m., Professional Development
Friday, Nov. 11, No School, Veterans Day
Monday, Nov. 21, Early Dismissal at 11:30 a.m., Parent Teacher Conferences
Tuesday, Nov. 22, Early Dismissal at 11:30 a.m., Parent Teacher Conferences
Wednesday, Nov. 23-25, No School, Thanksgiving Holiday

~Lori

Halloween ROCKS at Stonehedge

Princesses walked alongside zombies. Soldiers marched with kitty cats. The annual Halloween parade was tons of fun for all of our students. Student costumes ranged from flowers to sharks to Transformers. The staff celebrated with a Rock N Roll theme of costumes which played off our PARP theme.

Gobble, Gobble, Time for the Turkey Trot

Tomorrow, November 1, is the annual Turkey Trot. The Turkey Trot is a fun run/walk where children, by grade level, will "trot" on a marked course. Please have children dress appropriately for this event is held outdoors. Students need to wear sneakers and bring a water bottle. 

The character education trait for November is Thankfulness. This year we will be collecting non-perishable food items which will be used to make Thanksgiving baskets to feed families in our very own community.

Please see the list below outlining what we would like each grade level to donate. Every little bit helps. 

Scheduled Times for Turkey Trot, Suggested Donations

9:25-10:05 Grade 5: Boxed or bagged cereal, oatmeal

10:10-10:50 Grade 4: 100% Apple Juice, canned soup

10:55-11:35 Grade 3: Pumpkin pie filling, jello, pudding, brownie mixes

12:50- 1:30 Kindergarten: $10.00 gift cards from Wegmans, Tops or Walmart to be used toward the purchase of a turkey, applesauce

1:35-2:15 Grade 1: Instant mashed potatoes, gravy

2:20-3:00 Grade 2: Stuffing (boxed or bagged), green beans

*Stonehedge Staff* Jars of Spaghetti Sauce

Reminders:

Tuesday, November 8, Early Dismissal at 11:30 a.m., Professional Development

Thursday, November 10, 9 a.m., Veterans Day celebration featuring veterans and active duty servicemen and women

Friday, November 11, No School, Veterans Day

Have a fun and safe night of Trick Or Treating,

Lori

"Orange" You Glad You Go To Stonehedge?

Yesterday, October 19, was Unity Day. According to Pacer.org:  Make it ORANGE and make it end! What are your true colors when it comes to bullying? 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 together against bullying and united for kindness, acceptance and inclusion.

Kindergarten students proudly show off their orange with ADA-PEP counselors Susan Sheehan (left) and Elizabeth Miller. 

As part of Stonehedge's recognition of Unity Day, students and teachers created paper t-shirts. The shirts, hung from a clothesline down the entire length of the connecting hallway between sides, were written and illustrated with ways that people can be kind to each other. 

Stop, Drop, And Roll!

"Get Out! Stay Out!' was just one piece of life-saving advice our students in grades K-2 received when firefighters from the Fairmount Fire Department came to school. Firefighters discussed what to do should there be a fire at home. Students learned:

• To get out and stay out!  
• To stop, drop, and roll if their clothing catches on fire, 
• To stay low and crawl to avoid smoke and heat, 
• And the importance of establishing a meeting place so all members of a family can be accounted for.  

Thank you to all the Firefighter Mazzoni and all the firefighters from Fairmount Fire Department who came out to the school and led our assemblies as well as tours of the firetruck! Special thanks to Mrs. Barbuto for organizing the visit and supplemental materials for teachers. 

Firefighter Jesse dressed in full gear and crawled around the gym showing children that firefighters are nothing to fear. He encouraged students to answer a firefighter's call when looking for people during a fire. 

Firefighter Mazzoni demonstrated "Stop, Drop, and Roll" with two kindergarten students.

He rocked! He rolled! He made story ninjas out of us all! When children's author Sigmund Brouwer visited last week as part of the PTA's PARP (Pick a Reading Partner) program, he got students and teachers moving and grooving and excited for the art of storytelling.

Mr. Brouwer's performances were tailored for age appropriateness at each grade level. He explained his love of the stories that are hiding between the book covers. He also gifted us with three free e-books. Check out orcabook.com/myrockandrollbooks/ to view them.

Special thanks to the PTA for bringing him to Stonehedge and to the library staff for hosting! Be sure to check out Stonehedge PTA's Facebook page for even more pictures and video from his video.

Halloween Happenings

Halloween is almost here!! Costumes are being decided and candy is at the ready.  The Stonehedge Halloween Parade will begin at  10 a.m. on Monday, October 31, 2016.  We hope you will be able to join us by lining the parade route out in front of our school. The children love to see you there! No need to sign in for parade viewing.

A few simple guidelines will make the day a safe and happy one for all of the children. 

1.  Please send your child’s costume to school in a bag.  Do not send your child to school in costume or wearing make-up.  All scary, bloody masks, weapons, spears or other dangerous accessories must remain at home. Our youngest students can be frightened easily, and we want them to have a positive experience.

               

 2.  Classroom party times will be determined by the teacher and announced ahead of time. Due to health and safety concerns only adults who are designated helpers will be permitted in the classrooms during the parties. Helpers are asked not to bring younger children.

3.  If you are going to join the festivities and dress up, please avoid masks.

Naturally, we need to be able to recognize everyone who is interacting with the children.

4.     We will follow normal dismissal procedures.  Please encourage your child

to ride the bus home. 

5.     If you must pick up your child due to appointments or other business, be sure

to sign him or her out in the main office.

We look forward to a wonderful holiday with the children.  Your cooperation and assistance is very much appreciated.

For additional fun, please visit our annual district  Halloween Carnival sponsored by the R2 Program on Thursday, October 27, 2016 from 4-7 p.m. in the West Genesee High School LOWER GYM. Click here for more information. A “spooktacular” night is sure to had by all! 

Channel 9 News included a brief story about Stonehedge's new outdoor classroom on their Cool School segment. Click here to view, and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Please note these upcoming important dates:
Family Fun Night, Friday, October 21, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Halloween Parade, Monday, October 31, 10 a.m.
Early Dismissal, Tuesday, November 8, Election Day, Professional Development (Dismissal at 11:30 a.m.)
Veterans' Day Celebration. Thursday, November 10

~Lori

Enjoying the Bustle of Books and Falling Leaves

Rock N Roll! October is the PTA's PARP Month! 

Along with many special events, including an exciting visit from children's author Sigmund Brouwer at the end of next week, PARP is in full swing! Pick A Reading Partner is a month-long celebration of reading. Dozens of guest speakers are visiting Stonehedge throughout the month to read to classes. This week's book fair helped to kick off the event. There will also be two library nights: October 11 and 25 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Remember to send in your PARP tally sheets each Monday!

Family Fun Night is a harvest celebration that's great fun for kids of all ages! Families are welcome to dance along with a DJ, play bingo, enjoy face painting, and many other activities. You won't want to miss this fun night, October 21, from 6:30 - 8 p.m. FFN will be one of the topics of discussion at the October 13 PTA meeting (6:30 p.m., Stonehedge library). Please consider volunteering for even a small part of the evening. It takes many hands to provide so much fun!

It's Spooky How Soon Halloween Is!

As costumes get finalized and candy is purchased, we look ahead to our school's Halloween celebration. The Stonehedge Halloween Parade will kick off at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 31 beginning with our second grade children. Classes will parade out of the Blue Entrance and follow the sidewalks along the front of the building and to the bus circle. Visitors are sure to have a great view at any point along this route. There is no need to sign into the building to view the Halloween Parade. Look for a letter coming home soon with more detailed information.

In the event of inclement weather, the parade will be canceled. A parent Link message will be sent out and notice will be tweeted and posted to the Stonehedge PTA Facebook page and twitter accounts. A decision will be made by 9 a.m. 

Construction has begun on the Susie Sunshine outdoor learning classroom. The space will provide an educational respite for teachers and students in celebration of a woman who was the heart of Stonehedge.

Please note these important dates:

Monday, October 10, No School, Columbus Day Holiday

Tuesday, October 11, Library Night, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, October 13, Stonehedge PTA meeting, 6:30 p.m., Library

Friday, October 21, PTA Family Fun Night, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Tuesday, October 25, Library Night, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Monday, October 31, Halloween Parade, 10 a.m.

Enjoy the long weekend-

~Lori

Sharing Curriculum Reminders

It was wonderful to see so many parents at Open House last night. The evening is always a wonderful opportunity for parents and teachers to get to know each other and for parents to gain additional insight into what their child will be learning for the year. 

Last night at Open House, parents were introduced to Molly Byrne, Ms. Byrne is a long-term substitute in second grade. She is subbing for Mrs. Bailey, who will return later this fall.

New second grade teacher Stephanie Mathewson warmly welcomed parents to her room last night. Though new to second grade at Stonehedge, Mrs. Mathewson has been with the district for a few years and has been teaching for nearly a decade. 

First grade teacher Ann Ross joins Stonehedge this year. No stranger to the district, though this is her 13th year with West Genesee. She's been teaching for 17 years and has taught first, third, fourth, and fifth grades. Welcome Mrs. Ross!

During Open House, kindergarten parents, like these in Mrs. Lauricella's room,learned more about their child's day and how the adjustment to kindergarten is going. 

Last night, when teachers were discussing English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum, many of you heard about the CKLA program. CKLA (Core Knowledge Language Arts) will be used throughout the district in grades K-5. For some additional general information, please check out the CKLA page on the engageNY website . 

Click here to view a PowerPoint presentation about CKLA. 

Similarly, when teachers were explaining the math curriculum, parents heard about the Investigations program.  The program will also be K-5 throughout the district. 

We're Exploring our Mindset!

This Fall, along with many other faculty and staff throughout the district, faculty at Stonehedge Blue is reading the book Mindset-The New Psychology of Success.  The wildly successful book, written by world-renowned Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck, explores the differences in mindset and how it can influence learning and potential. Principal Keevil and Administrative Intern Kara Lux will facilitate as faculty meets several times throughout the year to study and discuss elements of the book. This would be an excellent read for parents, too! Do you have a fixed mindset or a growth mindset?

Upcoming Reminders: 

Monday, September 19- PTA Welcome Back Meeting, Blue Cafeteria, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, September 20- Picture Day Stonehedge Gold (3-5) 

Wednesday, September 21- Picture Day Stonehedge Blue (K-2)

Sunday, September 25 - Race for Respect 12 p.m.

THURSDAY, September 29- Half Day, Dismissal at 11:30 a.m. Staff Professional Development

Lori

Kicking Off the School Year with a Beautiful Week

A new school year is always an exciting time. It is filled with great learning opportunities and teachable moments for teachers, parents, and students alike. Lessons on flexibility, cooperation, transition, adapting, and more present themselves on a daily basis.

 We want to thank the many families who have been so accommodating when it comes to our new snack policy. Teachers are appreciative of the amount of time saved by checking a wide variety of snacks each and every day. Students spend less time waiting and more time enjoying their snacks! Most importantly, we know that we are creating the safest environment for students as we are able. We encourage all families to continue sending in healthy and safe snacks.

Please see the bottom of this post for more information about the Safe and Healthy Snack policy.

We look forward to seeing everyone at our Open House on 

Thursday, September 15 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 

Kindergarten and First grade time slots are from 6:30 - 6:55 p.m.

Second and Third grade time slots are from 7:00 - 7:25 p.m.

Fourth and Fifth grade time slots are from 7:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Kicking off our Character Education Program 

We kicked off our Character Education program with an assembly for our first and second grade students. Children were shown an inspiring video by Kid President. Click here to view the video.

Students were then introduced to ADA-PEP Counselor Mrs. Sheehan, Administrative Intern Kara Lux, and District Resource Officer Officer Grace. 

ADA-PEP Counselor Susan Sheehan read a story that described what she does. She spoke about the best ways to talk to her. The District has increased counseling staffing to better meet the social and emotional needs of all of our children.

Mrs. Kara Lux was introduced to children as another resource they may turn to if they need to speak with a trusted adult. Mrs. Lux is a speech pathologist at Stonehedge who has added to her role and is a new administrative intern.

Officer Grace is our District Resource Officer and will continue to support our children by visiting our school on a weekly basis. 

Please enjoy these pictures taken throughout the first week of school.

Making Snack Time a Safe and Healthy Time for Everyone
In order to promote healthy eating and taking into consideration students with food allergies, we are asking that you only send in a snack for your child from the list of foods provided below. We have found in the past that this policy has worked well to keep our students healthy and safe. Since our students may rotate classrooms throughout the day for different learning opportunities, it is essential that all rooms remain free of peanuts and nut allergens.

Families of students in grades 1 and 2 are already aware of our healthy, kid-friendly snack options. Extending this to our kindergarten children seems natural and the right thing to do. It is important to keep children safe and our youngest students (who can't advocate for themselves) deserve our due diligence. 

PLEASE NOTE: This list only refers to foods eaten during snack time in the classroom. Your child may bring whatever foods he or she wishes for lunch that is eaten in the cafeteria. 

Snacks that are not on the list will NOT be allowed in the classroom due to severe allergies. Your cooperation and commitment in respecting this policy will ensure the safety of our students.

Healthy Kid-Friendly Snack Options
All fruits
All vegetables
Cheese sticks
Raisins
Applesauce
Goldfish brand goldfish crackers 

The following individually packaged options are acceptable as well. Items must be individually wrapped with label on and are brand specific.

Yogurt
Yoplait Go-Gurts, Go-Gurt Fizzix, Smoothies,
Trix yogurt cups
Dannon Danimals Drinkable yogurts
Dannon Danimals vanilla/strawberry surprised sprinklings
Dannon Frusion Drinks
Price Chopper squeezable yogurt tubes

Graham snacks/Animal Crackers
Nabisco Teddy Graham Snacks (Chocolatey chip, chocolate, honey cinnamon, minis)
Keebler Graham Crackers (Bug Bites, Scooby Doo bones)

Salty Snacks
Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Crackers - cheddar, rainbow, pretzel, baby, pizza, Parmesan varieties
Nabisco Cheese Nips Crackers-Cheddar, four cheese, and bold flavors
Sunshine Cheeze-its crackers

Though we can never fully prevent an allergic reaction, we are taking as many precautions as possible to lessen the likelihood of cross-contamination. We strive to create the safest environment possible for these young students who may not be able to advocate for themselves