Report Card and Parent-Teacher Conference Information

Report Card and Parent-Teacher Conference Information

Report Cards will be sent home Friday, Dec. 8.

Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled for the afternoons of
Thursday, December 14 and Friday, December 15.

Dismissal for all children will be 11:30 am on both days.  

A conference form reminder including date and time information will be sent home by the end of this week.

More on Standards-Based Grading

We have changed how we grade and report on student progress for this school year. The new standards-based approach will give you more accurate, detailed information about your child’s performance in relation to State and District Standards. It will allow teachers to better meet the needs of individual students and will give students a clearer picture of their strengths and areas in need of growth.

Report Cards:

Our report cards are aligned to the Common Core Learning Standards. You will find:

1. Category titles and descriptions reflecting the NYS Common Core Learning Standards.

2. Grading keys reflecting student progress toward State and District Standards.

3. Behaviors of the learner that reflect student skill necessary to be a successful learner (Behaviors that Support Learning).

Standards-Based Report Cards:

1. Describe what a student should know and be able to do at an identified point in time.

2. Reflect grade-level standards and expectations, so families gain a clearer understanding of student progress.

3. Provide consistent evaluations throughout the year based on individualized instruction information.

Academic Achievement Key:

Key	Grading Guidelines
3	Meeting New York State and District Standards
2	Working toward New York State and District Standards
1	Not meeting New York State and District Standards
NA	Standard not assessed at this time

Behaviors that Support Learning Key:

C	Consistently Meeting Expectations
W	Working Toward Expectations
D	Experiencing Difficulty with Expectations

Special Area teachers in Art, Music, Library and Physical Education will also use this same rating scale when reporting on student progress.

  

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your parent-teacher conference, please do not hesitate to contact the classroom teacher.

~Lori

Feeling Grateful All Around Stonehedge

One thing becomes pretty clear this time of year...we have some amazing students and we are so grateful for each and every one of them.

As our students have been studying the character trait Gratitude this week as part of the Positivity Project, they have demonstrated some ways they can be thankful and express gratitude in their lives.

You are aware of and thankful for good things that happen.

Many classes read "My Gratitude Jar", by Kristin Wiens. After reading the story, Mrs. Malbone's kindergarten class made a gratitude jar and each student wrote something they were thankful for on a slip of paper. When the class is having a rough day in the future, they will turn to their gratitude jar and remind them of all the wonderful things they are thankful for.

Brightening a Meal

Students in grades k-2 took time last week to color paper placemats with a "Happy Thanksgiving" message on them. The placemats will be delivered to both the Rescue Mission and Meals on Wheels to help brighten the table on Thanksgiving Day. 

These second graders did a wonderful job coloring!

Hard at work! Second graders put the finishing touches on their placemats.

It's Cheetah Time!

Students in Miss Kolis and Mrs. Colburn's first grade class roared into Cheetah Central recently in celebration of earning 25 compliments. Students got to choose what they would like to learn about for a day and they chose the cheetah! They made cheetah masks and played cheetah-themed games throughout the day all while learning all about their favorite large cat. Among other facts, they learned that the cheetah is the world's fastest land animal, it is an endangered species, and it is a mammal. 

Positivity Project to Focus on Gratitude, Humility/Modesty, and Kindness

As Thanksgiving approaches, it is fitting to study the character traits of Gratitude, Humility/Modesty, and Kindness as we approach the holiday season. 

Throughout the last week of November and into December, students will be exploring what each of these traits mean:

WHAT DOES HUMILITY/MODESTY MEAN?

You do not seek the spotlight. You let your actions speak for themselves.

WHAT DOES KINDNESS MEAN?

You are generous to others and you are never too busy to help out. You enjoy doing good deeds for other people. 

Attention Kindergarten Parents:

You are invited to join your friends and classmates for a fun
Kindergarten Get-Together
Thursday, December 7, 6:30 – 7:30 pm.

Let’s play games, listen to a story in the library, make a craft, and enjoy a snack together.  Kindergarten children and their family members will have the opportunity to mingle with other families and get to know one another. 

Hope to see you on December 7 in the Blue Cafeteria!

Snow Days May Be Coming Soon

Though we were fortunate to have had a mild November so far, snow is just around the corner. When winter weather is predicted, stay tuned to Dr. Brown's twitter feed, the website, district Facebook page, the West Genesee app, and the local radio and television stations for information on delays and cancellations. In addition, 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!

Blackboard communications software allows us to send emails, texts, phone app notifications, and make phone calls. (Phone calls will be used for emergency situations only) Parent/Guardians and Staff will NOT need to sign-up to receive information from schools that you are registered for in Schooltool. (You will have the option to opt-out if you choose not to receive emails, texts, and/or phone calls.)

For more information and/or to sign-up (if you are not a parent/guardian or staff in the Schooltool system) go to the website and click on the WG Communications logo from the home page, or logo above. For more information about the new system click here. 

Important Dates:

Wednesday, Nov. 22-24--No School, Thanksgiving Break

Enjoy this special time with your family and friends,
Lori

This Week was Filled with Fall Fun

This week's soggy weather tried its hardest to dampen our spirits, but we wouldn't let it!! Our quick-thinking and flexible physical education staff worked together with other special area teachers and pulled off a fabulous Turkey Trot. Walking outside while weather permitted, then indoors when the rain began, collectively students walked 800 miles. Or, the equivalent of walking from Stonehedge to sunny Myrtle Beach, South Carolina!

We were once again humbled by the generosity of our Stonehedge family. Boxes and boxes were filled with donated food items which will go to families in need right in our own community. 

These kindergarten students walked in their first Turkey Trot!

First graders trotted inside once the rain started.

Second graders made the most of the day, walking and laughing the whole time.

Carving in Time for Some Special Learning

Porter, like many other kindergarten students, helped carve a pumpkin this week. Teachers tied the fun activity into learning about the five senses. "What does the pumpkin smell like inside? What do the seeds feel like?"

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.  

Austin and Alyssa in Mrs. Donahue's kindergarten class helped Firefighter Mazzoni demonstrate how to Stop, Drop, and Roll.

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. 

Stonehedge's annual Veterans Appreciation Day  event will be on Thursday, November 9. As a reminder to families of veterans and active duty servicemen and women who will be joining us, your student is welcome to join their family in the library as early as 8:30 a.m. However, they must report to their homeroom teacher before moving on to the gym after the bell rings (or else they may be marked absent). If your child will ride the bus and then meet family in the gym, please ensure they report to their homeroom first, and then go to the gym. 

Positivity Project to Focus on Bravery, Gratitude, and Humility/Modesty

At this time of year, it is fitting to study the character traits of Bravery (Veterans Day), Gratitude (Thanksgiving), and Humility/Modesty as we approach the holiday season. 

Throughout November, students will be exploring what each of these traits mean:

WHAT DOES BRAVERY MEAN?

You act with mental, moral, or physical

strength even when you know things are

difficult or scary.

WHAT DOES GRATITUDE MEAN?

You are aware of and thankful for good things

that happen.

WHAT DOES HUMILITY MEAN?

You do not seek the spotlight. You let your

actions speak for themselves.

Upcoming Dates:

Sunday, November 5 -- Daylight Savings Time Ends, Set clocks back 1 hour

Tuesday, November 7 --Early Dismissal at 11:30 a.m. (Professional Development half-day)

Thursday, November 9-- Veterans Appreciation Day 

Thursday, November 9 -- PTA Meeting, 6:30 p.m., library

Friday, November 10 -- No School, Veterans Day

~Lori

Happy Halloween and Remember Turkey Trot Tomorrow!

The rain and cold couldn't dampen our Halloween spirit today!

The Turkey Trot Is Tomorrow (Wednesday, November 1)

The 16th annual Turkey Trot will be held tomorrow. Stayed tuned for further information about the event. Please remember that Turkey Trot is held outdoors, so please dress children accordingly in warm clothing and footwear. 

Notification will be sent by 9 a.m. on Wednesday, November 1 if the Turkey Trot will be cancelled or rescheduled. 

Please see below for information on Turkey Trot times and suggested donations:

Kindergarten, 12:55-1:35 p.m., $10.00 gift cards from Wegmans, Tops, or Wal-Mart

Grade 1, 1:40-2:20, Instant mashed potatoes, gravy

Grade 2, 2:25-3:05, Boxed stuffing, canned vegetables

Have a safe and Happy Halloween,

Lori

SOCKTOBER and Other Fall Fun at Stonehedge

Introducing SOCKTOBER!

Last week we kicked off our monthly Positivity Project assembly with an invitation for students to help show that #otherpeoplematter by participating in Socktober! Socks are one of the most needed, but least donated, items in homeless shelters. Students were shown a short video by Kid President (click here to view) introducing the idea of the sock drive. Stonehedge is collecting socks through the end of this week (October 20) and donations will go to the local Rescue Mission. 

During the assembly, teachers, teacher assistants, and staff all showed students what character trait was their strength by raising their hands as Mrs. Keevil read through the list of 24 traits. Kids cheered along as teachers came forward to showcase their different strengths. It demonstrated that even "grown ups" have different strengths and abilities. 

Welcoming New Staff to Stonehedge

Stonehedge is happy to welcome several new faces to our family.

Speech Pathologist Mrs. Dunham joins us full time after being in the district for four years in several different buildings. 

Physical Education teachers Miss Cizenski and Mrs. Klink join our physical education department alongside Mrs. Barbuto and Mr. Mercado. This fantastic team will lead the Turkey Trot on November 1. Stay tuned for more information on that fun and important day. 

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 Tuesday, October 31, 2017.  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.  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.

5.    In the event of inclement weather, the parade will be cancelled and a text will be sent out via Parent Link. 

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 26, 2017 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! 

Important Dates:

Mon., October 16 - Fri., October 20 - SOCKTOBER 

Wednesday, October 18 - PTA Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, October 31 - Halloween Parade, 10 a.m.

Character Strength Calendar:

October 15-21 Teamwork/Citizenship

October 22-28 Creativity

October 29 - November 4 Bravery

~Lori

Many Engaging Visitors to Stonehedge Speak with Students

CODE Presentations Focus on Safety of Students

Yesterday Officer Brand, of the Camillus Police Department, visited Stonehedge Blue for our first Community Oriented Drug Education (CODE) assembly of the year. She spoke on different topics at each grade level.

Camillus Police Officer Brand speaks with second-grade students. 

Jami Bolton, Outreach and Education Senior Specialist with the McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center, teaches kindergarten students about growing up healthy and staying safe. 

Kindergarten – The focus for this presentation is on physical safety. The officer explained the role of police officers as well as the components that are a part of their uniform. Kindergarten students have a lot of questions regarding the “gear” that police officers wear. Also, the officers discussed the importance of students learning their address and telephone numbers and when is the right time to call 911. The students also learn what to do if a person unfamiliar to them approaches them and attempts to take them to another place. The children watched a video called “Billy and the Bus”, which reinforces the discussion on strangers.

First Grade – Students today had a presentation with the staff at The McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center co-presenting with Officer Brand. The emphasis was on being safe and growing up healthy, learning the difference between “secrets” and “surprises” and identifying solutions to problems and that problems are a normal part of life. The children were read the book, “Your Body Belongs To You.”

Second Grade – The theme of the presentation was on bullying and bullying behavior, including exclusion. Officer Brand read the book, “Juice Box Bully” and watched two Sesame Street video.

Videos are available for your viewing after students have seen them. Click here to view.  

Author and Cartoonist Frank Cammuso Kicks of PTA's PARP Program

We were recently treated to a presentation by author and cartoonist Frank Cammuso . As a kindergartener, Cammuso attended Stonehedge and he shared his experiences growing up in the Syracuse area with our students. He urged students to keep up the hard work. Even if something they love is difficult, they should stay with it. 

Cammuso's visit was part of the month-long PTA's Pick A Reading Partner  (PARP) program. There are many fun events scheduled throughout October including library nights and the book fair. Be sure to check out the PARP calendar that went home with your children.  

Throughout the month of October, many PARP guest readers will visit the school and read stories to our students. Below, Mr. Sparks, seventh-grade teacher at West Genesee Middle School, delights students as he reads to Mrs. Lauricella's kindergarten class. 

Neil Widrick, BOE member,  shares his favorite childhood book The Pokey Little Puppy with Mrs. Cunningham's first-grade students. 

We Need You!

For more than 50 years, Stonehedge PTA has brought in unique programming, activities, authors, musical groups, family nights, and much more to benefit the thousands of Stonehedge families who come through our doors. 

As in the past, none of this would be possible without the dedication of volunteers. This year is no exception, in fact, the need for volunteers is dire. If more volunteers don't come forward, many of Stonehedge's beloved programming will, unfortunately, fall by the wayside. Events like Family Fun Night, game nights, PARP, enrichment, and student activities like the yearbook are in danger of being canceled. 

So why not grab a group of 4-5 friends and come forward to help with an event or program?? We Need You! You'll be working with people you know and as the saying goes, many hands make light work! It doesn't have to be a huge commitment, a few hours here and there can make a HUGE impact. 

Interested? Grab your #VolSquad #DreamTeam and contact Larraine Farella at lfarella@westgenesee.org. We are excited to have you! 

Dates to Remember: 
No school on Monday, October 9 in observance of Columbus Day. 
Tuesday, October 10 - Library Night 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 18 - PTA Meeting 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the Library
Tuesday, October 24 - Library Night 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 31 - Halloween Parade 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, November 1 - Turkey Trot

Enjoy the long weekend with family,
Lori

Strategic Planning Team Seeks Input and October Happenings

Dear Stonehedge Community,

Every year, the West Genesee Strategic Planning Team asks all stakeholders (students, staff, parents, and the community-at-large) to provide feedback on areas of strength and areas for potential growth.  This year, Dr. Brown has partnered with Thought Exchange - a web-based organization that will help us reach more of the community to maximize your direct input.

Using the email you have shared with us already for SchoolTool, you will be given a link to take part in the first stage of this survey, the Share Stage. You can tell us what we are doing well and what can we improve. This step will take approximately 5 - 10 minutes. A few weeks after that, you will be asked to take part in the Star phase where you will see others’ responses.  You have the opportunity to “rate” the comments that resonate with you. The final stage, Discover, is where you will have a chance to see what concepts are most important to all participants.

Please know that your submissions are confidential, but not anonymous to Thought Exchange. Thought Exchange will not share the authors of comments with the District. Your name will not appear on your submissions. This allows you to answer fairly and honestly. However, responses that are demeaning to any individuals will be removed by Thought Exchange.  

The members of the Strategic Planning Team will use this information in evaluating our successes as well as our areas in need of improvement when we begin planning for 2018 - 2019 school year.

Please take the time to complete the survey when it is sent to you. Although the link cannot be forwarded, there are directions on how to get other community members on the list if they don’t receive an invitation. We truly want to hear from as many people connected to West Genesee as possible.

Visit our Book Fair
Come enjoy the PTA's annual Fall Book Fair going on Tuesday - Thursday, October 3rd - 5th.  Hours are 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm.  All books are on sale, 25% off!  Book Fair is located in the Gold Lobby.

 A Little About our Lunch Program

Lunchtime is a social time for students. They enjoy the opportunity to talk with their peers and relax a bit before returning to the classroom for afternoon academics.  Now that children have settled into the school routine more, students will begin to purchase a school lunch.  Review the menu, so your child knows the choices for the day and feels comfortable communicating with the cafeteria staff. 

Please continue to use the following links to plan your child's weekly meals and place money on their accounts for purchases in our cafeteria. It is essential to keep a close eye on your child's account balance. Please utilize the low account balance notification alert that is available through your child's Myschoolbucks account. As always, you can prepay online, or at the cafeteria cash registers to avoid the online service fee charged by Myschoolbucks.

Menu Link

http://www.westgenesee.org/District/FoodService/FoodService_menus.cfm

Myschoolbucks Link 
https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/login/getmain?requestAction=home

District Website (with information to set up Myschoolbucks account)
http://westgenesee.org/District/FoodService/FoodServicesOverview.cfm

Lunch Program Application
Please remember that if you plan on applying for benefits under the National School Lunch Program, you should submit that as soon as possible. If you are receiving benefits based on last school years' approval, that approval will expire on October 18, 2017. Regardless of your approval status from last year, you must reapply no later than October 18, 2017, for this school year. Click HERE for an application. Return completed application to the main office. 

Enjoy this beautiful Autumn weather!

~Lori