Clarendon Elementary School Newsletter March 2016 Clarendon Elementary School 84 Grange Hall Road, North Clarendon, Vermont 05759 P: (802) 775-5379 F: (802) 747-7584 Fred Valastro, Principal •
[email protected]
“Every Student, Every Day, Our Personal Best in Every Way!” Hello Clarendon Families, I hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying the start of Spring or our Mud Season. We have Parent – Teacher conferences scheduled for the week of March 7th. Our scheduled conference day is the 10th. To ensure this time is valuable for you, I have included a list for you to review with your child’s teacher (I borrowed this from Parent University, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools). Research shows that student achievement increases when parents, students and teachers work as a team. The parent-teacher conference is an opportunity for you and your child’s teachers to engage in conversations about student learning at home and at school. In addition to the academics and understanding the data – scores, curriculum, and performance - you may want to notify your child’s teacher of: Any changes in the home that could affect school performance, any difficulties your child may be experiencing in school, changing special medical needs, new student or family after school activities, your child’s hopes and dreams, home responsibilities, and finally, the best way for the school to communicate with you. For those of you who do not get our weekly update, here is a message from Nurse Arlen: “I have seen a lot of illness this week at school and I am sure many of you as parents have been asking yourselves, Is it the cold or is it the flu? We have not had any confirmed cases of influenza at school, but have had several cases of "influenza-like illness" and flu is "widespread" in Vermont according to the Department of Health. When should sick children (or adults) should stay at home or seek medical attention? See our update for a chart or please contact me at school with any questions 775-5379 x104 or email me at
[email protected] - Alyssa Arlen MSN, RN Diversity is our March word of the month. If possible, please try to emphasize or highlight this word and its meaning at home. We want everyone in our school community to understand the value of Diversity. Understanding, empathy and open-mindedness along with kindness benefits every one of us! Please let us know if there are any other interested parties that want to receive this newsletter. Let us know what information you would like to see in your newsletter. Again, we welcome information and submissions from our community. Please send us your input or particulars (two weeks before the end of the month is helpful). All of us are here to help educate, support and model for the students. Your principal, Fred Valastro
IMPORTANT DATES
School Board Meetings Tuesday, March 8th- 6:30pm Tuesday, March 15th- 6:30pm
The children should be at school by 8:15 AM School starts at 8:20 AM - Thank you!
NO SCHOOL Parent Conferences Thursday, March 10th NO SCHOOL Professional Development Friday, March 11th
February 5th was a very busy day in Miss Doiron's kindergarten class! We celebrated the 100th day of school by sorting 100 snack items into 10 frames, playing games on the giant number grid with Mrs. Cohen, and bringing in collections of 100. Ellison O'Neil brought 100 things to help us celebrate her classmate, Xander Pennington's birthday (whose birthday was on the 100th day of school.) What a great way to show your paw pride Ellison!
In honor of Valentine's Day, kindergarteners used heart shape candies to sort and estimate.
After working hard to match and compare sets, kindergarteners used manipulatives to sort, to create, and to tell number stories.
Congratulations to the following kindergarten students for completing more than six hours of extra reading at home. For being their very best, these kindergarten students will each receive a free ticket to the Great Escape!
From Mrs Loyzelle's class: Mckenzie Eliza Lily Aviera Myah From Miss Doiron's class: Saorise Ellison Demarco Isabelle Gaige Lily Anne Miss Doiron's kindergarten attending the fourth grade science fair.
First Grade students were very excited and couldn’t wait to share their collections of 100 items in celebration of the 100th Day of School on February 5th! ( AND to share in the 100th Day party cake!)
100th Day Number Grid Hopping with Mrs. Cohen
Warming up with hot cocoa and whipped cream to celebrate the end of our winter MAP testing.
Celebrating the 100th Day with many activities including edible hundreds.
In Math, Grade Three worked on telling time time to the nearest minute and determining time intervals. Students learned to estimate and measure metric weights in grams and kilograms. Liquid volume was measured in liters and milliliters. Metric measurement concepts lead to understanding place value and the base ten system, which are then used to solve problems. We continue to work on multiplication and division.
In Social Studies, Third Grade has been studying the Northwest Coast Native Americans. We have learned about their plank houses, food sources, transportation, clothing, potlatches, totem poles, and customs. We studied the symmetry of their Chilkat blankets. We are working on informative writing based on the Northwest Coast Native American use of the cedar tree. Students made modern versions of the Kwakiutl Bear Masks.
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The fourth graders are hard at work in reading and writing. We have now completed seventeen chapters of Wonder, the best-selling book written by R. J. Palcio. Doctors have come from distant cities, just to see the main character of the story, Auggie Pullman. They stand over his bed, disbelieving what they're seeing. They say Auggie must be one of the wonders of God's own creation and as far as they see, they can offer no explanation. Fourth graders know what’s happening. Perhaps you’ll get the book and read it too. They’d be glad to discuss the book with anyone who asks. In science, the fourth graders completed their second science fair. The main theme of the fair was sound and sound levitators. Excellent side explorations were studies in Merkel Cell Cancer, geology, and crystals. In math, the children are using place value understanding and visual representations to solve multiplication and division problems with multi-digit numbers. This study moves slowly but comprehensively to develop students’ ability to reason about the methods and models chosen to solve problems with multidigit factors and dividends. Children are investigating the formulas for area and perimeter. They then solve multiplicative comparison problems including the language of times as much as with a focus on problems using area and perimeter as a context (e.g., “A field is 9 feet wide. It is 4 times as long as it is wide. What is the perimeter of the field?”). Based on this type of problem solving information, students create diagrams to represent these problems as well as write equations with symbols for the unknown quantities. We are working hard at understanding new and interesting word problems. We are learning to calculate with larger numbers and interpret more complex problems.
The Sixth Grade just completed their unit on Tom Sawyer with final projects ranging from monologues, drawings, newspaper articles, green screen reports, models and the most popular-board games. Each student was charged with the task of communicating their knowledge of key literary elements through a project of their choice and then described their projects in an oral presentation.
I Love To Read! Art Activity While visiting the Art room during I love To Read! every student created their own small handmade book. They spent time decorating and titling their book and began to fill it with stories, lists, drawings and other ideas!
Every year VITA-Learn, the state’s Information Technology Educators consortium, selects a small group of educators who are using technology in innovative ways from across Vermont to participate in programs and discussions about the power of technology in education as a part of their selective IGNITE program. This year, Mr. Bertelloni was chosen to be a part of the 2016 IGNITE cadre due to his work with students at Clarendon Elementary School. He has been recognized for the development of the Google Apps for Education program, the 5th and 6th grade 1:1 program, and his innovative instruction for students in Pre-K through 6th grade.
From the Literacy Coach: The year is flying along, but by now your child has had a lot of great experiences in reading and writing that we can really build on during the second half of the year. I have an exciting announcement to make in conjunction with our library. Later this month, we will be launching a reading challenge for our students. The theme will be a "Reading Road Trip" and will include a reading scavenger hunt as well as some fun dress up days. Here's a heads up so you can get your outfits lined up: Monday: State of the Union: Wear a shirt with a state name on it Tuesday: These Boots are Made for Walking: Wear your fun footwear-boots, shoes or socks. Wednesday: Places Everyone: Wear a shirt or hat with a favorite place in the USA (theme park, national landmark, sports stadium) Thursday: Be a Brave Traveler (wear something that represents a heroic character or a real life hero) Friday: There's No Place like Home (wear your CES colors or gear) Stay tuned for more information about our Reading Road Trip. This months tips are for parents of third graders. What a fantastic age to be a reader! There are more books for young readers being published every day, and third graders are independent enough to visit the library or bookstore and sample all there is to offer. They will still need your help in deciding what content is both interesting and age appropriate. While children of this age should be doing a fair amount of silent reading, it's always a good idea to listen to them read on a regular basis. Talk to them to make sure they can understand and discuss what they read. Books are a great way for your child to learn about the world and to expand their vocabulary. As always, if you have any concerns about your child's reading, please let his or her teacher know. With parent conferences coming up early this month, it's a great time to ask any questions that have been on your mind.
Beginning Badminton
Climbing Wall Unit
January’s PBiS prize was 4 Sparten arena Skate Passes and a Sled
The winner of the ping-pong drawing for January was
Ellison from Kindergarten!
January Ryan
Brielle
AM PreK
PM PreK
Lily
Bex
K-Loyzelle
K-Doiron
Logan
Caden
Isabella
1-Jakubowski
2-D’Amico
2-McLaughlin
Bronson
Ian
Isaac
3-Lind
3-Lind
4-Redman
Ayonna
Kaleb
Riley
5-Hogan
6-Pritchard
6-Moore
March Word of the month is Diversity means that there are lots of different kinds of things. the quality or state of having many different forms, types, ideas, etc. the state of having people who are different races or who have different cultures in a group or organization
CLARENDON AFTER SCHOOL It’s More Than Child Care
Making Popcorn
Crafts with Mrs. Carlson
This month one of our Fun Friday activities was to travel to Wallingford to see a magician. Logan and Xander helped him out with a few of his tricks!
Thank you for the pizza Ms. T!!
The annual "Music In Our Schools" celebration is fast approaching. Wednesday, March 16th is the day we will all gather at Mill River for a 10:30 or 12:30 concert including combined elementary/7th grade bands, combined choruses of 5th-6th and 7th grade students, representatives of Mill River's vocal ensembles and the "Jazz Lab." The combined elementary/middle school ensembles will meet prior to the 10:30 performance to rehearse together for the first time! Our students look forward to the opportunity to share this experience with students they will eventually play/sing beside in their middle/high school years while they get a glimpse of what they can look forward to by participating in the fine music programs that Mill River offers.
This Land is Your Land
Our K-3 students are learning many songs about different land formations that can be seen all across the United States. They will sing all about them in their upcoming performance of “This Land is Your Land” on March 29th. They will perform their dress rehearsal at 9:00 a.m. for the school and any parents who cannot attend the evening performance taking place at 7:00 p.m. Please mark your calendars so that all may participate. More details about the concert will be forthcoming! Your encouragement and support will further enhance an exciting performance by all of these young artists!
Clarendon Elementary School 84 GRANGE HALL ROAD NORTH CLARENDON, VERMONT 05759
Fred C. Valastro Principal
Telephone (802) 775-5379 Fax (802) 747-7584
Dear Parents and Guardians, RE: Winter Sports Program – PICO is Closed The lack of snow and unusually warm weather has caused PICO to close. Ms. Mary-Graham Rasco will evaluate the program at Killington. If all is safe and similar, she will arrange for our students to continue the program at Killington. This will be for the next two previously scheduled weeks. If for any reason you do not want your child to travel to Killington to participate in that program, please contact the main office. Call Fred or Amanda at 775-5379 or e-mail Amanda at
[email protected]. The reports from the mountain have been stupendous. The children seem to be having a terrific time. Of course all of this would not be possible if we did not have our coordinator Ms. Rasco and her enthusiastic band of volunteers along with our devoted and selfless Clarendon Staff. They have enhanced the experience for the kids on the mountain and back here at CES. Thank you ALL!!
MARCH NEWS YOU CAN U SE From Ms. T and the After School Program Calendars –It is extremely important to fill out and return the after school calendar. We have had several children come to the ASP not know what they were supposed to be doing, or had 15 students showing up for a workshop. Please take a moment to go over the calendar with your child, sign it and return it to the ASP as soon as possible. Thank you. New WorkshopTime – Please note the new workshop times. Workshops will run from 3:45 – 5:15. This will give the students some time to decompress after the school day. They will have time to socialize and play before workshops begin. 3/25 Fun Friday – I am still working on the details of this Fun Friday Event. I will send details as soon as they are finalized. School Garden – Officially, spring is just around the corner. In the past, Clarendon Elementary School has had a school garden. The after school program is hoping to start that tradition again. Gardens are a great way to connect children to the food they eat and teach environmental stewardship. We are looking for someone or a group of people to help the afterschool program start and run a garden club for the children. If you are interested or know someone who might be, contact Tracey Tinsley at school or by email. Thank You. Homework & Computer Games – This workshop is for students who would like to do their homework or would like help with their homework. State regulations limit the amount of screen time students can have during the after school program. To comply with the regulations, computer games will only be available for the last 30 minutes of this workshop. If a child is finished with their homework before this time, he/she may join another workshop, read, or play a quiet game. Fun Friday Food Drive Did you know that over 13% of households in Vermont are food insecure and 12,290 Vermont children depend on food shelves each month? Last month we donated over 50 food items to the Rutland Community Cupboard. Thank you all for your contributions. Late Pick-up – The after school program ends at 5:30. Pick-up is expected by this time. Please be considerate of our staff and be sure your children are picked up on time. If your child is not picked up by 5:30, a late fee of $5.00 per child for the first fifteen minutes (5:30-5:45) and $1.00 per minute per child for every minute after that. If an emergency arises and you are going to be late, please contact us by calling the school and dialing x 225. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at school or email
[email protected]. Financial assistance may be available for students who would like to attend the after school program but cannot afford to. Contact me for more information. All inquiries are confidential.
March Workshop Descriptions Homework / Activities (All grades) This is a quiet time when students work on homework. There are adults available to assist with homework or projects, listen to students read, or offer other assistance students may require. When children are finished with homework they may join another workshop, read, or play a quiet game. Computer games will be available for the last 30 minutes of this workshop (4:45-5:15). Children will have access to computers for specific homework assignments at any time. Lego Club (K-3) - Using the Lego Learning System, students will work independently and cooperatively toproblem solve a variety of engineering challenges. (continued next page)
Ping Pong (3-6) –Our new ping pong table is a hit with the students (and some of the adults). Join Mrs. Reynolds to learn more about the game improve your skills and compete against other players. Book Club (K-2) -. Join Ms. Doiron to read and discuss our book, then do a super fun activity. Cross Stitch Fun(3-6) – Students will work with threading floss and hand needles to build fine motor skills. They will work with needle hole punched card stock to create fun and colorful designs. Various animal shaped cards will be available and students will get to create colorful clothing for each animal that will be hand stitched using their new skill. Pottery (3-6) – Diane Rosenmiller from Rising Meadow Pottery is back to work with our aspiring potters. This spring clay workshop will focus on planters for flowers or herbs, bird houses, and garden art. We will be using a terra cotta red clay and colorful slips for decorating the pieces. Fun With Numbers (K-2)– Do you love numbers? Do you like to play games? Join Mrs. Moore to explore the playful side of math while developing a solid math foundation. Speedminton (3-6) –Learn the game that is played in over 32 different countries. Speedminton is faster than Badminton and played without a net - anywhere, anytime. In this workshop, you will learn the skills to play and have plenty of game time. Come play one of the hottest racquet games around. Environmental Literacy (K-3) – Come and explore nature with five senses as we learn about our neighborhood trees and surrounding environment. Outdoor Man (3-6) – Outdoor specialist Bob Stefanski teaches various outdoor skills and concepts including ice fishing, archery, tying flies. Fun Friday (All grades): 3/4 -This month our Movie and Popcorn Food Drive will be featuring movie Wall-E. Please note this movie is rated PG. The fee for thisFun Friday is a non-perishable food item that will be donated to the Rutland Community Cupboard. 3/18 -Bowling
Clarendon ASP
March 2016 29 3:00-3:30 Attendance, & Physical Activity 3:30- 3:45 Snack 3:45 -5:15 Homework & Computer Games (A) 3:45 -5:15 Lego Club(K2) 3:45 -5:15Ping Pong (36)
1 3:00-3:30 Attendance, & Physical Activity 3:30- 3:45 Snack 3:45 -5:15 Homework & Computer Games (A) 3:45 -5:15Book Club (K2) 3:45 -5:15Cross Stitch Fun (1-6) 3:45 -5:15Pottery (3-6)
2 3:00-3:30 Attendance, & Physical Activity 3:30- 3:45 Snack 3:45-5:15Homework & Computer Games (A) 3:45-5:15Fun w/ Numbers (K-2) 3:45-5:15Speedminton(3-6)
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3:00-3:30 Attendance, & Physical Activity 3:30- 3:45 Snack 3:45-5:15 Homework & Computer Games (A) 3:45-5:15 Environmental Literacy(K-3) 3:45-5:15 Outdoor Man (36)
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3:00-3:30 Attendance, & Physical Activity 3:30- 3:45 Snack 3:45 -5:15 Homework & Computer Games (A) 3:45 -5:15 Lego Club (K2) 3:45 -5:15 Ping Pong (36)
3:00-3:30 Attendance, & Physical Activity 3:30- 3:45 Snack 3:45 -5:15 Homework & Computer Games (A) 3:45 -5:15Book Club (K2) 3:45 -5:15Cross Stitch Fun (1-6) 3:45 -5:15Pottery (3-6)
3:00-3:30 Attendance, & Physical Activity 3:30- 3:45 Snack 3:45-5:15 Homework & Computer Games (A) 3:45-5:15 Fun w/ Numbers (K-2) 3:45-5:15Speedminton (36)
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3:00-3:30 Attendance, & Physical Activity 3:30- 3:45 Snack 3:45 -5:15 Homework & Computer Games (A) 3:45 -5:15 Lego Club (K2) 3:45 -5:15 Ping Pong (36)
3:00-3:30 Attendance, & Physical Activity 3:30- 3:45 Snack 3:45 -5:15 Homework & Computer Games (A) 3:45 -5:15Book Club (K2) 3:45 -5:15Cross Stitch Fun (1-6) 3:45 -5:15Pottery (3-6)
3:00-3:30 Attendance, & Physical Activity 3:30- 3:45 Snack 3:45-5:15 Homework & Computer Games (A) 3:45-5:15 Fun w/ Numbers (K-2) 3:45-5:15Speedminton (36)
3:00-3:30 Attendance, & Physical Activity 3:30- 3:45 Snack 3:45-5:15 Homework & Computer Games (A) 3:45-5:15 Environmental Literacy(K-3) 3:45-5:15 Outdoor Man (36)
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3:00-3:30 Attendance, & Physical Activity 3:30- 3:45 Snack 3:45 -5:15 Homework & Computer Games (A) 3:45 -5:15 Lego Club (K2) 3:45 -5:15 Ping Pong (36)
3:00-3:30 Attendance, & Physical Activity 3:30- 3:45 Snack 3:45 -5:15 Homework & Computer Games (A) 3:45 -5:15Book Club (K2) 3:45 -5:15Cross Stitch Fun (1-6) 3:45 -5:15Pottery (3-6)
3:00-3:30 Attendance, & Physical Activity 3:30- 3:45 Snack 3:45-5:15 Homework & Computer Games (A) 3:45-5:15 Fun w/ Numbers (K-2) 3:45-5:15Speedminton (36)
3:00-3:30 Attendance, & Physical Activity 3:30- 3:45 Snack 3:45-5:15 Homework & Computer Games (A) 3:45-5:15 Environmental Literacy(K-3) 3:45-5:15 Outdoor Man (36)
MOVIE & POPCORN
11 Teacher Inservice No School
Teacher Inservice No School
18 Fun Friday
BOWLING
25 Fun Friday
TBA Details to Follow
Clarendon Elementary School 84 Grange Hall Road, North Clarendon, Vermont 05759 P: (802) 775-5379 F: (802) 747-7584 Fred Valastro, Principal •
[email protected] www.rssu.org
Every Student, Every Day, Our Personal Best in Every Way!
Sun
Mon February 29th Town Meeting Clarendon Elementary School 7:30pm
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10 NO SCHOOL Parent Conferences
11 NO SCHOOL Professional Development
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Voting Clarendon Town Hall
10:00am-7:00pm
8 Last Day of Winter Sports Program School Board 6:30pm
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School Board 6:30pm
MRUHS 10:30 & 12:30
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“This Land is Your Land” K-3 Music Program 9:00am & 7:00pm
