Stonehedge Blue Falls into Action

The school year is well underway and we have been very busy at Stonehedge. Below you will find information about things that have happened so far, and great things to come in the month of October.

"Fall in Love with Reading Together" during October with PARP

Fall in Love with Reading Together is our theme for PARP this year and evidence of reading together can be seen throughout the building. Guest Readers have shared their favorite stories with Stonehedge children emphasizing the importance of developing a love of reading. 

We thank Dr. Brown, Mr. Paczkowski, and many others who have contributed to our PARP program. PARP (Parents as Reading Partners) is a PTA program that asks parents to make a commitment to read with their children at least 15 minutes daily.(Pictured above, Dr. Brown reads to students during his visit Mrs. Bailey's second grade classroom.He was one of many individuals who were invited to serve as a guest reader during the month of October.)  

Reading at home with your child is the number one predictor of later reading success. Please be sure to reference the PARP calendar (available here) so your family can share in the exciting events planned throughout the month. Families read together during a well-attended library night held this week, as pictured at right.

Students were eager to discover where the leaf they created ended up in the colorful display set up in each lobby.  


 
Middle school students were guest readers in Mrs. Malbone's kindergarten class.

iPads Arrive in Kindergarten Classrooms

To support our full day kindergarten program, teachers are welcoming iPads into their classrooms. Pictured at right students are learning how to use them and making great use of several different educational apps.(Kindergarten students work with their teacher Mrs. Leondaris (left) and SYSOP Nori Gartner-Baca (right) on the new iPads.

Storyteller Keith Munslow Entertains During Character Education Assembly

Our Character Education Kick-off assembly is always something special and this year was no different! Mr. Keith Munslow, a storyteller, artist, and musician performed for all students last week. It was a highly interactive performance enjoyed by all. Thank you to Mr. Suddaby for arranging this assembly for all children district-wide. Mrs. Elmer, our ADAPEP councilor took this opportunity to explain our Stonehedge Stands Up initiative. She encouraged everyone to work together to create an environment where students and staff take care of one another.  

SAVE THE DATE
The 12th Annual Turkey Trot will be held on Friday, Nov. 1. The Turkey Trot is a fun run/walk where children, by grade level, "trot" on a course in Stonehedge's front parking lot. On the day of the Turkey Trot, we encourage you to join your child during their schedule time to walk, jog, or run.  

This year's Turkey Trot will be held in memory of Sophie Kawejsza and money will be raised for Sophie's Giving Tree. A schedule for the day and more information about Sophie's Giving Tree will be coming home soon. 

Students in Mrs. Schweitzer’s second grade class planted flowers in Sophie’s Garden earlier this month. Thank you to the Kawejsza family for tenderly caring for the garden all spring and summer and then giving the second grade students the opportunity to fill the garden with mums from an array of autumn colors. Please take notice of the garden as you enter Stonehedge as it is truly beautiful! 

R-E-S-E-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me…

This month’s character education trait is RESPECT. Thank you to Mrs. Bailey and Miss Dusart’s classes for sharing their examples of how they think we should respect ourselves and each other. Students watched a catchy video clip that you can view by clicking here if you would like for further discussion at home. 

Students Recognized with HEDGE Awards

Students were recognized with HEDGE Awards for last month’s character trait of Responsibility. Congratulations to our HEDGE recipients pictured below! At left, are first grade honorees.

Principal Keevil congratulates 2nd grade HEDGE award recipients pictured at right.

 
Students in Miss Dusart's and Mrs. Bailey's classes spoke about respect and are pictured at left.

A complete list of October's HEDGE recipients is below:

Grade 1

Luke Alfieri, Angie Allen, Tucker Bealer, Anna Biggs, Garrett Bleskoski, Gracie Burns, Ty Buza, Samantha Casson, Devin Dantuano, Laura Davis, Audrey Diddle, Norah Emery, Zachary Hann, Carly Mathewson, Jack Neves, Ryan O'Hern, Calina Olson, Rowan Prior, Christopher Ramones, Devin Shepard, Jonathan Shoults, Ryan Tabaczyk, Isabella Vallely, Zakaria Zagha

Grade 2

Bella Abear, Autumn Ambrusko, Lauren Battaglia, Caden Brosh, Wyatt Corbin, Noah Cosamano, David Desko, Bridget Dunham, Jillian Halko, Maura Hennessey, Teshale Kelly, Karolina Lata, Nicole Mavente, Ella McIntyre, Gary McLane, Kelly McManus, Frank Nazarkiewicz, Camille Ogden, Kyaira Orozco, David Petercsak, Landyn Shaw, Hannah Sparks, Quentin Wallis

Congratulations to the Stonehedge PTA
Our PTA celebrated its 50th anniversary during a celebration held Thursday evening. Representatives from both NYS PTA and Central Region PTA congratulated Stonehedge PTA and presented a framed certificate. The West Genesee District Council presented plaques to the organization in honor of the anniversary. 

Since 1963, the group has been an active part of the Stonehedge community. Dedicated volunteers have worked countless hours to help bring programs and activities to the school that enhance and enrich the school experience for every child.

Dr. Brown and Board of Education President Deb Simon also attended the celebration. At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Brown spoke for a few minutes about the upcoming Capital Project. To learn more, please click here. Remember to vote on Tuesday, November 12 from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the West Genesee High School Auditorium Lobby.

Family Fun Night

This Friday, October 18, our PTA will sponsor Family Fun Night.  The event takes place from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.  Come as a family and enjoy story time, face painting, music and dancing, bingo, pizza, and much more.

Important Halloween Parade Update
Due to the new dismissal time for middle school students, our Halloween Parade will be held at 10:30 a.m. It begins with our K-2 students; followed directly by our grade 3-5 students. Hope to see you all there! There is NO need to sign in for parade viewing. In the event of inclement weather, an SNN notification will be sent. Let's just hope for a sunny day! 

Final thoughts:
October 14, No School: Observance of Columbus Day
October 15, Fire Safety Awareness Day
October 18, Family Fun Night
October 25, Half-Day for students, 11:30 a.m. dismissal time
October 31, Halloween Parade, time TBA
November 1, Turkey Trot
November 12, Referendum Vote, West Genesee High School Auditorium Lobby

Have a great long weekend!
Mrs. Keevil

Welcome Back!

Dear Stonehedge Families,  

I am very excited to kick off the 2013-2014 school year. Thank you to parents, students, teachers, and staff all of whom have made the first few opening days of school a huge success! I have taken many photos to share so that you can feel a part of our first week of school. I hope you can sense the warmth and excitement that is felt at Stonehedge.

We have experienced today our very first full day of kindergarten. Each kindergarten teacher brought their class through the lunch line and taught the children how lunch is done at Stonehedge. I must say around 1:00 p.m. some eyelids became heavy and a dazed look could be found on some of our youngest learners. After lunch, rest, and a good story, students revved up for afternoon activities. If your kindergarten student comes home and you ask them what they did, don’t believe it when they say, “nothing!” 

Our upcoming Open House has been scheduled for Thursday, September 12. The purpose of the Open House is to provide parents and guardians the opportunity to view the physical environment of your child’s classroom as well as become acquainted with the curriculum and classroom procedures. We ask that children not attend our Open House. It is a night for parents only. Grade level presentation times are as follows:                  

• K-1: 6:30-6:55 
• 2-3: 7:00-7:25 
• 4-5: 7:30-7:55

I truly feel that it is an honor to lead and educate your children socially, emotionally, and academically. Students learn best when they are safe and having fun. We will work to ensure that we provide this setting for the students at Stonehedge while striving for academic excellence. I look forward to connecting with you at Open House!

Lori
  
Please enjoy a few more pictures from the first few days of school below...

June Wrap Up

Final Chapter - The Last Hoorah!

June Wrap-up
It has been a month to remember. Although the weather has not cooperated in many cases, Stonehedge was still able to squeeze in several fun end of the year activities. I have included some incredible photos of our students wrapping up the year in style. I hope you enjoy them.

Read, Read and Read Some More!
I have mentioned countless times, the importance of reading each day. This holds true for vacation as well. Summer regression is real and as a family, you must make a commitment to ensure that reading remains a priority. Reading can be one of the many fun activities children fill their summer time with. There are many websites available with suggested reading lists. The Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC) has suggested reading lists created for kids - by kids (click here to go to the K-2 reading list). Our very own librarian, Mrs. Abbott suggested this reading list as a starting point. Our local libraries have programs for all ages and provide structured reading programs for your children to join. Please curl up with your child and take the opportunity to share some of your own childhood favorites. I'll bet they will enjoy them as much as you did!  

Send Me an Old Fashion Postcard
As I walked around to classrooms this morning, many students shared the highlights of their summer plans and I must say that I'm excited for the adventures that await them. I told students that I would include mailing information so they could send me a postcard while on vacation. I would love to catch a glimpse of these experiences. So, if interested, please send mail to:
                
                Stonehedge Elementary School
                Mrs. Keevil
                400 Sanderson Drive
                Camillus, NY 13031

 

This has been an incredible year and it has been my honor and pleasure to watch each child grow academically and socially. I wish you an enjoyable summer filled with many opportunities to make memories with family and friends. See you in September!

Lori 

Let the Good Times Roll & Summer Begin!

Hedge Awards for the Month of June:  Kindness & Courtesy

                                       1^st Grade:

Miss Cantone - Noah Austin, Henry Steitz, Osvaldo Valenzuela, Azaria White

Mrs. Cunningham – Maya Abedrabbah, Noah Cosamano, Bridget Dunham, Allison Shortslef

Mrs. Donahue –  Madison Barrett, David Desko, Michael Hess, Sam Mauro

Mrs. Malbone –  Mason Miller, Liam Tyler

Miss Munley – Leah Flint, Kaitlyn Hoy, Emily Schiffer

Mrs. Vincentini – Gary McLane, Kelly Mc Manus, Kaitlynn Salvatore, Collin Schweitzer 

Mrs. Vislosky – Brianna Bullock, David Fisher, David Peterscak, Charlie Searle

2^nd Grade:

Mrs. Bailey - Ava Hanlon, Taryn Mann, Andrew Mauro, Paul Walintukan

Mrs. Carrington -  Maria Girozov, Jerry Grobsmith, Isabella Longo, Hannah Mazzoni

Miss Dusart - Alexis Byrne, Michael Herrington, Daniel McManus, Zoryana Yaromich

Mrs. Prosser - Brianna McLaughlin, Cameron Noce, Eli Owens, Adam Salak

Mrs. Schweitzer - Kaitlin Fisher, Isabella Gibson-Rudy, Molly McIntyre

Mrs. Shepard – Sarah Bacon, Ayva Dykes, Gavin Garofalo, Tyler Tabaczyk

Ladybug Release - Scientists at Work!

 

Water Carnival Festivities

First Grade Looking Snazzy in their Tee Shirts

Second Graders Testing Out Their Airplane Designs

Celebrating Flag Day

Fifth Grade Graduation -We wish them well!

A Four Legged Visitor at Stonehedge

  Caring and Compasion

Students had a few very special visitors last week from the SPCA. Nancy was accompanied by her puppy Sky as she explained how the SPCA cares for a variety of animals until a permanent home can be found. It was interesting to learn what types of unusual animals they care for such as a duck with an injured foot, horses from a local farm that could no longer care for them and even a 4 day old bull that soon grew to be enormous!

Students learned what support this organization needs from the community in order to continue its charitable works as well as how families can visit the center to consider adopting a pet. The center is in constant need of supplies such as newspaper, clay cat litter, dog and cat beds, and Friskies wet cat food just to name a few.  We will be collecting donations that will be picked up by the SPCA. Nancy is thrilled that we are involved and willing to help.  A flyer will be sent home with students outlining the specific items requested as well as a timeline for our supply drive.   If your family is interested in learning more about the SPCA, you can visit the webpage at cnyspca.org for more information.

Hedge Award Recipients

Congratulations to the following students who received awards for their display of good citizenship:

Grade 1 HEDGE AWARD WINNERS – CITIZENSHIP

Miss Cantone – Trinity Brumfield, Elliot Meyer, Azaria White

Mrs. Cunningham – Maya Abedrabbah, Justin Lisovets, Karna Warner,
Logan Furbeck

Mrs. Donahue – Landyn Shaw, Karolina Lata, Mia Gialto

Mrs. Malbone – Jacob Casselman, Jocelyn LaVancher, and Ty Thomas

Miss Munley - Anna Kroner, Joey Paoli, Cooper Corcoran, Kyaira Orozco

Mrs. Vincentini – Madison Payne, Teshale Kelly, Gary McLane

Mrs. Vislosky – Amelia Degilio, Lauren Battaglia, Abby Moore

Grade 2 HEDGE AWARD WINNERS – CITIZENSHIP

Mrs. Bailey - Jamie O'Donnell, Mia Melendez, Brooke Troch

Mrs. Carrington - Elexi Schuyler, Michael Morales, Brooke Liberty, Braden Williams

Ms. Dusart - Anthony Monserrate, Evelyn Hodell, Jacob Blachford, Emily Conklin

Mrs. Prosser - Ruth Melnik, Mia Pinker, Katherine Weyant, Katelyn Hagadorn

Mrs. Schweitzer - Keegan Ribble, Sawyer McAloon, Allison Putnam, Hailey Hann

Mrs. Shepard - Troy Ingerson, Matthew Rudskiy, McKala Wiehle, Asa Woloszyn

Reminder
May 24 - No School
May 27 - Memorial Day
May 28 - No School

Enjoy your Memorial Day celebrations with family and friends and I will see students when they return to school on Wednesday, May 29, 2013.

Lori