Congratulations to eighth-grader Abby Caputo, who represented Minsink Valley with distinction at NYSPHSSA Class B Cross Country State Championships held at Queensbury High School this past Saturday! She placed 30th in the 5K race, and what’s most important is she ran her fastest race of the season, covering the 5K course in 19:18! And: She went out aggressively as planned and ended finishing third among the Section IX runners in the race! #MINISINKProud
"Abby had an amazing season that the whole coaching staff is proud of, said Head Coach Ed Sucich. “She has a work ethic and a competitive spirit that has led her to the top of the Section as just an eighth-grader. Congratulations to Abby and her parents."
"Abby had an amazing season that the whole coaching staff is proud of, said Head Coach Ed Sucich. “She has a work ethic and a competitive spirit that has led her to the top of the Section as just an eighth-grader. Congratulations to Abby and her parents."
Mary Bannon’s Otisville first-grade math students recently learned numbers can be as friendly as their friends in a game called “Friends of Ten!” For example, the “Friends of Ten” can be 4+6=10 and 6+4=10; or 1+9=10 9+1=10, and so forth.
In this math lesson, students played a game called “Shake and Spill.” Each student was given a cup, 10 counters (one side red and the other yellow), and a red and yellow crayon. Students placed the counters into a cup, shook and then spilled the counters on their desks. The red and yellow counters landed on different sides. The students then counted each red and each yellow and color a 10 frame accordingly. It was a great way for them to organize their data.
Later, students wrote equations that add to 10 and also learned the flip-flop fact that matches!
"Friends of 10" and "partners of 10" are used interchangeably in math because both terms describe pairs of numbers that add up to 10. The terms "friends" and "partners" emphasize the close relationship between the numbers, suggesting they always "go together" to make 10. This concept is used in math education to build number sense and fluency in addition and subtraction by teaching these pairs by heart.
In this math lesson, students played a game called “Shake and Spill.” Each student was given a cup, 10 counters (one side red and the other yellow), and a red and yellow crayon. Students placed the counters into a cup, shook and then spilled the counters on their desks. The red and yellow counters landed on different sides. The students then counted each red and each yellow and color a 10 frame accordingly. It was a great way for them to organize their data.
Later, students wrote equations that add to 10 and also learned the flip-flop fact that matches!
"Friends of 10" and "partners of 10" are used interchangeably in math because both terms describe pairs of numbers that add up to 10. The terms "friends" and "partners" emphasize the close relationship between the numbers, suggesting they always "go together" to make 10. This concept is used in math education to build number sense and fluency in addition and subtraction by teaching these pairs by heart.
Ross Potter's IS third-grade physical education students have been learning about moving the soccer ball down to the goal, and also defending that goal! They're have a lot of fun getting more proficient with these soccer skills! T
Pumpkins are not just for Halloween; they’re a time honored symbol for fall! Take a look at Marjori Bobish’s ES transitional kindergarteners, who recently used small pumpkins in their ELA and science work, using their five senses of sight, sound, smell, taste and touch to learn more about this type of fruit!
• Sight: Students observed color and shape
• Sound: students listened to the knock of a ripe one or the scraping of seeds
• Smell: Students noticed the earthy scent inside
• Taste: Students tried roasted seeds
• Touch: Students felt the smooth rind and slimy insides
They also listened to Will Hubbell’s “Pumpkin Jack,” a story about a boy named Tim who carves a jack-o'-lantern he names Jack. After Halloween, the pumpkin rots in the garden, and Tim buries the remains. In the spring, a new plant sprouts from the seeds, which Tim tends to, and it eventually grows into a new pumpkin plant. By the next Halloween, a new pumpkin has ripened, and Tim carves a new jack-o'-lantern, completing the life cycle of a pumpkin.
Then, they collectively undertook a science experiment with their own version of “Pumpkin Jack” and will be watching how it decomposes with the expectation that a new pumpkin plant will grow in the spring. They’ll see firsthand how a pumpkin’s life cycle takes place.
Students also learned new, “big” vocabulary words, too, like seeds, stem, shell, flesh, pulp, vine, roots and more!
•Pumpkins are fruits that grow on vines and come in many colors, including orange, white, and green. They contain seeds and a stringy pulp inside, and you can eat the seeds after roasting them. Native Americans have been growing pumpkins for over 5,000 years, and the word "pumpkin" comes from the Greek word “pepon,” meaning "large melon". The word also connects with the Latin word “peponem” and the French word “pompom.”
•They’re cultivated in every continent in the world except Antarctica. Pumpkins are found in many dishes, from pies and porridges to soups and curries. You can even cook and eat pumpkin seeds. In addition, some cultures use pumpkins for medicinal purposes.
• Sight: Students observed color and shape
• Sound: students listened to the knock of a ripe one or the scraping of seeds
• Smell: Students noticed the earthy scent inside
• Taste: Students tried roasted seeds
• Touch: Students felt the smooth rind and slimy insides
They also listened to Will Hubbell’s “Pumpkin Jack,” a story about a boy named Tim who carves a jack-o'-lantern he names Jack. After Halloween, the pumpkin rots in the garden, and Tim buries the remains. In the spring, a new plant sprouts from the seeds, which Tim tends to, and it eventually grows into a new pumpkin plant. By the next Halloween, a new pumpkin has ripened, and Tim carves a new jack-o'-lantern, completing the life cycle of a pumpkin.
Then, they collectively undertook a science experiment with their own version of “Pumpkin Jack” and will be watching how it decomposes with the expectation that a new pumpkin plant will grow in the spring. They’ll see firsthand how a pumpkin’s life cycle takes place.
Students also learned new, “big” vocabulary words, too, like seeds, stem, shell, flesh, pulp, vine, roots and more!
•Pumpkins are fruits that grow on vines and come in many colors, including orange, white, and green. They contain seeds and a stringy pulp inside, and you can eat the seeds after roasting them. Native Americans have been growing pumpkins for over 5,000 years, and the word "pumpkin" comes from the Greek word “pepon,” meaning "large melon". The word also connects with the Latin word “peponem” and the French word “pompom.”
•They’re cultivated in every continent in the world except Antarctica. Pumpkins are found in many dishes, from pies and porridges to soups and curries. You can even cook and eat pumpkin seeds. In addition, some cultures use pumpkins for medicinal purposes.
Kudos to members of the Minisink Valley Chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America who participated in their annual Highway Cleanup Event. FBLA members Kaylee Antoine, Adrianna Arredondo, Sara Melville, Eliana Morales, Fiona Okby, Mia Whiting and Hannah Wieboldt picked up over 50 pounds of refuse found along U.S. Route 6. Well-done, ladies!
“The club takes pride in helping to keep Minisink beautiful,” said Advisor Seth Johnson. “This is one of several community service events that FBLA participates in throughout the course of the year."
“The club takes pride in helping to keep Minisink beautiful,” said Advisor Seth Johnson. “This is one of several community service events that FBLA participates in throughout the course of the year."
Lynda McKeon’s and Taryn Richards’ IS fourth-graders recently completed their CKLA Medieval Times unit with some exciting hands-on creations that connected history, art and literacy!
After weeks of studying the feudal system with kings, knights, castles and life during the Middle Ages, students applied their new knowledge by decorating their own castles — complete with towers, windows and flags! Each student showcased his/her creativity and understanding of medieval architecture through their work.
Students also created beautiful stained glass window art inspired by the spire windows found in the great Middle Age cathedrals. Using bright colors and patterns, they transformed their classroom windows into works of art.
“Our students were so engaged in learning about medieval life,” said Mrs. McKeon.
The culminating projects were displayed for classmates and visitors to admire, turning the fourth-grade classroom and hallway into a mini medieval village.
“Seeing them apply what they’ve learned in such creative ways really made the unit come alive,” added Mrs. Richards.
WHAT A COOL PROJECT! Thank you to the IS PTO for the mini-grant which allowed the teachers to purchase the supplies for this project!
The Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) Medieval Times unit is a curriculum that teaches fourth-graders about the Middle Ages in Europe through reading, writing, and other language arts activities, often focusing on topics like feudalism, chivalry, castles and daily life. The unit provides a historical and geographical context for the era and develops skills in reading comprehension, writing, grammar, morphology, and spelling through informational texts and literary texts, such as the legends of King Arthur.
After weeks of studying the feudal system with kings, knights, castles and life during the Middle Ages, students applied their new knowledge by decorating their own castles — complete with towers, windows and flags! Each student showcased his/her creativity and understanding of medieval architecture through their work.
Students also created beautiful stained glass window art inspired by the spire windows found in the great Middle Age cathedrals. Using bright colors and patterns, they transformed their classroom windows into works of art.
“Our students were so engaged in learning about medieval life,” said Mrs. McKeon.
The culminating projects were displayed for classmates and visitors to admire, turning the fourth-grade classroom and hallway into a mini medieval village.
“Seeing them apply what they’ve learned in such creative ways really made the unit come alive,” added Mrs. Richards.
WHAT A COOL PROJECT! Thank you to the IS PTO for the mini-grant which allowed the teachers to purchase the supplies for this project!
The Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) Medieval Times unit is a curriculum that teaches fourth-graders about the Middle Ages in Europe through reading, writing, and other language arts activities, often focusing on topics like feudalism, chivalry, castles and daily life. The unit provides a historical and geographical context for the era and develops skills in reading comprehension, writing, grammar, morphology, and spelling through informational texts and literary texts, such as the legends of King Arthur.
Jessica Kahn’s and Elisabeth Harrison’s Otisville kindergarteners had a special Veterans Day visit this past Monday from Army Chief Warrant Officer Keith Fiedler, husband of Cynthia Fielder, Mrs. Kahn’s classroom aide. Chief Warrant Officer Fielder shared his experiences in the Army, explained what it means to be a veteran, and happily answered all the little students' questions about the different branches of the military.
Before he left, both classes surprised him with handmade and very adorable thank-you cards!
Visits like this help students learn about and understand the duties and responsibilities of the military and branch member as well as appreciate the sacrifices veterans and active duty personnel and their families have made. Thank you, Chief Warrant Officer Fiedler, for visiting and for your service!
Before he left, both classes surprised him with handmade and very adorable thank-you cards!
Visits like this help students learn about and understand the duties and responsibilities of the military and branch member as well as appreciate the sacrifices veterans and active duty personnel and their families have made. Thank you, Chief Warrant Officer Fiedler, for visiting and for your service!
Lillian Preziosi’s Otisville fifth-graders, like all district fifth-graders, have been studying the various physical and cultural characteristics of the Western Hemisphere. That includes how geographic features affect where people choose to live, the way people earn a living and their everyday life.
As her class’ recent culminating project, students were assigned a country within the Western Hemisphere to research. They created a travel brochure to not only teach their classmates about their country, but to persuade them to visit. As students were presenting, the rest of the class took notes in their "passports," showcasing all of the countries they "visited!"
What a great way to learn about other areas of the Western Hemisphere plus practice important public speaking skills!
As her class’ recent culminating project, students were assigned a country within the Western Hemisphere to research. They created a travel brochure to not only teach their classmates about their country, but to persuade them to visit. As students were presenting, the rest of the class took notes in their "passports," showcasing all of the countries they "visited!"
What a great way to learn about other areas of the Western Hemisphere plus practice important public speaking skills!
World Diabetes Day, which is tomorrow, Nov. 14, is an opportunity to highlight the importance of research and innovation in finding a cure for diabetes. Many will mark this day by wearing blue, including some of our students who deal with this disease every day!
DID YOU KNOW
•Diabetes affects over 530 million people worldwide.
•It is the 9th leading cause of death globally.
•Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that typically develops in childhood or adolescence.
•Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle-related condition that usually develops in adulthood.
•Early detection and management of diabetes can prevent serious complications, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and blindness.
DID YOU KNOW
•Diabetes affects over 530 million people worldwide.
•It is the 9th leading cause of death globally.
•Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that typically develops in childhood or adolescence.
•Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle-related condition that usually develops in adulthood.
•Early detection and management of diabetes can prevent serious complications, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and blindness.
WELCOME, NEW OFFICERS and MEMBERS!
Otisville’s K-Kids Club installed its 2025-26 officers and inducted its new members at a recent gathering, which was also attended by Minisink Valley Kiwanis President Jackie Lavandowski and other members. Congratulations to Peter Caputo, president; Jillian O'Sullivan, vice president; Reese Neiger, secretary; and Isabelle Decker, treasurer!
Last, K-Kids has been involved in many meaningful projects, including: the Trick or Treat UNICEF Collection: where funds raised supported Brick x Brick Project, an innovative project that transforms plastic waste into classrooms for some of the 1.6 million children currently out of school in Côte d’Ivoire, Africa; Treats for Troops for Operation Gratitude; Souper Seniors; Valentines for Veterans; get-well cards for patients at Garnett Medical Center, the Minisink Cares Cake Box Kit project teacher appreciation thank you notes, and companion projects with the K-Kids Club at the Intermediate School. The group expects to be equally busy this year!
Group advisors, Andrea Yager, Logan Reggio and Danielle Ulbrich are looking forward to another active and fun year of community service.
Otisville’s K-Kids Club installed its 2025-26 officers and inducted its new members at a recent gathering, which was also attended by Minisink Valley Kiwanis President Jackie Lavandowski and other members. Congratulations to Peter Caputo, president; Jillian O'Sullivan, vice president; Reese Neiger, secretary; and Isabelle Decker, treasurer!
Last, K-Kids has been involved in many meaningful projects, including: the Trick or Treat UNICEF Collection: where funds raised supported Brick x Brick Project, an innovative project that transforms plastic waste into classrooms for some of the 1.6 million children currently out of school in Côte d’Ivoire, Africa; Treats for Troops for Operation Gratitude; Souper Seniors; Valentines for Veterans; get-well cards for patients at Garnett Medical Center, the Minisink Cares Cake Box Kit project teacher appreciation thank you notes, and companion projects with the K-Kids Club at the Intermediate School. The group expects to be equally busy this year!
Group advisors, Andrea Yager, Logan Reggio and Danielle Ulbrich are looking forward to another active and fun year of community service.
Anthony Pascarelli’s ES kindergarteners are learning about underhand throwing, and what it’s like to throw items that are different sizes and weights.
Students need to apply greater or lesser force depending on the item and distance they are throwing and they’re doing this through their activity is called "Flip the Hoop." Students start at the black line with a bean bag and hula hoop. Every time they throw their bean bag into the hoop, they flip it over toward the middle of the gym. When they flip their hoop all the way to the middle of the gym where their polyspot (non-slip marker) is located, they can trade their bean bag in for a new item to throw!
Learning to throw underhand is important for young students because it develops fundamental motor skills, such as hand-eye coordination and large muscle control, and is a foundational skill for many sports and activities. It's easier for children to learn due to its simpler motion and lower velocity, making it a good starting point for building confidence and strength before moving on to more complex overhand throws. Also: Mastering underhand throwing helps with skills like spatial awareness and balance, which are crucial for a child's overall physical development.
Students need to apply greater or lesser force depending on the item and distance they are throwing and they’re doing this through their activity is called "Flip the Hoop." Students start at the black line with a bean bag and hula hoop. Every time they throw their bean bag into the hoop, they flip it over toward the middle of the gym. When they flip their hoop all the way to the middle of the gym where their polyspot (non-slip marker) is located, they can trade their bean bag in for a new item to throw!
Learning to throw underhand is important for young students because it develops fundamental motor skills, such as hand-eye coordination and large muscle control, and is a foundational skill for many sports and activities. It's easier for children to learn due to its simpler motion and lower velocity, making it a good starting point for building confidence and strength before moving on to more complex overhand throws. Also: Mastering underhand throwing helps with skills like spatial awareness and balance, which are crucial for a child's overall physical development.
Rehearsals are continuing and this cast and crew promises spectacular shows! Get your tickets now for the Middle School Drama Club's "Between the Lines JR." shows on Nov. 21 and 22!
https://onthestage.tickets/show/mvms-drama-club/68edb34676bdd5748882d65f/tickets?fbclid=IwY2xjawN7LlxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFFc1pXNE9PazVGUnBhbUZMc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmZ2fK3TxJfIaekFdir5jWs1z8FWY6dLHjUnwcaa8BoetcHJCdF1xSZMrzaC_aem_FJ20xrtpxN_RN7veT_oHeA#/productions-view
https://onthestage.tickets/show/mvms-drama-club/68edb34676bdd5748882d65f/tickets?fbclid=IwY2xjawN7LlxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFFc1pXNE9PazVGUnBhbUZMc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmZ2fK3TxJfIaekFdir5jWs1z8FWY6dLHjUnwcaa8BoetcHJCdF1xSZMrzaC_aem_FJ20xrtpxN_RN7veT_oHeA#/productions-view
Did you know Minisink Valley’s Facebook page features thousands of great photos and information which show what’s going on at Otisville Elementary, Minisink Valley Elementary, Minisink Valley Intermediate School, Minisink Valley Middle School and Minisink Valley High School?
Over 8,400 people (and growing!) in the greater Minisink Valley area “follow” the district’s page. Join them! It’s a great source of information!
Visit the district's Facebook page and be sure to “like” us: https://www.facebook.com/MinisinkValleyCSD
Noelle Ferguson’s and Jaclyn Lockett's sixth-grade Social Studies students has been studying the Paleolithic time period, also known as “Early Humans.” Students have been studying how and why “early humans” created and used cave paintings worldwide. Students were asked to create a cave painting that could be used to give someone information or provide entertainment in a way of oral traditions. After they created their cave paintings, the teachers created a spooky, Halloween-like twist to the assignment by having students tell their stories around “a campfire” with a flashlight. Students were able to practice oral storytelling and ways of nonverbal communication through cave painting and their imaginations.
DID YOU KNOW
The Paleolithic period, or "Old Stone Age," lasted from approximately 2.6 million years ago to around 10,000 BCE and is characterized by the use of stone tools, human evolution, and a nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle. It is divided into three main phases: the Lower Paleolithic, Middle Paleolithic, and Upper Paleolithic. During this vast time, humans developed language, art, and early religious beliefs, and spread across the globe.
DID YOU KNOW
The Paleolithic period, or "Old Stone Age," lasted from approximately 2.6 million years ago to around 10,000 BCE and is characterized by the use of stone tools, human evolution, and a nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle. It is divided into three main phases: the Lower Paleolithic, Middle Paleolithic, and Upper Paleolithic. During this vast time, humans developed language, art, and early religious beliefs, and spread across the globe.
First-graders do know what musical chords are for! Just ask Skyler Klein’s Otisville first-grade music students, who took a song called “Every Night,” sang it together in echo and then added a Boomwackers accompaniment! They split into three Boomwhacker groups and changed chords in time with the song.
•A musical chord is a combination of three or more notes played simultaneously to create harmony. Teaching musical chords to first-graders benefits cognitive development by improving mathematical understanding, pattern recognition, and memory. Introducing chords early provides a strong foundation for more advanced music concepts and creates an opportunity for lifelong learning.
•A Boomwhacker is a color-coded, pitched percussion tube that creates different musical notes when struck against a surface. Longer tubes produce lower notes, while shorter tubes produce higher notes. These versatile instruments are popular in music education for their simplicity and for teaching rhythm and pitch in a fun, engaging way.
•A musical chord is a combination of three or more notes played simultaneously to create harmony. Teaching musical chords to first-graders benefits cognitive development by improving mathematical understanding, pattern recognition, and memory. Introducing chords early provides a strong foundation for more advanced music concepts and creates an opportunity for lifelong learning.
•A Boomwhacker is a color-coded, pitched percussion tube that creates different musical notes when struck against a surface. Longer tubes produce lower notes, while shorter tubes produce higher notes. These versatile instruments are popular in music education for their simplicity and for teaching rhythm and pitch in a fun, engaging way.
Stephanie Giufre’s Otisville transitional kindergarteners are having a blast in physical education tossing and catching colorful scarves.
What these little cutie-pies don’t realize is that they’re working on their manipulative and coordination skills and spatial and body awareness.
Tossing and catching a scarf using one and two hands allows them to further develop hand-eye coordination. That’s because they’re tracking the movement of a floating object (the scarf) through space using their eyes and body. They’re also further refining balance and body control while reaching, turning, and bending with a scarf!
What these little cutie-pies don’t realize is that they’re working on their manipulative and coordination skills and spatial and body awareness.
Tossing and catching a scarf using one and two hands allows them to further develop hand-eye coordination. That’s because they’re tracking the movement of a floating object (the scarf) through space using their eyes and body. They’re also further refining balance and body control while reaching, turning, and bending with a scarf!
The High School’s National Honor Society hosted its annual Veterans Dinner on Nov. 5, to honor local veterans as Veterans Day nears. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to honor and show gratitude to local veterans for their service and sacrifices, while giving NHS members an opportunity to express patriotism, practice civic responsibility and connect with their community by hearing firsthand accounts of bravery and service.
Thank you to all NHS members, including Gavin McGinnis, Faith Padavano, Hana Ebbert, and Heather Day, who sang the National Anthem; members of the high school band, led by Mitchell Demberg, for their musical performance, and Vincent Galligan IV, who played Taps, for their work to make the evening memorable. Most importantly, thank you to our many veteran friends for attending and THANK YOU for your service and sacrifice.
Vincent Napolitano’s High School Earth Science Regents and honors classes have been studying Astronomy, the scientific study of everything in the universe beyond Earth's atmosphere, including planets, stars, galaxies, and comets.
Part of their work has been working through the scale size of the solar system. Mr. Napolitano “shrunk” the Sun and other terrestrial planets by a factor of one inch = 100,000 miles. This makes the Sun approximately the size of a bowling bowl while Earth and Venus are about the of a peppercorn.
In a class lab, students had to use this scale to correctly place Mercury (the size of a pinhead) the correct distance from the Sun…in seven minutes’ time! At the end of that time, some groups determined that Mercury should be placed approximately 30 feet away from the Sun using this scale.
Then, Mr. Napolitano took his classes outdoors. Using a bowling ball to represent the Sun (and its scaled size), students did distance calculations from the Sun using scaled sizes for Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars. A student walked 10 paces away from the bowling ball to simulate the distance from the Sun to Mercury; an additional nine paces for Venus; an additional 17 paces for the Earth; and an additional 14 paces for Mars. When students moved to the Earth’s distance from the Sun (36 total paces), the bowling ball (Sun) would appear in the students’ point of view as the same size the Sun does in the ski.
This outdoor work definitely gave them a perspective of how big the universe, how far planets are from the Sun and the size of the Sun in relation to its planets.
And, just for fun, Mr. Napolitano told them the travel time needed to reach some of those planets:
•Earth’s Moon: Three days and 4 hours to travel
•Jupiter: Five years
•Pluto: Straight travel time and speed 43 years (with using gravity from other planets, 9.5 years)
•To the closest star called Proxima Centauri (4.2 light years away): 60,000 years using our current technology (And, on this scale, using the Sun as a bowling ball, Proxima Centauri would be 4,200 miles away from us.)
Part of their work has been working through the scale size of the solar system. Mr. Napolitano “shrunk” the Sun and other terrestrial planets by a factor of one inch = 100,000 miles. This makes the Sun approximately the size of a bowling bowl while Earth and Venus are about the of a peppercorn.
In a class lab, students had to use this scale to correctly place Mercury (the size of a pinhead) the correct distance from the Sun…in seven minutes’ time! At the end of that time, some groups determined that Mercury should be placed approximately 30 feet away from the Sun using this scale.
Then, Mr. Napolitano took his classes outdoors. Using a bowling ball to represent the Sun (and its scaled size), students did distance calculations from the Sun using scaled sizes for Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars. A student walked 10 paces away from the bowling ball to simulate the distance from the Sun to Mercury; an additional nine paces for Venus; an additional 17 paces for the Earth; and an additional 14 paces for Mars. When students moved to the Earth’s distance from the Sun (36 total paces), the bowling ball (Sun) would appear in the students’ point of view as the same size the Sun does in the ski.
This outdoor work definitely gave them a perspective of how big the universe, how far planets are from the Sun and the size of the Sun in relation to its planets.
And, just for fun, Mr. Napolitano told them the travel time needed to reach some of those planets:
•Earth’s Moon: Three days and 4 hours to travel
•Jupiter: Five years
•Pluto: Straight travel time and speed 43 years (with using gravity from other planets, 9.5 years)
•To the closest star called Proxima Centauri (4.2 light years away): 60,000 years using our current technology (And, on this scale, using the Sun as a bowling ball, Proxima Centauri would be 4,200 miles away from us.)
Kristin Gallo’s IS fourth-graders celebrated their great behavior in October with a PJ/Fort Day! But Ms. Gallo had a special surprise waiting for them: She took a basketball hoop, their desk and parachute (who doesn’t love parachutes?) to make the ultimate, and HUGE, classroom fort! What a fun day of learning! Take a look!
Congratulations and best wishes to the senior members of the Girls Varsity Soccer Team, who were honored for their many contributions to the team's success during their recent Senior Night:
#9 Captain Ava Downing
Ava has been on the Minisink girls’ varsity soccer team for five years. Next year, Ava will pursue a nursing degree at SUNY Orange. Ava’s parting message: “Thank you Minisink soccer for the valuable lessons, happy memories, and most importantly --- a family. I am so grateful for all of my coaches and teammates who have helped me along the way. This was the best senior season I could ever ask for, and I am going to miss you all so much.”
#15 Keira Filip
Keira has been a member of the varsity girls’ soccer team for three years. She is still making her college selection, but plans to play softball and study nursing. Keira’s parting words are: “Thank you for all the laughs and jokes. Enjoy every little bit and keep on smiling and have fun!”
#12 Samantha Kassel
Sam is finishing her third year on varsity girls soccer. Next fall, Sam will attend the University of Rhode Island where she will study Biology. Sam’s parting words are: “You are exactly where you’re meant to be. Enjoy every moment and always seize the day!”
#6 Jazlin Luna
Jazlin has played on the varsity team for two and half years and she plans to pursue a degree in Elementary Education at LaFayette University. Jazlin’s parting message is: “Thank you to everyone for your support on the team, the laughs and help I received both at practice and on the field. I’m thankful for the time spent this season and wish nothing but the best to every player moving forward. “
#2 Jaida Macaluso
Jaida has been on the Minisink girls’ varsity soccer team for five years. Next year, she plans to major in Education of Arts. Her parting message: “Life is a movie. Don’t blink, you might miss it.”
#1 Captain Kate O’Neill. Kate has played on the varsity team for six years. In the fall, Kate will attend Misericordia University where she will play soccer and pursue a degree in Education. Kate wishes to say to her team: “Thank you all for great laughs and memories! It goes by so fast. Remember to have fun, work hard and be kind. Love you all!”
#16 Captain Olivia Pollock
Olivia has been on the Minisink girls varsity soccer team for four years. In the fall, she will pursue a degree in medical imaging. Olivia’s parting message: “It’s not about being the best, it’s about trying your best.”
#10 Avery Wingen
Avery has been on our varsity soccer team for two years. Next year, Avery would like to major in Education. Avery’s parting words: “I've made so many friends and memories with this team. Remember to play hard, keep laughing, and don’t take it for granted.”
#9 Captain Ava Downing
Ava has been on the Minisink girls’ varsity soccer team for five years. Next year, Ava will pursue a nursing degree at SUNY Orange. Ava’s parting message: “Thank you Minisink soccer for the valuable lessons, happy memories, and most importantly --- a family. I am so grateful for all of my coaches and teammates who have helped me along the way. This was the best senior season I could ever ask for, and I am going to miss you all so much.”
#15 Keira Filip
Keira has been a member of the varsity girls’ soccer team for three years. She is still making her college selection, but plans to play softball and study nursing. Keira’s parting words are: “Thank you for all the laughs and jokes. Enjoy every little bit and keep on smiling and have fun!”
#12 Samantha Kassel
Sam is finishing her third year on varsity girls soccer. Next fall, Sam will attend the University of Rhode Island where she will study Biology. Sam’s parting words are: “You are exactly where you’re meant to be. Enjoy every moment and always seize the day!”
#6 Jazlin Luna
Jazlin has played on the varsity team for two and half years and she plans to pursue a degree in Elementary Education at LaFayette University. Jazlin’s parting message is: “Thank you to everyone for your support on the team, the laughs and help I received both at practice and on the field. I’m thankful for the time spent this season and wish nothing but the best to every player moving forward. “
#2 Jaida Macaluso
Jaida has been on the Minisink girls’ varsity soccer team for five years. Next year, she plans to major in Education of Arts. Her parting message: “Life is a movie. Don’t blink, you might miss it.”
#1 Captain Kate O’Neill. Kate has played on the varsity team for six years. In the fall, Kate will attend Misericordia University where she will play soccer and pursue a degree in Education. Kate wishes to say to her team: “Thank you all for great laughs and memories! It goes by so fast. Remember to have fun, work hard and be kind. Love you all!”
#16 Captain Olivia Pollock
Olivia has been on the Minisink girls varsity soccer team for four years. In the fall, she will pursue a degree in medical imaging. Olivia’s parting message: “It’s not about being the best, it’s about trying your best.”
#10 Avery Wingen
Avery has been on our varsity soccer team for two years. Next year, Avery would like to major in Education. Avery’s parting words: “I've made so many friends and memories with this team. Remember to play hard, keep laughing, and don’t take it for granted.”
