A SPECIAL STORY!
Otisville Elementary Principal Paul Voigtland and BOCES Principal Pilar Rocha recently collaborated on a custom-written story that was shared with BOCES classes at Otisville.
The heart of the story was a simple but important message: everyone has unique abilities, everyone has something special to contribute, and everyone belongs at Otisville.
Stories like this help remind students that a school community is at its best when everyone feels seen, valued and welcomed. Creating that sense of belonging helps children feel comfortable being themselves, building friendships, trying new things and knowing they are an important part of the community.
READ IT by clicking here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XN4-SoUGkzzd44X8D4NYEuS_F892fRZZ2qFA5uITmrQ/edit?tab=t.0
Otisville Elementary Principal Paul Voigtland and BOCES Principal Pilar Rocha recently collaborated on a custom-written story that was shared with BOCES classes at Otisville.
The heart of the story was a simple but important message: everyone has unique abilities, everyone has something special to contribute, and everyone belongs at Otisville.
Stories like this help remind students that a school community is at its best when everyone feels seen, valued and welcomed. Creating that sense of belonging helps children feel comfortable being themselves, building friendships, trying new things and knowing they are an important part of the community.
READ IT by clicking here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XN4-SoUGkzzd44X8D4NYEuS_F892fRZZ2qFA5uITmrQ/edit?tab=t.0
Fire safety starts with knowing what to do! Otisville Elementary’s K–3 students got an important refresher yesterday, Sept. 30, during the school’s K-3 Fire Safety Day!
Members of the Otisville and Mountain View fire departments brought the lessons to life, sharing practical safety reminders and giving students a closer look at the vehicles and equipment firefighters rely on when emergencies arise. The trucks may have been a big attraction, but the knowledge students gained was the real takeaway!
From recognizing fire hazards to understanding the importance of knowing two ways out of a room, having a family escape plan and identifying a safe meeting spot, these early lessons help children build habits that can protect them at home, at school and beyond.
Just as important, meeting local firefighters helps students become familiar with the people who respond when help is needed and reinforces that it's OK to ask questions and learn how to stay safe.
A big THANK YOU to the Otisville and Mountain View fire departments for making time in their busy schedules to help our youngest students become more fire-safety savvy! We appreciate all you do for our school and community. See more photos on the district's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MinisinkValleyCSD/posts/pfbid0cjLr7JNZ5Ldvk1xLk7RowLrAje4nSwWM5nGTeLJiNzkcQCcH7TqfbS7DwVtSezdjl?__cft__[0]=AZiIZnKCQthHfQ9tyPGVERKs3pufmagZjBvbYXaWNhB8x0NaXARMRrJBxuIPlYmC8x0W6_9Tc4ZGuFB8zXmiAKI1XPvmeVxXDvX9d3KqrfPQ9vc7ijKQWPpRDI8S8omQHEYk8jBAM2IFnNEcU7k4VVYWLIzNnc4H&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R
DID YOU KNOW
The theme of this year’s National Fire Prevention Week, which is Oct. 4 to 10, is “Charge Into Fire Safety. Safe Charging Is a Superpower.” It focuses on the everyday charging habits that can help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and keep homes and communities safer.
K–6 families: Cradle, pass and shoot your way into the wonderful world of lacrosse! Our Varsity and JV boys and girls lacrosse players and coaches are ready to help young athletes get in on the action with FREE lacrosse clinics for all K-6 Minisink students!
Girls Clinic: Saturday, Oct. 17
Boys Clinic: Sunday, Oct. 18
Location: Otisville Elementary School
Whether your student is picking up a stick for the first time or already has a little game knowledge, these clinics are a great chance to learn the fundamentals, build skills and have a ball with our lacrosse teams! Details are here:
Girls Clinic: Saturday, Oct. 17
Boys Clinic: Sunday, Oct. 18
Location: Otisville Elementary School
Whether your student is picking up a stick for the first time or already has a little game knowledge, these clinics are a great chance to learn the fundamentals, build skills and have a ball with our lacrosse teams! Details are here:
A little harmony, a lot of teamwork and a preview of Friday night’s excitement!
The Eighth-Grade Band, directed by Laura Hulle, recently joined forces with the High School Band for a special rehearsal led by directors Tom Stickney, Matt Christy and Ian Schombs. The joint session was more than a musical warm-up — it was a chance for younger and older musicians to connect, learn from one another and build excitement for the next step in their musical journey.
Playing alongside experienced high school musicians gave the eighth-graders a taste of what it’s like to perform as part of the marching band ensemble. They also got an introduction to the leadership styles and musical cues of drum majors Charlotte Curabba, Madilyn Greenberg, Dan Oenga and Madison Tvedt, who led the combined rehearsal and helped prepare the group for playing on the field and in the stands.
“The rehearsal was a fantastic experience for all the students involved. Not only did it provide an opportunity to create music together, but it also fostered camaraderie among the younger and older students,” Mrs. Hulle said.
Next stop: Game Day! Eighth-graders will join the Marching Band this Friday at the varsity football game when Minisink Valley takes on Cornwall. With new connections made, musical skills growing and school spirit building, these musicians are ready to strike up the band and help create a terrific Friday night atmosphere!
The Eighth-Grade Band, directed by Laura Hulle, recently joined forces with the High School Band for a special rehearsal led by directors Tom Stickney, Matt Christy and Ian Schombs. The joint session was more than a musical warm-up — it was a chance for younger and older musicians to connect, learn from one another and build excitement for the next step in their musical journey.
Playing alongside experienced high school musicians gave the eighth-graders a taste of what it’s like to perform as part of the marching band ensemble. They also got an introduction to the leadership styles and musical cues of drum majors Charlotte Curabba, Madilyn Greenberg, Dan Oenga and Madison Tvedt, who led the combined rehearsal and helped prepare the group for playing on the field and in the stands.
“The rehearsal was a fantastic experience for all the students involved. Not only did it provide an opportunity to create music together, but it also fostered camaraderie among the younger and older students,” Mrs. Hulle said.
Next stop: Game Day! Eighth-graders will join the Marching Band this Friday at the varsity football game when Minisink Valley takes on Cornwall. With new connections made, musical skills growing and school spirit building, these musicians are ready to strike up the band and help create a terrific Friday night atmosphere!
Seventh-grade social studies students recently stepped beyond the classroom and into the Middle School Library to experience the rich tradition of Indigenous storytelling firsthand.
Building on their unit about how geography and climate influence culture, students rotated through three interactive storytelling stations. They followed an engaging story walk, watched a Cherokee storyteller share a traditional tale, and gathered around a cozy mock campfire to hear a creation story.
More than just a change of scenery, the experience helped students understand how stories can preserve much more than memories. For generations, Indigenous communities have used oral traditions to pass along cultural history, values, observations about the natural world and important environmental knowledge.
Lessons like this give students an opportunity to connect what they learn in class with the ways people have understood, explained and passed down knowledge across generations!
Building on their unit about how geography and climate influence culture, students rotated through three interactive storytelling stations. They followed an engaging story walk, watched a Cherokee storyteller share a traditional tale, and gathered around a cozy mock campfire to hear a creation story.
More than just a change of scenery, the experience helped students understand how stories can preserve much more than memories. For generations, Indigenous communities have used oral traditions to pass along cultural history, values, observations about the natural world and important environmental knowledge.
Lessons like this give students an opportunity to connect what they learn in class with the ways people have understood, explained and passed down knowledge across generations!
Eighth-graders recently took part in a meaningful “Break the Cycle” assembly featuring Pat and AnneMarie D’Aliso, longtime advocates for youth mental health who have spoken with Minisink Valley students in past years.
The D’Alisos shared their deeply personal story of losing their son, Patrick, to suicide at age 16. Since his death, they’ve dedicated themselves to raising awareness about depression, encouraging others to recognize changes in a young person’s behavior and helping families understand the importance of seeking support. By speaking openly about their loss, they hope to help other young people who may be struggling and potentially save lives.
We’re grateful to the D’Alisos for their continued commitment to our students and extend our thanks to them and the other presenters who contributed to this important conversation.
Discussions about mental health and suicide can be difficult, but they’re essential to helping young people understand that they are not alone and that support is available. Our middle school counseling team is always available to students who need someone to talk to or have concerns they would like to discuss. We are here to listen, provide support and help connect students with the resources they need.
To learn more about the D’Alisos’ work and Break the Cycle, visit www. breakingthecycle.com
The D’Alisos shared their deeply personal story of losing their son, Patrick, to suicide at age 16. Since his death, they’ve dedicated themselves to raising awareness about depression, encouraging others to recognize changes in a young person’s behavior and helping families understand the importance of seeking support. By speaking openly about their loss, they hope to help other young people who may be struggling and potentially save lives.
We’re grateful to the D’Alisos for their continued commitment to our students and extend our thanks to them and the other presenters who contributed to this important conversation.
Discussions about mental health and suicide can be difficult, but they’re essential to helping young people understand that they are not alone and that support is available. Our middle school counseling team is always available to students who need someone to talk to or have concerns they would like to discuss. We are here to listen, provide support and help connect students with the resources they need.
To learn more about the D’Alisos’ work and Break the Cycle, visit www. breakingthecycle.com
GOLFERS! It’s time to tee up and support Otisville Elementary!
Ready to hit the links for a great cause? The Otisville Elementary PTO is hosting its annual Golf Outing at the High Point Golf Club on Monday, Oct. 12, and this is one round you won't want to sit out! The $140 per golfer fee gets you:
18 holes of golf
Breakfast
Dinner after the round
Raffle prizes and a 50/50 drawing
Register by Oct. 2!
Round up your foursome for one of the Otisville PTO’s biggest fundraisers of the year! Every swing helps this wonderful PTO support students and the school!
Not hitting the greens? Sponsorship opportunities are available, too!
REGISTER HERE: https://otisville-pto-golf-outing.square.site/
Let's make this outing a hole-in-one for Otisville!
What’s for lunch? Glad you asked!
At the High School, students have plenty of options to choose from — a sandwich bar, salad bar, hot entrée, pizza and more. And here’s something that’s pretty hard to beat: students eat breakfast and lunch for FREE!
That means less packing, less planning and more time to focus on what really matters — like deciding between pizza and the sandwich bar.
Take a peek at what’s being served!
And a big thank you to our Food & Nutrition Services team for the time, care and creativity they put into providing our students with meals that are nutritious, appealing and, most importantly, something they’ll want to eat!
At the High School, students have plenty of options to choose from — a sandwich bar, salad bar, hot entrée, pizza and more. And here’s something that’s pretty hard to beat: students eat breakfast and lunch for FREE!
That means less packing, less planning and more time to focus on what really matters — like deciding between pizza and the sandwich bar.
Take a peek at what’s being served!
And a big thank you to our Food & Nutrition Services team for the time, care and creativity they put into providing our students with meals that are nutritious, appealing and, most importantly, something they’ll want to eat!
BUILDING TOWERS, BUILDING TEAMWORK!
Students recently took on the challenge of creating their own “King Kong Skyscrapers” — working together to design and build a freestanding tower that would reach as high as the tallest person in their group.
But this activity was about much more than stacking materials. Students had to listen to one another, consider different ideas, figure out which plans would actually work, and practice being good teammates — including how to offer helpful, constructive feedback when a design needed a little tweaking.
And yes, there was plenty of movement involved! Students “ran” their skyscraper-building materials to a matching hula hoop, constructed their tower, carefully placed the toy gorilla on top, and then transported everything to the opposite side of the gym to do it all over again.
It’s a fun, hands-on way to combine physical activity, cooperation, communication, problem-solving, physics and engineering — with a little King Kong motivation thrown in for good measure!
Students recently took on the challenge of creating their own “King Kong Skyscrapers” — working together to design and build a freestanding tower that would reach as high as the tallest person in their group.
But this activity was about much more than stacking materials. Students had to listen to one another, consider different ideas, figure out which plans would actually work, and practice being good teammates — including how to offer helpful, constructive feedback when a design needed a little tweaking.
And yes, there was plenty of movement involved! Students “ran” their skyscraper-building materials to a matching hula hoop, constructed their tower, carefully placed the toy gorilla on top, and then transported everything to the opposite side of the gym to do it all over again.
It’s a fun, hands-on way to combine physical activity, cooperation, communication, problem-solving, physics and engineering — with a little King Kong motivation thrown in for good measure!
What can a tree teach us about life? Quite a lot!
Lillian Preziosi’s Otisville fifth-graders recently explored the meaning of resilience through a read-aloud of Sean Rubin’s “This Very Tree,” the inspiring story of the Callery pear tree that survived the Sept. 11 attacks.
In the 1990s, nestled between the newly completed Twin Towers in New York City, a Callery pear tree was planted. Over the years, the tree provided shade for people looking for a place to rest and a home for birds, along with the first blooms of spring.
On Sept. 11, the tree’s home was destroyed, and it was buried under the rubble. But a month after tragedy struck, a shocking discovery was made at Ground Zero: The tree had survived.
Dubbed the “Survivor Tree,” it was moved to the Bronx to recover. And in the thoughtful care of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, the Callery pear was nursed back to health. Almost a decade later, the Survivor Tree returned home and was planted in the 9/11 Memorial to provide beauty and comfort…and also hope.
After the read-aloud, students talked about what resilience looks like in their own lives — facing a challenge, bouncing back from a disappointment, asking for help, trying again and continuing to grow.
Later, students created their own “resilience leaves,” shared an example of resilience and added it to their classroom tree.
It’s more than a creative classroom activity. Learning resilience helps children understand that hard things happen, mistakes happen and setbacks happen — but none of those things have to stop us from moving forward.
Lillian Preziosi’s Otisville fifth-graders recently explored the meaning of resilience through a read-aloud of Sean Rubin’s “This Very Tree,” the inspiring story of the Callery pear tree that survived the Sept. 11 attacks.
In the 1990s, nestled between the newly completed Twin Towers in New York City, a Callery pear tree was planted. Over the years, the tree provided shade for people looking for a place to rest and a home for birds, along with the first blooms of spring.
On Sept. 11, the tree’s home was destroyed, and it was buried under the rubble. But a month after tragedy struck, a shocking discovery was made at Ground Zero: The tree had survived.
Dubbed the “Survivor Tree,” it was moved to the Bronx to recover. And in the thoughtful care of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, the Callery pear was nursed back to health. Almost a decade later, the Survivor Tree returned home and was planted in the 9/11 Memorial to provide beauty and comfort…and also hope.
After the read-aloud, students talked about what resilience looks like in their own lives — facing a challenge, bouncing back from a disappointment, asking for help, trying again and continuing to grow.
Later, students created their own “resilience leaves,” shared an example of resilience and added it to their classroom tree.
It’s more than a creative classroom activity. Learning resilience helps children understand that hard things happen, mistakes happen and setbacks happen — but none of those things have to stop us from moving forward.
Teeing up a great fall season!
Did you know varsity boys golf is now a fall sport? The team is making the most of its time on the course, and Varsity Head Coach Dave Benedetto likes what he’s seeing!
“With some senior experience and plenty of young talent, we have become competitive,” Coach Benedetto said. “I like how we are growing as a team. Watching the guys learn the finer points of the game and having some fun while doing so is very rewarding. Our goals are still in front of us and we are really excited.”
The Division 2 OCIAA Golf Championship is Monday, Sept. 28, at Minisink’s home course, The Green Ridge Golf Club in Johnson. Qualifying members of the Minisink Valley team will compete alongside Cornwall, Valley Central, Warwick and Washingtonville.
Please join us in wishing them much success!
Did you know varsity boys golf is now a fall sport? The team is making the most of its time on the course, and Varsity Head Coach Dave Benedetto likes what he’s seeing!
“With some senior experience and plenty of young talent, we have become competitive,” Coach Benedetto said. “I like how we are growing as a team. Watching the guys learn the finer points of the game and having some fun while doing so is very rewarding. Our goals are still in front of us and we are really excited.”
The Division 2 OCIAA Golf Championship is Monday, Sept. 28, at Minisink’s home course, The Green Ridge Golf Club in Johnson. Qualifying members of the Minisink Valley team will compete alongside Cornwall, Valley Central, Warwick and Washingtonville.
Please join us in wishing them much success!
HOW MANY LICKS DOES IT TAKE TO GET TO THE CENTER?
That was the deliciously important question Nicole Lee, Jaclyn Lockett, Alison Tierney and Madison Wyman’s sixth-graders recently set out to answer, with the help of classic Tootsie pops!
After watching the classic 1969 Tootsie Pop commercial, students reviewed the scientific method, discussed variables, made their predictions and then put their hypotheses to the test — one lick at a time.
They observed, experimented, recorded their results, collected data and analyzed what they found. And the results? All over the place!
Most licks: Sebastian Olsen — 2,268
Fewest licks: Audrey Fitzgerald — 115
That’s a pretty big difference — and exactly the kind of thing that makes science interesting!
The lesson went far beyond a sweet treat. Students saw firsthand that variables matter, results don't always match predictions, and good scientists don't simply look for the answer they expect. They ask questions, test ideas, collect evidence and let the data tell the story!
That was the deliciously important question Nicole Lee, Jaclyn Lockett, Alison Tierney and Madison Wyman’s sixth-graders recently set out to answer, with the help of classic Tootsie pops!
After watching the classic 1969 Tootsie Pop commercial, students reviewed the scientific method, discussed variables, made their predictions and then put their hypotheses to the test — one lick at a time.
They observed, experimented, recorded their results, collected data and analyzed what they found. And the results? All over the place!
Most licks: Sebastian Olsen — 2,268
Fewest licks: Audrey Fitzgerald — 115
That’s a pretty big difference — and exactly the kind of thing that makes science interesting!
The lesson went far beyond a sweet treat. Students saw firsthand that variables matter, results don't always match predictions, and good scientists don't simply look for the answer they expect. They ask questions, test ideas, collect evidence and let the data tell the story!
Otisville students, faculty and staff recently gathered for a celebration of peace, kindness and the importance of helping one another.
And what a beautiful day for Otisville to hold its annual Peace Day! A gentle breeze sent the colorful pinwheels created by every student, under the guidance of Art Teacher Kara Welsh, spinning in the sunshine. Students also shared a song they learned in music class and recited Otisville’s Peace Day poem.
There’s something especially fitting about pinwheels. They’re considered a simple symbol of childhood, joy and peaceful moments — and watching hundreds of them spin together offered a wonderful visual reminder that every student has a part to play in creating a happy, caring school community.
In addition to remarks from Principal Paul Voigtland and Assistant Principal Nikachi Griffin, students Samantha Bello, Nayeli Melendez, Audrey Schifano and Reese Neiger shared short speeches about earning the school’s STAR tickets and awards.
It was a wonderful teachable moment wrapped in a little sunshine, music and plenty of spinning color. Students were reminded that peace and kindness are not just ideas to talk about — they are choices we make every day.
And what a beautiful day for Otisville to hold its annual Peace Day! A gentle breeze sent the colorful pinwheels created by every student, under the guidance of Art Teacher Kara Welsh, spinning in the sunshine. Students also shared a song they learned in music class and recited Otisville’s Peace Day poem.
There’s something especially fitting about pinwheels. They’re considered a simple symbol of childhood, joy and peaceful moments — and watching hundreds of them spin together offered a wonderful visual reminder that every student has a part to play in creating a happy, caring school community.
In addition to remarks from Principal Paul Voigtland and Assistant Principal Nikachi Griffin, students Samantha Bello, Nayeli Melendez, Audrey Schifano and Reese Neiger shared short speeches about earning the school’s STAR tickets and awards.
It was a wonderful teachable moment wrapped in a little sunshine, music and plenty of spinning color. Students were reminded that peace and kindness are not just ideas to talk about — they are choices we make every day.
The district was shining a little brighter yesterday, Sept. 22, as students, faculty and staff wore gold and yellow for "Going Gold Day," which supported National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Here’s a sampling of the wonderful gold and yellow attire worn throughout our buildings! Thank you to the families and staff members who shared their photos and helped show just how much a special color can carry a very big message.
Participating in initiatives like this is about more than wearing a particular color. It’s a simple way to show children and families facing childhood cancer that their struggles are seen, their courage is recognized and they're not alone. It also gives our students an opportunity to learn that compassion can be expressed in many ways — sometimes through a kind word, sometimes through an act of support, and sometimes simply by standing together.
THANK YOU to everyone for helping turn our schools "gold" and showing that when we stand together, we can make a difference.
Here’s a sampling of the wonderful gold and yellow attire worn throughout our buildings! Thank you to the families and staff members who shared their photos and helped show just how much a special color can carry a very big message.
Participating in initiatives like this is about more than wearing a particular color. It’s a simple way to show children and families facing childhood cancer that their struggles are seen, their courage is recognized and they're not alone. It also gives our students an opportunity to learn that compassion can be expressed in many ways — sometimes through a kind word, sometimes through an act of support, and sometimes simply by standing together.
THANK YOU to everyone for helping turn our schools "gold" and showing that when we stand together, we can make a difference.
September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Yesterday, Sept. 22, was a special day for Joseph Ferara’s ES first-graders, and not just because Minisink Valley was going “gold” in support of children and families affected by childhood cancer.
Elliot and Megan Brooks, parents of Jack, a student in Mr. Ferara’s class, visited with their son’s classmates to share Jack’s story and talk about childhood cancer. Jack has brain and spine cancer. In addition to reading the class a story about childhood cancer, his parents wanted to give his classmates an opportunity to better understand what he is going through, answer their questions and, most importantly, thank them for the kindness and support they have shown Jack.
Visits like this can help children understand something that can be difficult to put into words: Sometimes a friend may look or participate a little differently because of something they are facing. But that difference never changes how much they belong.
For Jack’s classmates, it was also a meaningful lesson in empathy. They were reminded that small acts of friendship, patience and kindness can make a very big difference to someone who might be having a difficult time. They were also reminded that it’s okay to ask questions, learn about differences and stand beside a friend.
“The message throughout the visit is that it is okay to be different and being different is a superpower,” said Mr. Ferara.
The class created special crowns --- paper hats --- proudly proclaiming “We Stand With You,” an empowering message to Jack as he continues his fight.
And perhaps the best reminder of all? Jack doesn’t have to face that fight alone. His classmates and school community are standing with him.
Jenna McElroy’s High School “Drawing and Painting” art students have been working on creating multiple altered pages in their sketchbooks using new materials each day!
Their goal is not to create a finished work of art, but instead to explore and play with materials in new ways (an important part of the creative process). The idea is that these pages will help turn their sketchbooks into more of a visual journal. They can use the altered pages to take their notes on, or they may serve as perfect backgrounds for their art homework throughout the year. It’s a wonderful and relaxing approach to art making! Take a look!
Their goal is not to create a finished work of art, but instead to explore and play with materials in new ways (an important part of the creative process). The idea is that these pages will help turn their sketchbooks into more of a visual journal. They can use the altered pages to take their notes on, or they may serve as perfect backgrounds for their art homework throughout the year. It’s a wonderful and relaxing approach to art making! Take a look!
REMINDER!
It's time to stock up on Minisink Valley --- and Otisville --- swag! Make sure your family is dressed to rep our district this school year! All proceeds benefit the great work of the Minisink Valley PTO!
CLICK HERE to see all that's available and place your order --- there's something for everyone in ALL buildings:
https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/sSxyhfqZwV?utm_source=flyer&utm_medium=pdf&utm_campaign=store_shop&utm_content=store_link&fbclid=IwY2xjawUPwwNwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMTZVUHpLdVJkUnVTenJydnJzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeRvNGON5ZHf9Svm0CPUF_likYzSo0EtgWizwziBonqgS46OFR9lIM_ChwTsI_aem_niO-4aY3xjO2B5hf_7FZKw
It's time to stock up on Minisink Valley --- and Otisville --- swag! Make sure your family is dressed to rep our district this school year! All proceeds benefit the great work of the Minisink Valley PTO!
CLICK HERE to see all that's available and place your order --- there's something for everyone in ALL buildings:
https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/sSxyhfqZwV?utm_source=flyer&utm_medium=pdf&utm_campaign=store_shop&utm_content=store_link&fbclid=IwY2xjawUPwwNwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMTZVUHpLdVJkUnVTenJydnJzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeRvNGON5ZHf9Svm0CPUF_likYzSo0EtgWizwziBonqgS46OFR9lIM_ChwTsI_aem_niO-4aY3xjO2B5hf_7FZKw
PICK A CARD, ANY CARD…
There’s a little magic happening in Otisville classrooms — but Principal Paul Voigtland’s card trick comes with a lesson that’s more important than any magic trick.
Mr. Voigtland has been visiting third, fourth and fifth-grade classrooms with his “Clearing the Noise to Find the Truth” card trick. Students pick a card, return it to the deck and watch as Mr. Voigtland narrows the possibilities down to four cards.
Then comes the fun part.
“I tell the student to think of their card really hard and hit the cards out of my hand until they fall out,” he said. “The card remaining is the card they originally chose.”
Magic?
Maybe. A good life lesson? Definitely.
Mr. Voigtland uses the trick to talk with students about what happens when something goes wrong at school. Sometimes there are a lot of “cards” getting in the way — distractions, peer pressure, fear of getting in trouble or simply not knowing what to do next.
“As I narrow down the cards to the final four, I am helping strip away the noise,” he explained. “If a student has to talk to Ms. Griffin or me in the office, our job isn't to guess the truth. Our job is to help clear away the distractions until only the honest facts remain.”
And when the student gives those cards a good smack, the extras fall away — leaving just one card standing: The truth.
The message for students is simple: Everyone makes mistakes. What matters is what you do next.
Owning a poor choice, telling the truth and learning from it can turn a mistake into an opportunity to make a better choice next time.
There’s a little magic happening in Otisville classrooms — but Principal Paul Voigtland’s card trick comes with a lesson that’s more important than any magic trick.
Mr. Voigtland has been visiting third, fourth and fifth-grade classrooms with his “Clearing the Noise to Find the Truth” card trick. Students pick a card, return it to the deck and watch as Mr. Voigtland narrows the possibilities down to four cards.
Then comes the fun part.
“I tell the student to think of their card really hard and hit the cards out of my hand until they fall out,” he said. “The card remaining is the card they originally chose.”
Magic?
Maybe. A good life lesson? Definitely.
Mr. Voigtland uses the trick to talk with students about what happens when something goes wrong at school. Sometimes there are a lot of “cards” getting in the way — distractions, peer pressure, fear of getting in trouble or simply not knowing what to do next.
“As I narrow down the cards to the final four, I am helping strip away the noise,” he explained. “If a student has to talk to Ms. Griffin or me in the office, our job isn't to guess the truth. Our job is to help clear away the distractions until only the honest facts remain.”
And when the student gives those cards a good smack, the extras fall away — leaving just one card standing: The truth.
The message for students is simple: Everyone makes mistakes. What matters is what you do next.
Owning a poor choice, telling the truth and learning from it can turn a mistake into an opportunity to make a better choice next time.
Shawn Demberg’s kindergarteners had been eagerly awaiting a special visit from Addy, the therapy dog Mrs. Demberg trained—and the wait was finally over last week!
The students were thrilled to meet Addy, asking plenty of questions, watching her show off some of her tricks and, of course, enjoying some well-deserved doggie time.
Therapy dogs can be a wonderful addition to a kindergarten classroom. Their calm, friendly presence can help children feel more comfortable, ease anxiety, encourage positive social interactions and simply bring a little extra joy to the school day.
For these kindergarteners, Addy’s visit was a chance to learn, connect and make some happy memories. And, we bet Mrs. Demberg will be brining Addy back for more visits throughout the school year.
The students were thrilled to meet Addy, asking plenty of questions, watching her show off some of her tricks and, of course, enjoying some well-deserved doggie time.
Therapy dogs can be a wonderful addition to a kindergarten classroom. Their calm, friendly presence can help children feel more comfortable, ease anxiety, encourage positive social interactions and simply bring a little extra joy to the school day.
For these kindergarteners, Addy’s visit was a chance to learn, connect and make some happy memories. And, we bet Mrs. Demberg will be brining Addy back for more visits throughout the school year.
Kudos to these six high school students, who are also volunteer firefighters, who gathered at the Slate Hill campus steps leading up the Central Office/Junior parking lot on Sept. 11 and participated in the national "9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs."
Participants were Robert Witherow of the Mountain View Fire and Rescue Department; Lukas Pinheiro of the Johnson Fire Department; Stephen Hawkins and Colt Radimer of the Slate Hill Fire Department; Sebastian Skully of the Otisville Fire Department and Declan Thornton of the Goshen Fire Department.
Their stair climbing, and similar events held nationwide, honored the fallen firefighters of 9/11 by climbing the equivalent of 110 flights of stairs, the height of the World Trade Center's Twin Towers, to symbolically complete their heroic journeys. Year round, many events also raise awareness for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and other organizations supporting the families of fallen first responders, and sometimes feature participants wearing the names of those they are honoring.
Participants were Robert Witherow of the Mountain View Fire and Rescue Department; Lukas Pinheiro of the Johnson Fire Department; Stephen Hawkins and Colt Radimer of the Slate Hill Fire Department; Sebastian Skully of the Otisville Fire Department and Declan Thornton of the Goshen Fire Department.
Their stair climbing, and similar events held nationwide, honored the fallen firefighters of 9/11 by climbing the equivalent of 110 flights of stairs, the height of the World Trade Center's Twin Towers, to symbolically complete their heroic journeys. Year round, many events also raise awareness for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and other organizations supporting the families of fallen first responders, and sometimes feature participants wearing the names of those they are honoring.
