COLORFUL LEARNING IS RIGHT UNDER YOUR FEET!
Carmela Sill and Tiffany Guareno's ES kindergarten classes recently took advantage of recent gorgeous fall weather to go leaf hunting! Yes! Leaf hunting really is a thing!
They began their hunt by listening to Lois Ehlert’s “Leaf Man,” and then went outside to begin their leaf quests. Later, they worked on important and developing math skills by sorting leaves by color and practicing number writing to calculate how many of each color they had. Finally, these little students chose their favorite leaves to make their own imaginative "leaf creatures," using the “Leaf Man” as their inspiration.
“Students loved seeing and interacting with their friends from another class and looking for some unique leaves,” said Mrs. Sill. “It was a great activity to connect our text to some real world fun with another class.”
Carmela Sill and Tiffany Guareno's ES kindergarten classes recently took advantage of recent gorgeous fall weather to go leaf hunting! Yes! Leaf hunting really is a thing!
They began their hunt by listening to Lois Ehlert’s “Leaf Man,” and then went outside to begin their leaf quests. Later, they worked on important and developing math skills by sorting leaves by color and practicing number writing to calculate how many of each color they had. Finally, these little students chose their favorite leaves to make their own imaginative "leaf creatures," using the “Leaf Man” as their inspiration.
“Students loved seeing and interacting with their friends from another class and looking for some unique leaves,” said Mrs. Sill. “It was a great activity to connect our text to some real world fun with another class.”
A little friendly competition, with an important lesson in democracy!
Last week’s Election Day gave High School Club America students an opportunity to bring the voting process to their peers. Setting up outside the cafeteria, club members encouraged students to take part in their own election and offered a fun reminder that every vote counts and participating in the democratic process is an important responsibility.
The ballot? A choice for favorite physical education teacher! More than 200 students cast their votes, proving that students are always ready to make their voices heard!
The winner is Michael Raccioppi, who earned 30% of the votes! Congratulations!
While this election was about favorite physical education teachers, the bigger message was about something much more important: Making your voice heard. Club America found a creative way to show that voting matters, civic participation starts at any age, and democracy works best when everyone takes part!
Learning about the cultures and traditions of others helps us appreciate what makes each of us special!
Sally Mankoo’s ES kindergarteners recently made these beautiful, colorful diyas (lamps) to celebrate Diwali! The class also read Thrity Umrigar’s “Binny’s Diwali” to learn more about this special holiday, often called the "Festival of Lights."
Diwali is celebrated by more than one billion people worldwide. The word means “a row of lights,” and diyas are an important tradition because their warm glow symbolizes light overcoming darkness and good overcoming evil.
Today, Nov. 10, marks the fifth and final day of this year’s Diwali celebration.
Sally Mankoo’s ES kindergarteners recently made these beautiful, colorful diyas (lamps) to celebrate Diwali! The class also read Thrity Umrigar’s “Binny’s Diwali” to learn more about this special holiday, often called the "Festival of Lights."
Diwali is celebrated by more than one billion people worldwide. The word means “a row of lights,” and diyas are an important tradition because their warm glow symbolizes light overcoming darkness and good overcoming evil.
Today, Nov. 10, marks the fifth and final day of this year’s Diwali celebration.
PUTTING RESEARCH SKILLS TO WORK!
What makes a bird a bird or a reptile a reptile? Byron Imbarrato’s Otisville third-graders recently investigated those questions as part of Unit 2 of the district’s CKLA (Core Knowledge Language Arts) Amplify curriculum, which explores animal classification and the characteristics that distinguish the five groups of vertebrates.
To wrap up the unit, students became researchers and presenters, selecting an animal to classify based on its key characteristics. But identifying an animal was just the beginning! Students gathered evidence from their reading, researched fun facts, wrote a short response and transformed their findings into a slideshow to share with their peers.
Along the way, they put the ThinkSRSD TIDE writing strategy to work. TIDE provides a framework for organizing written responses: Topic sentence, Important information, Details and Examples, and Ending. This approach helps students develop clear, organized explanations and support their ideas with relevant evidence.
The project also reinforced an important part of the CKLA Amplify curriculum: Connecting reading, writing, speaking and listening. Students learned to draw information from texts, distinguish relevant evidence, organize their research and communicate what they learned. Creating slideshows gave them an additional opportunity to incorporate diagrams, bold print, photo captions and other text features to make information easier to understand.
Mr. Imbarrato was especially pleased with his students’ ability to use text evidence to support their classifications and create engaging presentations with transitions and animations.
“Everyone did a great job speaking clearly and being respectful audience members for each of their peers as well,” he added.
It was a great opportunity to how reading and writing skills can help bring science learning to life!
What makes a bird a bird or a reptile a reptile? Byron Imbarrato’s Otisville third-graders recently investigated those questions as part of Unit 2 of the district’s CKLA (Core Knowledge Language Arts) Amplify curriculum, which explores animal classification and the characteristics that distinguish the five groups of vertebrates.
To wrap up the unit, students became researchers and presenters, selecting an animal to classify based on its key characteristics. But identifying an animal was just the beginning! Students gathered evidence from their reading, researched fun facts, wrote a short response and transformed their findings into a slideshow to share with their peers.
Along the way, they put the ThinkSRSD TIDE writing strategy to work. TIDE provides a framework for organizing written responses: Topic sentence, Important information, Details and Examples, and Ending. This approach helps students develop clear, organized explanations and support their ideas with relevant evidence.
The project also reinforced an important part of the CKLA Amplify curriculum: Connecting reading, writing, speaking and listening. Students learned to draw information from texts, distinguish relevant evidence, organize their research and communicate what they learned. Creating slideshows gave them an additional opportunity to incorporate diagrams, bold print, photo captions and other text features to make information easier to understand.
Mr. Imbarrato was especially pleased with his students’ ability to use text evidence to support their classifications and create engaging presentations with transitions and animations.
“Everyone did a great job speaking clearly and being respectful audience members for each of their peers as well,” he added.
It was a great opportunity to how reading and writing skills can help bring science learning to life!
Partnerships matter!
Bravo to the High School’s Youth Against Cancer (YAC) and Research clubs for recently joining forces to raise breast cancer awareness and share messages of hope with patients at Garnet Medical Center's R.W. Moody’s Breast Center.
As part of last month’s breast cancer awareness initiative, Research Club students created and displayed informational flyers throughout the school. Meanwhile, YAC members staffed a table during lunch periods, inviting students to create cards filled with encouraging messages and words of support for breast cancer patients. The cards were later delivered to Garnet Medical Center in Middletown.
“It was truly heartwarming to see another club partner with our Youth Against Cancer Club for the second time this month,” said Advisor Erin Natalizio. “Seeing our students collaborate, support one another, and work toward a shared purpose is a beautiful reminder of the kindness, compassion, and sense of community that make Minisink Valley so special.”
Through their combined efforts, students demonstrated how working together can help spread awareness and remind others that they are not alone.
Bravo to the High School’s Youth Against Cancer (YAC) and Research clubs for recently joining forces to raise breast cancer awareness and share messages of hope with patients at Garnet Medical Center's R.W. Moody’s Breast Center.
As part of last month’s breast cancer awareness initiative, Research Club students created and displayed informational flyers throughout the school. Meanwhile, YAC members staffed a table during lunch periods, inviting students to create cards filled with encouraging messages and words of support for breast cancer patients. The cards were later delivered to Garnet Medical Center in Middletown.
“It was truly heartwarming to see another club partner with our Youth Against Cancer Club for the second time this month,” said Advisor Erin Natalizio. “Seeing our students collaborate, support one another, and work toward a shared purpose is a beautiful reminder of the kindness, compassion, and sense of community that make Minisink Valley so special.”
Through their combined efforts, students demonstrated how working together can help spread awareness and remind others that they are not alone.
A ‘HUNNY’ OF A READING ADVENTURE!
Did you know it’s the 100th anniversary of A.A. Milne’s “Winnie-the-Pooh?” Mia McLean’s ES first-grade library students do!
Mrs. McLean recently read some of her favorite Pooh stories to her little readers, then sent them off on a creative adventure of their own. Inspired by Pooh and his friends, students created their own Hundred Acre Wood artwork!
Reading classic books introduces children to memorable characters and imaginative worlds that have delighted generations. Pairing stories with art takes the experience a step further, helping students to picture what they read, make connections to the story and express their own creativity.
DID YOU KNOW
•Pooh had a different name first! Before he became Winnie-the-Pooh, Christopher Robin's teddy bear was called Edward Bear.
•The characters started as real stuffed animals! Author A.A. Milne's son, Christopher Robin, had toys that inspired Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger and other characters. The original toys are now on display at the New York Public Library.
•Pooh loves his “hunny”! Pooh's special spelling of honey is one of his most recognizable quirks. His love of sweet treats often leads him into funny predicaments!
•Tigger wasn't in the first book! Bouncy, energetic Tigger first appeared in the second Pooh storybook, “The House at Pooh Corner,” published in 1928.
•The Hundred Acre Wood is inspired by a real forest! Ashdown Forest in England inspired the woodland where Pooh and his friends have their adventures. Visitors can even play Poohsticks, a game made famous by the stories!
Did you know it’s the 100th anniversary of A.A. Milne’s “Winnie-the-Pooh?” Mia McLean’s ES first-grade library students do!
Mrs. McLean recently read some of her favorite Pooh stories to her little readers, then sent them off on a creative adventure of their own. Inspired by Pooh and his friends, students created their own Hundred Acre Wood artwork!
Reading classic books introduces children to memorable characters and imaginative worlds that have delighted generations. Pairing stories with art takes the experience a step further, helping students to picture what they read, make connections to the story and express their own creativity.
DID YOU KNOW
•Pooh had a different name first! Before he became Winnie-the-Pooh, Christopher Robin's teddy bear was called Edward Bear.
•The characters started as real stuffed animals! Author A.A. Milne's son, Christopher Robin, had toys that inspired Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger and other characters. The original toys are now on display at the New York Public Library.
•Pooh loves his “hunny”! Pooh's special spelling of honey is one of his most recognizable quirks. His love of sweet treats often leads him into funny predicaments!
•Tigger wasn't in the first book! Bouncy, energetic Tigger first appeared in the second Pooh storybook, “The House at Pooh Corner,” published in 1928.
•The Hundred Acre Wood is inspired by a real forest! Ashdown Forest in England inspired the woodland where Pooh and his friends have their adventures. Visitors can even play Poohsticks, a game made famous by the stories!
Otisville Elementary recently launched a new Reading Buddy program, bringing students in grades K–5 together for a shared love of reading and learning. Take a peek! This gathering featured the reading of Joe Troiano's "The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin," followed by a fun craft!
Through this initiative, students in grades 3–5 read aloud to their younger K–2 buddies, strengthening their own fluency, expression and confidence while helping younger readers develop listening skills, build vocabulary and discover the joy of a good story while also developing their growing reading skills.
But the benefits go well beyond reading. These gatherings give students opportunities to build friendships across grade levels, practice communication, develop patience and empathy, and learn the value of encouraging and supporting one another. Older students take on leadership roles, while younger students gain positive role models and a greater sense of connection to their school.
Reading Buddies is a wonderful opportunity to further foster a welcoming, supportive school culture where learning is shared, relationships grow and every student has a chance to make a wonderful and kind contribution to help someone else
Through this initiative, students in grades 3–5 read aloud to their younger K–2 buddies, strengthening their own fluency, expression and confidence while helping younger readers develop listening skills, build vocabulary and discover the joy of a good story while also developing their growing reading skills.
But the benefits go well beyond reading. These gatherings give students opportunities to build friendships across grade levels, practice communication, develop patience and empathy, and learn the value of encouraging and supporting one another. Older students take on leadership roles, while younger students gain positive role models and a greater sense of connection to their school.
Reading Buddies is a wonderful opportunity to further foster a welcoming, supportive school culture where learning is shared, relationships grow and every student has a chance to make a wonderful and kind contribution to help someone else
The High School’s recent Spirit Week brought teamwork to the gym as physical education classes spent a couple of days participating in cooperative games! Students worked together, communicated, solved problems and encouraged one another while taking on a variety of challenges.
Activities like these help students develop skills that go beyond physical education. By learning to collaborate, listen to others, include their peers and work toward a shared goal, students strengthen the communication and interpersonal skills that are critically important in everyday life…while having fun!
It was a fun way to celebrate Spirit Week while reinforcing the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship!
Activities like these help students develop skills that go beyond physical education. By learning to collaborate, listen to others, include their peers and work toward a shared goal, students strengthen the communication and interpersonal skills that are critically important in everyday life…while having fun!
It was a fun way to celebrate Spirit Week while reinforcing the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship!
BRRR! Joseph Renna’s High School Regent Chemistry students recently participated in an engaging, hands-on investigation using dry ice to explore energy, phase changes and the behavior of matter as part of their “Matter and Energy” unit.
Building on their classroom discussions of phase change diagrams and energy calculations, this demonstration challenged students to reconsider their conventional understanding of how matter changes from one state to another.
Throughout the investigation, students observed the behavior of dry ice, the solid form of carbon dioxide, as it transformed directly into a gas. Unlike familiar substances such as water, which can melt from a solid into a liquid before becoming a gas, dry ice undergoes sublimation under normal atmospheric pressure. This provided the students with a striking, real-world example of how not all substances follow the same sequence of phase changes under everyday conditions.
Rather than simply presenting students with an explanation, the lesson emphasized inquiry, observation and scientific reasoning. Students were encouraged to make predictions, ask questions, identify evidence, and connect their observations to the concepts they have been studying. The investigation prompted students to think critically about the role of energy in phase changes, how substances behave under different conditions, and how phase change diagrams can be used to represent changes in the physical state of matter. This investigation brought abstract chemistry to life with this “very cool” phenomenon.
DID YOU KNOW
Dry ice is the solid, frozen form of carbon dioxide (CO₂) maintained at an extremely cold temperature of -78.5 °C (-109.3 °F). Unlike regular water ice, it does not melt into a liquid under normal atmospheric pressure; instead, it undergoes sublimation, turning directly from a solid into a gas.
Building on their classroom discussions of phase change diagrams and energy calculations, this demonstration challenged students to reconsider their conventional understanding of how matter changes from one state to another.
Throughout the investigation, students observed the behavior of dry ice, the solid form of carbon dioxide, as it transformed directly into a gas. Unlike familiar substances such as water, which can melt from a solid into a liquid before becoming a gas, dry ice undergoes sublimation under normal atmospheric pressure. This provided the students with a striking, real-world example of how not all substances follow the same sequence of phase changes under everyday conditions.
Rather than simply presenting students with an explanation, the lesson emphasized inquiry, observation and scientific reasoning. Students were encouraged to make predictions, ask questions, identify evidence, and connect their observations to the concepts they have been studying. The investigation prompted students to think critically about the role of energy in phase changes, how substances behave under different conditions, and how phase change diagrams can be used to represent changes in the physical state of matter. This investigation brought abstract chemistry to life with this “very cool” phenomenon.
DID YOU KNOW
Dry ice is the solid, frozen form of carbon dioxide (CO₂) maintained at an extremely cold temperature of -78.5 °C (-109.3 °F). Unlike regular water ice, it does not melt into a liquid under normal atmospheric pressure; instead, it undergoes sublimation, turning directly from a solid into a gas.
Egg-citing science in fifth-grade!
Kendall Tullino’s Otisville fifth-graders recently put their knowledge of balanced and unbalanced forces into action with an egg-dropping experiment! The activity wrapped up their science unit by challenging students to drop an egg into a cup without touching the egg itself.
How did they pull it off? While the egg rested atop a stack of a plate and tube, the forces acting on it were balanced. Gravity pulled the egg downward while the tube pushed upward, keeping it in place. But when students quickly removed the plate and tube, that upward support disappeared. Gravity took over, sending the egg straight down into the cup!
This hands-on experiment gave students an opportunity to see the science behind motion rather than simply read about it. By observing what happened when forces were balanced and then changed, students could make predictions, test their understanding and see cause and effect in action.
“EGGcelent” experiments like this help build the critical-thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential to scientific learning!
Kendall Tullino’s Otisville fifth-graders recently put their knowledge of balanced and unbalanced forces into action with an egg-dropping experiment! The activity wrapped up their science unit by challenging students to drop an egg into a cup without touching the egg itself.
How did they pull it off? While the egg rested atop a stack of a plate and tube, the forces acting on it were balanced. Gravity pulled the egg downward while the tube pushed upward, keeping it in place. But when students quickly removed the plate and tube, that upward support disappeared. Gravity took over, sending the egg straight down into the cup!
This hands-on experiment gave students an opportunity to see the science behind motion rather than simply read about it. By observing what happened when forces were balanced and then changed, students could make predictions, test their understanding and see cause and effect in action.
“EGGcelent” experiments like this help build the critical-thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential to scientific learning!
Jenna McElroy’s High School Drawing & Painting students recently traveled to New York City to visit the Society of Illustrators, a renowned organization dedicated to celebrating, preserving and advancing the art of illustration.
Students explored the Society’s current exhibition, “RIBBIT: The Art of the Amphibian & Reptile,” and participated in a hands-on workshop and question-and-answer session with professional illustrator Laura Sandoval Herrera.
The visit offered students a look at illustration beyond the classroom, introducing them to the creative process and the business side of working as a professional artist. Ms. Herrera shared examples of her work, discussed her education and artistic process, explained how illustrators find work, secure assignments and earn a living. She also described how she works with an agent who helps connect her with professional opportunities.
Students learned about an exercise used in the illustration industry: Creating a visual collection called “100 Things I Like to Draw.” The exercise encourages artists to identify subjects that interest them, explore their personal tastes and develop a distinctive visual style. Ms. Herrera challenged the students to put that idea into practice with a “5 Things I Like to Draw” prompt.
Working within a one-hour time limit, students created their own drawings in the format of a cabinet of curiosities — a collection of objects, images or specimens thoughtfully arranged to reflect a person’s interests, observations and sense of discovery. Historically, cabinets of curiosities brought together unusual and intriguing items for people to examine and explore. In this artistic interpretation, students used their drawings to assemble a visual collection of subjects that captured their individual imaginations.
The workshop concluded with a group critique, giving students an opportunity to share their work, discuss their choices and see how their classmates approached the same assignment in different ways.
Experiences like this bring classroom learning to life. By engaging directly with a professional illustrator, students gained insight into career possibilities, experienced a real-world creative assignment and practiced making artistic decisions under a deadline. Seeing original artwork in a professional exhibition also exposed them to new ideas, techniques and approaches they can carry into their own work.
“They did incredible with the prompt and all had their own spin and style,” said Mrs. McElroy. “It was a fun and educational day for us.”
Students explored the Society’s current exhibition, “RIBBIT: The Art of the Amphibian & Reptile,” and participated in a hands-on workshop and question-and-answer session with professional illustrator Laura Sandoval Herrera.
The visit offered students a look at illustration beyond the classroom, introducing them to the creative process and the business side of working as a professional artist. Ms. Herrera shared examples of her work, discussed her education and artistic process, explained how illustrators find work, secure assignments and earn a living. She also described how she works with an agent who helps connect her with professional opportunities.
Students learned about an exercise used in the illustration industry: Creating a visual collection called “100 Things I Like to Draw.” The exercise encourages artists to identify subjects that interest them, explore their personal tastes and develop a distinctive visual style. Ms. Herrera challenged the students to put that idea into practice with a “5 Things I Like to Draw” prompt.
Working within a one-hour time limit, students created their own drawings in the format of a cabinet of curiosities — a collection of objects, images or specimens thoughtfully arranged to reflect a person’s interests, observations and sense of discovery. Historically, cabinets of curiosities brought together unusual and intriguing items for people to examine and explore. In this artistic interpretation, students used their drawings to assemble a visual collection of subjects that captured their individual imaginations.
The workshop concluded with a group critique, giving students an opportunity to share their work, discuss their choices and see how their classmates approached the same assignment in different ways.
Experiences like this bring classroom learning to life. By engaging directly with a professional illustrator, students gained insight into career possibilities, experienced a real-world creative assignment and practiced making artistic decisions under a deadline. Seeing original artwork in a professional exhibition also exposed them to new ideas, techniques and approaches they can carry into their own work.
“They did incredible with the prompt and all had their own spin and style,” said Mrs. McElroy. “It was a fun and educational day for us.”
‘Sick Sally’ has a sneezy lesson to share!
Elementary School Nurse Michele Leisch, R.N., has been making classroom rounds with “Sick Sally” to teach students some very important lessons about keeping germs at bay!
During a visit with Angela Dombal and Jordan Procak’s kindergarteners, students got a firsthand look at what happens when we sneeze without covering our mouths (YUCK!) versus using proper sneezing etiquette.
But there’s more to staying healthy than catching a sneeze! Students also discussed the importance of washing their hands, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow, and staying home when they’re sick to help keep classmates and teachers healthy.
Here's a few germ-busting reminders for everyone:
• Cover that cough or sneeze! Use a tissue or your elbow, not your hands.
• Wash hands often! Use soap and running water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. Don’t forget between your fingers, under your nails and the backs of your hands!
• Dry hands! Rinse well and dry with a clean towel.
• Keep hands away from your face. Germs can enter through your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Feeling under the weather? Stay home when you're sick to help prevent spreading germs to others.
Elementary School Nurse Michele Leisch, R.N., has been making classroom rounds with “Sick Sally” to teach students some very important lessons about keeping germs at bay!
During a visit with Angela Dombal and Jordan Procak’s kindergarteners, students got a firsthand look at what happens when we sneeze without covering our mouths (YUCK!) versus using proper sneezing etiquette.
But there’s more to staying healthy than catching a sneeze! Students also discussed the importance of washing their hands, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow, and staying home when they’re sick to help keep classmates and teachers healthy.
Here's a few germ-busting reminders for everyone:
• Cover that cough or sneeze! Use a tissue or your elbow, not your hands.
• Wash hands often! Use soap and running water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. Don’t forget between your fingers, under your nails and the backs of your hands!
• Dry hands! Rinse well and dry with a clean towel.
• Keep hands away from your face. Germs can enter through your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Feeling under the weather? Stay home when you're sick to help prevent spreading germs to others.
Thank you to Mount Hope Police Officers Jessica Wigfall and Egypt Belizario, along with Otisville School Resource Officer Jamie Johnson, for taking the time to speak with our students today, Oct. 28, about Halloween safety.
Students were reminded of important precautions, including watching for traffic, never entering a stranger’s home, having a trusted adult check their candy before eating it, and knowing what to do if they become separated from their group. Ask your student about this important conversation!
These conversations help students make informed decisions, recognize potential risks and understand how to protect themselves while enjoying Halloween festivities. Reinforcing these safety practices helps children feel more prepared and confident as they head out to celebrate.
We’re grateful for our continued partnership with the Mount Hope Police Department. The department’s commitment to educating and supporting our students extends beyond Halloween, helping foster a safe school environment and building positive relationships between students and the law enforcement officers who serve our community. We appreciate your guidance and your ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of our students and families….and the greater Otisville school community!
Students were reminded of important precautions, including watching for traffic, never entering a stranger’s home, having a trusted adult check their candy before eating it, and knowing what to do if they become separated from their group. Ask your student about this important conversation!
These conversations help students make informed decisions, recognize potential risks and understand how to protect themselves while enjoying Halloween festivities. Reinforcing these safety practices helps children feel more prepared and confident as they head out to celebrate.
We’re grateful for our continued partnership with the Mount Hope Police Department. The department’s commitment to educating and supporting our students extends beyond Halloween, helping foster a safe school environment and building positive relationships between students and the law enforcement officers who serve our community. We appreciate your guidance and your ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of our students and families….and the greater Otisville school community!
Congratulations to the recently installed Middle School Student Government officers:
President: Kaelyn Pianettini
Vice President: Madisen Bennett
Secretaries: Jayse DeJesus and Daniel DeFazio
Treasurer: Shael Sidne
The Middle School’s Student Government organization is dedicated to building school spirit, strengthening connections, and making a positive impact in our school and community. Members take an active role in planning and hosting school-wide events, including all-grade dances and Field Day, while collaborating with other buildings throughout the district.
Through community service initiatives, such as providing treats to local law enforcement and preparing meals for a homeless shelter, students develop leadership skills, teamwork, and a strong sense of civic responsibility.
“Our goal is to create meaningful experiences, support others, and make a difference both inside and outside of our school,” said Allyson Kingly, one of the advisors.
Watch for some of the group’s community service activities coming up next month, when students visit the Elementary School to make Thanksgiving placemats for a local homeless shelter.
THANK YOU to advisors Allyson Kingly, Stephanie Gage and Matthew Moyles for overseeing the important work and teachable moments for this group!
President: Kaelyn Pianettini
Vice President: Madisen Bennett
Secretaries: Jayse DeJesus and Daniel DeFazio
Treasurer: Shael Sidne
The Middle School’s Student Government organization is dedicated to building school spirit, strengthening connections, and making a positive impact in our school and community. Members take an active role in planning and hosting school-wide events, including all-grade dances and Field Day, while collaborating with other buildings throughout the district.
Through community service initiatives, such as providing treats to local law enforcement and preparing meals for a homeless shelter, students develop leadership skills, teamwork, and a strong sense of civic responsibility.
“Our goal is to create meaningful experiences, support others, and make a difference both inside and outside of our school,” said Allyson Kingly, one of the advisors.
Watch for some of the group’s community service activities coming up next month, when students visit the Elementary School to make Thanksgiving placemats for a local homeless shelter.
THANK YOU to advisors Allyson Kingly, Stephanie Gage and Matthew Moyles for overseeing the important work and teachable moments for this group!
Isabella Lynch and Kelly Manganiello’s Otisville fifth-graders are learning that a strong argument is about much more than simply having an opinion. It’s about being able to support that opinion with relevant evidence and thoughtfully consider other perspectives.
Students put those skills into practice during a recent, live classroom debate on a topic of particular interest to fifth-graders: Should snacking be allowed in class?
Two selected student presented their positions, while their classmates served as evaluators, considering the evidence and reasoning presented by each side.
The teachable moment goes well beyond the snack debate. Learning to construct evidence-based arguments, evaluate information, listen to differing viewpoints and communicate ideas clearly helps students develop critical-thinking skills and practice the respectful dialogue that will serve them well in the classroom and beyond.
Most importantly, they learned that when the topic is snacks, everyone suddenly has a very well-researched opinion!
Students put those skills into practice during a recent, live classroom debate on a topic of particular interest to fifth-graders: Should snacking be allowed in class?
Two selected student presented their positions, while their classmates served as evaluators, considering the evidence and reasoning presented by each side.
The teachable moment goes well beyond the snack debate. Learning to construct evidence-based arguments, evaluate information, listen to differing viewpoints and communicate ideas clearly helps students develop critical-thinking skills and practice the respectful dialogue that will serve them well in the classroom and beyond.
Most importantly, they learned that when the topic is snacks, everyone suddenly has a very well-researched opinion!
Have you signed up for ParentSquare?
It's our new communication platform for sharing important information with families. Through ParentSquare, parents and guardians can receive district and school announcements, reminders, updates and messages from their student's school.
Families can access ParentSquare through a computer or by downloading the free mobile app, making it easy to stay informed and connected throughout the school year.
CLICK HERE to sign up and learn more: https://www.minisink.com/page/parentsquare
What smart cookies!
Division can be a pretty abstract, tricky concept when it’s just numbers on a whiteboard. But Rachel Forde and Julie Ferguson’s Otisville third-graders weren't just writing math problems, they were living (and later, eating) them.
First, students listened to story to see division “in action.” Then, they used Cookie Crisp cereal to physically divide equal shares between partners. Who doesn’t like counting and then eating learning tools?
Student-centered teaching was obvious: Students worked together for “Think-Pair-Shares,” where they talked through how they solved a problem out loud. Later, they used silent “I agree" hand signals to show agreement with the work of others. Math vocabulary was reinforced through the use of words like “dividend,” “divisor” and “quotient” while mapping out their cookie piles.
The teachable moment? Students moved division from an abstract concept on paper to something they could see, model and explain. By creating equal groups, talking through their thinking with classmates and using mathematical vocabulary, students were learning not just how to solve a division problem, but what division actually means.
Division can be a pretty abstract, tricky concept when it’s just numbers on a whiteboard. But Rachel Forde and Julie Ferguson’s Otisville third-graders weren't just writing math problems, they were living (and later, eating) them.
First, students listened to story to see division “in action.” Then, they used Cookie Crisp cereal to physically divide equal shares between partners. Who doesn’t like counting and then eating learning tools?
Student-centered teaching was obvious: Students worked together for “Think-Pair-Shares,” where they talked through how they solved a problem out loud. Later, they used silent “I agree" hand signals to show agreement with the work of others. Math vocabulary was reinforced through the use of words like “dividend,” “divisor” and “quotient” while mapping out their cookie piles.
The teachable moment? Students moved division from an abstract concept on paper to something they could see, model and explain. By creating equal groups, talking through their thinking with classmates and using mathematical vocabulary, students were learning not just how to solve a division problem, but what division actually means.
Last evening’s PEP RALLY brought the fun, the traditions and plenty of NOISE! Take a peek!
More than just a great time, events like these bring students together, build school pride and create a shared sense of community that extends beyond the classroom!
And the excitement is just getting started! Tonight, we take that spirit to the field for the Homecoming game vs. FDR, followed by tomorrow night’s Homecoming Dance!
See more photos on the district's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MinisinkValleyCSD/posts/pfbid0BWVAVctSkfmnvKQBbTjw4xYebrccenJvsRD4pC2wNMTgimxfUjXzSwkVcn2rEVjal?__cft__[0]=AZjRgK1TsU9FPQ8D49aF0vDjIKpUYcoU5rVsC-oidUrj3tyjCOjGnanWbJfLpzp4Ids8F05ZqHMDYpcI7cBOGApCQBYvnuybQHbfFgufoB7qiOe5hd_mTBZ1fnNb2ZPxZa9bH7-PgnQANR0XZcp1xDb2hO7uq8PIvrvc0tb3dcZDrDHLJgwNHo7cthQ&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R
More than just a great time, events like these bring students together, build school pride and create a shared sense of community that extends beyond the classroom!
And the excitement is just getting started! Tonight, we take that spirit to the field for the Homecoming game vs. FDR, followed by tomorrow night’s Homecoming Dance!
See more photos on the district's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MinisinkValleyCSD/posts/pfbid0BWVAVctSkfmnvKQBbTjw4xYebrccenJvsRD4pC2wNMTgimxfUjXzSwkVcn2rEVjal?__cft__[0]=AZjRgK1TsU9FPQ8D49aF0vDjIKpUYcoU5rVsC-oidUrj3tyjCOjGnanWbJfLpzp4Ids8F05ZqHMDYpcI7cBOGApCQBYvnuybQHbfFgufoB7qiOe5hd_mTBZ1fnNb2ZPxZa9bH7-PgnQANR0XZcp1xDb2hO7uq8PIvrvc0tb3dcZDrDHLJgwNHo7cthQ&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R
In celebration of the recent Hispanic Heritage Month, Tiffany Guareno’s ES kindergarteners learned how to dance salsa, a traditional Latin dance! They also made adorable maracas using plastic eggs, plastic spoons and rice. Each set was beautifully decorated and uniquely their own!
Lessons like this bring culture to life for young students, allowing them to explore traditions through movement, music and hands-on creativity. By dancing to a new rhythm and making their own musical instruments, students enjoyed a fun, memorable way to discover and appreciate the richness of Hispanic culture!
Lessons like this bring culture to life for young students, allowing them to explore traditions through movement, music and hands-on creativity. By dancing to a new rhythm and making their own musical instruments, students enjoyed a fun, memorable way to discover and appreciate the richness of Hispanic culture!
DO NOT MISS OUT! The High School's Art Club is back with its wonderful PAINT & SNACK fundraiser on Tuesday, Oct. 27 --- just in time for Halloween! Create a wonderful Jack-o-lantern painting which will be destined to become a permanent Halloween decoration!
Everyone is welcome, including children of all ages!
Pricing (cash at the door):
Adults - $12
Children/students - $10
Siblings discount: $5 per additional sibling
PLEASE NOTE: Seating is limited and will be capped at 25 attendees. CLICK HERE to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfNvVoDTsAgdIhaDFLVWhaN6X5CnahtHyEfGmbEWpFB0LD6rg/viewform
Everyone is welcome, including children of all ages!
Pricing (cash at the door):
Adults - $12
Children/students - $10
Siblings discount: $5 per additional sibling
PLEASE NOTE: Seating is limited and will be capped at 25 attendees. CLICK HERE to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfNvVoDTsAgdIhaDFLVWhaN6X5CnahtHyEfGmbEWpFB0LD6rg/viewform