High School Math Teacher Sue Papa is proud to share that the High School’s newly formed NAMI on Campus MV Club (NAMI means the National Alliance on Mental Illness), supported by NAMI of Orange County, recently completed its first successful event! Following recent suicide prevention assemblies, club members, led junior by Abby Rogers, offered suicide prevention kits, donated by Act Through Music, to interested students during lunch periods. There were also key chains, stickers, wristbands other important resources available for students to take, courtesy of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Hudson Valley/Westchester.
“The students are very passionate about raising awareness and breaking stigmas around mental health,” said Ms. Papa, who is the club’s advisor. “They’re looking forward to building connections and creating a mental health toolkit that will promote healthy minds through healthy habits.”
If your student is interested in being a part of this group, have them email Ms. Papa at spapa@minisink.com
Jonathan Sakadelis has been introducing his ES kindergarten physical education students to soccer! They've been learning how to move the ball down the field by playing a game we all know: "Red Light, Green Light, 1, 2,3!" Plus, they've been learning how to trap, or stop, the ball. These cutie-pies are doing really good as novice beginners, too! There's probably some future varsity players in this group!
Joseph Ferara’s ES second-graders, like other district second-graders, are practicing representing numbers using a hundreds, tens and ones chart called an HTO chart. Students first practiced representing numbers using these place values, then moved to show them using just certain pieces of the chart.
As they progress in this work, students will be moving toward regrouping and borrowing when adding and subtracting. Right now, they been practicing bundling groups of 10s and moving them to the appropriate place value to accurately represent the number. This practice of unbundling and bundling numbers becomes the baseline for addition and subtraction strategies.
An HTO chart is a place value chart used in elementary education with columns for “hundreds,” “tens,” and “ones” to help students visualize and understand numbers. It’s a foundational tool for teaching concepts like addition, subtraction, and multiplication by showing how numbers are composed and how regrouping works (i.e.: trading 10 ones for a 10).
As they progress in this work, students will be moving toward regrouping and borrowing when adding and subtracting. Right now, they been practicing bundling groups of 10s and moving them to the appropriate place value to accurately represent the number. This practice of unbundling and bundling numbers becomes the baseline for addition and subtraction strategies.
An HTO chart is a place value chart used in elementary education with columns for “hundreds,” “tens,” and “ones” to help students visualize and understand numbers. It’s a foundational tool for teaching concepts like addition, subtraction, and multiplication by showing how numbers are composed and how regrouping works (i.e.: trading 10 ones for a 10).
The High School’s Counseling Department recently took a group of students on a field trip to SUNY Orange for a campus tour, which included exploring classrooms where their potential future courses may take place.
During their visit, students learned about the wide range of academic programs, student services, and campus resources available. They even met some alumni who were proud to share their experiences and insights about SUNY Orange life! This is the first time that the Counseling Department has arranged a group visit to an area college/university and more are planned!
During their visit, students learned about the wide range of academic programs, student services, and campus resources available. They even met some alumni who were proud to share their experiences and insights about SUNY Orange life! This is the first time that the Counseling Department has arranged a group visit to an area college/university and more are planned!
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!
