Meet five of the 161 students who registered to vote during the High School’s recent voter registration drive, sponsored by the Mid-Hudson Region of the League of Women Voters!
Many will now be able to vote in upcoming voting cycles, while others will be able to vote when they turn 18. But! They are registered to vote, which matters greatly because it’s the first step that makes one’s voice count in elections.
“We had 161 students sign up — that is a new record,” said Leslie Simons, Mid-Hudson Region of the League of Women Voters vice president. The group is already working with National Honor Society juniors to organize a similar event in the new school year.
Many will now be able to vote in upcoming voting cycles, while others will be able to vote when they turn 18. But! They are registered to vote, which matters greatly because it’s the first step that makes one’s voice count in elections.
“We had 161 students sign up — that is a new record,” said Leslie Simons, Mid-Hudson Region of the League of Women Voters vice president. The group is already working with National Honor Society juniors to organize a similar event in the new school year.
Please join us in congratulating members of our faculty and administration who were granted tenure by the Board of Education during its May 7 and earlier in the year meetings! #MINISINKProud
High School
Jacquelyn Campbell, Special Education teacher
Thomas Connolly, Mathematics teacher
Jonathan Hannes, Special Education teacher
Toni McGinn, Special Education teacher
Rachel Moran, English as a Second Language teacher
Middle School
Francine LaDonna, Social Worker
Kaitlin Santos, Elementary teacher
Ramon Torres, Foreign Languages teacher
Otisville Elementary
Lisa Assaiante, Special Education teacher
Victoria Frascone, Special Education teacher
Stephanie Gove, Elementary teacher
Nikachi Griffin, Assistant Principal
Bryon Imbarrato, Elementary teacher
Jessica Kahn, Elementary teacher
Nicole Martinez, Elementary teacher
Intermediate School
Lilivette Alten, English as a Second Language teacher
Andrew Fenner, Elementary teacher
Elementary School
Megan St. Clair, Elementary teacher
Stephanie Giufre’s and Tom Uhrig’s Otisville K/1 physical education students are having an absolute blast on a bright, colorful obstacle course designed just for them!
These little movers are learning through play every step of the way. Each twist and turn helps them explore important concepts like “in,” “out,” “over,” “under,” “around,” “through,” “up,” and “down”…all while laughing and giggling and cheering each other on!
And the best part? While fun, this kind of play is packed with powerful benefits. Obstacle courses help young children build strength, coordination, balance, and body awareness. They encourage kids to use both sides of their bodies together, improve listening skills, and develop confidence as they try new challenges and celebrate their successes.
Little ones especially love activities like this because they’re active, colorful, and full of variety — no two turns feel the same! It sparks their imagination, gives them a sense of adventure and lets them learn by doing! They may not realize all the amazing skills they’re building—and that’s perfectly okay…because they’re too busy having FUN!
These little movers are learning through play every step of the way. Each twist and turn helps them explore important concepts like “in,” “out,” “over,” “under,” “around,” “through,” “up,” and “down”…all while laughing and giggling and cheering each other on!
And the best part? While fun, this kind of play is packed with powerful benefits. Obstacle courses help young children build strength, coordination, balance, and body awareness. They encourage kids to use both sides of their bodies together, improve listening skills, and develop confidence as they try new challenges and celebrate their successes.
Little ones especially love activities like this because they’re active, colorful, and full of variety — no two turns feel the same! It sparks their imagination, gives them a sense of adventure and lets them learn by doing! They may not realize all the amazing skills they’re building—and that’s perfectly okay…because they’re too busy having FUN!
Congratulations to the 15 students who were recognized at the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (NYSAHPERD) Catskill Zone Leadership Awards Ceremony, held May 2 Wallkill High School!
This event honors top-grade-level students who exemplify excellence in fitness, leadership, and citizenship — key components of New York State learning standards.
These students were selected for their commitment to an active lifestyle, responsible behavior, leadership qualities, and contributions to their school community. While athletic ability is not a requirement, each honoree embodies the spirit of personal growth and positive influence.
“These students set a strong example for others, demonstrating how character, dedication, and service make an impact both in physical education and in all areas of life,” said Elementary School Physical Education teacher Anthony Pascarelli, who represented Minisink Valley faculty at the event.
Students honored were:
Middle School
Justin Artola
Charlotte Ringus
Maximus Sisto
Jasmine Tepper
Otisville Elementary
Peter Caputo
Helen Hutchital
Callan Mark
Frank Ortiz
Intermediate School
Lucas Ayala
Logan Flynn
Siena Paccio
Grace Rolon
Elementary School
Augustine Paccio
Delilah Useo
Everett Whalen
This event honors top-grade-level students who exemplify excellence in fitness, leadership, and citizenship — key components of New York State learning standards.
These students were selected for their commitment to an active lifestyle, responsible behavior, leadership qualities, and contributions to their school community. While athletic ability is not a requirement, each honoree embodies the spirit of personal growth and positive influence.
“These students set a strong example for others, demonstrating how character, dedication, and service make an impact both in physical education and in all areas of life,” said Elementary School Physical Education teacher Anthony Pascarelli, who represented Minisink Valley faculty at the event.
Students honored were:
Middle School
Justin Artola
Charlotte Ringus
Maximus Sisto
Jasmine Tepper
Otisville Elementary
Peter Caputo
Helen Hutchital
Callan Mark
Frank Ortiz
Intermediate School
Lucas Ayala
Logan Flynn
Siena Paccio
Grace Rolon
Elementary School
Augustine Paccio
Delilah Useo
Everett Whalen
L Lifting young minds with creativity,
A Art and words woven together,
N Nurturing curiosity in every lesson,
A A spark that inspires learning.
BOCES Education Academy’s “Foundations of Education” student Lana Besson recently teamed up with Holly Pason’s Otisville’s third-graders for a vibrant, hands-on finale to their poetry unit! It blended creativity and literacy with a touch of environmental awareness.
As part of the Amplify reading curriculum, students have been diving into the world of poetry —exploring different forms, discovering influential poets and experimenting with literary devices. To wrap up the unit, they turned their focus to Earth Day, crafting thoughtful acrostic poems inspired by the planet.
But the activity didn’t stop at words. Lana guided students in transforming their poetry into a cross-curricular art piece. Each student designed and carved their own stamp, then used it to print a handmade image of the Earth — bringing their poems to life visually. The result was a collection of unique creations that combined artistic expression with literary learning!
An acrostic poem is a form of poetry where the first letter, syllable, or word of each line spells out a specific word, message, or the alphabet when read vertically. The “spine word,” the word spelled out is usually the subject of the poem. These poems don’t require rhyme or a set rhythm, making them accessible for creative expression.
A Art and words woven together,
N Nurturing curiosity in every lesson,
A A spark that inspires learning.
BOCES Education Academy’s “Foundations of Education” student Lana Besson recently teamed up with Holly Pason’s Otisville’s third-graders for a vibrant, hands-on finale to their poetry unit! It blended creativity and literacy with a touch of environmental awareness.
As part of the Amplify reading curriculum, students have been diving into the world of poetry —exploring different forms, discovering influential poets and experimenting with literary devices. To wrap up the unit, they turned their focus to Earth Day, crafting thoughtful acrostic poems inspired by the planet.
But the activity didn’t stop at words. Lana guided students in transforming their poetry into a cross-curricular art piece. Each student designed and carved their own stamp, then used it to print a handmade image of the Earth — bringing their poems to life visually. The result was a collection of unique creations that combined artistic expression with literary learning!
An acrostic poem is a form of poetry where the first letter, syllable, or word of each line spells out a specific word, message, or the alphabet when read vertically. The “spine word,” the word spelled out is usually the subject of the poem. These poems don’t require rhyme or a set rhythm, making them accessible for creative expression.
After a recent Arbor Day mini-lesson, sixth graders stepped outside to take in the atmosphere and observe the structure and character of nearby trees. Later, students were divided into groups and given one minute to forage through an oversized bin of assorted materials. With just 20 minutes on the clock, each group set to work “planting” their own tree—assembling everything from trunks to canopies using only what they had gathered. The groups then presented their creations, identifying each tree’s species, origin and defining traits.
Following the recent Sixth-Grade Green Team vote, one standout group was recognized for cultivating the most innovative design. To celebrate, students received Arbor Day bookmarks and their own Colorado spruce saplings to take home and root in the real world.
Congratulations to this winning Sixth-Grade Green Team:
Amelia McCarey
Stacia Spongberg
Charlotte Kohler
Rayleigh Ford
Following the recent Sixth-Grade Green Team vote, one standout group was recognized for cultivating the most innovative design. To celebrate, students received Arbor Day bookmarks and their own Colorado spruce saplings to take home and root in the real world.
Congratulations to this winning Sixth-Grade Green Team:
Amelia McCarey
Stacia Spongberg
Charlotte Kohler
Rayleigh Ford
Take a peek at Bryon Imbarrato’s Otisville third-graders, who combined a bit of science with math as they took some time to measure liquids and solids!
Students had to select items from their desks to estimate how many grams each item would be, and then use a scale to find the actual weight in grams. Students also used liquid measuring cups to measure and added the proper amount of milliliters to fill up a water bottle AND to make the perfect cup of coffee without overflowing!
This makes math real, hands-on, and meaningful instead of just abstract numbers on a page. In addition to memorizing units like grams and milliliters—they’re actually using them. By estimating and later using a scale, students practiced critical thinking and learned how close their predictions were, which builds number sense. Measuring liquids to fill a bottle or “make coffee” connected math to everyday life, so students see why these skills matter outside the classroom.
Their activity It also blends subjects. Mixing science (measuring mass and volume) with math helps students understand concepts more deeply because they’re experiencing them in different contexts, not just one isolated lesson.
There’s another big benefit, too! Letting students pick objects from their desks and physically measure things makes the lesson interactive and fun, which helps them stay focused and remember what they learned!
Students had to select items from their desks to estimate how many grams each item would be, and then use a scale to find the actual weight in grams. Students also used liquid measuring cups to measure and added the proper amount of milliliters to fill up a water bottle AND to make the perfect cup of coffee without overflowing!
This makes math real, hands-on, and meaningful instead of just abstract numbers on a page. In addition to memorizing units like grams and milliliters—they’re actually using them. By estimating and later using a scale, students practiced critical thinking and learned how close their predictions were, which builds number sense. Measuring liquids to fill a bottle or “make coffee” connected math to everyday life, so students see why these skills matter outside the classroom.
Their activity It also blends subjects. Mixing science (measuring mass and volume) with math helps students understand concepts more deeply because they’re experiencing them in different contexts, not just one isolated lesson.
There’s another big benefit, too! Letting students pick objects from their desks and physically measure things makes the lesson interactive and fun, which helps them stay focused and remember what they learned!
Twenty-three posters were created by sixth-graders to mark Earth Day, and the votes from 268 students were recently tallied. Congratulations to the winners of the Sixth-Grade Earth Day Poster Contest! Their work is colorful and filled with important messaging!
First Place: Alicia Suen
Second Place: Hailey Reganess
Third Place: Leah Galligan
First Place: Alicia Suen
Second Place: Hailey Reganess
Third Place: Leah Galligan
KUDOS to the Varsity Softball team for knocking it out of the park with its fantastic “Rising Stars Night,” held May 4!
More than 60 future varsity stars representing the Minisink and Otisville Little Leagues stepped up to the plate to join the fun — and what a night it was! The festivities were capped off with a thrilling 9–8 varsity comeback win over Warwick Valley! Amazing!
These young student athletes — clearly future varsity standouts — were all smiles as they received their “Rising Star” bracelets, rounded the bases alongside varsity players, and even scored big by getting all the varsity player autographs they wanted! From dugout chats to on-field memories, it was a home run evening filled with mentorship, teamwork and plenty of heart.
What a beautiful display of paying it forward, beginning to build a future lineup by showing how much fun the game is, and reminding these rising stars that with practice, hustle, and love of the game, anything is possible!
More than 60 future varsity stars representing the Minisink and Otisville Little Leagues stepped up to the plate to join the fun — and what a night it was! The festivities were capped off with a thrilling 9–8 varsity comeback win over Warwick Valley! Amazing!
These young student athletes — clearly future varsity standouts — were all smiles as they received their “Rising Star” bracelets, rounded the bases alongside varsity players, and even scored big by getting all the varsity player autographs they wanted! From dugout chats to on-field memories, it was a home run evening filled with mentorship, teamwork and plenty of heart.
What a beautiful display of paying it forward, beginning to build a future lineup by showing how much fun the game is, and reminding these rising stars that with practice, hustle, and love of the game, anything is possible!
CLASS OF 2001: Approximately four weeks from now: It's your 25th anniversary celebration on Saturday, June 6! Be part of the fun and memory making! Check out the details and contact information!
Polly Mautner’s High School chemistry students had a lot of fun with their recent “elephant toothpaste" lab!
Her elephant toothpaste lab feels less like a lab and more like a controlled eruption of foamy chaos on purpose!
Students mix hydrogen peroxide, a catalyst (often potassium iodide), soap, and a bit of food coloring, then step back as a tower of foamy bubbles explode out of a water bottle! Yes, it’s messy, but it’s unforgettable, which is exactly the point! Beneath the spectacle is a fast decomposition reaction where hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen, and the soap traps that oxygen into billowing foam. Of course, the “toothpaste” isn’t for elephants, but it does a great job brushing up students’ attention spans.
What makes the demo clever is how it sneaks serious chemistry into something that looks like a science fair prank. The reaction is exothermic, so the foam comes out warm, giving students a tactile reminder that chemical reactions often involve energy changes. The catalyst speeds things up without being consumed, which can feel almost like cheating until students realize that catalysts are the unsung heroes behind everything from industrial manufacturing to enzymes in their own bodies.
By the time the foam subsides and someone inevitably asks if they can touch it (yes, they can, usually), the lesson has already stuck. Elephant toothpaste isn’t just about “wow,” it’s about connecting observable phenomena to invisible processes. It teaches that reactions have rates, that energy can be released, and that tiny changes — like adding a catalyst — can dramatically alter outcomes. It turns chemistry from a subject that a student can memorize into one he/she witnesses, feels, and remembers, which is a pretty effective formula for learning — even if it fills up a sink!
Her elephant toothpaste lab feels less like a lab and more like a controlled eruption of foamy chaos on purpose!
Students mix hydrogen peroxide, a catalyst (often potassium iodide), soap, and a bit of food coloring, then step back as a tower of foamy bubbles explode out of a water bottle! Yes, it’s messy, but it’s unforgettable, which is exactly the point! Beneath the spectacle is a fast decomposition reaction where hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen, and the soap traps that oxygen into billowing foam. Of course, the “toothpaste” isn’t for elephants, but it does a great job brushing up students’ attention spans.
What makes the demo clever is how it sneaks serious chemistry into something that looks like a science fair prank. The reaction is exothermic, so the foam comes out warm, giving students a tactile reminder that chemical reactions often involve energy changes. The catalyst speeds things up without being consumed, which can feel almost like cheating until students realize that catalysts are the unsung heroes behind everything from industrial manufacturing to enzymes in their own bodies.
By the time the foam subsides and someone inevitably asks if they can touch it (yes, they can, usually), the lesson has already stuck. Elephant toothpaste isn’t just about “wow,” it’s about connecting observable phenomena to invisible processes. It teaches that reactions have rates, that energy can be released, and that tiny changes — like adding a catalyst — can dramatically alter outcomes. It turns chemistry from a subject that a student can memorize into one he/she witnesses, feels, and remembers, which is a pretty effective formula for learning — even if it fills up a sink!
What a "SUNny" day for an outdoor lesson on SUNflower seeds and planting!
THANK YOU to Botanist Amy Apple of Sleepy Hill Orchards, who visited Angela Dombal and Jordan Procak’s ES kindergarteners yesterday, May 4, for a sweet story and hands-on lesson about sunflowers, seeds and planting!
Ms. Apple read Antoinette Portis’ “A Seed Grows,” showing how tiny sunflower seeds can grow into towering flowers up to 10 feet tall! Then, students got their hands a little dirty (the fun kind!) taking their own pots and planting seeds. With a little love and care, they’ll start to see sprouts in about a week!
There was even a bonus story time opportunity, with Ms. Procak reading “Mrs. Peanuckle's Flower Alphabet,” which introduced them to the names of all kinds of beautiful blooms.!
And (shh… don’t give it away! ), these little gardeners also picked out their very own purple or magenta petunias to plant in pots and take home on Friday—just in time for Mother’s Day.
Teaching kindergarteners about seeds and planting blends science with life skills and a bit of wonder! Students see how living things grow, which builds an early understanding of concepts like life cycles, needs of plants (sun, water, soil) and cause-and-effect. Watching a seed turn into a sprout makes abstract ideas feel real.
It also builds patience and responsibility. When children water their plants and wait for them to grow, they learn that good things take time and care. There’s a sensory and motor benefit too. Digging in soil, planting seeds and handling small objects gives them fine motor skills practice.
There’s also a big sense of pride and ownership, too, because their little students can say “I grew this!” And, it’s a great connection to nature!
May the Fourth be with you!
IS fourth-grade teacher Jenn Kemmerer and IS music teacher Deanna Feuerbach are bringing a galactic spark to their classrooms today, May 4, with their very clever Star Wars character attire! Their playful tribute comes from the famous line “May the Force be with you,” a phrase central to the Star Wars series’ mythology about an energy that connects all living things.
Fans cleverly turned it into “May the Fourth be with you,” transforming the date into a lighthearted celebration of imagination, storytelling and a galaxy far, far away, proving that even a school day can feel a little more epic!
Congratulations to the eight outstanding Middle School students who proudly represented Minisink Valley with distinction at this past Friday and Saturday’s Orange County Music Educators Association (OCEMA) Junior High All-County Music Festival, hosted at Valley Central School!
These talented musicians and vocalists joined their peers as part of the “best of the best,” showcasing their dedication, passion and musical excellence at this truly special event. Bravo to all for an unforgettable performance!
Orchestra
--- Carson Murphy, Horn
Band
--- Adele Vernatter, Clarinet
--- Lauren Galligan, Horn
Chorus
--- Emily Reicherter, Soprano
--- Brianna Blumenberg, Alto
--- Aubrey Johnson, Alto
--- James Young, Alto
--- James West, Baritone
These talented musicians and vocalists joined their peers as part of the “best of the best,” showcasing their dedication, passion and musical excellence at this truly special event. Bravo to all for an unforgettable performance!
Orchestra
--- Carson Murphy, Horn
Band
--- Adele Vernatter, Clarinet
--- Lauren Galligan, Horn
Chorus
--- Emily Reicherter, Soprano
--- Brianna Blumenberg, Alto
--- Aubrey Johnson, Alto
--- James Young, Alto
--- James West, Baritone
Bethany Ortiz’s seventh-grade FACS students are become expert product testers! Students were recently tasked with testing paper towels for absorbency and strength, toilet paper, dish soap, zipper bags, stain remover, laundry detergent trash bags and duct tape.
Students applied the scientific method, developed hypothesis and created a procedure for the experiment. They also collected the data, reached a conclusion based on the findings of their experiment and the cost comparison and eventually presented their results to the class.
Assignments like this are important because they help students actively use the scientific method instead of just memorizing it. By forming hypotheses, engaging in experiments, collecting data, and drawing conclusions, students gain a deeper understanding of how science works in real life. It also builds critical thinking skills, as they must evaluate product performance and compare costs to decide which items are the best value.
In addition, the assignment connects learning to everyday life, since students are testing products they actually use at home. This makes the lesson more engaging and practical. Plus, students further develop data analysis and communication skills when they present their results. Activities like this teach students how to think, make informed decisions, and apply what they learn beyond the classroom!
Students applied the scientific method, developed hypothesis and created a procedure for the experiment. They also collected the data, reached a conclusion based on the findings of their experiment and the cost comparison and eventually presented their results to the class.
Assignments like this are important because they help students actively use the scientific method instead of just memorizing it. By forming hypotheses, engaging in experiments, collecting data, and drawing conclusions, students gain a deeper understanding of how science works in real life. It also builds critical thinking skills, as they must evaluate product performance and compare costs to decide which items are the best value.
In addition, the assignment connects learning to everyday life, since students are testing products they actually use at home. This makes the lesson more engaging and practical. Plus, students further develop data analysis and communication skills when they present their results. Activities like this teach students how to think, make informed decisions, and apply what they learn beyond the classroom!
Kaylin Morran’s seventh-grade art students are learning about surrealism and parodies as an art form! Using Rene Magritte’s “The Son of Man” as their inspiration, students were tasked with replacing the man with a new character and the apple object to create mystery and conversation. Their work is exemplary! Take a look!
Magritte’s “The Son of Man” is an excellent artwork for teaching middle school students about surrealism because it presents the core ideas of the movement in a clear, accessible, and engaging way.
The painting shows an ordinary man in a suit whose face is mysteriously hidden behind a floating apple — an unexpected and dreamlike combination that immediately communicates the surrealist goal of disrupting reality. Because the image is simple, yet puzzling, students are asked to ask questions about meaning, identity, and symbolism, which encourages curiosity and critical thinking.
Magritte’s use of familiar objects in unusual contexts also helps students understand that surrealism doesn’t rely on fantasy creatures or complicated scenes; instead, it often transforms everyday items to create something imaginative and strange, making the style approachable for young artists. Additionally, themes such as identity and concealment resonate with middle schoolers, helping them connect personally with the artwork.
Surrealism in art is a style that mixes real, everyday things with strange, dreamlike, or unexpected elements to create images that feel magical, mysterious, or unreal.
Magritte’s “The Son of Man” is an excellent artwork for teaching middle school students about surrealism because it presents the core ideas of the movement in a clear, accessible, and engaging way.
The painting shows an ordinary man in a suit whose face is mysteriously hidden behind a floating apple — an unexpected and dreamlike combination that immediately communicates the surrealist goal of disrupting reality. Because the image is simple, yet puzzling, students are asked to ask questions about meaning, identity, and symbolism, which encourages curiosity and critical thinking.
Magritte’s use of familiar objects in unusual contexts also helps students understand that surrealism doesn’t rely on fantasy creatures or complicated scenes; instead, it often transforms everyday items to create something imaginative and strange, making the style approachable for young artists. Additionally, themes such as identity and concealment resonate with middle schoolers, helping them connect personally with the artwork.
Surrealism in art is a style that mixes real, everyday things with strange, dreamlike, or unexpected elements to create images that feel magical, mysterious, or unreal.
Rosamaria Acevedo’s ES kindergarteners took a big step forward in their literacy journey — with a short but meaningful recent “road trip” to Stephanie Hoffman’s first-grade classroom. It’s a great example of how collaboration within our school helps students grow!
Armed with their Kindergarten Readers, these young learners made their way to Mrs. Hoffman’s room for a cross-grade reading session. More than just story time, it was a chance to show off their developing oral reading fluency — and a reminder of just how far they’ve come.
“By stepping into a new environment, my kindergarteners stepped into leadership roles,” Mrs. Acevedo said. “It takes immense courage to read aloud to an older peer, and our students rose to the occasion with confidence. The session transformed the classroom into a hub of collaborative learning.”
There were many teachable moments for these kindergarteners. They were able to experience peer mentorship when the older first-graders acted as supportive "reading buddies." They saw the shared goal on focusing on the joy of storytelling and the mechanics of language. Plus, there was important social-emotional growth for everyone because building connections across grade levels fosters a stronger school community.
By practicing their oral reading fluency, students are applying the core tenets of the Science of Reading (SOR). Using the district’s CKLA/Amplify framework, these reading pairs focused on decoding accuracy (translating letter sounds into words in real-time); “automaticity” (building the speed and ease necessary for comprehension); and expression (learning how to use their voices to make the text come alive.)
“I am incredibly proud of both classes, my kindergarteners for their courage and growth, and Mrs. Hoffman’s first graders for their kindness and encouragement, offering real-time, gentle feedback that helped support and celebrate their younger peers, Mrs. Acevedo added. “This powerful experience reminded us that reading is not just a skill, but a bridge that brings our school community together.”
Armed with their Kindergarten Readers, these young learners made their way to Mrs. Hoffman’s room for a cross-grade reading session. More than just story time, it was a chance to show off their developing oral reading fluency — and a reminder of just how far they’ve come.
“By stepping into a new environment, my kindergarteners stepped into leadership roles,” Mrs. Acevedo said. “It takes immense courage to read aloud to an older peer, and our students rose to the occasion with confidence. The session transformed the classroom into a hub of collaborative learning.”
There were many teachable moments for these kindergarteners. They were able to experience peer mentorship when the older first-graders acted as supportive "reading buddies." They saw the shared goal on focusing on the joy of storytelling and the mechanics of language. Plus, there was important social-emotional growth for everyone because building connections across grade levels fosters a stronger school community.
By practicing their oral reading fluency, students are applying the core tenets of the Science of Reading (SOR). Using the district’s CKLA/Amplify framework, these reading pairs focused on decoding accuracy (translating letter sounds into words in real-time); “automaticity” (building the speed and ease necessary for comprehension); and expression (learning how to use their voices to make the text come alive.)
“I am incredibly proud of both classes, my kindergarteners for their courage and growth, and Mrs. Hoffman’s first graders for their kindness and encouragement, offering real-time, gentle feedback that helped support and celebrate their younger peers, Mrs. Acevedo added. “This powerful experience reminded us that reading is not just a skill, but a bridge that brings our school community together.”
Like all district fourth-graders, Jenna Colman’s Otisville fourth-graders are learning about line plots!
Line plots utilize a data table that shows different information based on what was collected. Students recently completed a fraction unit where they placed fractions on a number line. In this recent lesson, one selection of data was collected based on the distance someone walked in miles over the course of a number of days. Some of that data was shown in fractions or mixed numbers. Using their knowledge of fractions on a number line, students analyzed the data to set their points on the number line and plotted all of their data on the number line.
A line plot is a simple type of graph that fourth graders use to show how often different values appear in a set of data. It is made by drawing a number line and placing X’s above each number to represent how many times that value occurs. Line plots help students organize information, compare values, and answer questions about the data. They’re especially useful for working with measurements and fractions while developing skills in reading and interpreting graphs.
Line plots utilize a data table that shows different information based on what was collected. Students recently completed a fraction unit where they placed fractions on a number line. In this recent lesson, one selection of data was collected based on the distance someone walked in miles over the course of a number of days. Some of that data was shown in fractions or mixed numbers. Using their knowledge of fractions on a number line, students analyzed the data to set their points on the number line and plotted all of their data on the number line.
A line plot is a simple type of graph that fourth graders use to show how often different values appear in a set of data. It is made by drawing a number line and placing X’s above each number to represent how many times that value occurs. Line plots help students organize information, compare values, and answer questions about the data. They’re especially useful for working with measurements and fractions while developing skills in reading and interpreting graphs.
AMAZING! Congratulations to the Otisville Elementary students who have been recognized as PBIS-STAR students for Quarter 3!
We bet you'll recognize many faces!
Otisville's PBIS-STAR program focuses on creating and sustaining a positive school environment which embraces educationally sound methods that foster student character, safety, academic excellence and individual citizenship.
We bet you'll recognize many faces!
Otisville's PBIS-STAR program focuses on creating and sustaining a positive school environment which embraces educationally sound methods that foster student character, safety, academic excellence and individual citizenship.
Elizabeth Sirico’s and Susan Green’s IS fourth-graders, like all district fourth-graders, are working on their growing knowledge of geometry during math lessons. This includes exploring different types of angles — acute, obtuse, right, and straight — as well as how parallel, intersecting and perpendicular lines connect to help understand these angles!
A fun part of the math work included using their arms to model and represent lines and angles to demonstrate their knowledge! Take a peek!
A fun part of the math work included using their arms to model and represent lines and angles to demonstrate their knowledge! Take a peek!
