Members of the High School’s Youth Against Cancer (YAC) Club learned how to make beautiful knit scarves, thanks to the kindness of English teacher Paula Conklin, who provided a recent lesson to them. Take a peek! The 12 scarves were recently donated to the Spagnoli Family Cancer Center at Garnet Medical Center in Middletown for its patients.
The club has been busy this school year raising funds to support patients and families dealing with a cancer diagnosis:
•$1,400 in warm meals for six families, provided by Cuginos and Bottom's Up Restaurant, dealing with cancer during the recent holiday season
•Over $1,000 worth of toys were donated to Garnet Medical Center for its pediatric patients via a district toy drive
•$816 raised for breast cancer patients at Garnet Medical Center during Breast Cancer Awareness Month
•$200 raised and donated to the Wounded Warrior Project in honor of a club member's grandfather that passed away from cancer
•122 raised for St. Jude's Children’s Research Hospital via donation Jars set up at Perino's, Callie's Coffee, and Slate Hill Market.
•A coin drop held at Cuginos, where 100% of what’s collected to be donated to Sparrow's Nest, the organization which prepares and delivers meals to individuals and families facing a cancer diagnosis in Dutchess County and families with children 18 and under in the home in Ulster, Orange and Putnam counties.
Please join us in thanking the club for looking to make a positive difference in the lives of others through its many projects!
The club has been busy this school year raising funds to support patients and families dealing with a cancer diagnosis:
•$1,400 in warm meals for six families, provided by Cuginos and Bottom's Up Restaurant, dealing with cancer during the recent holiday season
•Over $1,000 worth of toys were donated to Garnet Medical Center for its pediatric patients via a district toy drive
•$816 raised for breast cancer patients at Garnet Medical Center during Breast Cancer Awareness Month
•$200 raised and donated to the Wounded Warrior Project in honor of a club member's grandfather that passed away from cancer
•122 raised for St. Jude's Children’s Research Hospital via donation Jars set up at Perino's, Callie's Coffee, and Slate Hill Market.
•A coin drop held at Cuginos, where 100% of what’s collected to be donated to Sparrow's Nest, the organization which prepares and delivers meals to individuals and families facing a cancer diagnosis in Dutchess County and families with children 18 and under in the home in Ulster, Orange and Putnam counties.
Please join us in thanking the club for looking to make a positive difference in the lives of others through its many projects!
Is it flat? Or not?
Joan Giardina’s IS fifth-grade art students recently created optical illusion artwork!
While their artwork is physically flat, on paper, it’s designed to appear three-dimensional, moving or warped. It creates this illusion by manipulating visual perception through geometric patterns, precise color relationships and techniques that trick the brain into interpreting depth where there is none. WELL-DONE, everyone!
Joan Giardina’s IS fifth-grade art students recently created optical illusion artwork!
While their artwork is physically flat, on paper, it’s designed to appear three-dimensional, moving or warped. It creates this illusion by manipulating visual perception through geometric patterns, precise color relationships and techniques that trick the brain into interpreting depth where there is none. WELL-DONE, everyone!
Joseph Ferara’s ES second-graders, like all district second-graders, are or soon will be beginning a new knowledge unit called “Making a Difference: Creating Change.”
The CKLA unit “Making a Difference: Creating Change” teaches second-graders that individuals — both famous historical figures and everyday people — can make their communities better by recognizing problems and taking action. Through stories of leaders who stood up for fairness, kindness, and equal rights, students learn about courage, perseverance, and working together to create positive change.
The unit emphasizes empathy, responsibility, and the idea that even small actions can have a big impact, helping children understand that they, too, can be changemakers in their own world. These are all important concepts for young students to embrace!
Students are learning about important figures in history who have made positive changes in history, including: Susan B. Anthony, Eleanor Roosevelt, Mary McLeod Bethune, Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., Faith Florez, Kelvin Doe and more. Students are beginning to learn about important topics such as the difference between human rights and civil rights as well as why these noted people worked to create change. As part of this, Mr. Ferara asked his students to talk with their peers about concepts like “what does creating chance mean?”
The material blends history, character development and literacy into a meaningful, motivating learning experience!
The CKLA unit “Making a Difference: Creating Change” teaches second-graders that individuals — both famous historical figures and everyday people — can make their communities better by recognizing problems and taking action. Through stories of leaders who stood up for fairness, kindness, and equal rights, students learn about courage, perseverance, and working together to create positive change.
The unit emphasizes empathy, responsibility, and the idea that even small actions can have a big impact, helping children understand that they, too, can be changemakers in their own world. These are all important concepts for young students to embrace!
Students are learning about important figures in history who have made positive changes in history, including: Susan B. Anthony, Eleanor Roosevelt, Mary McLeod Bethune, Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., Faith Florez, Kelvin Doe and more. Students are beginning to learn about important topics such as the difference between human rights and civil rights as well as why these noted people worked to create change. As part of this, Mr. Ferara asked his students to talk with their peers about concepts like “what does creating chance mean?”
The material blends history, character development and literacy into a meaningful, motivating learning experience!
We LOVE it when our students and staff are part of wonderful community activities and events!
KUDOS to members of the Varsity Football and Wrestling teams, who were part of the Hudson Valley Honor Flight Mission 38’s “Welcome Home Rally” at Stewart Airport this past Saturday!
Players and coaches were on hand to welcome all Mission 38 veterans when they returned from a daylong trip to Washington, D.C., but particularly to welcome home Air Force E-4 Sergeant, crew chief and aircraft maintenance specialist Arthur Olah, who served during the Vietnam War conflict at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona. Mr. Olah is the grandfather of Varsity Offensive/Defensive Line Coach Andrew Fenner, who is also an IS third-grade teacher; and father-in-law of IS/ES Head Custodian Dave Fenner.
A day with the Hudson Valley Honor Flight begins early, often before sunrise, as veterans gather with volunteers and guardians for a warm send-off. There’s an atmosphere of excitement and gratitude as families, supporters, and community members cheer them on. The group boards a flight bound for Washington, D.C. and veterans are treated with special care and recognition throughout the entire trip.
Once in Washington, the day is filled with visits to powerful memorials such as the World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and Korean War Veterans Memorial. Volunteers ensure each veteran has time to reflect, connect and be honored for their service. The trip often includes a special “mail call,” where veterans receive letters of appreciation from loved ones and strangers alike. By evening, they return home to a heartfelt welcome celebration, greeted by crowds waving flags and expressing gratitude. It’s an unforgettable and deeply emotional end to a meaningful day.
“This is such a great event and our coaches, players and wrestlers were honored to be a part of it,” said Varsity Football and Wrestling Head Coach Kevin Gallagher. “Our football program has a special relationship with the American Legion and one of us was on that flight! Arthur Olah, who served in the U.S. Air Force and is the grandfather of our offensive and defensive line coach Andrew Fenner which made it that much more special! The guys were awesome and really started to understand the effect they had on Mr. Olah and all of the veterans that they cheered for! It was a great night.”
To learn more about Hudson Valley Honor Flight, visit: https://hvhonorflight.com/
Reading stories to young children in library class builds essential early literacy skills and expands their vocabulary. It strengthens their attention, memory and ability to understand how stories work. Storytime also nurtures empathy and imagination by exposing kids to new emotions, cultures and ideas. Most importantly, it helps children develop a lifelong positive relationship with books and learning!
Take a peek at Mia McLean’s ES library students as she reads to them Maribeth Boelts’ “A Bike Like Sergio’s.” It’s the story of a boy named Ruben who longs for a new bike like his friend Sergio's but can't afford one. When he finds a lost $100 bill, he faces a moral dilemma: Keep the money for the bike or return it, ultimately learning that doing the right thing and valuing family and friends is more important than material possessions.
Take a peek at Mia McLean’s ES library students as she reads to them Maribeth Boelts’ “A Bike Like Sergio’s.” It’s the story of a boy named Ruben who longs for a new bike like his friend Sergio's but can't afford one. When he finds a lost $100 bill, he faces a moral dilemma: Keep the money for the bike or return it, ultimately learning that doing the right thing and valuing family and friends is more important than material possessions.
Vincent Napolitano’s High School Earth Science students did great work in their recent weather-disaster projects! Working in collaborative groups, students were challenged to create descriptive and informative presentations about significant historical weather disasters.
Each presentation explored three key areas:
•What happened during the disaster
•How a town or city could respond with effective relief efforts
•What individuals or families can do at home to stay safe and prepared
Their work was designed for an adult audience interested in understanding practical, real-world preventative measures to take before a disaster strikes. By studying past disasters, students and community members can:
•Recognize warning signs and understand the science behind extreme weather.
•Reduce risk by knowing how to prepare homes, gather supplies, and protect loved ones.
•Strengthen community resilience, ensuring that cities and families can recover more quickly.
•Make informed decisions, from evacuation planning to long-term mitigation strategies like building codes or infrastructure improvements.
Remember: Understanding prevention save lives and preparedness turns uncertainty into empowerment.
Each presentation explored three key areas:
•What happened during the disaster
•How a town or city could respond with effective relief efforts
•What individuals or families can do at home to stay safe and prepared
Their work was designed for an adult audience interested in understanding practical, real-world preventative measures to take before a disaster strikes. By studying past disasters, students and community members can:
•Recognize warning signs and understand the science behind extreme weather.
•Reduce risk by knowing how to prepare homes, gather supplies, and protect loved ones.
•Strengthen community resilience, ensuring that cities and families can recover more quickly.
•Make informed decisions, from evacuation planning to long-term mitigation strategies like building codes or infrastructure improvements.
Remember: Understanding prevention save lives and preparedness turns uncertainty into empowerment.
Congratulations to the 13 Otisville Elementary band students who performed at the New York State School Music Association Festival held at Monroe-Woodbury Middle School this past weekend! Each student prepared and performed memorized scales, a solo, and also demonstrated their skills by sight-reading a short piece of music they had never seen before for a judge who evaluated and scored their performances.
"We are proud to share that every one of these students had a successful showing at the festival.," said Otisville Band Teacher Maria Fenfert.
Participating student musicians were:
Kayden Buttacavole
Peter Caputo
Wyatt Cucci
Kaien DeJesus
Kristina Eilert
Amelia Hangas
Helen Huchital
Gracelyn Morse
Jillian O’Sullivan
Sophia Tomlinson
Mason Weeden
Khy Williams
Kasey Young
"We are proud to share that every one of these students had a successful showing at the festival.," said Otisville Band Teacher Maria Fenfert.
Participating student musicians were:
Kayden Buttacavole
Peter Caputo
Wyatt Cucci
Kaien DeJesus
Kristina Eilert
Amelia Hangas
Helen Huchital
Gracelyn Morse
Jillian O’Sullivan
Sophia Tomlinson
Mason Weeden
Khy Williams
Kasey Young
Kara Welsh’s Otisville third-grade artists have been busy turning their classrooms into mini studios as they explore the artistic concepts of foreground, midground and background! With careful thought and creativity, students are learning how to arrange different parts of a picture so their artwork feels full, dynamic and full of depth.
Their beautiful pieces show just how well they’re grasping these ideas — each artwork is a little world, layered with detail and imagination!
Understanding foreground, midground, and background helps young artists to build depth in their art work, improves spatial awareness (which can help in math and science, too!), building on their growing planning skills as they think about how different elements fit together and further develop their visual storytelling skills!
This foundational knowledge sets the stage for more advanced artistic techniques in higher grade levels! Take a peek at their work!
Their beautiful pieces show just how well they’re grasping these ideas — each artwork is a little world, layered with detail and imagination!
Understanding foreground, midground, and background helps young artists to build depth in their art work, improves spatial awareness (which can help in math and science, too!), building on their growing planning skills as they think about how different elements fit together and further develop their visual storytelling skills!
This foundational knowledge sets the stage for more advanced artistic techniques in higher grade levels! Take a peek at their work!
Jonathan Sakadelis’ IS fifth-grade physical education students are having a great time learning how to play volleyball --- but first doing that with an oversized beach ball!
Physical education teachers sometimes use beach balls to teach volleyball to slow down the pace of the game, allowing beginners and younger students time to get into position, track the ball, and develop proper form without fear of injury. The lightweight, soft, and slow-moving nature of beach balls increases success rates, builds confidence, and enhances hand-eye coordination!
Physical education teachers sometimes use beach balls to teach volleyball to slow down the pace of the game, allowing beginners and younger students time to get into position, track the ball, and develop proper form without fear of injury. The lightweight, soft, and slow-moving nature of beach balls increases success rates, builds confidence, and enhances hand-eye coordination!
KINDERGARTEN SPRING EGG HUNT!
What a sweet springtime tradition at Otisville! Kindergarteners were treated to a truly special afternoon as thousands of colorful, goodie-filled eggs — prepared and donated by families — were placed in the Kindergarten Playground for the school's annual Kindergarten Spring Egg Hunt!
In a time-honored Otisville tradition, second-graders took the lead in setting up the “hunt site,” carefully placing eggs in high, low and quite visible areas before proudly stepping back to watch the excitement unfold. Their big-kid pride made the moment even more meaningful!
The Spring Egg Hunt quickly turned into a joyful dash (maybe even a race!) as little hands gathered as many eggs as they could to fill their baskets and bags. Laughter, smiles and a whole lot of springtime spirit filled the playground as every student went home with a bounty of eggs.
This heartwarming event is the perfect example of a simple, joyful spring school activity — bringing students together, building traditions and creating memories that will last long after the season ends. Soon enough, these little kindergarteners will be setting up the hunt site for others!
Take a peek at the fun and THANK YOU to everyone who helped make this day so special!
Nichole Gaucher's eighth-grade Living Environment Regents students took part in a recent strawberry DNA extraction lab as part of their genetics unit.
Strawberries were used because they are “octoploid,” meaning they have eight sets of chromosomes, which makes it easier to extract and observe large amounts of DNA.
During the procedure, students crushed the strawberries to physically break down the cell walls, then added soap to dissolve the cell and nuclear membranes, releasing the DNA from the nucleus. Salt was used to neutralize the charges on the DNA molecules, allowing them to clump together. The mixture was then filtered to create a filtrate, and isopropyl alcohol was added, causing the DNA to precipitate and become visible as white strands.
This hands-on investigation helped students understand the structure and function of DNA and highlighted the importance of DNA extraction in scientific research, medicine, and identifying organisms. When students grasp both the structure and function of DNA, they start to understand how life actually works at a molecular level. Highlighting DNA extraction makes this knowledge more concrete. Instead of DNA being an abstract idea in a textbook, students see that it’s a real substance that can be isolated and studied. That connection is powerful for learning!
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a double-stranded molecule shaped like a double helix and is made of nucleotides arranged in a specific sequence that forms the genetic code.
Strawberries were used because they are “octoploid,” meaning they have eight sets of chromosomes, which makes it easier to extract and observe large amounts of DNA.
During the procedure, students crushed the strawberries to physically break down the cell walls, then added soap to dissolve the cell and nuclear membranes, releasing the DNA from the nucleus. Salt was used to neutralize the charges on the DNA molecules, allowing them to clump together. The mixture was then filtered to create a filtrate, and isopropyl alcohol was added, causing the DNA to precipitate and become visible as white strands.
This hands-on investigation helped students understand the structure and function of DNA and highlighted the importance of DNA extraction in scientific research, medicine, and identifying organisms. When students grasp both the structure and function of DNA, they start to understand how life actually works at a molecular level. Highlighting DNA extraction makes this knowledge more concrete. Instead of DNA being an abstract idea in a textbook, students see that it’s a real substance that can be isolated and studied. That connection is powerful for learning!
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a double-stranded molecule shaped like a double helix and is made of nucleotides arranged in a specific sequence that forms the genetic code.
SENIOR FAMILIES!
What college/university is your student attending this fall? What career is he/she stepping into? Will he/she be entering the military?
The BIG, FUN REVEAL DAY (for students only) is coming: Friday, May 1 at the high school! It's National Decision Day!
Reminders are going out to all seniors, and we're letting you, too, because you may still be on the hunt for the perfect shirt/hoodie/hat for your student to wear for photo ops "announcing" and celebrating his/her decision! It's a BIG DEAL!
We'll have a fun background display for them to take photos! We can't wait to share the news!
What college/university is your student attending this fall? What career is he/she stepping into? Will he/she be entering the military?
The BIG, FUN REVEAL DAY (for students only) is coming: Friday, May 1 at the high school! It's National Decision Day!
Reminders are going out to all seniors, and we're letting you, too, because you may still be on the hunt for the perfect shirt/hoodie/hat for your student to wear for photo ops "announcing" and celebrating his/her decision! It's a BIG DEAL!
We'll have a fun background display for them to take photos! We can't wait to share the news!
Bryon Imbarrato’s Otisville third-graders, like all district third-graders, have been working on fractions during their math lessons. They’ve been comparing fractions using pictures, number lines and even playing Fraction War --- an educational card game based on the classic game of "War," designed to help players practice comparing, simplifying, and finding equivalent fractions. Two or more players flip cards showing fractions, and the player with the largest fraction value wins the round and keeps all cards. The game ends when one player collects all the cards.
Third-graders study fractions to build a foundational understanding of parts-to-whole relationships, which is critical for future success in algebra, geometry, and STEM careers. This introduction helps students move from concrete, whole-number thinking to more abstract concepts, including comparing, ordering, and understanding equivalent fractions.
Third-graders study fractions to build a foundational understanding of parts-to-whole relationships, which is critical for future success in algebra, geometry, and STEM careers. This introduction helps students move from concrete, whole-number thinking to more abstract concepts, including comparing, ordering, and understanding equivalent fractions.
National “Schwa” Day was April 7! Who knew? IS reading teacher Erin Todd, ES reading teacher Valerie Zubikowski and ES second-grade teachers Megan St. Clair and Sarah Kocot did! They went all-in on the fun and created some adorable activities to honor this “tiny-but-mighty” sound!
The schwa (ə) may be the quietest vowel in the English language, but it’s also the most common — a soft little superstar hiding in unstressed syllables of words like “about,” “sofa” and “banana.”
Even though it rarely takes center stage, the schwa helps our words glide smoothly and naturally. That’s why this unofficial holiday gives students, teachers and word-loving humans everywhere a chance to cheer on the sound that does so much…while asking for so little.
Whether you’re a budding linguist or just someone who appreciates a quirky language celebration, National Schwa Day is the perfect reminder that even the quietest sounds deserve a big round of applause.
Understanding the schwa is important for young readers because it helps them make sense of the many English words that don’t sound the way their spelling suggests. Since the schwa appears in thousands of unstressed syllables, recognizing it strengthens decoding skills, improves spelling, and leads to smoother, more natural reading fluency. It also helps young students notice patterns in prefixes, suffixes and word structure, giving them stronger morphological awareness. Most importantly, understanding the schwa reduces frustration and builds confidence by showing readers that these “mystery vowels” actually follow predictable patterns.
The schwa (ə) may be the quietest vowel in the English language, but it’s also the most common — a soft little superstar hiding in unstressed syllables of words like “about,” “sofa” and “banana.”
Even though it rarely takes center stage, the schwa helps our words glide smoothly and naturally. That’s why this unofficial holiday gives students, teachers and word-loving humans everywhere a chance to cheer on the sound that does so much…while asking for so little.
Whether you’re a budding linguist or just someone who appreciates a quirky language celebration, National Schwa Day is the perfect reminder that even the quietest sounds deserve a big round of applause.
Understanding the schwa is important for young readers because it helps them make sense of the many English words that don’t sound the way their spelling suggests. Since the schwa appears in thousands of unstressed syllables, recognizing it strengthens decoding skills, improves spelling, and leads to smoother, more natural reading fluency. It also helps young students notice patterns in prefixes, suffixes and word structure, giving them stronger morphological awareness. Most importantly, understanding the schwa reduces frustration and builds confidence by showing readers that these “mystery vowels” actually follow predictable patterns.
We’re proud to introduce you to two ALL-AMERICAN wrestlers!
Congratulations to Junior Sara Pauls for earning third-place honors in the 126-pound weight class --- and ALL-AMERICAN status --- at the recent National High School Coaches Association’s (NHSCA) 37th annual High School Nationals Competition in Virginia Beach! Her third-place success came from a bracket of 85 girls!
Also wrestling were Jaida Macaluso and Keira Filip, who wrestled with grit and honorably represented Minisink Valley!
And…and equal congratulations to Junior Wyatt Boice who earned fifth-place in the 175-pound weight class – and ALL-AMERICAN status --- at this same tournament! Thus far, Wyatt has earned ALL-AMERICAN honors each of the past three seasons! Wyatt went 6-2 over the three day tournament.
Also wrestling was Jake Murphy, Mason Murphy, Colin Matone, Vinny Coppola, Joe Uhrig and Zach Filip --- who came up one match short of All American status as he lost in the blood round.
A wrestler earns All-American status by finishing among the Top 8 at a recognized national tournament!
We’re so proud of all our wrestlers who competed in great matches against some of the best in the nation! The NHSCA High School Nationals is a premier wrestling championship for high school athletes from across the nation (and sometimes international competitors). The NHSCA Nationals serves as a showcase for talent and is often attended or scouted by college coaches and recruiters.
Congratulations to Junior Sara Pauls for earning third-place honors in the 126-pound weight class --- and ALL-AMERICAN status --- at the recent National High School Coaches Association’s (NHSCA) 37th annual High School Nationals Competition in Virginia Beach! Her third-place success came from a bracket of 85 girls!
Also wrestling were Jaida Macaluso and Keira Filip, who wrestled with grit and honorably represented Minisink Valley!
And…and equal congratulations to Junior Wyatt Boice who earned fifth-place in the 175-pound weight class – and ALL-AMERICAN status --- at this same tournament! Thus far, Wyatt has earned ALL-AMERICAN honors each of the past three seasons! Wyatt went 6-2 over the three day tournament.
Also wrestling was Jake Murphy, Mason Murphy, Colin Matone, Vinny Coppola, Joe Uhrig and Zach Filip --- who came up one match short of All American status as he lost in the blood round.
A wrestler earns All-American status by finishing among the Top 8 at a recognized national tournament!
We’re so proud of all our wrestlers who competed in great matches against some of the best in the nation! The NHSCA High School Nationals is a premier wrestling championship for high school athletes from across the nation (and sometimes international competitors). The NHSCA Nationals serves as a showcase for talent and is often attended or scouted by college coaches and recruiters.
Lynda McKeon's and Taryn Richards' IS fourth-graders, like all district fourth-graders, are learning about character traits as part of their ELA work!
Currently, the class is reading E.L. Konigsburg’s "From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler." It’s the story 12-year-old Claudia Kincaid and her brother Jamie, who run away from home and find refuge in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. While cleverly hiding for more than a week, they stumble upon a mystery surrounding the museum's recent acquisition of an angel statue that may have been sculpted by Michelangelo. Along with Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, they are among the book’s main characters.
Learning how to decipher character traits is an important skill because it helps students become thoughtful, analytical readers and stronger writers, while also building important life skills like empathy and critical thinking.
Their students will then use their newfound knowledge to choose one of the characters and write a short narrative about one of the characters introduced in the novel, using the first person point of view.
“The students loved brainstorming and then sharing their thoughts and ideas with their partners and class,” said Mrs. McKeon.
Character traits are descriptive adjectives outlining a person's unique personality, values and behaviors inferred through their actions, words and thoughts. They define who a person is, encompassing both positive and negative qualities and influencing how they interact with the world.
Currently, the class is reading E.L. Konigsburg’s "From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler." It’s the story 12-year-old Claudia Kincaid and her brother Jamie, who run away from home and find refuge in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. While cleverly hiding for more than a week, they stumble upon a mystery surrounding the museum's recent acquisition of an angel statue that may have been sculpted by Michelangelo. Along with Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, they are among the book’s main characters.
Learning how to decipher character traits is an important skill because it helps students become thoughtful, analytical readers and stronger writers, while also building important life skills like empathy and critical thinking.
Their students will then use their newfound knowledge to choose one of the characters and write a short narrative about one of the characters introduced in the novel, using the first person point of view.
“The students loved brainstorming and then sharing their thoughts and ideas with their partners and class,” said Mrs. McKeon.
Character traits are descriptive adjectives outlining a person's unique personality, values and behaviors inferred through their actions, words and thoughts. They define who a person is, encompassing both positive and negative qualities and influencing how they interact with the world.
It's ULTIMATE DISCOUNT CARD time!
Support the great work of the Minisink Valley PTO by purchasing a card....or two! Order by May 15 by scanning the QR code!
Or: click here: https://mvpto-discount-cards.square.site/
Did you know that Skyler Klein’s third-grade music students are becoming impressive young musicians on the recorder? They’re tested on their skills through an engaging program called Recorder Karate. In this system, each song in their book is connected to a different colored “belt”—a small band that slips onto the end of the recorder. When a student masters a song and passes the playing test, they earn that belt and proudly add it to their instrument.
The beauty of the belt system is that it taps into motivation, confidence-building, and goal-setting all at once! Students can see their progress in a concrete, colorful way, which encourages them to practice more and reach for the next level. They get instant recognition for their hard work, and the sense of achievement is something they can literally hold in their hands.
We can’t wait to see their recorders decked out in bright, colorful belts — a rainbow of musical accomplishment!
The beauty of the belt system is that it taps into motivation, confidence-building, and goal-setting all at once! Students can see their progress in a concrete, colorful way, which encourages them to practice more and reach for the next level. They get instant recognition for their hard work, and the sense of achievement is something they can literally hold in their hands.
We can’t wait to see their recorders decked out in bright, colorful belts — a rainbow of musical accomplishment!
Jennifer Bittner’s eighth-grade social studies students recently participated in an exciting, hands-on simulation game designed to teach them how the U.S. stock market works and how its dramatic crash in the 1920s helped trigger the Great Depression.
During this activity, students became investors, buying and selling “stocks” while tracking prices that rose and fell throughout the class period.
At first, the market was booming! Students eagerly traded shares, watched their profits grow and felt the thrill of success.
But just like in the late 1920s, things quickly took a turn. Prices suddenly dropped, panic spread, and students rushed to sell before losing everything. By the end of the simulation, many experienced firsthand the confusion and financial loss that investors felt during the real stock market crash.
This immersive experience helped students better understand complex economic concepts like risk assumption, speculation and market instability. More importantly, it allowed them to see how the actions of individuals can have widespread consequences—one of the key causes of the Great Depression.
The U.S. stock market is a platform where shares of ownership in public companies are bought and sold, allowing firms to raise money and investors to potentially profit. Major exchanges include the NYSE and NASDAQ. Stock prices fluctuate based on company performance. Investors aim to buy low and sell high.
•Buying a stock (share) means you own a small piece of that company.
•A "bull market" means prices are rising, while a "bear market" means prices are falling.
•The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is the world's largest, while the NASDAQ is known for technology stocks.
•The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) track the performance of groups of stocks to gauge overall market health.
•The most famous day of the crash, known as “Black Tuesday,” occurred on Oct. 29, 1929. Many investors had bought stocks using borrowed money, which made the losses even worse when prices fell. Panic selling during the crash caused widespread fear, leading people to rush to banks and withdraw their savings.
District first-graders, like Emilia Chrobak’s ES first-graders, are learning about consonant sounds, silent letters and how to blend those sounds with other letter letters to say a word. They’re learning that the “wr” combination makes the /r/ sound — the "w "is silent! As part of their work, they’re reviewing common “wr” words while learning new vocabulary!
English has many silent letters because its spelling reflects its history. Words were borrowed from other languages, pronunciations changed over time, and spelling rules were standardized long before speech fully caught up. Silent letters often show a word’s origin, meaning, or relationship to other words.
English has many silent letters because its spelling reflects its history. Words were borrowed from other languages, pronunciations changed over time, and spelling rules were standardized long before speech fully caught up. Silent letters often show a word’s origin, meaning, or relationship to other words.
