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.
Before the break, Shawne Demberg's ES kindergarteners took on a very special job—caring for their own little PEEPS for an entire week! Students “hatched” their PEEPS, lovingly carried them to and from school, and learned what it means to be responsible for someone (or something!) that depends on you.
Each PEEP was issued a birth certificate and a name chosen by its proud student parent. Some PEEPS were even treated to fun adventures outside of school and arrived each morning dressed in adorable outfits! Throughout the week, students created baby books, practiced measurement activities with their new friend, and made plenty of sweet memories.
By the end of the project, every PEEP had found a forever home with its student—proof of just how much care and heart the children put into the experience.
This playful project teaches big lessons in a small, kid-friendly way. By caring for their PEEPS, students practiced responsibility, empathy, and nurturing behaviors. They learned routines, problem-solving, and how it feels to care for something fragile and important. Projects like this build social-emotional skills, strengthen independence, and help young learners understand what it means to be dependable—all while having fun!
Each PEEP was issued a birth certificate and a name chosen by its proud student parent. Some PEEPS were even treated to fun adventures outside of school and arrived each morning dressed in adorable outfits! Throughout the week, students created baby books, practiced measurement activities with their new friend, and made plenty of sweet memories.
By the end of the project, every PEEP had found a forever home with its student—proof of just how much care and heart the children put into the experience.
This playful project teaches big lessons in a small, kid-friendly way. By caring for their PEEPS, students practiced responsibility, empathy, and nurturing behaviors. They learned routines, problem-solving, and how it feels to care for something fragile and important. Projects like this build social-emotional skills, strengthen independence, and help young learners understand what it means to be dependable—all while having fun!
Before the break, Angela Dombal’s and Jordan Procak’s ES kindergarteners dove into a sweet seasonal science experiment starring everyone’s favorite marshmallow friends—PEEPS! Their big question: Do PEEPS sink or float?
Students made thoughtful predictions, tested their ideas, and observed what happened when their colorful PEEPS took a dip. Giggles, wide eyes, and excited chatter quickly filled the room as young scientists discovered the answer together!
This simple, cheerful experiment wasn’t just fun—it was fantastic early STEM learning. Students were introduced to the idea of density in a hands-on, age-appropriate way, exploring how some objects float because they are less dense than water. They also practiced using scientific thinking vocabulary like "predict," "observe" and "compare."
These simple STEM lesson matter in kindergarten because they build curiosity about science as well as critical thinking skills. These little students also develop early science habits, such as noticing details, asking questions, and sharing findings.
The big reveal? PEEPS float! They’re puffed with air, so they sit on top of the water like happy, pastel marshmallow boats!
Students made thoughtful predictions, tested their ideas, and observed what happened when their colorful PEEPS took a dip. Giggles, wide eyes, and excited chatter quickly filled the room as young scientists discovered the answer together!
This simple, cheerful experiment wasn’t just fun—it was fantastic early STEM learning. Students were introduced to the idea of density in a hands-on, age-appropriate way, exploring how some objects float because they are less dense than water. They also practiced using scientific thinking vocabulary like "predict," "observe" and "compare."
These simple STEM lesson matter in kindergarten because they build curiosity about science as well as critical thinking skills. These little students also develop early science habits, such as noticing details, asking questions, and sharing findings.
The big reveal? PEEPS float! They’re puffed with air, so they sit on top of the water like happy, pastel marshmallow boats!
HOPPY FRACTIONS!
Before the break, McKayla Murphy’s IS third-graders hopped into spring by creating the most adorable fraction bunnies! Each student designed a cheerful bunny that showed off their growing confidence with fractions—right down to writing each fraction in word form. These creations were not only cute but also a fun way to show what they’ve learned!
• A fraction shows how many parts of a whole you have.
• The top number (numerator) tells how many parts you’re talking about.
• The bottom number (denominator) tells how many equal parts the whole is split into.
• 1/2 means the whole is split into two equal parts, and you have one of them.
• Fractions can be written in words, like “one-third” or “three-fourths.”
• Fractions don’t always come from circles—shapes, sets of objects, and even number lines can all show fractions!
• If two fractions look different but cover the same amount of space, they are equivalent fractions (like 1/2 and 2/4).
Before the break, McKayla Murphy’s IS third-graders hopped into spring by creating the most adorable fraction bunnies! Each student designed a cheerful bunny that showed off their growing confidence with fractions—right down to writing each fraction in word form. These creations were not only cute but also a fun way to show what they’ve learned!
• A fraction shows how many parts of a whole you have.
• The top number (numerator) tells how many parts you’re talking about.
• The bottom number (denominator) tells how many equal parts the whole is split into.
• 1/2 means the whole is split into two equal parts, and you have one of them.
• Fractions can be written in words, like “one-third” or “three-fourths.”
• Fractions don’t always come from circles—shapes, sets of objects, and even number lines can all show fractions!
• If two fractions look different but cover the same amount of space, they are equivalent fractions (like 1/2 and 2/4).
MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW! Registration opens Monday, April 6 for the hugely popular KIDS NIGHT OUT, hosted by the Varsity Swimming and Diving team!
Christine Ertola’s and classroom aide Deborah Burger’s High School Career Achievement Program (CAP) recently completed a fun, hands-on PEEPS Liquid Science experiment!
The PEEPS Liquid Science Experiment explores how different liquids affect marshmallow Peeps. By placing PEEPS in liquids like water, vinegar, soda and lemon juice, students observed changes in size, shape, and texture over time. This experiment helps demonstrate how substances dissolve, react, and interact with sugar-based materials, making it an enjoyable and engaging way to learn about basic chemistry concepts!
•The PEEPS Liquid Science Experiment is a highly useful and seasonal chemistry lab because it uses accessible, vibrant Easter-themed candy to visually demonstrate complex scientific principles like solubility, polarity and chemical reactions. It's ideal for spring, providing a hands-on, edible STEM experience that allows students to observe how sugary, gelatin-based treats interact with different household liquids (water, vinegar, soda, oil) over time.
•PEEPS candy began in the early 1950s when Russian immigrant Sam Born’s company, Just Born Quality Confections, acquired the Rodda Candy Company, which made hand-piped marshmallow chicks. What once took hours to create by hand was soon transformed by automation, allowing PEEPS to be mass-produced. Over time, the seasonal Easter treat expanded into a year-round icon with new shapes, colors, and flavors.
•During the peak spring Easter season --- Just Born Quality Confections — ramps up production of its iconic treats: on average about 5.5 million PEEPS are produced every day, which adds up to roughly 2 billion PEEPS annually. Most of those are made and sold around Easter time when demand is highest
The PEEPS Liquid Science Experiment explores how different liquids affect marshmallow Peeps. By placing PEEPS in liquids like water, vinegar, soda and lemon juice, students observed changes in size, shape, and texture over time. This experiment helps demonstrate how substances dissolve, react, and interact with sugar-based materials, making it an enjoyable and engaging way to learn about basic chemistry concepts!
•The PEEPS Liquid Science Experiment is a highly useful and seasonal chemistry lab because it uses accessible, vibrant Easter-themed candy to visually demonstrate complex scientific principles like solubility, polarity and chemical reactions. It's ideal for spring, providing a hands-on, edible STEM experience that allows students to observe how sugary, gelatin-based treats interact with different household liquids (water, vinegar, soda, oil) over time.
•PEEPS candy began in the early 1950s when Russian immigrant Sam Born’s company, Just Born Quality Confections, acquired the Rodda Candy Company, which made hand-piped marshmallow chicks. What once took hours to create by hand was soon transformed by automation, allowing PEEPS to be mass-produced. Over time, the seasonal Easter treat expanded into a year-round icon with new shapes, colors, and flavors.
•During the peak spring Easter season --- Just Born Quality Confections — ramps up production of its iconic treats: on average about 5.5 million PEEPS are produced every day, which adds up to roughly 2 billion PEEPS annually. Most of those are made and sold around Easter time when demand is highest
As part of their science lessons, district first-graders, like Jen DeSimone’s ES first-graders, learn about shallow versus deep ocean animals to understand basic animal adaptations and habitat differences. This study introduces how creatures survive in different environments—such as needing light and warmth in the shallows versus coping with extreme pressure, cold, and darkness in the deep ocean.
And, of course, it’s always fun to have a drawing and coloring component to their studies. Take a peek at these students and their drawing of their selected shallow versus deep water ocean animals. Their artwork is terrific!
And, of course, it’s always fun to have a drawing and coloring component to their studies. Take a peek at these students and their drawing of their selected shallow versus deep water ocean animals. Their artwork is terrific!
Congratulations and well-done to members of the High School’s Mock Trial team for their hard work, dedication and strong showing at the March 21 Orange-Ulster BOCES Mock Trial Tournament!
This year’s New York State Mock Trial case was People v. A. Carmen Erickson & Carson Blocker. In this case, Erickson and Blocker were charged with petit larceny for allegedly stealing used cooking oil from the Big Burns Bar B Que Pit in Butler, NY, on Aug. 31, 2025. During their arrest outside a local saloon, Erickson is also accused of resisting arrest while Blocker attempts to flee and later suffers a serious injury. The defendants maintain an alibi that they were online playing a video game together the night of the incident, and the case centers on whether the prosecution can prove their involvement beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Mock Trial experience challenged students to step into the roles of attorneys and witnesses in a realistic courtroom competition. Team members spent weeks studying the case materials, analyzing evidence, preparing opening and closing statements, practicing direct and cross-examinations, and learning courtroom procedure and objections. Their preparation required not only legal reasoning, but also confidence, teamwork and countless hours of practice.
While the team is not further advancing in competition, they are to be commended for their commitment, courage, preparation and effort brought to the courtroom. Please join us in congratulating Sean Bellew, Brandon Bonet, Lucia Garcia, Noah Haley, Sara Melendez, Malunga Kinzonzi, Julia Meyer, Ryen Mitchell, Landon Ordway, Morgan Varian, Evan Washalski and Josephine Witherow!
Mock Trial is a unique academic competition in which students compete against other schools by presenting a full trial in a courtroom setting before a real judge. Students must think on their feet, speak persuasively and work together as a team while responding to the arguments and witnesses presented by the opposing side. It is an incredible hands-on experience that builds skills in public speaking, critical thinking, collaboration, and professionalism.
This year’s New York State Mock Trial case was People v. A. Carmen Erickson & Carson Blocker. In this case, Erickson and Blocker were charged with petit larceny for allegedly stealing used cooking oil from the Big Burns Bar B Que Pit in Butler, NY, on Aug. 31, 2025. During their arrest outside a local saloon, Erickson is also accused of resisting arrest while Blocker attempts to flee and later suffers a serious injury. The defendants maintain an alibi that they were online playing a video game together the night of the incident, and the case centers on whether the prosecution can prove their involvement beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Mock Trial experience challenged students to step into the roles of attorneys and witnesses in a realistic courtroom competition. Team members spent weeks studying the case materials, analyzing evidence, preparing opening and closing statements, practicing direct and cross-examinations, and learning courtroom procedure and objections. Their preparation required not only legal reasoning, but also confidence, teamwork and countless hours of practice.
While the team is not further advancing in competition, they are to be commended for their commitment, courage, preparation and effort brought to the courtroom. Please join us in congratulating Sean Bellew, Brandon Bonet, Lucia Garcia, Noah Haley, Sara Melendez, Malunga Kinzonzi, Julia Meyer, Ryen Mitchell, Landon Ordway, Morgan Varian, Evan Washalski and Josephine Witherow!
Mock Trial is a unique academic competition in which students compete against other schools by presenting a full trial in a courtroom setting before a real judge. Students must think on their feet, speak persuasively and work together as a team while responding to the arguments and witnesses presented by the opposing side. It is an incredible hands-on experience that builds skills in public speaking, critical thinking, collaboration, and professionalism.
Library classes offer so much more than just an opportunity to borrow a book to read at home!
Aimee Hardy’s IS third-grade library students are continuing to develop library and computer skills that are essential for everyday learning and research. For example, they’ve been learning how to access school databases and locate information using online encyclopedias. Students are also discovering that online encyclopedias function differently from search engines like Google. Instead of typing full questions, they are practicing how to use keywords and specific topics to find relevant information.
In addition, library students are building important and practical digital skills. They are learning how to copy and paste images, search for and summarize information, and properly cite their sources. Students are also practicing basic document editing skills, such as editing images, changing fonts, and typing their responses clearly. These activities help strengthen both their research abilities and their overall computer literacy—skills that are critically important as they progress into higher grade levels.
Aimee Hardy’s IS third-grade library students are continuing to develop library and computer skills that are essential for everyday learning and research. For example, they’ve been learning how to access school databases and locate information using online encyclopedias. Students are also discovering that online encyclopedias function differently from search engines like Google. Instead of typing full questions, they are practicing how to use keywords and specific topics to find relevant information.
In addition, library students are building important and practical digital skills. They are learning how to copy and paste images, search for and summarize information, and properly cite their sources. Students are also practicing basic document editing skills, such as editing images, changing fonts, and typing their responses clearly. These activities help strengthen both their research abilities and their overall computer literacy—skills that are critically important as they progress into higher grade levels.
Cayla Tangney’s High School Art History students are studying impressionism, a movement that focuses on light and its quick-changing qualities.
Students looked at the work of Claude Monet, Edgar Degas and Mary Cassatt, who are among the world’s great impressionist painters, as a prelude for when they went outdoors to paint as if they were impressionists! They had 25 minutes on a recent gorgeous day to draw the landscape behind the high school building and were reminded not to blend their colors, as visible brushstrokes were a key characteristic of the movement.
It was a challenging assignment for many students, who were used to perfecting every mark made on their paper.
“They did an incredible job,” said Ms. Cagney. “I emphasized that even if they didn't finish, that was okay. It was more about mimicking the style and subject of the painting.”
The next day, students did a gallery walk around the classroom and placed awards next to the paintings they thought "best emulated the Impressionist style" and "most accurately depicted the landscape. WELL-DONE, everyone!
•Impressionism (1870s–1880s) revolutionized art by capturing fleeting moments, light, and modern life using quick, visible brushstrokes rather than realistic detail. Led by Monet and Renoir, these painters left studios to work en plein air (outdoors), made possible by the invention of portable tube paints.
•While Monet focused on landscape light and Degas on movement, Cassatt brought a unique perspective, highlighting the private lives of women.
•In the late 19th century, impressionists were battling with the invention of photography and its new ability to capture moments quickly while paintings took days, months, or years to complete. Artists like Claude Monet had several series of works where he painted the same landscape in different seasons, times of day, and weather conditions to show how much light and movement could shift from one variable to the next. Impressionist artists painted quickly with visible brushstrokes so that they could record the moment before the light or weather changed.
Deanna Feuerbach’s IS fourth-grade music students are having a blast learning how to play the recorder! We’ve all played this instrument! Who remembers “Hot Cross Buns?”
Recorders are great starter instruments because unlike brass or other woodwind instruments, the recorder produces a clear, pleasant sound with simple, light breath control. The fingering system is intuitive, with notes roughly corresponding to ascending steps, making it easy to learn songs quickly. It’s great for helping to develop hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and breath control. And, they serve as an excellent introduction to reading music and playing other wind instruments, such as the flute.
The recorder is an ancient internal duct flute that originated in Europe, with surviving examples dating to the 14th century. It flourished during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, was largely replaced by the transverse flute in the 18th century, and was revived in the early 20th century for education and early music.
Recorders are great starter instruments because unlike brass or other woodwind instruments, the recorder produces a clear, pleasant sound with simple, light breath control. The fingering system is intuitive, with notes roughly corresponding to ascending steps, making it easy to learn songs quickly. It’s great for helping to develop hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and breath control. And, they serve as an excellent introduction to reading music and playing other wind instruments, such as the flute.
The recorder is an ancient internal duct flute that originated in Europe, with surviving examples dating to the 14th century. It flourished during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, was largely replaced by the transverse flute in the 18th century, and was revived in the early 20th century for education and early music.
Please join us in congratulating Middle School Assistant Principal Thomas Rickard, a member of the SUNY Orange Class of 1992, who was recently named the recipient of the Orange Foundation & Alumni Engagement Distinguished Alumni Leadership Award. His award will be presented to him at the 2026 SUNY Orange Foundation & Alumni Engagement Leadership Awards in April, which honors graduates whose impact reflects the spirit of SUNY Orange.
In addition to serving as a busy middle school principal, Mr. Rickard is also a SUNY Orange associate professor of mathematics and head men’s basketball coach. With his family, he helped establish the Paul Rickard Memorial Scholarship Fund in honor of his father, a SUNY Orange professor and coach, whose legacy continues to support students pursuing education, nursing, mathematics and athletics.
As head men’s basketball coach, Mr. Rickard has built one of the region’s most successful programs, leading the Colts to multiple conference titles and a national semifinal appearance while fostering teamwork, discipline, and character among his student-athletes!
In addition to serving as a busy middle school principal, Mr. Rickard is also a SUNY Orange associate professor of mathematics and head men’s basketball coach. With his family, he helped establish the Paul Rickard Memorial Scholarship Fund in honor of his father, a SUNY Orange professor and coach, whose legacy continues to support students pursuing education, nursing, mathematics and athletics.
As head men’s basketball coach, Mr. Rickard has built one of the region’s most successful programs, leading the Colts to multiple conference titles and a national semifinal appearance while fostering teamwork, discipline, and character among his student-athletes!
FREE GIRLS BASKETBALL SPRING INSTRUCTIONAL CLINICS!
While brackets are busting and buzzer-beaters are dropping this March Madness season, give your own future star a shot — sign your 4th through 8th grader up for our FREE Girls Basketball Spring Instructional Clinic!
• Open to all district girls in 4th through 8th grades
• DATES: Saturday, April 11 and Saturday, April 18
• 9 a.m. to 12 noon in the High School Gym
The clinics will be directed by Coach McDonald with assistance from players in the Minisink Valley Girls Basketball program. The camp’s goal is to provide quality instruction and inspiration for young district athletes. The camp is free of charge, though donations towards the Girls Basketball Program are optional, but welcome. Activities include individual skill instruction and competitive team play. The players may be separated into two levels according to their age and ability. Participants will be expected to wear sneakers and dress appropriately.
Here's the registration link: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLScQbIcAlyC6xV.../viewform
While brackets are busting and buzzer-beaters are dropping this March Madness season, give your own future star a shot — sign your 4th through 8th grader up for our FREE Girls Basketball Spring Instructional Clinic!
• Open to all district girls in 4th through 8th grades
• DATES: Saturday, April 11 and Saturday, April 18
• 9 a.m. to 12 noon in the High School Gym
The clinics will be directed by Coach McDonald with assistance from players in the Minisink Valley Girls Basketball program. The camp’s goal is to provide quality instruction and inspiration for young district athletes. The camp is free of charge, though donations towards the Girls Basketball Program are optional, but welcome. Activities include individual skill instruction and competitive team play. The players may be separated into two levels according to their age and ability. Participants will be expected to wear sneakers and dress appropriately.
Here's the registration link: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLScQbIcAlyC6xV.../viewform
