Kudos to Junior Robert Witherow and Class of 2025 alumnus Nick Grusz, members of the Mountain View Fire and Rescue Company, and Senior Keegan Holmes, a member of the Slate Hill Fire Department, who donned their heavy gear and uniforms yesterday afternoon, after school, to climb the stairway near the Central Office/Junior Parking Lot 110 times to honor and remember the fallen firefighters of Sept. 11.
Nationwide, this is known as the "9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs," which honors the fallen firefighters of 9/11 by climbing the equivalent of 110 flights of stairs, the height of the World Trade Center's Twin Towers, to symbolically complete their heroic journey. Many events also raise awareness for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and other organizations supporting the families of fallen first responders, and sometimes feature participants wearing the names of those they are honoring.
Nationwide, this is known as the "9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs," which honors the fallen firefighters of 9/11 by climbing the equivalent of 110 flights of stairs, the height of the World Trade Center's Twin Towers, to symbolically complete their heroic journey. Many events also raise awareness for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and other organizations supporting the families of fallen first responders, and sometimes feature participants wearing the names of those they are honoring.
Jennifer Bittner’s eighth-grade social studies students participated in a 9/11 classroom activity where they discussed events of this tragic day and shared their knowledge and stories their families shared with them about that day 24 years ago. Students also watched a brief video presenting the events of that day and the construction of the 9/11 Memorial.
Following this, students examined primary source photographs that were taken by Ms. Bittner’s brother, a member of the New York State Police, who was stationed at Ground Zero, provided relief and helped with recovery after the collapse of the two World Trade Center towers. It was a solemn civics/history lesson with a firsthand connection.
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A primary source image is a photograph, illustration, or other visual artifact created at the time of an event or period being studied, serving as a firsthand piece of evidence or original material from that historical moment. Unlike secondary sources such as textbooks or biographies that analyze and interpret events, primary source images offer a unique, unfiltered glimpse into the past, providing direct evidence of people, places, and daily life that might be difficult to convey through written text alone.
Following this, students examined primary source photographs that were taken by Ms. Bittner’s brother, a member of the New York State Police, who was stationed at Ground Zero, provided relief and helped with recovery after the collapse of the two World Trade Center towers. It was a solemn civics/history lesson with a firsthand connection.
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A primary source image is a photograph, illustration, or other visual artifact created at the time of an event or period being studied, serving as a firsthand piece of evidence or original material from that historical moment. Unlike secondary sources such as textbooks or biographies that analyze and interpret events, primary source images offer a unique, unfiltered glimpse into the past, providing direct evidence of people, places, and daily life that might be difficult to convey through written text alone.
Kaitlin Santos's sixth-grade ELA class students explored what each of the colors of the American flag represent as part of an Sept. 11 ELA lesson with a civics/history component aligned with it. They learned the color red stands for “hardiness” and “valor”; white stands for “purity” and “innocence”; and blue represents “justice,” “perseverance” and “vigilance.”
Students discussed the meaning of these words and what they mean for American citizens. Then, students thought of synonyms for these words. As examples, they said “brave” and “sacrifice” as synonyms for valor; and “determined” for perseverance. As an added art component to this ELA/civics/history lesson, students created their own American flag by labeling the colors with the correct synonym and putting the pieces in order. What a great connection to two class subjects!
A synonym is a word or phrase that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word or phrase. Synonyms are essential for improving clarity, expanding vocabulary, and making writing more interesting by preventing overuse of the same word.
Students discussed the meaning of these words and what they mean for American citizens. Then, students thought of synonyms for these words. As examples, they said “brave” and “sacrifice” as synonyms for valor; and “determined” for perseverance. As an added art component to this ELA/civics/history lesson, students created their own American flag by labeling the colors with the correct synonym and putting the pieces in order. What a great connection to two class subjects!
A synonym is a word or phrase that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word or phrase. Synonyms are essential for improving clarity, expanding vocabulary, and making writing more interesting by preventing overuse of the same word.
Shaun Demberg’s ES kindergarteners are proud to show off their red, white and blue heart project in honor of Patriot Day!
Otisville students honored the memory of those lost and the heroes of 9/11 on Patriot Day by wearing red, white and blue.
Sept. 11 is known as Patriot Day because Congress established it as a national day of remembrance and service to honor the victims, first responders, and everyone who contributed to the recovery efforts after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.
Designated by joint resolution in December 2001, the day serves to commemorate the attacks, which were the deadliest terrorist attacks on U.S. soil, and to reflect on the profound impact they had on the nation's identity, security, and spirit of service.
Kelsie Doller combined this civics lesson reminder with math work for her sixth-grade students. Her group worked on an “adding decimals” worksheet, and after they checked their work for accuracy, took some of the numbers in their answers and connected them with a “color by number” Patriot Day art sheet.
The best part? The students enjoyed the assignment so much that many asked if they could take the assignment home to finish on their own time!
Designated by joint resolution in December 2001, the day serves to commemorate the attacks, which were the deadliest terrorist attacks on U.S. soil, and to reflect on the profound impact they had on the nation's identity, security, and spirit of service.
Kelsie Doller combined this civics lesson reminder with math work for her sixth-grade students. Her group worked on an “adding decimals” worksheet, and after they checked their work for accuracy, took some of the numbers in their answers and connected them with a “color by number” Patriot Day art sheet.
The best part? The students enjoyed the assignment so much that many asked if they could take the assignment home to finish on their own time!
The first weeks of school always include some review work! Stephanie Hoffman's ES first-graders, like all district first-graders, are reviewing writing letters and pronouncing their sounds. They're doing great, too!
MORE KINDERGARTEN CAFETERIA CUTENESS!
Our ES kindergarteners are also learning the lunch line routine! They’re getting just as good as the big kids, with some assistance from very kind helpers (thank you, helpers) They’re lining up, getting their trays and then ---decisions, decisions -- what to select for their entrée? They’re reminded to move “down the line, like a train” to where they pickup milk, scan their barcodes at checkout, go to their assigned tables to eat and chat with new friends! Look how grown up they are!
Our ES kindergarteners are also learning the lunch line routine! They’re getting just as good as the big kids, with some assistance from very kind helpers (thank you, helpers) They’re lining up, getting their trays and then ---decisions, decisions -- what to select for their entrée? They’re reminded to move “down the line, like a train” to where they pickup milk, scan their barcodes at checkout, go to their assigned tables to eat and chat with new friends! Look how grown up they are!
Future lacrosse families: Sign your student up for a FREE clinic run by the Girls and Boys Varsity and Junior Varsity lacrosse programs for any K-6 student:
The girls clinic will take place Saturday, Sept. 27
The boys clinic will take place Saturday, Oct. 4
All clinics to take place at Otisville Elementary. See more details:
The girls clinic will take place Saturday, Sept. 27
The boys clinic will take place Saturday, Oct. 4
All clinics to take place at Otisville Elementary. See more details:
Cheers to the "specials team" at Otisville Elementary, who are already having their students dive into a "special" and memorable year ! (Very cool swag, BTW!)
Skyler Klein, music
Kara Welsh, art
Maria Fenfert, music
Stephanie Guifre, physical education
Erin Andersen, library
Tom Uhrig, physical education
Skyler Klein, music
Kara Welsh, art
Maria Fenfert, music
Stephanie Guifre, physical education
Erin Andersen, library
Tom Uhrig, physical education
WOW! These cutie-pie Otisville kindergarteners are doing so great learning how to work their way through the cafeteria line! It's a big deal to finally go to the cafeteria for lunch! You have to line up, get a tray, pick a milk and then decide from all the choices available, move through the line, scan your barcode (or know your student number) at checkout, return to your seat and...then....eat and socialize with new friends! Thank you to all their helpers, too! Take a peek!
It's all about the food!
Take a peek at these high schoolers and the wide range of lunch offerings available to them every school day....and all for free!
Please remind your student to take advantage of the breakfast and lunch offerings available to them every day! There's no need for you or them to prepare breakfast or lunch for the day!
Take a peek at these high schoolers and the wide range of lunch offerings available to them every school day....and all for free!
Please remind your student to take advantage of the breakfast and lunch offerings available to them every day! There's no need for you or them to prepare breakfast or lunch for the day!
SAY CHEESE!
FRESHMAN, SOPHOMORE and JUNIOR families:
Undergraduate portraits (also used for school IDs) will be taken Sept. 11 and 12 during English classes. Your student should look for the schedule in today's (Sept. 8) email. Please remind them to look!
Other details:
New seniors who are in need of a school ID should have their photo taken during study hall or lunch.
Primary Parent emails will receive photo proofs and ordering information in email directly from Lors. No more pre-orders!
For any students missing this photo opportunity, makeups will be Oct 20. All retakes will take place with the return of the photo package.
Friday is traditionally PIZZA DAY in our elementary buildings (in the middle school and high school, pizza is offered every day)
Already, our wonderful Witsons Food Services teams at the IS/ES and Otisville are preparing fresh cheese and cheese/pepperoni pies to serve at lunch today! (That's a lot of pepperoni!) You can smell pizza baking in many parts of the building!
IS/ES FUN FACT: On some Fridays, the Food Services team will serve over 700 slices of pizza to students!
Pizza is a fan favorite in all our buildings! Remember, all students eat for free! Be sure to encourage your student go through the cafeteria line and save yourself some time (and money) preparing breakfasts and lunches.
Already, our wonderful Witsons Food Services teams at the IS/ES and Otisville are preparing fresh cheese and cheese/pepperoni pies to serve at lunch today! (That's a lot of pepperoni!) You can smell pizza baking in many parts of the building!
IS/ES FUN FACT: On some Fridays, the Food Services team will serve over 700 slices of pizza to students!
Pizza is a fan favorite in all our buildings! Remember, all students eat for free! Be sure to encourage your student go through the cafeteria line and save yourself some time (and money) preparing breakfasts and lunches.
It’s really true: Each first day of school marks a significant step in a child's life...no matter the grade level! Yesterday’s first day of school was a special day for students and families...and for our faculty and staff, too!
We invite you to visit the district's Facebook page to view the photos shared with us by proud parents who were among the thousands of families to mark this milestone day. You’ll see happy smiles along with fresh haircuts, new backpacks, special outfits and keepsake signs. These photos are a visual diary of their children’s school journey that will be treasured for years. Thank you to everyone who shared their photos with us! Click here: https://www.facebook.com/MinisinkValleyCSD
We invite you to visit the district's Facebook page to view the photos shared with us by proud parents who were among the thousands of families to mark this milestone day. You’ll see happy smiles along with fresh haircuts, new backpacks, special outfits and keepsake signs. These photos are a visual diary of their children’s school journey that will be treasured for years. Thank you to everyone who shared their photos with us! Click here: https://www.facebook.com/MinisinkValleyCSD
It's a new SWAG SEASON!
PLEASE SHARE! Support the great work of the Minisink Valley PTO and update your wardrobe with some fabulous, new Minisink Valley apparel, which includes some terrific Otisville Elementary swag, too! There's SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: Shirts, shorts, pants, jackets, backpacks, hoodies, and winter hats!
Be sure to click on this link and see all that's available:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1m6b1bQwU2HG_5kt67uoNCtZmosV3EaUM?fbclid=IwY2xjawMayLhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFaczdlMWtkMG54NVZHb2JSAR4sa-dSmkK8REVkRDYQhfG7kO4GuPdZS_EeFnBHtLUDleodQHXx3Ld3HthW2g_aem_YLrssM0oHtDhKh4
PLEASE SHARE! Support the great work of the Minisink Valley PTO and update your wardrobe with some fabulous, new Minisink Valley apparel, which includes some terrific Otisville Elementary swag, too! There's SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: Shirts, shorts, pants, jackets, backpacks, hoodies, and winter hats!
Be sure to click on this link and see all that's available:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1m6b1bQwU2HG_5kt67uoNCtZmosV3EaUM?fbclid=IwY2xjawMayLhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFaczdlMWtkMG54NVZHb2JSAR4sa-dSmkK8REVkRDYQhfG7kO4GuPdZS_EeFnBHtLUDleodQHXx3Ld3HthW2g_aem_YLrssM0oHtDhKh4
REMINDER: The Minisink Valley School District's free smartphone app offers users the ability to stay current with individual school updates and information on district events and activities.
It also provides users with customized notifications related to each school selected by each user, including a quick and easy way to learn breakfast and lunch menus in all buildings each day!
The free app is available for Android and Apple devices in their respective app stores.
To stay up-to-date on the latest district news and events via the app, visit Google Play Store and search for Minisink Valley CSD; or the Apple App Store and search for Minisink Valley CSD NY.
It also provides users with customized notifications related to each school selected by each user, including a quick and easy way to learn breakfast and lunch menus in all buildings each day!
The free app is available for Android and Apple devices in their respective app stores.
To stay up-to-date on the latest district news and events via the app, visit Google Play Store and search for Minisink Valley CSD; or the Apple App Store and search for Minisink Valley CSD NY.
The Sophomore Class’ 5k Color Run, held on Sept. 30, was a colorful success! Over 40 runners participated and nearly $600 was raised for the Sophomore Class! Thank you to everyone, especially donors to the event, who contributed to its success! Take a look!
First-place winner Caleb Decker won a $50 Cugino’s gift card, second-place winner Logan Cohen won a Minisink Valley sweatshirt and third-place winner Eric Bianchi won a $25 Cugino’s gift card! Congratulations!
First-place winner Caleb Decker won a $50 Cugino’s gift card, second-place winner Logan Cohen won a Minisink Valley sweatshirt and third-place winner Eric Bianchi won a $25 Cugino’s gift card! Congratulations!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
FINISH OFF A GREAT FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL and support the BOYS VARSITY SOCCER PROGRAM by getting some ice cream at Rita's in Middletown from 4 to 7 p.m.!!
FINISH OFF A GREAT FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL and support the BOYS VARSITY SOCCER PROGRAM by getting some ice cream at Rita's in Middletown from 4 to 7 p.m.!!
Parents/Guardians: Please complete the Household Income Eligibility Form
For the 2025-26 school year, all children in the Minisink Valley School District will receive breakfast and lunch meals at no charge regardless of household income or completion of the Household Income Eligibility Form. However, all families are encouraged to complete this form, which is used to determine eligibility for additional state and federal program benefits that your child(ren) may qualify for, such as: College preparation program, AP test fee waivers, etc. Please complete the online form via this link: https://www.myschoolapps.com/Home/PickDistrict?ZipCode=10973&State=
