MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW! Registration opens Monday, April 6 for the hugely popular KIDS NIGHT OUT, hosted by the Varsity Swimming and Diving team!
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.
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
We love it when our students share their talents! Today, March 17, Intermediate School fourth-graders Hailey Hoffman and Laila Loftus shared their Irish Step Dancing talents by visiting classrooms and demonstrating their artistry!
Irish Step Dancing is a traditional form of dance from Ireland where dancers keep their upper body still while performing quick, precise movements with their feet. It’s usually done to lively Irish music and can be performed solo or in groups.
•The rigid upper body style became popular to show off fast footwork clearly.
•It gained worldwide fame through shows like Riverdance.
•Dancers wear special shoes: “hard shoes” make clicking sounds, while “soft shoes” are quieter and used for lighter dances.
•Competitions, called feiseanna (pronounced “fesh-uh”), are held all over the world.
•Costumes are often very detailed, with bright colors, curls, and Celtic-inspired designs.
HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY --- Top of the morning to you!
These clever and creative leprechaun traps were set out yesterday by McKayla Murphy’s IS third-graders in their classroom! While no leprechauns were caught, these mischievous characters left some very fun treats behind to let students know they were onsite when they arrived to class this morning!
Leprechaun traps are creative, kid-made, decorative crafts set on St. Patrick’s Eve designed to "catch" a leprechaun. Usually made from household items like shoe boxes or jars, they're baited with gold coins, shamrocks, and glitter, often leading to a fun St. Patrick's Day tradition where the trap is found "sprung" with a small treat left behind.
Elementary school kids love making leprechaun traps because it merges imaginative play with hands-on STEM engineering, tapping into the magic and mischief of St. Patrick’s Day. The activity allows children to use creativity to design clever traps from household items, fostering critical thinking, while anticipating the fun reward of potential leprechaun “gold” or treats!
Approximately 31 million people in the U.S. claim Irish heritage! That's almost six times the population of Ireland!
These clever and creative leprechaun traps were set out yesterday by McKayla Murphy’s IS third-graders in their classroom! While no leprechauns were caught, these mischievous characters left some very fun treats behind to let students know they were onsite when they arrived to class this morning!
Leprechaun traps are creative, kid-made, decorative crafts set on St. Patrick’s Eve designed to "catch" a leprechaun. Usually made from household items like shoe boxes or jars, they're baited with gold coins, shamrocks, and glitter, often leading to a fun St. Patrick's Day tradition where the trap is found "sprung" with a small treat left behind.
Elementary school kids love making leprechaun traps because it merges imaginative play with hands-on STEM engineering, tapping into the magic and mischief of St. Patrick’s Day. The activity allows children to use creativity to design clever traps from household items, fostering critical thinking, while anticipating the fun reward of potential leprechaun “gold” or treats!
Approximately 31 million people in the U.S. claim Irish heritage! That's almost six times the population of Ireland!
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.
Joan Giardina’s IS fourth-grade art students are using liquid watercolors and a watercolor “salt technique” to create gorgeous koi watercolor art! Their work includes drawing from the perspective as if they were looking down into a koi pond.
The watercolor salt technique creates unique textures (air bubbles) by sprinkling salt onto wet paint; as the salt absorbs water and pigment, it leaves behind sparkling, mottled patterns. They applied table or sea salt while the wash was still wet/damp, let it dry completely, then gently brushed off the crystals. How creative (and how beautiful their work is!)
Koi are ornamental domesticated carp with a 40 plus year average lifespan, with some living over 200 years. Originating from 19th-century Japan, they symbolize luck, love, and friendship. They grow up to 3 feet long, are omnivorous, and thrive in social groups within, often requiring, specialized, clean, and spacious ponds.
The watercolor salt technique creates unique textures (air bubbles) by sprinkling salt onto wet paint; as the salt absorbs water and pigment, it leaves behind sparkling, mottled patterns. They applied table or sea salt while the wash was still wet/damp, let it dry completely, then gently brushed off the crystals. How creative (and how beautiful their work is!)
Koi are ornamental domesticated carp with a 40 plus year average lifespan, with some living over 200 years. Originating from 19th-century Japan, they symbolize luck, love, and friendship. They grow up to 3 feet long, are omnivorous, and thrive in social groups within, often requiring, specialized, clean, and spacious ponds.
Be there this Saturday! It's Project Graduation's TRICKY TRAY! Support the Class of 2026 and have a great evening out!
Emma Grunenberg’s IS fourth-graders recently explored the powerful forces of nature via a Natural Disasters Station Lab focusing on earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.
At the earthquake station, students built two towers — one with wooden blocks and one with Lego pieces — on a cookie sheet and simulated an earthquake by shaking it. They observed how different materials and building styles affect stability and how structures respond to ground movement.
At the tsunami station, students saw that by dropping a small object and then a larger object into water, waves are created and that stronger forces cause bigger impacts. Students observed how larger disturbances can move objects more dramatically, just like real tsunamis.
At the volcanic eruption station, students watched how volcanic eruptions can impact humans, animals, plants and the environment. From lava flows to ash clouds, they saw how eruptions can destroy habitats, affect air quality and change landscapes. Students also brainstormed solutions to help protect organisms, such as evacuation plans, protective shelters and monitoring systems.
Learning about natural disasters is crucial to transform fear into understanding, building safety and developing resilience. It helps students comprehend Earth's powerful processes, such as earthquakes, volcanoes and weather, while empowering them with knowledge for emergency preparedness and fostering empathy for those affected.
At the earthquake station, students built two towers — one with wooden blocks and one with Lego pieces — on a cookie sheet and simulated an earthquake by shaking it. They observed how different materials and building styles affect stability and how structures respond to ground movement.
At the tsunami station, students saw that by dropping a small object and then a larger object into water, waves are created and that stronger forces cause bigger impacts. Students observed how larger disturbances can move objects more dramatically, just like real tsunamis.
At the volcanic eruption station, students watched how volcanic eruptions can impact humans, animals, plants and the environment. From lava flows to ash clouds, they saw how eruptions can destroy habitats, affect air quality and change landscapes. Students also brainstormed solutions to help protect organisms, such as evacuation plans, protective shelters and monitoring systems.
Learning about natural disasters is crucial to transform fear into understanding, building safety and developing resilience. It helps students comprehend Earth's powerful processes, such as earthquakes, volcanoes and weather, while empowering them with knowledge for emergency preparedness and fostering empathy for those affected.
Big smiles! Busy book browsing! Budding bookworms!
Our students absolutely LOVE Book Fairs! From flipping pages to finding “the one,” book fairs motivate students to read by offering exciting choices they can explore on their own. They also reinforce classroom learning by strengthening vocabulary, comprehension, communication and speaking skills!
Plus, every book fair visit helps students build a cozy little library at home — one book at a time!
Take a peek at this week's IS/ES Scholastic Book Fair and see our happy readers in action! Thank you to the IS/ES PTOs for all their organizational work and staffing to make the book fair days possible!
Our students absolutely LOVE Book Fairs! From flipping pages to finding “the one,” book fairs motivate students to read by offering exciting choices they can explore on their own. They also reinforce classroom learning by strengthening vocabulary, comprehension, communication and speaking skills!
Plus, every book fair visit helps students build a cozy little library at home — one book at a time!
Take a peek at this week's IS/ES Scholastic Book Fair and see our happy readers in action! Thank you to the IS/ES PTOs for all their organizational work and staffing to make the book fair days possible!
Jennifer Carroll’s IS fifth-graders recently worked on summarizing part of Chapter 10 from “The Adventures of Don Quixote,” using a summarizing writing strategy (someone, wanted, but, so, then).
After reviewing the graphic organizer they worked on with their partners, students independently wrote a summary using appropriate transition words and phrases. This work helps students become thoughtful readers, effective writers and independent learners, not just in ELA but across all subjects! That’s because it builds several foundational literacy skills that fifth graders need for long-term academic success, including: Strengthening comprehension, developing analytical thinking, improving writing clarity and organization and more. Summarizing content is a critical skill used in science, social studies, and assessments!
After reviewing the graphic organizer they worked on with their partners, students independently wrote a summary using appropriate transition words and phrases. This work helps students become thoughtful readers, effective writers and independent learners, not just in ELA but across all subjects! That’s because it builds several foundational literacy skills that fifth graders need for long-term academic success, including: Strengthening comprehension, developing analytical thinking, improving writing clarity and organization and more. Summarizing content is a critical skill used in science, social studies, and assessments!
The closing ceremonies to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics were yesterday, and many district faculty have incorporated the Olympic games into classroom activities. This included Ross Potter and Jonathan Sakadelis and their IS physical education students, who learned about different Winter Olympic events!
Their recent classes focused on four bobsledding, speed skating, curling and ice hockey stations. Students rotated through them to take part in their version of these events, and learned more about each from information cards that explained the different equipment and rules for that particular event. Take a look!
PLAY BALL! Support the PTO and have a great time at a New York Yankees game at this fun PTO fundraiser!
New York Yankees vs. Miami Marlins!
--- Saturday, April 4
--- 7:05 p.m. at Yankee Stadium
--- Tickets: $45 each for Terrace Level seating
--- Online ticket sales close March 1
--- Tickets will be delivered digitally to the email address provided.
--- Transportation is NOT provided.
Purchase tickets here: https://minisink-pto-yankee-game.square.site/
New York Yankees vs. Miami Marlins!
--- Saturday, April 4
--- 7:05 p.m. at Yankee Stadium
--- Tickets: $45 each for Terrace Level seating
--- Online ticket sales close March 1
--- Tickets will be delivered digitally to the email address provided.
--- Transportation is NOT provided.
Purchase tickets here: https://minisink-pto-yankee-game.square.site/
ART FANS!
Back by request! Sign up today for the High School Art Club’s Feb. 10 “Paint & Snack” fundraiser! Have a wonderful afternoon painting a beautiful spring design under the guidance of a talented upperclassman art student! And, of course, there will be fabulous snacks! Open to all ages, but space is limited. Cost is $12 per adult, $10 per student and $5 for student siblings.
Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSejmdJqNRluBrCttWfiMsXZ8Cu5-xqk0U9wP3GPo7oXlMKASw/viewform
Back by request! Sign up today for the High School Art Club’s Feb. 10 “Paint & Snack” fundraiser! Have a wonderful afternoon painting a beautiful spring design under the guidance of a talented upperclassman art student! And, of course, there will be fabulous snacks! Open to all ages, but space is limited. Cost is $12 per adult, $10 per student and $5 for student siblings.
Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSejmdJqNRluBrCttWfiMsXZ8Cu5-xqk0U9wP3GPo7oXlMKASw/viewform
Like other district fourth-graders, Kristen Gallo’s IS fourth-graders have been exploring volcanoes through an integrated approach to their science and ELA work. Students strengthened their research skills and applied their learning by writing informational pieces based on their findings.
To enhance classroom engagement, students recently participated in a hands-on volcano experiment using an apple, baking soda, food coloring, and vinegar. Students enjoyed observing the “volcano” erupt and making connections between the experiment and real volcanic eruptions. This engaging activity provided a meaningful way to bring learning to life!
•The apple, baking soda, food coloring and vinegar volcano experiment is a fun way to show how a chemical reaction works. First, an apple is hollowed out to make a small “volcano” crater. Baking soda is placed inside the apple, and a few drops of food coloring are added to make the reaction easier to see. The apple acts as a natural container, helping students visualize how a volcano holds magma before it erupts.
•When vinegar is poured into the apple, it reacts with the baking soda. Baking soda is a base and vinegar is an acid, and when they mix, they produce carbon dioxide gas. This gas builds up and escapes as bubbly foam, pushing the colored liquid out of the apple like lava flowing from a volcano. The experiment demonstrates acid–base reactions and gas formation in a simple, safe, and exciting way.
To enhance classroom engagement, students recently participated in a hands-on volcano experiment using an apple, baking soda, food coloring, and vinegar. Students enjoyed observing the “volcano” erupt and making connections between the experiment and real volcanic eruptions. This engaging activity provided a meaningful way to bring learning to life!
•The apple, baking soda, food coloring and vinegar volcano experiment is a fun way to show how a chemical reaction works. First, an apple is hollowed out to make a small “volcano” crater. Baking soda is placed inside the apple, and a few drops of food coloring are added to make the reaction easier to see. The apple acts as a natural container, helping students visualize how a volcano holds magma before it erupts.
•When vinegar is poured into the apple, it reacts with the baking soda. Baking soda is a base and vinegar is an acid, and when they mix, they produce carbon dioxide gas. This gas builds up and escapes as bubbly foam, pushing the colored liquid out of the apple like lava flowing from a volcano. The experiment demonstrates acid–base reactions and gas formation in a simple, safe, and exciting way.
Please join us in congratulating the winners of the the Intermediate School's Kindness Week Poster Contest! Their colorful and vibrant designs contain important messages for all of us!
--- Fifth-Grade: Tyler Sturge
--- Fourth- Grade: Hailey Barry
--- Third-Grade: Ansharah Usman, Leilani Romero Marin and Yaretzi Vazquez
--- Fifth-Grade: Tyler Sturge
--- Fourth- Grade: Hailey Barry
--- Third-Grade: Ansharah Usman, Leilani Romero Marin and Yaretzi Vazquez
Kudos to the Intermediate School’s “Kindness Ambassadors,” who recently visited our youngest students at the Elementary School to lead them in a kindness lesson. Students listened to Carol McCloud’s “Have You Filled a Bucket Today?”
Through simple prose and vivid illustrations, this her book encourages positive behavior by using the concept of an invisible bucket to show readers how easy and rewarding it is to express kindness, appreciation, and love by “filling buckets.” While using a simple metaphor of a bucket and a dipper, the book is a reminder that when we choose to be kind, we not only fill the buckets of those around us, but also fill our own buckets!
Afterward, the ambassadors oversaw kindness-themed activities for each grade level. This was another wonderful inter-school collaboration between both schools! WELL-DONE, everyone!
Through simple prose and vivid illustrations, this her book encourages positive behavior by using the concept of an invisible bucket to show readers how easy and rewarding it is to express kindness, appreciation, and love by “filling buckets.” While using a simple metaphor of a bucket and a dipper, the book is a reminder that when we choose to be kind, we not only fill the buckets of those around us, but also fill our own buckets!
Afterward, the ambassadors oversaw kindness-themed activities for each grade level. This was another wonderful inter-school collaboration between both schools! WELL-DONE, everyone!
ORE SNOW TUBING FUN!
Ross Potter and Jonathan Sakadelis turned winter into a PE playground by taking their IS physical education classes outside for some frosty snow tubing fun on Feb. 4! Compared to the recent (and upcoming) sub-zero temperatures, the weather seemed almost tropical!
Snow tubing isn’t just smiles and squeals — it’s great exercise too. Students boost balance, coordination, and core strength as they climb the hill and zoom back down, all while enjoying the fresh air and working together. Learning, laughter and movement make the perfect winter combination!
If your student hasn’t taken a downhill ride yet, no worries — plans are to get all grades 3–5 classes outside, weather and ground conditions permitting!
Ross Potter and Jonathan Sakadelis turned winter into a PE playground by taking their IS physical education classes outside for some frosty snow tubing fun on Feb. 4! Compared to the recent (and upcoming) sub-zero temperatures, the weather seemed almost tropical!
Snow tubing isn’t just smiles and squeals — it’s great exercise too. Students boost balance, coordination, and core strength as they climb the hill and zoom back down, all while enjoying the fresh air and working together. Learning, laughter and movement make the perfect winter combination!
If your student hasn’t taken a downhill ride yet, no worries — plans are to get all grades 3–5 classes outside, weather and ground conditions permitting!
STICKS DOWN, GAME ON!
Ross Potter’s and Jonathan Sakadelis’ IS fourth-grade physical education students are enjoying zooming into action with fast and fun floor hockey games! It’s an great activity which gets hearts pumping and feet moving as students further build agility, and motor skills while promoting teamwork and sportsmanship in a fast-paced, engaging, and safe environment. Using lightweight equipment, students develop essential skills like stick handling, passing, shooting and, of course, good sportsmanship!
Ross Potter’s and Jonathan Sakadelis’ IS fourth-grade physical education students are enjoying zooming into action with fast and fun floor hockey games! It’s an great activity which gets hearts pumping and feet moving as students further build agility, and motor skills while promoting teamwork and sportsmanship in a fast-paced, engaging, and safe environment. Using lightweight equipment, students develop essential skills like stick handling, passing, shooting and, of course, good sportsmanship!
It’s Kindness Week at the Intermediate School! Jen Kemmerer’s and David Mellan’s fourth-graders are creating some very thoughtful and color posters reminding everyone why kindness is important!
