It's SPORTS DAY today, Sept. 25, at the Intermediate School! Our students loved "repping" their favorites!
Third-graders, like Shari Cannone’s IS third-graders, are reviewing “skip counting” as part of their math work. It’s an important skill! In this instance, they were practicing skip counting by 3s, but two of her students even offered to demonstrate how skip counting by 2s and 6s results in the same answer! (That's innovative thinking on their part!)
In third grade, skip counting is the skill of counting by intervals larger than one, such as 2, 3, 5, or 10, to count items or recognize patterns. This skill builds number sense and helpings students understand groups of equal size and how multiplication is essentially repeated addition.
Skip counting is important because it builds a foundation for learning multiplication, division, and other complex math concepts by developing number sense, pattern recognition, and fluency with numbers. It serves as a tool for quick calculation, understanding mathematical patterns, and solving problems more efficiently, and is a crucial math skill in higher grade levels and real-world applications like counting money.
In third grade, skip counting is the skill of counting by intervals larger than one, such as 2, 3, 5, or 10, to count items or recognize patterns. This skill builds number sense and helpings students understand groups of equal size and how multiplication is essentially repeated addition.
Skip counting is important because it builds a foundation for learning multiplication, division, and other complex math concepts by developing number sense, pattern recognition, and fluency with numbers. It serves as a tool for quick calculation, understanding mathematical patterns, and solving problems more efficiently, and is a crucial math skill in higher grade levels and real-world applications like counting money.
It's "Work Like Your Teacher Day" at the Intermediate School and Cecilia Kosowicz's and Candace Gale's third graders are doing just that!
CAN YOU HELP?
As part of their efforts to increase awareness this month (which is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month) about pediatric cancer treatments and research and to support families dealing with pediatric cancers, the High School’s Youth Against Cancer Club (which is leading the district’s Going Gold Day on Sept. 30) is undertaking a drive to collect coloring books, crayons, books and stuffed toys for pediatric patients at Garnet Medical Center now through Oct. 11.
Collection boxes have been placed in all five buildings and the district’s Transportation Center. If you’re interested in being a part of this effort and joining the students and faculty/staff who are taking part, please email Club Advisor Erin Natalizio at enatalizio@minisink.com.
As part of their efforts to increase awareness this month (which is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month) about pediatric cancer treatments and research and to support families dealing with pediatric cancers, the High School’s Youth Against Cancer Club (which is leading the district’s Going Gold Day on Sept. 30) is undertaking a drive to collect coloring books, crayons, books and stuffed toys for pediatric patients at Garnet Medical Center now through Oct. 11.
Collection boxes have been placed in all five buildings and the district’s Transportation Center. If you’re interested in being a part of this effort and joining the students and faculty/staff who are taking part, please email Club Advisor Erin Natalizio at enatalizio@minisink.com.
The Intermediate School is embarking on its annual school-wide mural project! This year's theme is "the sun."
IS Art Teacher Joan Giardina has been introducing the mural's theme and what all third, fourth and fifth-graders will be working on in the coming weeks as their contribution to this project.
Her recent discussion with third-graders focused on the dots, lines and shapes they can use to create their sun. The idea is to allow each square of the mural to represent the individualism of each student! But first! Students are being tasked to giving thought to what they want to do and to begin to sketch that out on a paper which equates to the size of the square they'll contribute to the mural. Stay tuned, this result will be bright, vivid and gorgeous!
IS Art Teacher Joan Giardina has been introducing the mural's theme and what all third, fourth and fifth-graders will be working on in the coming weeks as their contribution to this project.
Her recent discussion with third-graders focused on the dots, lines and shapes they can use to create their sun. The idea is to allow each square of the mural to represent the individualism of each student! But first! Students are being tasked to giving thought to what they want to do and to begin to sketch that out on a paper which equates to the size of the square they'll contribute to the mural. Stay tuned, this result will be bright, vivid and gorgeous!
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO OCT. 6:
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://bsnteamsports.com/shop/STZMLw6Sfm
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://bsnteamsports.com/shop/STZMLw6Sfm
‘TURN UP THE GAS’ for MAD MINUTE MATH!
Mike Conklin’s IS fifth-graders are back in math mode! They’ve been doing “Mad Minute Math” work…in this instance, it’s multiplication. In a minute time span, they were tasked with correctly answering as many multiplication facts as they could. Then, they checked their work and the process was repeated with additional multiplication facts.
Students need to essentially memorize/instinctively know these single-digit multiplication combinations because they form a foundation for more complex math. These facts are essential for developing number sense and achieving success in higher-level math.
Mike Conklin’s IS fifth-graders are back in math mode! They’ve been doing “Mad Minute Math” work…in this instance, it’s multiplication. In a minute time span, they were tasked with correctly answering as many multiplication facts as they could. Then, they checked their work and the process was repeated with additional multiplication facts.
Students need to essentially memorize/instinctively know these single-digit multiplication combinations because they form a foundation for more complex math. These facts are essential for developing number sense and achieving success in higher-level math.
Jonathan Sakadelis' IS fourth-grade physical education students have been playing a tagging game called "Outer Space Tag" while working on various different motor skills (skipping, running, galloping, etc).
Students made believe that they were in outer space surrounded by stars, space stations, asteroids, aliens (taggers) and planets (hula hoops). Two students were the taggers (aliens) and the rest were astronauts. The astronaut's job was to move around the gym performing whatever motor skill was announced by Mr. Sakadelis without getting tagged by an alien.
If an astronaut made it to a planet without getting tagged, he/she is safe for five seconds. After five seconds, the astronaut had to leave that planet and find another one! But, if a student was tagged by an alien, he/she then had to enter the black hole where they must stay until they receive a high five from another astronaut that was in the game.
DID YOU KNOW
Working on motor skills in physical education class is crucial for children because it builds physical capabilities like strength, coordination, and balance, which are essential for daily activities, social engagement, and academic success. Developing strong motor skills also promotes a child's cognitive and emotional growth, fostering confidence, resilience, and better lifelong health habits.
Students made believe that they were in outer space surrounded by stars, space stations, asteroids, aliens (taggers) and planets (hula hoops). Two students were the taggers (aliens) and the rest were astronauts. The astronaut's job was to move around the gym performing whatever motor skill was announced by Mr. Sakadelis without getting tagged by an alien.
If an astronaut made it to a planet without getting tagged, he/she is safe for five seconds. After five seconds, the astronaut had to leave that planet and find another one! But, if a student was tagged by an alien, he/she then had to enter the black hole where they must stay until they receive a high five from another astronaut that was in the game.
DID YOU KNOW
Working on motor skills in physical education class is crucial for children because it builds physical capabilities like strength, coordination, and balance, which are essential for daily activities, social engagement, and academic success. Developing strong motor skills also promotes a child's cognitive and emotional growth, fostering confidence, resilience, and better lifelong health habits.
TWO WEEKS FROM TODAY! Mark your calendars! We're going GOLD!
Call for photos: Share a photo of your student in yellow/gold attire!
REMINDER: The Intermediate School's Open House is Monday, Sept. 15!
--- 6 to 6:35 p.m.: Third-grade
--- 6:40 to 7:15 p.m.: Fifth-grade
--- 7:20 to 7:55 p.m.: Fourth-grade
--- 6 to 6:35 p.m.: Third-grade
--- 6:40 to 7:15 p.m.: Fifth-grade
--- 7:20 to 7:55 p.m.: Fourth-grade
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:
Sarah Casillo's and Mike Sirico's IS fifth-graders are happy to pronounce they survived the first week of fifth-grade! Of course they did, we had no doubts at all!
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.
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=
MINISINK VALLEY SCHOOL COMMUNITY:
The New York State Department of Transportation will begin work involving the replacement of the culvert carrying U.S. Route 6 over Rutgers Creek between County Road 1 and Woods Road/Monahan Road on Tuesday, Sept. 2 beginning at 10 a.m, through Friday, Nov. 7.
This work will involve a full road closure between County Road 1 and Woods Road/Monahan Road with a signed detour beginning on or about Sept. 2 for approximately two months.
Our Transportation Department suggests you consider this alternate route:
If driving to the Slate Hill Campus from the Port Jervis side, there are two options:
1)Turn left onto Greenville Turnpike, turn right onto Woods Road and then left onto Route 6
2)Turn Right onto Route 1, turn left at Monahan Road, then right onto Route 6.
Simply reverse these directions when leaving the campus.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Transportation Department will be contacting families impacted by this closure regarding their students’ pick-ups and drop offs in the coming days. Thank you for your understanding and good grace.
The New York State Department of Transportation will begin work involving the replacement of the culvert carrying U.S. Route 6 over Rutgers Creek between County Road 1 and Woods Road/Monahan Road on Tuesday, Sept. 2 beginning at 10 a.m, through Friday, Nov. 7.
This work will involve a full road closure between County Road 1 and Woods Road/Monahan Road with a signed detour beginning on or about Sept. 2 for approximately two months.
Our Transportation Department suggests you consider this alternate route:
If driving to the Slate Hill Campus from the Port Jervis side, there are two options:
1)Turn left onto Greenville Turnpike, turn right onto Woods Road and then left onto Route 6
2)Turn Right onto Route 1, turn left at Monahan Road, then right onto Route 6.
Simply reverse these directions when leaving the campus.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Transportation Department will be contacting families impacted by this closure regarding their students’ pick-ups and drop offs in the coming days. Thank you for your understanding and good grace.
IMPORTANT REMINDER TO ALL DRIVERS:
The district has equipped its entire bus fleet with cameras to catch vehicles that illegally pass a stopped school bus. If you see a bus’ red lights flashing and stop-arm extended, STOP! Otherwise, you and the vehicle you’re driving will be photographed and you WILL GET A $250 FINE.
Don't say we didn't tell you: Please pay attention and drive safe!
READ MORE: https://www.minisink.com/article/2365311
