Big-time learning is happening in kindergarten!
Like all district kindergarteners, Carmella Sill’s class is building strong writing skills through engaging, cross-curricular work. As part of their new Geography unit, students are learning about the continents, with a focus on North America, while using the POW writing strategy to plan and organize their ideas.
Students are also learning to write a gist statement—a short sentence that captures the main idea of what they’ve learned in their own words. This helps them focus on the most important information and express it clearly.
POW (Pick my idea, Organize my notes, Write and say more) is a simple, three-step strategy that supports young writers by breaking the process into manageable steps, making writing more approachable and less overwhelming.
In Mrs. Sill’s classroom, students are using POW to plan their gist statements about North America—combining content knowledge with essential writing skills in a meaningful way.
Megan St. Clair’s ES second-graders had the best time celebrating Earth Day yesterday! They chatted all about how to care for our planet — learning how to reduce waste, reuse what they can, and recycle to make a difference.
The fun didn’t stop there… students even planted pea seeds, discovering how important crops are in our world. Over the next few weeks, they’ll get to watch their tiny seeds grow into something they can actually eat—how exciting is that?!
And of course, their creativity shined bright with the most adorable Earth Day hats! It was a wonderful mix of science, social studies, art, and real-world learning —all wrapped up in one very fun day!
The fun didn’t stop there… students even planted pea seeds, discovering how important crops are in our world. Over the next few weeks, they’ll get to watch their tiny seeds grow into something they can actually eat—how exciting is that?!
And of course, their creativity shined bright with the most adorable Earth Day hats! It was a wonderful mix of science, social studies, art, and real-world learning —all wrapped up in one very fun day!
Angela Dombal’s and Jordan Procak’s ES kindergarteners, like many students, spent time yesterday celebrating Earth Day. For these little ones, that meant chatting about all the sweet, simple ways they can “help” take care of our planet. They also got to practice their fine motor skills as they carefully created their very own little “Earths” for a special flyer, sharing how each of them plans to help keep our world happy and healthy.
Many kindergarteners are introduced to the joy of gymnastics (along with exciting activities like climbing ropes and the rock wall) when their physical education teachers kick off their gymnastics unit. Take a peek at Anthony Pascarelli"s, Leyla Johnson’s, and Jonathan Sakadelis’ ES kindergarteners having an absolute blast in class—so many smiles and so much fun!
Introducing kindergarteners to gymnastics is important because it helps them build strength, balance and coordination while boosting their confidence and encouraging a love of movement. Plus, it gives them a chance to explore, take safe risks and discover just how amazing their bodies can be!
BRAVO and WELL DONE to the Elementary School students who knocked it out of the park by reading over 800 minutes as part of the New York Boulders Reading Challenge! To acknowledge their All-Star effort at the plate, each student will receive four tickets to an upcoming Boulders game — we know they’re going to have a grand slam of a time!
Students who stepped up to the plate and read between 400 and 800 minutes will receive two tickets, and they’re sure to have a winning day at the ballpark, too! In total, over 100 students joined the lineup for this reading challenge and collectively racked up an incredible 46,844 minutes — talk about an Elementary School team victory!
BUT! A very special congratulations goes to Wyatt Kessler, who absolutely crushed it with 1,309 minutes read — that’s a home run and then some! He has earned the title of the school’s “Home Run Reader.” In addition to receiving four tickets, Wyatt will get the ultimate big-league experience: He’s been invited to the field for the game he attends to throw out a ceremonial first pitch. What a major league moment!
Students who stepped up to the plate and read between 400 and 800 minutes will receive two tickets, and they’re sure to have a winning day at the ballpark, too! In total, over 100 students joined the lineup for this reading challenge and collectively racked up an incredible 46,844 minutes — talk about an Elementary School team victory!
BUT! A very special congratulations goes to Wyatt Kessler, who absolutely crushed it with 1,309 minutes read — that’s a home run and then some! He has earned the title of the school’s “Home Run Reader.” In addition to receiving four tickets, Wyatt will get the ultimate big-league experience: He’s been invited to the field for the game he attends to throw out a ceremonial first pitch. What a major league moment!
DON'T COOK THIS THURSDAY, April 23!
Enjoy some great sandwiches, salads or soups at Panera in MIddletown and support the High School's FBLA Club! Details are in the flyer below, and thanks for sharing!
Enjoy some great sandwiches, salads or soups at Panera in MIddletown and support the High School's FBLA Club! Details are in the flyer below, and thanks for sharing!
Rosamaria Acevedo’s ES kindergarteners took a big step forward in their literacy journey earlier this week — with a short but meaningful “road trip” to Stephanie Hoffman’s first-grade classroom. It’s a great example of how collaboration within our school helps students grow!
Armed with their Kindergarten Readers, these young learners made their way to Mrs. Hoffman’s room for a cross-grade reading session. More than just story time, it was a chance to show off their developing oral reading fluency — and a reminder of just how far they’ve come.
“By stepping into a new environment, my kindergarteners stepped into leadership roles,” Mrs. Acevedo said. “It takes immense courage to read aloud to an older peer, and our students rose to the occasion with confidence. The session transformed the classroom into a hub of collaborative learning.”
There were many teachable moments for these kindergarteners. They were able to experience peer mentorship when the older first-graders acted as supportive "reading buddies." They saw the shared goal on focusing on the joy of storytelling and the mechanics of language. Plus, there was important social-emotional growth for everyone because building connections across grade levels fosters a stronger school community.
By practicing their oral reading fluency, students are applying the core tenets of the Science of Reading (SOR). Using the district’s CKLA/Amplify framework, these reading pairs focused on decoding accuracy (translating letter sounds into words in real-time); “automaticity” (building the speed and ease necessary for comprehension); and expression (learning how to use their voices to make the text come alive.)
“I am incredibly proud of both classes, my kindergarteners for their courage and growth, and Mrs. Hoffman’s first graders for their kindness and encouragement, offering real-time, gentle feedback that helped support and celebrate their younger peers, Mrs. Acevedo added. “This powerful experience reminded us that reading is not just a skill, but a bridge that brings our school community together.”
Armed with their Kindergarten Readers, these young learners made their way to Mrs. Hoffman’s room for a cross-grade reading session. More than just story time, it was a chance to show off their developing oral reading fluency — and a reminder of just how far they’ve come.
“By stepping into a new environment, my kindergarteners stepped into leadership roles,” Mrs. Acevedo said. “It takes immense courage to read aloud to an older peer, and our students rose to the occasion with confidence. The session transformed the classroom into a hub of collaborative learning.”
There were many teachable moments for these kindergarteners. They were able to experience peer mentorship when the older first-graders acted as supportive "reading buddies." They saw the shared goal on focusing on the joy of storytelling and the mechanics of language. Plus, there was important social-emotional growth for everyone because building connections across grade levels fosters a stronger school community.
By practicing their oral reading fluency, students are applying the core tenets of the Science of Reading (SOR). Using the district’s CKLA/Amplify framework, these reading pairs focused on decoding accuracy (translating letter sounds into words in real-time); “automaticity” (building the speed and ease necessary for comprehension); and expression (learning how to use their voices to make the text come alive.)
“I am incredibly proud of both classes, my kindergarteners for their courage and growth, and Mrs. Hoffman’s first graders for their kindness and encouragement, offering real-time, gentle feedback that helped support and celebrate their younger peers, Mrs. Acevedo added. “This powerful experience reminded us that reading is not just a skill, but a bridge that brings our school community together.”
Joseph Ferara’s ES second-graders, like all district second-graders, are or soon will be beginning a new knowledge unit called “Making a Difference: Creating Change.”
The CKLA unit “Making a Difference: Creating Change” teaches second-graders that individuals — both famous historical figures and everyday people — can make their communities better by recognizing problems and taking action. Through stories of leaders who stood up for fairness, kindness, and equal rights, students learn about courage, perseverance, and working together to create positive change.
The unit emphasizes empathy, responsibility, and the idea that even small actions can have a big impact, helping children understand that they, too, can be changemakers in their own world. These are all important concepts for young students to embrace!
Students are learning about important figures in history who have made positive changes in history, including: Susan B. Anthony, Eleanor Roosevelt, Mary McLeod Bethune, Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., Faith Florez, Kelvin Doe and more. Students are beginning to learn about important topics such as the difference between human rights and civil rights as well as why these noted people worked to create change. As part of this, Mr. Ferara asked his students to talk with their peers about concepts like “what does creating chance mean?”
The material blends history, character development and literacy into a meaningful, motivating learning experience!
The CKLA unit “Making a Difference: Creating Change” teaches second-graders that individuals — both famous historical figures and everyday people — can make their communities better by recognizing problems and taking action. Through stories of leaders who stood up for fairness, kindness, and equal rights, students learn about courage, perseverance, and working together to create positive change.
The unit emphasizes empathy, responsibility, and the idea that even small actions can have a big impact, helping children understand that they, too, can be changemakers in their own world. These are all important concepts for young students to embrace!
Students are learning about important figures in history who have made positive changes in history, including: Susan B. Anthony, Eleanor Roosevelt, Mary McLeod Bethune, Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., Faith Florez, Kelvin Doe and more. Students are beginning to learn about important topics such as the difference between human rights and civil rights as well as why these noted people worked to create change. As part of this, Mr. Ferara asked his students to talk with their peers about concepts like “what does creating chance mean?”
The material blends history, character development and literacy into a meaningful, motivating learning experience!
Leyla Johnson has been showing her ES kindergarten physical education students how to use implements in class! These include items like balls, beanbags, jump ropes, rackets or hoops.
There’s lots of important reasons why using implements are important for these little ones!
Implements help children develop manipulative skills such as throwing, catching, striking and kicking, which are among core motor skills.
Using items like balls or rackets requires children to track objects, time their movements, and adjust their body position—critical skills for both athletic and everyday tasks.
Using implements involves following directions, problem solving and understanding “cause and effect,” which support brain development.
Working with objects helps children understand where their body is in space and how to control their movements safely and effectively.
Mastering new equipment helps young children feel capable and proud, further develops social skills, helps prepare them for later physical education work….and is fun!
There’s lots of important reasons why using implements are important for these little ones!
Implements help children develop manipulative skills such as throwing, catching, striking and kicking, which are among core motor skills.
Using items like balls or rackets requires children to track objects, time their movements, and adjust their body position—critical skills for both athletic and everyday tasks.
Using implements involves following directions, problem solving and understanding “cause and effect,” which support brain development.
Working with objects helps children understand where their body is in space and how to control their movements safely and effectively.
Mastering new equipment helps young children feel capable and proud, further develops social skills, helps prepare them for later physical education work….and is fun!
BRAVO and WELL-DONE to the 12 first-grade readers who proudly completed the ES Junior Great Books (JGB) enrichment program under the guidance of teachers Shawne Demberg and Amye Laderman! Thes young readers launched into stories, explored new worlds and grew as confident readers!
Reading in first grade is especially powerful, because it builds the foundation for everything that follows. At this age, students are learning the building blocks of language—how stories work, how characters think, how words spark imagination. The more they read, the more their vocabulary grows, the stronger their comprehension and creativity becomes!
After exploring a variety of JGB stories, the students took on two full novels—a huge accomplishment for first graders.!
Their first adventure was Jeff Brown’s “Flat Stanley,” the story of a boy who gets flattened by a bulletin board. Inspired by the story, the students created their own “flat mes” and sent them off through the mail. When the “flat mes” returned, they brought stories of wonderful travels—visiting places such as Massachusetts, Florida, and Arizona, and even meeting family members, friends, and pets along the way!
Next, they dove into Judy Blume’s “Freckle Juice,” the story of Andrew, a boy determined to get freckles—even if it means mixing up a wild recipe or drawing them on with a marker! The first graders had a blast creating freckles on their own photos, bringing the book’s humor to life and building a deeper understanding of character motivation and creativity.
Reading strengthens imagination, builds critical thinking, boosts confidence, and helps children discover the joy of learning. Through stories, they learn to make connections, ask questions, and express themselves — all skills that will support them throughout their academic careers!
Reading in first grade is especially powerful, because it builds the foundation for everything that follows. At this age, students are learning the building blocks of language—how stories work, how characters think, how words spark imagination. The more they read, the more their vocabulary grows, the stronger their comprehension and creativity becomes!
After exploring a variety of JGB stories, the students took on two full novels—a huge accomplishment for first graders.!
Their first adventure was Jeff Brown’s “Flat Stanley,” the story of a boy who gets flattened by a bulletin board. Inspired by the story, the students created their own “flat mes” and sent them off through the mail. When the “flat mes” returned, they brought stories of wonderful travels—visiting places such as Massachusetts, Florida, and Arizona, and even meeting family members, friends, and pets along the way!
Next, they dove into Judy Blume’s “Freckle Juice,” the story of Andrew, a boy determined to get freckles—even if it means mixing up a wild recipe or drawing them on with a marker! The first graders had a blast creating freckles on their own photos, bringing the book’s humor to life and building a deeper understanding of character motivation and creativity.
Reading strengthens imagination, builds critical thinking, boosts confidence, and helps children discover the joy of learning. Through stories, they learn to make connections, ask questions, and express themselves — all skills that will support them throughout their academic careers!
Cliff Loretto’s ES second-grade music students are growing their skills through joyful, active music-making!
Students had a blast recently singing the echo song “Purple Light,” which helps build strong listening and echoing skills. As they sang, they also took turns playing the temple blocks to keep a steady beat — bringing this cowboy song to life with the clippy-clop sound of horse hooves echoing through the room. (The song even mentions a canyon, a pony and a knapsack!)
Fun, hands-on moments like these help students grow in singing, rhythm, coordination and—best of all—a lifelong love of music!
Temple blocks are a set of hollowed-out percussion instruments, traditionally made of wood (often called dragon mouths), typically played in sets of five tuned to a pentatonic scale. Originating from Chinese Buddhist rituals, they produce a rich, dark, and rounded sound compared to standard woodblocks and are used for musical effects, melodies, or rhythmic reinforcement.
Students had a blast recently singing the echo song “Purple Light,” which helps build strong listening and echoing skills. As they sang, they also took turns playing the temple blocks to keep a steady beat — bringing this cowboy song to life with the clippy-clop sound of horse hooves echoing through the room. (The song even mentions a canyon, a pony and a knapsack!)
Fun, hands-on moments like these help students grow in singing, rhythm, coordination and—best of all—a lifelong love of music!
Temple blocks are a set of hollowed-out percussion instruments, traditionally made of wood (often called dragon mouths), typically played in sets of five tuned to a pentatonic scale. Originating from Chinese Buddhist rituals, they produce a rich, dark, and rounded sound compared to standard woodblocks and are used for musical effects, melodies, or rhythmic reinforcement.
Reading stories to young children in library class builds essential early literacy skills and expands their vocabulary. It strengthens their attention, memory and ability to understand how stories work. Storytime also nurtures empathy and imagination by exposing kids to new emotions, cultures and ideas. Most importantly, it helps children develop a lifelong positive relationship with books and learning!
Take a peek at Mia McLean’s ES library students as she reads to them Maribeth Boelts’ “A Bike Like Sergio’s.” It’s the story of a boy named Ruben who longs for a new bike like his friend Sergio's but can't afford one. When he finds a lost $100 bill, he faces a moral dilemma: Keep the money for the bike or return it, ultimately learning that doing the right thing and valuing family and friends is more important than material possessions.
Take a peek at Mia McLean’s ES library students as she reads to them Maribeth Boelts’ “A Bike Like Sergio’s.” It’s the story of a boy named Ruben who longs for a new bike like his friend Sergio's but can't afford one. When he finds a lost $100 bill, he faces a moral dilemma: Keep the money for the bike or return it, ultimately learning that doing the right thing and valuing family and friends is more important than material possessions.
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.
DID YOU KNOW
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.
DID YOU KNOW
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.
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/
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, 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!
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!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW! Registration opens Monday, April 6 for the hugely popular KIDS NIGHT OUT, hosted by the Varsity Swimming and Diving team!
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!
POP CULTURE–INSPIRED ART!
Ilana Kaufman’s ES first-grader art students have been busy bringing their imaginations to life! Each student created a bright, colorful drawing of their favorite Squishmallow—or designed a totally unique one they wish existed. Who knows… maybe their idea will be the next must-have Squishmallow!
We’re guessing most homes have at least one of these cuddly characters around. Squishmallows are beloved for their ultra-soft, marshmallow-like feel, simple adorable designs, and perfectly huggable shape. They can be pillows, toys, comfort buddies and even collectible treasures.
Since launching in 2017, Squishmallows have become wildly popular — especially during the 2020 pandemic, when people of all ages turned to them for a little extra comfort and stress relief. Each character even has its own fun “bio,” and with rare ones to find, collecting them has become a delightful “thrill of the hunt!”
Take a look at our students’ creative Squishmallow-inspired masterpieces—you might just spot the next fan favorite!
Ilana Kaufman’s ES first-grader art students have been busy bringing their imaginations to life! Each student created a bright, colorful drawing of their favorite Squishmallow—or designed a totally unique one they wish existed. Who knows… maybe their idea will be the next must-have Squishmallow!
We’re guessing most homes have at least one of these cuddly characters around. Squishmallows are beloved for their ultra-soft, marshmallow-like feel, simple adorable designs, and perfectly huggable shape. They can be pillows, toys, comfort buddies and even collectible treasures.
Since launching in 2017, Squishmallows have become wildly popular — especially during the 2020 pandemic, when people of all ages turned to them for a little extra comfort and stress relief. Each character even has its own fun “bio,” and with rare ones to find, collecting them has become a delightful “thrill of the hunt!”
Take a look at our students’ creative Squishmallow-inspired masterpieces—you might just spot the next fan favorite!
