Meghan Donahue’s ES K/1 students have been working on counting and cardinality (the measure of the number of elements in a set, or "how many?”) by practicing the identification of numbers and assigning meaning to them.
As part of their work, students have been learning about “counting on,” building larger numbers of higher quantities and decomposing numbers to make smaller quantities. Not only are they learning about how to identify numbers in isolation, they’re also learning what each number represents in the literal sense.
During their recent “City Building” activity, students were given a row of numbers and were tasked with “building” a skyscraper of linking cubes of that amount. Students then practiced assigning meaning to each digit and the quantity it represented, as well as see a concrete comparison of numbers to help visualize the differences in quantities.
The end result is something similar to a city skyline! And because they’re so good as this, her students first used the cubes to represent 1s, and eventually they expanded the activity to represent 10s! Take look!
•Linking cubes are one of many manipulatives used in math. A manipulative is an object which is designed so that a learner can perceive some mathematical concept by “manipulating it,” hence its name. The use of manipulatives provides a way for children to learn concepts through developmentally appropriate hands-on experience.
•Mathematical manipulatives are frequently used in the first step of teaching mathematical concepts, that of concrete representation. The second and third steps are representational and abstract, respectively.
As part of their work, students have been learning about “counting on,” building larger numbers of higher quantities and decomposing numbers to make smaller quantities. Not only are they learning about how to identify numbers in isolation, they’re also learning what each number represents in the literal sense.
During their recent “City Building” activity, students were given a row of numbers and were tasked with “building” a skyscraper of linking cubes of that amount. Students then practiced assigning meaning to each digit and the quantity it represented, as well as see a concrete comparison of numbers to help visualize the differences in quantities.
The end result is something similar to a city skyline! And because they’re so good as this, her students first used the cubes to represent 1s, and eventually they expanded the activity to represent 10s! Take look!
•Linking cubes are one of many manipulatives used in math. A manipulative is an object which is designed so that a learner can perceive some mathematical concept by “manipulating it,” hence its name. The use of manipulatives provides a way for children to learn concepts through developmentally appropriate hands-on experience.
•Mathematical manipulatives are frequently used in the first step of teaching mathematical concepts, that of concrete representation. The second and third steps are representational and abstract, respectively.
Ilana Kaufman’s ES second-graders are kicking off the school year by creating gorgeous pieces of Neurographic art!
For second-graders, Neurographic art is a fun, calming way to draw where they make lots of free-flowing lines on paper, then round off any sharp corners where lines cross, making the whole picture smooth and bubbly like brain cells. In this instance, students were tasked with following the pathway of a rolling marble to make their free-flowing lines.
This is a great, mindful activity where students can later use different colors to fill in the spaces. This relaxing form of drawing gives students the opportunity to express themselves without worrying about making a "perfect" picture.
DID YOU KNOW
Neurographic art is a therapeutic and creative drawing method developed by psychologist Pavel Piskarev, which uses free-form lines and a specific algorithm to connect the conscious and subconscious mind, stimulate new neural pathways, and promote well-being, stress reduction, and emotional transformation through a process of scribbling, rounding sharp corners, and coloring. It is a simple, accessible practice that requires no prior artistic skill.
For second-graders, Neurographic art is a fun, calming way to draw where they make lots of free-flowing lines on paper, then round off any sharp corners where lines cross, making the whole picture smooth and bubbly like brain cells. In this instance, students were tasked with following the pathway of a rolling marble to make their free-flowing lines.
This is a great, mindful activity where students can later use different colors to fill in the spaces. This relaxing form of drawing gives students the opportunity to express themselves without worrying about making a "perfect" picture.
DID YOU KNOW
Neurographic art is a therapeutic and creative drawing method developed by psychologist Pavel Piskarev, which uses free-form lines and a specific algorithm to connect the conscious and subconscious mind, stimulate new neural pathways, and promote well-being, stress reduction, and emotional transformation through a process of scribbling, rounding sharp corners, and coloring. It is a simple, accessible practice that requires no prior artistic skill.
For our youngest students, Patriot Day means creating patriotic crafts and dressing in patriotic colors to show their pride in our nation! This includes Erin Chase’s ES first-graders, Joe Ferara’s ES second-graders, Jess Paglia’s ES first-graders and Angela Dombal’s/Jordan Procak’s ES kindergarteners who are proud to show their projects and the patriotic attire they chose for the day!
REMINDER: The Elementary School Open House is Tuesday, Sept. 16!
--- 6 to 6:30 p.m.: Kindergarten/Transitional Kindergarten
--- 6:35 to 7:05 p.m.: First-grade
--- 7:10 to 7:40 p.m.: Second-grade
--- 6 to 6:30 p.m.: Kindergarten/Transitional Kindergarten
--- 6:35 to 7:05 p.m.: First-grade
--- 7:10 to 7:40 p.m.: Second-grade
Shaun Demberg’s ES kindergarteners are proud to show off their red, white and blue heart project in honor of Patriot Day!
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!
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!
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:
ES Transitional Kindergarten teacher Marjori Bobish is proud to show how wonderful her new class of students is doing!
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
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=
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
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.
REMINDER: Support the Sophomore Class and have some colorful fitness fun!
A benefit 5K Color Run/Walk will be held Saturday, Aug. 30 at the Slate Hill Campus! GREAT FUN FOR ALL!
Details are: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4BA9A629A4FEC43-57961307-minisink?fbclid=IwY2xjawMdWiVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFnVDBqZnkwaDBnOGIxMlhOAR5vbpPB49Jd6XqIGeKb8IsHttX0AlwhHO20hkkV_HNz3aGEUZJKq4yxpn0HIA_aem_HIr3ZMClZg6CUXTV1UAOkg#/
For questions, please email Class Advisor Larry Scarzfava at lscarzfava@minisink.com or student
Morgan Varian at morganv811@icloud.com
A benefit 5K Color Run/Walk will be held Saturday, Aug. 30 at the Slate Hill Campus! GREAT FUN FOR ALL!
Details are: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4BA9A629A4FEC43-57961307-minisink?fbclid=IwY2xjawMdWiVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFnVDBqZnkwaDBnOGIxMlhOAR5vbpPB49Jd6XqIGeKb8IsHttX0AlwhHO20hkkV_HNz3aGEUZJKq4yxpn0HIA_aem_HIr3ZMClZg6CUXTV1UAOkg#/
For questions, please email Class Advisor Larry Scarzfava at lscarzfava@minisink.com or student
Morgan Varian at morganv811@icloud.com
Today, Aug. 28, (and tomorrow) is New Staff Orientation! We’re excited for the expertise and passion our new staff will bring to Minisink Valley! We're thrilled to have them join us and look forward to all being a part of our engaging learning environment!
Please join us in welcoming to the district: Anila Ali, Abigail Bailey, Stephanie Byrne, Cornelia Caligiuri, Emilia Chrobak, Alexa Covais, Mason Davis, Michael Eckberg, Kavita Elana, Morgan Jashembowski, Johanna Klein, Sarah Knebel, Danielle MacKenzie, Glennis Mckenzie, David Mellan, McKayla Murphy, Jordan Procak, Nicole Ruggiero, Jonathan Sakadelis, Ian Schombs and Madison Wyman!
Please join us in welcoming to the district: Anila Ali, Abigail Bailey, Stephanie Byrne, Cornelia Caligiuri, Emilia Chrobak, Alexa Covais, Mason Davis, Michael Eckberg, Kavita Elana, Morgan Jashembowski, Johanna Klein, Sarah Knebel, Danielle MacKenzie, Glennis Mckenzie, David Mellan, McKayla Murphy, Jordan Procak, Nicole Ruggiero, Jonathan Sakadelis, Ian Schombs and Madison Wyman!
IT'S ONE WEEK...until the opening day of school!
REMEMBER, all students are entitled to eat breakfast and lunch for FREE! Our meals are fresh and nutritious and prepared by the best Food and Nutrition Service team there is! Please encourage your student to try our meals....and you'll save yourself a lot of time (and money) preparing breakfasts and lunches either the night before or the morning of school!
REMEMBER, all students are entitled to eat breakfast and lunch for FREE! Our meals are fresh and nutritious and prepared by the best Food and Nutrition Service team there is! Please encourage your student to try our meals....and you'll save yourself a lot of time (and money) preparing breakfasts and lunches either the night before or the morning of school!
The opening day of school is nearing!
It's a big day for everyone! We invite you to share a photo of your student(s) first day of school! See the details:
It's a big day for everyone! We invite you to share a photo of your student(s) first day of school! See the details:
