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.
Jenn Olenick’s sixth-grade ELA students have been reviewing the use of the words "there," "their" and "they’re" as part of their ELA work. Do you know the difference? They do, just ask them!
• “There” indicates a place or existence ("over there," "there is a book").
• “Their” shows ownership, meaning "belonging to them" ("their car").
• “They're” is a contraction of "they are," used when "they are" fits in the sentence ("they're going home").
"There," “their” and “they’re” are known as homophones; they sound the same but have different spellings and meanings.
• “There” indicates a place or existence ("over there," "there is a book").
• “Their” shows ownership, meaning "belonging to them" ("their car").
• “They're” is a contraction of "they are," used when "they are" fits in the sentence ("they're going home").
"There," “their” and “they’re” are known as homophones; they sound the same but have different spellings and meanings.
Nicole Lee’s sixth-grade science students recently tested the densities and viscosities of various substances and made predictions where each would fall. They used five substances: Syrup, oil, rubbing alcohol water and dish soap.
After they made their predictions, they poured the contents of each into a glass jar to observe. They later followed up with a density song and game!
•Density is a fluid's mass per unit volume, indicating how tightly molecules are packed, while viscosity is a fluid's resistance to flow or internal friction, describing how thick it is. They are independent properties, as seen with water (high density, low viscosity) and oil (lower density, higher viscosity), but both are influenced by temperature, with density often increasing and viscosity decreasing as temperature rises.
•A glass jar is used to observe the density and viscosity of liquids because it provides a transparent, neutral, and consistent medium for comparison. By simply pouring different liquids, like water and corn syrup, from one jar to another, students could visually compare how quickly they flow. The liquid that pours more slowly is more viscous. When pouring liquids of different densities that don't mix (immiscible liquids) into a jar, they will separate into layers. The densest liquid will sink to the bottom, while the least dense liquid will float to the top.
After they made their predictions, they poured the contents of each into a glass jar to observe. They later followed up with a density song and game!
•Density is a fluid's mass per unit volume, indicating how tightly molecules are packed, while viscosity is a fluid's resistance to flow or internal friction, describing how thick it is. They are independent properties, as seen with water (high density, low viscosity) and oil (lower density, higher viscosity), but both are influenced by temperature, with density often increasing and viscosity decreasing as temperature rises.
•A glass jar is used to observe the density and viscosity of liquids because it provides a transparent, neutral, and consistent medium for comparison. By simply pouring different liquids, like water and corn syrup, from one jar to another, students could visually compare how quickly they flow. The liquid that pours more slowly is more viscous. When pouring liquids of different densities that don't mix (immiscible liquids) into a jar, they will separate into layers. The densest liquid will sink to the bottom, while the least dense liquid will float to the top.
MIDDLE SCHOOL COMMUNITY:
It's Hispanic Heritage Month!These middle schoolers are among many stopping by the school's library to check out a rotating selection of books spotlighting this month and taking a look at the details of a special bulletin board to mark this month. The Middle School is also inviting you to take part in these specially curated activities to celebrate!
Here's the link:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/11NrWvjYoYGXpiy95vfjaA5uWaUuwrXHzNIzPfw8Pd-s/edit?slide=id.g363913e5738_2_53#slide=id.g363913e5738_2_53
To learn more, email Middle School librarian Maggie Spicehandler at: mspicehandler@minisink.com. PLUS! Show us what you've taken part in by emailing a photo to: communications@minisink.com
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
TWO WEEKS FROM TODAY! Mark your calendars! We're going GOLD!
Call for photos: Share a photo of your student in yellow/gold attire!
Skittles are not just for eating! Sixth-grade teacher Nicole Lee used them for her recent “getting to know you” activity with her students.
The five distinct colors of Skittles—red, orange, yellow, green, and purple— were linked to a list of "getting to know you" questions. Each student picked a candy and answered the question corresponding to their chosen color. The best part? They got to eat their candies afterward!
Over 73 billion Skittles are produced and sold each year, with the factories producing over 200 million pieces of candy daily. This volume of Skittles is distributed globally, being sold in more than 65 countries worldwide.
The five distinct colors of Skittles—red, orange, yellow, green, and purple— were linked to a list of "getting to know you" questions. Each student picked a candy and answered the question corresponding to their chosen color. The best part? They got to eat their candies afterward!
Over 73 billion Skittles are produced and sold each year, with the factories producing over 200 million pieces of candy daily. This volume of Skittles is distributed globally, being sold in more than 65 countries worldwide.
REMINDER: The Middle School Grade 7 and 8 Open House is Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 6 p.m.!
Jennifer Bittner’s eighth-grade social studies students participated in a 9/11 classroom activity where they discussed events of this tragic day and shared their knowledge and stories their families shared with them about that day 24 years ago. Students also watched a brief video presenting the events of that day and the construction of the 9/11 Memorial.
Following this, students examined primary source photographs that were taken by Ms. Bittner’s brother, a member of the New York State Police, who was stationed at Ground Zero, provided relief and helped with recovery after the collapse of the two World Trade Center towers. It was a solemn civics/history lesson with a firsthand connection.
\
A primary source image is a photograph, illustration, or other visual artifact created at the time of an event or period being studied, serving as a firsthand piece of evidence or original material from that historical moment. Unlike secondary sources such as textbooks or biographies that analyze and interpret events, primary source images offer a unique, unfiltered glimpse into the past, providing direct evidence of people, places, and daily life that might be difficult to convey through written text alone.
Following this, students examined primary source photographs that were taken by Ms. Bittner’s brother, a member of the New York State Police, who was stationed at Ground Zero, provided relief and helped with recovery after the collapse of the two World Trade Center towers. It was a solemn civics/history lesson with a firsthand connection.
\
A primary source image is a photograph, illustration, or other visual artifact created at the time of an event or period being studied, serving as a firsthand piece of evidence or original material from that historical moment. Unlike secondary sources such as textbooks or biographies that analyze and interpret events, primary source images offer a unique, unfiltered glimpse into the past, providing direct evidence of people, places, and daily life that might be difficult to convey through written text alone.
Kaitlin Santos's sixth-grade ELA class students explored what each of the colors of the American flag represent as part of an Sept. 11 ELA lesson with a civics/history component aligned with it. They learned the color red stands for “hardiness” and “valor”; white stands for “purity” and “innocence”; and blue represents “justice,” “perseverance” and “vigilance.”
Students discussed the meaning of these words and what they mean for American citizens. Then, students thought of synonyms for these words. As examples, they said “brave” and “sacrifice” as synonyms for valor; and “determined” for perseverance. As an added art component to this ELA/civics/history lesson, students created their own American flag by labeling the colors with the correct synonym and putting the pieces in order. What a great connection to two class subjects!
A synonym is a word or phrase that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word or phrase. Synonyms are essential for improving clarity, expanding vocabulary, and making writing more interesting by preventing overuse of the same word.
Students discussed the meaning of these words and what they mean for American citizens. Then, students thought of synonyms for these words. As examples, they said “brave” and “sacrifice” as synonyms for valor; and “determined” for perseverance. As an added art component to this ELA/civics/history lesson, students created their own American flag by labeling the colors with the correct synonym and putting the pieces in order. What a great connection to two class subjects!
A synonym is a word or phrase that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word or phrase. Synonyms are essential for improving clarity, expanding vocabulary, and making writing more interesting by preventing overuse of the same word.
Sept. 11 is known as Patriot Day because Congress established it as a national day of remembrance and service to honor the victims, first responders, and everyone who contributed to the recovery efforts after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.
Designated by joint resolution in December 2001, the day serves to commemorate the attacks, which were the deadliest terrorist attacks on U.S. soil, and to reflect on the profound impact they had on the nation's identity, security, and spirit of service.
Kelsie Doller combined this civics lesson reminder with math work for her sixth-grade students. Her group worked on an “adding decimals” worksheet, and after they checked their work for accuracy, took some of the numbers in their answers and connected them with a “color by number” Patriot Day art sheet.
The best part? The students enjoyed the assignment so much that many asked if they could take the assignment home to finish on their own time!
Designated by joint resolution in December 2001, the day serves to commemorate the attacks, which were the deadliest terrorist attacks on U.S. soil, and to reflect on the profound impact they had on the nation's identity, security, and spirit of service.
Kelsie Doller combined this civics lesson reminder with math work for her sixth-grade students. Her group worked on an “adding decimals” worksheet, and after they checked their work for accuracy, took some of the numbers in their answers and connected them with a “color by number” Patriot Day art sheet.
The best part? The students enjoyed the assignment so much that many asked if they could take the assignment home to finish on their own time!
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:
Teachable--- and coachable --- moments come in many different ways! Take a peek at the Girls Modified Soccer Team, which quickly completed practice yesterday, Sept. 9, so they could watch the Girls Junior Varsity Soccer game against Valley Central.
Not only were they there to watch and support the team, they were there to observe technique and playing styles as well as how the JV team works as a unit. The intent was to not only support the players and enjoy a game, but to take what they observed and apply those takeaways to their own team.
Not only were they there to watch and support the team, they were there to observe technique and playing styles as well as how the JV team works as a unit. The intent was to not only support the players and enjoy a game, but to take what they observed and apply those takeaways to their own team.
REMINDER: The Middle School Grade 6 Open House is Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 6 p.m.!
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.
