Students were asked to identify figures based on attributes such as number of sides, equal measured sides, or specific features like the existence of parallel lines within the figure. They also had the opportunity to pair together with a partner and use pattern blocks to find composed polygons, which is a figure made up of smaller shapes within. WELL-DONE, everyone!
It's important for fourth and fifth graders to know geometric figures because this knowledge builds essential visual and spatial reasoning skills, strengthens mathematical vocabulary, and prepares them for more advanced concepts like area, perimeter, volume, and coordinate graphing. Understanding shapes also helps students connect math to the real world by recognizing geometry in buildings, art, nature and everyday objects. In addition, classifying and comparing geometric figures develops logical thinking and reasoning skills, which are valuable across all subjects.
Thank you to the families who joined us for the first of Otisville Elementary’s special programs for our incoming kindergarteners! Our future Class of 2039 (wow!) got a fun introduction to two of the “specials” they’ll enjoy this fall —Library and Music!
A big thank you to librarian Erin Andersen and music teacher Skyler Klein for welcoming these little ones (and their families!) into the wonderful worlds of reading and music. We loved seeing so many smiles!
Line plots utilize a data table that shows different information based on what was collected. Students recently completed a fraction unit where they placed fractions on a number line. In this recent lesson, one selection of data was collected based on the distance someone walked in miles over the course of a number of days. Some of that data was shown in fractions or mixed numbers. Using their knowledge of fractions on a number line, students analyzed the data to set their points on the number line and plotted all of their data on the number line.
A line plot is a simple type of graph that fourth graders use to show how often different values appear in a set of data. It is made by drawing a number line and placing X’s above each number to represent how many times that value occurs. Line plots help students organize information, compare values, and answer questions about the data. They’re especially useful for working with measurements and fractions while developing skills in reading and interpreting graphs.
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!
Tasha Buchler’s and Yvonne Brennan's Otisville second-graders are very proud parents following their recent “Chick Adoption Day!”
“Adopting a chick” is a sweet little way for second-graders to build real skills while having fun. As they read about their chick and fill in simple prompts, they practice early reading and writing — understanding short texts, forming sentences and sharing their own ideas. It’s a gentle, confidence-building way to help young students feel like real readers and writers.
At the same time, the activity nurtures growing hearts and minds. “Adopting” a chick encourages empathy and responsibility, while following directions and completing pages builds focus and independence. With coloring, naming, and imagining their chick’s personality, students also get to be creative and think critically — all wrapped up in a playful, feel-good experience.
“We wanted to stress the importance of taking care of the chicks and being responsible as well as the process of the eggs hatching and the stages the chick goes through,” added Ms. Buchler.
Plus, the class has an incubator with eight eggs, courtesy of 4H, in its class! Next week, 4H’s Zoe Lockburner will visit to read a story to students and candle the eggs to see if they are viable. Stay tuned!
The Otisville PTO treated students to a wonderful enrichment program called "Casey Carle’s BubbleMania" earlier this week!
Mr. Carle’s program is an engaging live performance that blends comedy, audience interaction, and stunning bubble artistry — featuring giant bubbles, unusual shapes, and creative visual effects — to captivate audiences of all ages! Take a look!
BUT--- Beyond the entertainment, this enrichment program doubles as a strong STEM program by introducing students to core scientific concepts like surface tension, geometry, and states of matter in a memorable, hands-on way. By turning abstract ideas into something students can see and experience, the show encourages curiosity, critical thinking and a deeper appreciation for science, making it an effective and enjoyable complement to classroom learning. THANK YOU to the wonderful Otisville PTO for sponsoring this terrific program!
An alphabet chant in kindergarten is a rhythmic, alliterative rhyme used to teach letter names, sounds, and letter-sound correspondence. It usually combines a letter name, a keyword, a sound (e.g., "A-apple-/a/"), and hand motions, making it an engaging multisensory tool for recall.
"We are proud to share that every one of these students had a successful showing at the festival.," said Otisville Band Teacher Maria Fenfert.
Participating student musicians were:
Kayden Buttacavole
Peter Caputo
Wyatt Cucci
Kaien DeJesus
Kristina Eilert
Amelia Hangas
Helen Huchital
Gracelyn Morse
Jillian O’Sullivan
Sophia Tomlinson
Mason Weeden
Khy Williams
Kasey Young
Each student was given centimeter cubes, a ruler, and four empty rectangular solid containers to fill (labeled A–D). They worked with a group to fill the containers to show the volume of each solid. By doing this, they were able to better understand how volume is measured and how cubic units fill space inside a three-dimensional figure. Then they measured with rulers to confirm their measurements.
The lab’s purpose was to help students develop a deeper understanding of volume by connecting hands-on exploration with mathematical measurement, reinforcing the formula for volume and the concept of cubic units.
Their beautiful pieces show just how well they’re grasping these ideas — each artwork is a little world, layered with detail and imagination!
Understanding foreground, midground, and background helps young artists to build depth in their art work, improves spatial awareness (which can help in math and science, too!), building on their growing planning skills as they think about how different elements fit together and further develop their visual storytelling skills!
This foundational knowledge sets the stage for more advanced artistic techniques in higher grade levels! Take a peek at their work!
KINDERGARTEN SPRING EGG HUNT!
What a sweet springtime tradition at Otisville! Kindergarteners were treated to a truly special afternoon as thousands of colorful, goodie-filled eggs — prepared and donated by families — were placed in the Kindergarten Playground for the school's annual Kindergarten Spring Egg Hunt!
In a time-honored Otisville tradition, second-graders took the lead in setting up the “hunt site,” carefully placing eggs in high, low and quite visible areas before proudly stepping back to watch the excitement unfold. Their big-kid pride made the moment even more meaningful!
The Spring Egg Hunt quickly turned into a joyful dash (maybe even a race!) as little hands gathered as many eggs as they could to fill their baskets and bags. Laughter, smiles and a whole lot of springtime spirit filled the playground as every student went home with a bounty of eggs.
This heartwarming event is the perfect example of a simple, joyful spring school activity — bringing students together, building traditions and creating memories that will last long after the season ends. Soon enough, these little kindergarteners will be setting up the hunt site for others!
Take a peek at the fun and THANK YOU to everyone who helped make this day so special!
Third-graders study fractions to build a foundational understanding of parts-to-whole relationships, which is critical for future success in algebra, geometry, and STEM careers. This introduction helps students move from concrete, whole-number thinking to more abstract concepts, including comparing, ordering, and understanding equivalent fractions.
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/
The beauty of the belt system is that it taps into motivation, confidence-building, and goal-setting all at once! Students can see their progress in a concrete, colorful way, which encourages them to practice more and reach for the next level. They get instant recognition for their hard work, and the sense of achievement is something they can literally hold in their hands.
We can’t wait to see their recorders decked out in bright, colorful belts — a rainbow of musical accomplishment!
Faculty, like Otisville librarian Erin Andersen, regularly tie in current events with curriculum. In this instance, she’s paired basketball and its history, along with the March Madness, with a good book for her third-graders! They’re totally engrossed in her reading John Coy’s "Hoop Genius: How a Desperate Teacher and a Rowdy Gym Class Invented Basketball.”
It’s the story of James Naismith inventing basketball in 1891 to manage a difficult gym class in Springfield, Mass. The book details how Naismith, needing a new indoor sport that wasn't too rough, created the game using peach baskets and a soccer ball, leading to the creation of a global sport. Now, as they watch basketball games on television, students will know game's origins, including its adoption by women and eventual Olympic status!
PLUS: Before the break, Grades 3-5 finished up their March Madness reading challenge. Each week they voted on their favorite books and for the second year in a row, "I Survived" was picked as the best book series in the library!
We’re always thrilled to have student teachers work with our faculty throughout the school year! Otisville student teacher Anthony Maiorino, who attends SUNY Cortland, has been working with Physical Education teachers Stephanie Giufre and Tom Uhrig on teaching basketball skills to students. This recent gathering focused on the skill of shooting, using the acronym BEEF “Balance --- Eyes ---- Elbow ---- Follow through.” The NCAA's recent men's and women's March Madness tournaments were the perfect events to align with this unit!
In this lesson, students were working on learning how one hand to shoot. The second hand is simply a guide hand with students using a bent elbow.
"Well hot dog!"
It's "Underground Spirit Week" at Otisville Elementary. Can you guess what today's theme is?
Principal Julia Downey and Assistant Principal Nikachi Griffin know how important school spirit is to the entire school community and always love to be part of the fun!
Disney Day is a great day to remind everyone of an important quote from Walt Disney: "If you can dream it, you can do it!"
Melissa Manganello's and Nicole Martinez's/Victoria Uhrig's Otisville first-graders had a wonderful, recent class trip to the John R. Kirk Planetarium at SUNY New Paltz!
Their visit connected what they’re learning in the classroom about the universe and objects that can be found in it Students also saw a movie about some of the different moons in the universe!
The John R. Kirk Planetarium, located in the Coykendall Science Building, is a well-regarded astronomy facility. It’s especially known for its educational focus and intimate, immersive shows. The indoor domed theater is designed for sky simulations and astronomy presentations.
Shows often include: Guided tours of constellations and planets, simulations of events like eclipses or meteor showers with creative programs blending astronomy, music, and storytelling!
