State Street School Proudly Presents… State Street Scoop · The holiday season is the perfect...
Transcript of State Street School Proudly Presents… State Street Scoop · The holiday season is the perfect...
Newsletter 4 December 2017
State Street School Proudly Presents…
State Street Scoop
Principally Speaking………………………………………
Dear Parents/Guardians:
This is truly a season of giving! There are so many wonderful individuals who contribute time, love,
energy, and effort to SSS students and their families. Our Holiday Giving Tree is in the foyer of school.
Adults are welcome to take an ornament off the tree to support a local family. Thanks for helping our
neighbors this Holiday season. The staff ALWAYS goes above and beyond to not only teach our children
in every way possible but for caring for them as unique individuals with unique needs and talents as well!
There are many busy elves running around the halls of State Street School!
Your child is also “giving” this month. They are giving kindness to their peers and teachers.
Students are being encouraged to earn their Kind Spirit stick! We have discussed ways of being kind to
others. I highly recommend the book and movie Wonder (out in theaters now). It is a beautiful story
with a message to “choose kind!”
I am blessed to work with such a kind and caring family here at school and am fortunate to go home
nightly to my husband, children, and my dog. I wish all of you the pleasure of family this season.
In case you are looking for something to do as a family, here is a list of places to visit in the area.
Westerly Public Library Mystic Aquarium
www.westerlylibrary.org www.mysticaquarium.org
Pick up a free passes to area exhibits FREE with Feinstein Junior Scholar Card
Niantic Children’s Museum Providence- Ice Skating
www.childrensmuseumsetc.org www.providencerink.com
FREE with Feinstein Junior Scholar Card
Walk Napatree Point in Watch Hill
Walk Bluff Point in Groton, CT Providence Children’s Museum
www.childrenmuseum.org
Biomes Marine Biology Center, North Kingstown
Biomescenter.com
Sincerely,
Mrs. Faubert Principal
State Street School’s Mission Statement:
State Street School inspires lifelong learners and productive citizens by working collaboratively with families and
the community. We are committed to academic excellence while fostering social development in a safe learning
environment.
From the Desk of the SSS Parent Liaison
Tolerance – At Home and In School
This month I decided to write my topic on tolerance. I couldn’t wait to write on the topic, until
I sat down to write. It was very difficult. I did a lot of research and this is what I would
like to share. Tolerance is an ongoing process. It’s not something we learn in a single moment
in time. We need to talk about social differences with our children so they are comfortable
talking to us about them. The holiday season is the perfect time to talk about social
differences. Here at State Street School we are fortunate to have a diverse student body.
Our teachers do a wonderful job teaching the children about different cultures and traditions.
We will decorate our main entrance with every holiday that we know our children celebrate.
What better way to teach tolerance than by allowing the children to talk about what they
celebrate or don’t celebrate? The children then have a better understanding of each other,
their similarities and differences. They begin to accept each other for who they are and who
they will become. They now know that being different is good and they can each make the
world a better place to live in. We, as parents, need to reinforce that everyone’s culture and
traditions are important even though they may be different from our own. They make us who
we are. The more knowledge and education children have about why we are different the more
tolerant they will become. We need to allow our children to learn as much as they can about
each other and from their teachers. Someday, they will see their differences as assets to be
celebrated. Our children at State Street School already accept each other and celebrate
together. We, as parents, can learn this attitude and behavior from our children. With that
in mind, whatever you celebrate with your family this holiday season, I wish you happiness and
joy, now and for the coming New Year.
Mary-Kay Patten
Parent Liaison
State Street School Annual Giving Tree
State Street School has put up its annual giving tree in the foyer. On it
you will find Holiday Tags with gifts printed on them for items needed by
local families. All families are welcome to come in and choose a Holiday
Tag with an item on it and purchase the specified gift. Please return the
gift UNWRAPPED WITH THE HOLIDAY TAG ATTACHED TO IT by
Tuesday, December 19th and place it under the tree in the foyer. The
gifts will be distributed to the local families.
Thanks for all your Help.
Mary-Kay Patten, Parent Liaison
State Street School’s Family Engagement News!
Holiday Sing A Long
Our 9th Annual Holiday Sing A Long is on December 5th from 6-7. Our music teacher,
Steve Johnson will be playing many of our favorite songs throughout the night. Also,
Helen Marchetti will be sharing some wonderful holiday stories! Hope to see you there.
Parent lending Library Did you know that we have resources available for parents to borrow? The new Parent
Lending Library, purchased through the Family Engagement Committee, has many books to
help with issues of concern to parents just waiting to be used. Topics include discipline,
attention deficit disorder, dealing with death or divorce, etc. Stop by the school to check
out what might be of interest to you. Contact Mary-Kay Patten, Parent Liaison, for more
information.
Notes From Music
Kindergarten: Kindergarteners are singing and reading music notation. Continued reinforcement of basic note
value (Ta, Ti Ti and Rest) will gave way to more complex rhythmic patterns to be played and used as
accompaniment. We also continue to work on gentle singing voices...not too high and not too low, not yelling or
whispering. Keep up the hard work K students!
- Free movement to a variety of instrumental music (jazz and classical). We show the music through our
movement!
- Songs to Sing: I Sing, You Sing; Calypso, Shooliloo, Bee, Bee Bumble Bee.
1st Grade: We begin to shift our focus from building 4 beat patterns to singing with gentle singing voices. Our
knowledge of making 4 beat patterns will help us come up with accompaniments for the many songs we will be
singing!
- Free movement, showing the music (fast/slow, loud/soft, high/low) to instrumental music.
- Songs to sing - Pumpkin, Pumpkin, Calypso, Bee, Bee Bumble Bee, Do Re Mi and Frog in the Meadow.
2nd Grade: Second grade continues to work with rhythm patterns, listening and writing to various patterns.
We start to transition to continual establishing gentle, healthy singing voices. Students will sing a variety of
songs and begin work with beloved music syllables Do, Re, Mi, Sol and La.
- Playing rhythm patterns on "In the Hall of the Mountain King" by Grieg
- Songs to sing: Sunset, Connecting the solfege syllables to the hand signs. What do the hand signs tell you
about the notes you are singing?
3rd Grade: We have finally made it....Recorder-Fest has started! We start to establish positive recorder
habits. Expect to see them coming home at the end of December. Practicing recorder, or any musical
instrument, regularly is extremely important. All that noise will eventually be replaced with beautiful sound, so
please, be patient with young musicians learning to play. Support them in their recorder adventure, encourage
practice and tolerate a little bit of noise? Please and thank you!
- Recorder Concepts: Rest Position, gentle breath, finders covering the holes, left hand on top, G, A and B, Hot
Cross Bun, Merrily We Roll Along....
4th Grade: Students are reacquainting themselves with recording, reviewing notes like G,A,B, C and D.
Improvising is becoming less scary and students are learning to take chances in a musical way. We are even
listening back and evaluating our progress.
- "Musical conversations" while improvising on recorder
- songs to sing: Little Liza Jane, Canoe Song, Land of the Silver Birch
Please visit the FinCast, "The Podcast that celebrates the learning community of State Street
School!" sssfincast.weebly.com
Also, follow me on twitter to see great samples of what we work on in music class!!!! @stevejohnsonjr
Have fun making music!
Steve Johnson, Music Teacher
The FinCast: the State Street School Podcast.
A podcast is a downloadable audio program. The FinCast is a program for all members of the State Street
School community. Episodes are coming out monthly, exploring topics like life at SSS, the teachers and staff,
report cards and much more. To download, visit Mr. Johnson's School Fusion Pages, accessed through the State
Street School Webpage.
In the Gym
During the month of December, grades 2, 3 and 4 will start their floor hockey unit. The students will learn the
basic skills of moving, passing, and shooting the hockey puck. Teamwork and sportsmanship will also be a focal
point during floor hockey.
Grades K and 1 will focus on movement skills and a variety of fitness activities. (Examples. Tag
games/scooters/relay races.)
Angelo Luzzi, PE Teacher
A Message from Mrs. Zuercher – State Street School Social Worker
Please remember to sign up at the Jonnycake Center at 377-8069 if you need any assistance with the holidays.
Families have until December 9th to register. They can assist with food, clothing, heat and children’s clothing. If
you need help please call me at 348-2347.
December School Attendance Tip for the Month
Missing 10 percent (or about 18 days) can make it harder to learn to read.
SHARK Spirit Sticks went to the following students: Ella M. Christopher M. Serenity J. Kingston G. Elise B. Judah S. Noeliyah V. Henry H. Carter S. Lylah G.
Arya D. Allyson B. Sophie G. Austin N. Savanna M. Paige V. Jayden H. Bentley C. Christina B. Claire M.
Kaleb R. Avery L. AJ C. Robbie P. Bella W. Emma M. Sudan Q. Devin O. Landon H. Emilee S. Christopher P.
Samantha S. Sarah B. Catherine G. Malaysia V. Rory B. Kristofer A. Joseph M. Caden J. Briana P. Travis N
Penelope J. Sterling S. Blake P. Abraham L. Drayton S. Colton C. Mia R. Siena DD. Declan B. Chrissy D.
Adi K. Kendalynn L. Christian B. Lilly M. Ben C. Aniyah V. Britton R. Noah B. Ryan W. Jaden B. Jason S.
Jack K. Lorenzo A. Antonio U. Tristan M. Dylan S. Calli N. Sophia M. Cooper P. Giulianna J. Kurahn S.
Isabella M. Summer T. Cyerrah S. Marcus C. Gabrielle L. Lily S. Hallie D. Ben W. Caden M. Jocelyn B.
Brayden L. Taylor D. Nova W. Alison M. Payton J. Isabella B. Serenity J. Kaitlyn B. Sudan Q. Briana P
Paige V. Devin O.
Community News:
Westerly Parent Academy
93 Tower Street
Westerly, RI 02891
Music with Kerrie - Holiday Music Sing-a-long
Tower Street Community Center
December 12, 2017
10am and 11am class options $3 per family
Register online: 93Tower.org Join Miss Kerrie for an hour filled with singing, dancing, and instruments.
In the Art Studio
I hope that everyone is settling into the fall season nicely and is starting to enjoy the cool crisp air and the
holiday cheer! Here in the Art Room we are creating a lot of beautiful artwork and have a lot of exciting
projects planned!
This month Kindergarten Artists have been inspired by the book Mouse Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh. They are
creating mouse inspired color wheels learning about the Primary and Secondary Colors!
First Graders are learning about Wassily Kandinsky's artwork and are creating artwork using Line, Shape and
the Primary and Secondary Colors.
Second Graders are creating fall landscapes inspired by the artist Eloise Renouf. Artists created landscapes
using watercolor resist, collage and printmaking!
Third Graders have been busy making Mexican inspired Sugar Skull drawings using value and are creating
Self- Portraits that are using both Realism and Cubism.
Fourth Graders are creating Fall inspired Observational Paintings using Pointillism and maybe even using
Watercolor Monoprints too!
Also this month, we had Chris Belleau from Belleau Glass in Providence to teach students about Glass Blowing
and some students helped create a glass fused mural project too!
Thank you for checking in on the Art Room and have a wonderful holiday season!
Christine Lonergan, Art Teacher: SSS
From the State Street Library
Library News - Ms. Grant Media Specialist
5 TOP TIPS TO ENCOURAGE READING
1. Let your child choose. Plan a field trip to the library and let your child choose books that interest
them. A librarian can help steer them in the right direction, too. Keep books readily available at home, in
the car, wherever your day takes you.
2. Read to your child. Establish a routine for reading. Whether before bed or at snack time, reading can
fit into almost any part of your daily routine.
3. Read aloud together. It’s never too early to start reading to your little ones. For older kids, take turns
reading each page of a favorite book.
4. Talk about what you are reading. Asking questions before, during and after the read helps your child
make connections and increase reading comprehension skills.
5. Show your child that you enjoy reading. Be a reading model. Children often mimic parent behavior. Let
your child see you enjoying reading and soon you may have an avid reader yourself.
© Reading Is Fundamental.
A note of community awareness
For the last few years, we have received monies for the Library Media Center through an organization called
Community Crusades. The funds are raised from the sale of donated clothes. The bins to donate are located in
the parking lot of Benny’s. Please let family and friends know about this organization. Our school and students
have truly experienced the benefits from other people’s generosity.
Feinstein News: Celebrations: 240 pounds of candy sent to our U.S. soldiers abroad!
63 cans of cranberry sauce donated to the JCC (be sure to register for holiday baskets if needed)! 377-8069
Hundreds of personal toiletries sent to Puerto Rico!
We will continue our food drive throughout the month.
Needed Items: cereal, boxed milk, healthy snacks, peanut butter, soup
Kindergarten Feinstein shirts will be coming soon. Let’s be sure to wear them often, but especially on the first Friday
of every month, which we have designated as Feinstein Friday! We are Feinstein Scholars. We make the world a
better place!
Please let your child’s teacher know if he/she needs a Feinstein Jr. Scholar card!
Laurie Dunn, Coordinator
FLES News: ¡Hola amigos! (Hello Friends)
I am excited to share with students and their families that FLESS has a new website for classroom updates, learning
resources and information about early language learning:
https://sites.google.com/westerly.k12.ri.us/senoraconnell/
Please take a moment to take a look and send me any feedback and/or ideas for what you would like to see added! I
would love to hear from you! This site is officially under construction and will grow throughout the year so check
back periodically for new updates.
¡Gracias!
Sra. Connell
Feinstein Good Deed Name of Feinstein Jr.
Scholar________________________________
Description of Good
Deed___________________________________
_______________________________________________
________
State Street School SHARKS are always kind and willing to
help others.
Cut out and return to your
Nurse’s Corner by Katie Ziegelmayer:
Ideas on How You Can Help State Street School:
Stop & Shop A+ Bonus Bucks:
Parent Volunteers: We are always looking for volunteers to help with many facets of the school. A background check is required by the district
if you would like to serve as a volunteer. Please contact Mary-Kay Patten, [email protected], 348-2398 or your
child’s teacher.
Child Advocates: A child advocate is a person who would be willing to take on one child each week for a designated period of time. This child
will need support in target areas such as homework, reading or math. You could also spend time with the child at school for
breakfast, lunch or just to talk. Many children need positive role models in their life. This is a very rewarding opportunity
for only one hour a week. If you think you could be that special volunteer, please contact me at
[email protected] or call me at 348-2398. I look forward to talking to you and answering any questions you may
have.
PTO Officers:
Joodie Symington – President
Heather Gray – Vice President
Meredith Hurley – Secretary
Jan Robidoux – Treasurer
Joel Hurley – Public Relations
Parent Liaison:
Mary-Kay Patten
Phone: (401) 348-2398
State Street School
Audrey Faubert, Principal
35 State Street
Westerly, RI 02891
Phone: (401) 348-2340
Fax: (401) 348-2345
www.westerly.k12.ri.us