Issue 17
December 22, 2023
|
|
Sharon Elementary School News |
|
Friday 12/22- Tuesday, 1/2- No School/Holiday Break
Wednesday 1/3- School Resumes
Wednesday 1/3- PTO Meeting in Person at School, 6 PM
Friday, 1/12- Early Release
Monday, 1/15- Martin Luther King Jr. Day, No School
Tuesday, 1/16- School Board Meeting, 5:30, See Website for Agenda
|
|
|
|
Letter from Principal Haley |
Sharon Community,
As we roll into our holiday break I want to take this opportunity to wish all families and community members a happy and healthy holiday season. Our school is the hub of this community and as we navigate conversations that impact all of us, I continue to be impressed with the civility and compassion that is shown. As I often tell folks who are not a part of this community, Sharon is a place of diverse thoughts and opinions and it is a place where community members engage in conversations that can be difficult, but in the end, there is an overwhelming sense of care for one another, no matter what our differences may be. This is a special place to work and I take great pride in being a small part of this community.
It was such a pleasure to see so many folks come out to our holiday performance on December 20th. I thought the students did a fantastic job and I hope all who attended felt uplifted and joyful. I want to thank all of the teachers and staff who pitched in to make the night possible. It was truly a team effort this year!
Please be on the lookout for upcoming meetings concerning the proposed building renovation/addition project. The school board is looking for feedback from folks in order to make an informed decision on how to move forward.
We will return to school on January 3rd. For those students who have signed up for the Saskedena Six Downhill ski program, the first day will be January 4th. More communication about the process for ski days will be sent out over the holiday break.
Speaking of snow sports, our ice rink is up, but not quite ready to go. There is a thin layer of ice currently on it. Please do not go on the ice unless the sign says that the rink is open. I can’t wait to have it ready to go and see folks enjoying the ice!
Here’s to a positive end to 2023 and an inspired start to 2024! Be safe, be healthy, and enjoy the holiday season!
Respectfully,
Keenan Haley
Principal
Sharon Elementary
|
|
|
Each month, we will highlight a different staff member with a Q&A session. This month, we are featuring Paul Sadowski, our Math Co-teacher and Coach, as well as our Farm to School inspiration!
How long have you worked at SES?
14 years
What is your favorite thing about working at SES?
I get to see all the kids year after year and see them grow and change in an academic setting coupled with the great outdoor learning we have all developed here.
What do you do to take care of yourself?
I eat well, although a little too much, and I hike, ski, bike, and garden to keep the old bod moving.
What brings you joy?
Watching anyone and anything grow, and being outdoors.
What do you want people to know about your job?
Making math real and relevant is something we can all do together.
What is one fun fact about you?
I have traveled to over 30 countries in 5 continents and learned about food and people but I always come back with a greater appreciation of our great state of Vermont.
|
|
|
 |
3rd Grade Students on a "What Do You Notice?" Walk during Outdoor Education. |
Third grade found their stride and learning is bountiful at the moment. In math we are working on multiplication and division and how they are related. We continue to have "number talks" which the kids really enjoy. In ELA we have been learning how children across the world overcome challenges in order to access education. We read “Nasreen’s Secret School”, “Rain School” and “Biblioburro” and analyzed them. We have introduced continents with mini-lessons on culture and have talked about compass point directions. In outdoor education we are taking “What do you notice?” walks. Then we become nature detectives and trace back the story of our observations. For example, we found a tree covered in tiny shelf fungus. We stopped, thought, and talked about why and how all those mushrooms grew on the tree. As always, the students are curious and asking inquisitive questions. |
|
|
|
Mr. Landon collaborated with Ms. DeMara for 2nd Grade Candy Cane Olympics. |
The past few weeks in P.E. the students have worked on an array of team building activities, including refining skills in team sports such as basketball. There has been a focus on jump rope and utilizing locomotor skills in a safe environment. After the holidays, students will be learning about the affect of heart health on physical activity through the American Heart Association. |
|
|
|
This month's inspiration is from www.thistimeofmine.com (lots of interesting blog posts for parents and free weekly printables).
Did you know that every time we do or even think of doing something kind for someone, our brains release chemicals that light up the reward center of our brains? Specifically, endorphins (natural pain and stress relievers), oxytocin (love hormone), dopamine (happiness hormone), and serotonin (a mood regulator) all increase and circulate throughout our bodies! Mind-body connections are fascinating!
Kindness is an amazing superpower -- each time we brighten someone else's day, our brains light up, as well as the receiver! This is pretty cool science!
Try this simple activity with your kids to light up all our brains this season of limited daylight! Cut out the stars from the template, or easy enough to make your own stars on a blank piece of paper, with the option to color or decorate your stars. Equally distribute stars to your household members. Have each person leave a star behind after a small act of kindness or service (folded clothes, washed dishes, swept the floor, made someone else's bed, took the garbage out, made someone a cup of tea, etc.) to let the recipient know someone kind was there! Feel free to brainstorm small acts of kindness ideas with your family before setting them loose with their stars! I invite you to make an effort to do this weekend or during the winter break!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
