April 2021 Events
Spring Recess March 29-April 2
Smith Orchestra, 3:15-4:15 p.m., Music Room
- Weekly meetings on Mondays--4/5, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26
Student Council, 3:10-3:45 p.m., Gymnasium
- Biweekly meetings on Wednesdays--4/7 and 4/21
4/8 Smith PTO meeting, 7 p.m.
4/19 BOE Meeting 6:30 p.m.
4/19-4/23 NYS ELA Testing Grades 3-8
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Principal's Message
Dear Families,
We are officially in the third trimester of the school year. Oftentimes after the Spring vacation, we begin to see a slide in student effort and work completion as they see summer on the horizon. At this time of year it is important that we all remain consistent in our daily routines and expectations. Our teachers are committed to and focused on ensuring that teaching and learning continue right through the end of the school year. Please help us to reinforce this with your children. There are still twelve weeks of school remaining and lots of learning to be accomplished. Together we can finish this year strong!
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NYS 3-8 Assessments
At this time, it has been determined that New York State 3-8 Assessments will be given this year. The assessments for ELA, math and science have been reduced to one day each. Administration dates for in-person learners are as follows:
- ELA - the week of April 19
- Math - the week of May 3
- Grade 4 Science - June 7
Remote learners are not required to take the assessments. If a remote learner does want to take the test, please contact the school principal.
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Library News: Battle of the Books & Library Class
4th grade classes have been working on a special activity for students called “Battle of the Books”. Three students from each of the 4th grade classrooms are participating. They will read books from a variety of genres and be tested to see how much of the book they recall. As they read books and take tests, they will get a star on the library bulletin board. The more books they read, the more stars they can earn. How many books will they complete? We will have to wait and see. Good luck to all our participants!
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In library class, 4th grade students are learning how to create citations using a program called Noodletools. In learning how to create citations, students are becoming ethical users of information and understanding how to avoid plagiarizing other people’s work.
3rd grade students are learning more about the 10 sections of the Dewey Decimal System and what subjects fit into each section. After learning about the subjects, students are using the library catalog to locate 1 book from each of the 10 sections using the subjects to locate them. This will help students understand how the library uses organizational systems to catalog nonfiction books and why they are located in a particular spot.
Don’t forget, my friends, make sure that you are taking care of your library books and Chromebooks! If there is a problem with either of them, please bring them in so we can try to fix them.
If you need books, but are out of school, make sure to use SORA to find an Ebook or an Audiobook. The link is below, just remember to sign on with your Google account!
Always remember to keep on reading!
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Music in Our School's Month
March is “Music in our Schools” month, a month during which we celebrate the musical learning and fun that we have in our schools. In Smith School, students celebrated through daily morning informal performances that showcased something they had learned in their music classes. The performing classes each played as other students were entering school from the buses. Each class did something different including singing songs, playing xylophones, bucket drums, rhythm sticks, boomwhackers, bouncing basketballs to rhythmic patterns of a song, and dancing different line dances. Some of Mrs. Capano’s string students and Miss Bennett’s band students also got to perform on their instruments. Even the music teachers and Mrs. Wanish got in on the action and performed some songs. All in all, it was a fun month of musical celebrations that brought smiles to both the performers’ faces, as well as to the students who were entering the school and got to hear the performances.
Enjoy your student's class video!
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All of the Smith School students, both remote and in person were up and moving to music during the month of March. They were all taught several different line dances. Students learned at least a couple of the following line dances: the Cha Cha Slide, YMCA, Bubble It, Boot Scootin’ Boogie, and the Irish Jig. More dances are still coming! It’s fun to move to music! |
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4th Grade: Learning the Musical Alphabet
Also, as well as preparing for the different “Music in our Schools” performances, fourth graders have also been learning how to read music notation from the staff. They were taught about the musical alphabet, and the process of how to identify which note was which on the staff. Then they used that learning and figured out how to write specific notes on the staff. They learned a short 12 note harmony part to a song, and then learned how to read the patterns and play them on the xylophones. Finally to show their learning, students identified their “favorite thing” to do in music, and made mini posters on which they wrote down their favorite musical activity in “secret musical code,” or music notation. 😉
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3rd Grade: Learning the Musical Scale
Third graders have been learning about the musical scale. They learned the two different “languages” that we use in the music room when we are learning about the notes of the scale, including the alphabet and solfege. (Do Re Mi…) Third graders learned a new song that had different scale patterns in it and then learned how to play some of those patterns on xylophones. Remote learners did the same and used their virtual xylophones, which are right on their Chromebooks.
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Notes from the Nurse
NYS Mandate--Physicals
All 3rd graders and new 4th graders are required to have a physical (well-child visit) on file at school. This applies to all students, remote and in-person. I still need several 3rd grade remote students to get a physical or send in a copy of one they had this year. I have sent letters and emails to those families. School physicals are available Tuesday mornings, call for an appointment with our Nurse Practitioner.
Reminders:
- Emails count as written excuses, phone calls do not.
- Email when your child is absent, tardy, or dismissed early.
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Pack a change of clothes for unexpected spills, accidents, and mud.
- Please keep your child home if he/she is sick.
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Students sent home with any Covid symptoms, must see a healthcare provider for either a Covid test or an alternate diagnosis prior to their return to school.
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Tardy
When your child comes in late, please send in a note or stop in the office to fill out a tardy slip and get them signed in.
It is important to note that any time your child is absent, you must provide a written note stating the reason for the absence. While it may be an excused absence, we cannot mark it as such until we receive a written note from the parent or guardian.
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Crossing Guard
All students who walk should cross Wheeler Avenue with the crossing guard. Likewise, if you pick up your child, please cross at the designated areas as well.
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Bicycles
If your child wishes to ride a bike to school, we recommend that he/she be capable of riding a bike safely and that the bike is an appropriate fit for the child. Students who choose to ride their bikes to school should keep the bike locked at the school racks throughout the day. The school is not responsible for lost or damaged bikes. Students are not permitted to ride their bikes during the school day. Written parent permission is required for any bus student who wishes to ride his/her bike to school. Per NYS law, all children under 14 must wear a helmet.
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Parking Space
Please remember to park in designated areas only. For the safety of our children, it is imperative that you do not park in the designated drop off/loading area. This area is marked with a double yellow line. Likewise it is equally important that you adhere to the parking sign on Wheeler Avenue. Thank you for your cooperation
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Cell Phones
Please be advised that cellphone use is prohibited during the school day. Students should not be calling, texting, accessing the internet or taking photos with their cellphone during school hours. The school is not responsible for cellphones that are lost stolen or damaged. If your child needs to make a phone call during the school day, he/she may come to the office to do so.
If your child chooses to bring a cellphone to school, it needs to be turned off throughout the school day and stored in their backpack. If your child uses a cellphone during the school day, or the phone creates a disruption to the learning environment, school personnel will hold the phone until the end of the day. In repeat instances, you will be called to pick up your child's cellphone at the main office.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your support of a positive learning environment for children.
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Dogs
Dogs are not allowed on school property. This is a safety, as well as a sanitary issue.
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Thank you for your understanding and cooperation |
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FREE National Park Service's (NPS)
Every-Kid-in-a-Park Pass
Every fourth grade student is eligible to receive a FREE National Park Service's (NPS) Every-Kid-in-a Park pass. NYS will accept this pass for free vehicle entry admission (with the fourth grader present) for all of their State Parks in 2021. Therefore, the student and anyone in the vehicle will have free entry. This pass is also accepted at state historic sites for the fourth grade student and up to three adults.
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RECESS
Weather permitting, our students go out daily for recess. Temperatures are often unpredictable at this time of the year. Please be sure your child is dressed appropriately for outdoor play.
SANDALS AND FLIP-FLOPS ARE NOT PERMITTED AT RECESS.
Also, please keep in mind our District’s student dress code. Garments which are extremely brief, spaghetti straps and bare mid-drifts are not permitted. Likewise, clothing with sayings which are sexually suggestive and/or depicting cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs are all prohibited. As always, hats and other headwear (scarves, handkerchiefs) are not allowed. Footwear should be appropriate for walking/playing and provide appropriate protection for feet. Thank you for your assistance.
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New Address
We know that many families have moved to a new address this school year. In order to be certain that your child is properly enrolled for the upcoming school year, it is important that we have your most current address on file. If your address has changed since the start of the 2020-21 school year, please be certain that we have your correct address on file. Likewise, if you are planning to move prior to next school year,
please notify us in writing. Thank you for your attention to this detail.
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Welcome to Smith Intermediate School Physical Education Class. This is a monthly message to update you on what we are currently working on in class, and talk about our accomplishments so far! |
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This Month's Top Stories:
In Person Learning
This month our in-person learners continue to take part in a variety of volleying activities and a bowling unit. Within the volleying unit, students learn the basics of how to volley using objects and equipment such as volleyballs, racquets, balloons, and ping pong paddles and balls. Students focus on keeping their volleying technique controlled in order to continuously volley back and forth with a partner. Within the bowling unit, students will learn how to use a three-step approach to successfully knock over a set of bowling pins. They will use rubber bowling balls and plastic pins within lanes in the gymnasium to simulate a real-life bowling game. We will teach students the basics of scoring and working with a partner within various bowling games.
Virtual Learning
This month our virtual learners will continue to work on indoor volleying activities such as using a balloon or a sock ball to practice passing to themselves within open space, and learning basic individual gymnastics skills that can be safely practiced in the house. Students will learn how to be safe and improve their upper body strength through a variety of foundational gymnastics skills. Typically, students perform a warm-up activity, skill-based practice, and a monthly challenge. They are also assessed within both the psychomotor and cognitive domains by showing their skills and completing unit quizzes. In free time, they may be given time to go get active outside and play in the sunshine!
Photos of the Month:
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Feel free to contact us at any time with questions, concerns,
or for more connection!
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Positivity Project (P2)
Smith Intermediate students have been busy learning about the Positivity Project's Other People Matter Mindset (OPM), and the character strengths that help us develop and maintain positive relationships with others. Last month we learned about; Enthusiasm, Social Intelligence, Love of Learning and Humility. This month we will focus on; Humor; OPM- Identifying and Appreciating the Good in Others; Fairness; Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence.
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This Year's Safety Patrol |
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“School Safety Patrols play an important role in helping young pedestrians learn and fulfill responsibilities regarding traffic safety. Millions of American and Canadian boys and girls have honorably served their classmates since the AAA/CAA School Safety Patrol program began in the U.S. in 1920.” (Source: autoclubsouth.aaa.com)
Per AAA Safety Patrol Program Guidelines, Safety Patrol Officers must demonstrate:
- Good character and good behavior at all times
- Leadership qualities
- Reliability
- Ability to follow rules and actively listen
- Punctuality
- Citizenship
- Good attendance record
- Courtesy for others
- Respect for classmates, adults and others in the community
Desire to help others Per AAA Safety Patrol Program Guidelines, Safety Patrol Officer duties include:
- Assist students as they board or exit buses and vehicles
- Assist students who need help carrying items into the school
- Hallway monitoring
- Sidewalk and front door monitoring
- Peer-to-peer education
- Completion of Safety Patrol training
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Student Council-
SPCA Wish List Drive
Student Council would like to thank all the Smith School families who participated in the SPCA Wish List Drive. We collected over 65 items such as toys, food, and cat liter.
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Art News
Hi friends,
I hope you’re enjoying this gorgeous weather, spring has sprung, YAY!
Both the 3rd and 4th grade in person learners experimented with black paint and cardboard pieces, problem solving and making lots of discoveries to find all they can do with different (and recycled) material other than using a paintbrush.
Then they used black paint and cardboard pieces to make lots of bold lines/shape patterns and images that were personal to them on their specific grade level creations. We used many materials (mixed media) for these projects and had such fun using oil pastels and markers to make the work “pop” with color.
3rd Grade:
They are working hard on their West African inspired Kente Cloths. We painted patterns using the black paint and cardboard on paper bags (recycling), then for the final touch added paper strips (folding, cutting, curling, etc) again using our problem solving skills to the outside edge and front if they wanted for the final “tadaa”! The work is so personal, unique and FUN!!!!
4th Grade:
They are working hard on their South African inspired Ndebele Houses and learning so much about different traditions and cultures. The students designed (like an architect) their houses, then they painted lots of line and shape designs using the black paint and cardboard to decorate our houses with (and some added gates). Then using the materials and techniques from above added color, now are adding thatched roofs using paper/paper bags/yarn inspired by the Ndebele culture. Please enjoy Mrs. Riley’s 4th grade classes’ photos of the work in progress, every single one is “good”, which is the highest compliment given by the Ndebele tribe! What artists we have here at Smith!
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Flock of Cranes to Fly for Hope and Gratitude
The “Flocking for Hope” project collected origami cranes and plan to fly them over the Homer Green in mid-April. Cranes were made by members of the surrounding community (many thanks to those done by the Cortland School community). Flying as a flock, they show that together we can be strong, resilient, and hopeful! This beautiful community project was inspired by local artist Liz Sharp! Smith students in the following classes either folded cranes and/or decorated the paper to be folded: Mrs. Cowan and Mrs. Casey’s, Mrs. Riley’s, Ms. Costello’s, Mrs. Curran’s, Mrs. Perk’s, and Mrs. Holl’s class. Thank you to those teachers for helping take the time to work with your students and a BIG thank you to Mrs. Cowan for spending tireless energy folding cranes! Hope you can visit the Homer Green in mid-April to view this spectacular site!
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Get Social With Us @CECSD_Smith |
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Stay tuned for our newsletter next month!
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