Positively - White Plains Public Schools
Transcripción
Positively - White Plains Public Schools
Positively POST ROAD Post Road Elementary PTA Newsletter Winter 2009 Volume 5, Issue 2 Editor - Jim Cardon INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Principal’s Corner 2 A Letter from the PTA Presidents 3 Under Construction 4 Family Fun Night 5 In the Classroom 6-7 Winter Concert 8 Calling all Volunteers 9 Mark Your Calendars 10 Find us on the web at Calling All Post Road School Alumni! In 1914, two elementary schools were voted into the budget by tax payers in White Plains, N.Y. An eight room, fire proof building at the corner of Post Road and Sound View Avenue was one of them. Thus began the Post Road School. By 1925, the school educated children from kindergarten through 9th grade. During its long and glorious history, Post Road School has been the nurturing center for many of White Plains’ citizens, changing over the years to meet the needs of its children. As White Plains has developed and grown in population since 1914, so has this wonderful school. Now, because it cannot be cost effectively up-graded, it is going to be demolished. Due to the extent of renovations required, reconstruction was determined to be the best solution. But, right at the side of the original building, a new Post Road School is being constructed to continue the opportunity to offer White Plains children the very best in education. Alumni, who wish to have a "last look" and say good bye to their 95 year old friend will be delighted to know an informal ceremony on Saturday, April 18, 2009, between 9 am and 12 noon, is being planned. A time capsule, which was buried in 1958, located during the construction, will be opened. Light refreshments will be served. Visiting former students will have a chance to see the school, share memories, and join with other returning classes to say a fond farewell. Post Road alumni are also invited to get involved and help in the planning of this event!! For further information on this event can be obtained by contacting Kristine McMath, committee member: [email protected] whiteplains.schoolwires.com/post Submitted by: Marilyn Somma Seymour, Post Road class of 1951. Working with Authors and Illustrators Post Road students continue to have the opportunity to interact directly with different Authors and Illustrators. On February 11th, the third, fourth and fifth grade students were able to work with author, Kate Waters, on non-fiction writing. On April 29th , the kindergarten, first, and second graders will be working with author/illustrator, Bernard Most. Everyone will be reading up on dinosaurs and word play. And on June 11th, the entire school will work with Margie Palatini. She will treat us to some fractured fairy tales and how she gets her ideas for writing her many, very popular tales. You might want to treat yourself to some titles from these upcoming guests when you visit the White Plains Library. Page 2 Volume 5, Issue 1 Positively Post Road Principal’s Corner / El Rincon del Principal with Laura Havis It is hard to imagine that we are in the fifth month of the school year, almost at the half way point! We have been very busy and the level of activity has not slowed down at all. The remaining months are chock full of (planned with) just as much activity. Our new school is coming along and we are planning for the transition into the new building in August of this year. We are working with the Assistant Superintendent for Business, the Director of Purchasing and the architect to ensure that the move is as smooth as possible. Our children continue to evidence academic and social growth. We thank you for encouraging them to read and complete their homework assignments. Your help and support is really making a difference. Our “PAWS” behavior system has caught on and the children are vested in making their school community the best it can be. As we look forward to the second half of the year, there are so many activities coming up that we know you won’t want to miss. Be sure to check backpacks and the school web site to be up-todate on the latest happenings. Thank you for all you do to help our students and our school continue to shine. Your efforts are noted and appreciated. All the best – Laura Havis Es difícil de imaginar que estamos en el quinto mes del año escolar, casi en el punto medio! Nosotros hemos estado muy ocupados y el nivel de actividad no ha bajado para nada. El resto de los meses están llenos de (planificación) igualmente mucha actividad. Nuestra nueva escuela está progresando y estamos planificando para la transición al nuevo edificio en Agosto de este año. Estamos trabajando con el Asistente del Superintendente para los Negocios, con el Director de Compras y con el arquitecto para asegurar de que la mudanza sea lo más tranquila posible. Nuestros niños continúan evidenciando crecimiento académico y social. Les agradecemos por exhortarlos a leer y a hacer sus tareas. Su ayuda y apoyo están realmente haciendo la diferencia. Nuestro sistema de comportamiento “PAWS” ha sido captado y los niños se han propuesto hacer de su comunidad escolar la mejor posible. A medida de que esperamos la segunda mitad del año, hay muchas actividades venideras que usted no se querrá perder. Asegúrese de revisar las mochilas y la página de internet de la escuela para estar actualizado con lo que está pasando últimamente. Gracias por todo lo que hace para ayudar a nuestros estudiantes y a nuestra escuela para continuar brillando. Sus esfuerzos son notados y muy apreciados. Todo lo mejor – Laura Havis Una Carta de los Presidentes del PTA Maureen DiMarco y Caroline Furry Nosotros queremos dar las gracias a Irish Step Dancers quien actuootra vez este ano. Fue muy agradable verlos actuar. Especiales Gracias a Rachel Eckhaus, Margarita Nuestro PTA tuvo un noviembre ocupado y Mateo-Saja, Maria Portillo, Margaret Egan fue anfitrion de la Feria del Libro y la Cena de y Maria Dominguez por planear este diverla Cosecha. Nuestros estudiantes tuvieron un tido evento familiar. maravilloso momento seleccionando diverti- Nosotros hicimos nuestra primera recaudaEl Otono se fue rapidamente, pero las memorias se mantienen, gracias al Dia de dos e interesantes libros en la Feria del Libro cion anual de fondos en Enero “Feed the y nuestros profesores estaban entusiasmados Tiger”. El evento fue un completo exito. la Foto en la Escuela al final de Octubre. El dia transcurrio sin novedades y como es con la “lista de Deseos” libros que ellos reci- Los estudiantes disfrutaron el juego adivine usual, nuestros estudiantes y personal de la bieron de familias generosas de Post Road. Donde/Quien y la trivia de Post Road. escuela se vieron grandiosos cuando sonri- Muchas gracias para Sheryl Brady y Rose Tambien se mostro el Espiritu Escolar eron a la camara! Gracias a Cheryl Camp- Lovitch por otra fabulosa semana de Feria del vistiendo los colores de la escuela, los colbell y Adele Perri por hacer los arreglos y Libro y a todos los voluntarios del PTA que ores White Plains Tigers y de sus camisetas. dieron su tiempo para ayudar y hacer este No solamente los estudiantes disfrutaron la organizacion del Dia de la Foto. Ellos de los diferentes eventos durante la seevento un exito. hacen que se vea sin esfuerzo el trabajo, pero nosotros sabemos que tan dificil fue La Cena de la Cosecha tambien fue un gran mana, tambien pudimos recaudar $1.135 en para tener en el dia la “Foto Perfecta”. triunfo! Donde hubo deliciosa comida, diver- cambio, lo que muestra el impresionante El clima afuera esta espantoso, pero eso no significa que los planes en invierno tienen que ser asi. El PTA tiene numerosas y grandes actividades planeadas para los proximos meses, entonces por favor continue asistiendo y apoyando a Post Road. disfraces, juegos y actividades fueron asombrozos. Gracias a Julia y Steven Plaza por todo el duro trabajo, y a todos los voluntarios que vinieron esa noche! El Halloween Bash fue espectacular! Los tidas actividades y gran entretenimiento. (continua en la pagina 5) Volume 5, Issue 1 Positively Post Road Page 3 A Letter from the PTA Presidents by Maureen DiMarco and Caroline Furry The weather outside is frightful but it doesn’t mean that your winter plans have to be. The PTA has many great activities planned over the next few months so please continue to come out and support Post Road. Our PTA had a busy November and great entertainment. We would like to hosted both the Book Fair and Harvest thank the Irish Step Dancers who perdinner. Our students had a wonderful time formed again this year. They were a pleasselecting fun and interesting books at the ure to watch. A special thanks to Rachel Book Fair and our teachers were thrilled Eckhaus, Margarita Mateo-Saja, Maria with their “Wish List” books that they rePortillo, Margaret Egan, and Maria The fall faded fast but the memories remain ceived from generous Post Road families. Dominguez for planning this fun family thanks to School Picture Day at the end of Big “Thank You’s” event. October. The day ran very smoothly, and go out to Sheryl as usual, our students and faculty looked We held our first annual Brady and Rose great when they smiled for the camera! “Feed the Tiger” spare Lovitch for anUpcoming events Thank you to Cheryl Campbell and Adele change fundraiser in January. other fabulous include our largest Perri for arranging such a well organized The event turned out to be a Picture Day. They make it look effortless, Book Fair week complete success. The stufundraiser of the and all the PTA but we know the hard work it takes to get dents enjoyed the Guess year, the PTA volunteers who the day “picture perfect”. Where/Who game and the gave their time to Springfest and Raffle! Post Road Trivia. They also The Halloween Bash was spooktacular! help make it a sucshowed their school spirit by The costumes, games, and activities were cess. wearing the school colors, amazing. Thank you to Julia and Steven The Harvest dinner was also a big hit! the colors of the White Plains tiger and Plaza for all their hard work and all the volThere was delicious food, fun activities, and their school t-shirts. Not only did the unteers that came out that night! (continued on page 4) Thank You for the Successful Post Road Events! On Friday, October 24, 2008, the Post Road PTA held their annual Halloween Bash. From princesses and pirates to cheerleaders and superheroes, everyone donned their Halloween best and had a good time dancing, playing games, listening to spooky stories and much more. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped make the evening a success. Among the more than 50 helpers were students from the White Plains High School, Eastview and Highlands Middle Schools, as well as Post Road parents, teachers, administrators, and 5th graders. The Halloween Bash is not only a PTA fundraiser, it’s a lively party meant for the enjoyment of the entire Post Road community. If there’s anyone out there interested in co-chairing next year’s event, please contact Maureen DiMarco ([email protected]). The Post Road PTA Book Fair returned to Post Road School from November 17-21 and shared exciting books and learning products for our students, families, and teachers. The Book Fair helps the PTA to promote learning, while raising money for special school projects, class trips and much more. Thank you so much to our volunteers who worked tirelessly to set up and staff the Book Fair, working with students, filling orders, and checking out purchases. Thank you to everyone who came and supported the Book Fair. We received 25% of every purchase. Finally, special thanks to Mrs. Havis, Mrs. Nestle, the physical education teachers and the custodial staff for all they did to make our Book Fair a huge success. Page 4 Volume 5, Issue 1 Positively Post Road Under Construction... by Fred Seiler, Assistant Superintendent for Business Steady progress continues to be made with the Post Road School construction project., and the new school is still on schedule to be opened for classes this coming Fall! There is always plenty of activity going on, with around 100 workers on site daily. Significant brickwork is already completed, as well as framing of the ground and first floors. Framing of the second floor is starting now as well. The major effort for HVAC work and the Geothermal Wells is also fairly complete. The next key milestone in the construction work is to have the building “watertight” by the end of February. This will be accomplished by finalizing the window and roof work within the next two weeks. The contracting team is working with staff on furniture and equipment specifications, as well as finalizing color schemes and finishes. Work on installing these items can commence once the watertight milestone is reached. The schedule remains for turning the building over to the school district by the end of July, allowing teachers and staff to complete the room setups for classes beginning in September. We are looking forward to an on-time and on-budget completion of this project! A Letter from the PTA Presidents (continued from page 3) students enjoy the different events during the week but also, we were able to raise $1,135 in spare change. What a dramatic show of support for Post Road! Also held in January was the Family Fun Night, which was another terrific event. The 5th grade graduation committee sponsored a “Bingo” night this year and the children and adults who attended had a great time. Thank you to Karen Landers, Karlyn Tabb, and Rose Lovitch for organizing this exciting event. Our January PTA meeting featured Ms. Amy Kallesten, Instructional Specialist, Post Road School, who discussed Standard Based Instruction in Math and ELA. She explained how Post Road classroom practices aligned with state standards and more importantly how parents could help support their children at home. We would like to thank Ms. Kallesten for her presentation. The kindergarten choice period is under way and Mrs. Havis and Mrs. Nestle are conducting excellent tours that showcase the great staff, resources and of course children here at Post Road. A special thank you to our parent volunteers who attended the tours because they are very helpful in giving a parent’s perspective. Our upcoming events include PTA meeting on March 10th, and our largest fundraiser of the year, the PTA Springfest and Raffle, is scheduled for March 20th, so stay tuned for more information. We wish you all a wonderful winter and look forward to seeing you soon. Thank you for all of your support and be sure to visit us at wpcsd.k12.ny.us, select Post Road school in the top left hand corner, and then click on the “PTA” link. Please feel free to contact us if you ever have any questions or would like to volunteer to help. Have a great winter and make it fun! Volume 5, Issue 1 Positively Post Road Page 5 The Post Road Family Fun Night January 23, 2009 A great time was had by all at this year's Bingo Fundraiser. Coach Golden was our extraordinary Bingo Caller and children had fun trying their luck and enjoying plenty awesome treats, including fresh made popcorn! The event was a great success raising money for the 5th grade graduation. Thanks to all who attended to make this fundraiser a real winner. Una Carta de los Presidentes del PTA (viene de la pagina 2) apoyo a Post Road! Tambien tuvimos en Enero la divertida noche familiar, que fue otro fabuloso evento. Este ano el comite de graduacion del 5 to grado patrocino una noche de “Bingo” y los ninos y adultos que asistieron tuvieron un gran momento. Gracias a Karen Landers, Karlyn Tabb, y Rose Lovitch por organizar este emocionante evento. En nuestra reunion PTA de Enero presentamos a la Senora Amy Kallesten especialista institucional de la escuela de Post Road, quien discutio las instrucciones basicas de los estandares en matematicas y ELA. Ella explico como aplicar las practicas en los salones de clase de Post Road, con los estandares estatales y lo mas importante como los padres pueden ayudar a sus hijos en casa. Nosotros queremos dar las gracias a la Senora Kallesten por su presentacion. El periodo de escogencia para Kindergarden esta en pro- greso y la senora Havis y La senora Nestle estan conduciendo las excelentes visitas para mostrar el gran personal, los recursos y por supuesto los ninos de Post Road. Especiales gracias a nuestros padres voluntarios quienes atendieron las visitas porque ellos estan siempre dispuestos a ayudar desde su punto de vista de padres. Nuestros eventos que vienen incluyen reuniones del PTA en Marzo 10, y la recaudacion de fondos de este ano, la feria de primavera y la rifa del PTA, es programado para Marzo 20, entonces este atento para mayor informacion. Les deseamos un maravilloso invierno y esperamos vernos pronto, gracias por todo el apoyo y asegurese de visitar nuestra pagina web wpcsd.k12.ny.us, presione Post Road School en la parte superior izquierda de la pagina y seleccione en el enlace PTA. Por favor sientase tranquilo en contactarnos si tiene alguna pregunta o si quiere ser voluntario para ayudar. Tenga un grandioso y divertido invierno! Page 6 Volume 5, Issue 1 Positively Post Road Walls of Fame! Artwork from Ms. Kopelowitz’s and Mrs. Potocki’s classes 1st Grade - Snow Globes Kindergarten - Bowls of Fruit Mixed Media Mrs. Mollo’s Class Mrs. Mollo's Class loves to read! We have worked really hard to become good readers. Our trip to the "Trove" was so exciting because we were able to see the thousands of books we can borrow for reading at home. We couldn't wait to borrow some books. We are lucky to have such a great public library in White Plains for us to use. We have been reading lots of different genres in our classroom during reading groups and free reading. We have been learning the differences between fiction and nonfiction. Both kinds of books are exciting to read. We have really enjoyed reading about the Presidents of the United States and other historical people. Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges, and Dr. Martin Luther King were some of our favorites. We look forward to reading about wolves, seals, polar bears, and whatever else we are interested in each day! We LOVED our trip to the Nutcracker Ballet at SUNY Purchase. It was so exciting to sit in the fancy seats in the theater and watch the beautiful performance. We learned the music of the ballet and all the main characters. It was amazing to watch the snow fall on the ballerinas, the Mouse King battle with the Nutcracker and toy soldiers, the party and all the other parts. Everyone picked a favorite part to write about and illustrate in class. Sometimes that wasn't easy because we liked all the parts. We displayed this wonderful work in the hallway. We want to thank the PTA for their help with the cost of the buses to the ballet. We feel fortunate to have been able to see this wonderful holiday story come to life before our eyes. We were able to take part in the Handwriting Without Tears "Mail to the Chief" program. We wrote some letters to President Obama in our very best handwriting. These letters were to be hand delivered to him on January 23rd. We expressed our concerns about issues such as the how to keep the Earth clean, all children having good schools and enough food to eat, smoking laws and the war in Iraq. The children had some advice for our new President as well. We hope that President Obama is impressed with our ideas and how neatly we can print. Wouldn't it be exciting to hear back from him one day? We'll keep our fingers crossed. We want to thank Stanley's mom for bringing this program to Mrs. Mollo's attention so that we were able to participate. It was a fabulous connection for us to the inauguration in January. Volume 5, Issue 1 Positively Post Road 3rd Grade - Line Landscapes 2nd Grade - Outer Space 4th Grade - 3-D Paper Masks 4th Grade - 3-D Paper Masks 5th Grade - Birch Tree Watercolor Collage Page 7 Page 8 Volume 5, Issue 1 Positively Post Road Fifth Grade Committee - Graduation Events! Can you believe that it’s already time to begin thinking about Graduation? Our Fifth Grade Committee has been busy making plans and raising funds for this year’s Yearbook, Field Day, Dare and Graduation parties. Thanks to everyone who came out to support the Fifth Grade at Bingo Night. We look forward to seeing everyone for dinner at Nicky’s Pizzeria in February, and at the Bake Sale during this year’s Spring Concert. We also hope that everyone will join us in congratulating our graduates by sending a special message in the Yearbook. Remember to look for flyers with more information about each of these events. If anyone would like to join the Fifth Grade committee, or to volunteer to help with any event, please contact Rose Lovitch at [email protected]. Winter Concert Our students put on another great concert in December. Presentations were made by the Fifth Grade Band, the Fifth Grade Orchestra, and the Fourth & Fifth Grade Chorus. Thanks to all who attended for supporting them! Volume 5, Issue 1 Positively Post Road Page 9 “Feed The Tiger” Week On-going PTA Trash for Cash Programs Thank you to all who emptied their drawers, pockets and piggy banks and Fed the Post Road Tiger. Our goal for the week was to raise $1,200 and we were able to collect $1135.66! The children, staff and teachers were all very generous! All the money collected will go directly to fund PTA activities, grants, and scholarships. Don’t forget we are still collecting box tops and ink cartridges for our trash for cash programs. We were able to collect $300 worth of Box Tops this past fall and are hoping to repeat that again this spring! In addition, don’t toss your cartridges in the garbage! We need them! Drop them off in the main office and help us raise funds! Again, let your trash earn money for Post Road Elementary School and help the PTA continue to fund all the special programs, scholarships and activities we have planned for the year! POST ROAD PTA SPRING FEST & RAFFLE March 20, 2009, at 7 pm Volunteers Needed Donate an hour of your time and make a difference! Call Caroline Furry (949-3948, [email protected]) or Joretta Crabbe (948-4258, [email protected]) if you would like to get in on the fun! Mark Your Calendar Tuesday, March 10, 2009, 7 pm PTA Meeting, Theatre Friday, March 20, 2009, 7 pm Springfest Raffle, Gym Tuesday, April 14, 2009, 7 pm PTA Budget Vote, School Theatre Saturday, April 18, 2009, 9 am Goodbye to Post Road Open House Tuesday, May 5, 2009, 7 pm PTA Meeting & Jenkins Awards Friday, May 15, 2009 PTA Staff Appreciation Luncheon Friday, May 15, 2009, 7 pm PTA Talent Show, High School Friday, May 22, 2009 PTA Walk-A-Thon It’s not too late to Join the Post Road PTA If you have forgotten to join or are new to the school - for only $15, become a FAMILY member and support your Post Road students, teachers and school! We NEED you! Please send your check made out to Post Road PTA into the school and place it in the Road PTA lock box. If you have further questions please contact Maureen Kramer, [email protected]. Get on the Post Road P.T.A. E-Mail list for updates on happenings in the Post Road Community! Send your information to Caroline Furry, [email protected] * All Contributions are Tax Deductible * JOIN THE PTA YOUR SUPPORT WILL HELP FUND POST ROAD PTA PROGRAMS AND GRANTS Author-Illustrator Program; Speakers; Assemblies; Field Trips; Family Picnic; Halloween Bash; Talent Show; Harvest Dinner; Graduation; Hospitality MEMBERSHIP Gold $100 Family $15 Silver $50 Individual $ 7 Bronze $25 REMEMBER, WITHOUT PARENTS AND TEACHERS, THERE IS NO PTA Please detach and return to school, along with your check payable to “Post Road PTA”. Thank you! Name __________________________ Address __________________________ Phone __________________________ E-mail __________________________ Child’s Name _____________________ Teacher _____________________