B. Bernice Young Elementary School
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Superintendent’s Monthly Report to the Board of Education and Community March 2013 B. Bernice Young Elementary School 1. February 4 -8 Jump Rope For Heart Every year Young School students participate in Jump Rope for Heart. The students come to the gym and jump rope with their classmates on the day of their event. The students learn a short lesson about heart health and also see a short presentation from the American Heart Association. The students learn about all the great prizes they can receive depending on their donation level. Every student in class receives a jump for heart sticker as a thank you from the American Heart Association. Since the year 2000 Young School has raised more than $54,000 for the American Heart Association. 2. February 8 – The Brain Show Assembly The Brain Show was as close as you can get to play in a live TV game show. With audience participation and interaction all students were educated while being entertained. Flashing lights, buzzing podiums, music and dance were all included in the show. Our host engaged approximately 50-75 students to participate in the fun filled interactive assembly. Students, teachers, parents, and administration enjoyed participating in the competition of challenging questions. The evening family event was rescheduled due to inclement weather. 3. The Arts at Young School - Young School Art Show at the PAC On the evening of February 5th B. Bernice Young School hosted an Opening Night Gallery Exhibit at the PAC. Over 300 students from grades Pre-School to 2nd grade proudly displayed artwork. Mr. Giannetto and Mrs. Prisco-Fitzpatrick organized and hosted the event. The event was well attended with many families and community members viewing the artists masterpieces displayed. 4. Art at the B.O.E. Offices Over 30 Young School artists currently have artwork on display at the Board of Education Offices. Each child received a certificate and special recognition. This program further emphasizes the importance of students displaying artwork in various venues to promote the arts and student pride. 5. Family Art Night Family Art Night has been held twice this winter at Young School. Parents and children have enjoyed working together to create multicultural art. The night focused on Art from Around the World. The families were happy to create origami animals, paper bag tepees, and African masks. Two additional Family Art Nights are scheduled for the spring. The nights are hosted by Mr. Giannetto. 6. February 11-15 – Random Acts of Kindness Week The Word on the Street for the month of February is Kindness. All cafeteria students were provided assemblies on 2/6 and 2/8 by the guidance counselors, highlighting how to be kind and show kindness toward others. During Random Acts of Kindness Week, we were able to launch the Kindness Wall of Hearts in the cafeteria. With assistance from Mr. Tom, the school custodian, the wall continues to be decorated with colorful hearts as students are recognized for being kind. We are hoping to cover the wall with kindness and are off to a great start! 7. February 12 – Masonic Home Visit Mrs. Marino’s class (K-2) and Ms. Zacharkow’s class (3rd -5th) visited the Masonic Home February 12th. Many classes from Young School helped by making a variety of Valentines. Mrs. Marino’s class handed out Valentines while Ms. Zacharkow’s class read their Valentines. Both classes had a wonderful experience bringing joy and love to the senior citizens at the Masonic Home. We plan on making another visit soon! 8. February 14 – Valentine Parties The YSFA hosted our classroom parties in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Many parent volunteers contributed to this special day of love. 9. February 19-21 – I Am Special Week Students recited the I am special Pledge over the loud speaker. Counselors scheduled classroom visits with prekindergarten and kindergarten students along with their friends, Seymour and Sally, the hand puppet seals. Counselors collected first and second grade papers and were in the process of making classroom books for all friends to see why a classmate was special. By the end of February all of our children knew that they were special. Thank you to the parents/guardians so very much for your continued support with the “I Am Special“ activities. We believe that all children are special and take pride in recognizing each one of them at Young School! 10. February 21 – 100th Day of School Students also recognized the 100th day of school with different activities. All students received a special bookmark identifying 100 ways to enjoy school. 11. Read Across America Week Feb 25- March 1st Our students engaged in a fun-filled learning week of Read Across America activities. Everyone seemed to have a great time especially the students. During the week the students celebrated Dr. Seuss with many activities that were planned to inspire the love of reading and to encourage family reading. Activities included: Monday, February 25th – Who is your favorite author? What is your favorite book? Students will ask parents, grandparents, teachers and other adults about their favorite author/book, write them down and share with classmates to be used as a future inspiration for a great book collection. Please share your ideas of “good books” for the little ones to read. Tuesday, February 26th – DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) Day – Young School students participated in a school-wide DEAR reading time in their classrooms and hallways. In addition, students in every classroom created an original story through creative writing with pictures (activities varied by classroom). Wednesday, February 27th - WRITING IS FUNdamental. All students will write a KIND note to someone to celebrate our February “Word on the Street” which is KINDNESS. Thursday, February 28th - DISNEY DAY Dress up as your favorite DISNEY character. Everyone: students, teachers, parents, visitors are encouraged to think fun in the sun - Disney Day @YS. 12. Thursday February 28th – many staff donated themed books and contributions to support the Ladybug Bookshelf in memory of Megan. A special moment with all staff was shared as her memorial plaque was unveiled and we remembered this special young lady never to be forgotten. Fountain Woods Elementary School 1. February 4th & 7th - Breakfast with the Counselors Parents were invited to join us for a special breakfast. Mrs. Bolling and Ms. Dietrich presented their programs to those in attendance. These events serve to kick-off National School Counselors Week. 2. February 4th through the 8th - National School Counseling Week We recognized and celebrated school counselors all across the country as part of National School Counseling Week. This year's theme, "School Counselors: Liberty and Learning for All", strives to focus public attention on the unique contribution of professional school counselors within U.S. school systems. National Counseling Week, sponsored by ASCA, highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. The children of Fountain Woods school are very lucky to have two wonderful counselors. 3. February 13th: 2nd Marking Period Report Cards Given The Fountain Woods students received their 2nd set of report cards, signaling the official mid-point of the year. As always, students receive number grades (translating into letter grades) in the four core content areas – language arts, math, and science. (Social studies is taught in the 1st and 4th marking periods.) In addition, students receive letter grades (O, S, N, U) in their related arts classes – physical education or health, art, music, and Spanish. Finally, comments regarding the students’ social and work habits are included, with a place for comments from both the teachers and the parents. 4. February 14th: 2nd Marking Period Renaissance Rallies Three separate assemblies were held, with students and teachers (at each grade level) coming together to recognize and celebrate students who are new transfers into the district and Fountain Woods, are on Honor or High Honor Roll, were chosen as Renaissance Stars, and have demonstrated outstanding citizenship (1 from each homeroom). In addition, a class at each grade level was selected for the “Golden Spork Award” for cafeteria conduct, and the “Golden Sneaker Award”, given to a class for displaying outstanding sportsmanship in their physical education classes. Games and competitions were held, as the students were given an opportunity to celebrate, release some energy, and re-connect with their teachers. 5. February 14th: Valentine’s Activities and Parties Students in classes throughout the building participated in a variety of activities and parties, all with a Valentine’s Day theme. In many classrooms, students learned the history of the observance and how it has changed over the years, followed by various arts and crafts activities. In the afternoon, the children held their class parties, sponsored by our wonderful FWFA and chaperoned by our terrific parents. As always, the children played games, enjoyed various holiday treats, and had a wonderful time! 6. February 15th – FWFA Family Winter Luau This year’s FWFA Family Dance Night featured a Luau theme. Students and their families enjoyed a fun evening of dancing and listening to their favorite music. Approximately 165 attended this fun-filled family event. 7. February 21st - Trenton Thunder Assembly Representatives from the Trenton thunder visited FW for two assemblies focusing on the organization’s commitment to literacy and to support our schools. Team mascot, Boomer, also stopped in, much to the delight of the children. Organized by the FWFA and co-coordinators Mrs. McDonald and Mrs. Hirt, the program also promoted our upcoming family baseball game at the Thunder stadium on Saturday, April 13th. Students purchasing tickets are entered into a drawing to go onto the field as a pitching coach for Mr.