The Frost Pane
The Frost Pane
What’s the good of breathing
On the window
Pane
In summer?
You can’t make a frost
On the window pane
In summer.
You can’t write a
Nalphabet,
You can’t draw a
Nelephant;
You can’t make a smudge
With your nose
In summer.
Lots of good, breathing
On the window
Pane
In winter.
You can make a frost
On the window pane
In winter.
A white, frost, a light frost,
A thick frost, a quick frost,
A writemeoutapicturefrost
Across the pane
In winter.
by David McCord
DECEMBER
NEWSLETTER
Williamson Elementary School
Season’s Greetings
Season’s Greetings
Page 2
DECEMBER
FROM THE MUSIC ROOM
The 4th Grade Chorus will be performing their holiday concert Tuesday night, December 19,
in the Elementary School Gym at 7:00 p.m. They will be singing songs such as
“Slow Dancin
in the Snow“, “Whatcha Gonna Call That Baby“, “Reindeer Jive”
and more. Please come and
support our fourth graders in their first public performance. You won’t want to miss it!!
During the school day on Thursday, December 14, the 4th Grade Chorus will be going to
Blossom View Nursing Home in Sodus, where they will perform their holiday concert for resi
dents there.
EMERGENCY CLOSINGS
Have you remembered that WHAM – 1180 is
our radio station for school closings? Are you
sure your child knows where to go if we close
early? Does the school know?
LOST AND FOUND
Please check for lost items in Room 18 (the
inside playground room).
Unclaimed items of
clothing will be donated to the ComeUnity
Center during Christmas vacation.
COMEUNITY CENTER COLLECTION DRIVE
The Social Studies Committee in the Elementary School has initiated a drive to collect items for the
ComeUnity Center. Last year we had such a positive response to this collection, that we wanted
to again involve our students in a schoolwide community service project. The ComeUnity Center
is collecting new items for needy families. Students may bring in these new items anytime before
December 11. There are collection boxes located in the Main Office.
Items Requested:
crayons
dolls
coloring books
puzzles
hats
books
mittens
stuffed animals
toys
gloves
games
scarves
candy canes
Many items have already come in. Thank you for your participation!
December
Page 3
FROM THE HEALTH OFFICE:
Once again, it is the season for
strep throat
. Please keep your child home if you observe the
following symptoms:
∗
sore throat – sudden onset
∗
headache
∗
difficulty in swallowing
∗
fever
∗
tender lymph nodes in neck
∗
redness or swelling of throat
∗
“white patches” on throat
Students who have a throat cultures done may not return to school until a result is known. If
diagnosed by the doctor with strep throat, antibiotics will be given for about 10 days. Please
keep your child home for at least 24 hours on medication, and be sure to complete the entire
course of antibiotics. Please call the nurse for details if your child will need medication at
school.
If your child is going to be absent —
please call the Health Office @ ext.
112 or 135. Remember to send
excuses the next day after the
absence.
PLAYGROUND
Playground continues through the winter months whenever possible. Students must dress for
cold weather. Please be sure your children are prepared with hats, mittens, boots, and snow
pants (or extra pair of pants). When weather is very severe, all students will remain indoors.
Boots are particularly important due to the almost constant presence of mud.
NHS 2nd ANNUAL BOOK DRIVE
Please donate your new books by December 11 to help those in our community
who are less fortunate. A box will be placed in each school where the books can
be dropped off. The books will be distributed locally the week before Christmas.
Thank you for your donations.
Williamson High School NHS Members
Page 4
DECEMBER
SECOND GRADE NEWS
As second graders, the children have come to us with a foundation of reading and math strategies.
It is our task to continue to develop a repertoire of strategies, and to assist the children in learning
about themselves as they decide which strategies work best for them. A great deal of time is spent
practicing reading at their current level so that they have the opportunity to improve their skills.
In addition, the children are introduced to skills which enhance phonetic awareness, as well as
reading comprehension. Instruction in Silver and Strong strategies, such as Reading for Meaning
and Main Idea, help children to understand the literature they read.
Note taking and listening are additional areas in which the children have been receiving instruc
tion and practice. From their notes they learn how to write effective pieces so that they are able to
express themselves clearly in writing. We continue to develop editing skills, such as proper use of
capitals and ending punctuation. We also begin to look at accurate conventional spelling as we
move away from beginning phonetic spelling.
Mastery of addition and subtraction facts becomes a very important challenge in Grade 2. We
work to develop strategies for understanding addition and subtraction, but many children need to
spend the necessary time practicing facts so that mastery is possible. Problem solving in math is
also very important. We focus on strategies to help children draw, or map out a problem, as well
as following stepbystep procedures to solve them. Writing to explain answers in math is another
area of emphasis. Children must be able to express how they have arrived at an answer.
All of these reading and math skills are imbedded in our science and social studies curriculum
throughout the year. Social Studies provides a focus on communities – both the one we live in
and others very different from Williamson. Science units include concepts about measurement,
energy, and life cycles.
As you can see, second graders are very busy young people! It is certainly a joy to watch them
thrive and grow in our community of learners.
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
6
ABLE
Mtg.
7:50 a.m.
Early Dis
missal
11:50 a.m.
7
8
9
10
11
12
Parent/Teacher
Conferences
Early Dis
missal
12:00 Noon
13
ABLE Mtg.
7:50 a.m.
Gr. 1 & 2
Skating Party
3:30 p.m.
14
15
16
17
18
19
4th Grade
Chorus Concert
7:00 p.m.
20
BOE Mtg.
7:30 p.m.
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
December 2000
No School For Students
HOLIDAY BREAK
December 25
—
January 1
WHO? WHERE? WHEN?
From the OT/PT Department
As most of you know the therapeutic team's time is divided between the Williamson and Marion School Districts. If there is a
concern or a question, please call the Elementary School at 5899668 and leave a message for Mrs. Osburn (PT), Miss DeSain
(OT), or Miss Kimble (OT).
Mrs. Osburn, Miss Desain, Miss Kimble
Gift Ideas from the OT/PT Department
Often we are asked what can parents do at home to help with development of gross and
tine motor skills. We often use readily available items or toys to promote motor skills.
We thought if you were still looking for ideas for holiday gift giving that a suggestion list
might help. We in no means expect that you will purchase any/all the items these are just
ideas. Have a very healthy happy holiday season from the OT/PT department.
Marcy, Andrea, Katie
Fine Motor
Gross Motor
•
Squiggly Wiggly Pens
• Mini Trampoline
•
Wikki Stikks
• Hoppity Hop Ball
•
Playdough, and tools
• Jumpropes Regular/Chinese
•
Marker pens smelly variety
• Basketball hoop
•
Chalk/ Whiteboard placed on wall
• Kooshball activities
•
Stencils, puzzles, mazes
• Soccer,basket,tennis ball
•
Craft Kits beads, wood work, paint
• Soccer/hockey goalnet
•
Finger paint
• Velcro ball games
•
Rubberstamps and ink pads
• Zoomball
Gel Pens
Games and Toys
Music Tapes
•
Operation Game
• All Time
Favorite Dances
Kimbo
•
Twister
•
Everybody Dance
Kimbo
•
Perfection
•
Kids in Motion
Youngheart Records
•
Tiddly Winks
•
Jenga
•
Spirograph
•
Etchnsketch
•
Magnadoodle
• Kerplunk
These holiday activities also promote components of motor skills:
•
Mixing, Rolling, Cutting, and Decorating holiday cookies
•
Cutting out snowflakes try while lying on tummy
•
Hanging Ornaments on the tree. Have them reach up on tip toes.
•
Wrapping presents, taping. Tying ribbons
Make own wrapping paper with rubber stamps position on hands and knees
All snow activities let them pull the sled up the hill, climb through drifts etc.
From Mrs. Byron and Mrs. Rehor:
Presentation Committee Has Initial Meeting
On November 3, representatives from our staff, student body and parents had a meeting to
discuss our growing concerns about issues surrounding student and artist performances in
our building.
The first concern we addressed was that of concert etiquette. Public presentations are
especially exciting for students who have family members and friends sitting in the audience.
And for parents, there are few things that touch us more than seeing our children on a stage
performing for us. Our Elementary school welcomes the families and friends of our students
at these presentations. It is so important to share the happy results of our learning. However,
over the past few years, audience behavior during these presentations has caused us some
concern.
As you might be aware, our school uses the
Be Wise Program
to help our students
understand the behavior that is expected of them during the school day. Students on the
committee have developed Be Wise rules that will help us make our concerts more enjoyable
for all. The parents on the committee have reviewed these rules and agree that they will help
us define behavior expectations at our presentations. We hope you will read these rules with
your family and follow them when you attend the next performance.
BE WISE PERFORMANCE BEHAVIOR
1. Students should always be accompanied and supervised by an adult at an after school
performance.
2. The audience should stay seated during the performance.
3. Students and siblings should be escorted to the bathroom.
4. Use the drinking fountain before or after the performance.
5. Visitors should stay i n the area where the performance i s taking place.
6. Toys needed to occupy a younger sibling should be quiet toys.
7. Do not bring food or drinks to the performance area.
8. Respect student displays, teacher materials and school equipment that may be in the halls
or in the performance area.
At a later meeting, this committee will continue to address this issue and the issue of limited
performance space in the building.
WILLIAMSON K12 LEARNING FAIR 2001
December 2000
To all elementary home project coordinators,
On Saturday, March 10, 2001, our district will be hosting a Learning Fair at the High School.
We are encouraging both individual and group project entries in all subject areas, not just
science. We hope that you will begin thinking about a project to do at home with your child.
(A wonderful holiday gift might be a book with lots of interesting project ideas.)
We feel that children at the elementary level are just learning the project building and
problem solving process. We know that you will have to guide your child through this
process. Therefore, elementary projects will receive a certificate of participation but will not
have an official . score.
Before you begin, you will need to know what is expected in a project entry. To assist
students and adult helpers i
n planning projects and reflecting on their learning, we have
developed a simple self evaluation rubric. On the reverse of this letter, is a SAMPLE of this
form. We will be sending you a similar form when you preregister your project for the Fair.
As you begin working together, please review the rubric with your child Help him/her
understand that a plan is an important part of any project. Without planning, projects often
don't get finished. Also, projects should be a tool to ' show what we learn. It is important that
children be able to tell what they have learned when a project is completed.
We have also included a preregistration form in this newsletter. The preregistration form
will help us plan needed space for your projects at the Fair. The preregistration form will not
be due until late January. So you have plenty of time to make your plans.
I f you have questions, call Mary Rehor at 5899668 ex. 147. Thanks for your time and
interest in the Learning Fair.
The Learning Fair Committee
Student Name
Grade/Subject
Teacher/Parent
LEARNING FAIR SELF
EVALUATION FORM
Project Goal:
(Tell about your project idea and what you Wanted to learn.)
Please circle the numbers that best describe your
project.
Project Development
How
did I learn about the topic! Did
I plan, Use many resources and
solve problems as they came up?
3
2
1
I had a plan and followed the
steps. I changed the plan and
solved problems when needed
I had a plan but I didn't
follow it closely.
I didn't use a plan.
Presentation
How weII did I show others what I
learned? Is my project neat and
organized? Did I include details?
3
It is
easy to understand my
2
1
I know what I learned but,
I could improve my display
ID
show my learning better.
It is hard
1b
tell what I
project. It is clear that I
havelearned.
reached my goal.
Topic Treatment
How well did I learn about my topic?
Did I learn something new? Could
I teach someone else about it?
3
2
1
My topic was challenging and
I think I know much more about
it now. I could answer questions
about the topic.
I learned new information
but I need to learn more.
My topic was confusing and
I have trouble explaining
my project.
SAMPLE
ONLY
Q
The elementary ski program is open to all children in Grades K through 4, and even some older children. If you
are unaware of the Branding operation, you should check it out. There are a variety of season pass options.
Branding is a safe and welcoming environment for children to learn skiing and snowboarding skills. The
Steinrotters cater to families and children. Our program will operate again this year as a nonschool and non
PTA activity.
Specifics
•
The program begins
Saturday, January 6
and will run each Saturday until
February 3
.
• The one
makeup date
will be
February 10
.
• Our program begins at 1:30 PM and ends at 5:00 PM each of those Saturdays.
• A lesson from 2 PM to 3 PM will be offered each day appropriate to your child's ability.
• After the lesson there is free skiing until 5:00 PM.
• Parents transport and supervise their own children.
• Money and this form are due to Ernie Rehor or Cathy Baxter by December 20.
• Checks are to be made payable to Brantling Ski Slopes, Inc.
• Each child will receive a free coupon worth $18 which is good to ski any time.
Cathy Baxter
7477 Salmon Creek Rd.
Williamson 589 9998
Ernie Rehor
6287 Bennett St.
Williamson 5898618
BRANTLING WINTER SKI & SNOWBOARD PROGRAM
$120 for ski renters
$120 for snowboard renters
WEIGHT______________
Option 1
The basic 5 Saturday program includes lessons and lift tickets
$80
for children with their own equipment
Option 2
(savings if you know your child will ski)
The Saturday PM Season pass.
This pass begins in December when Brantling opens. It provides a left ticket any Saturday
afternoon for the entire ski season.
5 lessons will be given between 1/6 and 2/10 (including makeup date)
*
$100 for children with their own equipment
*
$180 for ski renters and $130 for snowboard renters
PLEASE TEAR AT LINE AND SUBMIT WITH PAYMENT IN AN ENVELOPE. RETAIN ABOVE NOTE FOR YOUR RECORDS.
SKI SNOWBOARD
___5 Wk Program $80 ___5 Wk Program $80
___5 WK Program & Rentals $120 ___5 WK Program & Rentals $120
___Sat. Season Pass $100* ___Sat. Season Pass $100*
___Sat Season Pass $ Rentals $140* ___Sat Season Pass $ Rentals $140*
Student Name__________________________
Parent or Guardian_________________________
Address
________________________________________________________________________
Age_____ Grade_____
Home
Phone___________________
*FOR SEASON PASS HOLDERS ONLY
PLEASE ATTACH A RECENT PHOTO OF YOUR CHILD
RENTERS PLEASE FILL OUT THE STUDENT INFORMATION BELOW
SHOE SIZE___________
HEIGHT______________
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