March-April 2013 - Wappingers Central School District

Gayhead Elementary School
March-April 2013
15 Entry Road
Hopewell Junction, NY 12533
Tel.: 845-227-1756
Fax.: 845-227-1764
From Mr. Olavarría
Dear Parents and Guardians:
March certainly came in like a lion this winter with snow
and icy rain. I’m sure you join me in hoping it will be
leaving us ‘as a lamb’ with beautiful warm sunshine. As
we continue toward the end of March and into
unpredictable April, please don’t forget to check our
district website for cancellations and delayed openings
-- wappingersschools.org, click on “Delays and
Cancellations” on the left side of the home page for the
latest information and to learn about make-up days. In
addition, you can call the school and press ‘2’ for
cancellations and delays. I have it from a good source
though that beautiful weather is on the way.
We’ve already had kindergarten registration for next
September’s kindergarten. If you have a child, or know
of a family who has a child, who might be eligible to
attend kindergarten next year, please call the main
office as soon as possible to make an appointment to
register.
Since we had to use an extra snow day this month,
there WILL BE SCHOOL on March 25th. School will
be closed March 26th through 31st for Spring
Recess. There’s a Board of Education Meeting on
March 27th. Please try to attend.
We’ll welcome everyone back from Spring Recess on
April 1st. There will be a PTA meeting on April 16th
and our SLT will meet at 8:15 on April 23rd.
We have state testing coming up in April – please
check the Gayhead calendar on our website for
details.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns,
please do not hesitate to call your child’s teacher or
the
Sincerely,
José Olavarría
Principal
Our Open Houses are coming up on March 20th for
grades K-2 and on March 21st for grades 3-5. The time
is from 6:30-7:30 each evening.
Upcoming Assembly Programs:
3/19 & 3/20 - 3rd Grade – Water Cycle
4/10 & 4/11 - 2nd Grade – Pond Studies
4/22
5/10
- 1st Grade-Pollution & Food Chain
– 3rd Grade - Butterfly Guy
Be sure to take a look at the
opportunities for students at the end
of this newsletter.
If you would like to receive weekly bulletins, the latest
information about special events at our building, and
notification about school delays and cancellations via e-mail,
please email Mr. Seipp at [email protected]
to ask him to add you to our googlegroups.
Jump Rope for Heart Update
Our school has raised the 2nd highest school total in the 22 years of Jump Rope for Heart, over
$31,775! The students beat our set goal, so on Friday March 1st the Physical Education staff was
very colorful!
Mrs. Hanna’s class raised the most money with a grand total of $2,428 and has earned a
catered lunch party.
Mrs. Sonnenberg’s class had the most students participating in JRFH at 65.4% participation
and has earned a recess prize pack.
Mrs. Johnson’s class was the 4th grade class that raised the most money with a grand total of
$1,240 and has earned a Heart Healthy snack party.
Mr. Nurre’s students were the 5th grade class that raised the most money with a grand total
of $1,999. They have earned an extra Physical Education class of their choice to be played
against Mrs. Irvin’s class who had the most 5th grade participants at 44%.
All students that raised $100 or more will be entered into a raffle for an Electric Razor scooter.
The winner will be announced this Friday! The prizes have been ordered and should arrive in mid
April. Thank you to all for making this year’s Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser a HUGE success. All
individuals that participated are truly heart heroes! Congratulations Gayhead!
GAYHEAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
MARCH-APRIL 2013
PAGE 3
One of the most enjoyable and exciting memories that Gayhead’s fifth graders take with them is the fifth grade musical
production. Our music teacher, Mrs. Banda and Mrs. Spinella, the director, work tirelessly with each year’s fifth grade
class to create a dazzling theater production with a large cast of characters. Every fifth grader who wishes to
participate is welcome.
This year’s Willy Wonka proved to be one of the best!! From costumes to lighting to stage management, script and
music, the children enjoy a rich experience – most for the first time – on the stage or behind the scenes. In-school
performances for all the Gayhead students along with two evening performances for fifth grade parents show the
dedication of the teachers and director as well as the students.
To further our project in spring, the students will be taking the animal they have
chosen and creating a fictional story about that animal. The children are having a
GAYHEAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
MARCH-APRIL 2013
PAGE 4
Part of the fourth grade curriculum is the study of Colonial America. Gayhead fourth
graders have several enriching experiences during Colonial Days. Outside presenters visit
our school and work with the children on activities that would have been part of daily
colonial life in America.
The Battle of Saratoga, candle making, dame school,
spinning/weaving, and, as you can see, dance. If you have a fourth grader in your family,
ask them about Colonial Days.
GAYHEAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
MARCH-APRIL 2013
PAGE 5
All across the Wappingers Central School District during the month of March we celebrate Music in Our Schools
month. In fact, our school district was selected as a 2011 Best Community for Music Education in America by the
National Association for Music Education Foundation. (This marks the 3rd year in a row!). March is the month when
the importance of music education becomes the focus of schools and communities across the nation. Arts education
develops the skills students need to meet the challenges of a competitive, global society.
The Roy C. Ketcham chamber choir is coming to Gayhead to celebrate music in our schools month on Wednesday, March
20th to sing for our fourth and fifth graders in our large cafeteria.
If you require bus transportation to or from a babysitter or daycare for next school
year…please read on.
The WCSD Transportation Department must receive all requests for Day Care/Babysitter transportation no
later than April 1, for transportation to a daycare or babysitter for next school year or transportation
may not be available.
Day care facilities registered under section 390 of the NYS Dept. of Social Services are entitled to
transportation to and from the day care center WITHIN the District, provided application is received by the
school district before April 1 of the preceding school year. Day care locations must be for five (5) days a week
in and/or out. Otherwise it must be done with a daily note via the school and only to or from an existing stop on
an existing run.
Baby sitter locations NOT licensed or registered under section 390 of the NYS Dept. of Social Services are
restricted to the attendance zone of the school attended.
All day care/babysitter transportation applications must be filed annually by April 1st of the preceding
school year or transportation may not be available.
Day care/babysitter transportation forms are not
carried over from year to year. A new form must be filed by April 1 st for the next school year.
Daycare/babysitter transportation applications are available in our main office.
GAYHEAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
MARCH-APRIL 2013
PAGE 6
The Mitten – a Kindergarten Play
Mrs. Dodge’s and Mrs. Ratajczak’s kindergartners treated their parents and each other to a
favorite winter story – ON STAGE!!
Two rabbits, a raccoon, a wolf, a fox, a lion, and a bear and a mouse, Grandmother, the
Grandfather, Nikki, ten "Snowflake Cheerleaders," and six Bouncing Snowballs are the
characters in this stage adaptation of Jan Brett’s The Mitten. The children were wonderful as
the characters and chorus in this magical story. The parents beamed as their children
presented a vibrant stage performance. If you have not read the beautifully illustrated story
of The Mitten to your child, look for it at the library or book store.
GAYHEAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
MARCH-APRIL 2013
PAGE 7
Upcoming Field Trips
3/12
Mrs. Johnson’s, Ms. Paglia’s, Ms. Cox’s,
Mr. Kennedy’s class is going to Locust Grove
MARCH
20
Open House for grades K-2
Mrs. Valentino’s, Ms. Misch’s/Mrs. Ruppert’s,
Mrs. Ryan’s, Mrs. Guerriero’s classes are going
to Locust Grove
21
Open House for grades 3-5
22
No school - Superintendent’s Conference Day
3/14
Ms. Scalzo’s and Mrs. Gardner’s class is going
to Locust Grove
25
Monday, March 25 is a make-up day
Classes are in session at all schools
3/20
Ms. Cerrone’s and Mrs. Farris’ classes are going to 26-31
Locust Grove
3/13
27
4/2
Mrs. O’Hearon’s, Mrs. Garcia’s, and
Mrs. LeFevre’s classes are going to Locust Grove
4/25
The kindergartners are going to
The Bardavon to see “The Gruffalo”
3/20
Mrs. Misch/Mrs. Ruppert’s, Mrs. Messina’s,
are going to Locust Grove
Spring Recess
Board of Education Mtg @ WJHS
APRIL
1
Welcome Back!!
Board of Education Mtg 7:30 @ WJH
4
PTA Council Mtg @ John Jay High School
8
Board of Education Mtg 7:30 pm
16
PTA Meeting 7:00 pm
23
Board of Education Meeting 7:30 pm
WHAT IS THE COST?
$100!!! Be one of the first 50 people to
register and get a free John Jay T-shirt
and basketball!!!
*Have more than one child? $5 off for
each additional child!
Signup for both the John Jay Camp and
the Fishkill Recreation Girls Basketball
Camp and receive $10 off!
WHEN IS IT?
nd
th
July 22 – 25
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
WHAT IS IT?
The John Jay Lady Patriots will hold a
summer basketball camp covering all
aspects of the game of basketball. This
will be a great opportunity for young
players to work with the Varsity team
and coaching staff to help build proper
fundamentals and become a better
basketball player.
WHO CAN ATTEND?
nd
th
Any girl entering 2 - 9 grade.
WHERE IS IT?
John Jay High School
HIGHLIGHTS OF CAMP:
Free t-shirt & basketball to first
50 registrants
Individualized instruction for
players of any level and
experience
Players grouped appropriately
by age and ability
Individual evaluations
Fun, skill, and competitive
games
Chance to meet and work with
the John Jay Varsity players and
Staff
Space is limited so register ASAP!!!
WHAT DO I NEED?
Campers should come prepared with
shorts, a t-shirt, basketball sneakers,
and a lunch. A concession stand will be
available for pizza, snacks, and drinks
so bring some extra money.
TYPICAL DAY AT CAMP:
9:00 Free shooting
9:10 Morning meeting, Camp Stretch,
and test a counselor challenge
9:30 Skill Improvement Stations
10:30 Competition of the day
11:00 Lunch
11:30 Team meetings
11:45 Competitive Games
12:30 Skill games
12:50 Afternoon meeting, test a
counselor challenge
1:00 Camper pick-up
*Please make checks payable to
John Jay Girls Basketball Booster
Club*
*There is limited space so please
register ASAP and guarantee your free
shirt and basketball*
How to Register:
*Bring completed order form and money
to Mr. Brooks at Van Wyck Junior High
School.
*Contact Mr. Brooks; 227-1700 Ext.
20102.
*Mail to:
Lawrence Brooks
Van Wyck Junior High School
6 Hillside Lake Road
Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
I, undersigned, hereby agree that I will
not hold the Basketball Coaching Staff
or the WCSD liable in the event of injury
to my daughter. It is further understood
that if an accident occurs the parents
primary insurance will provide the
necessary care.
Parent/Guardian Signature:
______________________________
Name:
Address:
________
Dear Campers and Parents,
The John Jay Girls Basketball team
would like to invite you to a week filled
with basketball, fun, and friends. The
camp is run by Larry Brooks; Girls Head
Basketball Coach, Aaron Brooks,
Dianna Bianco, Cara Plitsch, Sean
Keenan, CJ Greenwood, & CJ Knight.
It is our goal to help each and every girl
become better at the game of basketball
while having fun with fellow players and
counselors. We look forward to meeting
and working with you at our upcoming
camp.
Sincerely,
The John Jay Girls Basketball Coaching
Staff
Don’t feel like packing a lunch?
-Pizza and snacks will be available at
our concession stand!!!
_______________________
Phone:
Emergency Phone:
_______________________
Grade Entering in the Fall:______
T-Shirt Size (Adult Sizes) (Circle):
S
M
L
XL
Wednesdays April 17- May 1
4:00-5:30 p.m.
Gayhead Elementary School - Room 36
Students in 3rd, 4th & 5th grades will create a collectible action figure
of their own, using cardboard and paper maché techniques.
Cost includes all necessary supplies.
A parent/grandparent is welcome to attend class with the student
& need only pay a $10 materials fee.
To register go to www.wappingersschools.org and click on the link for Continuing Education.
Class information & registration form are listed under the link:
"Winter/Spring 2013 Continuing Education Class Schedule."
Or call 298-5000, ext. 40137.