Holiday Greetings from Onondaga Road

Holiday Greetings to All!

How did the holiday season sneak up on us without snow?  As the season is fully upon us, we tend to get wrapped up in the busy time and our schedules can get a little hectic!  Remember to reflect and enjoy the season, enjoy one another’s company, and be sure to keep the health and well-being of you and your family at the forefront.    

 Safety First

The well-being and safety of our students is always a priority, and your help is needed regarding safety protocols.  As a small school community, we tend to become lax about safety rules, until something drastic happens in the news calling for our attention.  At this time, it is necessary for me to remind everyone to be vigilant in adhering to these practices:

·         Always announce your arrival in the school.  Once you are “buzzed in” the front door, or if someone from inside opens the door to you, you must stop at the main desk.  Parents and guardians arrive at various times during the day to pick up a child, drop off an item, or bring a child in late, so stopping at the main office should always be a priority. 

·         NO visitors should be in the school hallways without a visible visitor’s badge.  Refrain from walking down the hallways unannounced.  While it may seem harmless to drop off something to your child at his/her classroom door or to go pick your child up from his/her classroom, this is a violation of our safety protocols.  As stated above, you must stop at the main office upon every arrival at school.

·         Dismissal should take place at the main entrance only.  Even if you have parked in the back parking lot, you must walk around to the front door for your child to be dismissed from there.

·         If you are picking your child up at the end of the day, remember that dismissal time is 3:15 and you should wait in the main lobby near the office.

·         You must sign your child out at the main office if he/she is being picked up from school for any reason, including dismissal.  This helps us to keep track of all students’ whereabouts.

Together we can keep our children safe, but everyone needs to follow the established guidelines!

Renovations Are in Our Not-So-Distant Future!

You may have noticed a new addition parked at the north end of our front yard.  Last week we welcomed the arrival of our contractors’ work trailer.  This trailer will remain on site for the duration of our construction project.  While the bulk of our school renovation will take place next summer, the work will begin after the holiday season.

In January, contractors will be creating a driveway into the courtyard.  This driveway will lead from the front of the building (the north end where the work trailer is located), around that side, and into the courtyard closest to the primary wing.

In February, we will be relocating some teachers and reconfiguring some small group teaching spaces.  I do not anticipate moving full classrooms at this time, but I will keep you informed if/when the time comes to move any classes.

Weather permitting, we anticipate breaking ground on or around March 1^st.  Literally, this means digging the ground in the courtyard, which will eventually be the floor of our new library.  Recall that the existing library will be converted to a cafeteria, and a new library will be built as an extension into the courtyard.  The students will be excited to watch the trucks and equipment as we enter this phase of the renovation.

Please understand that as always, the safety of our students and staff remains a priority.  There will be very few contractors inside the building during the school year, but those who will be here have district-approved identification badges and access to the building.  This is not my first school renovation, and I am very familiar with the rules and safety regulations.  I will be working closely with the foreman, and I will do my best to keep you informed of the progress and phases of the project.  If at any time you have any questions about the construction, please do not hesitate to call me.  I will also give updates at our monthly PTA meetings, so be sure check the calendar for those dates.

Thank you for your continued support from home.  Have a wonderful holiday season with your family and friends!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Clark

Dates to Remember

• Wednesday, 12/16 – Board of Education Meeting, 7:00 at WGHS
• Wednesday, 12/23 – Whole-school Sing-Along - Students are welcome to wear pajamas to school!
• Wednesday, 12/23 – Classroom Holiday Celebrations – Last day of school before holiday break.
• Thursday, 12/24 through Friday, 1/1/16 – School closed for holiday break
• Monday, 1/4/16 – Welcome back to school!  Happy New Year!
• Wednesday, 1/6 – Board of Education Meeting, 7:00 at WGHS
• Wednesday, 1/13 – PTA meets at 6:00 at WGHS, not at OR. *Please note the time and location change!
• Monday, 1/18 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Schools are closed.
• Friday, 1/29 – Report Cards are distributed.  This is a half-day 11:30 dismissal for students.

News and Notes from OR…

Special Note: Spirit Wear and Cherrydale orders are here!  If you participated in the PTA Cherrydale fundraiser, or if you ordered West Genesee Spirit Wear, please pick up your merchandise from school on Wednesday, November 18, 5:00-7:00 p.m.

November brings us to a time when we are reminded to extend our thanks and gratitude to all who are special in our lives.  When I attended the Veterans’ Day Parade last week, I was especially moved, feeling great pride and eternally grateful to all who have so bravely served our country.  I would like to extend great thanks to all of our Veterans.  I would also like to thank the West Genesee High School Marching Band for their contribution in celebrating our Veterans.

Congratulations to our Spelling Bee participants:  Sophia Van Horn, Sean O'Neil, Caleb Williams, Annemarie Myers, and Julianna Russo.  After a written spelling test administered to fourth and fifth grade students, these students were our top five spellers from Onondaga Road.  From here they went to Camillus Middle School to participate in the district's annual Spelling Bee with other representatives from elementary and middle schools across the district.  Congratulations once again for your great efforts!

We’ve been lucky enough to enjoy this long stretch of warm fall weather, but we know how that can change in a moment’s notice!  Be sure to talk to your child about the importance of proper bus behavior.  The driver’s role becomes increasingly difficult when the weather takes a turn, and students need to be aware of their role in keeping each other safe on the bus. 

A time for giving…

We have several “Caring and Compassion” projects underway, and I am always touched by the generosity of our school community.  For the Thanksgiving season, we are in the midst of our annual Salvation Army canned food drive.  If you would like to make a donation, please send your canned goods to school by November 30. 

Additionally, we are excited to announce our Holiday Giving Projects.  This year we have opted to help two different organizations.  Our primary wing (K, 1, 2) has been introduced to a Books and Band-Aids project for a non-profit organization called Griffin’s Guardians.  Students can bring in new books and fancy, decorative Band-Aids to be donated to Golisano Children’s Hospital.  Our intermediate wing (grades 3, 4, 5) has “adopted” a family of six.  After reading The Mitten Tree, then plucking a mitten from our tree in the front lobby, students can help make another family’s wishes come true.  If you are interested in either of these giving projects, please see the details on flyers that are coming home with your children and give what you can.  Any and all donations are greatly appreciated and help to make others happy during the holiday season.  Thank you!

Dates to Remember
November 18 – Cherrydale Fundraiser Merchandise Pick-up, 5:00-7:00
November 18 – Bus Safety Drills at School
November 18 – Board of Education Meeting at WGHS, 7:00
November 23 – Half-day Dismissal at 11:30 for Parent-Teacher Conferences
November 24 – Half-day Dismissal at 11:30 for Parent-Teacher Conferences
November 25-27 – School Closed for Thanksgiving Recess

Unity Day at Onondaga Road

Unity Day

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

WEAR ORANGE, Onondaga Road!

Together against bullying — united for kindness, acceptance and inclusion.

Make it ORANGE and make it end! What are your true colors when it comes to bullying? If you care about safe and supportive schools and communities make your color ORANGE on Unity Day. That’s the day everyone can come together - in schools, communities, and online - and send one large ORANGE message of support, hope, and unity to show that we are united against bullying and united for kindness, acceptance and inclusion.

Other news and notes:

Thank you for your participation in the annual Cherrydale Fundraising event.  Please return all order forms to school by Wednesday, October 21, 2015.  This is a PTA sponsored fund raiser, and proceeds benefit our school and your children.

Monday, October 26, 2015 through Wednesday, October 28, 2015 we will hold our annual Scholastic Book Fair in school.  Children will bring flyers home highlighting some of the available books.  Also, mark your calendar for an evening of fun with reading on Wednesday, October 28, 2015.  All are invited to attend this PTA sponsored event full of stories, fun, and the book fair!

Halloween is near, and the thrills are in the air!  Please be aware when you are selecting Halloween costumes for your child that horror costumes and weapons of any kind are prohibited from our school parade and parties.  Keep those types of costumes and props for your at-home festivities if you so choose, and help us to keep Halloween at school kooky, not spooky, for our children! Our Halloween parade will be held outdoors at 2:00 on Friday, October 30, 2015.  Classroom parties will take place immediately after the parade.  Watch for details to come home on a note with your child

Onondaga Road Blog

This month’s character trait is RESPECT.  We continue to learn what it means and what it looks like to be respectful. 

At our monthly R2D2 Assembly we were able to focus specifically on school bus behavior and being respectful of one another.   Thank you to our third graders who hosted our R2D2 Assembly this month.  We were able to invite our bus drivers to our assembly and thank them for the difficult job they do getting us to and from school safely every day.  Our drivers were appreciative of our students’ efforts, and it is apparent that respectful behavior is always noticed and goes a long way!

Parents, it’s time for you to get involved!  Our first PTA meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 14 at 6:30 in the Onondaga Road library.  All are welcome and encouraged to attend!  We can’t do it without you, so please consider coming to this meeting and finding other ways you can be involved at school.

PTA is currently sponsoring a Spirit Wear sale.  Watch for a flyer to come home or click on the link below to go directly to the online store:

West Genesee Spirit Wear Online Store

Dates to remember:

• Monday, 10/12 – Columbus Day (no school)
• Wednesday, 10/14 – PTA Meeting, 6:30 p.m.  in the library
• Monday, 10/26 through Wednesday, 10/28 – Scholastic Book Fair in school
• Wednesday, 10/28 – Reading Night, 5:30-7:00 p.m.  All are welcome!
• Friday, 10/30 – Halloween parade at 2:00, and classroom parties immediately following

We're Off to a great start...

We were happy to see so many families represented at our Curriculum Night during the first week of school!  Now that I’m beginning my third year here at Onondaga Road, it’s nice become more and more familiar with your families, and I feel like I’m “home” here.  We hope that by having our Curriculum Night (also known as Fall Open House) early in the year, you were able to meet the teachers that will be working closely with your children and gain an understanding of what is expected at any given grade level.  As always, feel free to contact me or your child’s teacher with any questions.

Thanks to our PTA for hosting our annual Ice Cream Social last week.  We had a huge turn-out, and as always, a good time was had by all!  Thank you to all of our parent, grandparent, and teacher volunteers for coordinating and volunteering your time.  We couldn’t do it without you, and our kids sure had fun.

Bus Safety is important.
We have been practicing safety drills at school.  Last week all students participated in the first of four annual bus safety drills, and we continue practice evacuating the building though fire drills.  One thing you can do at home to help ensure your child’s safety is discuss the importance of stellar behavior on the bus.  Every student must be responsible for his or her own behavior, as that is the best way we can take care of each other and allow the drivers do their most important job:  drive safely!

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Each month our students come together for an R2D2 assembly.  R2D2, for those who may not know, means Respect & Responsibility: Dare to Do! These assemblies highlight a character trait each month.  As a school community, we teach our students what it means to be of good character, and our students practice and demonstrate such character traits.

This month's trait is responsibility.  Each month a different grade level is responsible for hosting the R2D2 assembly.  

Three cheers for our fourth graders, as they were responsible for this month's assembly!  Fourth grade students kicked off the R2D2 themes of the year by explaining what each month's character trait will be, and in their own words they defined the traits.  The audience listened respectfully and was appreciative of the fourth graders for preparing and hosting the first show. the traits.  The audience listened respectfully and was appreciative of the fourth graders for preparing and hosting the first show.

Please mark your calendar with these upcoming school events: 

• Friday, 9/25 - School Picture Day
• Thursday, 10/1 - Our next R2D2 Assembly, hosted by grade 3
• Friday, 10/2 - PTA Cherrydale fundraiser runs 10/2 through 10/16
• Wednesday, 10/7 - Board of Education meeting at WGHS, 7:00 pm
• Monday, 10/12 - No school in recognition of Columbus Day
• Tuesday, 10/13 - Merry-Go-Round Theater performs for kindergarten
• Wednesday, 10/14 - PTA meeting at OR library, 6:00 pm
• Thursday, 10/15 - Open House for English Language Learners 

More to come… Thanks for your continued support from home!

Mrs. Clark

Welcome Back, Onondaga Road!

I am excited to get our students back to school!  I’d like to extend a warm welcome to all of our families who are new to Onondaga Road.  We’re glad you are here!

Here are a few dates to remember as we start the new school year:

• Tuesday, September 8 is our first day of school.  This is a full day, 9:00-3:20.
• Thursday, September 10 is Open House / Meet the Teacher Night.  This evening is for adults only, 6:00-7:30.  A flyer with specific information will be sent home with the students on the first day of school.
• Thursday, September 17 at 5:30 is our annual Ice Cream Social, thanks to our active PTA.
•  Friday, September 25 is school picture day.

Please don’t hesitate to call with any questions.  See you on Tuesday!

Mrs. Clark

June Update

Hello, OR Families and Friends! 

The last month of school will move along very quickly.  Please check the events, dates, and times listed below, and be sure to contact us if you have any questions.

June 1 – NYS Written Science Exam, Grade 4 only
June 3 – BOE Meeting at WGHS, 7:00 p.m.
June 4 – Parent Orientation Meeting at WGMS for fifth grade parents, 6:30 p.m.
June 5 – Staff Appreciation Luncheon (Thanks to all of the volunteers who make this possible!)
June 9 – Shared Decision Making Team Meeting, 8:20 a.m. at OR school library
June 10 – Ice cream party for the Banana Splits groups, 2:00 p.m.
June 10 – PTA Meeting for June has been cancelled
June 11 – First grades create planters (outdoors)
June 12 – Grade 5 walks to mini-golf
June 12 – Flag Day Celebration, 2:00 p.m.
June 12 – Family Picnic, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
June 15 – WGMS counselors come to visit OR fifth graders
June 16 – Grade 2 goes to Hancock Airport and Pete’s Polar Parlor
June 16 – Grade 3 goes to Beaver Lake Nature Center
June 16 – Grade 4 goes on an Erie Canal boat tour
June 17 – Grade 5 goes to Ultimate Goal
June 17 – BOE Meeting at WGMS, 7:00 p.m.
June 19 – R2D2 School Olympics, 9:15-11:30 a.m.
June 22 – Last full day of school, dismissal at 3:20 p.m. as usual
June 22 – Grade 5 visits WGMS, then returns to OR for Recognition Ceremony rehearsal
June 22 – Kindergarten outdoor picnic
June 23 – Half-day dismissal, 11:25 a.m. walkers dismissed and 11:30 a.m. buses dismissed
June 23 – Fifth Grade Recognition Ceremony, 9:30 a.m. at OR
June 24 – Report Cards are distributed
June 24 – Last day for all students, half-day, 11:25 walkers dismissed and 11:30 buses dismissed

A few notes… 

Thank you to our PTA for sponsoring our field trips and for the continued support of our school and programs!  Please consider becoming involved in PTA for OR next school year. 

Be sure to sign and return all permission slips for students to participate in field trips.

Sunscreen should be applied at home (for field trips and Olympic games).

Please remember that dismissal is at 3:20 p.m. It is highly disruptive to have students called to the office prior to dismissal.  Please refrain from excusing students early unless you have a pre-arranged appointment.

Also remember that school begins at 9:00 a.m.  Students arriving after 9:10 a.m. must be signed in by an adult.  Please do not drop students off at the curb after 9:10 without coming in the building to sign them in.  This is a safety precaution, as no students should ever be left unsupervised, especially in the front parking lot.

Thank you again for your continued support from home!  Enjoy the summery weather, and we’ll see you at our many upcoming events!

Onondaga Road Update

April showers bring…

May flowers!  But now that spring has sprung, think of all the other details… It’s time to get into some spring cleaning, indoors and out.  Be sure to include your children in any spring clean-up events.  They should learn to take pride in their rooms, homes, neighborhoods, and playgrounds and to be a part of our local community!

Bus Safety Drills

All Onondaga Road students, even our “walkers,” took part in bus safety drills.  It’s important for our children to take ownership of their behavior on the bus, and also be aware of their surroundings in case of any emergency.  Our drivers take special care in our children’s safety, and this week we reviewed bus safety rules, exit strategies, emergency evacuations, and safe loading and unloading.  Please ask your child to tell you what his/her role is in helping to keep the bus safe for all riders.

Thanks, PTA!

Once again, a very special thank you goes out to anyone involved in PTA.  Your help, great or small, is always appreciated!  This month I ask you to please consider volunteering your time to our PTA.  We cannot do it without YOU!  We will be looking for some new PTA Board members for next year, so be watching for nomination forms.  If you are interested in learning more about PTA, or if you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to contact me at school.  Thank you for considering this very important request.

Community Movie Night
A community Movie Night will be held on Friday, May 8 at 8:30 p.m. at the West Genesee High School Parking Lot. This event is sponsored by R2 and is free to the public. Click on the link below for additional information:

Community Movie Night

Change for Charity 

Surely you’ve seen the world news of the recent devastating earthquake in Nepal.  This news prompted our children to thinking of making contributions to help in any way that we can.  In conjunction with PTA, we’ll be running a Change for Charity collection for the next several days.  Students are welcome to bring any spare change to contribute to our collection jar in the main lobby of our school.  Any change collected will be donated to the American Red Cross.  Thanks, and we’ll be sure to let you know the grand total!

Dates to Remember

Wednesday, 5/6 – 7:00 BOE meeting at WGHS
Friday, 5/8 – 8:20 Chorus Club
Wednesday, 5/13 – 8:15 Band rehearsal
Thursday, 5/14 – 6:15 Volunteer Appreciation
Thursday, 5/14 – 6:30-7:30 Spring Open House
Friday, 5/15 – Vitamin L performs for OR students, thanks to PTA!
Friday, 5/15 – 11:30 Half-day dismissal for students
Tuesday, 5/19 – 6:00am-9:00pm Budget vote at WGHS
Wednesday, 5/20 – 7:00 BOE meeting at WGHS
Thursday, 5/21 – Special Olympics at CNS High School
Thursday, 5/21 – Grade 4 NYS Science Performance Assessment
Friday, 5/22 – No school (Snow day!)
Monday, 5/25 – Memorial Day
Wednesday, 5/27 – Grade 5 goes to Baltimore Woods
Wednesday, 5/27 – 6:30 PTA meeting at OR library
Saturday, 5/30 – West Genesee 5^th Grade Fun Run at East Hill

Onondaga Road Update

Science Fair

Our second annual OR Science Fair was a big success.  Many students from grades 3-5 put their hypotheses to the test and demonstrated the wonders of science.  Congratulations to all of the student participants, and thanks to all of their parents for their support.  Thanks also to our OR PTA for sponsoring the event.

3^rd Grade Chorus Concert
For the first time ever, our third graders performed in a combined chorus concert with fellow third graders from Split Rock.  Our students traveled to SR to perform for their school, then SR students traveled to OR to perform for us.  Finally, we gathered together to perform The Sports Show at the high school auditorium for all of our families.  Thanks to everyone who made this show possible, and a special round of applause for our student performers!

Patience and Acceptance
We continually teach our children the meaning of different important, positive character traits. Each month we highlight a different trait and we teach children what that means and what it looks like to demonstrate that trait. We also hold a character education assembly (R2D2) each month designed to teach a lesson on that particular trait.  On the morning of March 20, all of our students participated in activities designed to highlight the traits of patience and acceptance.  Each grade level created a video demonstrating the importance of being patient and being accepting of others.  The settings for the videos included places in or around school where all of our students practice good character:  the lunch line, school bus, playground, locker room, and at breakfast.  Students watched the videos then discussed the scenarios and reasons why it’s so important to treat one another respectfully.  I’d like to extend a special thanks to our student actors and an extra thanks to Mrs. Cook and Ms. Randall for their support during the filming of the movies.  It was a job well done!

Recognize our Drivers!

I think we would all agree that the winter was especially long and cold.  Nobody deserves more credit for enduring the treacherous weather than our dedicated school bus drivers.  Please join me in thanking our drivers for an incredible job in keeping our children safe, day in and day out.

Dismissal Procedure

Please remember that our school day does not end until 3:20 p.m.  We have classes, special area classes, and chorus rehearsals in session until 3:10, and then preparing for dismissal is an involved process in a classroom full of children.  You can imagine the distractions when we need to call into a classroom interrupting the dismissal routine; teachers are going over assignments and giving last minute directions, and children are trying to gather belongings, pack their bags, and listen to directions.  A phone call into the classroom to call a child out a few minutes early disrupts the flow of the dismissal routine.  All walkers (and students being picked up) are dismissed at 3:17, and then the bus bell rings at 3:20.  Unless there is an emergency, and for the safety of our students passing in the hallways, I respectfully ask you to refrain from having us call students prior to dismissal.  Thank you for your support!

Dates to Remember:

Sunday, 3/29 – Flapjack 5^th Grade Breakfast at Applebee’s, 8:00-10:00 a.m.

Friday, 4/3 through Friday, 4/10 –Spring Break, No School
Tuesday, 4/14 through Thursday, 4/16 – NYS ELA Assessments, grades 3-5
Wednesday, 4/22 through Friday, 4/24 – NYS Math Assessments, grades 3-5
Wednesday, 4/22 – PTA Meeting at OR Library, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, 4/24 – Report Cards Distributed

March 2015 updates

Well, March certainly roared in like a lion, didn’t it?  Don’t forget that this Sunday we spring our

clocks ahead one hour.  Let’s hope Mother Nature becomes more cooperative!

One February snow day, while our little friends were off from school, snuggled safely at home, I stood in my office window at Onondaga Road staring in awe at the snow falling outside.  The traffic appeared to be moving in slow motion, silence was all around, and everything outdoors looked black and white.  To my amazement, a big, windy gust kicked up and Old Glory flew proudly behind the tree outside my window.  There in the midst of all that black and white flew the good old Red, White and Blue, proud as could be!  Full of pride, I got my camera as quickly as I could because I wanted to capture this awesome picture and share it with all of you!

Annual PTA Enrichment Day is a Success: A big thank you is extended to our PTA and all of our parents and friends who helped to make our annual Enrichment Day a huge success.  Students participated in a wide array of activities: cheerleading, karate, jewelry making, finger knitting, coin collecting, sports card trading, caricature drawing, Irish Dancing, wood working, visits from the MOST, Zoo to You, Wonder Works, and on and on!  A great time was had by all!

Order Your Spirit Wear Online: Our PTA, in collaboration with other schools, is featuring a Spirit Wear sale. The flyer for the spirit wear free shipping promo is now on the website by clicking here. Note that only orders placed between February 25-March 11, 2015 will have free shipping to school (Orders must be submitted by Wednesday, March 11, 2015 for the free spring shipping promo. Pick-up will be before the holiday break). The website for direct online ordering is: http://shop.company-store.net/ore/. If you  have access questions, you can contact Lisa Mondello at ldmondello1@gmail.com. 

Speaking of PTA, did you know that there is never a deadline as to when you can become an official member?  Remember that your support and participation is always appreciated.  If you would like another copy of an enrollment form, please just ask!

Dates to Remember:

March 11 – 6:30 p.m. – PTA meeting at OR library
March 17 – 9:30 a.m. – Bagpipes and Irish Dancers visit OR
March 17 – 1:15 p.m. – 3^rd grade chorus goes to rehearse at SR
March 18 – 10:00 a.m. – 3^rd grade chorus performs for their peers at OR
March 18 – 7:00 p.m. – Board of  Education Meeting at WGHS
March 18 – 4:00-6:00 p.m. – Science Fair participants can drop off projects in the gym at OR
March 19 – 6:00-8:00 p.m. – Second Annual 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th Grade OR Science Fair
March 20 – 11:30 a.m. – Half day dismissal for all students
March 23 – 7:00 p.m. – 3^rd grade chorus concert at WGHS (OR and SR combined chorus)
March 29 – 8:00-10:00 a.m. – 5^th grade Flapjack Breakfast at Applebee’s
April 3-10 – Spring Break Week – No school

OR Blog for February 2015

Happy February!  Don’t forget to mark your calendars with these OR reminders…

Attention Fifth Grade Parents

If you are interested in helping with any of the traditional fifth grade culminating activities, please plan to attend a fifth grade parent meeting immediately following next week’s PTA meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2015.

PTA Time Change:

Please note, the monthly PTA meeting will be on Wednesday, February 11, but we will begin at 6:00 p.m. instead of 6:30 p.m.  All are welcome!

Kindergarten for Fall 2015

Kindergarten registration begins the week of February 23^rd.  Register by calling the school for specific information or stopping by the main office to get your registration packet.  Please call with any questions, 487-4653.

Fun with Science!

The second annual OR Science Fair is just around the corner.  Any third, fourth and fifth grade students who plan to participate in the Science Fair are welcome to come to the school library, accompanied by an adult, 4:00-6:00 on Wednesday, February 4.  This gives students the opportunity to do some research for their science project.

How was school today?

Have your ever asked your child that question?  I’m guessing you’ve gotten the response “Fine.” 
Or maybe you asked, “What did you do in school today?”  You may have heard, “Um, nothing!”  Or maybe, “It was too cold to go outside for recess!” 
These may not have been the deep responses you were waiting to hear!  As a parent, you want some details, right?

Now that we’re beginning the second semester of the school year, perhaps you can use a different strategy to get more out of your conversation about the school day.  Here are some questions you might like to try instead of the old “How was school today?”

• What was the best (or worst) thing that happened in school today?
• Tell me something that made you laugh today!
• If you could choose the one person in your class you’d really like to sit with, who would it be?  Why?
• Where is the coolest place inside the school?  Why?  What do you do in that room?
• Tell me a weird word you heard today.  Where did you hear it?  Who said it?  Why?
• If I talked to your teacher tonight, what would s/he tell me about you today?
• How did someone help you today?
• Tell me about a book you read today.
• What were you happiest about today?
• Tell me a time during the day that you felt bored.
• Who is someone you would like to play with but have never played with before?
• What do you think you should do more of (or less of) when you’re at school tomorrow?
• Who in your class do you think you should be nicer to?  Why?
• Tell me about three different times you used your pencil today.
• If you got to be the teacher tomorrow, what’s one thing you might do differently?
• What’s something you talked about in school today that you wish you could talk about even more?

Upcoming Events…Mark Your Calendar!

• Tuesday, 2/3 through Thursday, 2/5 - Grade 1 visits Hospital Land
• *Wednesday 2/4/15, 4:00 -6:00 p.m. - Open library research night for grades 3-5 students participating in the Science Fair (must be accompanied by a parent)
• Thursday, 2/5/15, 8:15 a.m. - Band rehearsal begins in the gym
• Friday, 2/6/15 - Second quarter report cards are distributed
• Saturday, 2/7/15, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. - Enrichment Day at OR, sponsored by the PTA
• *Wednesday, 2/11/15, 6:00 p.m. - PTA meeting in the library (note the time change)
• *Wednesday , 2/11/15, 7:00 p.m. - Fifth grade parent meeting for volunteers to help plan fifth grade end of year events.
• Friday, 2/13/15 - Classroom Valentine's Day parties
• Week of February 16-20 - Winter Recess, no school
• Tuesday, 2/24/15 - Grade 5 luncheon at Wegmans