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