Friday, March 27, 2015

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.




3rd 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 5th 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