September 2014
The Children’s School has experienced a great beginning to our first two weeks of school.
Teacher’s In-Service Days August 20,21, and 22
Our August 20th, 21st, and 22nd teacher in-service days went very well.
The morning of August 20th was held in the high school auditorium. Mr. Graham presented his welcome back address, and provided information to start the school year. Representatives from the Employee Assistance Program, Maureen Negron, and Kades Margolis, Financial Advisor, Scott Newton, gave presentations related to the services their organizations provide district employees. The afternoon was devoted to grade level meetings to review 2014 spring data, scheduling, and introducing committees.
On Thursday, August 21st, Mrs. Cindy Murphy from IU9 gave a presentation on what should be contained in teachers’ SLOs (Student Learning Objectives). Pennsylvania’s new Educator Effectiveness System requires the use of the SLO process to determine 20 to 35 percent of a teacher’s summative evaluation and becomes mandatory this year. Teachers spent the morning working and writing their SLOs. Teachers had the afternoon to complete work from the morning session and to work in their classrooms.
On Friday morning I gave an interactive presentation on teacher empowerment. My presentation was based on the work of Dr. Willard Daggett and the International Center for Leadership in Education. The focus of the presentation was to recognize and develop within each teacher the day-to-day decision making that takes place in our school. The first step in this process, I believe, is getting to know our students on an individual level. Much of the discussion was identifying the ideas and strategies that we could employ in getting to know students efficiently and effectively.
NPCS Open House and PTO Ice Cream Social
Wednesday, August 27 was set aside as our Open House date. There was a good turnout of parents for Open House and some PTO parents were on hand to dip cones and cups of ice cream. Parents had a chance to visit their children’s classrooms, visit with the staff, and then enjoy some ice cream in our multi-purpose room.
2014-2015 Northern Potter Children’s School Start-of-the-Year Student Enrollment
Total enrollment in the Children’s School stands at 320 students. That is up 15 students (5% increase) over last year’s enrollment number to start the year. Breakdown of enrollment by grade is as follows:
Kind 4- 32
Kind 5- 48
Grade 1- 39
Grade 2- 37
Grade 3- 40
Grade 4- 42
Grade 5- 36
Grade 6- 46
Club Period Introduced on Fridays
Students in grades 3-6 will once again be involved in Clubs during the last period of the day on Fridays. Thirteen faculty members and one senior volunteer are coordinating different clubs including soccer, football, dance, duct tape crafts, fall crafts, movie maker, cheerleading, and knitting. Students were introduced to the club offerings on Friday, August 29th and signed up for the clubs of their choice earlier last week. The first club period of the year was held on Friday. New clubs will be introduced each quarter as we make our way through the year.
New Children’s School Faculty and Staff
I want to officially welcome Mrs. Veronica Hunt (Grades 5-6 Learning Support) to our faculty and staff. Ms. Debra Grossman has also joined the staff as an IU9 paraprofessional assigned to the autism classroom.
The 2013-2013 Children’s School Faculty: (by grade/subject and name)
K4-grade 6- Guidance Counselor- Mrs. Kim Eckenrode
K4- Ms. Mary Kitch and Ms. Daphne Ransom
Kindergarten- Mrs. Joan Martin and Mrs. Darla Kosa
First Grade- Mrs. Theresa Graves and Mrs. Nicole Daniels
Second Grade- Mrs. Wendy Hamilton and Mrs. Jessica Knowles
Third Grade- Mrs. Angie Lewis and Mrs. Jocelin Hoven
Fourth Grade- Ms. Sue VanDusen and Mr. Ben White
Fifth Grade- Mrs. Tina Misner (Language Arts and Social Studies);
Mrs. Jaime Slawson (Math and Science)
Sixth Grade- Mrs. Cindy Cowburn (Math and grade 6 Social Studies);
Ms. Tracy Weiss(grade 6 Language Arts and Science)
Grade K-3 Intervention and ESL support- Mrs. Susan Ransom
K-grade 4 Learning Support- Mrs. Katelyn McKosky
Grades 5-6 Learning Support- Mrs. Veronica Hunt
Physical Education Mr. Jeff Barber
Art Education/Enrichment Mrs. Robyn Smelko
*Miss Lisa Baker will be Art/Enrichment until Mrs. Smelko returns from maternity leave (October 2014).
Music Education/Jr-Sr High Chorus- Mrs. Abby Boka
Library Science- Mrs. Casey Cady
Grades 4-6 Band Mrs. Lindsey Smeenk
Blended Schools- Mrs. Mindy Stephens
School Nurse- Mrs. Martha Pennell
Paraprofessional Staff Members: (by grade level and/or assignment)
Mrs. Jean Collins- Grades K-3
Mrs. Bev Freeman- K4
Mrs. Patty Barber- K-6 Learning Support Paraprofessional
Mrs. Brenda Lehman- Grades K-3
Ms. Darlene Passmore- K4
Mrs. Sue Plumstead- Grades K-6, Office Support
IU9 Faculty/Support Staff
Life Skills Support(IU appointed)- Miss Rachel Palidino
Autistic Support (IU appointed)- Ms. Angela Jackson
Speech and Language Support(IU appointed)- Mrs. Misty Torrey
Mrs. Patti Abbey- Life Skills (IU appointed)
Mrs. Sandy Baker- Life Skills (IU appointed)
Ms. Debra Grossman- Autistic Support Paraprofessional (IU appointed)
Mrs. Jackie Willow- Life Skills (IU appointed)
New Morning Routine Running Smoothly
I am happy to report that our new morning routine is running smoothly. As I mentioned at last week’s work session, our morning arrival procedures were becoming a bit chaotic; we had many adults entering the building to take children to classrooms during the morning student arrival. This in itself was not really an issue except that in many cases we were violating our own building security protocol by allowing anyone to enter the building without cause. We do not want parents to misunderstand our reasons for asking them say “goodbye” to their children at the main entrance, except to tell them that it is for the safety and security of all students that come to our school. The morning arrival is staffed by six staff members, who welcome and greet all students and parents that have been arriving each morning. Parents that need to enter the building during morning arrival are asked to sign in at the office and take a visitor’s pass with them upon entering the school.
February News
Grade 4 Academic Awards
Academic Excellence: Tanyon Brown, Alexandra Bryant, Wyatt Holley, Madison Hoopes, Shelby Nelson, Hannah Crawford.
Academic Achievement: Jake Bartoo, Megan Button, Abbie Cady, Christian Fuller, Britney Hauber, Megan Hyde, Joseph Johnson, Cale Kosa, Courtney Martin, Briana Mattison, Alyssa Rumsey, Shalynn Rupert, Nathan Slawson, Ben Torrey
Honorable Mention: Hannah Butkiewicz, Rylee Copp, Riley Gertzen, Haley Graves, Brooke Harris, Kiara Jordan, Daniel Keim, Kaden Mattison, Shae McGinty
Grade 5 Academic Awards
Academic Excellence: Guy Dunn, Carter Anderson, Audrianna Torrey, Zach Wright
Academic Achievement: Megan Byron, Logan Crawford, Catie Crowner, Ryan Langworthy, Rebecca Nederfield, Blade Pollock, Xanadu Rumsey, Tre Slawson, Trevor Burdick, Tristan Ditzler, Austin Endress, Autumn Hemphill, Matt Kio, Ricky Kunselman, Deonna Snyder, Ali Stebbins, Conner Wright
Honorable Mention: Collin Crippen, Chris Gibble, Mary Lincoln, Amber McAndrews, Devon Proctor, Tristan Schlesing, Cooper Soule, AJ Tomak, Nick Wright, Dylan Button, Raiden Cox, Adric Howell, Trevor Kio, Patrick Lehman, Tayden Richard
Grade 6 Academic Awards
Academic Excellence: Alyssa Burchell, Courtney Fox, Mackenzie Gertzen, Savannah Herring, Foster Kosa, Melissa Lehman, John Lewis, Caitlyn Magarigal, Morgan Palmatier, Danielle Perry, Ezra Sprow, Gianna Tilton
Academic Achievement: Clay Cady, Clarissa Crowner, Anglea DeBockler, Emma Kosa, Aaron (AJ) Lehman, Jordan McClellan, Mitchell Perovich, Hannah Preston, Gavin Soule, Samantha Vannatter
Honorable Mention: Jacob Boden, Leoncio Diaz, Alyssa Hoopes, Dallas Knauer, Hope Porcuri, Preston Proctor, Travis Snyder, Austin Wheater, Haley Wheeler
K’NEX STEM Team Competition
Four teams made up of 15 fourth, fifth, and sixth graders competed in this year’s Local K’NEX STEM Challenge. STEM is an acronym referring to the fields of study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The term is typically used in addressing education policy and curriculum choices in schools from kindergarten through college to improve competitiveness in technology development. Teams were challenged to create an environmentally friendly people mover made of no more that 1,400 K’NEX pieces. Students worked on their STEM projects for four weeks and faced off at the local challenge on Wednesday, February 12, 2014. Students involved in the after-school program were: (Grade 4) Jacob Bartoo, Tanyon Brown, Alexandra Bryant, Riley Gertzen, and Cale Kosa; (Grade 5) Hailey Knickerbocker, Ryan Langworthy, Blade Pollock, and Tre Slawson; (Grade 6) Clay Cady, Melissa Lehman, Jordan McClellan, Anthony McCutcheon, Preston Proctor, and Austin Wheater. Two local challenge winning teams will go on to compete at the Seneca Highland IU9 Competition on March 3rd.
Spring 2013 IU 9 Song Fest and Band Fest Students Announced
Mrs. Abby Boka announced this year’s Song Fest students. Song Fest students are: Clarissa Crowner, Courtney Fox, Hope Porcuri, Caitlyn Magarigal, Gianna Tilton, Jordan McClellan, and Samantha Vannatter. This year’s Song Fest will be held Bradford on Thursday, May 1st.
Mrs. Lindsey Smeenk also announced this year’s Band Fest students. Band Fest students are: Emma Kosa, Gianna Tilton, Mackenzie Gertzen, Alyssa Burchell, Savannah Herring, Melissa Lehman, Danielle Perry, and Jacob Boden. The IU 9 Band Fest will be held at Cameron County on May 22, 2014.
PSSA Testing Schedule
Northern Potter Children’s School Spring 2014 PSSA Testing Schedule
Grades 3-6 PSSA Reading and Math, Tuesday, March 25- Friday, March 28
Grade 5 PSSA Writing, Tuesday, April 1 and Tuesday, April 2
Grade 4 PSSA Science, Tuesday, April 29 and Wednesday, April 30
We ask parents to please be sure that students get plenty of rest during PSSA testing windows. Feel free to call Mr. Morgan,
Principal, or Mrs. Eckenrode, Guidance Counselor, or any of your child’s classroom teachers with your questions! The school phone number is
848-7563.
School-Wide Positive Behavior Paw Buck Assembly and Fun-in-the-Snow Day, January 31, 2014
Students were treated to a School-Wide Positive Behavior Paw Buck Assembly and Fun-in-the Snow Day on Friday, January 31. To start the day, the students and staff gathered in the new gym for our positive behavior assembly. Since September students have been earning “Paw Bucks” for displaying good behavior, earning good grades, keeping good attendance, and so forth. Students were able to use their Paw Bucks to “purchase” items at our Paw Buck Store, and their Paw Bucks were entered into our Positive Behavior Paw Buck drawing. The assembly featured students’ names being drawn from the Paw Buck bin. Students whose names were selected earned a chance to play a fun game to win from an assortment of prizes. Games featured included: Let’s Make a Deal, Hula Hoop Hoopla, To Tell the Truth, Ping Pong Ball Relay, and High Roller. The next positive behavior assembly is being planned for mid-late May.
After lunch, students were given the opportunity to go sled riding, fort building, and so on with their classmates on the property that surrounds our school.
Students Sell Bracelets in support of the American Cancer Society
In early January, two fourth grade students, Hannah Butkiewicz and Brianna Mattison, requested doing a service project in January. It was decided that they could sell their handmade bracelets and all proceeds would go to the local chapter of the American Cancer Society. The girls earned $25 for their efforts.
January News
Peace Week Held- December 3rd-December 6th
Sixth-grade student, Hannah Preston, spoke with Mrs. Kim Eckenrode, elementary school guidance counselor about her idea of having a “peace day” in memory of Ms. Darlene Sitler. She expressed her feelings, that others too might also be experiencing similar feelings. Mrs. Eckenrode took Hannah’s ideas and gathered some input from other students, Danni Perry, Samantha Vannatter, and Mary Lincoln, and in a very short time, “Peace Week,” became reality.
A kickoff assembly was held beginning at 8:30 on Tuesday, December 3rd. Mrs. Eckenrode began the assembly by telling the student body the background behind peace week. Mr. Morgan then read, Don’t Pop Your Cork on Monday. The students were then shown several stress relief techniques followed by a short video. Everyone joined together in singing, Let There Be Peace on Earth.
Finally, four peace week project ideas were initiated. In the main hallway, a “peace tree” was planted! (Thanks Mrs. Lewis) where students were able to write and share their wish for peace on a dove and then tape it to the tree. During the week, sixth-graders: Foster Kosa, Mitchell Perovich, Anthony McCutcheon, Leo Diaz, Jake Boden, Dallas Knauer, and Austin Wheater performed a puppet show on conflict resolution to students in K4, K, and 1. It was recorded for access by other grade levels. Students were also encouraged to write a “peace” poem and type it. All poems were collected and made into a Peace Poem book for the library. A peace poster contest was also announced and a winning poster, drawn by fourth grader, Hannah Butkiewitz, will adorn the cover of the poetry book.
Peace Doves made for the school by the parishioners at the First United Presbyterian Church in Coudersport were also displayed in the main hallway. Throughout the week, student government officers shared a “peace quote of the day” during announcements each morning.
PTO-Santa’s Workshop
The PTO once again sponsored PTO-Santa’s Workshop at the Children’s School during the week before Christmas, December 9-12. All of our students were scheduled to visit the workshop and purchase gifts for parents and relatives. I especially want to thank all the PTO volunteers: Alicia White, Jennifer Lehman, Wendy Erickson, Shelly and John Taylor, Lisa Soule, and Susan Nicholas, for their smiling faces and wrapping efforts in making the workshop run smoothly. This is an event that is truly enjoyed by our students.
The Children’s School has experienced a great beginning to our first two weeks of school.
Teacher’s In-Service Days August 20,21, and 22
Our August 20th, 21st, and 22nd teacher in-service days went very well.
The morning of August 20th was held in the high school auditorium. Mr. Graham presented his welcome back address, and provided information to start the school year. Representatives from the Employee Assistance Program, Maureen Negron, and Kades Margolis, Financial Advisor, Scott Newton, gave presentations related to the services their organizations provide district employees. The afternoon was devoted to grade level meetings to review 2014 spring data, scheduling, and introducing committees.
On Thursday, August 21st, Mrs. Cindy Murphy from IU9 gave a presentation on what should be contained in teachers’ SLOs (Student Learning Objectives). Pennsylvania’s new Educator Effectiveness System requires the use of the SLO process to determine 20 to 35 percent of a teacher’s summative evaluation and becomes mandatory this year. Teachers spent the morning working and writing their SLOs. Teachers had the afternoon to complete work from the morning session and to work in their classrooms.
On Friday morning I gave an interactive presentation on teacher empowerment. My presentation was based on the work of Dr. Willard Daggett and the International Center for Leadership in Education. The focus of the presentation was to recognize and develop within each teacher the day-to-day decision making that takes place in our school. The first step in this process, I believe, is getting to know our students on an individual level. Much of the discussion was identifying the ideas and strategies that we could employ in getting to know students efficiently and effectively.
NPCS Open House and PTO Ice Cream Social
Wednesday, August 27 was set aside as our Open House date. There was a good turnout of parents for Open House and some PTO parents were on hand to dip cones and cups of ice cream. Parents had a chance to visit their children’s classrooms, visit with the staff, and then enjoy some ice cream in our multi-purpose room.
2014-2015 Northern Potter Children’s School Start-of-the-Year Student Enrollment
Total enrollment in the Children’s School stands at 320 students. That is up 15 students (5% increase) over last year’s enrollment number to start the year. Breakdown of enrollment by grade is as follows:
Kind 4- 32
Kind 5- 48
Grade 1- 39
Grade 2- 37
Grade 3- 40
Grade 4- 42
Grade 5- 36
Grade 6- 46
Club Period Introduced on Fridays
Students in grades 3-6 will once again be involved in Clubs during the last period of the day on Fridays. Thirteen faculty members and one senior volunteer are coordinating different clubs including soccer, football, dance, duct tape crafts, fall crafts, movie maker, cheerleading, and knitting. Students were introduced to the club offerings on Friday, August 29th and signed up for the clubs of their choice earlier last week. The first club period of the year was held on Friday. New clubs will be introduced each quarter as we make our way through the year.
New Children’s School Faculty and Staff
I want to officially welcome Mrs. Veronica Hunt (Grades 5-6 Learning Support) to our faculty and staff. Ms. Debra Grossman has also joined the staff as an IU9 paraprofessional assigned to the autism classroom.
The 2013-2013 Children’s School Faculty: (by grade/subject and name)
K4-grade 6- Guidance Counselor- Mrs. Kim Eckenrode
K4- Ms. Mary Kitch and Ms. Daphne Ransom
Kindergarten- Mrs. Joan Martin and Mrs. Darla Kosa
First Grade- Mrs. Theresa Graves and Mrs. Nicole Daniels
Second Grade- Mrs. Wendy Hamilton and Mrs. Jessica Knowles
Third Grade- Mrs. Angie Lewis and Mrs. Jocelin Hoven
Fourth Grade- Ms. Sue VanDusen and Mr. Ben White
Fifth Grade- Mrs. Tina Misner (Language Arts and Social Studies);
Mrs. Jaime Slawson (Math and Science)
Sixth Grade- Mrs. Cindy Cowburn (Math and grade 6 Social Studies);
Ms. Tracy Weiss(grade 6 Language Arts and Science)
Grade K-3 Intervention and ESL support- Mrs. Susan Ransom
K-grade 4 Learning Support- Mrs. Katelyn McKosky
Grades 5-6 Learning Support- Mrs. Veronica Hunt
Physical Education Mr. Jeff Barber
Art Education/Enrichment Mrs. Robyn Smelko
*Miss Lisa Baker will be Art/Enrichment until Mrs. Smelko returns from maternity leave (October 2014).
Music Education/Jr-Sr High Chorus- Mrs. Abby Boka
Library Science- Mrs. Casey Cady
Grades 4-6 Band Mrs. Lindsey Smeenk
Blended Schools- Mrs. Mindy Stephens
School Nurse- Mrs. Martha Pennell
Paraprofessional Staff Members: (by grade level and/or assignment)
Mrs. Jean Collins- Grades K-3
Mrs. Bev Freeman- K4
Mrs. Patty Barber- K-6 Learning Support Paraprofessional
Mrs. Brenda Lehman- Grades K-3
Ms. Darlene Passmore- K4
Mrs. Sue Plumstead- Grades K-6, Office Support
IU9 Faculty/Support Staff
Life Skills Support(IU appointed)- Miss Rachel Palidino
Autistic Support (IU appointed)- Ms. Angela Jackson
Speech and Language Support(IU appointed)- Mrs. Misty Torrey
Mrs. Patti Abbey- Life Skills (IU appointed)
Mrs. Sandy Baker- Life Skills (IU appointed)
Ms. Debra Grossman- Autistic Support Paraprofessional (IU appointed)
Mrs. Jackie Willow- Life Skills (IU appointed)
New Morning Routine Running Smoothly
I am happy to report that our new morning routine is running smoothly. As I mentioned at last week’s work session, our morning arrival procedures were becoming a bit chaotic; we had many adults entering the building to take children to classrooms during the morning student arrival. This in itself was not really an issue except that in many cases we were violating our own building security protocol by allowing anyone to enter the building without cause. We do not want parents to misunderstand our reasons for asking them say “goodbye” to their children at the main entrance, except to tell them that it is for the safety and security of all students that come to our school. The morning arrival is staffed by six staff members, who welcome and greet all students and parents that have been arriving each morning. Parents that need to enter the building during morning arrival are asked to sign in at the office and take a visitor’s pass with them upon entering the school.
February News
Grade 4 Academic Awards
Academic Excellence: Tanyon Brown, Alexandra Bryant, Wyatt Holley, Madison Hoopes, Shelby Nelson, Hannah Crawford.
Academic Achievement: Jake Bartoo, Megan Button, Abbie Cady, Christian Fuller, Britney Hauber, Megan Hyde, Joseph Johnson, Cale Kosa, Courtney Martin, Briana Mattison, Alyssa Rumsey, Shalynn Rupert, Nathan Slawson, Ben Torrey
Honorable Mention: Hannah Butkiewicz, Rylee Copp, Riley Gertzen, Haley Graves, Brooke Harris, Kiara Jordan, Daniel Keim, Kaden Mattison, Shae McGinty
Grade 5 Academic Awards
Academic Excellence: Guy Dunn, Carter Anderson, Audrianna Torrey, Zach Wright
Academic Achievement: Megan Byron, Logan Crawford, Catie Crowner, Ryan Langworthy, Rebecca Nederfield, Blade Pollock, Xanadu Rumsey, Tre Slawson, Trevor Burdick, Tristan Ditzler, Austin Endress, Autumn Hemphill, Matt Kio, Ricky Kunselman, Deonna Snyder, Ali Stebbins, Conner Wright
Honorable Mention: Collin Crippen, Chris Gibble, Mary Lincoln, Amber McAndrews, Devon Proctor, Tristan Schlesing, Cooper Soule, AJ Tomak, Nick Wright, Dylan Button, Raiden Cox, Adric Howell, Trevor Kio, Patrick Lehman, Tayden Richard
Grade 6 Academic Awards
Academic Excellence: Alyssa Burchell, Courtney Fox, Mackenzie Gertzen, Savannah Herring, Foster Kosa, Melissa Lehman, John Lewis, Caitlyn Magarigal, Morgan Palmatier, Danielle Perry, Ezra Sprow, Gianna Tilton
Academic Achievement: Clay Cady, Clarissa Crowner, Anglea DeBockler, Emma Kosa, Aaron (AJ) Lehman, Jordan McClellan, Mitchell Perovich, Hannah Preston, Gavin Soule, Samantha Vannatter
Honorable Mention: Jacob Boden, Leoncio Diaz, Alyssa Hoopes, Dallas Knauer, Hope Porcuri, Preston Proctor, Travis Snyder, Austin Wheater, Haley Wheeler
K’NEX STEM Team Competition
Four teams made up of 15 fourth, fifth, and sixth graders competed in this year’s Local K’NEX STEM Challenge. STEM is an acronym referring to the fields of study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The term is typically used in addressing education policy and curriculum choices in schools from kindergarten through college to improve competitiveness in technology development. Teams were challenged to create an environmentally friendly people mover made of no more that 1,400 K’NEX pieces. Students worked on their STEM projects for four weeks and faced off at the local challenge on Wednesday, February 12, 2014. Students involved in the after-school program were: (Grade 4) Jacob Bartoo, Tanyon Brown, Alexandra Bryant, Riley Gertzen, and Cale Kosa; (Grade 5) Hailey Knickerbocker, Ryan Langworthy, Blade Pollock, and Tre Slawson; (Grade 6) Clay Cady, Melissa Lehman, Jordan McClellan, Anthony McCutcheon, Preston Proctor, and Austin Wheater. Two local challenge winning teams will go on to compete at the Seneca Highland IU9 Competition on March 3rd.
Spring 2013 IU 9 Song Fest and Band Fest Students Announced
Mrs. Abby Boka announced this year’s Song Fest students. Song Fest students are: Clarissa Crowner, Courtney Fox, Hope Porcuri, Caitlyn Magarigal, Gianna Tilton, Jordan McClellan, and Samantha Vannatter. This year’s Song Fest will be held Bradford on Thursday, May 1st.
Mrs. Lindsey Smeenk also announced this year’s Band Fest students. Band Fest students are: Emma Kosa, Gianna Tilton, Mackenzie Gertzen, Alyssa Burchell, Savannah Herring, Melissa Lehman, Danielle Perry, and Jacob Boden. The IU 9 Band Fest will be held at Cameron County on May 22, 2014.
PSSA Testing Schedule
Northern Potter Children’s School Spring 2014 PSSA Testing Schedule
Grades 3-6 PSSA Reading and Math, Tuesday, March 25- Friday, March 28
Grade 5 PSSA Writing, Tuesday, April 1 and Tuesday, April 2
Grade 4 PSSA Science, Tuesday, April 29 and Wednesday, April 30
We ask parents to please be sure that students get plenty of rest during PSSA testing windows. Feel free to call Mr. Morgan,
Principal, or Mrs. Eckenrode, Guidance Counselor, or any of your child’s classroom teachers with your questions! The school phone number is
848-7563.
School-Wide Positive Behavior Paw Buck Assembly and Fun-in-the-Snow Day, January 31, 2014
Students were treated to a School-Wide Positive Behavior Paw Buck Assembly and Fun-in-the Snow Day on Friday, January 31. To start the day, the students and staff gathered in the new gym for our positive behavior assembly. Since September students have been earning “Paw Bucks” for displaying good behavior, earning good grades, keeping good attendance, and so forth. Students were able to use their Paw Bucks to “purchase” items at our Paw Buck Store, and their Paw Bucks were entered into our Positive Behavior Paw Buck drawing. The assembly featured students’ names being drawn from the Paw Buck bin. Students whose names were selected earned a chance to play a fun game to win from an assortment of prizes. Games featured included: Let’s Make a Deal, Hula Hoop Hoopla, To Tell the Truth, Ping Pong Ball Relay, and High Roller. The next positive behavior assembly is being planned for mid-late May.
After lunch, students were given the opportunity to go sled riding, fort building, and so on with their classmates on the property that surrounds our school.
Students Sell Bracelets in support of the American Cancer Society
In early January, two fourth grade students, Hannah Butkiewicz and Brianna Mattison, requested doing a service project in January. It was decided that they could sell their handmade bracelets and all proceeds would go to the local chapter of the American Cancer Society. The girls earned $25 for their efforts.
January News
Peace Week Held- December 3rd-December 6th
Sixth-grade student, Hannah Preston, spoke with Mrs. Kim Eckenrode, elementary school guidance counselor about her idea of having a “peace day” in memory of Ms. Darlene Sitler. She expressed her feelings, that others too might also be experiencing similar feelings. Mrs. Eckenrode took Hannah’s ideas and gathered some input from other students, Danni Perry, Samantha Vannatter, and Mary Lincoln, and in a very short time, “Peace Week,” became reality.
A kickoff assembly was held beginning at 8:30 on Tuesday, December 3rd. Mrs. Eckenrode began the assembly by telling the student body the background behind peace week. Mr. Morgan then read, Don’t Pop Your Cork on Monday. The students were then shown several stress relief techniques followed by a short video. Everyone joined together in singing, Let There Be Peace on Earth.
Finally, four peace week project ideas were initiated. In the main hallway, a “peace tree” was planted! (Thanks Mrs. Lewis) where students were able to write and share their wish for peace on a dove and then tape it to the tree. During the week, sixth-graders: Foster Kosa, Mitchell Perovich, Anthony McCutcheon, Leo Diaz, Jake Boden, Dallas Knauer, and Austin Wheater performed a puppet show on conflict resolution to students in K4, K, and 1. It was recorded for access by other grade levels. Students were also encouraged to write a “peace” poem and type it. All poems were collected and made into a Peace Poem book for the library. A peace poster contest was also announced and a winning poster, drawn by fourth grader, Hannah Butkiewitz, will adorn the cover of the poetry book.
Peace Doves made for the school by the parishioners at the First United Presbyterian Church in Coudersport were also displayed in the main hallway. Throughout the week, student government officers shared a “peace quote of the day” during announcements each morning.
PTO-Santa’s Workshop
The PTO once again sponsored PTO-Santa’s Workshop at the Children’s School during the week before Christmas, December 9-12. All of our students were scheduled to visit the workshop and purchase gifts for parents and relatives. I especially want to thank all the PTO volunteers: Alicia White, Jennifer Lehman, Wendy Erickson, Shelly and John Taylor, Lisa Soule, and Susan Nicholas, for their smiling faces and wrapping efforts in making the workshop run smoothly. This is an event that is truly enjoyed by our students.