In celebration of Fire Prevention Week, the Warwick Fire Department visited Sanfordville Elementary School. Kindergarten through second grade students listened to firefighters talk about staying safe at home by recognizing the differences between toys and tools. Firefighters demonstrated the Stop, Drop, and Roll procedures. Students toured the fire trucks and were excited to spray the fire hose. Our students loved receiving a plastic fire hat and other treats courtesy of our local fire department. Thank you Warwick Fire Department!!!
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Last year, Mrs. Connolly had organized a “Boodle Box” drive here at Sanfordville. Students and staff filled over 46 boxes with snacks, goodies, and toiletries that were packed up and sent to soldiers in Afghanistan. The American soldiers were so appreciative they sent a very special American Flag to the Sanfordville family. The picture that accompanied the flag read: The accompanying American flag was flown aboard AH-64D Apache, 09-05434, in support of the Global War On Terrorism, Train, Advise, Assist and Command East, Afghanistan on the 22nd of March, 2016, by a member of Alpha Troop, 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division “Silver Spurs”.
It was quite an honor to receive this flag, you can actually see it in the picture being flown in the window of the Apache helicopter. Our students were very excited and asked if we can collect more goodies again this year. Over 500 guests spent the evening of Friday, September 23rd at our Back to School BBQ. The PTA treated families to hamburgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, corn and watermelon served up in our cafeteria. Students had a great time hanging out on picnic blankets, playing games and having fun on the playground. Thank you to our PTA for an awesome night!
Wednesday, September 21st was International Peace Day. The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly to coincide with its opening session. Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on this day. The U.N. has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. Our students were challenged to think about what they could do to encourage peace in their classrooms, school, home, community, and world. They were reminded each one of them can make a difference!
Students and staff celebrated and promoted peace and non-violent behaviors. Students gathered for a presentation about peace and visited our Peace Wall Garden on the grounds of Sanfordville. Mrs. Braxton, former PIE teacher and Family Central presenter shared a slideshow with students about the history of the Peace Wall Memorial and it’s creation 15 years ago. They had the opportunity to visit the Peace Wall as well. This event served as a kick-off to a school and community campaign to revitalize the Peace Wall Garden. On September 9th, the first Friday of the month. Sanfordville staff and students celebrated the the first Spirit Day of the year. Purple and gold filled the cafeteria as Mrs. Maraia and Mrs. Connolly held a “Welcome Back Assembly” for each grade level. Students were treated to a read-aloud of the children’s book, What Do Principals Do When No One is Looking, by Jim Grant and Irv Richardson. Reading to students helped reinforce the expectations for the year. Mrs. Maraia and Mrs. Connolly led the discussion with students about Sanfordville’s academic and behavioral expectations. They stressed the focus on reading and writing and the importance of developing their writing skills as they become talented young authors. Students raised their hands to visually survey the number of books they had read over the summer. Students were reminded the more books they read, the smarter they become… without even trying. Together as a group, they shared our P.A.W.S. behavioral expectations. Students identified what it looked like to be polite, to be accountable, to make wise choices, and to practice safety first. Students learned about working together to earn rewards for their class and for their school. Students and teachers were very receptive to this quick half-hour kick off. Please join us for our Back to School Nights. Each grade level will meet in the cafeteria at the specified time below for a brief welcome meeting. Parents will then be directed to their child's classroom.
September 22, 2016
Within days of the start of school, our teachers had launched their writing unit. Referencing the anchor text, A Writer’s Notebook by Ralph Fletcher, teachers were off encouraging students to think what authors write about. They shared that authors write about what they know, want to know, or what they wonder. Teachers got students thinking about who they are, their likes, and their talents. Students were quickly writing to share thoughts and ideas.
On September 6th, teachers and staff welcomed students to the 2016-17 school year at Sanfordville. Students were excited to see their new classrooms and were quite impressed with the learning environments their teachers had created for them. The new look of learning includes interactive TV’s, alternative seating options, collaborative tables at various heights, comfortable and inviting classroom libraries, anchor charts and posters as resources, writing centers, white board walls and tables, and even full wall chalk boards.
One 4th grade teacher shared, “I can’t believe what a difference having a stocked classroom library and a cozy reading area has made already. It’s the third day of school, and my students are well into their first book.” Another shared, “Day 3 and our writing launch is underway… what a great start to the year!” You are cordially invited to a "Meet the Teacher" open house at Sanfordville Elementary School. Stop in to find your classroom, meet your teacher and drop off your supplies. Please visit your child's classroom any time during the specified time frames.
Monday, August 29th 11:00-1:00 pm for PIE 2/3 Cutler only Thursday, September 1st... 2:00-2:30 pm for PIE K/1 Friday, September 2nd... 9:00-10:00 am for Grades 3, 4 and PIE 2/3 and 4/5 Friday, September 2nd... 12:00-1:00 pm for Grades K, 1, 2 See you then! Happy Summer! I hope you are having a wonderful summer and are resting up for an exciting and challenging school year. I cannot wait to hear the children’s stories of summer fun. Regardless if they have traveled around the world to a faraway land, explored the mountains, beaches or big cities of the United States, or created lasting memories in their backyards in Warwick, I can guarantee the stories will be priceless! I visited Bar Harbor, Maine for the first time. Acadia National Park is breathtaking!
The Maraia Family at Thunder Hole, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine. |
AuthorMrs. Johnna Maraia, is the Principal of Sanfordville Elementary School in Warwick Valley Central School District in Warwick, New York. Archives
August 2018
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