Stone Bank School
Reaching Out ~ 9-18-20
Dear Stone Bank Families,
Five days in a row - we did it! We are celebrating the end of our third week of school, and our first five day week. We are working hard to "Stay Safe to Stay Open" - and understand that your continued support is a big part of our success. We are committed to sharing information and transparency - please check out our district COVID-19 data dashboard here.
Despite the things that make the 2020-21 school year unique, so much remains the same. We are reading, we are exploring, and we are supporting students as they work each day to be an empowered learner.
Please take a minute to learn more about our PTO's Haunted Hustle Virtual Run. It's a great opportunity to enjoy the fall weather and support our amazing school. Check out this video, and the information below to learn more.
Thanks again - let's keep working to be #bettertogether!
Andrew Joseph
Associate Principal
Time Spent Reading........
The more reading children do, the more they will both see themselves, and grow as readers! It is recommended that beginning readers spend 15 -20 minutes reading each day (in addition to the reading they do at school). However, the amount of reading a child does is most important, not the amount of time he/she spends doing it. If a child spends 20 minutes reading a book that is very challenging, he/she will read less (in terms of the total number of words read) than if he/she spends the same 20 minutes reading “just right” books. A general rule of thumb is that readers in kindergarten and first grade should read for 10 minutes, second grade for 20, third for 30, and so on.
While 15 to 30+ (length of time will grow as your reader(s) grow) minutes is the recommended amount of reading, it is important to note that, if your child is interested in and enjoying what he/she is reading, encourage more time! However, we do not want children to become too tired. It takes a while for young, or out of shape readers to build up the stamina they need to read for longer periods of time. Be patient. Encourage a bit more time each night, and celebrate the growth.
Note that beginning readers generally benefit from reading to someone and many will not be interested in reading alone. Finding time to listen to your child read every day is important. Also, especially at the early stages of learning to read, reading will take energy and concentration. Therefore, it will be helpful to find a time when your child is not too tired and a place where he/she can read without too many distractions (such as the TV or other conversations) going on in the background.
You do not always need to be sitting right next to your child in order to listen to him/her read. You can ask him/her to read while you are driving, folding laundry, preparing meals, etc. If he/she needs help with a word, he/she can simply spell the word out for you.
Finally, many students will be bringing books home from school to read. Please take care to do a quick wipe down of the book with a disinfectant (not too wet) to ensure safety, or have your child(ren) wipe their hands with sanitizer, and then do a quick wipe down of the book Students will do the same with their books when they come back to school.
Famous author Kate DiCamillo once said, “Reading should not be presented to children as a chore or duty. It should be offered to them as a precious gift.” Thank you for giving the gift of time to read to your child(ren).
PTO Dinning/Take Out Nights Are Back
For now, our old stand-by, Culver’s, is on hold. But we have some amazing dinners for you right here in Stone Bank!
Join us first at Kim's:
Tuesday, September 29 - Dine in
Wednesday, September 30 - Take Out
Kim’s will donate 10% of total sales for both nights (including beverages). Those who feel comfortable dining at Kim's can dine inside or outside. They have outdoor tables and will have waitresses available to social distance outside for those who don't want to eat inside. There will be a code to enter for online ordering and then verbal communication for in person dining and phone orders. Wednesday is their fried chicken special which is great for take out, but the whole menu is included in our fundraiser sales!
Stone Bank Farm Market:
Tuesday, October 20th
Join us for Grab-’n-go pre-order meals. Order online in advance. October meal is take-and-bake pasta (Bolognas sauce and a vegetarian option), bread, salad and cookies. Feeds a family of 4 for $42, with 15% donated to SBS!
We will send out more details shortly, but Mark Your Calendars!!!
More dates and restaurants coming each month!
Meet the Staff
Thank you for welcoming me into the Stone Bank School District community. I am looking forward to working with the students as well as all the people who are part of that process. I have taught middle school science for many years and enjoy working with the middle school age students the most. I bring years of experience in science education as well as the business world as an investment consultant, meteorologist and marine scientist. I even forecasted the weather for the Brewers World Series games back in the day and have run marine biology excursions to the Caribbean.
Over the first couple of weeks you may have been asked by your child about paper rockets, tape, water bottles and other topics. We have started the year in class focusing on the Scientific Method and how to “do science”. I encourage the students to have an inquisitive mind and ask questions. Please do not hesitate to ask your child questions about their science studies in class. Also know that if you have a question of me, please contact me via email, phone, or in person. I would be happy to answer any questions.
Thanks again for all that everyone has done to make me feel welcome and comfortable in my role here.
Sincerely,
John Rheineck
PTO Sponsored - SBS Haunted Hustle
https://runsignup.com/Race/WI/Oconomowoc/SBSHauntedHustleVirtual
Where: You choose
When: Anytime between October 16-18
Shirts are only guaranteed if you register by September 30th.
Make sure to post your before, during, and after pictures to our Facebook page.
Unity Day 2020
Stone Bank School is going to celebrate
Unity Day
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
What is Unity Day? It’s a day that 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 together against bullying and united for kindness, acceptance and inclusion.
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. Wear ORANGE to school on Wednesday, Oct. 21st. It can be an orange T-shirt, hat, wristband, socks, or even shoelaces.
**We encourage staff and students who do not have an orange t-shirt to wear, or are looking for one, to buy a PACER exclusive 2020 UNITY DAY shirt available for $12.00 at represent.com/pacer They do have youth sizes.
**Order before 9/25 to ensure it arrives before Oct. 21st!
We will also have each classroom create and sign an ORANGE banner to represent that day. The banner will be a pledge that we are a school that believes...“Together Against Bullying — United for Kindness, Acceptance, and Inclusion!”
You can find all of this information and much more by visiting www.pacer.org/bullying/nbpm/unity-day.asp
Questions? Please contact Mrs. Zdrojewski, School Counselor: k.zdrojewski@stonebank.k12.wi.usWeekly Planner
Monday, September 21
Board of Education Meeting 6:00pm
Tuesday, September 22
Wednesday, September 23
Thursday, September 24
Task Force Meeting 7:00pm
Friday, September 25
Monday, September 28
Tuesday, September 29
Wednesday, September 30
Thursday, October 1
Task Force Meeting 7:00pm
Friday, October 2