Sherwood Spirit
February 2018
From Mr. Walerstein's Desk
Dear Parents and Guardians,
It is hard to believe that we are at the halfway point of the school year. The time is flying by, and hopefully warmer weather is just around the corner.
This past January, we celebrated the students who participated in this year's PTA Reflections contest. Students created projects in the areas of visual arts, photography, literature, and music for this year's theme, "Within Reach". Congratulations to all of the student participants (see photo):
Photography
Ella Evans
Kieran Freelin
Arthur Hampson
Riley Haynes
Alyssa Muschenick
Literature
Jenna Haug
Brady Nash
Eve Schnatz
Music
Olivia Johnson
Lena Schwarz
Visual Arts
Jenna Haug
Riley Haynes
Matthew Levy
Carver Mason
Rylee Moran
A special congratulations to Lena Scwarz who received an Award of Excellence in the area of musical composition at the primary level for Suffolk County, and congratulations to Olivia Johnson who received an Award of Excellence in the area of musical composition at the intermediate level for Suffolk County. Both students now move on for judging at the State level. Best of luck to both students!
In January, our PTA also hosted a Bingo Night Family Fun Night. This was a fun time for all that participated. Guest callers included faculty and staff members from Sherwood. We must thank our 5th grade student council students and National Honor Society students from Islip High School for helping out, and of course our wonderful PTA for putting this event together.
This month, we will also have P.A.R.P. (Pick a Reading Partner). This year's theme is "Go For the Gold" and has reading activities pertaining to this month's Winter Olympics. Packets should be going home shortly. We look forward to students participating in this event!
Moving into February, our Habit of the Month will be Habit 4: Think Win-Win. This habit teaches students to focus on what other people want, and not just what they want. Thinking win-win allows students to problem solve when an issue comes up with another person, and helps students realize that being kind to others matters.
We wish everyone a great month. As a reminder, all Islip Public Schools will be closed from February 19-23 for Mid-Winter Recess. See you next month.
Warmest Regards,
Chad Walerstein
Principal
5th Grade Vanderbilt Planetarium Field Trip
From the Gymnasium with Mr. Ruccia & Mr. Orlick
Jump Rope for Heart will take place the week of February 13th. Students will participate in a school-wide event that helps raise money for the American Heart Association. Each student in the school will learn the importance of exercise and healthy living, as well as participate in a variety of fitness activities. The students will also learn the benefits of donating to a good cause.
Congratulations to Devan Lange, Caitlin Barnes, Nikko Rodriguez, and Kieran Freelin for winning the Sherwood Sharp Shooter Contest. On March 3rd they will participate in the Town of Islip's Sharpshooter Contest at East Islip High School. This is a town-wide event where students participate in a timed basketball-shooting contest. Good luck and congratulations to all the students on a job well done!
News from the Health Office — An Important Reminder
New York State Education Law requires that all students entering school for the first time, and again in 2nd and 4th grade, receive a physical examination.
If I do not receive a physical examination form from your family physician, your child will be scheduled for a physical examination with Dr. Donatelli, our school physician, on Friday, March 23rd. If you do not wish your child to be examined by Dr. Donatelli, please notify me of an appointment date your child may have with your family physician.
If you have any questions, please contact me at (631) 650-8675. Thank you for your continued support.
-Ann Marie Ferry, R.N.
From the Art Room
Patterns, Pies and Wonky Pumpkins!! On Wednesday January 31st several Sherwood students were recognized for their creative achievements in the art room. They are among a select few whose works have been highlighted at the "District Art Show" which was on display in the Islip High School auditorium lobby. Congratulations on your achievement!
Kelsi Breslin
Judeline Daniel
Hannah Dolan
Lily Dolan
Isabella Field
Ali Guzman
Collin Haug
Shea LaGiglia
Devan Lange
Christopher Pernice
Aimee Rich
Alexander Stephenson
Carissa Zaneski
Genius Hour with Mr. Senese
Mr. Senese's Fourth Graders spent the last eight weeks formulating an inquiry based question and designing a project to answer it. This week they presented their results in their Genius Hour Presentations.
PTA News
Can you believe it is already February!! Sherwood PTA has some wonderful events planned in the upcoming months.
SES Bingo Night on Friday, January 26th was a huge success and a fun event for all. A special thanks to Mr.Walerstein, Mr.Kunsch, Ms.Sinclair, Mr.Ruccia and Ms. Markee for being our VIP Bingo callers. Thank you for all the donations and support. We are looking forward to another family fun event in the Spring, so stay tuned!
PARP 2018 SES Reading Olympics starts February 5th. Our theme this year is “Go for the
Gold”. Watch for more information to come home with all the fun events we have planned. Go Team Sherwood!
Remember to keep sending in your box tops! We have raised approximately $700 so far this year. We want to reach our fundraising goal this year of $3000. With the money we earn from box tops this year we will purchase a rock climbing wall for the gym.
Our spring Book Fair will be March 14th - March 16th. Our theme is “Paws for Reading". The Family Night Event will be Wednesday, March 14th, 5-8 pm. There are some great new books to choose from.
Join us for “Sherwood’s Night of the Stars” talent show on Wednesday, March 28th at Islip Middle School. We have some great acts this year and can’t wait to see the show.
Throughout the year, the PTA will provide many programs and events for your kids that will be fun and educational. Your PTA membership helps fund these programs. It will also make sure that you stay up to date on PTA and other school events throughout the year. There are many opportunities to volunteer. Remember, no one can do everything, but everyone can do something!
Please join us at our next PTA meeting of the new year on Tuesday , March 6th in the Sherwood Library. We will be inviting the first-grade parents from Wing Elementary to join us and see all that Sherwood PTA offers our students. We will also start planning our activities for the end of the year. Sign up for important updates from the Sherwood PTA with the Remind App. Text the message @sespta17 to the number 81010.
Any questions, please feel free to email us at SherwoodPTA@aol.com.
FOLLOW-UP TO POLICE SMART PRESENTATION
"Think You Know What Your Kids Are Doing Online? Think Again"
Common Sense Media is the leading independent non-profit organization dedicated to helping kids thrive in a world of media and technology. The article, "Think You Know What Your Kids Are Doing Online? Think Again" provides parents with statistics and tips for learning more about the electronic footprints of their children. The article can be accessed be clicking HERE. Enjoy!
Habit of the Month
Drop-Off Reminders
Dates to Remember
2/1: Friends of the Arts Meeting - 7:30 pm; IHS Community Room
2/2: Sweetheart Dance (SEPTA) - 6:30 pm; IMS
2/5: Parents as Reading Partners (PTA) - runs through 2/16
2/8: High School Musical (runs through 2/12)
2/9: 100th DAY OF SCHOOL!
2/13: Board of Education Meeting - 7:30 pm; CRES
2/14: Happy Valentine's Day!
2/15: District Art Show - 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm; IHS
2/16: Student Assembly with Author Brian Heinz (PTA)
2/16: Sweetheart Dance (snow date) (SEPTA) - 6:30 pm; IMS
2/19: Presidents Day Mid-Winter Recess (through 2/23)
2/27: Board of Education Meeting - 7:30 pm; IMS
3/2: EXCEL Fundraiser, Long Island Nets; Nassau Coliseum
Getting Ready for Winter Weather
Should the opening of school be delayed, school canceled, or students dismissed early, families may expect a timely announcement to that effect via automated telephone message and on the following television, radio stations, and websites:
TV NEWS CHANNEL 12
FIOS 1 News
WALK FM - 97.5 FM
WALK AM - 1370 AM
WHLI - B103 FM
WBAB - 102.3 FM
WBLI - 106.1 FM
Reminder: If school is closed or dismissed early, all after-school music and extra-help are cancelled.