Ripley Central School Elementary
News and Updates for our RCS Families . . . . . 1/23/15
2nd grade math
Second graders used their new place value disks to add and subtract two 2 and 3 digit numbers. Students are also used their place value mats to build numbers and apply strategies to solve math puzzles(problems) that include renaming . Second graders use these math tools to investigate math concepts moving from the concrete to pictorial form, leading them eventually to become fluent in addition/ subtraction regrouping in the abstract/vertical written form. A big thanks to Mrs. Wheeler for providing us with new place value disks so that every student could have their own to work on our math skills and to teacher, Mrs. Weakley for incorporating them into the lessons and helping the students explore with their Ripley Scholar Strength of Curiosity!
Penn State Behrend Planetarium and Engineering Department Visit
Students in grades 1 – 6 visited Yahn Planetarium this week on the campus of Penn State Behrend. From viewing the night sky to learning about 2 pieces of glass, from exploring the cosmic colors to blasting off in a rocket – students acquired interesting information at the Planetarium. Families can visit, too, on Thursday and Saturday afternoons at 1:00 PM; there is also a special children’s program, Saturdays at 2:30 PM. For more information on this or other programs such as birthday parties, Dinner Under the Stars, or group programs, call Jim Gavio, Yahn Planetarium director, at 814-898-7268. Please visit our Facebook page for more pictures from our visits to Penn State University, The Behrend College in Erie, PA.
While on the campus of Penn State Behrend, students in grades 3 - 6 also visited the Burke Center and investigated the world of engineering, under the direction of Melanie Ford, Director of Youth Education Outreach and Engineering K-12. Ms. Ford talked to the students about the diversity of engineering careers and then gave all students the opportunity to create snap circuits. Following detailed charts, students were able to create circuits; one turned on a light bulb and another played the tune Happy Birthday. These snap circuit kits offered a hundred ideas, and students were encouraged to experiment with their own designs as well. Students learned that engineers affect our lives daily, and a few students were even heard to say; "Now I know what I want to do when I grow up!"
App Shuffle
The second grade students recently helped with updating the LeapPad2 tablets. Each student suggested what apps s/he would like added or removed from the device that s/he typically used. The apps are able to be “shuffled” from one device to another. Some students requested that a game on which they had completed all the levels be moved to another’s student’s tablet. Some asked to have an app that they enjoyed on another tablet be added to theirs. In this way the apps are able to be shared and used more efficiently. This rotation process ensures that the devices are used efficiently and that interest in using them for educational purposes continues.
If your child is in kindergarten, first, or second grade and has not yet joined the LeapPad2 Club, please contact Mrs. Loretta Miller (716-736-2631 or lmiller@ripley.wnyric.org) to let her know what times you are available to attend the required workshop session with your child. Once a member, the student is able to borrow a LeapPad2 to take home.
Our Library needs YOU!
Volunteer!
Ripley Central School Library is looking for volunteers to help shelf books. We have been fortunate to be able to add so many wonderful books to our library collection, but we need some extra hands to get our books on the shelves for our students to find. Please contact
RCS librarian, Ms. Sarah Funka to schedule your time by calling: 716-736-2631 or email: sfunka@ripley.wnyric.org.
Welcome to our new Student Teacher, Miss Abendschein
Michigan Model Update
In our Michigan Model health program, students are learning all about safety, including sun and water safety, safety at home, public, internet, and personal safety. The students will be learning the strategies for staying safe while playing outdoors such as wearing sunscreen and swimming pool/beach rules. They will be able to analyze situations they may face and become prepared for what to do in a dangerous or scary situation. They will also be able to identify the difference between safe and inappropriate touch and the rules for telling an adult when something feels uncomfortable. If you have any questions about this unit, please contact Michigan Model teachers, Ms. Harrier (grades 1, 4, 5, 6) or Mr. Rowe (grades K, 2, 3), at school, 716-736-2631.
If you would like to know more, family resource sheets are available at the school.
Did you know you could earn money for us when you shop at Walmart?
3rd Annual Ripley Youth Wrestling Novice Tournament
When: Sunday February 1, 2015
Where : Ripley Central School, Ross Street, Ripley NY 14775
Please note this is for 1st and 2nd year wrestlers only!
Breakfast and lunch will be available in the cafeteria all day
Admission Fee: Adults $3.00 Students $1.00 Children under 4: Free
Wrestling begins at 9:30 AM
Pre-Registration: $15.00 / entrance form received before January 28th 201
Walk-in Registration: $20.00
CALENDAR
Saturday.......January 24.............Battle on the Lake, Youth Wrestling Qualifier Tournament
Saturday.......January 24.............9 AM - 1 PM Hands On Science Fun - RCS Students Welcome!
Friday............January 30.............ExpERIEnce Children's Museum, PreK & Kindergarten
Sunday..........February 1............3rd Annual Ripley Youth Wrestling Novice Tournament
Wednesday...February 4............The Lightning Thief - On Stage for Youth - Grades 4-6
Thursday.......February 5............Bayhawks Basketball, Erie Insurance Arena, ASP Incentive
Friday.............February 13..........* Early Dismissal 1:00 PM - Parent Conferences
Monday.........February 16..........No School/Building closed - President's Day
Monday.........March 2.................Read Across America Day!
Thursday.......March 19..............Author Sandra Philipson and her dogs will be here today!
Mon. - Fri.......March 23 - 27.......No School - Spring Break!!!
Friday.............April 3...................No School/Building closed - Good Friday
* Please note: There is NO After School Program on Early Dismissal Days
Reminder:
Mon. - Fri.......January 5 - 30, 2015...Dental Van at Dunkirk School #3 Call: 1-866-254-0052