I hope that all of you had some time over the February break to enjoy family time and have a little fun and relaxation. Right before break, we had our Sock Hop Celebration of Empathy. What a fantastic time our students and staff had! I know that teachers sent many pictures to you through Class Dojo. I'm putting together a slideshow and will send that along when it is done. The outfits, the dance moves, the laughter, and sheer joy on students' faces created lasting memories, and was simply good for the soul. The parent volunteers who came in to help set up, decorate, facilitate the party, and help clean up deserve a huge round of applause.

• Important Dates
• Math Matters in Every Career
• Term 2 Report Cards
• W.H.A.T. Grant Awarded
• In the Spotlight
• Glows, Grows, and Need to Knows
• PTO Corner

• 03/10/23 Math Matters In Every Career
• 03/15/23 No School - Teacher PD
• 03/17/23 Spirit Day - Wear Green or Rainbow Colors
• 03/22/23 Reschedule of Read Across America Assembly
• 03/29/23 Gr.3 Assembly - Space Exploration Laser Show
• 04/07/23 No School - Good Friday
• 04/11 & 13 ELA MCAS
• 05/16 & 18 Math MCAS

I am pleased to announce that we have been awarded the W.H.A.T. (Wilbraham-Hampden Academic Trust) Grant request that I submitted on behalf of our School Improvement Council. Our project, Learning Through Play, includes several outdoor games and conflict resolution tools, as well as STEM materials to use indoors. The goal is to increase and enhance students' opportunities to learn through play. Learning through play is essential to healthy child development. Through play, and with the use of educational toys, children learn many different skills they will need in their life such as: Problem solving; Cause and effect; Compromise; Conflict resolution; Development of fine and gross motor skills; Creativity and imagination; Independence; Positive self-esteem. Some of the outdoor items we will receive include a Gaga Ball Pit, a Funnel Ball hoop, a Peace Path, and an Air Flyer Teeter Totter. For indoor play, we will receive Q-Bits, Contraption Reactions, and several other 'brain teaser' puzzles and games. Once the items come in, I'll send a request for volunteers who might be interested in helping us set everything up. Thank you to our School Improvement Council and the good people at W.H.A.T. for their support. We all greatly look forward to bringing this project to life knowing that it will benefit, not only our current students, but all those to come in future years.

This Spotlight shines on a group of exceptional educators who have been nominated for the 2023 Grinspoon/Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award. Thanks to staff members and parents for taking the time to nominate several Stony Hill teachers. Of course, there are many nominees across the district and not everyone can win. But regardless of who takes home the award, our nominees will know that they are appreciated and that their efforts have been recognized. I'm probably a bit biased, but I firmly believe that each and every one of our Stony Hill staff members deserves an award for going above and beyond for our students.

You are invited to share some Glows; things we are doing well, Grows; suggestions on where we can improve, and Need to Knows; general questions pertaining to whole school practices. (Email is still best for questions concerning an individual student.) I hope you take a minute to offer your thoughts and ideas on things that are going well at school, and your suggestions and questions that will help us know better and do better. Thanks to those who have already sent messages!

Our Spirit Wear online store is open again! We heard from many families that accidentally missed the deadline for the last online shopping dates. So, we are opening the store again from 3/1 - 3/12. New items have been added.

There are still many events coming up this year, and it's never too early to start planning for next year. So, if you have interest in getting involved on any level, either this year or next, please reach out to Clarissa Tsim at ctsim02@gmail.com, and Jen Pelletier at JENNIFER.PELLETIER@libertymutual.com.