Dexter Elementary Newsletter
415 East Grove Street Dexter, NY 13634 Phone: (315) 779-2300
A letter from your principal
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As the end of the year is upon us, please be sure to check our monthly calendar for end of year promotion assemblies, field trips, and other information. It will be a busy final month and we want to make sure you are kept up to date on everything that will be taking place. The last two days of the school year will be early dismissals and will be completed by 11:30 AM on June 20 and June 21. Students being picked up by a parent will be dismissed at 11:20 AM and students walking home or being bused will be released at 11:25 AM. Summer vacation officially starts on Friday, June 22, for students!!
With the nice weather finally here, students like to ride their bicycles to school. Please be sure you have filled out a bicycle riding permission slip and that your child has a properly fitting bicycle helmet. If your child does not have a helmet, he/she will not be able to ride his/her bicycle to or from school. If you need a form, please contact Mrs. Scordo in the main office and we will make sure one is sent home to you.
The Dexter Main office is open 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM during the summer. The District will be closed Wednesday, July 4. The 2018-19 school year will begin with Professional Development days for teachers and staff on Wednesday, August 29 and Thursday, August 30. Open House will be Wednesday, August 29, 2018 from 5:00-6:00 PM. School begins for students on Tuesday, September 4, 2018.
The students, teachers, staff, and parents of Dexter Elementary are terrific partners and I look forward to being able to continue these relationships next year. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns. Once again, thank you!
Sincerely,
Dave Ramie
CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR JUNE 2018
Mon-6/4-4th Grade NYS Science test
Wed-6/6-3rd and 4th Grade Field Days at Dexter
Thur-6/7-5th and 6th Grade Field Days at Dexter
-PTO Meeting-6pm
Fri-6/8-Law Enforcement Day for students-12:30-3:00
Mon-6/11-Board of Education Meeting at GB High School
Wed-6/13-6th Grade field trip, Boat Tour-9:30-2:00
-Mr. Hartle's Sportsmanship Trip
Thur-6/14-4th Grade field trip to Stone Mills-9:20-1:45
Fri-6/15-Pencil Down Day-9:45-12:00
-Yearbook handoout and signing
Tues-6/19-UPK Moving up program-9:30am
-1st Grade field trip to YMCA-9:40-12:00
-2nd Grade field trip to Minna Anthony Nature Center-9:30-1:00
-Kindergarten field trip to Thompson Park Zoo-9:30-1:30
Wed-6/20-Kindergarten Moving Up Program-10:30am
-1/2 Day for Students, dismissal at 11:30am
Thurs-6/21-6th Grade Promotion-9:30am
-1/2 Day for Students, dismissal at 11:30
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS!!!!!
Fri-6/22-LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR STAFF!!!!!
Pre-Kindergarten
It is so hard to believe that our year in PreK is coming to an end very soon. The children never cease to amaze us, and the amount they have grown, (emotionally, socially, educationally and physically) is immeasurable. We rounded out our year learning about animals, plants, and the habitats we find them in. On our field trip to the Orcesi farm, students learned about hay, got to feed and groom horses, and learned about the ins and outs of farm life. This hands-on experience, although simple, made a huge impression. As the students move on to kindergarten, I am sure they will carry with them these memories and many more!
Mrs. Zehr, Mrs. Travers, and Mrs. Vincent
Kindergarten
The Kindergarten year is coming to a close. All of the children have made great strides in their individual accomplishments and personal development. They have learned to apply problem solving skills in all aspects of their daily lives. Their kindness and empathy toward one another is heartwarming. The children are reading and writing to access information, as well as, communicate their own thoughts and feelings.
We will be continuing to work on our fluency of applications across the curriculum. In June, there will be several fun surprises in store for the children. Well-deserved rewards for working so hard throughout the past year!
It has been a pleasure working with your child this year!!
The Kindergarten Teachers
Ms. Biedekapp and Mrs. Bellinger
First Grade
It’s hard to believe, but the end of our school year is in sight. Your child has made so much progress in first grade. As we near summer break, we hope you will think about the skills your child has learned this year and that you will find ways to foster this growth throughout the summer. You may want to work on creating a summer bucket list with your child, be sure to include activities that are fun, but that can be educational too. Activities that incorporate reading, writing, math, and science will be great for keeping your child up to speed for second grade.
Mrs. St. Onge and Ms. Tyo
Second Grade
The end of the year will bring a lot of fun activities to 2nd grade! We are so excited for Pencils Down Day and our upcoming field trips! June is a very exciting month…we can’t believe we’re almost third graders!
Your child has grown and learned so much this year…here are some fun activities to keep your child’s brain in shape for 3rd grade!
* Visit the library for some books to read and audio books to listen to in the car!
* Use sidewalk chalk and create math problems to solve!
* Go to museums and visit local historical sites and festivals!
* Look online for fun outdoor science experiments to try with your family!
* Take pictures of your activities and keep a journal!
* Record all your summer adventures using markers and a t-shirt!
Have a wonderful summer!
Mrs. West and Mrs. Monroe
Third Grade
The Third Grade took part in the annual Dexter Elementary School Science Fair and Art Show. We had a lot of fun and enjoyed learning from fellow students about their projects. The third graders did a great job taking both the New York State English Language Arts and Mathematics exams in April and May.
Recently both classes participated in a Spaghetti/Marshmallow Challenge. Students worked in small groups to build the tallest structure in a fifteen minute time frame. They were allowed only fifteen large marshmallows and limitless spaghetti noodles. Everyone did a great job working together.
Mrs. Widrick from The Jefferson Historical Society visited our classroom, so we could learn what it was like before you could flip a switch and have electricity. We discovered that there are a lot of things that we use that require electricity and how much it has made our lives easier.
We are still working hard in all subject areas and currently trying to have every student master their multiplication facts before fourth grade! Summer is quickly approaching and we want to remind our third graders to continue reading. Please try to read for at least fifteen minutes each night and remember to choose books that are on your level. Also, continue to practice your math facts. This will make for an easier transition into the fourth grade.
Mrs. Ketcham and Mrs. Wiley
Fourth Grade
Fourth grade students have been busy, and this year has flown by! Students will take the New York State Science test June 4th, the last one of the year. Fourth graders have worked very hard to prepare for the state assessments, and also enjoyed the challenging experiments they were able to complete during the hands-on portion of the State Science Test.
Although students have been working hard, we’ve had some fun too. On May 24th we planted flowers on the Dexter Village Green as part of the village’s Memorial Day celebration. Students learned an important lesson on community service. We also learned that some of our students have green thumbs!!
Students have really enjoyed learning about colonial times in Social Studies. We are currently reading the novel Farmer Boy. Students also had the opportunity to listen to a historical society presentation about one room schoolhouses. Our end of the year field trip to Stone Mills on June 14th will allow students to experience some activities from Almanzo’s childhood firsthand.
As summer approaches many students’ minds are on the upcoming vacation. We hope all students have an active summer. We also hope students continue to read daily (the Dexter Free Library has great children’s books) and practice math facts on the rainy days. Have a great summer!
Mrs. Moore and Mrs. Paige
Fifth Grade
The end of the year is approaching quickly. Please encourage your child to stay on track this final marking period! Students did a great job on their science projects. We enjoyed seeing all their creative ideas!
Our Field Trip-Farm Home Safety Day Camp at Old McDonalds Farm was a fun filled day. Students were able to learn how to keep safe in a variety of situations. They were also able to have a little fun visiting the animals and touring the dairy. Thank you to the parents who helped out!
Important Dates for 5th Grade
Tuesday, June 5th – Social Studies Travel Journal Due
Wednesday, June 7th – Field Day
Thursday, June 8th - Social Studies Project Due
Friday, June 15th – Pencil Down Day
Tuesday, June 19th - Boldt Castle Field Trip
Mrs. Duffany, Mrs. Grey and Mrs. Vodicka
Sixth Grade
The sixth graders have been very busy in the past few months. Now that testing is over, things will be back to normal. Math has slowed down and students are doing work that will help with the first part of grade seven.
We have been reading a book titled, “World Without Fish,” in reading. We are discussing fish depletion in the oceans and its effects on our environment. The students have been assigned a massive project to parallel concerns with our rivers and lakes. Just ask your child what the project is about, and they will give you lots of information and their WEBSITES that show concerns for our waters!
In science students continue to study earth’s systems. They will be ending the year by classifying and testing rock samples. Believe it or not, this is a favorite with lots of hands on work!
In social studies we are into ancient Rome, another favorite with more myths, stories and mythology. Hopefully we will get to some other chapters on the Byzantine Empire as well as the Medieval times. These will wrap up the year for us.
Students will have a great opportunity to meet their new classmates for next year. We will be ending the year with a boat tour for all sixth graders in mid- June. This gives the students a chance to get to know some of the other students they will see next year!
We wish to thank all parents for their hard work this year as well as our PTO. We feel the students had some great experiences that were made possible by your help.
Grade 6 Tips for a Successful Summer
Big changes are right around the corner for sixth graders. In June, part 1 of the grade 7 orientation will be completed with a visit from one of the High School guidance counselors and a few students presently in junior high. Many questions will be answered during this time. Further information for tours and such will follow in summer.
There is much more that can be done this summer.
· Next year is a full schedule and lots of new activities. Talk to your student about new activities and get them thinking about sports or clubs they may wish to join.
· Junior high starts a bit earlier than Dexter Elementary—set those alarm clocks before school starts and get them in practice for an earlier day!
Have a great summer sixth graders! We are wishing you the best for next year!
Best of Luck!!
Ms. Aumell and Mrs. Connell
News from the Health Office
Immunization is Protection.
In May 2018, Parents/Guardians of
prospective 6th grade students
who were born on or after January 1, 1994 for the 2018/2019 school year will have received a letter about the need to be immunized with the Tdap vaccine. This is a requirement by New York State Department of Health. You have between now and September 2018 to find out when and if your child needs to be vaccinated.
All kids entering 7th and 12th grade
must have the meningococcal vaccine.
About the Vaccine:
• It’s not a new vaccine. It’s been recommended for a decade.
• Most parents already choose to vaccinate their children.
• What’s new is that the vaccine will be required for school entry
as of Sept. 1, 2016.
About Meningococcal Disease:
• It causes bacterial meningitis and other serious diseases.
• Teens and young adults are at greater risk.
• It comes on quickly and without warning.
• Its symptoms are similar to the flu.
• Every case of this disease can result in death or
long-term disability.
Check with your doctor. Even kids who have had a shot before may
need a booster to start school.
To learn more, visit
health.ny.gov/immunize
§ Here are some tips for managing the summer sun:
§ UV Rays are strongest in the middle of the day. Plan indoor activities at that time or look for shade to prevent sunburn.
§ Cover the skin with a shirt AND sunscreen to avoid sunburn!
§ Wear a hat – preferably one that covers the neck and ears. When wearing a baseball style hat, remember to apply sunscreen to the neck and ears.
§ Sunglasses protect eyes from UV rays. Look for sunglasses that wrap around and block nearly 100% of UV rays.
§ Use sunscreen! Use a sunscreen with at least a SPF of 15 and UVA/UVB protection.
§ This information and more is available at http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/chooseyourcover/guide.htm.
If you have any questions or concerns about the “happenings” in the
Dexter HealthOffice, give me a call at 779-2333.
Have a Healthy Summer!
Linda Gracey
School Nurse
Library News
Keep reading with your child and encourage your child to read at least 15 min every day!!!
Summer Reading Program:
· Dexter Free Library
· Flower Memorial Library
· Online summer reading program (email sent home)
· Will hand out summer reading bingo to students
Keep practicing typing skills.
The Book Swap is on! We are currently collecting gently used books to trade in for others in June during library class. Please send in your books in May so we can ready for the big swap!
--School age appropriate books only please.
--Limit to 10 books per student for swapping.
--Make sure you have/give permission to take books from home!
Mrs. Wietig and Mrs. Foss
Art News
Congratulations to Mrs. Monroe’s second grade class for earning this art field trip. You worked so hard all year long! I would also like to congratulate my artists who had their work in the Tri County Show: Maura Natali, Josslyn Lamon, Emma Marceau, Grace More, Jasmine Cavello, Kelsey Warner, Gracie Hughes, Xzavier Lyons, Jerek Shoemaker.
Thank you all for your continued support of the arts. Here at GB. I have so many thoughtful donors and volunteers who keep our program running strong. You are so appreciated!
I wish you all a creative summer!
Mrs. Majo
Josslyn Lamon
Gracie Hughes
Emma Marceau
Grace More
Physical Education News
Physical Education Classes have been working hard on improving their physical fitness. Students have been participating in exercises and games to increase muscular and cardiovascular endurance/strength.
The students in Physical Education class will be performing physical fitness tests in the month of May. Students are encouraged to practice physical fitness tests components on their own outside of school. Staying active now that the weather is finally cooperating hopefully is much easier.
Students in grades 4-6 will be participating in the Presidential Physical fitness Test. In this test Students fitness scores are compared against children their own age across the country. If a student is within the norm of fitness scores across the board they will receive a National Physical Fitness Award. If a student is above the norm they will receive a Presidential Physical Fitness Award, which is a high honor. The Physical Education Staff highly recommends parents to inquire about The Presidential Physical Fitness test to encourage participation.
Students in Grades K-3 participate in the Mr. Peanut Physical fitness assessment. Students are assessed in areas that encompass the near future Presidential Physical Fitness test areas. Students are encouraged to compete against their beginning of the school year scores and improve upon them at this time of year.
Students should be prepared to go outside everyday from now till the end of year. A warm sweatshirt, old sneakers, and old jeans/sweats may be a good idea on days that your child has Physical Education.
The Physical Education staff hopes that the nice weather allows everyone to get out and stay active.
Mr. Hartle
Music Room News
♩ ♬ ♩ ♬ ♩ ♬ ♩ ♬ ♩ ♬ ♩ ♬
· Kindergarteners have been singing songs about singing, like ‘Sing’ from Sesame St and ‘You Sing For Me’ from Music Connection.
· 1st graders have been learning some great folk tunes from the American south!
· 2nd graders have been exploring sound, soundscapes, and the different ways it’s possible to make music.
· 3rd graders have been learning about body percussion and hambone. Right now we’re working in groups to create our very own hand-clap skits!
· 4th graders have learned their last notes of the year, and are learning one final song that incorporates those notes. Over the summer, the students will need to keep their recorders safe, because we will continue to use them as 5th graders!
· 5th graders will be performing a recorder Suite called These, The Endangered for the 3rd graders, for their final class of recorders with me. What a great way to celebrate two great years learning the recorder!
· 6th graders are just finishing up their Genre posters. To finish out the year, they will be exploring the ukulele.
Congratulations to the Elementary bands & choirs, who gave a wonderful concert on May 22nd!
HAVE A MUSICAL SUMMER!!!!
Ms. Davis
Dexter PTO News
The school year is coming to a close, but the Dexter PTO is as busy as ever! All of the hard work our families and friends put into fundraising really shows this time of year. The kids in grades 3-6 really enjoyed the breakfast sandwiches on those long state testing mornings, and all the grades have PTO sponsored field trips coming up as the year draws to a close.
One of PTO’s biggest events is just a couple weeks away…Pencils Down Day! On June 15th students from all grades will have an entire day filled with games, contests, playing, snacks, and all kinds of fun! The 6th graders will celebrate their many years of hard work with their end of the year party that afternoon.
Next year PTO will have some new faces in its leadership roles. Officers for the 2018-2019 school year will be:
President: Jackie Orvis
Treasurer: Kim Shuler
Vice President: Mary Paige
Secretary: Amy Moore
Our Dexter PTO couldn’t do all this without the help and support of our Dexter Elementary families and friends! We are always looking for new volunteers and new ideas. If you are interested in joining the PTO or volunteering at an event, please like us on Facebook at DexterElementary PTO. And please check in with us at Open House in September…we hope to see you next year! J