October 2023
Lewiston- Porter Intermediate Education Center
From the Principal's Office
We’re back! The first month back has been an exciting one. We hope that your family has had a fantastic start to the school year! We are delighted to share with you the opening first weeks of the new academic year. It was a great one! We have so much to be proud of and to look forward to. The first few weeks, the students and staff have a focus on school safety. They have been doing many fire drills, bus drills and we practiced our first lockdown drill with the LPD.
As we begin the 2023-24 school year at the Intermediate Education Center, we are committed to our school mission, One Purpose. Your Pathway. Our Promise. As a new school year begins, it allows us to work hand in hand with all families to ensure the very best for all children, in order to achieve our vision. Our purpose is to ensure that when students leave Lewiston-Porter, they will be ready to face the world with confidence in themselves and what they can accomplish. While students are here, they will be challenged to grow along their pathway and discover their personal best because we promise to give them our best.
This year our school theme is 180 days, 180 opportunities! As an IEC student, we recognize that all our students have so many opportunities to do great every day. They all have special gifts and talents and are ALL leaders creating their own pathway. This year, we will grow, learn and challenge ourselves academically, behaviorally, and socially, as we get stronger and smarter each day.
Our building has five reminders of how to be a great IEC Leader. As an IEC leader, I will:
Follow adult directions
Communicate with respect
Keep hands, feet and objects to myself.
Bring all my materials to class, including my homework.
Raise my hand and wait to be called on.
I am honored to serve the Lewiston-Porter family. I am humbled and proud to welcome our LANCER Family back to campus. We are looking forward to a special year at the IEC. It is truly a privilege to be a part of a community where parents, teachers, and students care for each other, and strive to build positive relationships that support academic and social growth. It takes a whole village to raise a child.
With the changing seasons ahead of us, we look forward to the beauty and transformation that comes with fall. It’s a time for growth, change, and reflection-values that perfectly align with our educational goals at the Intermediate Education Center.
Educationally Yours,
Tina Rodriguez, Principal, IEC
Mark the Calendar
National Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15th- October 15th
Monday October 2nd- National Custodian Day
Friday October 6th is wear pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Day
Monday October 9th Indigenous People's Day/ Columbus Day- no school
Tuesday October 10th- Friday October 13th Spirit Week
Tuesday October 17th Early Release day- school dismissed at 2:25pm
Friday October 27th Staff Development Day- no student attendance
Friday October 27th- World Occupational Therapy Day
Tuesday October 31st Halloween
Spirit Week October 10th- 13th
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in the IEC library with Meg Medina
By Mrs. Heidi Kazulak NBCT
Students in Mrs. DuMoulin’s 4th grade class had the opportunity to meet Hispanic author Meg Medina during a virtual author visit! Her visit was a celebration of learning and culture by this award-winning author and National Ambassador for Young People's Literature as she spoke about her hispanic heritage and how her experiences in Cuba helped to influence the stories she has written. Meg reflected on Hispanic Heritage Month, she spoke about her own inspiration, how she connects heritage through her writing, and how she connects with young readers across the world. Meg is the first Hispanic ever appointed to be the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. This was a wonderful opportunity for students to explore the intersection of culture, art, and education in writing!
Parent Portal Information
Getting Started with Parent Portal
If you are a parent/guardian that has not yet had an opportunity to set up your parent portal, please take some time to do so as soon as possible. Having access to parent portal and using the app can be a helpful way to receive important information regarding your child's grades, missing assignments, and other important updates. This is especially true for parents of students in grades 3-12. It can also be used to verify your contact information, as you'll see in the next section. Parent Portal also gives you access to Porfolio + which is a data warehouse that we use to distribute report cards, Aimsweb reports and NYS testing data. To access the parent portal, visit our website and click on the icon that looks like the image you see pictured here on the right.
If you are trying to reset your username or password, there is a link on the sign-in page. Follow the prompts and check your email. Sometimes it may find its way into your spam box. Once you get the email you should be able to reset your account.
If you are new to Parent Portal, you should have received a letter that would give you access codes to get connected. If you did not get that letter, or if you experience difficulty getting signed up, you may call your child's school for assistance.
Click this link to visit the Parent Portal Resource Page on our website. Here you will find everything you need. I have also included some resources for you here:
1. Links to the apps:
PowerSchool App (Google Play Store)
PowerSchool App (Apple Store)
2. Video on how to get set up with PowerSchool (see below).
3. Written instructions are also available here.
*Parents will need a working email address, and a PowerSchool Access Code. This is provided by the school at the start of the year. If you need that information, please contact the main office of your child's school. For the app, you will also need the district code CSXQ.
Leader in Me/ Seven habits
Dear Lew-port Families,
At Lew-port, we have created a plan that will help prepare every child to be successful for the demands of the 21st Century. Our plan includes using the Leader in Me program. This plan allows students to develop leadership skills that they can use in everyday life. The Leader in Me program uses the Seven Habits of Happy Kids in order to help students become “leaders of their own learning.” Students participate in these initiatives throughout each day as skills are embedded in all content areas. However, they have a specific time that allows them to Drop Everything And Lead (D.E.A.L). D.E.A.L is a 30 minute block that students get to explore and use their 7 habits/leadership skills. The habits are described below.
The Seven Habits
Habit 1: Be Proactive
I am a responsible person. I make good choices. I hold myself accountable. I take initiative. I am respectful.
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind
I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that have purpose and make a difference.
Habit 3: Put First Things First
I spend my time on things that are most important. I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan. I am organized.
Habit 4: Think Win-Win
I compromise with others. I make deposits in others’ Emotional Bank Accounts. When conflicts arise, I look for alternatives.
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
I listen before I talk. I try to see things from other viewpoints.
Habit 6: Synergize
I cooperate. I value other people’s opinions. I work well in groups. I seek out other people’s ideas to solve problems because I know that by teaming with others we can create better solutions than any one of us alone.
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
I take care of my body by eating right, exercising, and getting sleep. I spend time with family and friends.
In the month of September and October, we will be learning about Habit 1.
October is National Physical Therapy Month
Every October we celebrate National Physical Therapy Month to raise awareness with consumers about the many benefits of physical therapy. It's also a great opportunity to appreciate what PTs, PTAs, and students do to transform lives.
Film Plastic Recycling Matters
Students from the Service Learning Program take time to gather the film plastic that was collected from our IEC Families. “If you can tear the plastic, you can recycle it”, is the thought you need to keep in mind when you are throwing away your garbage. Every piece of plastic that you can tear could be recycled here at the IEC. Please continue to bring in your “Film Plastic” so we can help save our Earth. Thank you for HELPING!
Village of Lewiston October events
National Book Month
National Book Month is held each October.
The month-long celebration focuses on the importance of reading, writing and literature. National Book Month is also a time to honor the country’s best books and authors.
In mid-October, the National Book Awards announces the year’s 15 finalists.
The National Book Foundation created the first National Book Month in 2003.
IEC Shifting Seesaw to Google
What does this mean for parents?
- Parents in the IEC will transition away from using SeeSaw for assignments and communication.
- Communication will now come through email instead of the SeeSaw app.
- Parents do not sign into Google Classroom; however they may receive Guardian Summaries.
- Parents may have their child sign into their Google Classroom account on a personal device at home so they can assist with school work.
Why the change?
Google has become one of the largest educational entities in the world. The use of Google Classroom and its integrated applications will provide students with more learning resources and provide a solid foundation for Middle School and High School.
SeeSaw was the chosen platform to use with iPads; however, over the past three to four years, the IEC has transitioned from using iPads to Chromebooks. During that time we have seen a significant decrease in SeeSaw usage and an increase in Google usage This was a natural shift for most teachers and students due to the ease of use and the versatility of Google Suite on Chromebooks. The complete transition will create consistency for parents, students and teachers and avoid the need to check or manage both SeeSaw and Google Classroom.
Communication:
Teachers can send bulk messages to their classes (students and parents) using Google Classroom. Messages to parents will go straight to your email inbox. Please make sure we have an updated email for you. This will be important for classroom communication as well as school-wide and district-wide communication.
Google Classroom also offers automated messages called Guardian Summaries. See the article below for more information.
We know that parents really enjoy receiving updates with pictures and videos from SeeSaw. We've been working on creative ways of using Google Slides, Canva and Book Creator to create a similar experience for parents through Google Classroom.
Coat Drive! October 10th-16th
The IEC Service Learning Multi-Age, PEC, MS Builders Club, and HS Key Club are collecting winter coats, hats, gloves, and scarves for the Niagara Falls Magdalene Project. Please bring your donations to the main entrance at any of the Lew-Port school buildings and place them in the designated donation box. Your support is greatly appreciated!
(all sizes and styles of coats are graciously accepted)
National Custodian Day is October 2nd!
October 5th is National Do Something Nice Day
It would be ideal if everyone lived their lives doing kind things on a daily basis and without thinking about it. We all get caught up in our fast-paced lifestyles. However, kindness should never be sacrificed to get ahead in the world. Kindness doesn’t require grand gestures.
Real generosity is doing something nice for someone who will never find out. ~Frank A. Clark
In a matter of seconds, we hold the power to change the course of a person’s day by being nice. The person’s day in question might even be our own. Some things that takes very little time at all and almost no effort include:
- Noticing someone’s signal in traffic and allowing them into your lane.
- Picking up the neighbor’s newspaper on your daily walk and placing it within easy reach.
- Opening a door for another person.
- Giving your place in line to the person with only three items.
- Tipping your service staff an extra dollar or two more than you usually would.
- Give a compliment.
- Encourage a student with an idea for a solution.
- Read to a child.
- Listen to someone who is lonely.
HOW TO OBSERVE DO SOMETHING NICE DAY
Do something nice. The something can be anything from buying a cup of coffee for someone in line at the coffee shop to giving a compliment to the tired clerk. Maybe the day calls for sending flowers with a card that says “just because,” or asking the neighbors over for a barbecue in the backyard or mowing the lawn for someone. Use #DoSomethingNiceDay to post on social media.
https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-do-something-nice-day-october-5/
Things Were a Little “Fishy” at the Peach Festival!
Students in the Service Learning MA program and Miss Khatib’s class spent all day on
Saturday, September 9th at the “Fish Bowl Game” to support the Lewiston Kiwanis. Kiwanis empowers communities to improve the world by making lasting differences in the lives of children. Kiwanis will be a positive influence in communities worldwide — so that one day, all children will wake up in communities that believe in them, nurture them and provide the support they need to thrive.
Students worked in 90 minute shifts collecting plastic balls, filling baskets, waiting on excited customers, and giving out 1,000s of fish! Fifth grader, Reid Capizzi commented, “It was a lot of work, but it was also a lot of fun. It felt good to know that we were helping out.” And that’s what the Service Learning program is all about… leadership through service to others! Great job kids!
Technology at home
Lewiston-Porter is a 1:1 school district. That means every student has a device assigned to them to facilitate learning. In grades 3-12 all students are assigned a Chromebook. In grades K-2, all students are assigned an iPad.
From the start of the school year, students in grades 4-12 bring their Chromebooks home on a nightly basis. Students in these grade levels benefit from having the device for study, review, homework, projects, and communication with teachers. After a couple of weeks of getting used to the Chromebooks, our 3rd grades will also start bringing their devices home on a regular basis.
Students in grades K-2 keep their devices in school for about the first 6 weeks. The requirement for work at home is significantly less and we don't want to burden the students or parents with the responsibility of caring for an expensive device if it is not completely necessary. During the month of October we will provide more information about sending devices home in an effort to prepare for possible emergency weather/closing days.
Over the past few years we have provided parents of students in grades K-2 the option to accept or decline devices for this purpose. Some parents felt that if we were closed for a day or two they could use the technology they have at home for remote instruction (computer, laptop, tablets, phones). Others accepted the device so they could ensure their child had something to work with in case school closed. Please keep an eye out for this information and choose the option that works best for you. Along with that, we will be sharing emergency closing schedules and procedures.
Fire Prevention Week October 8-14
National Fire Prevention Week is observed in the United States and Canada during the week, in which October 9 falls. In the United States, the first Presidential Proclamation of Fire Prevention Week was made in 1925 by President Calvin Coolidge.
The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ for more than 100 years —has announced the theme for Fire Prevention Week, is
“Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention™,”
to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe when cooking.
Please check out the link below for information
Spanish Club
The registration is open for the after school Spanish Club run through Community Education. Hoping you would kindly post the following on seesaw to make parents aware of the information:
Registration is OPEN for the Spanish For The Elementary Years classes offered to the K-5 students after school at Lew Port Primary (Wednesdays) and Lew Port Intermediate (Thursdays)!
SPANISH FOR THE ELEMENTARY YEARS is an educationally oriented fun and interactive program designed specifically for the K–5 elementary student. The unique six-week curriculum features foundation vocabulary introduced through games, singing and hands-on activities. Students are able to compound words and begin forming simple sentences. Classes are never a repeat! Three different sessions are offered during the school year. New vocabulary and activities are introduced with each 6-week session!
There are only a limited number of spots available in the class. For more information and to register, visit www.TheEnrichmentCompany.com.
Click here for a short informational video about the class - https://youtu.be/eFUWq5xdzbg.
Thank you!
Lisa Almeter
The Enrichment Company
716.523.9538
1.833.436.7424
*Please remember to note in pickup patrol if your child is staying after school for clubs
"pick up after Spanish club"
Chinese Mandarin Enrichment Program
Lew-Port IEC Multi-Age Class Storm the Beach at Fort Niagara!
Students in Mrs. Khatib, Mrs. Danahy, Mrs. Dougherty, and Mrs. Marchetti’s Service Learning Multi-Age class swept the shores of Lake Ontario on the morning of Saturday, September 16th at the annual Aquarium of Niagara’s Beach Sweep. The class, along with their families and friends, worked as a team to rid the beach of pollution. This event serves as a coastline clean up and way to catalog the litter and debris that gathers along the shores of our Great Lakes. It’s part of the International Coastal Cleanup Day, which includes more than ninety countries and the estimated removal of 75 million pounds of trash around the world. The students and their families had a beautiful morning team building and helping our earth!
Halloween Costumes Needed
As many of our students enjoy dressing up for Halloween, here at Lew-Port we would like to ensure that this fun activity can be enjoyed by ALL our students.
- YOU can help with this mission! Please consider donating gently used costumes to the Wear and Share Clothing Pantry, which is located in the Administration Building OR send it to our school and we’ll get it to the pantry for you!
- If you are in need of a costume, please visit Wear and Share. You’ll be pleasantly surprised with the wonderful costumes and all types and sizes of clothing completely FREE to you!
Wear n Share
Wear 'N' Share is always looking for gently used clothing donations!
If you have outgrown/ unwanted clothing items please consider donating for others to enjoy!
From the Art room
Students in all grades have learned about three categories of art; Realism, Abstract, and Non-Objective. Students created preliminary sketches of each style, and have started final projects that include portraits and quilt designs. Color theory was also reviewed.
-Mrs. Frederick
October 11th "Be a Buddy, not a Bully"
NATIONAL STOP BULLYING DAY is October
National Stop Bullying Day on the second Wednesday in October brings together students, faculty, and parents to end bullying.
#StopBullyingDay
This annual designation promotes standing up against and put an end to bullying. No child should be afraid to ride a bus or go to school because a classmate threatens them. Children who have been bullied should also feel they can report the incident without repercussions.
Bullying comes in many forms. It occurs repeatedly and is a way for the perpetrator to show their power. Whether the bullying is verbal, physical, relational, or cyberbullying, the results are detrimental.
- Verbal bullying involves spoken words. The person may threaten or call names. They may use disrespectful language toward family, friends, or specifically aimed at their target.
- Physical bullying is aggression in the form of hitting, kicking, pushing, or any unwanted touch.
- Relational bullying involves purposely excluding someone from activities, groups, or events through social tactics.
- Cyberbullying includes using social media, texts, and the internet to spread rumors, lies, or mean messages about a person.
Each type of bullying may have similar effects on the targeted person. They may withdraw even from their family or become mysteriously ill often. It’s essential to keep an open line of communication with children and students. Encourage students to participate in activities outside the home, too. Teach children the appropriate use of the internet, social media, and text. While having daily discussions with family members about their day, share information on setting boundaries. Teach them the behavior you expect them to display, how to treat others, and provide a role model of the same.
https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-stop-bullying-day-second-wednesday-in-october/
Orange Shirt Day was observed at Lewiston- Porter on Friday 9/29/23
The Meaning Behind Orange Shirt Day-also known as The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation September 30th
Why do we wear orange on Orange Shirt Day?
We wear orange on Orange Shirt Day to honor the Indigenous children of Canada who were sent away to Residential Schools. By wearing orange, we show our support for Residential School survivors, and pledge to never let something like this happen again. The motto for Orange Shirt Day is “Every Child Matters”.
What were Residential Schools? From the 1860s to the late 1990s, over 150,000 Indigenous children were sent to church-run schools called Residential Schools. These schools were harmful to Indigenous children, as they were taken from their families and not allowed to practice their language, culture, or traditions. Many children were neglected or abused at residential schools.
Phyllis Webstad and The Orange Shirt Story Phyllis Webstad was a young Indigenous girl who was sent away to Residential School in 1973. Before she went away, her grandmother bought her a new orange shirt to wear to school, and it was very special to her. When she arrived at school, her shirt was taken away. Phyllis attended Residential School for one year, and never forgot how sad and worthless she felt when her shirt was taken away.
Miss Khatib's 5th grade class
Ms.Khatib's 4th grade class
Mr DiCamillo's 5th grade class
Girls Scouts!
Girl Scouts Founders Day is Tuesday October 31st
On October 31st, Girl Scout Founder’s Day recognizes the founders and all the great things Scouting has done for girls since its inception. It commemorates the birth of the founder, Juliet Gordon Low.
Girl Scouting in the United States of America began on March 12, 1912, when Juliette Gordon Low organized the first Girl Scout troop meeting. At the first troop meeting in Savannah, Georgia, there were 18 girls present. For these girls, Juliette Gordon Low organized enrichment programs, service projects, and outdoor activities and adventures. Since the time of the first meeting, Girl Scouts has grown to over 3.7 million members.
- The organization’s original name was the Girl Guides of America
- By 1920 there were close to 70,000 members
- By 1930 there were over 200,000 members
- In 2005 there were over 3.7 million members
- Motto – “Be Prepared”
- Slogan – “Do a Good Turn Daily”
“Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.”
GIRL SCOUT FOUNDER’S DAY HISTORY
Juliette Gordon Low, also known as Daisy, who was born on October 31, 1860, was the founder of Girl Scouts of the USA, along with the help of Sir Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scouting Movement. In 1912, Low formed a Girl Guide troop in Savannah, Georgia, and in 1915, the Girl Guides became the Girl Scouts with Low becoming the first president. She remained active with the Girl Scouts until the time of her death in 1927. Low’s birthday, October 31, is celebrated by the Girl Scouts as “Founder’s Day.”
Girl Scout FAQ
Q. What age do Girl Scouts start?
A. The Girl Scouts offers programs for girls between ages 5 to 18 years old.
Q. What levels of Girl Scouts are available?
A. The Girls Scouts offer six levels, including Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador.
https://nationaldaycalendar.com/girl-scout-founders-day-october-31/
4th Grade Field Trip 9/29
Students in 4th Grade enjoyed a wonderful trip on the Erie Canal this month. After learning about the history of the Erie Canal and its positive impact on New York State, students were able to experience history as it came to life aboard the boat. They enjoyed traveling through the locks and singing with their classmates.