Ballard Elementary
UPDATE
XANDER
Physical Education Ballard Bulldog Recognition!
CLAIRE
March 3rd!
P.A.R.P. (Parents As Reading Partners):
PARP has a "Read a Book You Can't LEGO!" theme this year and each of us are ready to increase our skills while we read as a family. Please check out the display case in the Main Lobby. We ask that students read nightly, complete and return PARP reading slips based on the calendars that were sent home on Tuesday (2/28). Thank you! Click Here for the PARP Letter and Calendar
As part of our PARP Kick-off, we'll hold three assemblies (2/3 @ 9:20, K/1st @ 10:15, and 4th/5th @ 2:00PM) that will introduce the PARP initiative to our students. Additionally, our guest (Duane Abel) will bring his Draw Your Destiny program/message to our students (Click Here for a link to this page). We hope all staff and students will wear Pink (ZED's color) on Tuesday (3/7)!
Finally, for the first time, we're holding a Parent Night to review PARP with our adult caregivers and provide Mr. Abel the opportunity to share with you what was shared with our learners earlier that day. This assembly is schedule for Tuesday (3/7) @ 6:30PM in Ballard's Cafeteria.
When the Perseverance Rover landed on Mars...
Kindergarten Registration/Screening:
lf you are aware of young people that are of school age, will be five years of age before December 1, 2023 (born on or after December 1, 2017), please encourage the families to make contact with the school. Planning for this year's Kindergarten Registration/Screening is in development, however it's important that we add the names of our youngest Bulldogs to our lists now .
CLICK HERE for that information (to be updated soon...)!
South High Marathon Dance (SHMD) Support:
Check into the SHMD Facebook and SHMD website pages for livestreaming information.
Ballard Mini-Marathon: Can I get a HIP HIP HORRAY?!!!
We had an outstanding time supporting and celebrating SHMD and all that "Marathon" represents! Thank you Mrs. Brushchini and Ms. Gill, our "High Hopes" leaders, our Student Council, Ballard Alumni Christian Arehart, and the SHMD Student Representatives for a fun event on today (F 3/3).
To Donate to our dancers and those dancing today, CLICK HERE!
5th Grade Drama Club:
The Ballard 5th Grade Drama Club is excited to announce this year’s production. The cast is set and rehearsals have begun. Giants in the Sky, will take the stage on Friday, March 24th!
Buddy Program:
We are so excited to share that our student-to-student connections program is underway!!! The Buddy Program connects our students in Grades K-2 (Little Buddies) with students in Grades 3-5 (Big Buddies). Classroom teachers have student lists for teachers to create buddy pairs, Responsibility Contracts for being a Big or Little Buddy, and a variety of "Get to Know You"/Introduction sheets for Buddies to choose from in order to share a bit about themselves. As a school, we organize a few "Buddy Events" over the months, but leave the "life of the program" to our classroom communities. Our first school-wide "buddy event" took place today with our buddies dancing together during the morning portions of our Mini-Marathon.
School Attendance:
When a student is absent from school, or there is a need for a late arrival/early dismissal, please be sure that the office is made aware. Communication directly to the classroom teacher(s) is of course welcome, however providing this information directly to the office ensures it is loaded into our school management system (we will ensure the classroom teacher(s) are made aware). Also, while a phone call is appreciated for absences, it must be followed by an email or note (upon a student's return).
Please be mindful of our arrival and dismissal times. Instructional time is a resource we take very seriously. Please make every effort to schedule appointments outside the school day. That being said, health and safety are of the utmost importance. If your child is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or is not feeling well, please keep him/her home and notify the school.
NYS Assessments:
NYS Assessments in ELA and Math for grades 3-5 will be here before we know it. While we want our students to try their hardest and keep focused at all times, the most important thing to be done is to continually practice the fundamentals (facts, vocabulary, direction following, etc.), get rest, and eat healthy breakfasts. Our students should be reading nightly, mastering basic facts, and explaining or “teaching” solutions in addition to finding them. Even though we did not participate in the assessments last year, like years before we will engage in Operation Computer Based Testing(CBT) for ELA and Mathematics in Grades 3-5. This means that our students will take the exams over a two-day period using Chromebooks. Teachers and students have a great amount of experience with these tools now and consistently prepare for this method of taking assessments. We expect all students to participate and are eager to see how the students respond to and utilize the tech tools available.
NYS 3-5 ELA Assessments:
Assessment Window begins April 19th
NYS Mathematics Assessments:
Assessment Window begins May 2nd
Donations:
We're always happy to benefit from the generosity of our community members. Sometimes that comes in the form of beautification components for our school or grounds, the time and talents of our community members, games and school supplies. We thank you and appreciate your thoughtfulness!
Arrival/Dismissal:
Our school day will begin at 8:50AM. Dismissal will begin at 3:20PM.
Please CLICK HERE for our detailed Arrival/Dismissal Procedures.
Cafeteria:
Please send lunches and snacks that your children can manage independently.
School personnel will be available to assist with milk, yogurt containers, etc.
Please review table manners and expectations with the children.
CLICK HERE for the March Menu.
Water bottles:
- Students are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle from home.
- Our touchless water filling stations are operating beautifully.
School Calendars:
Please click the link for the Revised 2022-2023 one page school calendar. CLICK HERE
Please click the link for the 2023-2024 one page school calendar. CLICK HERE
Answer: ...boy oh boy, were its legs tired!
Ba dum tss
PARENTS AS READING PARTNERS (PARP)!!!
From the HSA
CLICK HERE for the January 10 Meeting Minutes.
The mission of the Ballard Home & School Association (HSA) is to provide support to the school and students by engaging families, coordinating events and activities, and ultimately enhancing the overall educational experience.
We've got two great fundraisers to share. Click the images below for to access the corresponding flier OR...
CLICK HERE for the Smith's Orchard Pie Sale
CLICK HERE for the Dine-to-Donate Five Guys flier (Tues. 2/21 - Wilton)
Throughout the year, please remember to:
- register your AdvantEdge card for Market32/Price Chopper for the Tools for Schools program - Ballard's School Code is 16325.
- Look for "Hannaford Helps" items when shopping at Hannaford (our store is in SGF)
If you would like to reach out to the HSA or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at BallardHSA@sgfcsd.org.
HSA Executive Board
Amanda Hammond, President
Stephanie Erwin, Vice-President
Melissa Lindner, Treasurer
Taryn Kane, Secretary
Last Chance to Order Pies!!!
From the P.E. Department
Ballard PE Bulldogs of the Month - Congratulations Claire and Xander
SNEAKERS- Please remember to have your child(ren) bring sneakers to school for days they have Physical Education Class. Safety is our first priority and it starts with wearing sneakers. Boots, Crocs, and Sandals are not recommended.
Have an extra pair of clean shoes that needs a new home? Clean shoes are always welcome to be donated to the PE department for future students. Simply drop them off at the main office.
Current/Upcoming PE Unit
Gymnastics/ Climbing/ Ninja Unit
Upcoming Events:
2023 Field Day Theme: Minions
Field Day: June 6
Rain Date: June 8
Upcoming Events:
2023 Field Day Theme: Minions
The Kindness Closet
The Kindness Closet is open! Linked below is a schedule as well as the sheet we use to assist with indicating needed items.
I also wanted to let you know that we have lice kits available for families if needed. I can inter-office them to you if you would like a couple. We have many backpacks and school supplies as well.
Please let me know if you need anything.
CLICK HERE for the SGF Kindness Closet Schedule.
CLICK HERE for a Shopping Checklist.
"Paw Pride" & Bulldog Bucks
It is important to recognize that expected behavior needs to be taught, encouraged, and acknowledged. This takes time, along with healthy interactions and consistent follow through. Thank you for partnering with us and feel free to use our language(see below) as you recognize and reinforce Bulldog Behaviors at home!
CLICK HERE for the Bulldog Bucks catalog.
CLICK HERE for Buddy's Journal: Time for Adventure
We are happy to have you use common language as we discuss Voice Levels (levels 0-5), the Core Values of Bulldog Pride (Respect-Responsibility-Trust-Citizenship) and the messages included in The Ballard Pledge "I will respect myself and others. I will take responsibility for my actions. I will gain recognition for the good things I do." here at school. While these are always important components to mindset and behavior within classrooms, it is equally important that they are demonstrated on the playgrounds, cafeteria, buses, and when on field trips. Keeping these message relevant helps guide and grow strong character and a healthy moral compass.
HELP WANTED - SGFCSD Food Service
WE ARE LOOKING FOR PART TIME INDIVIDUALS FOR FOOD SERVICE
- Flexible Hours - 3.5 to 4 hours per day
- Flexible Work Week - may work 1 or 2 days a week or 5 days
- Perfect for parents with school age children, retirees and/or grandparents looking to be active in our schools
- Work Schedule follows the school calendar (all holidays and summers off)
If you are interested please contact Robert Defrancisco , Food Service Manager 518-824-2225 or email Defranciscor@sgfcsd.org .
"THE DAY YOU PLANT THE SEED IS NOT THE DAY YOU EAT THE FRUIT." ~ FABIENNE FREDRICKSON
For the Calendar:
March 3rd & 4th - South High Marathon Dance (SHMD)
March 6th - Superintendent's Conference Day (No Classes)
March 7th - P.A.R.P. Kick-off Assembly
March 7th - P.A.R.P. & Draw Your Destiny Evening Event for Parents/Caregivers @ 6:30PM
March 12th - Daylight Saving Time Begins (clocks ahead)
March 14th - Ballard HSA Meeting @ 6:30PM (Childcare Provided)
March 17th - Elementary Report Cards Distributed
March 24th - Giants in the Sky (5th Grade Drama Club Production) @ 7PM
April 4th - Ballard HSA Meeting @ 6:30PM (Childcare Provided)
April 5th - Dine-to-Donate Event @ Wilton Panera (4-8PM)
April 7th - Good Friday (No School)
April 10th-14th - Spring Recess (No School)
April 19th-26th - NYS Gr. 3-8 Mathematics Assessment (CBT) Window
May 2nd-9th - NYS Gr. 3-8 Mathematics Assessment (CBT) Window
May 8th-11th - Kindergarten Screening
(Southern Site/Ballard ES 5/8 & 5/9 and Northern Site/Tanglewood ES 5/10 & 5/11)
May 9th - Ballard HSA Meeting @ 6:30PM (Childcare Provided)
May 12th - Ballard Grandparents/VIP's Night Out (5-6:30PM)
May 16th - School District Budget Vote & BOE Election (8AM-8PM)
May 16th - Ballard Art Show (5:30-6:30PM) & Ballard Spring Concert (6:30-7:30PM)
May 29th - Memorial Day (No School)
June 2nd - Ballard 4th & 5th Grade Celebration (6-7:30PM)
June 6th - Ballard Field Day (RD 6/8)
June 6th - Dine-to-Donate Event @ Wilton Chipotle (4-8PM)
June 19th - Juneteenth (No School)
A few important reminders...
- School Delays & Cancellations: Please refer to major television and radio stations for information about weather related school delays and closures. You may also refer to the school's website and Facebook page. Phone calls will only be used for emergency/early closures.
- As a reminder, all changes in dismissal should be communicated directly with the Main Office. While it is appreciated and appropriate to loop in teachers and activity coordinators, PLEASE be sure to communicate all PRIOR to 1:00pm with the Main Office. Dismissal is a sensitive time; this helps contribute to a calm, safe, and organized process.
- If your child is absent, please call the office in the morning. BUT, a note or email about the absence must come in upon the return to school.
- For our students riding a bus to/from school, please encourage the wearing of seat-belts! A reminder, not to pass a school bus when students are loading or unloading or the lights are flashing.
Contacts
Email: huchrom@sgfcsd.org
Website: http://www.sgfcsd.org/ballard-elementary/
Location: 300 Ballard Road, Wilton, NY 12831
Phone: (518) 587-0600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BallardElementarySchool/
Twitter: @Ballardpal
Lost? Found? Looking?
Lost & Found at Ballard:
If you see something that belongs to your Lil' Bulldog, please stop by Ballard next week (not Monday) or the week after between 9AM-2PM. All remaining items will be donated on Monday (3/13).