Dear Parent/Guardian:

Our elementary community is embarking on our fourth year of One District One Book. Every child will receive a copy of the winning book, The One and Only Ivan, and will be asked to read it at home over the coming months. Each week, new questions will be sent home for the corresponding chapters to stimulate conversation about the book with your family. I am personally asking you to make the time so your family can participate in this special school-wide/community-wide activity. We have selected a title that can be followed, understood, and enjoyed by all our students in grade K-6.

Reading aloud at home is valuable because it better prepares your child to be an effective reader. It is also a fun, worthwhile family activity. Through our One District One Book program, we are aiming to build a community of readers. Everyone - students, parents, teachers, administrators, even community businesses - will be participating. The benefits of reading aloud are remarkable -- studies have shown that reading to children helps them to listen better and longer, build bigger vocabularies, understand concepts better, feel positive about both books and learning, and more. When an entire school reads the same book, the buzz and excitement around the book being read increases these benefits, and there is the added joy of building community in the school family.

Last week, your child received his/her copy of The One and Only Ivan at a special school-wide assembly introducing the program and the book. Generally, you will be asked to read 2 chapters a week about 15 minutes per night. You may choose as a family to read the chapters together or listen to chapter videos on our school website. Mystery readers will be recorded for each chapter of the book and revealed weekly. If you check on the Lew-Port CSD Website, you will find the link to the One District One Book webpage and will find the chapter read alouds under the corresponding tab.

In school, your child will be invited to answer trivia questions to encourage and reward attentive, careful listening. You will soon find that your child will take pride in knowing and anticipating the details of the story. In class, there may be various activities which discuss or explore the book. You will want to make sure your family keeps up so your child can be included. Throughout the coming months, everyone will be talking about it. I personally invite your family to READ WITH US at the Lewiston Porter Intermediate Education Center.

American Heart Month

Black History Month

01 - All County Festival Niagara Wheatfield

02 - Groundhog day; Superbowl Sunday

07 - All County Festival Wilson

08 - All County Festival Wilson

12 - Lincoln’s Birthday

13 - Superintendent Conference Day, 1/2 day elementary only

14 - Superintendent Conference Day, 1/2 day elementary only

17 - District Closed Presidents’ Day

18 - BOE meeting 6:00 CRC

22 - Washington’s Birthday

25 - Mardi Gras; Girls on the Run registration begins

28 - All County Festival Lew-Port

29 - All County Festival Lew-Port

Our school store is open during lunch Fridays 11:30 to 1:30

Mrs. DuMoulin & Mrs. Danahy’s 5th grade classes and Mrs. Black & Mrs. Niccola’s 4th grade classes are participating in the Health & Wellness program in February with Mrs. Thompson. Topics that will be discussed include:

• The Role of Family/Self-esteem
• The Endocrine system and the role of hormones in growth & development
• Gender differences
• Personal hygiene
• Nutrition & Physical Activity
• Puberty
• Cyberbullying
• Infections/HIV & AIDS

Mrs. DeFranco & Mrs. Topolski’s 3rd grade classes will continue participating in the Health & Wellness program through March. Topics that will be discussed include:

• The Role of the Family
• Personal Body Safety
• Nutrition & Healthy Eating/Exercise
• Internet Safety
• Bullying & Cyberbullying
• Personal Hygiene

Students will keep a journal for the classes, and will reflect on topics discussed each week. Students are also encouraged to leave questions in the “question box” each week on topics in Health that require further explanation. All classes will continue through March/April.