Smith Intermediate School
Newsletter, April 2023
Upcoming Events:
April 3-7 Spring Break
- April 10 Classes resume
- April 19-20 Grade 3 NYS ELA Test
- April 24-25 Grade 4 NYS ELA Test
- April 27 Open House & Art Show
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Message from the Principal
Dear Families,
We are officially in the third trimester of the school year. Often times after the Spring vacation, we begin to see a slide in student effort and work completion as they see summer on the horizon. At this time of year it is important that we all remain consistent in our daily routines and expectations. Our teachers are committed to and focused on ensuring that teaching and learning continue right
through the end of the school year. Please help us to reinforce this with your children. Following our April recess, we have eleven weeks of school remaining and lots of learning to be accomplished. Together we can finish this year strong!
NYS Testing
Just a reminder that students in Grades 3 & 4 participate in annual NYS assessments for ELA and Math. Our District utilizes the online testing format for both ELA and Math. ELA testing will happen in April, per the dates listed above. Math assessments will be administered beginning May 2nd.
Tips for Successful Testing
As a school, we express confidence in children's ability, while always encouraging them to do their best work. We work hard to not place an over emphasis on state testing. We are proud of the work we do every day with our students and the gains that they make throughout a school year. We encourage students to look at the state tests as an opportunity to show us what they know.
You can further support this at home by taking a low-key approach to state testing. Keep your home schedules consistent, maintain your confidence in your child's ability, and make sure he or she is well-rested. By working together, we can make the testing experience a positive one for your child.
Thank you for your assistance.
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News from the Nurse
All 3rd graders must have a physical exam done and on file at school.
School physicals are available Wednesdays or, make an appointment with your doctor and ask them to fax a copy of the physical to the school.
Reminders:
Pack an extra pair of pants for accidents, spills, mud or snow.
Return borrowed clothes to the nurse.
Check your child’s hair for head lice, treat as needed.
Dress for winter weather & outdoor recess.
If your child is sick, please keep your child home.
Please do not send a sick or injured child to school with the intention that they will be diagnosed and treated by the nurse. Our school nurse is not a medical diagnostician.
Any child displaying the symptoms of fever, vomiting, diarrhea, undiagnosed rashes, sore throat, ear pain, productive cough or wheezing, drainage from wounds, redness or drainage from eyes should not come to school until seen, diagnosed and treated by their personal physician.
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School-Wide Community Day
On March 17th, our students and staff participated in a school-wide community day where they had an opportunity to work, play and socialize with others throughout the building.
In the morning, students rotated through four stations where they learned a school-wide song, participated in Crossfit activities, created an all-school piece of art, and listened to a story.
In the afternoon students across grade levels and homerooms had the opportunity to choose from a variety of activities. Third and fourth grade students teamed up to create crafts, play games and have fun!
At the end of the day, the whole school gathered in the gym to share what it means to be part of a community and a good citizen. We performed the songs we had learned earlier in the day.
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New from the Art Studio
SmithSchool Art Show: APRIL 27th!!!
CONGRATULATIONS to these fine young artists whose work was selected to be exhibited at the Imagination Celebration, a Cortland county K-12 student art show, at SUNY Cortland’s Dowd Gallery.
Missing photo: Carter Y.
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News From the Library!
4th grade students have begun to finish up their research projects and have learned how to find information through our databases. We are moving on to our booktalks, where students learn to express what they like about their favorite books and get other students interested in other types of books.
3rd grade has begun to wrap up their work on using call numbers and the library catalog to find books on the shelves. Next up, we are beginning to learn about the different sections of the nonfiction area and the different types of nonfiction books we can read. This will help students when they are selecting factual books on different subjects and which type they should look for to help them learn.
The students had a great community day where we read a nonfiction book on the past and present jobs we have in the community. Then we colored bookmarks and drew what sort of job we would like to have in the community or one we were thankful for.
Don’t forget library books need to come back on the days that students have library class so we can either renew them or check them in so students can get new books to read. Make sure students leave them in places that they will remember and out or reach of materials that can damage them like food and water!
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Friendly Reminder
Tardy
When your child comes in late, please send in a note or stop in the office to fill out a tardy slip and get them signed in.
It is important to note that any time your child is absent, you must provide a written note stating the reason for the absence. While it may be an excused absence, we cannot mark it as such until we receive a written note from the parent or guardian.
All students who walk should cross Wheeler Avenue with the crossing guard. Likewise, if you pick up your child, please cross at the designated areas as well.
Bicycles
If your child wishes to ride a bike to school, we recommend that he/she be capable of riding a bike safely and that the bike is an appropriate fit for the child. Students who choose to ride their bikes to school should keep the bike locked at the school racks throughout the day. The school is not responsible for lost or damaged bikes. Students are not permitted to ride their bikes during the school day. Written parent permission is required for any bus student who wishes to ride his/her bike to school. Per NYS law, all children under 14 must wear a helmet.
Parking Space
Please remember to park in designated areas only. For the safety of our children, it is imperative that you do not park in the designated drop off/loading area. This area is marked with a double yellow line. Likewise it is equally important that you adhere to the parking sign on Wheeler Avenue. Thank you for your cooperation
Cell Phones
Please be advised that cellphone use is prohibited during the school day. Students should not be calling, texting, accessing the internet or taking photos with their cellphone during school hours. The school is not responsible for cellphones that are lost stolen or damaged. If your child needs to make a phone call during the school day, he/she may come to the office to do so.
If your child chooses to bring a cellphone to school, it needs to be turned off throughout the school day and stored in their backpack. If your child uses a cellphone during the school day, or the phone creates a disruption to the learning environment, school personnel will hold the phone until the end of the day. In repeat instances, you will be called to pick up your child's cellphone at the main office.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your support of a positive learning environment for children.
Dogs are not allowed on school property. This is a safety, as well as a sanitary issue.