1. education
2. school

November 2014
Dear Families of Guardino Students:
As the end of the first marking period approaches teachers are busy preparing for parent conferences which are
scheduled to take place on November 10th. If you have not yet confirmed a date for a conference, please contact the
main office. We look forward to having you visit our school to meet with your child’s teacher and share your insights.
Please take advantage of the opportunity parent teacher conferences provide to learn more about the curriculum and
engage in discussion about the skills your child is expected to master during the school year. Parent-teacher
conferences also provide you with a chance to share the knowledge you have about your child. Teachers certainly
welcome information that can be provided by parents in regard to learning styles, hobbies and home activities.
Our Common Core Parent Night held in October was very successful. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy
schedule to attend. Staff members have so many positive stories to share about how well the students have responded
to the implementation of the curriculum. If you would like further information about the Common Core Learning
Standards please log on to the following website:
www.engageny.org
The website offers a lot of information for parents regarding the curriculum changes and expectations for students at
every grade level.
The PTO welcomes your membership! Our next meeting is scheduled to take place on November 20th at 8:00 in the in
the Pupil Personnel conference room. We enjoyed a wonderful turn out of parents at our previous meeting, so I hope to
see you in November. I would like to thank the PTO for their ongoing support of the students and staff. We have just
completed the Cherrydale fundraiser, which is the only fundraiser our PTO conducts.
I would like to remind you that school will not be in session on the following days:
 November 10 (Parent-Teacher Conferences)
 November 11 (Veteran’s Day)
 November 26-28 (Thanksgiving Recess)
This month the nation sets aside a few days to celebrate Thanksgiving, a time for giving thanks and expressing
gratitude for all of our blessings. I am very thankful for the hard working staff and students of Guardino Elementary
School. It is my good fortune to be able to work with such wonderful people!
Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with your family and friends. Thank you for your support of our fine school.
Sincerely,
Joyce Clark
Principal
ATTENTION PARENTS OF NON-BUSSED STUDENTS:
Please help us to keep dismissal time safe for the students. NO ONE can park
at the curb on High Street and wait for students. We also ask that you not park
in the crosswalks.
The Clayton Police Department has suggested that the following
information about parking in a restricted area be communicated to
parents.
According to Section 1200 of the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Laws:
When official signs have been posted prohibiting, restricting or limiting the
stopping, standing or parking of vehicles on any highway, no person shall stop,
stand or park any vehicle in violation of the restrictions stated on such signs.
Failure to obey signs may result in a fine.
All parents are requested to park in the parking lot and meet students at a
designated spot. Keeping the halls free of congestion assists the teachers to
be able to dismiss the students in a timely manner. Please plan to meet your
child at a designated spot, outside of school in front of the building.
 Students enrolled in Kindergarten will be dismissed by a Kindergarten
teacher through the door at the far end of the building toward the Town of
Clayton Recreational Park.
 Students enrolled in Grade 1 through Grade 2 will be dismissed through
the door facing the front field & Kinney Drugs.
 Students enrolled in Grade 3 through 5 will be dismissed through the door
facing the parking lot.
SCHOOL NURSE NEWS
REMEMBER …
If your child needs to take any medication in school, NYS law requires that they have a
written doctor’s order for the school nurse to administer the medication and written
permission from the parents.
This includes any prescription medication, over the counter medication, vitamins, cold
medicine, Tylenol, Motrin, ointments, cough and cold lollipops, Chloraseptic sore throat
relief strips, etc.
If your child is prescribed medication or you are told to get an over the counter medication
for your child, ask if your child needs it during school hours. If so, request that they write
an order for the school nurse to administer the medication.
Parents may come to the school to administer medication to their child. Your child will be
called to the nurse’s office for you to give them the medication.
PHYSICAL EXAMS
Students require physicals at certain intervals during their careers at school.
Physicals are required when students enter kindergarten and then again in 2nd, 4th, 7th and
10th grades.
A physical exam is good for one year in the school calendar.
If your child had a physical any time after the first day of the school year, that physical
would be good until that date in the next school year, and could be applied for the required
physical exam.
For example, your child in first grade has a physical in November. That physical exam
could be applied for the physical that is required for second grade.
We will be scheduling physicals, hopefully in November, for those students that have not
provided proof of a physical examination to the school nurse.
In short, any time your child has a physical, ask for a copy to give to the school nurse!
IMMUNIZATIONS
Guardino Elementary has been selected by the New York State Department of Health for
an audit of our student’s immunization records.
With access to the State Immunization reporting site, (where physicians report and record
immunizations that have been given in their offices) we have better scrutiny for the
immunization records. In preparing for the state audit, I am finding immunizations that are
marked as “Not Valid”. Many times this means that a certain vaccination was given too
close to the prior dose or given before the minimum age the final dose can be received. If
your child’s record indicates an invalid dose, you will be notified and given a course of
action to follow to be sure that your child is up to date with immunizations and in
compliance with state regulations.
Parents of Fifth Graders
Your child will need a Tdap vaccination and 2 Varicella vaccinations to start 6 th grade.
Your child can receive the Tdap any time after they turn 10 years old.
You may want to start planning for this immunization and speak to your health care
provider in regards to securing the necessary shots.
I will be putting together a packet for all 5th grade students with copies of all of their
immunizations that I have on file. The cover letter will explain what the requirements are
and what you need to do. Please be looking for those letters after the first of the new year.
 When you do have your child vaccinated, please obtain a copy of the shot record and
bring it to the school nurse. Students have to have proof of the immunization for
their health record.
THE SAFE TO SCHOOL PROGRAM REMINDER
Any time your child will be absent from school, please call the nurse’s office and give
your child’s name and the reason for their absence. There is a message phone so you will
be able to call at any hour and provide the needed information. You may also e-mail the
notification of your child’s absence to [email protected]
We also have a new Attendance Call System. It is an automated calling system that will
notify you that your child is absent and asks that you please call the school to report your
child’s absence. We are still working out some “bugs” so please try to call to inform us of
your child’s absence. You may be receiving orange notes to fill out and return to be sure
that the attendance is accurately recorded. If you have not contacted the school to report
the reason for an absence, it is automatically coded as “unexcused” until we have been
informed otherwise.
SAFE TO SCHOOL
(315) 686-5578 ext. 3088
or
[email protected]
Please remember to state the reason for the absence.
The above telephone number has voice mail that is active 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week. The phone will ring approximately 6-8 times
before you are able to leave your message.
If you have any questions please call me!
Nurse’s Office (315) 686-5578 ext. 3088
Lorraine Ward, RN
Guardino Elementary School Nurse
LOOKING FOR …
Small sized pants,
especially with elastic waist,
to have on hand at the nurse’s office please.
SCHOOL CLOSING / DELAY / EARLY RELEASE:
The decision for closing or delaying the school will normally be made
by 6:00am. If school is closed or delayed, the announcement will be
made over Radio Stations: Stevens Media - 790 AM WTNY, 93.3 FM
WCIZ, 97.5 FM WFRY; Community Broadcasters: 1240 AM WATN,
103.1/104.3 FM WTOJ Majic, 106.7 FM WBDI/WBDB The Border, 94.
FM WOTT Rock, The FOX 100.7 FM, and North Country Public Radio.
TV Stations: TV 7 WWNY, TV 50 WWTI, TV 3 WSTM Syracuse, and
TV 10 YNN.
Webpage: Thousand Islands CSD and Watertown Daily Times
If school is closed due to inclement weather or other extenuating
circumstances, this also affects the schedule of our six-day
instructional cycle. If Wednesday is Day 1 and school is closed,
Thursday will become Day 1 and so on. You can also check the cycle
day on our website at www.1000islandsschools.org
IN THE EVENT THAT SCHOOL IS DELAYED,
IT WILL ALWAYS BE A TWO HOUR DELAY.
Bus students will be picked up two hours later than normal. The
delayed opening schedule for the two hour delay is: Grades K - 5:
10:50 a.m. - 3:10 p.m.
In addition, school can close early due to weather conditions, power
failures, interruptions in water service, etc. Please be sure you have on
file with the office any emergency plans in the event that your child
arrives home early.
(Discuss with your child what he or she should do if you are not
home for any reason when he or she arrives. Plan ahead!)
All such closing, delays or early releases are announced on the local
radio and TV stations. Call a neighbor and spread the word!
Guardino Elementary
NOVEMBER
ART NEWS
We have so much to be thankful for during this
upcoming holiday season!
Don’t forget to stop by the Art room during Parent
Conferences to see your children’s portfolios. They
are much fuller now!
The tables will be set-up by grade level and grouped by
teacher code just as they were for Open House. Please
don’t take the portfolios; we need them for selecting
artwork for the Art Show in April. All of the portfolios
will go home in June.
Kindergartners are learning to explore their emotions:
happy, sad, angry, scared, and loved. They are also
learning to mix secondary colors: orange, green and
purple, from the primary colors: magenta (red),
yellow and turquoise (blue). After completing their
“emotions work” they will be using all the colors to
create a radical rainbow painting.
Ask a Kindergartner: How do we mix green?
orange? purple? What does magenta look like?
First Graders are learning how to cut with scissors by
using the middle of the scissors and never closing it
until the job is finished. We call our scissors
“alligators” and they chomp through the paper as their
food but our other hand is the “zoo keeper” because it
holds the paper and turns it for the alligator to keep
chomping. It takes two hands to cut. Students are
cutting shapes they’ve created using pattern. After
learning the correct way to glue, they will collage the
shapes into creatures.
Ask a First Grader: Why do you need to use both
hands to cut, especially curvy shapes? What does
collage mean? What is your creature – a dinosaur, bird,
bug or animal? How is your final collage different from
what you thought it would be?
Second Graders have completed their project likeness
of Piet Mondrain’s Boogie Woogie City using line &
shape with emphasis on color to represent music.
Students will then create a shape collage after studying
artist Paul Klee’s music inspired Rhythm paintings.
Artists use the Elements of Art, line & shape or shapes
& color, in their artwork. Music inspires artists. Both
Mondrain and Klee represented music in different ways
through their artwork.
Ask a Second Grader: Why are artists inspired by
music? What Elements of Art did Piet Mondrain use
in his Victory Boogie Woogie painting? How is your
city different from Mondrain’s painting? How would
you change your city design if you were going to
create another city?
Third Graders are completing an OP Art (optical
illusion) unit. In the next Positive and Negative
design unit they will learn how negative space is used
to trick the eye and define the positive space.
Students will learn how to contour draw in the third
unit. This observational way of drawing teaches how
to draw only what the eyes see.
Ask a Third Grader: Do you know any OP Art
tricks? When do artists use optical illusions in their
art work? What is an example of positive or negative
space in your house? What do you see when you
contour draw?
Fourth Graders have completed their flag designs.
They will begin completion of their circle contrasting
designs. Students will be contour drawing fall squash
and gourds in a still life. The fall objects will be
painted showing real color and shadow.
Ask a Fourth Grader: What does real color mean
when you are drawing from observation?
Fifth Graders have designed their initials using
complimentary pairs (red / green, blue / orange,
yellow / purple). When mixed, each complimentary
pair will create brown. Students used leftover pieces
to create a larger collage design. Next, students will
be learning animal drawing techniques that use
shapes to improve their first baseline drawing.
Ask a Fifth Grader: How do complimentary pairs
create brown? How do you make a shape into a
letter?
Dear, Dear Parents
I need volunteers for the Art Show! If you can write
names on certificates, glue down one piece of paper to
another, hold up a large piece of paper and/or staple
ribbons to certificates, you could help. There are jobs you
can do at home. You will be needed to help in the late
winter and spring (February, March and April). The
Annual Art Show is Thursday May 15. If you are
interested, please send a note, call 686-5578 ext. 3218 and
leave a message including your telephone number and
your
child’s
name
and
grade
or
email
[email protected].
Thank you for your support!
Ms. D. Colvin,
“The Art Teacher”
Happy
Thanksgiving!
Book Fair
2014!
Students will preview the books and make
their “wish list” during media class
st
October 31 – November 6
th
th
Students may purchase books: Parents may view & purchase books: Wed, Nov. 5 8:30
th
am‐12:00 pm Mon, Nov. 10 : 12:00 pm ‐8:00 pm
1:00 pm‐2:30
th
pm Thurs, Nov. 6 8:30 am‐9:00 am
th
Fri, Nov. 7 8:30 am‐12:00 pm
Cash, Checks (payable to Guardino Elementary), and Credit Cards accepted. NYS Sales Tax
must be charged. Thank you for your support!
**If you send money to school with your child for the book fair, I ask that you please send
it in an envelope marked with your child’s name and book fair so that we are sure of
where the money should be spent.
Book fair time is always a very exciting time for our students! In the next week
students will be watching a video that shows previews of some of the books that will be
available in the book fair along with hearing some inspiring words from authors as to why
reading is important. Starting October 31 , students will begin making a “wish list”, in
library class, of books they think look interesting and/or would like to have at home to
read. I stress to all students that this is not a demand list, simply giving their
parents/guardians ideas of what they are interested in.
We will also be featuring a program called ‘Classroom Book Wishes’ in which the
classroom teachers will have the opportunity to make a list of books that they would like
to have in their classroom library for their students to read. Those who visit the book fair
will have the opportunity to gift a classroom with a book and/or a certificate redeemable
for a book. Look for the display holding the teachers’ book wishes. This is a great holiday
gift idea!
All book fair proceeds are used to purchase books or other learning materials
for the library and/or classrooms. I greatly appreciate your support.
st
Thank you for your support and cooperation in advance!
Mrs. Mayne
Media Specialist K‐5
Music Notes
We have been so busy in music class…playing recorders, singing, signing and creating.
The Kindergarten continues to work on their steady beat. They have been playing hand
drums, rhythms sticks and egg shakers. The Kindergarten students have also had the opportunity to
use their speaking voices, their whisper voices and their singing voices. Have them share some of their
songs with you.
The First Grade continues to move the steady beat around their bodies; from their heads to
their feet. This month we have done some barred instrument playing; we have created sound effects
for some of our songs. The students have also worked out a sound carpet for a Halloween story.
The Second Grade has been working on spooky sounds for their Halloween songs. We have
been listening to “Funeral March for a Marionette” and moving to the music.
The Third Grade has been working on Halloween and autumn songs with different Orff
accompaniments. They have been spending a lot of time listening to rhythms and writing them down,
and then playing them on the instruments.
The Fourth Grade has started work on reading lines and spaces as well as counting rhythms.
They are working hard on their recorders and moving along nicely. We have done a few songs with
singing, recorder playing and Orff instruments.
The Fifth Grade has been working on learning their recorder songs. They should be able to
play Hot Cross Buns and Merrily We Roll Along. In the Skin and Bones song, we have learned the
accompaniment and recorder parts as well.
Mrs. Beerman
Gym Dandies
Your child’s safety and comfort depends upon what they wear!
As we approach the winter months, please keep the
following in mind when dressing your child on
physical education days:
1. Sneakers are required to insure proper traction. Slip-ons (those with no
heel), leather soled shoes and snow boots are not appropriate for physical
education class.
2. A t-shirt should be worn under a sweatshirt or sweater to allow your child
to take the outer garment off to prevent overheating.
3. Layering clothes is also helpful if the gymnasiums become uncomfortably
cold; especially the lower gym in the deep of the winter.
We have recently completed our “Equipment Unit” (swinging rope, high bar,
balance beams, etc.); ask your child what was their favorite station! Students
in grades 2 through 5 have been using our new Dance Machine. This piece of
equipment is similar to the Wii dance pad system. Grade 4 and 5 students have
been riding our new mountain bikes. Both PE items have been purchased
through the PEP Grant.
When thinking about Christmas, here are a few ideas for your list:

hula hoops

jump ropes

playground balls

pedometers

inexpensive stopwatches (they love to “time” things)

sidewalk chalk (for playing hopscotch, Jump the Brook, etc.)

skates
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call Ms. Grover or
Mr. Hauck at extension 3640.
Food Pantry Donations
The Guardino Elementary “family” will once again be collecting items for
the local food pantries. The boys and girls may bring in items beginning on
Monday, November 3, and ending on Friday, November 21. All nonperishable
items are appreciated. The biggest need is for personal hygiene items. Please
refer to the list below for items needed at this time.
shampoo
bars of soap
deodorant
boxes of tissues
individually wrapped rolls of toilet paper
toothbrushes
toothpaste
paper towels
napkins
dish soap
laundry detergent
Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated!
November Viking Corner
Viking Corner will be open on Friday, November 7, from 11:30 -1:10.
Grades 1-5 may shop during their lunch time.
There are a variety of pencils, pens, notebooks, erasers, and other school
related items for sale. The prices range from $0.05 to $1.00.
Please have “Viking Corner” money in an envelope with your child’s name and
their teacher’s name written on the front. The boys and girls do not need any
more than $1.00-$2.00 to shop at Viking corner. It would be helpful if the
first and second graders had the amount of money written on the outside of
their envelope.
If you are interested in volunteering to help at Viking Corner please
contact Mrs. Keszler at 686-5578 Ext. 3103. The fifth graders do a wonderful
job as our cashiers but adult assistance is needed to help the shoppers.
A special note of “thanks” to:
 Mary Zovistoski, owner of “The Scoop” in Clayton for
organizing donations to our school and for donating a copy
of the book Bunny Cakes by Rosemary Wells for each of our
teachers and students.
 Our local fire departments for presenting fire safety programs
at every grade level on October 10th.
 The Cape Vincent Correctional Facility for donating a variety
of school supplies for student use.
 Kinney’s for donating a variety of student supplies.
The staff and students of Guardino Elementary School are very
fortunate to have such a caring community looking out for us!
PASSES
For the safety of your child, please send a written note to the
school office in the morning if your child will be going elsewhere
after school other than home. A pass will be issued by the
office, which will allow a teacher or bus driver to honor your
request. TELEPHONE MESSAGES REGARDING A CHANGE
OF PLAN FOR YOUR CHILD WILL BE HONORED IN
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS!
WALKING:
Please include the name of the person with whom the child is to
be released to and the relationship to the child.
BUS:
If the pass request is for a bus, please include the name of the
person with whom the child is to go, the relationship to the child
and the person’s 911 address.
MONDAY
3
TUESDAY
4
Shrimp Poppers
w/ Cocktail Sauce
French Fries
10
5
Cheese Filled
Bread Sticks
w/ Tomato Sauce
Seasoned Green
Beans
11
NO SCHOOL
17
Lasagna Roll-Up
w/ Meat Sauce
Garlic Bread Stick
Carrot Sticks
24
Nacho Grande
w/ Salsa
Baked Beans
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
6
Chicken Nuggets
w/ BBQ Sauce
Buttered Noodles
Roasted Broccoli
NO SCHOOL
18
Rib Barbecue
on a Bun
Baked Beans
Carrot Sticks
Hot Ham & Cheese
on a Pretzel Bun
Seasoned Corn
25
Pizza Choice
Seasoned Green
Beans
100% Fruit Juice Cup
13
19
Thanksgiving
Dinner
Roast Turkey,
Stuffing, Mashed
Potatoes, Green
Beans Apple Crisp
20
French Toast Sticks
w/ Syrup
Sausage Patty
Hash Brown
26
Popcorn Chicken
Rice
Broccoli w/
Cheese Sauce
27
NO SCHOOL
Daily Entrée
7
12
Soft Shell Tacos
w/ Cheese, Lettuce,
Tomatoes & Salsa
Baked Beans
FRIDAY
NO SCHOOL
THANKSGIVING
Thousand Islands
Central School
K-8 Menu
Cheese Pizza
Romaine Salad
w/ Dressing Cup
14
Big Daddy Pizza
Romaine Salad
w/ Dressing Cup
- PBJ Sandwich
- Yogurt w/
Fruit & Granola
- Deli Sandwich
- Salad w/
Grilled Chicken
& Dinner Roll
Daily Choice Of
21
Stuffed Crust Pizza
Romaine Salad
w/ Dressing Cup
- Assorted Fresh Fruit
- Canned Fruit
- Applesauce Cup
Sandwich Choice
28
NO SCHOOL
S
Monday – Ham
Tuesday – Turkey
Wednesday – Ham
Thursday – Turkey
Friday – Tuna
November
2014
USDA Is An Equal Opportunity Provider And Employer
Menu Is Subject
To Change
Without Notice