Thursday Packet - Garrison Union Free School

Thursday Packet
February 19, 2015
Garrison Union Free School
1100 Rte. 9D, Garrison, NY 10524
Dear Parents and Friends in the Community, I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the following students who participated at the 2015 Junior High School All County Festival on February 7th. This remarkable concert was a collaboration of students from Haldane, Carmel, Putnam Valley, Brewster and Mahopac school districts. The participants were given the opportunity to study their musical arts and talents with renowned musicians from the tri‐state area. We applaud their efforts and thank them for sharing their musical expertise with our students. Congratulations to Anna Rowe, Natalie Sandick, Jill Cox, Gaetano Cervone, Stephen Suits, Adam Sharifi, Isaac Walker, Anna Brief and Jack Kelly, band participants. Chorus participants were Megan Horan, Valerie Mancuso, Emerson Smith, Athena Stebe‐Glorious, Kailyn August, Tatiana Matkin and Estella Struck. The music was beautiful and the entire concert was so well orchestrated. A special thank you to Mrs. Bresnan who helped with the coordination of this yearly event and supported our students by helping them practice and work towards their own musical goals. In the next few weeks, I want to share some very important dates and hope this will help you with your plans. If you want to reach towards spring time, which is just 5 weeks away, you will find that our signature programs that make our school so unique continue to thrive and enhance the students overall experience. Come and enjoy these great events and forget about the cold. Spring is coming. February 20th: Garrison Gems Assembly 9 am is in the gym February 21st: Environmental Fund Raiser 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm at 14 Cutler Lane February 26th: All School Spelling Bee at 2 pm in the gym March 1st: 8th grade High School choice due to the main office March 6th: 8th grade play in our own Theater in the Round at 7pm. The 8th graders will perform “The Murder Mystery at the Murder Mystery” March 7th: Elementary Musical Festival at 2pm at H. H. Wells Middle School in Brewster, New York March 11th: K‐8 11:15 am Dismissal for Professional Development March 12th: Differences Day March 16‐19th: Science Fair (see information in Thursday Packet) March 26th: K‐3 Concert Music In Our Schools at 7pm in the gym As we end the month of February and focus once again on the Habits of Mind, be reminded of one of my favorites. “Listen with understanding and empathy”. Understand others . Devote mental energy to another person’s thoughts and ideas, making an effort to perceive another’s point of view and emotions.” Thank you and have a great weekend, stay warm and enjoy these winter months’ with the beauty of the snow capped mountains and magnificent views of the Hudson Valley. Best Wishes, Stephanie C. Impellittiere Garrison Union Free School District
presents a series of
Budget Workshops
PLEASE JOIN US
BE THE VOICE FOR OUR CHILDREN



Learn about our 2015-2016
Educational & Financial Plan
Ask questions
Share ideas and advice
WORKSHOP DATES:
Wednesday, February 25
Thursday, March 5
Saturday, March 28
7:00 p.m.
9:15 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
at the Garrison School Library
2014-2015 Assessment Schedule
Elementary and Intermediate-Level Assessments
Assessment
Dates
Number of Days
NYS Alternate Assessment
(NYSAA)
September 29 –
February 27th
ELA 3-8
April 14-16
Math 3 -8
April 22 - 24
3
Science 4 - Performance
May 27th
1
Science 8 – Performance
May 27th
1
Science 4 – Written
June 1st
1
Science 8 – Written
June 1st
1
Regents
Living Environment – June 16, 2015
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Regents
Common Core Algebra I – June 17, 2015
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Spanish Proficiency
June 22, 2015
9:00 a.m.
Ongoing
collection
period
3
SCIENCE FAIR WEEK
IS COMING!
March 16-19, 2015
LET’S GET OUR KIDS EXCITED
ABOUT SCIENCE!!
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME FOR THIS GREAT EVENT!
ALL THE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO HELP YOUR LITTLE SCIENTIST IS ATTACHED
AND ALSO AVAILABLE ON THE GUFS WEBSITE AND AT MAD SCIENCE NIGHT
 CHECK OUT THE 4TH AND 5TH GRADE SCIENCE FAIR GROUP PAGE FOR GREAT
 SCIENCE PROJECT IDEAS AND HELP!
 AWARDS CEREMONY ON FRIDAY MARCH 27TH
 Grade K – 4
Set up is on Monday 3/16 ----- Judging is on Tuesday 3/17
 Grade 5 - 8
Set up is on Wednesday 3/18 ---Judging is on Thursday 3/19
GARRISON SCHOOL SCIENCE FAIR – 2015
ALL STUDENTS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE!
The Garrison School Science Fair will be held the week of March 16-19, 2015.
We are looking forward to another year of impressive and innovative projects.

Grades K-4 will set up their exhibits on Monday, March 16 and judging
will take place on the morning of Tuesday, March 17. K-2 students will
be encouraged, but not required, to make brief presentations to the
judges. Third and fourth graders will be asked to present their projects.

Certificates of Participation will be awarded, and top entries will be
ranked. Winners will be eligible for participation in the Tri-County
Science Fair on April 25, 2015 in White Plains, N.Y.
Grades 5-8 will set up their entries on Wednesday, March 18. Judging
will take place on Thursday morning, March 19. Certificates of
Participation will be awarded and entries will be ranked. Winners will be
eligible for participation in the Tri-County Science Fair.
Awards Ceremony to be held Friday March 27th in the Gymnasium.
Please note the following:

Grades 5-8 should use the Scientific Method (see attached information)

Grades K-4 are not required to use the Scientific Method.

We recommend the use of freestanding project display boards, available
through Mr. Keegan and also in many Office Supply stores.

The fair will be open for public viewing in the gym all week.

The students will receive instructions from their teachers as to when they
need to submit an outline of their projects.

Attached is a summary of the Science Fair format and guidelines. Useful
resources include the science project books in the school library and
science websites.
SCIENCE FAIR INFORMATION
Each participant should choose a topic of interest and develop a project. Students in the
5-8th grades must use the scientific method, and those projects should consist of a
model, charts and/or diagrams, a prepared oral presentation for the Science Fair judges
(10 minute maximum) and a written report.
K-4 students are not required to make an oral presentation but it is recommended as it
helps the judges understand their projects and gives them practice in presenting. The
judges are very gentle and kind. The projects can be on a project display board but can
basically be presented any way the student is comfortable, especially if they are in the
very young grades. A written report is also optional. This should be a fun experience for
these students and used as an introduction to the world of science experimentation.
THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
Purpose – The problem or question for which you are seeking a solution
Hypothesis – Your educated guess about the solution to the problem
Research – Gathering information by consulting libraries, instructors and professionals
Experiment – Translating your knowledge and research findings into tests of your
hypothesis
Conclusion – The proof or disproof of your hypothesis.
CATEGORIES
・Biology
・Chemistry
・Earth and Space Science
・Engineering and Technology
・Environment
・Mathematics/Computer Science
・Physics
THE PROJECT
Your project display should contain:
・Project title
・Purpose
・Hypothesis (grades 4-8)
・Conclusion
・YOUR NAME, SCHOOL, GRADE AND AGE
Oral Presentation (10 minute maximum):
・Introduce yourself and how you got interested in your topic
・Discuss your project, research, and use of the scientific method (grades 4-8)
・Discuss your findings and conclusion
・Leave time for questions and answers
Written Reports:
Introduce and describe your topic; state your hypothesis; describe how you tested the
hypothesis, the research you conducted, and the conclusions you reached. Provide a
bibliography (author, name of book, paper or website), title of journal (if necessary),
publisher, and date.
JUDGING CRITERIA
・Creative ability: Originality, ingenuity and flexibility in confronting problems
・Scientific thought: Organization, accuracy, cause and effect reasoning, analysis, and
synthesis of findings.
・Thoroughness: The completeness of your study and evidence of data gathering
・Skill: Quality of workmanship, mastery of technique, overall construction and look of
project
・Clarity: Well organized and easy to follow project display and oral presentation
SCIENCE FAIR HELP WANTED
To all GUFS Parents:
The Science Fair is coming up March 16-19 and every year we need parents to help
set up the fair and also help the judges. It is a lot of fun to see the projects and help the kids as
they are happy and enthusiastic about their projects but also a bit nervous about presenting!
This is what we need:
Monday March 16 -- 8:15 - 9:30 -- K-4 check in. Help with setting up tables, checking kids in,
and helping the kids set up as needed. We need 2-3 parent helpers this day.
Tuesday March 17 -- 8:15 -- 11:15 –Judging Day K-4. Help with breakfast setup for the
judges, bring the students from their classrooms to the gym for the judging, help keep the
students calm while waiting. We need 4-5 parent helpers.
Wednesday March 18 -- 8:15 – 9:30- 5-8 check in. Help with checking kids in and
setting up projects. 2-3 helpers needed.
Thursday March 19 – 8:15- 12:30 Judging Day 5-8. Help with breakfast and lunch set up. Help
judges and students find each other and keep students calm and quiet while they wait for their
judge. Each volunteer is assigned a judge to help. We need 4- 5 helpers.
This year we are also looking for co-chairs for the Science Fair. The co-chairs help to
coordinate the volunteers, the food and the awards. Ideally, we could use 2-3 people to help
and the more volunteers, the better. The Science Fair is very important to the Garrison
School as we are the only school in this area that puts on a Science Fair and sends students
to the Tri-County Science Fair. Our students have been very successful at the Tri-County
Science Fair and we would like to make sure this success continues.
Please join and help us with this very important program.
All interested volunteers should contact Karen Cox at: 845-734-8021; email:
[email protected].
“Feel Good Food - Savor the Difference”
914-930-1591 www.healthyculinarycreations.com
The 4th and 6th graders at Garrison School learned about different winter vegetables with Chef Laurie during the Chef in the Classroom on February 6.
Vegetables of the Day included blue hubbard squash (at a whopping 20 lbs!),
cabbage, carrots, and apples. All vegetables and maple syrup procured from local sustainable farms.
Students worked on their vegetable cutting skills, combining, measuring, whisking, emulsifying, and sautéing (squash was pre cooked for time constraints then
sautéed with ingredients). Nutrition and other information too - which they may
want to share with you. Consider preparing the recipes at home together!
Cinnamon-Maple Winter Squash
Winter Squash comes in many varieties including butternut, acorn, pumpkin,
kabocha, kuri, dumpling, delicata. The darker the flesh, the sweeter the taste!
Pick a size that is based on the ability to cut and handle. To cut, place on a firm
cutting board and cut off top stem of squash. Cut vertical down the center to half
the squash. Scoop out seeds, and peel. Cut in wedges or dice.
Ingredient quantities can be adjusted if using more squash:
1 lb or 4 cups Winter Squash of choice, peeled, diced or cut in bite size pieces
(see above for cutting)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or just enough to coat pieces in bowl)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 to 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Toss all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Lay squash on baking sheet in a
single layer, and bake in 300 degree oven for 20 minutes or until tender when
pierced with a fork.
Cabbage Salad
1/2 head cabbage, quartered and sliced thin
1 carrot, shredded
1 apple, cored, quartered, and sliced thin
1/2 teaspoon sea salt or more to taste
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or vinegar of your choice (more or less to taste)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1. Toss together in a mixing bowl the cabbage, carrot and apple. Sprinkle
in sea salt and mix together.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar and evoo until
dressing is thick. Pour on vegetables and combine.
Preparing high quality, never compromised, whole foods for your health
February 19, 2015
Dear GUFS friends and family,
Tired of the cold and snow? Good news, it is almost time for GCEF’s 16th Annual Spring Thaw! The Spring
Thaw is GCEF’s largest fundraiser of the year, with money raised at this event supporting educational,
artistic and athletic programming at GUFS. This year's Thaw will take place at Glynwood on Saturday,
April 18 from 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., and will feature an incredible silent auction, dinner, dessert and live
music.
•
We need your help! Would you like to help us track down interesting and unique items for auction
donations? Do you have something to donate to the auction, such as your professional services or
use of a vacation home? Please email us if you’d like to help at [email protected].
•
Please buy your Thaw tickets today. You can purchase tickets online at www.gcef.net, mail a
check to P.O. Box 262, Garrison, NY 10524 or send in via backpack mail. Tickets are $75 in advance
and $90 at the door.
It’s been a busy start to 2015 for GCEF. We have a new logo and a redesigned website. Most significantly,
we recently surpassed $600,000 in the amount of money we’ve distributed to enrich the education of children
in the Garrison Union Free School district. Together, we work to make the Garrison School a place that will
stand out in the memories of our kids and help them succeed in the future.
We hope to see you at this year’s Thaw and look forward to dining and bidding with our extended community
this spring!
GCEF Board
Courtney Schacht, Kyoko Gelber, Lisa Hunter Rasic, Karen Nelson, Courtney McCarthy, Kristin Sorenson,
Marianne Sullivan and Liz Westphal
Post Office Box 262, Garrison, New York 10524
Officers: Courtney Schacht, President – Kyoko Gelber, Vice President of Grants – Karen Nelson, Secretary – Lisa Hunter Rasic,
Treasurer – Courtney McCarthy, Communications Chair. Board of Trustees: Kristin Sorenson, Marianne Sullivan, Liz Westphal.
gcef.net
…offered!by!the!!
HaldaneJGarrison!PTAs!
Learning$Differences$
Joint!Committee!
!
!
!
!
!!
!
Parent Support Group
Join!other!parents!one!Tuesday!each!month!
NEW$location$this$year!$
Cold!Spring!Methodist!Church!!
216!Main!Street!
!
7:00$pm$meetings$
Jan$27$$*$$$Feb$10$$*$$$Mar$10$$$
!
…a!welcoming!place!to!talk!about!the!joys!and!
challenges!of!parenting!unique!children!!!
!
!
Questions?$
(Garrison)[email protected]!
!(Haldane)[email protected]!
!
www.facebook.com/PTALearnDiff$
Highlander GIRLS Lacrosse ICE CREAM SOCIAL Who : Grade 3 & 4 girls and interested 1 st & 2nd Grade girls What : ICE CREAM SOCIAL Where : St Philips Church Parish House When : Friday , February 20th 3:30 pm ‐ 5 Why : Come learn what Girls Lacrosse is all about Molly Freeman will coach the 3 & 4 team NO TRYOUTS / EXPERIENCE NECESSARY We will have a handout with information about practices / scrimmages / etc. RSVP – Carol [email protected] or Karen [email protected] P.L.A.Y. (Philipstown Lacrosse Association for Youth) P.O. Box 28, Garrison, NY
Friday
February 20th
at 5pm
- After Hours -
At the
Desmond-Fish
Library
472 Route 403 Garrison, NY 10524 ◊ 845-424-3020
__________________
__________________
Come join the Girls’ Basketball coach, Catie Biordi, the OHS
Basketball staff and team for the 1st Annual Spring Break
Fundamentals Camp. This camp is designed for young players,
girls currently in grades 3-8. The focus will be on teaching
fundamentals and team concept through drills, station work,
competitive play and contests.
Campers will also get the opportunity to meet players from
and
as they will be attending camp as
guest speakers!
__________________
“Little Dribblers”
get $10.00 off the
registration fee!
Please mail
application
by MARCH 1st
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Name ____________________________ Grade (‘14-‘15) ______
Parent’s Name _____________________________
EMAIL ADDRESS (please write clearly) _____________________________
Emergency Phone _______________________
Please mail and make checks payable to:
O’NEILL GIRLS’ BASKETBALL * Attn: C. Biordi * P.O. Box 287 * Highland Falls, NY 10928
Summer
A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY
Art Institute
Garrison Art Center was founded 51 years ago by a
group of parents for the purpose of supplementing
arts education. Since then Art Center staff and
teachers have continued to build and improve
programming, while ensuring that class size remain
small and personal.
Our 16 year-old Summer Art Institute was founded as
a means to enhance the arts education provided
by area high schools. As funds for arts education
continue to be cut, it is vital that organizations like
ours offer the kind of arts education that develops
skilled young artists and informed young adults.
Our program draws high praise from parents and
students alike. Students attend noted art schools,
and those who choose different fields will be the
first to say how their experience in this creative
environment positively influences all they undertake.
A UNIQUE PLACE
Our vast backyard on the edge of the Hudson River
is nothing short of inspiring. Five studios give teachers
the freedom to create curriculum that requires
a large area. In addition, we are a stone’s throw
from Metro North’s Hudson Line, Garrison Stop. We
have designed a time schedule to accommodate
students who commute by train.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
SAI student Anthony DiBattista self portrait.
An arts immersion program
for high school students
July 20 – August 7, 2015
Monday – Friday 10:15 – 4:45
Student Exhibition — August 8 & 9
Enrollment limited–sign up early
Register by May 1 for
Discount off tuition
Garrison Art Center remains committed to keeping
the cost of our programs affordable, plus we are
able to offer assistance to families in need through
the Gillette Scholarship Fund. Please go to our
website for the financial assistance application.
The Summer Art Institute is supported in part by the
Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union which now has
2 branches in Putnam County. Stop in to see them
in the Brewster Towne Center and on Route 6 in
Carmel or visit www.hvfcu.org.
Hudson Valley
Federal Credit Union
®
A 3-week arts immersion program for high school students
at one of the most inspiring riverside spots in the Hudson Valley
Garrison Art Center offers our 16th year of the
Summer Art Institute for high-school students
entering grades 9 – 12. For this full day three-week
immersion program the Art Center dedicates the
entire facility to 20 students who are interested in
developing their art skills in an open environment.
This highly successful program offers young
artists five professional studios in which to work
and collaborate, enabling them to develop
their creative abilities under the guidance of
outstanding teaching artists who are masters in
their fields. Provocative discussions with faculty
and guest artists, field trips, visits to professional
studios and the strong encouragement of risktaking in a congenial environment free students
to explore their ideas. Our earnest commitment
is to be supportive, encouraging and openminded, while also teaching a vital skill set.
Summer Art Institute students sculpting in clay.
The curriculum consists of drawing, painting,
sculpture, and printmaking. While learning
traditional techniques and skills, students will be
encouraged to explore new methods.
Each participant will advance his/her skills within
a core curriculum, periodically engaging in
group critiques allowing students to collectively
and individually respond to and draw from
the skills and insights of others. The program
culminates with an exhibition of student work in
the Art Center’s two professional galleries.
The application process consists of an informal
personal interview with the program director.
The student applicant will show samples of work
and discuss the program in detail along with the
specific interests of the student.
Still life painting by SAI student Alii Sharpley.
garrisonartcenter.org
845.424.3960
Made possible by the
New York State Council
on the Arts with the
support of Governor
Andrew Cuomo and
the New York State
Legislature
SummerARTtots
For pre-K artists Ages 2, 3 and 4
3 weeks, June 29 – July 17, 2015
Monday – Friday 9:30 – 12
extended childcare available from 12 – 3pm
Now 5
days a
week!
p
runs co lus
ncurren
Summe
t with
r Arts o
n the H
udson
$190 per 5-morning week
$175 for Family Members
$550 for all 3 weeks
$500 for Family Members
2-year olds & those in diapers must attend with an adult
Summer ARTtots offers budding artists, aged 2 – 4, three weeks of creative exploration,
including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, art appreciation and even color
theory. Three themed weeks can be taken together or individually. Our daily art
curriculum is rounded out with movement, singing, outdoor time, and a healthy snack.
All the students’ hard work culminates in a gallery exhibition and celebration.
23 Garrison’s Landing, Garrison, NY
For more info: 845-424-3960
[email protected]
Summer
Arts on the Hudson
A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY
Creative education is a vital part of Garrison
Art Center’s mission, and in fact, the Art Center
was founded 51 years ago by a group of
parents for the purpose of supplementing their
childrens’ education. Since then our staff and
teachers have continued to build and improve
programming, while assuring that class size
remain small and personal.
Our 27 year-old Summer Arts on the Hudson is
praised by parents as a meaningful and fun
educational experience and touted as one of
the best values in the Hudson Valley for both
content and cost.
A UNIQUE PLACE
A unique summer experience
for students entering K – 8
June 29 – July 17, 2015
Monday – Friday 9:30 – 3:00
The One Hour Exhibition
July 17, 3:00 – 4:00
Enroll by April 15
FOR DISCOUNT ON TUITION
Our vast backyard on the edge of the Hudson
River is nothing short of inspiring. It gives teachers
the freedom to create curriculum that requires
a large area, while offering kids unmatched
outdoor fun. In addition, the historic connection
to the Hudson River School of Painting adds to
the enjoyment of regional art history.
Our 3-week curriculum is designed to build on
knowledge, to serve students of all talents and
interests and to allow children extended time
periods needed to complete involved projects.
Our faculty is comprised of teaching artists
with extensive academic experience, varied
specialties and a commitment to developing a
plan that frees the creativity which exists within
all children. (Visit our website to find teaching
artists’ résumés.)
Our entire 5,000 square-foot facility is devoted to
the students and includes a printmaking studio
where most of our students experience making
their very first print and a large clay studio where
kids see their creations come to life. (We have
two state of the art kilns.)
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
ARTtots for 2, 3, & 4 year olds will now run
concurrent with Summer Arts on the Hudson and
will be expanded to 5 mornings per week.
For more information go to garrisonartcenter.org
Garrison Art Center remains committed to
keeping the cost of our programs affordable,
plus we are able to offer assistance to families
in need through the Gillette Scholarship Fund.
Please go to our website for the financial
assistance application.
Serious art and serious fun
for students entering kindergarten to 8th grade
Summer Arts on the Hudson is Garrison Art Center’s
highly acclaimed arts immersion program for
children entering grades K – 8. The daily program
runs for 3 weeks from 9:30 to 3:00.
Each year a different theme is chosen to guide the
curriculum and along with the study of many artists
and ideas children begin the development of a
richer artistic language.
Summer Arts on the Hudson is a unique opportunity
for children to learn new skills and expand their
worlds. While the focus is on art, the program is
designed to serve all interests and the creative
potential existing within all children. Students will
use a wide range of materials in traditional and
experimental approaches, with an emphasis on
shared discovery and friendly fun.
The 2015 theme, Of The Earth, celebrates our
connection to nature with images and materials
that invite students to explore composition and
form using paint, clay and a variety of natural
materials. The theme will allow our teaching artists
to introduce students to a variety of artists. Garrison
Art Center’s teaching staff is comprised of highly
credentialed teaching artists, whose knowledge
and open approaches assure that students have
an unmatched summer arts experience.
Students are expected to enroll for the full three
weeks. Continuity is a crucial component of this
progressive program, designed to build on skills and
knowledge and to offer children the opportunity
to experiment in an open-minded and congenial
environment. Through this process children finish
with increased confidence and a strong sense of
accomplishment.
garrisonartcenter.org
845.424.3960
Made possible by the
New York State Council
on the Arts with the
support of Governor
Andrew Cuomo and
the New York State
Legislature
SPRING 2015 REGISTRATION
ANNOUNCEMENT FROM
PHILIPSTOWN LITTLE LEAGUE!
•
REGISTRATION FEE FOR THIS YEAR IS $150.00 PER PLAYER & $100 .00 FOR ANY ADDITIONAL PLAYERS IN SAME FAMILY. •
TRYOUTS FOR PLAYERS MOVING UP TO THE MINORS AND MA‐
JORS WILL BE HELD MARCH 21. •
REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE MARCH 20. ALTHOUGH IT MAY SEEM TOO EARLY TO THINK ABOUT BASEBALL, REGISTERING NOW HELPS LL PLAN FOR AND ACQUIRE NECESSARY EQUIP‐
MENT NEEDED FOR THE 2015 SPRING SEASON. •
TO REGISTER YOUR PLAYER GO TO: www.philipstownlittleleague.com 1
2
Nort
h Ri
ver
Thea
ter
Scho
ol
weekend th
eater class
es
in Cold Spri
ng
DIP INTO DRAMA
4 WEEKS STARTING MARCH 1
GRADES 3 – 6
2:00pm to 3:00pm
COMEDY WORKOUT
4 WEEKS STARTING MARCH 1
GRADES 6 – 8
3:30pm to 4:30pm
Details and Registration:
www.northrivertheater.com