Mr. Button's Blog

Reader's Theater in Mrs. Watkin's 3rd Grade Class!!

2012-02-06T09:14:00.002-05:00

Mrs. Watkins class has been working on improving their fluency by using Reader's Theater. Students did such a phenomenal job practicing lines, getting into their characters and acting out the actions that they decided to invite their families to come watch their plays.

On Friday, February 3rd, Mrs. Watkins' classroom was filled with students' parents, friends and relatives to enjoy the production!

Here are pictures of the cast of characters in the plays; "The Rabbit Who Stole Groundhog's Day" and "Cupid's Day Off."

Claverack's "Safety City" Presentation Visits 4th Grade

2012-02-06T09:10:00.002-05:00

Claverack and Education Consortium Partner for Safety and give Electrical safety presentations to area students through a partnership between Claverack Rural Electric Cooperative and the Northern Tier Industry and Education Consortium.

4th Grade students at BRES learned about electrical safety through an interactive discussion while viewing Claverack’s safety city model.

Claverack Rural Electric Cooperative is an electrical distribution cooperative serving members in 8 Northeastern counties. The Northern Tier Industry and Education Consortium (NTIEC) provides job training opportunities and career exposure to youth across 5 counties.

Fifth Grade Art Club

2012-02-02T12:52:00.002-05:00

Fifth Grade Art club made some table centerpieces for Marley's Mission Blue Ribbon Gala. Marley's Mission is a non-profit organization that provides free equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) to children who have suffered trauma.

Picture is attached.bottom left to right:Natasha Johnson, Taylor Brant, Jerni Schell, Matthew Glatzel, Tommy GudykunstTop row left to right: Ben Gudykunst, Adam Roe, Luis Tobon, Daniel Tierney, Krystal Hepler, Jilly McAulliffe, Avy Mudge

State Representative Sandra Major Visits BRSD!

2012-01-31T15:10:00.005-05:00

Rep. Major recently visited Blue Ridge School District on January 30, 2012 to meet with the Blue Ridge school board, administration, faculty, students and community members. During her visit, topics such as school funding, Senate Bill 1 (voucher program), and the impact of natural gas drilling in the region were discussed. Pictured is Rep. Major with some Blue Ridge High School students.
(Pictured (L-R) -- Tama Galu, Rep. Major, Kevin Carey, David Miller)

Art That Helps

2012-01-09T19:17:00.000-05:00

Blue Ridge Fifth Grade Art Club is getting ready to launch this year’s Hexagon Project. Students created hexagon donation containers that they will place in local businesses. The money collected will be donated to Susquehanna County Interfaith and they will distribute the funds to people who need help heating their homes through the cold winter months.
Last year Blue Ridge Students collected $455.00 in total and also won the Community Partnership Award at the Interdependence Day Art Exhibit. This year, students hope to top that total. After the donations are counted, the containers will be headed to the art show in the fall where they will be on display at the 2012 Interdependence Day Exhibit.
When you see a hexagon shaped donation container please try to add some change and help keep someone warm this winter.
For more information on the Hexagon Project and Interdependence Day visit www.interdependencedaynepa.org
To make a donation, please contact Sarrah Dibble at dibbles@brsd.org or 570-465-3141, ext. 548.

Top row from left to right: Luis Tobon, Bobby Reynolds, Micah Mullen, Sarah Vogel, Kaleb Folk, Kyra Powell, Tommy Gudykunst, Danielle Goff, William Rudick, Autumn Perrington. Bottom row: Taylor Brant, Anna Bonner, Makayla Philllips, Mary Kerr, Tabitha Cramer, Karris Fazzi, Avy Mudge, Adam Roe.
Absent from Picture: Ben Gudykunst, Sierra Brown, Ashley Mirra, Jillian McAulliffe, Natasha Johnson, Jerni Schell, Alec Martin, Matt Glatzel, Daniel Tierney, Zachary Smith, Krystal Hepler, Todd Hand.

2012-01-09T12:24:00.002-05:00

The Kindergarten classes at Blue Ridge Elementary School constructed a piñata shaped as the Grinch to celebrate Los Posadas. As part as our Holidays Around the World unit, the kindergartners learned how children from different parts of the world celebrate the holidays. As pictured, students used liquid starch and newspaper to form the piñata. In addition to history and art, science was integrated into this project as the students predicted what would happen to the balloon after it was covered with several layers of newspaper and glue. On piñata breaking day, Mr. Button, our elementary principal offered his assistance to the kindergartners in breaking the piñata!

OPEN HOUSE for Susquehanna County Literacy Program!

2012-01-02T16:57:00.001-05:00

When:
Saturday, January 14th, 2012
10am to 2pm

Come Check us out!

Susquehanna County Literacy Program
(570) 465-2880 or email sclp@epix.net

You can find us on Facebook or at susqctyliteracy.org

Education IS the only way to end Poverty…

Miss Dibble's 6th Grade Hexagon Project Gets Recognized!

2012-01-02T16:54:00.002-05:00

Click on the link below:
http://insea.org/publications/volume-3-number-3-news.

The 6th Grade Hexagon Project was mentioned in an article in "The International Society for Education Through Art publication".

Click on "Articles" on the right then scroll down to find the article.

BRES Sharing Parade (2011)!!

2011-12-21T16:58:00.001-05:00

On Tuesday, December 20th, Blue Ridge Elementary school celebrated its 26th annual Sharing Parade. The Sharing Parade is an event where students, faculty and staff come together help families in need. This year's theme for the parade was "Uniting." As our Sharing Parade coordinator Kathy Roe says, the purpose of the event is to "brighten the holiday season to those in our community; show we care; help instill in our students it is important to give, to help, to share, and the good feeling you get when you help someone."

Throughout December, students donated food items to their classroom. The day of the Sharing Parade, the students bring all their items to the auditorium and place them on tables in front of the stage. This "parade" of giving is a very special tradition at Blue Ridge Elementary.

Parents are invited to come and join in the celebration of singing and sharing thoughts. Kristen Burkhart, elementary music teacher, led the students in song. Thena Summers, a community member and volunteer for the Great Bend Fire Company and American Red Cross, came to speak about the unity she witnessed this September during the devastating floods our community suffered.

This year food boxes were given to 30 families in need. A ham and a bag of potatoes were donated by Blue Ridge Elementary PTO. Toys for each child in the family were added in by Kristen Hinkley, another Blue Ridge teacher, on behalf of the Toys N Tots and Leo Club programs.

Photo Caption: Students read their sharing thought on stage while their classmates hold the UNITE sign. From left to right (reading): Brock Gumaer, Tommy Gudykunst and TJ Hand. Holding sign: Evan Snyder, Andrew Merrell, Kaleb Folk, MaKayla Phillips, Jillian Stone

Clcik Here to view another blog of the Sharing Parade: http://brsdgifted.blogspot.com/2011/12/26th-annual-sharing-parade.html.

PreK Visits Emerson Apts (Elderly Housing)

2011-12-20T17:01:00.005-05:00

The BRES PreK classes took time out of their day to sing Christmas Carols and provide the Elderly at the Emerson Apartments with a Holiday snack and an Ornament for their Christmas Trees.

Mrs. Templeton's 4th Grade Math Class

2011-12-07T13:36:00.001-05:00

Mrs. Templeton’s fourth grade math class recently began their geometry unit. The students will be studying such things as polygons, lines, points, rays and angles. In these photographs, the students are using geoboards to make various polygons. They were asked to make a triangle, quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon and an octagon. Great job class!

2011-12-07T13:34:00.001-05:00

Once again, Blue Ridge Elementary partnered with Trehab and WNEP Channel 16 to collect food items during the annual Feed-A-Friend food drive. Students in grades PreK-5th collected a grand total of 638 food items. Those food items ranged from
Jell-O mix to canned fruit and applesauce. This year the first grade class collected the most items with 157 donated boxes of pudding. They were rewarded with extra recess time on their new playground equipment.

Caption – First graders at Blue Ridge Elementary School enjoy their extra recess time reward.

1st Marking Period Honor Roll.............Grade 5

2011-12-02T14:17:00.002-05:00

Honors:
Beach, Makayla E.
Beesley, Samuel J.
Carr, Aleksander T.
Clapper, Cassandra A.
Colwell, Jason E.
Cramer, Micah L.
DelLongo, Danielle R.
DeVoe, Clayton J.
Gelatt, Brandon R.
Glatzel, Matthew J.
Goff, Danielle L.
Goff, Joshua J.
Kelly, Jerry P.
Kerr, Mary V.
Lewis, Mackenzie M.
Martin, Alec J.
McAndrew, Christopher J.
Perrington, Autumn E.
Phillips, MaKayla M.
Schell, Jerni G.
Smith, Zachary T.
Stepniak, Lauren T.
Vogel, Sarah M.
Wojtkowski, Wesley A.
Zawiski, Jeff W.

High Honors:
Bailey, Devon M.
Bonner, Anna M.
Brant, Taylor P.
Bryden, Kimberly M.
Cosmello, Samuel J.
Cramer, Tabitha P.
Dissinger, Parker J.
Folk, Kaleb M.
Gudykunst, Benjamin V.
Gudykunst, Karly G.
Gumaer, Brock H.
Hand, Todd J.
Hepler, Krystal E.
Johnson, Natasha L.
Lewis, Frederick D.
McAulliffe, Jillian E.
Merrell, Andrew C.
Mirra, Ashley M.
Morris, Isabelle N.
Mudge, Avy M.
Mullen, Micah M.
Powell, Kyra J.
Reynolds, Robert G.
Roe, Adam T.
Snyder, Evan M.
Stilloe, Ardine
Stone, Jillian S.
Tierney, Daniel P.
Tobon, Luis A.

Check our BRES Student Artwork on Artsonia!!

2011-12-02T14:04:00.000-05:00

Click on the link to check out our online student gallery at Artsonia. Blue Ridge Elementary gallery can be viewed at http://www.artsonia.com/schools/school.asp?id=17116 We have about 237 pieces of student work and counting! I'm hoping to have at least one piece of student art for every student by the end of the year. Students can purchase items from the gift shop with their own art on the merchandise. Part of the money is put towards funds for our art class. This is all done through the Artsonia website.

Sarrah Dibble
Blue Ridge Elementary Art Teacher

2011-12-02T14:01:00.001-05:00

The Blue Ridge Elementary School would like to thank our local Robb’s supermarket and School/Community Family Members for their partnership with the eScrip program. eScrip is proven to be a fantastic resource for fundraising where participating business partners contribute a percentage of your grocery loyalty cards, credit card, and debit/ATM card purchases to the school, group or organization of your choice.

Here's How it Works:
•You register any one or all of your existing grocery loyalty, debit and credit cards for use in the program.

•Participating merchants will make contributions to your chosen group, based on purchases made by you, just by using the cards you have registered.

•Your purchases are tracked and available to you online, allowing you to see just how much you are earning on your child's behalf!

Pictured above(attached), is Matthew Button (Blue Ridge Elementary Principal) and Robb Robinson (Owner of Robb’s Supermarket) holding a certificate recognizing the Blue Ridge Elementary School for being among the “Top Participating Groups” in the ShurSave/eScrip Community Rewards Program for the Fall of 2011.

Grade 1 is Learning About "Careers"

2011-12-02T09:29:00.000-05:00

In the first grade reading curriculum their is a unit on "Careers." During the first week of December the students learned about various careers in the world and the week concluded with many first grade parents visiting first grade and presenting on their career.

Pictured above, is Mr. Button reading "Frog Principal" and explaining to the students what it is like to be a Principal.

Mrs. Rhone's & Mrs. Skal's Fabulous 50th Day of Kindergarten

2011-11-23T13:29:00.004-05:00

On Tuesday, November 22, Mrs. Rhone’s and Mrs. Skal’s Kindergarten classes celebrated the 50th Day of Kindergarten, 1950’s style! Of course, we dressed up in our best 50's gear and danced whenever we had a chance. The Jitterbug, the Hand Jive and Twist were the dances on our list! We compared today to the 50’s and talked about what was so nifty: Lassie, Howdy Doody, poodle skirts, greased hair, bowling, hula hoop and of course, counting to 50! We integrated social studies, science, math, music and movement and art into our theme with activities such as: now and then, predicting if ice cream sinks/floats in Coke floats, patterning, counting, addition, subtraction and spin art. We concluded our day with a 1950’s party that demonstrated all of our activities to our parents.
Happy 50th Day of Kindergarten!!!

Thank You!

2011-11-22T15:24:00.001-05:00

Dear Kindergarten Families and BR Community,

On Saturday, November 19, Kindergarten had a very successful bake sale! We are very thankful for donated baked goods and monetary donations that our community contributed. Special thanks to Mrs. Kira Connelly, our PTO President for assisting 5K Kindergarten teachers with our Saturday bake sale!

Thanks for your support!

5K Kindergarten Teachers

Coat Drive at BR!

2011-11-21T17:36:00.002-05:00

This past Saturday the BREA & Leo club sponsored a Coat Give Away. We gave out 262+ coats to people in need. Thank you all who donated or helped in some way. The people were very appreciative & thankful, many had lost clothing in this years flood. We will collect all year to stock up for next year. Please feel free to bring in coats anytime & I will store them. All the coats the Blue Ridge family donated have gone to a new home & we do not have any coats left. Best time to buy is off season, many stores have fantastic deals on new coats in the summer & spring.

Thanks again for helping make our community warmer this winter season!

Kristen Hinkley
FCS Teacher
Leo Club Advisor

Kindergarten's Annual Thanksgiving Feast!!

2011-11-19T19:34:00.002-05:00

This Year's Top Feed A Friend Grade was..............Grade 1

2011-11-19T19:24:00.004-05:00

1st Grade collected 157 cans of jello to support the Feed a Friend Program. Pictured above is First Grade enjoying their reward..............an extra recess on the new playground.

American Education Week (Nov 14-18)

2011-11-15T14:24:00.003-05:00

To celebrate American Education Week the Blue Ridge Elementary School had a Community Read Aloud and a Parent Visitation Day on Tuesday, November 15.

Students really enjoyed hearing stories from their class visitors and also having the chance to have their parents stop by and visit and see what they do at school.

BRES would like to thank parents who took time out of their day to stop by and visit our school.

Veteran's Day Assembly (November 11, 2011)

2011-11-15T13:44:00.006-05:00

On November 11, 2011 the Blue Ridge MS/HS Leo Club and the Blue Ridge ES combined their efforts to recognize local Veterans. The Blue Ridge MS/HS Leo Club recognized and thanked our local Veterans by providing a breakfast prior to the Veteran's Day Assembly, put on by the Blue Ridge ES.

The program was well-attended and 35 local Veterans and Auxiliary members were in attendance.

The Assembly consisted of.....................

ENTRANCE OF THE COLOR GUARD AND MEMBERS OF THE HALLSTEAD AMERICAN LEGION AND AUX., GREAT BEND VFW AND AUX., AND PENNSYLVANIA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (Please rise)...........................................Bill Kienzler, Commander
(American Legion Post 357)

NATIONAL ANTHEM (Please rise) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . 5th Grade Select Choir & school
Directed by Kristen Burkhart

INVOCATION (Please rise). . . . . . . . . Chaplain (Veterans’ organization) Reverend James Sollar

GRADE 1 POEMS – EACH CLASS READ A PART OF A POEM AND PRESENTED POSTERS TO THEIR LOCAL HERO'S

MESSAGE ON VETERANS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ron Cranage, Commander
(Veterans of Foreign War Post 6223)

“THANK A VET” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5TH Grade Select Choir
Directed by Kristen Burkhart

INTRODUCE VETERANS IN ATTENDANCE - VFW . . . . . . Ron Cranage, Commander
(Veterans of Foreign War Post 6223)

INTRODUCE VETERANS IN ATTENDANCE –AM LEGION. .......... Bill Kienzler, Commander
(American Legion Post 357)

“IN SERVICE OF OUR COUNTRY. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5TH Grade Select Choir
Directed by Kristen Burkhart

INTRODUCE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY . . . . . ………Vicki Moelaer, Auxiliary President (American Post 357)

INTRODUCE VFW AUXILIARY . . . . . …………………………. Willy Sollar, Auxiliary President
(Veterans of Foreign War Post 6223)

PLAYING OF TAPS (Please rise). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nathaniel Wellman
HS Band Student

“THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Select Choir and Audience

TerraCycle Leap Into Fall Points Giveaway: We Won!

2011-11-09T15:11:00.001-05:00

TerraCycle Leap Into Fall Points Giveaway: We Won!
Here in the elementary school we participate in the TerraCycle waste collection program. By participating in the program, we earn money for our school, which we put towards recycling and other green initiatives.Today I got exciting news that we were one of the winners for October's Leap Info Fall Points Give away! During October and November, TerraCycle is giving away 5,000 additional TerraCycle points to five winning locations each month. 5,000 points equals $50 dollars for our school. Every time we sent in a shipment of collected materials to TerraCycle during these months, we earned an entry in the contest.

We won!Thank you to the classroom teachers and students who have been working hard to collect and sort TerraCycle items. Your hard work in October certainly paid off!
To learn more about TerraCycle collection at Blue Ridge, visit our GreenBRSD wiki.

New Playground

2011-11-06T16:59:00.003-05:00

The "New Playground" is assembled and almost ready for students to use. If all goes well this week the students will be able to use the playground on Friday, November 11.

BRES would like to say "THANKS" to all of the volunteers who volunteered their time to assemble the new playground.

2011-11-01T15:27:00.001-04:00

During the week before Halloween, in Miss Carden’s class, the students learned about names for body parts and clothing. As part of the seasonal unit, the students learned about scarecrows.
For a Halloween treat, Mrs. McFadden, Speech Therapist, was invited to the elementary life skills class to read a story.

The story was: The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams. At the end of the story, the little old lady made a scarecrow, and so did the students! The students identified clothing, body parts, and dressed the scarecrow.

Mobile Agriculture Education Science Lab Visits BRES!

2011-10-31T12:48:00.005-04:00

From October 31 to November 4 the BRES students, faculty, and staff will have the opportunity to explore the Mobile Agriculture Education Science Lab. The lab is a 32 foot long trailer that contains a science lab for students to perform hands-on science experiments related to agricultural concepts involving agricultural commodities.

BRES would like to thank the Susquehanna County Farm Bureau, PA Dairymen’s Association, and the PA Soybean Board for sponsoring the Mobile Ag Ed Lab coming to our school.

Pictured above is Ms. Chamberlain's 5th graders performing the experiment "Corn to Plastic." The students experimented with two types of packaging foam. They came to the conclusion that one of the types is biodegradable and better for the environment then the other.

Top Table at Breakfast!

2011-10-27T13:33:00.002-04:00

All of the students at breakfast each morning are expected to exhibit all 6 character traits and follow our School-Wide Positive Behavior Expectations. The table that exhibits these characteristics is rewarded with a trophy for the week.

Kindergarten's 2nd Week of Super Scientists

2011-10-27T13:28:00.005-04:00

Scientist Andre Plunkett demonstrated how a peanut FLOATS in salt water for letter Ff.

Scientist Leigha McCain made GLUE from milk and vinegar for letter Gg.

Scientist Neveah Wolf showed us how to make a helicopter from rectangles for letter Hh.

Scientist Kelsey Wolfe experimented with ICE for letter Ii.

Scientist Wyatt Bross changed the color of cabbage JUICE with vinegar for letter Jj.

**Visit Mr. Button's blog next week to see what our Super Scientists are up to!

Science Activity........5th Graders and Kindergartners Working Together

2011-10-24T21:29:00.005-04:00

Miss Swartwood's Kindergarten class and Mrs. Wolfe's 5th grade class joined together for a Science Lesson. The teachers designed a lesson around "Pumpkins." The students listened to 'Pumpkin Farm" story and then estimated the weight of real pumpkins, carved the pumpkins, and used the seeds for counting and grouping activities.

Kindergarten's Super Scientist's

2011-10-20T09:22:00.002-04:00

Kindergarten performs science experiments (Super Scientist) every Wednesday afternoon.

Our first group of Super Scientist: (left to right in photo) Paul James Sparks (KSW), Peyton Toner (KB), Courtney Marvin (KR), Nicholas Laude (KM), and Carson Gallagher (KSK)
addition photos: Courtney Marvin creating crystals and Peyton Toner experimenting with bubbles

New Milford Rotary Donates Dictionaries to Grade 3

2011-10-18T14:19:00.004-04:00

The Blue Ridge Elementary School's 3rd Grade would like to thank the New Milford Rotary for donating dictionaries to all 3rd grade students.

Fire Prevention Assembly

2011-10-13T15:07:00.002-04:00

The BRES students, faculty, and staff would like to thank the New Milford Fire Company and the Great Bend Fire Company for visiting our school today.

The Fire Company's explained to the students about the importance of stop/drop/roll, escape plans, and for the students to not hide during a fire. The students also had the opportunity to see Sparky the fire dog, explore fire trucks, and visit with firemen as they were dressed in their fire suits.

BR Goes Pink

2011-10-12T20:21:00.001-04:00

Blue Ridge Teachers and Staff participated in Lee National Denim Day on October 7th to help raise money for breast cancer research. BR had a huge turnout of 100 participants and raised $547 to support this important cause.
Lee National Denim Day is a fundraiser that takes place across the nation each year in October. This year's ambassador was Dirty Job's Mike Rowe, with the help of his mother Peggy, a breast cancer survivor. Participants were encouraged to wear denim and pink to work and make a donation to help find a cure for breast cancer.

Caption for inside picture: Blue Ridge Elementary School:
Front: Trudi Hepler, Cheryl Farrell, Jenna Kogut
Second Row: Jennifer Pearson, Brandy Gaylord, Danelle Decker, Kathy Roe, April Berger, Robin Orner, Jamie Swartwood
Third Row: Darcy Margets, April Rhone, Angie Michaliga, Kristy Bleck, Stacy Wolfe, Kelly Button, Tonya Molenko, Lisa Carden, Margot Parsons
Back Row: Matt Treible, Lynette Daniels, Janelle Tench, Krista Treible, Sadie McFadden

Fifth Graders Paint Prehistoric Cave

2011-10-12T16:32:00.001-04:00

Fifth grade recently completed their fourth annual Prehistoric Cave for Open house on September 29th at Blue Ridge Elementary. Students learned, in Sarrah Dibble's art class, about prehistoric cave painting, how paint was made, what tools were used and why the paintings were created. Each fifth grader helped to complete a painting that was part of the cave wall.

Students from left to right: Tabitha Cramer, Micah Cramer, Brianna Visakay, Chris McAndrew, Jerry Kelly, and Lauren Stepniak

Blue Ridge Elementary School Students Share Their Artwork with the World

2011-09-26T21:56:00.002-04:00

New Milford, PA -- Move Over Famous Artists! Blue Ridge Elementary School artists are taking over the spotlight! Sarrah Dibble, the school's Art Teacher, has teamed up with Artsonia, http://www.artsonia.com/ -- the world's largest online kid's art museum -- to display the students' artwork.

Anyone can view the school gallery online at: www.artsonia.com/schools/BlueRidge12. Visitors can browse the artwork in the school gallery by grade level, or by specific exhibits. Blue Ridge Elementary School students join thousands of students from over 130 countries whose artwork is showcased on Artsonia. "This program is a wonderful way to get parents and family members more involved in Art Education," said Sarrah Dibble.

All of Artsonia's artwork (12 million and counting!) are viewable online, and any teacher or parent can create an online art gallery for their child or school. Artsonia provides several online features such as fan clubs and personal guestbooks, as a way for families to encourage the creativity and imaginations of their young artists. In addition, family members can purchase keepsakes imprinted with the child's artwork, with Artsonia donating 15 percent of their annual product revenue back to school art programs.

Headquartered in Gurnee, Ill., Artsonia was established in 2000 as an online kid's art museum providing free, educational resources for kids, families and schools to create art projects. Since its inception, Artsonia continues to integrate technology in the classroom, develop multi-cultural understanding through art and increase family involvement in children's education. To find out more, visit www.artsonia.com.

Great Start!

2011-09-26T08:00:00.001-04:00

We have been back to school for 10 days and they students, faculty, and staff are off to a great start. It was a bumpy beginning due to the local flooding, but everyone has persevered and I am expecting a great year.

The Start of School Is Almost Here!

2011-08-24T11:32:00.003-04:00

I hope all of our students have had a great summer and are getting ready for the start of a new school year. As a reminder the first day of school for students is Thursday, September 8.

Below I have posted a link that leads students and parents/guardians to our elementary school's handbook. Please take a few minutes to review so you are aware of policies and procedures for our school.

I look forward to seeing everyone on September 8!

Handbook Link: http://blueridge.pa.schoolwebpages.com/education/components/scrapbook/default.php?sectiondetailid=1233&

2011-08-24T11:29:00.002-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS !!

Blue Ridge Middle School
Recipients of
THE 2011 OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP AWARD
For their
ART INTO ACTION Project:
Hexagon Houses into Donation Containers
Sixth Graders created sculptural structures, each with an environmental theme of their choice, and transformed them into donation containers. They were placed in local businesses in the community. Money raised was donated to the Susquehanna County Interfaith Fuel Program for heating assistance in Winter, 2011.

Special thanks to Miss Dibble Elementary Art Teacher for her outstanding leadership and encouragement of our students in this effort!

Families Complete Summer TAPS Program

2011-07-11T10:32:00.002-04:00

Families Complete Summer TAPS Program

New Milford, PA July 7, 2011----Families from across Susquehanna County are now better prepared to face those first school year jitters, thanks to their participation in a special program called T.A.P.S. or Transition Activities for Parents and Students. The free program was open to those with children starting school for the first time in the fall.

Sixteen families from five school districts participated in T.A.P.S during June. Thanks to partnerships with Blue Ridge School District and Forest City Regional School District, sessions were hosted at each location, two times a week for three weeks. Each night children participated in classroom activities with early learning teachers, while their parents met with a special facilitator. Parent sessions touched on everything from using home materials as teaching tools to parenting issues such as discipline.

Everything wrapped up the last week of June with picnics celebrating the successful completion of program. The families were recognized with certificates.

T.A.P.S. would not have been possible without the support of all six area school districts in Susquehanna County, including the host locations, and funding through the Integrated Children’s Services Planning Leadership Team based in Susquehanna County. Area teachers and parenting experts also took time out of their summer schedules to help.

The program was coordinated through Susquehanna County CARES (Childcare, Agencies, Resources and Educational Services.) The non-profit group is dedicated to enhancing the quality of early education in Susquehanna County. The agency promotes Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children because every child is Pennsylvania’s future. For more information contact CARES at stcares@epix.net or find us on facebook.

Contact: Stephnie Thornton
Program Manager
Susquehanna County CARES
stcares@epix.net
(570) 465-5040

2011 Annual Spelling Bee

2011-06-03T08:33:00.004-04:00

Blue Ridge Elementary held its annual oral spelling bee for fourth and fifth grade students on Wednesday, June 1st. Ninety eight fourth and fifth graders chose to take the written qualifying test that was held on May 25th. After the qualifying round, ten fourth graders and eleven fifth graders, placed to compete in the oral bee. At the conclusion of eleven rounds, we had our final three contestants. The winners were Devon Colwell- third place, Hunter Renwick-second place, and Anna Bonner- first place. Congratulations to the winners and also to all of the fourth and fifth grade students who competed.

Reading Awards at Blue Ridge Elementary

2011-06-03T08:18:00.002-04:00

All students at Blue Ridge Elementary were given the opportunity to participate in April is Families & Reading Month sponsored by the Keystone State Reading Association. KSRA is committed to developing a love of reading in all the students of Pennsylvania. The goal was to engage families in reading or reading activities for fifteen minutes each and every day during the month of April. 115 students turned in their completed April reading calendars and were presented with a Certificate of Achievement along with special rewards from two local businesses, Backyard Ice Cream of Susquehanna and Penn Can Speedway. The Blue Ridge Reading Award Night will be at Penn Can Speedway on Friday, June 10th! All the qualifying students and staff at Blue Ridge wish to express their gratitude to Jayne and Joe Frye, proprietors of Backyard Ice Cream and Reed Miller, General Manager of Penn Can Speedway for their generous donations and their support for this first time promotion. Please stop by and support these local businesses. Grab an ice cream cone and head to the races! Congratulations to all the readers and their families!!

Picture Caption:

4th Grade Had the Largest Number of Participants with 25 Students

First Row: Parker Dissinger, Makayla Phillips, Krystal Hepler, Wesley Wojtkowski, Natasha Johnson Second Row: Daniel Tierney, Tommy Gudykunst, Kaleb Folk, Devon Bailey, Bobby Reynolds Third Row: Todd Hand, Makayla Beach, Autumn Perrington, Matthew Prue, Kimberly Bryden Fourth Row: Avy Mudge, Karly Gudykunst, Mary Kerr, Adam Roe, Matt Glatzel Absent from photo: Dakota Stoddard, Jerni Schell, Lauren Stepniak, Taylor Brant

Oral Reading Contest at BRES

2011-06-01T17:12:00.002-04:00

On Friday, May 27th, Blue Ridge Elementary held their annual Oral Reading Contest for grades one through five. First, second and third places were awarded at each grade level. The contest provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their oral reading ability along with their stage presence, projection, and animation of word delivery. Congratulations to all the participants and winners listed below. They did an amazing job, and the audience enjoyed listening to the many different readings. The contestants represented their grade level well with the courage and poise they showed while on stage! What a great experience for all the readers! Kudos to them and keep reading!!

First Grade: Ashley Tomassacci, Rachel Upright, Alexis Parks, Sienna Kowalewski, Logan Mann, Danielle Tierney, Hannah Gallagher, Jacob Birtch

1st Place: Hannah Gallagher

2nd Place: Rachel Upright
3rd Place: Ashley Tomassacci

Second Grade: Cassidy Howe, Anthony Dissinger, Kaelin Hughes, Andrew Scott, Garrett Conklin, Breanna Post, Makena Slater, Anthony Torres

1st Place: Garrett Conklin

2nd Place: Andrew Scott
3rd Place: Breanna Post

Third Grade: Bailey Allen, KayLeen Conklin, Dylan Stone, Savannah Glover, Morgan Mansfield, Makenzie Cook, Tori Auckland, Mitchell Clinton

1st Place: Morgan Mansfield
2nd Place: KayLeen Conklin
3rd Place: Makenzie Cook

Fourth Grade: Anna Bonner, Jillian McAulliffe, Devon Bailey, Bobby Reynolds, Taylor Brant, Kyra Powell, Daniel Tierney, Sarah Vogel, Fred Lewis

1st Place: Anna Bonner

2nd Place: Kyra Powell

3rd Place: Bobby Reynolds

Fifth Grade: Charlie Randall, Gabrielle Gray, Garrett Mansfield, Miranda Brulla, Jessica Marvin, Luke Updyke, Abigail Hartman, Gwen McConnell

1st Place: Charlie Randall

2nd Place: Abigail Hartman
3rd Place: Gwen McConnell & Miranda Brulla

BRES Field Days 2011

2011-06-01T10:30:00.002-04:00

Students in grades K-5 enjoyed Field Days on May 23rd and 25th. The weather allowed all grades to be outside actively participating in events such as egg toss, hula hoop chain, sponge relay, tug of war, and golf ball spoon race. A big thank you to all of those that helped make these days successful: elementary teachers, faculty and staff, Mr. Button, PTO, Blue Ridge maintenance, Mrs. Cole-Koloski, and Blue Ridge families.

Getting Ready for the Big School

2011-06-01T08:49:00.002-04:00

Students from Endless Mt. Daycare, Children's Palace, and New Milford Head Start came to Blue Ridge Elementary School for a move-up day on Thursday, May 26. The students had the opportunity to visit classrooms, eat a snack in the cafeteria, go on a tour of the school, and their favorite................play on the playground.

3rd Grade Computer Class Project

2011-05-24T10:46:00.001-04:00

Here is a photo of the culminating project for 3rd grades' state Internet search project. Throughout the year, students learned about word art, changing fonts, and doing 'catagory' Internet searches. Students used these tools to 'decorate their state' for their final project. They made their state name in Word Art. They then typed out their 6 facts that they found and changed their fonts and colors. They copy and pasted their state flag and state quarter and they then printed, cut, and attached these items to their state.

Miss Michaliga's Computer/Technology class

BR Raises $$ for Rett Syndrome

2011-05-23T12:50:00.001-04:00

The Blue Ridge Leo Club is raising money for Rett Syndrome, the most severe form of autism. Rett Syndrome is a neurological disorder that predominantly affects girls. It impairs the girls’ ability to speak, walk, and use their hands.

Rett Syndrome affects one of our Blue Ridge families: The Stepniak Family. Lauren has Rett Syndrome and is a brilliant, beautiful student in Mrs. Decker’s fourth grade class. Lauren’s mother, Lisa Stepniak, is the 7th grade Reading teacher at Blue Ridge.

The Blue Ridge Leo Club is raising money to help with Rett Syndrome research. Although Rett Syndrome is the most severe form of autism, it is also the most curable. Rett research can also have a direct impact on Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders.

From May 23- June 3 we will be creating a “Garden of Hope” with purchased flowers and flowers decorated by students and staff at BR. Flowers can be purchased for $1.

Leo Club members will be selling the flowers during the high school and middle school lunches. Flowers in the Elementary can be purchased through Kristy Bleck.

For more information call Jackie or Kristy. www.girlpower2cure.com

2011-05-23T12:44:00.002-04:00

Blue Ridge Students & Teachers are Thankful for their classroom Foster Grandparents!

Blue Ridge Elementary School students and teachers are thankful for two foster grandparents: Grandma Betty (Grandma “B”) and Grandma Norine. Grandma “B” is a foster grandparent in Mrs. Skal’s and Mrs. Rhone’s Kindergarten classes. Grandma Norrine is a foster grandparent in Mrs. Rhone and Miss Swartwood’s Kindergarten classes, Mrs. Farrell’s First Grade Class, Miss Dibble’s Kindergarten Art Classes and Mrs. Hepler’s Second Grade Class. Grandma “B” and Grandma Norine enhance our students both socially and academically. Pictured above are Grandma Norine and Grandma B with Mrs. Rhone and Mrs. Skal. They attended the end of the ceremony at the VFW in Sayre, Pennsylvania. Both Grandma B and Grandma Norine were recognized for their years of service in the foster grandparent program sponsored through the Area Agency of Aging (AAA). We are thankful for their dedication and efforts with our students!

District 9 Chorus Fest

2011-05-20T11:32:00.001-04:00

The District 9 Chorus Fest was held at Tunkhannock Area School District on Friday, May 13. There were over 300 students onstage for the finale, “Why We Sing.” Our Blue Ridge participants did a great job and represented Blue Ridge well.

2011-05-15T21:43:00.001-04:00

1st Grade Appreciation Tea

2011-05-15T21:36:00.001-04:00

First grade students and teachers held their 3rd annual Appreciation Tea. Students and their loved ones were involved in many activities in the first grade pod area. In Mrs. Trieble's classroom, families created a firefly craft together and then flew over to Mrs. Orner's classroom where they created a firelfy snack. Before the fireflies flew away, they ate it up and headed to Mrs. Farrell's room. There they got a family picture taken by Northeast Exposure and decorated a picture frame. Next students headed to Mrs. Button's class where they read "The Night Before Summer Vacation" and tested their senses. Students had to smell and identify all sorts of summer foods! Yum! Finally to end the Appreciation Tea, families were invited to the auditorium to hear students recite a a poem entitled "When You Thought I Wasn't Looking" and to sing a song by Alicia Keys entitled "No One." Students did a lovely job and there wasn't a dry eye in the crowd. Thanks to everyone who made this event successful!

May is Better Speech and Hearing Month!

2011-05-04T11:02:00.000-04:00

There are many activities planned to celebrate and increase awareness.
Check out the informational bulletin board consisting of current students working in therapy. The bulletin board is located in the middle stairway.
Watch for weekly information on hearing safety and language activities in the elementary school newsletter.
During Spring Open House in the cafeteria, please visit the Speech Therapy table and play "Speech Therapy Rocks!" game. Guess how many rocks are in the jar and win a regulation soccer ball. While your there pick up brochures and activity booklets.
Distribution of water bottles to elementary teachers with vocal hygiene tips
"Speech Therapy Rocks!" contest for all Blue Ridge students during lunch time in the cafeteria.

Take Time to Recognize Important People at BRES!

2011-05-03T12:46:00.002-04:00

Pictured above is Mrs. Suchy and her 2nd graders. Mrs. Suchy's students made a book about how much they appreciate her.

Teacher Appreciation Week – May 2-6, 2011
Teacher Appreciation Day – May 3, 2011

School Nurse’s Day – May 11, 2011

School Helper’s Day – May 13, 2011

A teacher, nurse, or school helper’s highest reward is feeling the true appreciation and gratitude of his or her current or former students. If you feel that a particular teacher, nurse, or school helper is or has been crucial in your personal growth, or if you are simply fond of him or her and the way they teach or helped you in some way, don’t be shy to let them know. You’ll feel well and you’ll make that person the best possible gift, because teaching and helping children is their life.

We have many wonderful teachers, nurse’s, and school helper’s at Blue Ridge Elementary School, so during Teacher Appreciation Week, School Nurse’s Day, and School Helper’s Day, take the time to let your current and former teachers know how much you appreciate them.

Reader's Theater in Miss Trusky's 2nd Grade Classroom

2011-05-02T14:14:00.002-04:00

Miss Trusky's 2nd grades presented "Animals on Parade" by Susan Danzig.

Making Books Come Alive at BRES! (Presented by Baptist Bible Education Students)

2011-04-29T14:23:00.002-04:00

Students in grade PreK to Grade 2 had the opportunity to enjoy a Making Books Come Alive skit by Baptist Bible Education students. The students from Baptist Bible had four different programs they shared with students in grades PreK to Grade 2. The students enjoyed the performances and had an opportunity to be involved with some of the groups.

Pictured above is a group performing for Mrs. Gaylord's PreK students. They presented the story "Miss Nelson is Missing."

Celebrating Earth Day in Mr. Woodruff's 2nd Grade Class

2011-04-29T14:06:00.004-04:00

Throughout the last week, Mr. Woodruff’s Second Grade class has been celebrating Earth Day in a number of ways. The class wrote how and why we should take care of the Earth, put on some rubber gloves and picked up trash around the school campus, and planted sunflowers that are housed in the elementary library. The Earth Day activities tie in with their recently completed science unit, Interactions of Living Things.

After collecting the trash from campus each student got to pick up the large bag and guess how many pounds the class collected. 13 pounds of trash were collected from campus! Along with planting sunflowers, the class is also painting sunflowers in art class and researching facts about sunflowers in library. Look for their sunflower display in the library at Open House on May 5th!

Make Every Day Earth Day

Healthy Food Mosaics

2011-04-27T18:15:00.000-04:00

Blue Ridge Fifth graders recently finished a special project funded by the Blue Ridge Elementary PTO. Students in Ms. Dibble's art class created "Healthy Food Mosaics" that will be hung in the school cafeteria. There were four students to each mosaic. Twenty were completed altogether. Each mosaic measured 12 x 18" and featured a different food from the Food Pyramid. Students made the food out of clay and designed the rest with mosaic glass and stone tiles. The mosaics will be hung next year, but will be on display in the cafeteria during Blue Ridge Elementary Open House on Thursday, May 5th.

Local Government Coloring Contest Winners!

2011-04-21T10:52:00.002-04:00

The New Milford Township sponsored a coloring contest to recognize Local Government Week (April 11-15, 2011).

The BRES participated in the program and the following winners were selected:

Kindergarten -- 2nd Grade

1st Place Davyn Millard, Kindergarten
2nd place Griffin Whitehead, Kindergarten
3rd place Kaelin Hughes, 2nd grade
Honorable Mention Jacob Birtch, 1st grade

3rd Grade -- 5th Grade

1st place Jaimi Schell, 5th grade
2nd place Alison Marshman, 3rd grade
3rd place Devon Bailey, 4th grade
Honorable Mention: Morgan Leeming, 3rd grade

Sheldon the Shoe Salesman Visits PreK

2011-04-19T15:41:00.004-04:00

PreK was visited by Sheldon the Shoe Salesman (Cindy Reynolds). He came and read to the students Whoes Shoes? and they learned all sorts of interesting things about shoes from Sheldon. We learned about other books on shoes, we also sang and danced to a song about shoes. All the children had a great time during our visit from Sheldon and we would like to thank Cindy for taking time out of her very busy schedule to come and visit with our students!

Young Children's Fair at BRES

2011-04-18T21:38:00.000-04:00

Ink Cartridge Recycling Program at BRES

2011-04-18T21:24:00.000-04:00

I wanted to remind you that we run an ink cartridge recycling program in the Elementary Library. We use Funding Factory http://www.fundingfactory.com/ . We collect both inkjet and laser jet cartridges. The cartidges can be from school, home, or even from the business or office where a member of your family works. We also accept cartridges from students and teachers in the middle and high school. Companies interested in demonstrating a commitment to education and the environment can participate free of charge in the FundingFactory Business Support Program. FundingFactory will send each supporting business FREE prepaid shipping labels for the return of collected cartridges and cell phones. By donating to Blue Ridge School District, businesses help them earn the technology they need. Community and business supporters can also drop off cartridges and cell phones at the following locations: Blue Ridge Elementary Library To learn more about supporting Blue Ridge School District, please call Janelle Tench at 570-465-3141 ext. 506 or tenchj@brsd.org. For more information, visit www.FundingFactory.com, or call, toll-free, 1.888.883.8237. About FundingFactory FundingFactory (www.fundingfactory.com) provides schools, nonprofit groups and charities with much-needed funding through the simple act of recycling. Participating organizations earn funds by collecting empty printer cartridges and used cell phones from their communities and supporters. All program materials and services (including boxes and return shipping for the items) are free for the participants. FundingFactory has provided over $20 million in funding to schools and groups across the country since its inception in 1997. Please feel free to pass this information on to your students and to any local businesses you think might be interested in helping us to keep our planet green! If you have any questions please contact me. Thank You...Janelle

Origami Cranes support victims from the earthquake and tsunami in Japan

2011-04-18T21:17:00.001-04:00

The students of Blue Ridge School District are doing their part to help the victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan. For the past two weeks, they have been folding dozens of origami cranes as part of relief efforts organized by Students Rebuild and Carter’s clothing company. Students Rebuild challenged young people to send in 100,000 cranes to trigger a $200,000 donation from the Bezos Family Foundation. The money will go to Architecture for Humanity's reconstruction efforts in Japan, and the cranes will be woven into an art installation. The 100,000 crane goal has already been surpassed, and submissions are still being accepted until April 15. In another project, Carter’s will be donating one article of clothing for every crane they receive. Carter’s will donate up to 50,000 articles of clothing, and will send the cranes to their stores in Japan to display the support of the children who made them. Blue Ridge’s participation in these efforts has been spearheaded by elementary librarian Janelle Tench, who got the idea from Do Something.org, which is one of the largest organizations in the U.S. that helps young people rock causes they care about. Tench says that the project has empowered students’ to recognize the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then realize that they can take action to make a difference in the world. Students in the high school gifted program have also been making cranes during their enrichment time. In total, Blue Ridge students have contributed 172 cranes to the relief efforts. Caption for the picture: Luis Toban, Allyssa Johnson, Micah Mullen, and Kyra Powell from Miss Daniels' fourth grade class, holding the paper cranes they made to contribute to the relief efforts in Japan.

BRES 1st Grade Teacher Recognized for Charitable Efforts with Press Release

2011-04-18T21:15:00.002-04:00

FIRST RATE FUNDRAISING FROM FIRST GRADE TEACHER Blue Ridge teacher leads fundraising effort for Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central New York New Milford, PA.-- Thanks to the fundraising efforts of Blue Ridge Elementary School and first grade teacher Krista Treible, students were able to turn their old soda pop tabs into a charitable donation. A check for $600.00 was presented to the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central New York at Blue Ridge Elementary on April 5th for collecting one thousand pounds of aluminum pop tabs. Part of a three year long fundraising project, Mrs. Treible’s class began collecting tabs and what started as a couple of bags in the corner of her classroom soon grew into a school-wide initiative and pop tabs were coming in from other classrooms, families of students and even local businesses donating for the cause. Working with Doug & Cindy Lattner, Owner-Operators of six McDonald’s® restaurants in the Binghamton and Northern Pennsylvania area, a large collection bin was placed outside of the classroom and small cardboard collection houses were given to students so they could collect the tabs from home. The fundraising effort culminated on April 5th with the check presentation and a visit from Ronald McDonald® himself, who performed a show for all students in grades Kindergarten through Second, featuring lessons and songs about many topics such as good character and bullying. With her family having stayed at the Ronald McDonald House when she was in the hospital when she was young, helping to donate to and raise awareness of the Ronald McDonald House has always been a big part of her family’s lives. Her mother, a school nurse, had collected tabs before her and started the ball rolling on a fundraising effort that shows no sign of slowing. “Just since the show on April 5th, we already have half of a barrel full of pop tabs for next time. Don’t be afraid to talk to your local McDonald’s about getting a fundraising program started.” said Mrs. Treible, offering her advice to other teachers interested in starting pop tab collection of their own. For more information on how to get started in pop tab collection at your school, visit your local McDonald’s restaurant or contact the local agency for McDonald’s, Stern Advertising at (315) 445-2491 for details.

On Top of Spaghetti Fun Friday!

2011-04-15T21:28:00.002-04:00

Mrs. Rhone’s and Mrs. Skal’s Kindergarten classes welcomed a parent volunteer, Mrs. Anne McCarthy, who supported us with this week’s Fun Friday activity. Mrs. McCarthy assisted us in making spaghetti, spaghetti sauce and meatballs. To begin our adventure, the children traveled to four stations: squeezing tomatoes, peeling carrots & utilizing the garlic press, making spaghetti dough and kneading the dough. Then the student listened to the big book and song, On Top of Spaghetti. After a quick dance to Italian music, the students began mixing ingredients into their meatball. Mrs. McCarthy demonstrated how to use their thumb to make a small whole in the meat for the egg mixture. Our students were careful not to sneeze as they rolled their meatballs. With all kidding aside, the students did practice proper sanitation, table manners and etiquette. In addition, Mrs. McCarthy taught our students several table manner words in Italian. Cranking the handle on a pasta maker was another thrill in their day. The students were fascinated how the spaghetti was hung to dry before it could be cooked. Special thanks to Mrs. Linda Cole-Koloski, our Food Service Manager and her staff for their assistance in cooking the spaghetti and meatballs. We are grateful that Mrs. Cole-Koloski is “always” willing to lend a hand with school cooking activities. Mrs. Rhone and Mrs. Skal enjoy cooking with the children because it is such a memorable experience for them. At the same time, countless state academic standards are being addressed. Thank you Mrs. McCarthy for making this day so enjoyable and beneficial to our students!

Garden Part in Mrs. Treible's 1st grade class

2011-04-15T21:09:00.003-04:00

Friday, April 15, Mrs. Treible's Class enjoyed their Garden Party as part of their mini-unit on plants. They made their own strawberry jam, fruit kabobs, and strawberry banana smoothies. They enjoyed a fruit and vegetable float experiment and were shocked when they discovered that a cantaloupe floats, but a tiny raisin sinks. A good time was had by all and everyone's sweet tooth was satisfied!

Miss Dibble's 4th Grade Art Students Participate in 2nd Annual Sea Turtle Project

2011-04-11T10:50:00.004-04:00

Fourth Grade students in Ms. Dibble's art class at Blue Ridge Elementary recently completed their second annual Sea Turtle Project. Students created sea turtles out of cardboard, balloons, plaster and paint. They also collected coins during the month of March and adopted a female loggerhead sea turtle named, Patty. Patty's travels can be tracked via satellite through the Sea Turtle Conservancy. Students can view Patty's location at:

http://www.conserveturtles.org/satelliteturtles.php

Students enjoyed learning about sea turtles, creating one of their own and helping an endangered species. Students in the group picture are listed from left to right: Bottom row, Anna Bonner, Mary Kerr, Aleks Carr, Krystal Hepler, Josh Goff, Jeff Zawiski. Second Row, Jillian McAulliffe,William Rudick, Evan Snyder, Ben Gudykunst, Brandon Gelatt, Zach Smith. Third Row, Jasmine Burgess, Ashley Mirra, Brianna Visakay Second Picture: Luis Tobon

PA One Book Author Visits BRES!

2011-04-08T14:29:00.005-04:00

Double click on the book cover above to view the activities kindergarten and first grade students did in Library and Computer class. One Book, Every Young Child Reading Initiative. Whose Shoes? A Shoe for Every Job, a photograph concept book by Stephen R. Swinburne for children ages 3 to 6, is Pennsylvania's One Book, Every Young Child 2011 selection. This year's program officially kicks off on March 29, 2011.Published in 2010, this engaging book explores various occupations using simple text and colorful photographs. Whose Shoes? A Shoe for Every Job encourages young readers to guess which shoe matches which job. The selection for this year's Pennsylvania One Book program was Whose Shoes? A Shoe for Every Job by Stephen R. Swinburne. Whose Shoes? A Shoe for Every Job encourages young readers to guess which shoe matches which job. Students in Kindergarten and First grade got prepared to meet Mr. Swinburne during their library classes with Mrs. Tench. In class they read the book, learned about Mr. Swinburne's life, and thought about whose shoes they would wear when they got older. Students then had the opportunity to dress up in the shoes and clothes of their chosen profession, get their picture taken and draw of picture of themselves. Mrs. Tench then put some of their pictures and drawings into a presentation that was shown during Mr. Swinburne's visit to our school. Mrs. Tench and our students had a lot of fun reading Whose Shoes? A Shoe for Every Job and thinking about whose shoes they would like to wear!

Ronald McDonald Visits BRES!

2011-04-05T13:08:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday, April 5, 2011, Ronald McDonald stopped by to Blue Ridge Elementary School. He performed a show called "On the Inside" to teach students Pre-K through grade 2 about having good character. Students were delighted to watch and participate in the funny skits, magic tricks, and songs that Ronald performed. He also thanked students for collecting 1,000 pounds of soda pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House Charity. By recycling these tabs, our students helped raise $600 that was presented to the new Syracuse Ronald McDonald House. Students were surprized and treated with goodie bags filled with safety tips, stickers, and more.

Grade 1 Talent Show (Video)

2011-04-04T13:24:00.001-04:00

1st Grade Talent Show

2011-04-04T12:50:00.007-04:00

Students in Mrs. Button and Mrs. Orner’s first grade classes read Dooby, Dooby, Moo by Doreen Cronin, a story about cows that performed at a “Talent Show!” This story inspired them to be brave and share a special talent with their friends during their First Grade Talent Show. They had all different talents…guitar players, gymnasts, hool-a-hoopers, singers, violinists, skateboarders and MORE!

Reader's Theater in Mr. Woodruff's 2nd grade classroom

2011-04-04T12:08:00.001-04:00

On Friday, April 1st, Mr. Woodruff’s 2nd Grade performed a readers’ theater of the folktale Stone Soup. The themes of the tale are friendship, sharing, and working together. The performance took place in front of a large crowd of parents and family members. Everyone then enjoyed soup that the class made together.

Character Education ~ March 21

2011-03-21T12:09:00.002-04:00

Today's Character Education Message is:

Be fair by following the rules in school.

Congratulations to the following people for being awarded Character Counts Coupons:

Kayla Blaisure
Tori Morse
Damien Manzer
Gabriella Broad
Kelsey Gentile
Mr. Thornton
Kalynne Meyers
Hayley Kohlhepp
Austin Beach
Kayla Whitney
Dakota Slater
Lawrence Upright

6th Graders Building Kites

2011-03-18T16:22:00.004-04:00

The 6th grade built kites after PSSA testing on Tuesday and Wednesday. We are studying ancient China and kites are a Chinese invention. Mr Allen cut and notched wood sticks for us and the kids had to follow a relatively detailed pattern to build the kite. They worked in pairs and today we went down on the track to fly them. There was no wind, but they had a good time anyway!

6th Graders Investigating the Weather

2011-03-17T12:28:00.002-04:00

The 6th grade Science classes went outdoors to collect weather data for 3 days. Students created a map of the campus, built their own anemometers and measured air temperature, wind speed and relative humidity. Afterward, they determined where the wind blows the strongest. They were able to relate the temperature and air pressure to explain why the wind blows the strongest on certain days.

Character Education ~ March 15

2011-03-15T17:36:00.000-04:00

Today's Character Education Message is:

Treat friends in a fair way.

Congratulations to the following people for being awarded Character Counts Coupons:

Emily Haley
Damien Manzer

Team v. Teachers Basketball Game

2011-03-11T18:51:00.000-05:00

Thank you to everyone who helped make Team vs. Teachers a huge success!

Whether you played, cheered, donated, or just came to watch…

We appreciate your support!

Great job Teachers on gutting out the 64-63 double overtime win! The boys are sure to seek revenge next year!

We were able to raise $1,077 for our Booster Club! This money is used to help our team attend camp and compete in leagues in the off-season. It also helps us supply our teams with items such as team bags, shirts, and gifts for seniors.

Sincerely,

Brian Woodruff

Boy's Varsity Basketball Coach

Celebrating Music In the Shools Month

2011-03-09T18:47:00.002-05:00

To recognize "Music in the Schools Month" the 5th grade girl's select choir performed at the PTO meeting on Tuesday, March 8. The 5th grade select choir is directed by Mrs. Kristen Burkhart.

Grade 4 Basketball Tournament

2011-03-04T11:32:00.003-05:00

The BRBC club sponsored the 4th grade boy's basketball team in a tournament at the Boy's and Girl's club of Western Broome on February 26, 2011. The team played two games and went
1-1. The boy's played well and had a great time.

Pictured above (L-R):
Front Row: Devon Bailey, Josh Goff, Caleb Folk, Coleman McCain (Team Manager), Sam Cosmello, Adam Roe
Back Row: Matt Button (coach), Andrew Merrell, Brock Gumaer, Brandon Gelatt, Ardine Stilloe, Jery Kelly, Todd McCain (coach)

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

2011-03-03T14:19:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss! The elementary students celebrated Dr. Seuss’ 107th birthday by participating in the National Education Association’s Read Across America Day.

Read Across America Day, is a national reading celebration takes place each year on or near March 2, the birthday of Dr. Seuss. Across the country, thousands of schools and libraries participate by bringing together kids and books, just like we did!

Throughout the day students came to the Library to see the birthday decorations, Mrs. Tench dressed as The Cat in the Hat and hear her read, “Oh the Thinks You Can Think” and “And to Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street”. Students also took the Read Across America, Reader’s Oath:

I promise to read, each day and each night.
I know it’s the key, to growing up right.
I’ll read to myself, I’ll read to a crowd.
It makes no difference, if silent or loud.
I’ll read at my desk, at home and at school,
on my bean bag or bed, by the fire or pool.
Each book that I read, puts smarts in my head,
‘cause brains grow more thoughts, the more they are fed.
So I take this oath, to make reading my way;
Of feeding my brain, what it needs every day!

Kindergarten Registration

2011-03-02T16:38:00.002-05:00

Kindergarten Registration for the 2011-12 School Year will take place on:

March 15, 16, & 17 – Age 4 kindergarten
March 18 – Age 5 kindergarten (This is for Age 5 kindergarten students who are new to the district for the next school year.)

According to school board policy, a child is eligible for admission as follows:

Age 4 kindergarten if she/he has attained the age of four years and no months by September 1.

Age 5 kindergarten if she/he has attained the age of five years and no months by September 1.
**If your child is currently enrolled in the Age 4 kindergarten program this year, you DO NOT
need to fill out a registration form for Age 5 kindergarten.

If you have a child who is eligible, please call the elementary school at 465-3141, ext. 609 to set up an appointment.

Please pass this information on to others who may be eligible as well. Thank you.

6th Grade Science Fair

2011-03-02T16:10:00.005-05:00

Monday February 28, 2011, the sixth grade held a "Mini Science Fair". Students worked collaboratively as a scientific community and shared their original ideas on models they created to show what happens in the atmosphere to make wind. The students presented to one another and they also judged each model by thinking about wind concepts. Students planned, constructed, tested and rehearsed for the fair in only 2 class periods using only whatever materials they could find around the room. Some deep thinking occurred during the process and the results were very impressive.

Celebrate Dr. Seuss Day today!

2011-03-02T10:15:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Today on Dr. Seuss' 107th birthday we celebrate the joy of reading by participating in Read Across America with schools all across the country by enjoying some of our favorite Dr. Seuss books.

So today have fun, be creative, use you imagination, and think:

"Think left and think right, think low and think high, Oh the THINKS you can think up if only you try!"

Character Education ~ March 2

2011-03-02T10:13:00.000-05:00

Today's Character Education Message is:

Fairness is playing by the rules.

Congratulations to the following people for being awarded Character Counts Coupons:

Kyle Maginley
Devon Bailey
Keith Skeen
Bobby Reynolds
Isabelle Morris
Avy Mudge
Jerry Kelly
Jason Colwell
Adam Roe
Andrew Merrell
Tabitha Cramer

Character Education ~ March 1

2011-03-01T11:45:00.002-05:00

Today's Character Education Message is:

The pillar of character for the month of March is Fairness.

Congratulations to the following people for being awarded Character Counts Coupons:

Josiah Smalley
LJ Upright
Nicholas Pallman
Morgan Mansfield
Natalie Welch
Sarah Marble
Taylor HOltzman
Dylan Ross

Bedtime Stories Program at BRES!

2011-02-21T18:28:00.006-05:00

New Milford, PA—February 17, 2011

Dressed in pajamas featuring everything from spider-man to pigs, and carrying everything from blankets to teddy bears, children gathered at Blue Ridge Elementary School February 16 for a special fun-filled event. “Bedtime Stories at Blue Ridge” provided the opportunity for families to spend an evening dining together, making a craft and enjoying a special story.

Students from the National Honor Society at Blue Ridge helped make the evening possible by receiving food donations and coordinating events based on the book “If you Give a Moose a Muffin” by Laura Numeroff. Young children and adults enjoyed making moose sock puppets, wearing pretend moose antlers to walk through a make-shift forest, and listening to the moose antics in the story.

“Bedtime Stories at Blue Ridge” was made possible through a joint effort with National Honor Society at Blue Ridge, the Blue Ridge School District and Susquehanna County CARES (Childcare, Agencies, Resources and Educational Services.) CARES is a non-profit group dedicated to enhancing quality early care and education in the county, and supports Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children, because every child is Pennsylvania’s future.

Stephnie Thornton
Program Manager
Susquehanna County CARES
stcares@epix.net
(570) 465-5040

2011-02-09T12:09:00.003-05:00

Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah for Blue Ridge Kindergarten!

On Friday, January 28th, Kindergarteners at Blue Ridge Elementary School in New Milford, PA performed a variety of Disney songs and dances through NEIU 19’s Artist in Residence program under the instruction of Mr. Theo Lencicki. Mr. Lencicki’s most recent credit was in the Broadway National Tour of the musical “Hairspray.” He is a proud faculty member of the Arts Alive Institute, in addition to teaching several workshops and working with the Artist in Residence program. “Mr. Theo”, as the kindergarteners referred to him, instructed the students how to sing, dance and create stage scenery as well as props for their stage performance entitled, “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah.” The students performed a dress rehearsal for their elementary school in an afternoon show. April Berger, April Rhone, Dominica Skal, Jamie Swartwood, and Tonya Wood, Blue Ridge Kindergarten teachers, volunteered to accompany and assist their students for Friday’s evening performance for families and community to view. Peg Glezen, Reading Specialist volunteered to operate the auditorium equipment and also accompanied Blue Ridge 5th Grade reading students who assisted the kindergarteners in the performance. Special thanks to Mr. Ron Parsons of Northeast Exposure located in Hallstead, PA for volunteering his time and materials with video and photography of the performance and retired Blue Ridge teacher, Mrs. Rose Berger for also videotaping the performance. Everyone applauded “Mr. Theo” for his wonderful efforts with the children.

Character Education ~ February 9

2011-02-09T12:05:00.002-05:00

Today's Character Education Message is written by Amanda Swan and Micah Mullen:

Trustworthiness is:

Having the ability to trust someone
To be kind to one another
Tell the truth
Don't bully
To be helpful to everyone

Congratulations to the following people for being awarded Character Counts Coupons:

Kyra Powell

Kayla Whitney

Ben Gudykunst

Character Education ~ February 3

2011-02-03T17:47:00.001-05:00

Today's Character Education Message is:

Trust yourself to do the best you can each day.

Congratulations to the following people for being awarded Character Counts Coupons:

Hayley Kohlhep
Emily Formosa
Miranda Woosman
Samantha Price

Instrument Petting Zoo

2011-01-31T09:41:00.003-05:00

On Friday, a group of my gifted students performed a service project by doing an "Instrument Petting Zoo" with the PM PreK classes. The students brought their band instruments, played them for the little ones, told them a little about the instruments, and then let the kids try it out (with some help from the big kids!). Attached are a few pictures. Everyone had a great time and I was very proud of Sarah, Maddi, and Theresa for organizing it!

Elizabeth Gaughan, Gifted and ESL teacher

Blue Ridge 6th Graders Give Donation!

2011-01-26T12:13:00.000-05:00

Before Christmas you may have seen hexagon shaped donation containers in local businesses. These were made in art class by sixth graders from Blue Ridge who where hoping to collect money to donate to Susquehanna County Interfaith. The sixth graders were Brandy Baker, Devin Donnelly, Grace Perera, Brooke Marvin, Lindsay Reinhart, John Calla, Bailey Shaw, Alex Degraw, Daniel Beesley, Nick Folk, Dulce Tobon-Montiel, Zack Visakay, Callie Wyatt, Mikhala Griemsmann, Allison Hewitt, Megan Houlihan, Autumn Brown, Logan Conrad, and Jordan Mann. The coins and bills collected are to be donated to aid in paying for heat for families in need in our community. All of the containers have been collected and the money counted. Thanks to the generous people and businesses in our area we raised $455.49. On behalf of Blue Ridge Sixth Grade art class we thank all of those who donated and the following businesses that participated: Burger King, Dobb's Country Kitchen, Green Gables, New Milford Hardware, Pump N Pantry, Lindsey's Hardware, People's National Bank, New Milford Market, First Glance, Stone's Trustworthy Hardware, and Armetta's in Gibson.

Character Education ~ January 19

2011-01-19T11:09:00.001-05:00

Today's Character Education Message is:

Being truthful builds your own self-respect.

Congratulations to the following people for being awarded Character Counts Coupons:

Rolly Miller
Kendra Millard

Kindergarten Artist in Residence is Back at BR for another year

2011-01-17T14:19:00.002-05:00

Below is a picture of Mr. Theo (Artist in Residence Director) practicing with our kindergartners as they prepare for their performance on Thursday, January 27 at 6:00pm in the HS auditorium.

Rep. Sandra Major Visits Blue Ridge's PreKindergarten

2011-01-17T13:46:00.002-05:00

A special visit was made to Mrs. Whitehead's prek classroom from Rep. Sandra Major. Rep. Major came to read to the children and to see what our day is like. Rep. Major was invited to our classroom to share with her the importance of making early childhood education available to all children and the importance of keeping the funding for the future. Rep. Major read two stories, The Mitten and Detective Dog and the Disappearing Doughnuts to the class. Rep. Major stayed and enjoyed our show and tell for the letter "Dd" (letter of the week) and the connection that was made to the book she read to us. The children enjoyed sharing our time with her and as a thank you we gave her a book we made for her We Are Pennsylvania's Promise for the Future. Our book was about what we want to be when we grow up.

We would like to thank Rep. Major for taking time out of her very busy schedule to come and visit our classroom and also to Stephnie Thornton for making all the arrangements for us.

Character Education ~ January 13

2011-01-13T13:43:00.002-05:00

Today's Character Education Message is:

Trustworthiness is.........(written by Alyssa Johnson and Dylan Gleason)

Important
Trusting people
Is a good thing
Niceness
Worthy of confidence
Someone to depend on
A friend you can keep secrets with

Congratulations to the following people for being awarded Character Counts Coupons:

Josiah Smalley

Morgan Mansfield

Garrett Peters

Ben Bleck

Kendra Millard

Character Education ~ January 11

2011-01-11T13:41:00.000-05:00

Today's Character Education Message is:

Honest mistakes happen to all of us.

Congratulations to the following people for being awarded Character Counts Coupons:

Kaleb Folk
Rolly Miller

Character Education ~ January 6

2011-01-06T15:07:00.002-05:00

Today's Character Education Message is:

When others see you tell the truth, they respect you more as a person.

Congratulations to the following people for being awarded Character Counts Coupons:

Danielle Goff
Kendra Millard
Dylan Ross
Madison Martin
Taylor Holtzman
Nicholas Pallman
Katelyn Spencer

Character Education ~ January 5

2011-01-05T09:12:00.002-05:00

Today's Character Education Message is:

Kindness and respect for others helps trust grow.

Congratulations to the following people for being awarded Character Counts Coupons:

Harley Testa
Hunter Chase
Austin Galusha

Character Education ~ January 4

2011-01-04T09:04:00.001-05:00

Today's Character Education Message is:

Trust must be earned by practicing good character traits.

Congratulations to the following people for being awarded Character Counts Coupons:

Connor Gaughan

Character Education ~ January 3

2011-01-03T09:04:00.003-05:00

The Pillar of Character for the month of January is TRUSTWORTHINESS.

Today's Character Education Message is:

Trustworthiness is being honest and telling the truth.

Congratulations to the following people for being awarded Character Counts Coupons:

Issac Arzola
Megan McAndrew
John Miller

Penelope Penquin Visits PreK

2011-01-01T15:05:00.000-05:00

The Pre-K students had a special visit from Penelope Penguin (Cindy Reynolds) the last day before Christmas break. She came and read stories to all the children about penguins and their wishes for Christmas. One penguin wanted to fly and another wanted to be different. Both penguins did get their wishes for Christmas and the children learned that it is okay to be different. Penelope also shared other books about penguins that the children can find at their local library. Penelope filled the students morning with many fun activities to help them learn about penguins, from singing songs to putting a flannel penguin together. Every child received a finger penguin puppet to help them remember their special day with Penelope. Everyone had a great time! We would all like to send a great big thank you Cindy (Penelope) and we hope you will come and visit our school again sometime soon.