Kindergarten Field Trip

On Thursday, October 8, 2009, Blue Ridge Kindergarten students took part in Read for the Record, jointly sponsored by Penguin Publishing and Binghamton University. The children participated in a dramatic reading of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, crafts revolving around the story and a nature walk through Binghamton University’s Nature Trail. Each child received a copy of The Very Hungry Caterpillar donated by Penguin Publishing. One Blue Ridge student also won a large basket full of books and other activities surrounding insects. The students, accompanied by parents and teachers had a terrific and educational day. Pictured below are students from Blue Ridge with their own copies of the book

Studying America

At Blue Ridge Elementary School in September, Krista Bowman's first grade class did a social studies mini unit about America. The students enjoyed learning about American Symbols such as our flag, the bald eagle, and the Statue of Liberty. They learned a lot about patriotism and the country where they live. To culminate the unit, the students made two American Flags. On the flags, some students wrote something they learned about America during the mini unit while other students wrote notes to thank a serviceman or veteran.

Help your elementary schooler develop an achievement attitude

Attitudes are like mental pictures. Basketball players who can picture themselves scoring a basket can usually do just that. Students who have a positive picture of themselves being successful in the classroom are more likely to achieve.

As a parent, you have the ability to help your child create positive pictures and positive thoughts about what she can do. Here are some ways you can help your child create an attitude of achievement:

• Picture success in school. Help your child create a mental picture of success. "I want you to see yourself getting an A on that book report."
• Stress the importance of effort. If your child is struggling, say, "When you studied hard last week, you got your spelling words right. You can do it."
• Give the positive behavior you see a name. "I was so proud when you were kind to the new boy in class today."

Reprinted with permission from the November 2009 issue of Parents make the difference!® (Elementary School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2009 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: John R. Ban, Parents Assuring Student Success: Achievement Made Easy by Learning Together, ISBN: 1-879-63972-6 (National Educational Service, www.nesonline.com).

Get your family to vote for their favorite books!

Even if your community doesn't have an election this year, you can make the month of November "Vote for Books" month at your house. You'll encourage everyone in the family to read--and write--about books they enjoy.

Create a "Book Ballot." Include the title of the book and the author. Then have family members vote--is it one of the best books ever? Only so-so? Not so good? Or a book that should be avoided?

Leave room for a short written description. Why did the book earn that rating? What was the best part of the book? Were there things the reader would have liked to change?

Place a "ballot box" (a shoe box with a hole in the lid) where everyone can see it. At the end of the month, open the box and read the ballots.

Which books are the big winners in your family?

Reprinted with permission from the November 2009 issue of Parents make the difference!® (Elementary School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2009 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: Erika Swarts Gray, "The Importance of Visibility: Students' and Teachers' Criteria for Selecting African American Literature," The Reading Teacher, March 2009 (International Reading Association, www.reading.org).

New Milford Rotary donates Dictionaries!

Blue Ridge 3rd graders welcomed Mr. Ryan Stalker and Mrs. Barbara Hill from the New Milford Rotary into their classrooms on Tuesday, October 20. The New Milford Rotary donates dictionaries to 3rd graders each year. This is one of the many programs the Rotary participates in to help many children in our our area as well as around the world.

Mrs. Miller's 3rd Grade class!

Mrs. Miller's third graders performed three Reader's Theatre plays on Monday, October 19. The students were very entertaining and excited to show off their reading skills to their parents.

Fire Prevention Assembly

On October 15 we had a fire prevention assembly for all students in the elementary school. The fire prevention assembly was put on by the Great Bend Fire Company. I would like to thank Dave Derrick (fire chief), Chris Reinwald, Michael Welsch, John George, Chris Fish, Josh Neary, Brad Marvin, and Frank Perera for volunteering and putting on this important program for our students.

The fireman focused on three important things for students to remember:
1. Make sure your home has smoke alarms and the batteries are changed yearly.
2. Have an Escape Plan in your home.
3. During a fire Stop, Drop, Roll, Cool (with cool water), and Call (911).

Peer Mediation Training!

On October 13 and 14 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students participated in a peer mentor training. Below is an overview of the program being implemented by Miss Boyko (elementary school counselor), Mrs. Jamie Torrence (secondary school counselor), and Mr. Parker (dean of students).

Overview:
Peer mediation involves trained students, referred to as peer mentors, assisting other students in solving non-physical conflicts in a safe and healthy way. A group of elementary, middle, and high school students will engage in trainings that include informational sessions, role play scenarios, team building activities and problem-solving exercises to assist in their preparation to serve as peer mentors. Peer mentors will learn about the following:

Peer mediation
Conflict
Peer mediation steps
Active listening skills
Peer mentor report forms and duties
I-messages/Positive communication
Finding resolutions

Peer mentors help students to define the problem, identify the needs of each individual, and find solutions.

Our peer mediation program believes that conflict is natural, students have to potential to solve their own problems, students are responsible people, and conflicts can be resolved peacefully.

If you have any questions about peer mediation, please contact Jessica Boyko (ext. 622), Lynn Parker (ext. 651), or Jamie Torrence (ext. 684).

Check out our Library Media Center!

Interactive Promethean board with a grade one activity posted through a document projector.

Here is our new document projector.

What some of our students were up to on October 8!

Ms. Pitcher and her reading class.

Whooo's Haunting First Grade!!! Spooky!!!

Students engaged and busy working in small groups during a third grade math class with Mrs. Cramer and Mrs. Heal.

Another third math grade class working in a small group with Mr. Burchell.

In the bottom two pictures students were learning a life long skill...................how to count MONEY!

Science Program!

The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple is hosting Innovative Kids, featuring science programming throughout the school year!

Please review the posters above for details.

Susquehanna County Reads!

Susquehanna County Reads My Àntonia starts October 1st, and we have all kinds of events scheduled!

The first is "Honoring our Rural Heritage," Saturday, October 3rd, at Salt Springs State Park, from noon-3pm. This event is free to everyone, so please spread the word! It's a family event with activities for all ages. Meet barn animals, experiment with antique farming tools from the John McKeage collection, enjoy refreshments, play traditional games like horseshoes and sack races, and have fun. Don't miss the "Whatsit" table--play by guessing what these mysterious implements are for. The Fairdale Grange will have a Grange Room display, where you can learn about this historic agricultural organization. Explore the Wheaton House and see what treasures Salt Springs State Park has to offer.

Starting Friday afternoon, you'll also be able to view an exhibit by photographer Sally Weiner Grotta at the Main Library. Entitled "Pennsylvania Hands," it's "a visual celebration of those individuals who keep alive the traditional crafts that built our country's dynamically diverse culture and established the underpinnings of our present-day society." She'll be lecturing on the 12th as well--stay tuned for details.

If you're not registered for the program yet, you can do so at any time. For more information on all the events and activities, visit our website:http://www.susqcolibrary.org/susqcoreadsor call the Library at 570-278-1881 or Literacy at 570-465-2880.