Attica Elem. Newsletter - Nov. 25
October’s character trait of the month was Individuality.
Students learned that our unique talents and personalities make us who we are, and that we should celebrate what makes each of us special. In our school-wide assembly, we read Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae, and Miss Crowley led a discussion showing students how our differences help us shine, just like the characters in the story.
Our Students of the Month for the month of October were:
PreK AM - Kasia Ratajczak
PreK PM - Emory Mest
Kindergarten - Preslee Brown
1st Grade - Jason Harloff
2nd Grade - William Fuest
3rd Grade - Miles Edwards, Samantha Anderson
4th Grade - Gertrude Macho
We also enjoyed a fun and festive Halloween assembly. One of the most exciting highlights was when the high school seniors visited and paraded through our halls in their costumes. Our students absolutely loved cheering them on!
As we head into colder weather, please help us keep our school community healthy. Attendance is very important, but please keep your child home if they are experiencing symptoms of illness. Working together helps us maintain a safe and healthy learning environment for all.
For the month of November will be learning about the importance of being THANKFUL or GRATEFUL. Gratitude is one piece of the character trait of being caring and is more than saying “thank you.” Real thankfulness requires thought, energy and more than just doing the right thing. Thankfulness begins when we are able to recognize and point out small things that make us thankful.
Our goals for the month will be:
- We can recognize and name the things we are thankful for each day.
- We can show appreciation with kind words and actions.
- We can say “thank you” and mean it when someone helps us.
- We can notice and be grateful for the little things others do for us.
Below is an article from the Child Mind Institute with "10 Tips for Raising Grateful Kids"
Welcome Back! From the Mental Health Department
Hello families,
As the school year continues and the holidays are upon us, November invites us to pause and reflect on all that we’re thankful for. It’s a month of warm gatherings, cozy moments, and meaningful connections—a perfect time to celebrate both big and small blessings.
Gratitude has a quiet power. It reminds us to notice the good in everyday life—whether it’s a kind word, a helping hand, or simply the beauty of an autumn morning. As we move through November, let’s take time to express appreciation—to others, to ourselves, and to the moments that make our lives richer.
Attached you will find a Gratitude activity to complete with your families at home to recognize all that you are thankful for!
Here’s to a month filled with warmth, reflection, and thankfulness.
Warmly,
The Mental Health Department
Miss Crowley & Dr. Marr
“Be the reason someone feels welcomed, loved, heard, seen and supported today”
Attica Elementary PTG – November News
We’ve had such an amazing October! Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in the Boo Bash Hallway of Treats — the turnout was incredible, and we’re so grateful for the support. We’re already excited to begin planning next year’s spooky celebration!
During the last week of October, we surprised our teachers with a special Halloween appreciation cart filled with treats. It was a small way to show how much we value all that they do for our students each and every day.
Parent–Teacher Conferences are coming up soon! If you ordered items from our Fall Gift Card Fundraiser, they will be available for pick-up at the main office during conferences. We will also be collecting paper bags with handles to help prepare for Santa’s Secret Workshop. Collection boxes will be placed outside the main office — thank you in advance for your donations!
Speaking of Santa’s Secret Workshop… it’s right around the corner! The event will be held December 15–17, with a make-up shopping day on December 17 for any students who may be absent during their class shopping time. Volunteer opportunities will be posted on Dojo and our Facebook page within the next week — we would love to have your help!
Don’t forget — you can stay up to date by joining our email list through the link on our Attica Elementary PTG Facebook page. Be sure to give us a follow so you never miss an update!
Thank you for being an amazing part of our school community. We couldn’t do what we do without YOU!
What illnesses are we sharing right now?
We have several illnesses going around the Elementary School right now. Please remind children the importance of frequent hand washing, keeping their hands away from their eyes, nose, and mouth, and coughing into their elbow.
Right now we are not hearing much about Influenza, Covid, or RSV cases in our Elementary population.
Colds and Upper Respiratory Infections - Viral illnesses with nasal congestion, sore throat, fever, and cough. Students can return to school when fever-free for 24 hours and symptoms have improved.
Croup- Viral illness causing a “barky cough” or whistling sound when breathing in. Humidified air and fluids help with recovery. Students can return to school when fever-free for 24 hours and symptoms have improved and won’t be a distraction to learning.
Strep Throat - Bacterial infection that often presents with red, swollen throat, fever, and stomach ache. Students can return to school after 24 hours on a prescribed antibiotic, fever-free for 24 hours, and symptoms have improved.
Walking Pneumonia - Usually caused by bacteria; symptoms include fever, persistent cough, fatigue, chills, and headache. Students can return to school after 24-48 hours on an antibiotic, fever-free for 24 hours, and symptoms have improved.
If you have any concerns regarding your child’s health, please call Nurse Dispenza at 585-591-0400 extension 2238 or email at MDispenza@AtticaCSD.org
As the cool air moves in and we start preparing for that dreaded "S" word, the cafeteria crew in the Blue Devils cafe is gearing up for some delicious comfort foods to get our little Blue Devils through the cold months ahead.
We started our month off with a bang and served a fan favorite, traditional mac and cheese, which has not been featured on our menus in quite some time. Student's seemed to collectively give it two thumbs up, so it will surely be back again!
This month's taste tests will be featuring two brand new lunch menu items that will be debuted in December as long as they get the student stamp of approval!
- On November 14th, students will taste test a new product called "cheesy pull apart bread" with marinara dipping sauce on the side made by our very own MS Ag Class using high tunnel tomatoes.
- On November 25th, students will get to try cheese ravioli that we obtained from Headwater Foods and is made with materials sourced right here in New York State!
Student's seem to really enjoy utilizing our "taste test voting board" here in the cafeteria, and we have valued their feedback on the foods we are offering. This has been such a fun and interactive way to get our students involved in our school lunch program!
Homemade Soup is on the menu for Thursday 11/6 and Thursday 11/13.
We will also serve a Holiday Meal of Turkey & Gravy with Mashed Potatoes & Green Beans on Monday 11/10. Students buying lunch that day will be treated to some appetizing blueberry crisp as well!
As a reminder, breakfast will still be served as normal on our upcoming half days of school for the parent-teacher conferences. There will be no lunch on these days.
“Feeding Kids is a Work of Heart!”
Mrs. Kayla George
Elementary Cook
585-591-0400 ext. 2239