Attica Elem. Newsletter - Dec. 25

A Look Back at November!
November’s character trait of the month was THANKFUL.
In November, we took the time to talk about the importance of being thankful and showing gratitude. We helped our students notice and appreciate the kindness they see every day. Through simple acts—like saying “thank you” to classmates, teachers, and family members—we show them how gratitude strengthens our school community and helps everyone feel valued and connected. As part of this focus on giving, our students also collected food for our Thanksgiving food drive to support families in need, putting their gratitude into meaningful action.
Our Students of the Month for the month of November were:
- Pre-K - Robert Rimbeck III, Aria Olick
- Kindergarten - Atlas Zak, Noah Corke
- 1st Grade - Gemma Schmitt
- 2nd Grade - Maci Granger
- 3rd Grade - Decklian Countermine
- 4th Grade - Alexander Easton
We were excited to work with members of the Attica Partners for Agriculture and the FFA in our classrooms this month! Our second grade students learned about apple production and got to make their own apple crisp, while our third graders learned more about cranberries and they got to do their own science experiment with real and dried cranberries. What a wonderful hands-on experience for the kids - just in time for Thanksgiving!!
We were happy to have the opportunity to celebrate the Veterans from our community during our assembly on November 6th. We showed them through the songs our music classes prepared and through the words our students wrote how much we appreciate their service.
Our theme for the month of December will be COMPASSION:
We notice when someone is sad, hurt, or needs help.
We show kindness through our words and actions.
We listen to others and try to understand how they feel.
We help make things better for someone who is having a hard time.
Teaching elementary students compassion begins with helping them recognize the feelings and experiences of others. Through stories, class discussions, and everyday interactions, we guide students to notice when someone needs help, offer kindness, and treat others with empathy and respect. By modeling caring behavior and encouraging students to think about how their actions impact those around them, we help build a classroom community where everyone feels supported, included, and valued.
Attached below is a link with more ideas for teaching children compassion and kindness!
From the Classrooms:
The Kindergarten Classes wrapped up learning about the First Thanksgiving with their very own Kindergarten Feast! Children were able to sit in the multipurpose room for lunch with new friends from other kindergarten classrooms !
First grade has been working hard on writing realistic narrative stories. We are learning to brainstorm ideas, organize a beginning, middle and end, and then edit our first draft to make sure we have the correct punctuation, capitalization and spelling. We have learned how addition and subtraction are related and can apply both operations to word problems. We have been practicing very hard for our upcoming Holiday Concert and are looking forward to performing for our family and friends.
In November second graders continued to learn about apples during our Ag in the Classroom lesson. In the month of October we learned many facts about apples and continued our learning in November with a hands-on lesson. Students were able to help make and eat an apple crisp! Students were so excited to have members of the FFA help with this lesson. We are excited to welcome FFA students again on 12/22 for FFA Buddies day! This is a tradition we began several years ago and really enjoy. During their visit, second graders will learn about agriculture as it ties into the holiday season and students will make a snack and a craft together.
Our third grade classes got into the Thanksgiving spirit by holding their very own Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! The students read the book “Balloons over Broadway”, created their very own balloons, and wrote their own balloon announcements. Continuing to celebrate the holidays, third grade will begin their "Holidays Around the World" research project in December to learn about other celebrations throughout the globe!
Our fourth graders have been diving into an exciting science unit on volcanoes! Recently, we learned that many volcanoes form around a major area in the Pacific Ocean known as the Ring of Fire. Students also explored the two main types of volcanoes—cone volcanoes and shield volcanoes—and discovered that the shape of each volcano depends on the type of lava it erupts.
Counseling Corner:
Dear Families,
As we head into this special time of year, we wrap up another wonderful year of learning, growth, and community. This month offers a valuable opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and help our children recharge before the new year begins.
The holidays can be a wonderful opportunity to slow down and enjoy quality time as a family. Whether you’re making a craft, reading together, helping someone in need, or simply sharing a quiet moment, these small experiences help children feel grounded, rested, and supported. Taking time to reconnect not only strengthens family bonds but also helps children return to school in January refreshed and ready for a successful start to the new year.
We are excited to share our Holiday Countdown activity—a fun and meaningful way to celebrate the season together at home. Each day of the countdown includes a simple activity designed to spark connection, creativity, and moments of calm during the busy holiday season.
We encourage you to complete the Holiday Countdown together at your own pace throughout the break. If your child returns their completed countdown to Miss Crowley after the holidays, they will receive a special prize as a celebration of their participation and family teamwork.
We are grateful for your partnership and proud of all your children have accomplished this year. Wishing you a peaceful, joyful December filled with rest, connection, and warmth. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year!
Warmly,
The Mental Health Department
Miss Crowley & Dr. Marr
“Be the reason someone feels welcomed, loved, heard, seen and supported today”
An Update from the PTG:
Attica Elementary PTG – December News
November was a quiet month for the Attica PTG, but big things are coming! Thank you to everyone who participated in our gift card fundraiser. It was another fantastic success, and we appreciate your support so much. A huge thank you as well to all the families who brought in handled bags during parent-teacher conferences! We received an incredible amount and are truly grateful for your donations.
Now onto our big December event… Santa’s Secret Workshop! It’s just two weeks away! The workshop will run December 15–17, with a make-up shopping day on December 17 for any students who may be absent during their scheduled class time. Students will be able to shop for gifts for their families, with items ranging from $1 to $5. As this season is all about giving, students will not be able to purchase gifts for themselves.
Volunteer opportunities are posted on ClassDojo and our Facebook page, but here is the direct link to sign up and help at Santa’s Secret Workshop: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4AADAC2AA0F8C52-60142984-santa. We would love to have you help.
Don’t forget to stay up to date by joining our email list through the link on the Attica Elementary PTG Facebook page. Be sure to follow us so you never miss an update!
Thank you for being such an amazing part of our school community. Happy holidays, and we wish everyone a happy, healthy New Year!
Notes from the Nurse:
With December comes a lot of excitement and fun, but it also brings an increase in common illnesses that can affect our students and families. Taking simple steps to care for ourselves can make a big difference in staying healthy throughout the winter months.
A few reminders to help keep everyone well:
Encourage good handwashing habits—one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs.
Make sure students get plenty of rest to keep their immune systems strong.
Keep water bottles filled to promote regular hydration.
Teach children to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow.
Encourage dressing in layers so students can adjust to temperature changes throughout the day.
Winter Gear Checklist: Stress the need for winter gear, including:
Warm Coats
Hats (most body heat is lost through the head)
Gloves or Mittens
Waterproof Boots (especially on snowy/slushy days)
If your child does become sick, please keep them home to rest and recover. Students should be fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication before returning to school. This helps prevent the spread of illness and ensures your child is well enough to fully participate in the school day.
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
Wishing you a healthy and safe holiday season!
The Lunch Line:
December is here and the excitement is buzzing down in the cafe as holiday magic is in full swing. Our Cafeteria elf, Waffles, along with his pal the custodial elf, Sweeps, made their grand debut on the 1st of the month and student's are excited to see them back again for another season of fun. The cafeteria crew is hard at work, as always, serving up plenty of delicious food and smiles.
This month's menu features a lot of our student's favorite items. Students will get to "Build A Waffle" on Tuesday December 9th, which is always a big hit! We will feature some fantastic NY products on December's Thursdays - including Wild Kale Cheese Ravioli from Headwater Foods, and Goulash and Taco in a Bag, both made with Burly Brothers Beef. Mid-month we will see lunches aligned with our building's Christmas spirit days, including a special treat on Polar Express Day, 12/15, and Green Pancakes on Grinch Day, 12/17. We will round out the month with our Holiday Meal of Turkey & Gravy on 12/23 before sending the student's off to winter break!
As a reminder as we head into the new year, students wishing to purchase ala care items will need a note on file to spend their account balances. Money can be added to accounts on myschoobucks.com or by sending cash or check to the cafeteria. Please reach out with any questions or concerns. Wishing our students and the families a safe and healthy holiday season!
“Feeding Kids is a Work of Heart!”
Mrs. Kayla George
Elementary Cook
585-591-0400 ext. 2239
Upcoming Events:
Dec. 2 - 3rd & 4th Grade Concert (7:00pm) Dec. 3 - Art Club Dec. 10 - Kindergarten Concert (1:30pm) Dec 10 - Grading Committee (12:30pm) Dec 10 - Art Club Dec. 10 - Community Movie Night with High School Book Club (6:00pm) Dec. 11 - Assembly (8:30am) Dec. 11 - 1st Grade Concert (1:30pm) Dec. 12 - 2nd Grade Concert (1:30pm) Dec. 15, 16, 17 - Santa’s Secret Shop Dec. 17 - Grinch Day!! Dec. 17 - Art Club Dec. 18 - Kindergarten Elf Day Dec. 18 - Dept. Chair Meeting Dec. 19 - Christmas Fun Day Dec. 24 - Jan 2 - Winter Recess! Jan. 5 - Back to school Jan. 6 - Lockdown Drill (10:05am)
