Read Across America was great week! Author/illustrator Roxie Munro captivated our students as she shared the steps involved in writing a children's book. She enjoyed her time at Stony Brook as much as we enjoyed hosting her and she shared this email with me, "Thank you for a wonderful visit! Everyone was so well prepared, and the 3-5 group was the most receptive and best behaved I think I've ever encountered (and the K-2 were darling too). Enjoyed the lunch with the students. All in all a lovely experience!” #ProudPrincipal.
Our guest readers were a hit, and the high school seniors loved coming back to their old school! And thank you to Hopewell Township Police Chief Rosso and the officers who also read to our students. Book Character Day was so much fun! We're all looking forward to doing it again next year!
This week, we have an early dismissal on Wednesday, March 13. We will be observing NJ Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Day. We are starting the day off with a school meeting to kick off the character trait of "honesty", pair up with our Buddy Classes, enjoy some special SEL activities and a have a chance to purchase a special snack.
Sincerely,
Nicole Gianfredi
To observe our NJ Social Emotional Learning Day:
- Send your child to school wearing an All Star shirt!
- We will start the day with a school meeting focused on the next Character Strong Trait: Honesty.
- We will spend time with our Buddy Classes. The older and younger students love to spend time with each other. Ask your child about their Buddy Class!
- We have a special snack time planned. The PTO will be selling chips, pretzels, popcorn, juice and water. Each item will be sold for $1.00. Each child can buy one snack and one beverage. Our Students will have their snack with their Buddy Class. There is more info in the flyer below. If you choose not to purchase a snack, you can send one in with your child. It's going to be a great day!
Stony Brook’s annual “One Fine Day” celebration will be Wednesday, May 1, and we are looking for groups of students to perform short dances that represent the many cultures and traditions represented at Stony Brook!
Here are the guidelines for student dances:
- Organized/prepared outside of school by parents/guardians.
- Performed by small groups. Organizers are encouraged to include their student’s classmates. Solo dances will be considered for students in grades 3-5, but there are limited spots available.
- No longer than 3 minutes.
Please note that “One Fine Day” is a celebration of cultural dances and community. Later this year we will have our second annual Arts Festival where students in grades 3-5 can share their vocal, instrumental, and other dance talents.
If you are interested in organizing a performance for “One Fine Day,” please contact Mr. Emhof (williamemhof@hvrsd.org) by Friday, April 5.
Our students are doing great with the Reading Challenge!
Key Information
- Your child's private online account information was sent home. Use the provided login/password at https://app.readafun.com/ to log reading minutes!
- Parent and student instructions on how to use the website are also in the video linked below.
- All students can participate! Your child can read at home independently or you can read to them. Log the time spent reading to the online account.
- Students can answer questions about their books to earn extra points, interact with friends through the platform to chat about books, and customize their Owl avatars.
- Sponsors can make one-time donations or pledge an amount per time spent reading. It's a great way to support literacy and earn money for our school!
If we meet our reading goal, the kids get to slime Ms. Gianfredi!
This month’s focus is on Honesty. One way to think about Honesty is “being truthful in what you say and do.” Practicing Honesty helps strengthen our relationships and even reduces stress. Across grade levels, students will be developing skills like emotional regulation, positive self-talk, and stress-management.
Below are the Character Strong newsletters for each grade level.
Sunday, March 10 - April 9
- Ramadan Begins at Sundown
- Day Light Savings
Wednesday, March 13
- Early Dismissal at 12:45 pm
- School Meeting - Wear SB Spirit Gear
- Special Snack Purchase
Friday, March 15
- Report Cards available on OnCourse
- Pretzel Day
Wednesday, March 20
- PTO Meeting, 7:00 pm
Saturday, March 23
- Science Fair
- Spring Break
- Solar Eclipse
