November 2025, Vol 2

Hello Ellicott Families,

As we head into this season of gratitude, I want to take a moment to share how truly thankful I am to be serving as the new principal of Ellicott Elementary. It is an honor and a privilege to work alongside the families, students, and staff who make this community so special. In just a short time, I have felt incredibly welcomed, and I am grateful for the opportunity to partner with you in support of our students.

Next week, many of you will be joining us for Parent-Teacher Conferences on December 4th and 5th. If you are visiting the building, please feel free to stop by, introduce yourselves, and say hello—I would love the chance to meet you in person.

I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Vivian and Miss Weber for all of their work in organizing our second annual Turkey Trot. Their time, creativity, and enthusiasm helped make this event such a joyful experience for our students. A big thank-you as well to our PTO volunteers, whose support ensures events like this continue to thrive.

I hope you all enjoy a warm and restful Thanksgiving with your families and loved ones. I look forward to a wonderful December together at Ellicott.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Hall

Friday, December 5th & 12th - Bills Days! 🏈💙

Tuesday, December 9th - Ellicott T-Shirt Day 👕

Thursday, December 4th - Half Day - Parent Teacher Conferences, Dismissal begins at 11:15am

Thursday December 4th - Band & Orchestra Concert at OPHS Auditorium, 7pm

Friday, December 5th - Half Day - Parent Teacher Conferences, Dismissal begins at 11:15am

Friday, December 5th - Report Cards Live in Parent Portal, 4pm

Our 2025-26 yearbook is officially available for purchase. Use the link below to reserve your copy and see the attached flyer for additional details. Deadline to order is 4/30/2026.

The NYS Science investigation "Cloud in a Bottle" teaches students about weather variables and the water cycle by using a plastic bottle to demonstrate how pressure and temperature changes cause water vapor to condense into a visible cloud. Students add water, a smoke particle (from a lit match), and then compress and release pressure on the bottle to form and dissipate the cloud, linking the experiment to the process of real cloud formation in the atmosphere. This hands-on activity helps them understand concepts like condensation, air pressure, and the water cycle.

At the start of the year, our fifth graders “buddy up” with kindergarten students for some special reading time. They work together to find books that they both enjoy, then head to the library to find the perfect matches.

It’s been wonderful to see our fifth graders stepping into leadership roles and setting such a positive example. Nothing beats the smiles from our kindergarteners when they spot their buddies in the hallway or at special events like the musical or concerts.

- 5th Grade Teachers

✨It's a great day to have a GREAT day at Ellicott!✨

Dear Families,

We are thankful for you!

As we prepare to take time off from school November 26th through November 30th for the Thanksgiving break, we want to share our gratitude for everyone in our school community. Your partnership makes it possible for students to come to school every day, on time and ready to learn.

Every day of school is an important opportunity for students to connect with peers and teachers, and to grow personally, socially and academically.

We are thankful for:

· Our students and their families who show up to school regularly, even when it isn’t easy.

· Our staff who go above and beyond to help make school a welcoming learning environment and help us stay safe, connected and excited about learning.

· Our many healers and helpers from support staff and volunteers who provide the extra hands and attention our students need.

We appreciate each one of you. If your family or your child needs support, please reach out to your child's building.

We are grateful for everyone’s efforts to avoid taking extra days off during this holiday season. We look forward to seeing you again when school resumes on Monday, December 1st.

Thank you for partnering with us!

The PTO website is the go-to spot for the latest news and information. Bookmark it so you can check in anytime!

This is also where you can join the PTO. Membership helps support students through events, initiatives, and even some field trips. You don’t have to attend every meeting to be part of the fun, but you’re always welcome!

Meetings are always held in person, but with an option to join via Google Meet! Links will be sent out the night before.

Please consider signing up today by clicking below. While you're there, explore the website to see all the incredible things that are happening! ✨🔽

To read the November PTO newsletter in more detail, please click the pdf below.

Tuesday, January 13 at 6:30pm (at Ellicott & via Google Meet)

Each month, our Occupational and Physical Therapists in Orchard Park create a fantastic collection of resources that can be used both in the classroom and at home. These activities and strategies support skill development that can benefit all children in many ways. Click the picture below to explore the resources and see if there’s anything you’d like to try with your child at home!

What children eat throughout the day plays an important role in how well they learn, focus, and manage their energy. Nutritious snacks provide steady fuel for the brain, which helps students stay alert, engaged, and ready to tackle new challenges both in and out of the classroom. Families can make a big difference by offering snacks that are satisfying, nourishing, and easy to prepare.

Here are some healthy snack ideas that support strong learning and sustained energy:

Fresh choices
Fruit cups packed in water or their own juice
Apple slices with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter

Grapes or berries that are washed and ready to grab

Protein packed options
Cheese sticks
Greek yogurt
Hard boiled eggs
Hummus with vegetables or whole grain crackers

Whole grain favorites
Whole grain pretzels
Air popped popcorn
Mini whole wheat bagels with cream cheese

Quick and portable ideas
Trail mix with nuts and dried fruit
Granola bars with simple ingredients
Veggie sticks packed in small containers

Building a routine of healthy snacking at home helps children stay energized and focused, and it supports positive lifelong habits that benefit their overall well being.