Newsletter 4 December 2017

State Street School Proudly Presents…

State Street Scoop

Principally Speaking………………………………………

Dear Parents/Guardians:

This is truly a season of giving! There are so many wonderful individuals who contribute time, love,

energy, and effort to SSS students and their families. Our Holiday Giving Tree is in the foyer of school.

Adults are welcome to take an ornament off the tree to support a local family. Thanks for helping our

neighbors this Holiday season. The staff ALWAYS goes above and beyond to not only teach our children

in every way possible but for caring for them as unique individuals with unique needs and talents as well!

There are many busy elves running around the halls of State Street School!

Your child is also “giving” this month. They are giving kindness to their peers and teachers.

Students are being encouraged to earn their Kind Spirit stick! We have discussed ways of being kind to

others. I highly recommend the book and movie Wonder (out in theaters now). It is a beautiful story

with a message to “choose kind!”

I am blessed to work with such a kind and caring family here at school and am fortunate to go home

nightly to my husband, children, and my dog. I wish all of you the pleasure of family this season.

In case you are looking for something to do as a family, here is a list of places to visit in the area.

Westerly Public Library Mystic Aquarium

www.westerlylibrary.org www.mysticaquarium.org

Pick up a free passes to area exhibits FREE with Feinstein Junior Scholar Card

Niantic Children’s Museum Providence- Ice Skating

www.childrensmuseumsetc.org www.providencerink.com

FREE with Feinstein Junior Scholar Card

Walk Napatree Point in Watch Hill

Walk Bluff Point in Groton, CT Providence Children’s Museum

www.childrenmuseum.org

Biomes Marine Biology Center, North Kingstown

Biomescenter.com

Sincerely,

Mrs. Faubert Principal

State Street School’s Mission Statement:

State Street School inspires lifelong learners and productive citizens by working collaboratively with families and

the community. We are committed to academic excellence while fostering social development in a safe learning

environment.

From the Desk of the SSS Parent Liaison

Tolerance – At Home and In School

This month I decided to write my topic on tolerance. I couldn’t wait to write on the topic, until

I sat down to write. It was very difficult. I did a lot of research and this is what I would

like to share. Tolerance is an ongoing process. It’s not something we learn in a single moment

in time. We need to talk about social differences with our children so they are comfortable

talking to us about them. The holiday season is the perfect time to talk about social

differences. Here at State Street School we are fortunate to have a diverse student body.

Our teachers do a wonderful job teaching the children about different cultures and traditions.

We will decorate our main entrance with every holiday that we know our children celebrate.

What better way to teach tolerance than by allowing the children to talk about what they

celebrate or don’t celebrate? The children then have a better understanding of each other,

their similarities and differences. They begin to accept each other for who they are and who

they will become. They now know that being different is good and they can each make the

world a better place to live in. We, as parents, need to reinforce that everyone’s culture and

traditions are important even though they may be different from our own. They make us who

we are. The more knowledge and education children have about why we are different the more

tolerant they will become. We need to allow our children to learn as much as they can about

each other and from their teachers. Someday, they will see their differences as assets to be

celebrated. Our children at State Street School already accept each other and celebrate

together. We, as parents, can learn this attitude and behavior from our children. With that

in mind, whatever you celebrate with your family this holiday season, I wish you happiness and

joy, now and for the coming New Year.

Mary-Kay Patten

Parent Liaison

State Street School Annual Giving Tree

State Street School has put up its annual giving tree in the foyer. On it

you will find Holiday Tags with gifts printed on them for items needed by

local families. All families are welcome to come in and choose a Holiday

Tag with an item on it and purchase the specified gift. Please return the

gift UNWRAPPED WITH THE HOLIDAY TAG ATTACHED TO IT by

Tuesday, December 19th and place it under the tree in the foyer. The

gifts will be distributed to the local families.

Thanks for all your Help.

Mary-Kay Patten, Parent Liaison

State Street School’s Family Engagement News!

Holiday Sing A Long

Our 9th Annual Holiday Sing A Long is on December 5th from 6-7. Our music teacher,

Steve Johnson will be playing many of our favorite songs throughout the night. Also,

Helen Marchetti will be sharing some wonderful holiday stories! Hope to see you there.

Parent lending Library Did you know that we have resources available for parents to borrow? The new Parent

Lending Library, purchased through the Family Engagement Committee, has many books to

help with issues of concern to parents just waiting to be used. Topics include discipline,

attention deficit disorder, dealing with death or divorce, etc. Stop by the school to check

out what might be of interest to you. Contact Mary-Kay Patten, Parent Liaison, for more

information.

Notes From Music

Kindergarten: Kindergarteners are singing and reading music notation. Continued reinforcement of basic note

value (Ta, Ti Ti and Rest) will gave way to more complex rhythmic patterns to be played and used as

accompaniment. We also continue to work on gentle singing voices...not too high and not too low, not yelling or

whispering. Keep up the hard work K students!

- Free movement to a variety of instrumental music (jazz and classical). We show the music through our

movement!

- Songs to Sing: I Sing, You Sing; Calypso, Shooliloo, Bee, Bee Bumble Bee.

1st Grade: We begin to shift our focus from building 4 beat patterns to singing with gentle singing voices. Our

knowledge of making 4 beat patterns will help us come up with accompaniments for the many songs we will be

singing!

- Free movement, showing the music (fast/slow, loud/soft, high/low) to instrumental music.

- Songs to sing - Pumpkin, Pumpkin, Calypso, Bee, Bee Bumble Bee, Do Re Mi and Frog in the Meadow.

2nd Grade: Second grade continues to work with rhythm patterns, listening and writing to various patterns.

We start to transition to continual establishing gentle, healthy singing voices. Students will sing a variety of

songs and begin work with beloved music syllables Do, Re, Mi, Sol and La.

- Playing rhythm patterns on "In the Hall of the Mountain King" by Grieg

- Songs to sing: Sunset, Connecting the solfege syllables to the hand signs. What do the hand signs tell you

about the notes you are singing?

3rd Grade: We have finally made it....Recorder-Fest has started! We start to establish positive recorder

habits. Expect to see them coming home at the end of December. Practicing recorder, or any musical

instrument, regularly is extremely important. All that noise will eventually be replaced with beautiful sound, so

please, be patient with young musicians learning to play. Support them in their recorder adventure, encourage

practice and tolerate a little bit of noise? Please and thank you!

- Recorder Concepts: Rest Position, gentle breath, finders covering the holes, left hand on top, G, A and B, Hot

Cross Bun, Merrily We Roll Along....

4th Grade: Students are reacquainting themselves with recording, reviewing notes like G,A,B, C and D.

Improvising is becoming less scary and students are learning to take chances in a musical way. We are even

listening back and evaluating our progress.

- "Musical conversations" while improvising on recorder

- songs to sing: Little Liza Jane, Canoe Song, Land of the Silver Birch

Please visit the FinCast, "The Podcast that celebrates the learning community of State Street

School!" sssfincast.weebly.com

Also, follow me on twitter to see great samples of what we work on in music class!!!! @stevejohnsonjr

Have fun making music!

Steve Johnson, Music Teacher

The FinCast: the State Street School Podcast.

A podcast is a downloadable audio program. The FinCast is a program for all members of the State Street

School community. Episodes are coming out monthly, exploring topics like life at SSS, the teachers and staff,

report cards and much more. To download, visit Mr. Johnson's School Fusion Pages, accessed through the State

Street School Webpage.

In the Gym

During the month of December, grades 2, 3 and 4 will start their floor hockey unit. The students will learn the

basic skills of moving, passing, and shooting the hockey puck. Teamwork and sportsmanship will also be a focal

point during floor hockey.

Grades K and 1 will focus on movement skills and a variety of fitness activities. (Examples. Tag

games/scooters/relay races.)

Angelo Luzzi, PE Teacher

A Message from Mrs. Zuercher – State Street School Social Worker

Please remember to sign up at the Jonnycake Center at 377-8069 if you need any assistance with the holidays.

Families have until December 9th to register. They can assist with food, clothing, heat and children’s clothing. If

you need help please call me at 348-2347.

December School Attendance Tip for the Month

Missing 10 percent (or about 18 days) can make it harder to learn to read.

SHARK Spirit Sticks went to the following students: Ella M. Christopher M. Serenity J. Kingston G. Elise B. Judah S. Noeliyah V. Henry H. Carter S. Lylah G.

Arya D. Allyson B. Sophie G. Austin N. Savanna M. Paige V. Jayden H. Bentley C. Christina B. Claire M.

Kaleb R. Avery L. AJ C. Robbie P. Bella W. Emma M. Sudan Q. Devin O. Landon H. Emilee S. Christopher P.

Samantha S. Sarah B. Catherine G. Malaysia V. Rory B. Kristofer A. Joseph M. Caden J. Briana P. Travis N

Penelope J. Sterling S. Blake P. Abraham L. Drayton S. Colton C. Mia R. Siena DD. Declan B. Chrissy D.

Adi K. Kendalynn L. Christian B. Lilly M. Ben C. Aniyah V. Britton R. Noah B. Ryan W. Jaden B. Jason S.

Jack K. Lorenzo A. Antonio U. Tristan M. Dylan S. Calli N. Sophia M. Cooper P. Giulianna J. Kurahn S.

Isabella M. Summer T. Cyerrah S. Marcus C. Gabrielle L. Lily S. Hallie D. Ben W. Caden M. Jocelyn B.

Brayden L. Taylor D. Nova W. Alison M. Payton J. Isabella B. Serenity J. Kaitlyn B. Sudan Q. Briana P

Paige V. Devin O.

Community News:

Westerly Parent Academy

93 Tower Street

Westerly, RI 02891

Music with Kerrie - Holiday Music Sing-a-long

Tower Street Community Center

December 12, 2017

10am and 11am class options $3 per family

Register online: 93Tower.org Join Miss Kerrie for an hour filled with singing, dancing, and instruments.

In the Art Studio

I hope that everyone is settling into the fall season nicely and is starting to enjoy the cool crisp air and the

holiday cheer! Here in the Art Room we are creating a lot of beautiful artwork and have a lot of exciting

projects planned!

This month Kindergarten Artists have been inspired by the book Mouse Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh. They are

creating mouse inspired color wheels learning about the Primary and Secondary Colors!

First Graders are learning about Wassily Kandinsky's artwork and are creating artwork using Line, Shape and

the Primary and Secondary Colors.

Second Graders are creating fall landscapes inspired by the artist Eloise Renouf. Artists created landscapes

using watercolor resist, collage and printmaking!

Third Graders have been busy making Mexican inspired Sugar Skull drawings using value and are creating

Self- Portraits that are using both Realism and Cubism.

Fourth Graders are creating Fall inspired Observational Paintings using Pointillism and maybe even using

Watercolor Monoprints too!

Also this month, we had Chris Belleau from Belleau Glass in Providence to teach students about Glass Blowing

and some students helped create a glass fused mural project too!

Thank you for checking in on the Art Room and have a wonderful holiday season!

Christine Lonergan, Art Teacher: SSS

From the State Street Library

Library News - Ms. Grant Media Specialist

5 TOP TIPS TO ENCOURAGE READING

1. Let your child choose. Plan a field trip to the library and let your child choose books that interest

them. A librarian can help steer them in the right direction, too. Keep books readily available at home, in

the car, wherever your day takes you.

2. Read to your child. Establish a routine for reading. Whether before bed or at snack time, reading can

fit into almost any part of your daily routine.

3. Read aloud together. It’s never too early to start reading to your little ones. For older kids, take turns

reading each page of a favorite book.

4. Talk about what you are reading. Asking questions before, during and after the read helps your child

make connections and increase reading comprehension skills.

5. Show your child that you enjoy reading. Be a reading model. Children often mimic parent behavior. Let

your child see you enjoying reading and soon you may have an avid reader yourself.

© Reading Is Fundamental.

A note of community awareness

For the last few years, we have received monies for the Library Media Center through an organization called

Community Crusades. The funds are raised from the sale of donated clothes. The bins to donate are located in

the parking lot of Benny’s. Please let family and friends know about this organization. Our school and students

have truly experienced the benefits from other people’s generosity.

Feinstein News: Celebrations: 240 pounds of candy sent to our U.S. soldiers abroad!

63 cans of cranberry sauce donated to the JCC (be sure to register for holiday baskets if needed)! 377-8069

Hundreds of personal toiletries sent to Puerto Rico!

We will continue our food drive throughout the month.

Needed Items: cereal, boxed milk, healthy snacks, peanut butter, soup

Kindergarten Feinstein shirts will be coming soon. Let’s be sure to wear them often, but especially on the first Friday

of every month, which we have designated as Feinstein Friday! We are Feinstein Scholars. We make the world a

better place!

Please let your child’s teacher know if he/she needs a Feinstein Jr. Scholar card!

Laurie Dunn, Coordinator

FLES News: ¡Hola amigos! (Hello Friends)

I am excited to share with students and their families that FLESS has a new website for classroom updates, learning

resources and information about early language learning:

https://sites.google.com/westerly.k12.ri.us/senoraconnell/

Please take a moment to take a look and send me any feedback and/or ideas for what you would like to see added! I

would love to hear from you! This site is officially under construction and will grow throughout the year so check

back periodically for new updates.

¡Gracias!

Sra. Connell

caconnell@westerly.k12.ri.us

Feinstein Good Deed Name of Feinstein Jr.

Scholar________________________________

Description of Good

Deed___________________________________

_______________________________________________

________

State Street School SHARKS are always kind and willing to

help others.

Cut out and return to your

Nurse’s Corner by Katie Ziegelmayer:

Ideas on How You Can Help State Street School:

Stop & Shop A+ Bonus Bucks:

Parent Volunteers: We are always looking for volunteers to help with many facets of the school. A background check is required by the district

if you would like to serve as a volunteer. Please contact Mary-Kay Patten, mkpatten@westerly.k12.ri.us, 348-2398 or your

child’s teacher.

Child Advocates: A child advocate is a person who would be willing to take on one child each week for a designated period of time. This child

will need support in target areas such as homework, reading or math. You could also spend time with the child at school for

breakfast, lunch or just to talk. Many children need positive role models in their life. This is a very rewarding opportunity

for only one hour a week. If you think you could be that special volunteer, please contact me at

mkpatten@westerly.k12.ri.us or call me at 348-2398. I look forward to talking to you and answering any questions you may

have.

PTO Officers:

Joodie Symington – President

Heather Gray – Vice President

Meredith Hurley – Secretary

Jan Robidoux – Treasurer

Joel Hurley – Public Relations

Parent Liaison:

Mary-Kay Patten

Phone: (401) 348-2398

mkpatten@westerly.k12.ri.us

State Street School

Audrey Faubert, Principal

afaubert@westerly.k12.ri.us

35 State Street

Westerly, RI 02891

Phone: (401) 348-2340

Fax: (401) 348-2345

www.westerly.k12.ri.us