JOHN L. EDWARDS PRIMARY SCHOOL
Telephone: 518.828.4360
Dress for the Weather
We have seen recent fluctuations in the temperature, both inside school and out, over the past few weeks. Changes in our heating system are still being adjusted. We strongly suggest you dress your child in layers, as they may start out needing a sweater, but then be able to work in shirt sleeves.
Children will also be going out for recess and should be adequately dressed. Please label your children’s clothing, particularly hats and mittens. You’ll be happy when it’s returned to you because their name is on it!
First-Graders Depict Trees' Seasonal Journeys
Mrs. Barnes’ class studied about autumn. We learned about changes that occur during this season. Our class went on a field trip to Klein’s Kill Orchard and packing house. We observed the apple tree during autumn. After returning we read books about the changes of the apple tree during the different seasons. The students sang songs and acted out how the apple tree changed during the seasons.
As a culminating activity the children were asked to paint a picture of an apple tree during one of the seasons.
This activity was completed during work board time with aide support while the teacher was with reading groups. Each student knew the characteristics of the apple tree during the season they chose, and added details depicting the season. The following week during writing center the students, viewed another student’s picture, took notes and wrote a sentence about the apple tree in their classmate’s picture.
First-Graders Bring Holiday Spirit to Hudson Police Station
Maureen Zito’s first-graders had to spend Friday morning in court, but it was all for a good cause. They were continuing an annual tradition Mrs. Zito started nearly 20 years ago when she first brought her class over to paint the windows of the Hudson Police Station with holiday images.
LEFT: Three young artists create an igloo and a stocking on the window of the Hudson Police Station.
But because of the small space of the HPD lobby and the amount of concentration the painting requires, only three students can paint at one time. So they take turns, and when they’re not painting, they’re in the City Courtroom, enjoying pizza, cookies and juice provided by the Police Benevolent Association, , drawing, playing games and otherwise amusing themselves. Meanwhile, the ones whose turn it is to paint are creating an igloo, a Christmas tree and a candy cane, which together cover most of the HPD’s storefront window.
RIGHT: Reading teacher Mr. Campbell and three more young artists critique their work.
Mrs. Zito’s mother, Helen Kane, had a lot to do with this tradition. She was working as a police clerk when her daughter began her teaching career. She wanted kids to get the idea that the police were their friends, and so she encouraged Mrs. Zito to bring them over. “Yes, you’re a law enforcement agency,” Mrs. Kane said. “But you want to be in the spirit.”
Court Clerk Rosemary Zukowski tries to keep the court calendar clear for this day. Usually she can, but 2008 was unusual exception, and the painting was not done that year. Police Clerk Betty Scott sets up the lunch and snacks for the kids.
LEFT: Children stay busy in the courtroom while their peers are painting outside.
The tradition means something to the people of the community. One of the first years, a woman who lived across the street from the station, and who is now deceased, sent Mrs. Zito a postcard saying she was a shut-in, she couldn’t get out, and this tradition was “her holiday.” Mrs. Zito said that was something that told her she had to continue the custom. One year, the class won a box of truffles as a Winter Walk prize for window display. And this year, one of the local merchants was so touched, he went to Cascades, bought their last six cookies, gave them to Mrs. Zito, and said, “I hope this is enough.”
JLE, HHS Students Become Buddies
The “generation gap” has been narrowing a bit this semester. Mrs. Howe’s Teen Leadership Class, from Hudson High, spends one afternoon a week working with Ms. Brown’s first-graders at John L. Edwards Primary School. The high-schoolers each “buddy up” with one first-grader, and they stick together throughout the semester. Typically, the high school students read to the first-graders, and listen to the first-graders read to them.
LEFT: Buddies Deanna Dunkle and Abida Begum work towards consensus.
“The first-graders LOVE it,” Ms. Brown said. “They ask every day, ‘Are our buddies coming today?’ It is a great opportunity for the first-grade students to get extra one-on-one reading practice.”
As well as practice reading, the high school students help them with comprehension by talking about their books with them.
The first-graders reread books at their own instructional level. Then the high school students select and read higher level books to them, which helps develop vocabulary and listening strategies.
There are also occasional special projects. For example, the buddies recently teamed up to make holiday greeting cards for military service members and veterans.
This was part of a nationwide project sponsored by the American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes that took place between Nov. 2 and Dec. 7. In February, 2009, the buddies collaborated on a “100 Day” activity that reinforced math skills.
ABOVE: Mahmudur Rahman gives his buddy Jeff Grener some advice on his holiday card.
Donations of Clothes Needed
Our summer flood run destroyed all the clothes we had available for those who might need it on an emergency basis. We are in desperate need of socks, underwear, shirts, pants, shoes, etc. in sizes 4 - 8, (and some up to size 10). If your child has outgrown any clothes, we would gladly accept donations. Please be sure they are clean and in good condition. Donations of new underwear are also appreciated.
Tools For Schools
Price Chopper’s Tools for Schools continues until Valentine’s day. For every dollar you spend, we receive 1 point. Points accumulate and can be traded in for audio visual equipment, books, games, and other school supplies. To date we have earned 15, 292 points. Your purchase cannot help us unless your Advantage card is registered. You may register online by going to PriceChopper.com, looking for Tools for Schools, and following the links. Our school code is 16143.
Students Quiz Firefighters
October was Fire Safety month, and members of the Hudson Fire Department visited us twice - once to explain their gear, how they did rescues, general rules to follow in a fire, and so on.
On Monday they came with their fire trucks and were barraged with questions that even many adults did not think of, for example, “Why does the hook and ladder truck have wheels off the ground?” How come it takes two people to hold the water hose?” “How much water goes through the hose?” “Why do firemen carry axes on the truck?” “Is that thing you wear on your uniform a GPS?”
Children learned about planning a home fire exit plan, smoke detectors, and that a fire is dark. They learned what to do if there is a fire at home, saw firemen in their search and rescue gear and that it is important not to hide. By the time children leave JLE, they are pretty sophisticated in their knowledge.
Thanks to Capt. Paul Beaumont, Lt. Justin Elliott, Lt. Evan Swartz, and Justin Taylor, Thomas Elliott, Chris DeGraff, James Moore, Chuck Baker and Gary Grimes, some of Hudson’s finest volunteers.
If you do not have a smoke detector at home, please let us know and we will have someone contact you to arrange for an installation. Smoke detectors are free though a special program of the fire department.
We urge you to test your smoke detectors, and work on a home escape plan in the event of a fire. Also, you may wish to review the fire safety booklets children received at the assembly.
Listen to the Wind - A Primary “ Cup of Tea”
Several families turned out Wednesday evening for Beyond Paper and Pencil’s first family night at JLE. While participants in the Hudson Reads project at the Hudson Opera House read Three Cups of Tea, by Greg Mortenson, primary students have been reading Listen to the Wind, which tells the same story for younger children. Several years ago, Greg Mortenson attempted to climb K2, a mountain in Pakistan, and the second highest mountain in the world. He was injured in his attempt and needed to be rescued by the local villagers. They took him into their homes and took care of him while he regained his health. When he asked the villagers what they needed most, the village elder told him to “Listen to the Wind.” He did, and heard school children reciting their lessons sitting out doors in the shadows of the mountains. He knew then that he had to help them build a school and came back a year later to begin the project. First they had to build a bridge so they could get the supplies across the river to the mountain village. Then they built the first school. Schools have continued to be built throughout Pakistan and Afghanistan, with support from an international project called “Pennies for Peace.” Joining in with other schools in the district, children brought in their pennies and presented their big two gallon jug Wednesday evening.
This was a wonderful event, and through acting the story out, children and parents came away with a better understanding of this true story. Similar methods are being used in the classroom as a way to help children express themselves and comprehend what they are reading. This year, 21 teachers are involved in the project.
NYU Dental Program Coming to Hudson
For the past two years, Columbia Memorial Hospital’s Dental Van has come to JLE to provide preliminary screenings and restorative care to our students. For the next two years, a similar service will be provided by New York University. The program will operate a bit differently but will provide the same quality service as CMH. It will be available to all students pre-k through grade 6 and will be offered to JLE students the week of February 8, 2010.
We will have a parent information session prior to that time.
Boy and Girl Scouts
Some parents missed information sessions for scouts. If you are interested in Boy Scouts, please call 851-9891.
Information about girl scouts can be obtained from Anna Allen at 828-0772.
Coming Soon
Fall Book Fair November 16 - 20
Family Event November 17
Parent Conferences November 19
CONTACT NUMBERS
John L. Edwards Primary School 828-9493
- Principal Carol Gans - ext. 4324
- Main Office: April Carrasco - 4300
- Attendance: Donna June - 4317
- Nurse: June Boucher - 4312
- Psychologist Joanne Lanuto - 4313
- Psychologist Kerri Appelbaum - 4315
- Social Worker Deirdre Lupoli - 4321
- Hudson Family Literacy - 4301
- Cafeteria - 4320
| JLE PTA Officers 2009 - 2010 | |
|---|---|
| President | Karen Krager |
| Administrative Vice President | Michelle Bowes |
| Committee Vice President | Tacy Schunk |
| Treasurer | Andrea Steils |
| Recording Secretary | Joanne Allie |
| Corresponding Secretary | Desiree Chiarito |
| Historian | Lynn Race |