From Maple Tree to Maple Syrup

The second grade students are learning about the process of tapping trees.  Due to the creative and thoughtful preparation for this science unit, students were able to experience the process firsthand.   


Gathering up their tools the class headed out front to tap a few maple trees.  Using an old fashion bit and brace they drilled a hole, pounded a spile into the tree, and then hung their buckets.  In less than 24 hours the students collected almost five gallons of sap.  Using a crock pot they are boiling off the water and witnessing the process of sap turn into maple syrup.  While the unit encompasses a great deal of reading and writing, incorporating hands on experience like this is teaching and learning at its best.  

A Fantastic Friday!

It is an active Friday morning at Riverside Elementary.  Students and teachers are immersed in learning....

 Second graders work on their iPads

Mrs. Lewicki and her kindergarten students perform a chant about the months of the year.

Pre-K students are preparing for kindergarten!

Third grade students work on their Indian tile projects.

Attentive sixth grade students sharpen their math skills.

President George Washington is substituting for Mr. Neer today :-)  

Looking Toward the Future...

Mrs. Iannello and Mrs. Sadlocha have been co-teaching a career options unit with the sixth grade students for the past several weeks.  The students have developed their own online portfolios based on their interests, personality, and current world experience.  Gloggsters, an interactive poster, are being developed by each student to highlight their current career interest. The ongoing unit of study will encompass visits to local businesses.  

2012-13 Universal Pre-Kindergarten Registration

Pending grant funding, the Oneonta City School district is pleased to offer our 2012-2013 Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program.  Registration for Universal Pre-Kindergarten begins on February 28^th. The Universal Pre-kindergarten program is designed and supported by New York to “provide four-year-old children with a universal opportunity to access high-quality pre-kindergarten programs that prepare them for future school success by developing strong foundational skills in literacy and numeracy.” Eligible participants must be four on or before December 1st of the year in which they enroll in UPK and they must be a resident of the Oneonta City School District.


If you are interested in having your child participate in this program, please click the link below to access an application on line or call Riverside Elementary to request one.  Applications must be completed and returned to me by April 2nd.

http://www.oneontacsd.org/district.cfm?subpage=1465346

Third Graders are Making a Difference

Mr. Sider’s third grade students were celebrated today on the Beacon, An NSF Study for Evolution and Action website.  They were acknowledged for their advocacy in saving the striped hyena.  Congratulations!  Click the link below to read how one  simple question turned into a highly engaging, thought provoking, interdisciplinary unit of study. 

http://beacon-center.org/

I don’t know about you but when I look back at my elementary Physical Education experience I instantly think of the “parachute”.  It was one of my favorite activities.  

I had the pleasure of observing Mr. Slater lead our kindergarten students through a parachute exercise.  With a heavy focus on team work, cooperation, and listening skills, by the time the students completed the task their upper bodies ached and their cheeks hurt from smiling so much.

We were extremely fortunate to have Teresa Glavin, a SMARTboard certified trainer and professional staff developer from ONC Boces at Riverside today supporting classroom teachers.  Teachers scheduled 30 minutes during their prep time to meet with Teresa. The goal was to gain SMARTboard technology tips for specific content topics they selected.  This kind of ongoing support fosters technology infused instruction and as a result creates an engaged classroom where students are active learners.