October Happenings at The ROCK!

Ready To Go

I hope everyone had a great long weekend with family and friends and enjoyed the great fall weather! We should all feel rested and rejuvenated and ready to continue and grow as students, as we work toward Thanksgiving Recess. Both staff and students will be extremely busy over the next month with both academic learning and many events and activities! These are all things you won't want to miss, so be sure you are doing everything you can to BE IN SCHOOL AND PRESENT! Attendance is important and will continue to be a focus at "The Rock!"  If you are not in school you are not learning!

Halloween is almost here!  

As we keep school safety at the forefront of our district decision making, thank you for understanding that Split Rock Elementary will continue last year's practice and will no longer hold outdoor Halloween costume parades. We will hold an indoor parade on Thursday, October 31, so that our students can have the experience within the building. Following the parade, each classroom will be partaking in a classroom party. ONLY parent volunteers who signed up at Open House will be able to enter the building and permitted into the classrooms for the parties. Implementing these protocols ensures the safety and well being of both students and staff. We thank you ahead of time for respecting these procedures.

Pick Up and Drop Off

The transportation department continues to do a great job of working with us to make our arrival and dismissal procedures as safe and productive as possible. You might have noticed the new bus parking procedures taken place to create a little more space for drop off and pick up. However, it is still not perfect and if procedures are not followed properly, it can still create some concern. We ask that all those picking up and dropping off are very cognisant of all bus warnings during these times and not crossing the paths of the buses when the lights and signs are flashing. Utilizing district transportation is the safest and convenient method of transporting students to and from school. 

Want to Stay Connected?

I do my best to showcase all the learning and hard work that goes on a daily basis at Split Rock. A great way to see this is to follow us @Split_Rock1 to get daily insights as to what is taking place throughout the day in the building. 

Positivity Project

We held our second Positivity Assembly last week to kick off the next three strengths that we will be looking at over the next few weeks. The strengths are; Integrity, Perspective and Creativity. Congratulations to those below who hold these as their top character strengths. These students were recognized during the assembly and celebrated.  A big thanks to Mrs. Chambala who shared some of the ways she is creative and her perspective. She also read "What If.." to the students which were a great way to introduce these traits. Students also had the opportunity to view a Kid President video on being AWESOME!

Upcoming Dates:

Friday, October 18

• Grade 5 Spirit Day~ Wear your BLUE and YELLOW 💙💛

Monday, October 21

• Merry-Go-Round Playhouse (Grade 5)

Wednesday, October 23

• 6:00 pm PTO Meeting
• 7:00 pm BOE Meeting

Thursday, October 24

• Author Visit (Grades k-5)
• DEAR Program Kick-off

Friday, October 25

• West Genesee Wears Pink

*The West Genesee faculty and staff will be showing unity against cancer.  Please join us in raising awareness, and showing support. We would love to have the students at "The Rock," participate if they are willing and able!

Welcome to "ROCK" tober!

Finding Our Groove

Job well done by both staff and students! We have seemed to find our groove and have settled in. Students are working extremely hard as we continue to focus on our FOUR Bs (Be Present, Be Respectful, Be Responsible and Be Safe)!

It was a busy two weeks at "The Rock!" Our band, chorus and orchestra lessons kicked off, we had a visit from Merry-Go-Round Playhouse and Officer Diane Brand, who presented our first round of CODE Assemblies. On top of that, we continue to follow through with our safety expectations and regulations, as we have run through several evacuation drills. Let's not forget about all the wonderful instruction and learning taking place on a daily basis.  Enjoy some of the pictures captured over the last couple of weeks.

Officer Brand teaching our CODE Assemblies

Merry Go Round Theater Presentation 

Mrs. Speich's Chorus Class

Mrs. Lockwood's First Grade Class 

Positivity Project

Over the next couple of weeks we will be recognizing the following character strengths:

Sept. 30-Oct 5 Open-Mindedness

Here students will learn "why people who use open-mindedness are more likely to make accurate decisions and decisions that they won't regret." -Mike Erwin

Oct. 6-Oct. 12 OPM2 (Being present and giving others my attention)

Here students will have the ability to learn what being present means while making sure we are giving our peers our attention.

Upcoming Dates:

Wednesday, October 2

• BOE Meeting 7pm WGHS

Friday, October 4

• P2 Assembly (Grades K-5)

Monday, October 7

•  Chittenango Landing Grade Field Trip (Grade 5)

Thursday, October 10

• Merry-Go-Round Playhouse (Grade 1)

Monday, October 14

• Columbus Day (NO SCHOOL)

Back in the Swing of Things

Back In the Swing of Things:

What a great first full week of school! There is a certain buzz in the air when you step foot in the building and it's what makes "The Rock," what it is. The students have done a fantastic job of getting adjusted to their daily routines quite quickly! Below are several pictures showcasing the beautiful things that are being done daily.

Positivity Kickoff:

A HUGE thanks to our varsity cheerleading squad and Coach Duschen for helping us kick off the Positivity Project in a big way! The students had a blast watching and seeing the critical role TEAMWORK plays when a group of individuals must work together toward a common goal. It's our hope this has built some CURIOSITY in some, to have the OPEN-MINDEDNESS to look into extracurricular activities outside of school to broaden their horizons and reach their full potential.  

PTO Family Movie Night:

A job well done by the Split Rock PTO! We had a fabulous turnout for our Family Movie Night, as the wind and weather did not stop us from having a great time! All families enjoyed the night in the gym with a bag of popcorn and the movie, "Honey I Shrunk The Kids." 

Lost and Found:

Let's stay ahead of this! Please have your child check the lost and found if they happen to be missing anything. We are already starting to collect items! 

MySchoolBucks:

Please check out the link below regarding the new feature available on MySchoolBucks. 

 OnePay Membership Feature on MySchoolBucks

Upcoming Dates:

• Tuesday, September 17 
• Picture Day
• Wednesday, September 18
• 7:00pm BOE Meeting 
• Tuesday, September 24
• Merry-Go-Round Playhouse (Grade 2)
• CODE Grade K-5

Getting Ready To "ROCK"!

                                     Ready To Go!

I hope this blog finds you all well and enjoying what is now the last week of summer vacation. It is my hope you all were able to spend time with family and friends while enjoying the great weather and hopefully reading some great books! With that being said Split Rock Elementary and the staff are ready to go and we look forward to welcoming back our Wildcats on Wednesday, September 4. Our summer crew worked feverishly to make sure the building was in tip-top shape so the staff and students can hit the ground running day one. I thank the team for their efforts and dedication!

By now all students should have received their informational packet for the 2019-2020 school year. Included in the packet:
Class assignment
Open House (Title 1 Night) information and agenda
School Meal Programs information
WG Communication information (Blackboard)

In addition, you should have also received bus information from the Transportation Department, regarding bus number, as well as, pickup and drop off times.

Please contact the office at 315 487-4656 ASAP if you have not received your informational packet!

The first day of school is Wednesday, September 4 is a HALF -DAY for students!
EARLY DISMISSAL is at 11:30am.

Please be sure to send in a note if your child's drop off location will change for that day. 

What's New At "The Rock"?

Staff:

I would like to formally introduce the new staff members for the 2019-2020 school year.

Mary Bergan- Instructional Specialist

Christine Rivers- Instructional Specialist

Melissa Dougher- Art Teacher on Tuesdays

Kyle Prenoveau- Physical Education Teacher on Thursdays

Kyle Muldoon- Band Director

Mike Stachnik- Monday afternoon band lessons

Stacy Bishop- Teaching Assistant

Welcome to "The Rock"! We are very excited to have you all a part of the team!

New Main Entrance:

It won't take long to recognize the most significant change. The main entrance, office, and hallway have gone through a major remodeling process to ensure the safety of both staff and students and is projected to be completed within the next day or two. We are very excited for the students to see the new look!

Raptor System:

This is a friendly reminder that Split Rock Elementary has begun to implement the Raptor Visiting Management System.  All visitors will be expected to submit their driver’s license to be scanned before receiving an identification sticker to wear while if they plan to go beyond the main office in the school. Parents will be able to leave items for their child without entering the school.  We appreciate your cooperation and willingness to help us continually improve our safety procedures as we are working to ensure the safety of all students and staff during school hours. 

Positivity Wall: 

We have dedicated an entire wall to the Positivity Project! The students will see a bulletin board that showcases the Other People Matter Mindset and the character strengths that will be introduced throughout the month. Showcased around the bulletin board will be each student's top character strength, displaying the fact that other people matter and allowing students to recognize the positive qualities of their peers. This will serve as a constant reminder of the desire to build a positive culture linked to the Other People Matter Mindset throughout the entire building!

IMPORTANT DATES:

Kindergarten Orientation: Tuesday, August 27 @ 9am

Student/Family Walk Through: Friday, August 30 @ 9am-2:30pm

You may visit the building and take a "self-guided" tour in order to get your child more acquainted and comfortable with the start of school and the building. Please note that these will be "self-guided" tours, meaning teachers may or may not be in the building during this time.

Open House (Title 1 Night): Thursday, September 5 @ 6pm-7:30pm 

Presentation times:

K-1 - 6:15-6:35

2-3 - 6:40-7:00

4-5 - 7:05-7:25

*Our IS team will be available in the library and throughout the night to discuss our RTI Plan, Collective Responsibility process and programming information. Please be sure to stop by to ask questions, gain insight and pick up the informational flyer! 

** This night will be very informative and is for the parents and guardians. Students should not be in attendance.

PTO Back to School Outdoor Movie Night: Friday, September 13 @ 7:30pm-9:00pm

"Honey I Shrunk The Kids" 

Save the Date: Please mark your calendars to come out to meet and welcome our new Superintendent Mr. David Bills.

Tuesday, September 24 @ 7pm

Midsummer Check-in

Enjoy AND don't forget to READ!

Being midsummer, I wanted to take this time to check-in, making sure we are staying connected. I hope this finds all of our Split Rockers enjoying their summer, filled with family, friends and memorable times! With that, it is essential to make sure all our students are finding time to read consistently over the next month. Students do experience the "summer slide" or academic loss if they are not reading daily. We want to prevent this from happening, making the start of the year that much more comfortable and enjoyable. So be sure to enjoy some books in August!

2019-2020 Split Rock Family Handbook 

Please be sure to take some time to visit Split Rock's webpage to view the updated Split Rock Family Handbook. Here you will be able to find all procedures, protocols, expectations and any other pertinent information regarding Split Rock Elementary. 

 Visit Split Rock on August 30th 

For those looking to get your child more acquainted or comfortable with the start of the year, you may visit the building on August 30th between 9:00am- 2:30pm. These will be "self-guided" tours, meaning teachers may or may not be in the building during this time. By this time all students should have their placements and all other information necessary for the start of the school year. 

Building Updates

The Renovation

There are significant renovations taking place within the main office and entrance. The crew is making considerable progress and seems to be on track for the start of the school year. This process is to ensure the safety of both students and staff during school hours! Please be reminded if for any reason you need to enter the building we are utilizing the back/lower parking lot and entrance near the cafeteria. You will need to ring the bell and be identified before entering the building. This process will continue throughout August.

Split Rock's Summer Crew

A huge thanks go out to the custodial staff at Split Rock. They have done an outstanding job and have worked extremely hard to make sure the building is in tiptop shape come September 4 when the students return. 85% of the rooms have been completed and are ready for teachers to move back in. The entire building will be ready in just a few weeks and it would not be possible without the hard work and dedication this crew has demonstrated throughout the summer!

Book It Now!

Friday, August 30

  Self-guided tours (9:00am-2:30pm)

Wednesday, September 4

   First Day Of School (Early Dismissal 11:30 am)

Thursday, September 5
  Fall Open House (6:00pm-7:00pm Parent's Only)

I will check back in a few weeks! Until then, I hope everyone continues to have a terrific summer!

End of Year Approaching

Exciting Days Ahead:

We are heading into the last full week of school and look forward to finishing with a bang! The students are looking forward to a lot of different events and field trips that will be taking place over the next week and a half as we close down the 2018-2019 school year. With that, I would like to take the opportunity to thank the staff, students, families, as well as, the Split Rock community. It is not easy to go through the transitions this building has experienced this year and will be experiencing throughout the summer in regards to some extensive renovations. Everyone has met the challenges and experiences head-on with an open mind and never missed a beat and to that, I applaud all of you!

Senior Walk:

We were lucky enough to have our 2019 Split Rock graduates visit and participate in their senior walk. The students at The Rock celebrated their achievement as we lined the halls to congratulate their accomplishments! We will be sharing a video of the day shortly, so be on the lookout for that. A special congratulations to some of our Split Rock graduates, Lindsay Chamberlain and Emma Lounsbery for being awarded the Shirley Gurney PTO Scholarship for the essays they submitted. We look forward to you sharing your message with our students next week at our Grade 5 Recognition Ceremony. We also would like to congratulate former Split-Rocker Philip Martin in being recognized as the 2019 Valedictorian! You make us all so proud. Great things await each one of you!

Split Rock Field Days (Tuesday, June 18, 2019)

A letter was sent home last week with the pertinent information in regards to this exciting event. We look forward to allowing the students to enjoy some time outside and activities with their classmates.

AM Session (Grades 3-5)- 9:30-11:45

PM Session (Grades k-2)- 12:45-2:45

Here are a couple of quick reminders:

• Students in the morning session should wear their swimsuits to school and bring a change of clothes for the afternoon. AM session students should apply sunscreen at home.

• Boys must wear their swim trunks and a t-shirt during all activities. Girls must wear shorts and a t-shirt over their swimsuits.

• ALL students must wear closed toe shoes such as sneakers or water shoes.

• Students should bring a towel and a water bottle labeled with their name.

*Please note parents/guardians will not be allowed in the building prior to, during and/or after the event. Staff and student safety is our number one priority and we want to make sure we do our best to ensure this. **Rain Date: Wednesday, June 19

Split Rock's Summer Renovations

Split Rock will be going through some renovations beginning Thursday, June 27 and will continue through August. This is being done in coordination with the implementation of the Raptor Visiting Management System, to support the safety of our students and staff better. The focus of this renovation will occur at the Main Entrance and go through the Main Office and Principal's office. With that, we ask that any visitors during July and August utilize the back and lower parking lot and enter the building at the doors near the cafeteria. This includes Kindergarten Screening days June 27 and June 28. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we improve our school's safety procedures.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE 

Monday, June 17

  Grade 3 picnic

Tuesday, June 18 

  Split Rock Field Days

Wednesday, June 19

  Grade 4 picnic 

  Rain Date (Split Rock Field Days)

Thursday, June 20 

  Grade 5 Field Trip (Ultimate Goal)

Friday, June 21

   Grade 1 picnic

  Grade 2 Field Trip (The Wild)

Monday, June 24 (1/2 day for students) 11:30 Dismissal 

  9:45am- GRADE 5 RECOGNITION CEREMONY- Split Rock Gymnasium 

Tuesday, June 25 (Last day and 1/2 for students) 11:30 Dismissal 

Thursday, June 27

  Kindergarten Screening

Friday, June 28

  Kindergarten Screening

  

Already June!

Finishing Strong!

It is hard to believe we are heading into the last month of school with just a few weeks left! We continue to stay focused as we make the final push to the end, making sure we get the most out of each day. Please continue to stress the importance of attending school each day as there is still plenty of opportunities to grow and learn. We also wouldn't want them to miss out on the many exciting events and field trips many of the classes have on their schedules moving forward!

Special  Olympics: 

What a fantastic event that was held on May 24th at West Genesee High School. Many thanks to the excellent staff and high school students who volunteered their time to create a pleasant atmosphere for the students. Our students at Split Rock did a phenomenal job, and we are so proud of them! Split Rock had over 20 participants throughout the day and they were terrific.

Budget Has Passed!

The 2019-2020 budget and bus propositions were passed with 84.8% yes votes! We appreciate and thank the community for all the support! 

State Testing Comes To an End:

Our Grade 4 team has finished up the last set of state tests for the 2018-2019 school year as they have completed both the Grade 4 Science Assessment and the Grade 4 ELA Short Response Field Test over the last three weeks! They did a terrific job and showed a great deal of endurance and fortitude as they gave it their best and worked extremely hard!

Split Rock Field Days:

This year, the Split Rock Field Days will be held on Tuesday, June 18 (Rain date of Wednesday, June 19). The AM session will run from 9:30-11:45 (Grades 3-5) and the PM session will run from 12:45-2:45 (Grades K-2). If you are interested in volunteering this year, please contact Greg Gangemi at ggangemi@westgenesee.org. Please include which session you would like to help out with and if you have a preferred event/station that you would like to be at! This is an exciting event for our students at "The Rock" and we hope you can enjoy the day with us!

Lost and Found:

Just a friendly reminder that our lost and found continues to grow! If your son or daughter is missing anything, from articles of clothing to water bottles, please have them visit Split Rock's lost and found. Anything that is not claimed by the end of the year will be donated.

C.O.D.E.

We held our 2019 C.O.D.E Graduation Ceremony on June 4th! We want to thank Officer Diane Brand for all that she has done and time spent with our students throughout the year. We also had honorary guest Chief of Police Mr. Thomas Winn attend the event as well and we thank him for taking time out of his schedule to join us for the ceremony!

Congratulations to both the poster and essay award winners for this year!

Grade 4 Poster Winners:

Deigan Vine

Keira McGlaughlin

Tyler Arndt

Grade 5 Essay Winners:

Chelsea Donaldson

Cameron Arlukiewicz

Jami Tessier

Looking Ahead:

June 6

Grade 4 Field Trip (Fort Stanwix)

June 14

Senior Walk

Kindergarten Picnic

June 17

Grade 3 Picnic

June 18

Field Days

9:30-11:45- AM Session (Grades 3-5)

12:45-2:45- PM Session (Grades k-2)

June 19

Grade 4 Picnic

June 20

Grade 5 Field Trip (Ultimate Goal)

June 21

Grade 2 Field Trip (The Wild)

June 24 (1/2 day for students 11:30 Dismissal)

Grade 5 Recognition- 9:45am Split Rock Gymnasium

June 25 (1/2 day for students 11:30 Dismissal)
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!