October Happenings at "The ROCK!"

 This past Wednesday was Unity Day! It was a huge success at "The Rock!" 

Fun Fall Frenzy Spirit Week

In lieu of a Halloween costume parade, we will be carrying out a Fun Fall Frenzy Spirit Week to celebrate this time of year. We feel this will offer both students and staff the opportunity to celebrate the season and each other while following all guidelines and safety recommendations.

• Monday, 10/26 - Split Rock School Spirit Blue & Gold Day

• Tuesday, 10/27 - PJ Day 

• Wednesday, 10/28 - Hat Day

• Thursday, 10/29 - Favorite Sports/Team Day

• Friday, 10/30 - Halloween Colors/Apparel Day (costumes not permitted)

Positivity Project

Next week's Positivity Project Character Strength focus will be CREATIVITY! Please click here to review the character card on creativity for a preview of what our Split Rockers will be working through next week. 

Parent Survey

There will be both a letter and survey coming out next week from the Superintendent's office regarding any family looking to make a change of instructional modalities following the date of January 29.

Chromebooks

As we continue throughout the next few weeks your child may be bringing home their Chromebooks to complete an assignment or two. We ask that the students and families focus on the care of the equipment while using them at home and please be sure to bring them back the following day. These assignments will not occur on a Friday. 

Remote Pickup Change (Kindergarten)

The date for remote Kindergarten students to pick up their next set of learning materials has changed from October 30 to Thursday, October 29 at 3:00-4:00 p.m.  This is the time for remote Kindergarten families only; please come to the main door and we will get the materials to you.  Grades 2-4 are still scheduled for November 23.

Mid "ROCK"tober Update

It was a short week but a very productive one at "The Rock!" Both staff and students worked extremely hard! It was great to visit many of the classes and see all the wonderful things they are accomplishing and working through!

Mr. Herrick's class watching a video on hard C vs. soft C!

Mr. Gangemi and Miss Clark with our Kindergarten group!

 

Mr. Farfaglia/Miss Johnston and Mrs. Sexton/Mrs. Valerino area streaming literacy lessons between two rooms!

Sneaking in some recess time!

Mrs. Lockwood's class enjoying lunch and a movie!

Mrs. Eipp working with Mrs. Thomas' class!

Mrs. Sauro's class working through the animal classification unit during their literacy block.

Unity Day

A note from the National Bullying Prevention Center and our school counselors: Show that you care about safe and supportive schools and communities, and make your color ORANGE on Unity Day, Wednesday, October 21! That’s the day everyone can come together in schools, neighborhoods, communities and online to send an ORANGE message of support, hope and unity, and show that we are united for kindness, acceptance and inclusion.

Positivity Project

Next week's Positivity Project Character Strength focus will be FORGIVENESS! Please click here to review the Character Card on Forgiveness for a preview of what our Split Rockers will be working through next week!

Questions About Remote Learning

Can a child switch to remote learning when they are out sick or when they return from a state that requires quarantining upon return? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Our remote teachers have a full class of students and are likely not on the same exact pacing as the child's in-school teacher. Some requests for work during a child's absence can be accommodated. However, providing the missed assignments does not replace the instruction and experiences that occur during the absence. Each child is unique, so the teacher will know which lessons and activities need to be made up upon the student's return. Also, please note that if a family knowingly goes to a state that is on "the list," the child's absences upon return will be considered unexcused. Thank you for your understanding, and please let me know if you have any questions. 

Fun Fall Frenzy

In lieu of a Halloween costume parade, we will be carrying out a Fun Fall Frenzy Spirit Week to celebrate and enjoy this time of year. We feel this will still offer both students and staff the opportunity to celebrate the season and each other while following all guidelines and safety recommendations.

Please be sure to check out the flier that will be sent home next week as a reminder!

FUN FALL FRENZY FLIER

Walk for Peace

The Central New York Social Justice League will be holding a Walk for Peace on Saturday, October 17th, from 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm. All persons interested in promoting and learning about how to advocate for social justice and building peace in our communities are welcome to attend. The location has changed to the Camillus Municipal Building. For more information and to register for the event, click here!

Dates for Remote Split Rock Students to Remember

• October 30, 3:00pm-4:00pm- Split Rock Kindergarten families only can pick up their next unit materials and readers at Split Rock's main entrance. For those unable to pick up the supplies during this time, please contact the office at 315 487-4656 to schedule a date and time ASAP.

• November 4, 10:00 am-1:00 pm- All Split Rock remote learners are invited to have school pictures taken here at Split Rock. Please note there is NO MAKE-UP DATE or RE-TAKE date. Please follow the alphabetical timeslots listed below:

• A-J -10:00 am-11:00pm
• K-R -11:00 am-12:00pm
• S-Z - 12:00 pm -1:00pm 

• November 23, 12:00 pm-3:30 pm- Split Rock 2nd, 3rd, 4th-grade remote learners only can come to pick up their materials and books for your next units at Split Rock's main entrance.

To keep up on Remote Happenings, please click here to view "Notes from Team Remote" Mr. Leo's blog which is housed on our westgenesee.org homepage.

PTO NEWS:

Online Spirit Wear Sale:

LAST CALL! From now until Monday, October 19, the Split Rock PTO online spirit wear store will be open! Shipping will be free and items will be distributed in early November. There are some great new items available this year, so shop away! Place your order today at 2020.splitrockshop.com

"ROCK"tober Update

Next Week's Schedule: Just a friendly reminder that there is NO SCHOOL on Monday, October 12. Please also know that Friday, October 16, is a HALF- DAY for all students due to a teacher workshop day. Dismissal Times for HALF DAY October 16:Buses: dismissing at approximately 11:00 am-11:10 am. YELLOW Lot Parent Pickup: approximately 11:10 am following the departure of the buses.BLUE Lot Parent Pickup: Will begin at 11:05 am.

Masks & Student Daily Home Screening Slip 

We are seeing a few more students than usual forgetting masks and the daily home screening slips. Please be sure your child is prepared with both each day. 

Arrival/Dismissal Procedures: We have settled in and looked to have found a safe, efficient method for our procedures. We would like to thank all involved for your patience and support. Just a few reminders:

ALL STUDENTS arriving after 8:50 am must enter through the MAIN ENTRANCE. 

Dismissal times have been completed daily by 2:40 pm.

• Once you have pulled into the loop, please KEEP PULLING FORWARD, be sure students are prepared to exit the vehicle with their masks. 
• Please have all students exit vehicles on the passenger side and not into traffic.
• Unless directed, please do not pass other vehicles waiting for pickup or drop off.
• The YELLOW lot will dismiss immediately following busses at approximately 2:30 pm
• The BLUE lot will dismiss at 2:25 pm.
• Please adhere to the NO LEFT TURN in our Upper and Lower lots during Drop-Off 8:30- 9:00 AM and Pick -Up 2:30-3:00PM 

Physical Education Class

With the inability to utilize our gym for Physical Education class and the need to follow all safety guidelines Mr. Gangemi will be taking his classes outside as much as possible. It is important that students who have PE come dressed and prepared for the weather. This could entail; hats, gloves, jackets, sneakers, snowsuits/pants, boots etc. Mr. Gangmei thanks you in advance!

Positivity Project

Next week's Other People Matter Mindset is "Being Present and Giving others My Attention.".

"Nothing is more precious than being in the present moment. Fully alive. Fully aware." - 

Thich Nhat Hanh

"Wherever you are be all there." - Jim Elliot

"When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen." -Ernest Hemingway

"One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say." Bryant McGill

Fun Fall Frenzy

In lieu of a Halloween costume parade, we will be carrying out a Fun Fall Frenzy Spirit Week to celebrate and enjoy this time of year. We feel this will still offer both students and staff the opportunity to celebrate the season and each other while following all guidelines and safety recommendations. More information will be sent home with students next week and posted on the 10/16 blog!

Notes from the WGCSD Nurses

If you didn't happen to see the notes from the nurses that were sent out yesterday, here they are. You will find a link to the COVID-19 Toolkit recently put out by the NYS Department of Health. Included are details for what to do when your child is showing symptoms of COVID-19 and what is needed for your child to return to school. 

Walk For Peace

The Central New York Social Justice League will be holding a Walk for Peace on Saturday, October 17th, from 12:30 - 3:30. All persons interested in promoting and learning about how to advocate for social justice and building peace in our communities are welcome to attend.

PTO NEWS:

Online Spirit Wear Sale

From now until October 19, the Split Rock PTO online spirit wear store will be open! Shipping will be free and items will be distributed in early November. There are some great new items available this year, so shop away! Place your order today at 2020.splitrockshop.com

Classroom Celebration Money

While classroom parties and events obviously won’t look the same this year, we still want to celebrate with your students as much as guidelines permit. With that in mind, we plan to collect classroom money which teachers will use to celebrate events such as Halloween. Please send in your money no later than Monday, October 19. If you have any questions, you can contact Carolyn Champlin at (315) 382-2258 or carolyn.champlin@gmail.com. 

Amazon Smile

Did you know that the Split Rock PTO participated in AmazonSmile? AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know - same products, same prices, same service - but every time you shop, 0.5% of your eligible purchase will go to a charitable organization of your choice. Simply log onto smile.amazon.com and select Split Rock Parent Teachers Organization Split Rock PTO as your charitable organization, and every time you shop smile.amazon.com you will be donating to the PTO!

Virtual Box Tops for Education

Here is your friendly reminder about the Box Tops for Education program! For every box top submitted, Split Rock will earn 10 cents. This money is used to help purchase various items for our school and support PTO events. Visit this site to download the app: https://www.boxtops4education.com/refer. If you still have traditional Box Tops clips at home, you may send them in on your own. (This is a change - here is the link that explains how!)

 

**!!NEW ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL PROCEDURES!!**

Please take some time to review the new procedures and protocols.

This will begin on Monday, October 5!

**HALF-DAY KINDERGARTEN PICK UP process will not change, we will continue with the current procedure.

**Please check your child's CAR TAG for a BLUE or YELLOW sticker which indicates the corresponding DROP OFF/ PICK UP location.

BLUE: BACK LOWER PARKING LOT
YELLOW: FRONT UPPER PARKING LOT

Grades K-1 & Siblings 

SIBLINGS

• Students in grades 2, 3, and 4 with siblings will be dropped off and picked up from the LOWER PARKING LOT (Grade K-1 drop off/pick up zone, labeled above) with their siblings.

Drop Off  (8:40am)   

• We ask that you follow the BLUE entrance and exit arrows, as seen in the diagram above.

• Drop off will begin no earlier than 8:40am.

• Please do not have your child get out of the car until they reach the “drop off zone” (see diagram) and an adult directs them to do so. The drop off zone is located near the cafeteria doors. 

• We ask that you do your best to make a right-hand turn when exiting the parking lot. 

Pick Up (2:30pm)

• You may begin lineup at 2:20, as this lot will not have to wait for buses to depart. Please pull in (follow arrows) upon arrival, to alleviate parking on Split Rock Road. 

• Dismissal will begin at 2:30pm.

• Please be sure car tags are visible.

• We ask you to follow the entrance and exit arrows seen in the diagram above to get in line. Your child will be dismissed as your car approaches the “PICKUP ZONE.”

•  We ask that you do your best to make a right-hand turn only when exiting the parking lot. 

Grades 2-4 

Drop Off (8:40am)

• We ask that you follow the YELLOW entrance and exit arrows seen in the diagram above.

• Drop off will begin no earlier than 8:40am.

• As you pull into the loop, please be sure to pull up as far as possible, eliminating any large gaps. 

• Please do your best to make a right-hand turn only when exiting the parking lot.

 Pickup (2:30pm)

• Pickup will begin at approximately 2:30pm (after buses have departed). 

• You may enter the parking lot and begin lineup after all buses have been dismissed. 

• As you pull into the loop, please be sure to pull up as far as possible, eliminating any large gaps.

• The staff will be sure to get your child to you once you have pulled up as far as possible. 

• Please do your best to make a right-hand turn only when exiting the parking lot.

Thank YOU!

WOW! What a great surprise and show of appreciation! On behalf of Split Rock Elementary, THANK YOU! Our parents and families ROCK! 

ROCK'in through September

We are becoming more comfortable and accustomed to our "new" and "temporary" normal. The students have done a fantastic job and seemed to really be enjoying themselves. It is truly amazing to be able to walk through the halls, visit classrooms, and engage with students to see the amazing things that are happening on a daily basis!   

Arrival/Dismissal

We will continue to make sure that we are as safe and efficient as possible. Yes, there will be some slight changes in the near future, but until then please be sure to:

Arrival

• For those waiting and parked in the loop, please have your child unbuckled and ready to exit the vehicle at 8:40am. 
• Pull up as far as possible prior to stopping and dropping off your child.
• Please do not pass on the left unless directed to do so.
• All students should exit the vehicle on the passenger side.
• Consider using the entire allotted time for drop off (8:40-8:55). 
• We encourage right-hand turns only exiting the loop. 

Dismissal

• Buses will not be dismissed before 2:25. 
• Please be cautious of your speed pulling into the loop. 
• Continue to pull forward if there is room in front of you. We will be sure to bring the student to you after you come to a stop, wherever that may be. 
• We encourage right-hand turns only exiting the loop.

*All early dismissals must occur prior to 2:00pm.

Positivity Project

Next week's character strength focus is TEAMWORK and CITIZENSHIP! Teamwork is described as working well as a member of a group or team. You are loyal and sacrifice your individual desires for the greater good! Click here to find more information on the character strength of teamwork. 

Breakfast and Lunch

Please pre-order school breakfast and lunch on the NutriSlice system. Use this link to access a description of the app and how to use it.

Updates From The PTO

PTO Membership:

Just a reminder that you still have time to join!

Our annual membership is $10.00 and it doesn’t commit you to any volunteer time (although we always welcome helpers). Your membership helps to fund activities and support our children. 

Join today at https://split-rock-pto-membership.cheddarup.com.

PTO Meeting for October:

Our first PTO meeting of the academic year will be held virtually on Wednesday, October 7 at 6:00 p.m. Please join us to learn about this year’s activities and fundraising events. 

In order to attend, please R.S.V.P. to wgsrpto@westgenesee.org no later than Monday, October 5. The meeting web link will be sent out to those who have replied on the day of the event. We ask that you direct anyone interested in attending the meeting to email the PTO directly, and please do not share the web link. 

Split Rock T-Shirt Sale

Have a new or growing Split-Rocker? We have a limited quantity of short-sleeved Split Rock t-shirts available for sale. Shirts are $10 each and for this year, we can accept only checks (made out to Split Rock PTO).

Would you like to purchase a shirt? Please email wgsrpto@westgenesee.org include your child’s name, teacher, shirt size, and shirt style (navy or heather). We will let you know if that size is still available. If we confirm it’s available, you can send a check-in with your child (attn: PTO) and they will bring their shirt home. 

There will be an online spirit wear sale and free shipping promotion coming soon! Be on the lookout!

Yearbook Update

We have fantastic news! Our yearbooks have shipped! Once they arrive, we ask for just a bit more
patience as we sort and organize everything. 

We truly appreciate your patience and understanding as we have worked to get these books to you. 

Up and Running at "The ROCK"

Face Masks 

Students are doing a wonderful job throughout the day with this procedure. It is important that we continue to be responsible and make sure that we have a mask with us on a daily basis. This is also a friendly reminder to wash all masks routinely. 

School Lunches

Please be sure to review the following information below that was posted within the latest West Genesee District e-Newsletter regarding our food service program.

On August 31, 2020, the USDA announced that they would be extending the free meal program for all students through December 31, 2020, OR until funding runs out. Since we do not know when this funding will run out, we are recommending that for September you fund your Child's MYSchoolBucks account as you normally would. Please be assured that we will not charge your child's account for reimbursable meals that they purchase as long as the funding continues, hopefully through December 31, 2020. We will continue to keep you posted on this as things develop.

For the most up-to-date Food Service information on the website click here.

School Picture Day Is Coming!

School picture day for In-Person students is scheduled for this coming Wednesday, September 23, 2020. Paper order forms have been sent home, but we HIGHLY recommend ordering online at mylifetouch.com using the picture day ID: EVTRTCKST. Once you make your online purchase, all you need to do on picture day is send your student looking their best!


We will be offering school portraits for Remote Students. This will be scheduled on portrait retake day, Wednesday, November 4, 2020. Specific times and details will be communicated as the date approaches. Remote students are also encouraged to order online using the same picture day ID: EVTRTCKST.

Order your pictures online today!
mylifetouch.com
Picture day ID: EVTRTCKST

Join the Split Rock PTO! 

This year, the Split Rock PTO has gone virtual! Please visit: https://split-rock-pto-membership.cheddarup.com to become a member today!

Your membership fee will give you access to PTO emails, school reminders, meeting minutes, and most importantly, it will help us to provide for our students, both during school and after hours. A membership doesn’t commit you to any volunteer time (although we always welcome helpers), a membership helps to find activities for our children. Our activities and events may look different this year, but we need your support more than ever.

The membership fee for the school year is $10.00. Additional donations to support our students are always welcome. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer for any PTO committees, please email wgstpto@westgenesee.org.

Join today!
https://split-rock-pto-membership.cheddarup.com

FYI: The PTO is still working very hard on getting our yearbooks and are in constant contact with the company. We will keep you posted as soon as they arrive. We appreciate your patience.