Welcome back!

Back in Action:

It is great to get back in the building and get the ball rolling again! I certainly hope everyone enjoyed some time with family and friends, as well as, some good weather. It is always good to take some time to relax and recharge the battery! I know that myself and the rest of the Split Rock staff is fired up and ready to finish strong! We will focus on making the most out of the next two months, providing quality instruction and learning experiences for all students, so we can continue "to ensure that each student attains the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary, not only for lifelong learning, but also for becoming a cooperative, self-directed, productive, caring citizen." With that being said, it is a very busy time of year, with many different events occurring. Here is a look ahead as to what to expect at Split Rock Elementary!

Positivity Project:

This week's character trait is Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence. Be sure to take a step back and appreciate all that's around and not just nature's beauty but yet, someone else's hard work and excellence. By doing so we are promoting positive emotions within and a connectivity to the world around us.

Raptor System:

This is a friendly reminder that Split Rock Elementary has begun to implement the Raptor Visiting Management System. Visitors will be expected to provide photo identification when they visit the building and plan to go beyond the main office. The West Genesee Central School District has distributed a letter home to families that provided all the pertinent information in regards to the system and its protocols. Please be sure to review and fully understand the process as we are working to ensure the safety of all students and staff during school hours. 

Gertrude Hawk Fundraiser:

There are still a few orders that are at the school and need to be picked up. If you placed an order and have yet to do so, please contact the school and/or a PTO member to pick up your order. This would be greatly appreciated!

Spring Is In The Air:

It is the time of year where there will be many different activities occurring both inside and outside of the classroom. With that, there are times where students express a great deal of excitement and might lose focus on school expectations and safety. We will be revisiting this consistently throughout the remainder of the year. Help us, help you and your child, by reviewing the schoolwide expectations as we want to make sure we are being Respectful, Responsible and Safe. Conversations around the dinner table and/or bedtime would go a long way ensuring everyone is meeting expectations, so we are able to fully enjoy the last two months school.

Budget Presentation:

Tuesday, April 23  the budget will be presented at West Genesee High School in the LGI room at 7:00 pm. Please stop by beforehand to our Split Rock PTO meeting at 6:30 pm then stay for the budget. Hope to see you there!

Upcoming Dates:

Tuesday, April 23 

• 6:30pm Split Rock PTO meeting @ WGHS LGI Room
• 7:00pm Budget Presentation @ WGHS LGI Room

Wednesday, May 1 & Thursday May 2

• NYS Math Assessments Session 1 and Session 2

Wednesday, May 8 

• Positivity Assembly (Kindergarten)
• Spring Open House

May 15-17

• PTO Scholastic Book Fair

April Is Here

We certainly had an extremely busy two weeks at The Rock! It is amazing to see all the hard work both the students and staff are demonstrating day in and day out. I am reminded each and every day, why this is truly an amazing place to be.

Love My School Day (Thursday, April 11)

Students are encouraged to wear their Split Rock and/or West Genesee attire this THURSDAY! We look forward to seeing all the students showcasing their BLUE and GOLD school spirit and pride! 

Raptor System

In order to maintain the safety of all students and staff during school hours, Split Rock Elementary will be implementing the Raptor Visiting Management System starting Monday, April 22. Visitors will be expected to provide photo identification when they visit the building and plan to go beyond the main office. The West Genesee Central School District will be distributing a letter home to families that will provide all the pertinent information in regards to the system and its protocols.  

Congratulations Mrs. Ogden!

An official congratulations to Mrs.Wende Ogden, the BOE officially approved her June retirement at Wednesday’s (4/3/19) board meeting. Mrs. Ogden will be retiring at the end of the year, after a 20 year teaching career at Split Rock Elementary, in which she taught both Grade 2 and Grade 3. No matter the context she is always her loving, warm and carefree-self making her truly "one of a kind."Mrs. Ogden will certainly be missed and we wish her nothing but the best!

Welcome Miss Wallon!

We would like to welcome Miss Jenna Wallon to the Split Rock staff, as she will be a fulfilling Mrs. Sexton's Grade 2 long term substitute position. Miss Wallon comes to us via the Baldwinsville Central School District where she was a substitute teacher (K-12). Miss Wallon has her Initial Certification in General Education 1-6 and is currently working towards her Master's Degree. We are excited to have her join the Split Rock community! Welcome aboard!

Grade 3 Chorus Presents: Character Counts!

On March 28 our Grade 3 Chorus held a terrific concert that was entitled "Character Counts!" If you happened to attend you got an absolute treat as these kids not only sounded terrific but taught us all several lessons on character! A huge thanks and appreciation to Mrs. Rosemarie Speich, for pulling this all together and giving our students the platform to succeed and truly enjoy themselves.

Merry-Go-Round Playhouse

The Merry-Go-Round Playhouse is a Youth Theatre based out of Auburn, NY. They visited Split Rock Elementary on Wednesday, April 3 to present Aesop's Fables On Stage to our Grade 2 students. The actors presented, "tidbits of Aesop's life and the traditions of Greek Theatre, through multiple fables, while using rap, rhyme and masks. 

NYS ELA Assessments Are In The Books!

I could not be any more proud of the students and staff at Split Rock. Yes, there were some kinks that needed to be worked out after Session 1 but through it all, the building did what they always do and got the job done.  The students put a tremendous amount of effort into the assessments and there is no doubt in my mind they did awesome! Session 2 (on Thursday), went without a hitch and the process was much more efficient and offered all students the ability to truly excel! The students demonstrated a great deal of endurance and pride in their work, as they showed the courage and determination to do their best! JOB WELL DONE! 

Just a friendly reminder school will not be in session next week April 15- April 19! 

We will look to finish strong, as we approach Spring Break! Split Rock will utilize the next five days to continue to grow in all facets, making sure we are setting ourselves up for success when we return.

Upcoming Dates:

Monday, April 22

• 9:00am Student Bus Drills (Upon arrival students will participate in our yearly bus safety drill).

Tuesday, April 23 

• 6:30pm Split Rock PTO meeting @ WGHS LGI Room
• 7:00pm Budget Presentation @ WGHS LGI Room

Wednesday, May 1 & Thursday May 2

• NYS Math Assessments Session 1 and Session 2

ROCK'in Through March!

Week in Review:

We had an amazing week here at "The Rock"! Here is a recap which encompassed many different areas and activities.

District-Wide Concert (Band/Orchestra):

We had several students participate in the District-Wide Concert, which showcased many elementary and middle school students. It was a fantastic performance and I am thankful I was able to attend. Split Rock students who were selected were as follows: Band- Madison Cook, Chelsea Donaldson, Grace Fairchild, Johnny Sidorovski, Connor Smith, Matthew Stemkoski, Keira Vrabel, Liam Watkins and in Orchestra- Kayleigh Adams, Chloe Cox, Madison Clark, Madeline Owczarzak, and Jami Tessier. Congratulations students! 

Positivity Assembly:

It was a wonderful Wednesday as we held our monthly Positivity Assembly, in which we introduced the character trait: Forgiveness! We had several "Paw Print Award" winners demonstrating many different traits over the last month. Our First Grade Team put on a fantastic presentation and brought in a special guest, WG Alum Caitlin Barry who showcased her wonderful ability to sing, as she sang "Let It Go."  

Advanced Literacies Workshop:

After Wednesday's dismissal, the staff was at it again. We participated in a district-wide Professional Development Workshop studying Advanced Literacies and how we can continue to enhance our instruction to ensure our students will have the skills necessary for their future!

Principal's Liaison Committee:

This committee was formed to discuss our successes as well as areas would like to improve upon. Another example of how this staff puts their best foot forward in ensuring that we are offering, the students of Split Rock Elementary, the best environment and opportunity possible in order to succeed and grow in all areas!

Saturday:

Mother Nature cooperated and the PTO did a phenomenal job organizing and facilitating this amazing event! For the third consecutive year, the attendance has increased as we had approximately 120 students attend and participate in many of the enrichment activities. The events that were offered were as follows: CrossFit, karate, slime making, bracelet/ necklace making, stress balls, Irish Step Dancing, pizza making, therapy dogs, cartoon drawings, flower pot design, animal track study, and designing your own piggy bank! The Teacher Raffle was a big hit as well! Thank you to all that staff that donated their time and talents! Here are a few pictures from the day.

Looking Ahead!

Grade 3 Spring Concert: I am looking forward to seeing what Mrs. Speich and our third graders have in store for us as they perform their spring concert "Character Counts" this Thursday, March 28 at 7:00 pm in the Split Rock Elementary Cafeteria.  I am sure this too promises to be another great event at "The Rock!"

Kindergarten Registration: Kindergarten registration continues through the month of March. Registration takes place at the Central Registrar Office, which is located at 300 Sanderson Drive, Camillus. It is important that you do make an appointment prior to registering. The office can be contacted at (315) 487-4683!

Assessments: The NYS ELA assessments will be held on Tuesday, April 2 and Wednesday, April 3! A great opportunity again to showcase all the hard work both the students and staff have put forth since September! Our goal as a building is to have great attendance and participation during this year's assessments.

For more frequent updates follow me on Twitter at @Split_Rock1! 

March Madness

It’s that time of year and we are not just talking about the NCAA Tournament (Go 'Cuse!). The students and staff at Split Rock are keeping their nose to the grindstone as they continue to work hard and do amazing things in their classrooms! With that, we have many different things approaching over the next couple of weeks. Here is a preview of this week's events!

Wednesday, March 20^th (Superintendent’s Day/BOE Meeting)

A friendly reminder that students have a half day! Students will be dismissed at 11:30. Please send a note if your child's drop off location will change for that day. Staff will be hard at work throughout the rest of the afternoon, as we will be carrying out a district wide video conference for our professional development session! There is a Board of Education meeting that will be held at the West Genesee High School Library beginning at 7:00pm. This is a good opportunity to gain insight and obtain information in regards to the upcoming budget proposal!

Friday, March 22^nd (Report Cards)

Report cards will be distributed so be looking for them! This is a great opportunity to stay up to date with your child’s academic, social and behavioral progress.

Saturday, March 23^rd (Rockin’ Saturday)

I cannot wait to be a part of what looks to be such a wonderful event and opportunity for both students and parents! I look forward to sitting in on many of the enrichment activities and experiencing them firsthand. If you haven't done so already be sure to sign-up for the activities your child is interested in via Sign-up Genius. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact the school!

New York State Assessments

As the state assessments approach it is my goal to offer all families as much information as possible in regards to the understanding of the “what” and “why” behind them! It is important to be as informed as possible as we move into the “testing season,” for grades 3-5. The attachment below is my first article I would like to share with all of you. It is my hope this will answer any questions and/or concerns you might have! I look forward to going through the process with the staff and students as we use this opportunity to showcase our growth and success!

http://www.p12.nysed.gov/assessment/ei/2019/2019-faq-for-parents-3-8-tests.pdf

Week One At A Glance

Wonderful Week:
My first week as the principal at Split Rock Elementary is in the books! I have been asked by several people, “What was your biggest take away?”  My answer, it was the unbelievable pride and dedication the staff at Split Rock has for every student. It is truly amazing to witness!
It is my goal to keep this fine oiled machine moving forward. I informed the staff on day one that it is their job to keep the ball rolling and I will catch up as quickly as I can. We will then find ways to continue to enhance this rich tradition and success, while not settling, but striving for continual improvement in all areas.

Getting to Know You: 
I spent my first week taking it all in and visiting as many classrooms, meetings and lunch times as possible in order to meet as many students and staff members as I could. As stated previously, building relationships, built on trust and transparency are extremely important to me and will paramount moving forward.

Learning All Around Us:
The 2019 Learning Fair was a huge success and I was honored to be a part of such a great event. I wish to thank the Split Rock PTO for putting on such a wonderful event, which showcased many of our students and their incredible research projects.I enjoyed meeting many of you and getting a VIP seat to each and every presentation!

Full Steam Ahead:
I look forward to continuing the momentum as we begin to head into a very busy time of year, which will bring us together, making sure that we are doing what is best for ALL students! I am eager to meet many more parents at the PTO meeting this Wednesday, March 13 at 6pm in the Split Rock Cafeteria. 

Thank you for a great first week! I look forward to many more!


Mr. Kimpland

Greetings From Mr. Kimpland

Dear Split Rock Families,

I am the newly appointed principal at Split Rock Elementary School.  It is a privilege to lead a school with a rich tradition that promotes the well-being and success of all students.  My goal is to continue the high academic and behavioral expectations that the West Genesee Central School District and the families of Split Rock Elementary deserve.

I enter this role with extensive experience as a 12-year teacher in the Fulton City School District.  My first eight years were as a third-grade teacher, followed by three years as a RTI Math Specialist.  I also coached several athletic teams (modified baseball, modified football, and JV football/basketball), and served as the boys’ head varsity basketball coach for eight years. I stepped away from coaching last year to pursue building administration and leadership, and was appointed the Alternative Education Coordinator at G. Ray Bodley High School this past September.

Split Rock Elementary will continue their Collective Responsibility approach assuring that all student needs are met. Together, we will collaborate while putting students first and building on the present culture of success by maintaining open and transparent relationships.  I will strive to connect staff, parents, families and our great community, so that these positive relationships will foster a dynamic learning environment for all our students.

As the father of three small children, ages seven, five and two, my wife and I understand the value of family-school engagement, which reinforces my commitment in working with staff and families to build a partnership that makes a difference for every child.

I am humbled at this opportunity and thank the Board of Education, administration and the Split Rock Elementary staff for their trust and confidence in me.  I look forward to meeting and working with the staff, parents and the students of Split Rock Elementary, as they “obtain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary, not only for lifelong learning but also for becoming a cooperative, self-directed, productive, and caring member of society.” I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible at the various upcoming events in March here at Split Rock!

Sincerely,

Matthew D. Kimpland

Thank You Split Rock!

Dear Split Rock Community,

I'd like to express my gratitude to the entire Split Rock Community for the opportunity to serve as Interim Principal. Never in a million years did I imagine that my career path would intersect with a principalship, but this experience has inspired me to consider a building leader role more seriously should the opportunity present itself in the future. That change of heart is attributed first and foremost to the outstanding faculty and staff at Split Rock. They welcomed me from the start and helped me learn what it takes to manage a building, support their classroom needs, communicate with families, and build relationships with students. What has impressed me the most is how much each of the staff cares about our students and their success. I am also grateful for the opportunity to get to know so many dedicated families who support their children's education. And last but certainly not least, thank you to the students--they make it a pleasure coming to work every day! I am confident that you will show Mr. Kimpland the same kindness and patience that you bestowed upon me. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU, SPLIT ROCK!

-Rob

Upcoming Dates:
Friday, March 1- Spirit Day -Grade 2 wear your BLUE and GOLD
Monday, March 4- Welcome Mr. Kimpland
Wednesday, March 6- Learning Fair Project Drop Off - 5:30-7:30pm
Thursday, March 7- Learning Fair 6:00-8:00pm