Budget Vote Day and More!

Budget Vote: 

Reminder: Our Annual Budget Vote is being held TODAY at West Genesee High School. Polls are open for voting until 9pm tonight.

Spring Open House:

It was lovely to see all the families and friends that showed up to last week's Spring Open House. The students were extremely excited to share all their hard work and enjoy the night with their family and friends. What a fantastic job our Grade 5 team did with this year's Wax Museum Projects! It was great to see so many different people of history represented and the students really showcased how amazing they really are!

Spring Concert:

Let's not forget about the Grade 4 and Grade 5 band, chorus and orchestra concert held this past week as well! The night was filled with many great musicians and singers as our students at The Rock showcased their incredible talents. A true testament of how hard work and commitment can do, when students put their minds to it. A job was well done by all and a big thanks to all the Fine Arts staff members that played a role in this beautiful event.

Positivity Project:

Although we have finished our weekly lessons on the character traits for this school year, we will still continue to focus on the Other People Matter mindset! Our positivity committee will be meeting several times over the next month and a half to be sure we continue to build on this wonderful program and concept.

Emergency Drills:

With springtime in full effect, we will make sure that we have met all our requirements in regards to our safety procedures with all our emergency drills. This could include but not limited to, practice fire drills and lockdowns. It is imperative that all staff and students stay up to date, and understand our protocols for all situations. With that being said, please help reinforce from home the importance of taking these drills seriously, at the same time that they are drills and are in place to keep everyone safe. 

Arrival and Dismissal Procedures: 

Please be reminded that you are prohibited by law to cross paths with any portion of the bus when the red lights are flashing and/or the stop sign is out. We greatly appreciate your attention to this matter and understand that this might mean extra time and/or planning during pickups and drop-offs. Buses arrive in the morning at approximately 8:50 am and exit at 9:00 am. In the afternoon, they come back at approximately 3:10 pm and depart at 3:30 pm. 

**Staff and student safety is our number one priority during school hours, and these two issues help ensure this.** 

Lost and Found: 

Our lost and found has certainly grown over the last couple of months. 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.

Upcoming Dates:

May 21 
WGCSD Budget Vote @ WGHS Auditorium 6am -9pm 
May 22
 PTO Meeting (SR Library) 6:00 pm
 BOE Meeting (HS Library) 7:00 pm
May 23
NYS Grade 4 Science Performance Test
Special Olympics @ CNS
May 24
WG Special Olympics (West Genesee High School) 10:00 am 
May 27
Memorial Day (no school)
May 29
Grade 4 ELA Field Test
Hospital Land (Reynolds) 12:00 pm 
May 30
Hospital Land (Lockwood) 12:00 pm 
May 31
Hospital Land (Forsyth) 12:00 pm

Hello May!

We welcomed the month of May by completing the New York State Math Assessment! Congratulations and job well done to grades 3-5, as the students worked extremely hard and demonstrated a great deal of endurance over the two days. Once again our attendance was amazing, which helped the process and limited the number of make ups we had to administer. A big thanks to all parents, students and staff! The busy end of the year schedule continues over the next several weeks with many events, field trips and celebrations occurring! We look forward to the experiences the students at Split Rock will be participating in as we move through the months of May and June!

Student Attendance 

Our student attendance at The Rock over the last few weeks has been outstanding. We all know that attending is the first step in student growth and success. If we are not in school we are not learning. As we approach the last couple of months of school it is imperative that we all understand the importance of attending school and taking full advantage of each and every day.  As stated in the website below, "Student success goes hand in hand with good attendance," let's keep this focus throughout the rest of the year!
Click here for a great read on the importance of attendance!

Positivity Project

This week's character trait is Leadership! The students at Split Rock will be learning about the personal qualities of leaders. Click here to visit the website to view the "Leadership Character Card," for more information and insight.

Open House (Wednesday, May 8)

This amazing event is right around the corner! We look forward to seeing all of our families and friends from 7-8pm. As you can imagine this is a very well attended event and therefore parking will be limited. We ask that you do not park on Split Rock Road. If you find that both parking lots are full, please utilize our free shuttle and park at the Slavic Baptist Church, just down the hill from the school!

Wax Museum

Our Grade 5 students and staff have worked extremely hard on these research projects. We ask that you give them a great deal of respect and courtesy as you make your way through the museum. We encourage you to take the time needed, but please keep voice level and distractions to a minimum. The hallways tend to become a bit congested so please do your best to utilize the library to congregate and socialize. Your attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.

All School Spirit Day (Friday, May 10) 

This month's spirit day will be honoring our wonderful kindergarten classes! We encourage both staff
and students to wear their Split Rock and/or West Genesee attire (Blue and Gold), to show our Split Rock pride!

A visit from the BOCES Planetarium (May 14)  

The students in grades 1, 2 and 4  will have the opportunity to view a program that is tailored to their unit of study. Below are the programs each grade level will be participating in. 

Grade 1: Day/Night

Grade 2: Seasons

Grade 4: Circumpolar Constellations

Grade 4 & 5 Spring Concert (May 15)

Our grade 4 and 5 Spring Concert on Wednesday evening on the big stage at the high school, beginning at 7:00 pm. The band, orchestra, and chorus love to perform and I am looking forward to the show.

Scholastic Book Fair (May 15-17)

Be looking for more information in regards to this year's Scholastic Book Fair. We will be showing "book talks," on our morning announcements over the next two weeks, in order to showcase some of the options and books that will be available to the students. "Family Night" will be held on Thursday, May 16 from 7-8 pm. Families are welcome to shop with their students.

Shoe Donation Drive (Koman More Than Pink Walk)

We have already received a great number of contributions to this cause! Keep them coming! Once again Split Rock is showcasing their kindness and giving to others in need! The drive will continue until Friday, May 17.

Upcoming Dates:

Monday, May 20:
  Grade 5 Orientation @ CMS- Students Visit
  Grade 5 Parent Night @ CMS 6:00pm-Parent Night

Tuesday, May 21:
  WGCSD Budget Vote-  6am-9pm @ WGHS Auditorium

Wednesday, May 22:
  PTO Meeting (Split Rock Library) 6:00pm
  BOE Meeting WGHS Library 7:00pm

Thursday, May 23:
  Grade 4 Science Performance Test

Friday, May 24:
  West Genesee Special Olympics @ WGHS

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!