Split Rock's Weekly Update

Report Cards

Report cards are now available for the 2nd marking period and can be viewed online. Please visit this link for viewing instructions. For anyone that needs to update their email or phone number on SchoolTool, please click here.

Distance Learning 

Hopefully, we are getting adjusted with our new normal when looking at the situation we have been dealt with and becoming more comfortable with the Distance Learning Program. There has been much feedback and is greatly appreciated. This ranges from "This is awesome!" and "Thank you!" to "This is not enough." and "We are overwhelmed." Please understand, we hear you, and we understand. These are not abnormal feelings, and we will continue to put our best foot forward as we proceed.  It is important to understand the first two weeks were structured in a way that offered everyone, staff included, time to get adjusted to the process, platforms and schedules, while making sure everyone is on the same page. The curriculum that was laid out was for review purposes only and intended to keep your child engaged and productive. The instruction that will take place following spring break (if necessary) will include new learning. If you need assistance with anything, please call the office at 315-487-4656 or email me at mkimpland@westgenesee.org.

Online Learning Portal

St. Baldrick's Fundraiser (April 3)

Just a friendly reminder that the St. Baldrick's head-shaving will still take place! Mr. Gangemi and Mr. Farfaglia will be videotaping their buzz cuts and they will be uploaded that day for all to enjoy! 

Both Mr. Gangemi and Mr. Farfaglia have created accounts on the St. Baldrick's website, where additional donations can be made to help fight childhood cancer!

Mr. Gangemi's donation page:

https://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/1070737/2020

Mr. Farfaglia's donation page:

https://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/1071109/2020

Gertrude Hawk Fundraiser 

We hope our Split Rock families are all doing well during this difficult time. Due to all of the closings, from school to manufacturing, we have to postpone our Gertrude Hawk delivery until school is back in session. We will keep you posted as new details become available.  Thank you for your understanding. Be safe.
-Split Rock PTO

Twitter (Morning Announcements) 
I will continue to do my best to stay connected with both students and families and will post morning announcements on my twitter feed Monday-Friday. Follow me at @Split_Rock1 to stay up to date with the daily news and birthday at "The Rock." You can also access it via our West Genesee website on the Split Rock Announcements page.

Online Learning is Now Available

Online Learning Available!

The West Genesee Elementary Online Learning Portal is now open! You can access it by clicking here or you can find it under the "Connect" section located on the bottom left of the West Genesee Home Page at westgenesee.org. To help ease the transition to online learning, all activities assigned are review or practice activities for the next two weeks. Each week the site will be updated, however, you will still be able to access the previous weeks if necessary. If we need to continue with online instruction after the break, new learning will take place, some of which will be provided via this portal and some of which will be assigned via Google Classroom by your child's teacher. If you have any trouble accessing the portal, either contact your child's teacher, email me mkimpland@westgenesee.org or call the main office at 315-487-4656 and leave a message.

St. Baldricks Fundraiser Is Still A Go!

Even though we won’t be in school on Friday, April 3rd, the St. Baldrick’s head-shaving will still take place! Mr. Gangemi and Mr. Farfaglia will be videotaping their buzz cuts and they will be uploaded that day for all to enjoy!

Both Mr. Gangemi and Mr. Farfaglia have created accounts on the St. Baldrick’s website where additional donations can be made in order to help fight childhood cancer!

Mr. Gangemi’s donation page:

https://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/1070737/2020

Mr. Farfaglia’s donation page:

https://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/1071109/2020

Thank you to all students who brought in a cash donation.  As soon as we get back to school, those donations will be immediately sent to the St. Baldrick’s foundation.  The name slips will be kept and added to the group of donation names for 2021!  Additionally, any students who donate online will also have their names added to the 2021 raffle as well for a chance to help with the buzzing next March!

West Genesee Virtual Spirit Week (March 23- March 27)

Celebrate our community and show your Wet Genesee Pride! Email pictures of your students during virtual spirit week to our school PTO at splitrockpto@gmail.com to be shared on Facebook and/or added to the school yearbook.

Monday, March 23- Pajama Day
Tuesday, March 24- Goofy Outfit Day
Wednesday, March 25 Crazy Hair Day
Thursday, March 26- Reading Day
Friday, March 27- Blue and Gold Day

TOGETHER as an entire district, help us celebrate our WILDCAT PRIDE!

A Message from Mrs. Eipp (ADAPEP Counselor)

If anyone needs to contact Mrs. Eipp or you would like your child to reach out for any social or emotional support during this time please email Mrs.Eipp at leipp@westgnesee.org.

Here are a few websites she has shared to help with the support at home.

Keeping Calm

Calming Exercises

Mindfulness

School Closure Updates from Split Rock

As per the directive, our building is now closed until further notice. Building principals are now working from home as well. If you need to contact me, you can either email me at mkimpland@westgenesee.org or call the building, 315-487-4656 and leave a voicemail. Your voicemail will go directly to my email.

Secondly, I know some of you are anxious to begin home instruction. I wanted to let you know that you will be receiving another communication from me at some point on Friday, March 20th, that will provide you with information regarding remote learning. We will have a page off of the district homepage that will be updated weekly with suggested activities and learning for our students. This page will provide you with reading and math activities, as well as special area activities (art, physical education, library, and music). We have also included P2 which I believe, unfortunately, that you will only be able to access if you have a gmail account. The activities for the first two weeks were put together by the instructional coaches and administrators. If it is necessary to continue instruction remotely following our upcoming break, the teachers will be in charge of populating the remote instruction page with new learning.

It is our intent with remote learning to minimize potential instructional slide. We do not want to add any additional pressure to families during this stressful time. Rather, we want to help families by providing activities that will keep students productive and engaged. Stay tuned for more information regarding the remote learning opportunities.

Lastly, if you have technological needs, please see the District website (westgenesee.org) and the note from Superintendent Bills.

Again, I can be reached via email mkimpland@westgenesee.org or voicemail 315-487-4656. Please stay safe and healthy and tell your children that the staff and I already miss them!!


- Matthew

Split Rock School Closure Update and More

Be Safe

Let me start by saying we will undoubtedly miss our Wildcats over the next few weeks. Although it is under some adverse conditions, I hope that this time is used in such a way that brings your family closer. Be sure to take advantage of some good books, board games, and some good conversations with one another. I, along with the rest of the staff, hope with anticipation that we will reconvene on Tuesday, April 14, 2020.

Alternative Learning

Be assured that we are working extremely hard behind the scenes to offer all students a platform for alternative learning while we are away from the regular academic setting over the next few weeks. Please note all work, activities, sites, etc. are all optional, and as of now, will consist of no new material as it will be a review of previous skills and curriculum. Stay tuned! More information will be released in the near future.

Technology Equipment

Please be sure to review the West Genesee District website and note from the Superintendent David Bills by clicking here If you need information about accessing a Chromebook for your child click here. You can also call the technology office at 315-487-4677.

Grade 3 Chorus Concert and PTO Event

The Grade 3 Chorus Concert has been postponed. All after school activities have been postponed. We hope to be able to reschedule these activities, if at all possible. The Gertrude Hawk Candy Sale Distribution still needs to be determined. Please look for notifications from the PTO regarding any rescheduled events or meetings moving forward.

NYS ELA Assessment

As of now, we will not be taking the NYS ELA Assessment, and I will let you know of any changes that might come about.

I will be in touch! Most importantly, stay safe and take care of your health!

Respectfully,

Matthew Kimpland

MARCH'ing into SPRING!

It was great to get back at it and welcome back all the Wildcats! We had a terrific week and look forward to continuing the amazing work that is accomplished each day at "The Rock!"

Special Education PTSA

The WG Special Education PTSA is offering a presentation about recognizing developmental delays and information about Early Intervention services for families of preschool-aged children. The event is free and open to the public on Wednesday, March 11 at the High School in the LGI room, Childcare will be provided.
Click here to view a flyer with more information about the upcoming event.

Cell Phone and Electronic Devices Expectations/Procedures 

Please be sure to review our procedures and rules regarding cell phones and electronic devices within the Split Rock Family Handbook, which can be found on our website. Instances with such devices have begun to creep in and we just want to make sure that everyone understands the what and why behind the expectations. These procedures and expectations are in place to help minimize issues, altercations, and distractions that students could get involved with, while at school. Please be aware that Apple, Gizmo, and Vtech watches are considered to be a part of the same group and could be handled as such. Click here to review the 2020 Split Rock Family Handbook!

Cafeteria "ROCK"stars

The focus is on recognizing students who are being; Present, Respectful, Responsible, and Safe in the cafeteria. We would like to recognize the February Award winners for meeting the expectations in the cafeteria. A big congratulations goes out to Liam Battaglia and Abigail Sprague for winning the monthly drawing! They will have the opportunity to help Mr. Kimpland with the morning announcements and deliver birthday pencils!

Olivia Astafan Nathan McSherry Alex McCarthy

Esam Ayesh Ruby Hawke Brynlee Elkins

Samantha Cianfrocca Autumn Stewart Melania Bakowski

Makenna Watkins Sarah Sullivan Logan Dyer

Chloe Kulesa Emma Cook Abigail Sprague

Kyle Conway Liam Sullivan Victoria Sprague

Liam Battaglia Kamren McGrail Henry Misztal

Daniela Thorpe Peter Bednarski Benjamin Alfieri

Meshack Mbekelu Bradley Scott Cohen Moon

Nella Biesiada Reed Lockwood Cassandra Kennedy

Kennedy Oliver Ian Price Owen Fuller

Renji Wickens Michael Dunham Arden Terpening

Amari Howard

Positivity Project: 

This, we will be focusing on the Other People's Matter Mindset "Cheering Others' Success!" While recognizing the students who have the top character strengths of; Social Intelligence, Love of Learning, and Fairness! We look forward to the upcoming positivity assembly on Friday, February 6, and will be continuing to focus on this mindset throughout the month of March! Stay tuned!

                     2020 Learning Fair Shuttle Run

The Split Rock Annual Learning Fair will be held on Thursday, March 4 from 6:00 pm 8:00 pm. We have arranged for a continuous shuttle that will run from the Slavic Baptist Church (down the hill) to Split Rock from 5:30 pm-8:30 pm. Parking at the school will be limited, so please take advantage of this opportunity and avoid parking on Split Rock Road as it is a safety concern. We look forward to seeing all of the students and the amazing projects they have prepared. 

Upcoming Dates:

Wednesday, March 4

 Learning Fair Setup 4:30 pm -6:00pm

 BOE Meeting (WGHS) 7:00 pm

Thursday, March 5

Learning Fair 6:00 pm -8pm 

Friday, March 6

March Positivity Assembly 2:20 pm 

Wednesday, March 11

Superintendent's Workshop Day- HALF -DAY Students Early Dismissal (11:30 am) Please send a note in if your child's drop off location will be changing for the day.

Friday, March 13

Kindergarten Spirit Day (wear your blue and gold)

Bus Drills (morning drop off)

Thursday, March 26 - Grade 3 Spring Concert - Split Rock Cafeteria 7pm 

February Happenings at "The ROCK"!

Recent Special Guests

Community Oriented Drug Education (C.O.D.E)

Officer Diane Brand came in for her third visit of the year to educate each grade level in many different areas. She has one visit left for the year, and we will then celebrate with our Grade 5 students as they will graduate from the C.O.D.E Program! Some of the topics discussed during this visit were; self-esteem, celebrating differences, problem-solving skills, and bullying. We thank Officer Brand for her continued support and mentoring of our students. 

Merry-Go-Round Youth Theatre

Our kindergarten classes had the privilege of working with the Merry-Go-Round Youth Theatre. The presenters carried out lessons and activities, which touch upon many learning objectives from identifying animals living in the Great Barrier Reef to demonstrating the use of imagination, with the application of speaking and listening skills. Students then watched a play in our cafeteria called "Do You See What I See in the Sea?" 

Split Rock's "SOUPer Bowl"

A huge thanks to all the students and families who donated to the 2019 Souper Bowl. Our prediction was correct as Split Rock chose the Kansas City Chiefs to win this year's Vince Lombardi Trophy! We look forward to passing this on to the local food pantry! 

Positivity Project 

Over the next three weeks, we will be looking at the character strengths of Love, Forgiveness, and Enthusiasm. To kick this month of students listened to the story "Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch." A great lesson how much a little love can affect the many people around you and the importance of forgiving others when they make mistakes.


*A great picture was taken at our February 3rd assembly with the entire staff and students forming a heart!

Bus Safety Talk

As we continue to reinforce the bus expectations within the classroom, it would be much appreciated if you spent some time with your children to review and talk about bus safety. Now more than ever we want to ensure that our drivers are able to give their undivided attention to the roads and traffic as they make it through their routes. For a guide on talking points and expectations please visit Split Rock's Family Handbook!

Staying Healthy:

Our attendance has jumped back up and we seemed to have got back on track and much healthier than past weeks. Thank you for your conservative effort to make sure we are present in school on a daily basis. As a reminder, we would never suggest or encourage a child to attend school when ill. Best practice suggests keeping children home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, without fever-reducing medication or any other signs of illness. 

Upcoming Dates:

Wednesday, February 5:

5:30 pm Grade 5 Recognition Meeting (Split Rock Library)
6:00 pm PTO Meeting (Split Rock Library)

7:00 pm BOE (WGHS Library)

Friday, February 7:

Grade 1 Spirit Day (wear your blue and gold!)

6:00 pm PTO Family Bingo Night (Split Rock Cafeteria)

Tuesday, February 11:

Merry-Go-Round Playhouse (Grades 3-5)

Friday, February 14:

Valentine's Day

Monday, February 17- Friday, February 21- Winter Recess - NO SCHOOL 

"ROCK"ing into the New Year!

Back in the Swing of Things

It has been a great two weeks as we have settled back into our daily routine and have worked extremely hard. This can be difficult at times after a long break, but both staff and students have done an excellent job and picked right up where we left off in December! We are amped up and ready to have a very successful, productive, and enjoyable new year at "The Rock!"

Starting Off On The Right Foot With The Right Mindset

Split Rock wants to again thank Timothy Conners for helping get the new year started off on the right foot with a phenomenal presentation to both staff during their morning faculty meeting and the students during our January P2 assembly. Timothy epitomizes what optimism and perseverance are all about and delivered a message that will resonate throughout the entire year!

Positivity Project:

Over the next few weeks the character strengths the students will be working on are; Optimism, Prudence and Perseverance. Students will spend one week on each character strength within their classrooms and it will also be a building-wide focus. 

Calls For Commentary:

It would be much appreciated if you can take a minute and respond to the district's call for commentary. This will give the Strategic Planning Committee the information necessary when looking at areas of celebration, as well as those areas in which need to be improved upon. Here is the link. We thank you ahead of time!

Talk with Superintendent: 

Please join us for the annual Talk the Superintendent on Tuesday, January 21 at 7pm at West Genesee High School in the LGI room.

Kindergarten Registration:

Believe it or not, kindergarten registration has begun for the 2020-2021 school year. These students will be the graduating class of 2033! Wow! Registration began on December 3, 2019, and will run until March 31, 2020, at the Central Registrar Office located at the District Office 300 Sanderson Drive, Camillus, NY 13031. For information about registering your student, go to the Registration Section of the website. Before coming in to register, you will need to make an appointment by clicking the appropriate link on the Registration web page or by calling the Central Registrar Office at (315) 487-4683.

Attendance Matters:

This is the time of year where we begin to see many different illnesses and start to see a decline in overall attendance. Please be sure we are taking all precautions necessary from washing hands, eating healthy to getting ample rest and sleep as we want to ensure all students are present! We are approximately 45 points away from our first Random Dance Party of the year!

Did Your Student Leave Something Behind?

Our lost and found is beginning to grow! Please have your child stop by if you happened to miss an article of clothing, water bottle, lunchbox, etc.

Upcoming Dates to Remember:

Monday, January 20:

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No School)

Tuesday, January 21:

6:30 pm PTO Meeting (WGHS LGI Room )

7:00 pm Talk with the Superintendent 7 pm WGHS LGI Room 

Wednesday, January 22:

7:00 pm BOE Meeting (High School Library)

Thursday, January 23:

6:00 pm Learning Fair Research Night (Split Rock Library)

Friday, January 24:
Merry-Go-Round Playhouse (Kindergarten)

Monday, January 27:
Superintendent Workshop (No School for students)

Tuesday, January 28:
CODE Assemblies (K-5)