CLASSROOM CHATTER



November/December 2009

Dear Families:

I hope you find this issue of the Paterson Chatter informative, meaningful and useful. The information enclosed is intended to provide an overview of past, current and future topics; while providing links focused this month on supporting your child in the area of mathematics. The easiest and most convenient way to receive the Paterson Chatter is through our Notify Me feature on the John Paterson School web site. If you are not already signed up for this feature, please do so at: .

Paterson Chatter Topic Highlights include:

|Academic Spotlight ~ Math Fact Fluency |Kindergarten |

|School Families |Grade 1 |

|Student Council Elections |Grade 2 |

|Help Needed!!! Refraining from Playscape Use Before School Ends |Grade 3 |

|Classroom Renovations |Grade 4 |

|CCSU Student Athlete ~ Educational Partnership |Special Areas: PE, Art, Music, Media |

|(Click to advance to a Topic of Interest) |Nurses Corner |

| |Calendar of Events |

Academic Spotlight

In this issue of the Paterson Chatter, you will find a consistent message from grade to grade encouraging the support of math fact practice. It has been shown that students who study their math facts for an additional 10 minutes per day demonstrate gains in math fact fluency (or fact automaticity). When students develop automatic recall of basic math facts, the foundation is set for the development and application of higher-order math skills. In contrast, students who lack fluency (meaning both understanding and automaticity) in foundational math fact skills, performance requiring the application of those skills is likely to be slow, difficult and at times, full of errors.

There are many fun ways you can support your child’s math fact fluency! Playing games that involve:

• Rolling and counting dice to move a character

• Writing numbers inside an empty egg carton and shaking up two beans, opening, and adding, subtracting, multiplying or dividing those numbers with a partner

• Card games

• Flash Cards

• Memory

Engaging online activities can be found by visiting:

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|[pic] | ~ Math Facts Bingo |

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Math Facts Worksheet Generators:

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School Family ~ Paterson PRIDE

As we progress into November, we have engaged in our second small-group school-family meeting. Each school-family meeting, which accounts for 41 school-family groups consisting of an adult leader and approximately 10 students spanning grades k – 4, is focused on our enduring theme of Paterson PRIDE (Pride, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Effort). To date, we have had two lessons focused on the characteristics and qualities associated with each of the words in the acronym of PRIDE.

Student Council Elections

While welcoming in the Fall, we also welcome in our newly elected Town and State officials. As these representatives take office, we cannot forget the influence the democratic process has had on the students of John Paterson School. Earlier this month, students in grade four campaigned by posting signs throughout our building as well as addressing their peers with a speech intended to persuade student voters. After those speeches, students voted, ballets were counted and Student Council Officers were announced. An inauguration was held November 10th, where students were officially sworn in to office. This process also occurred separately in each classroom to determine classroom representatives for Student Council. Together, our Student Council represents grade levels 1 – 4, and is our school’s student governing body. Our elected officials are:

• President: Skylar Voorhies

• Vice President: Jordan Buslewicz

• Secretary: Matthew Fairbank

• Co-Treasurers: Syed Asar & Grace Bielesz

HELP NEEDED!!! ~ Refraining from Playscape Use Before School Ends

As students dismiss each day, we notice an increased population of walkers on our playscape prior to our busses leaving school grounds. Our John Paterson School Handbook and Calendar states that, "the playscape is open to the public when school is not in session" (p. 26). This rule is for the safety of all students. Therefore, whether with a parent/guardian, sibling or alone, I ask that everyone refrain from using the playscape until all busses have left the lot. It is also strongly recommended that students who walk home go directly home, unless with a parent. THANK YOU(

Classroom Renovations

We are very fortunate at John Paterson School to have each classroom receive new cubbies, storage cabinets, technology stations and countertops with sinks. These renovation updates replace original units and materials constructed and designed in 1962. All renovations are scheduled to be complete prior to the winter holiday break.

|Countertops & Sink |Cubbies and Cabinets |Technology Station |

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CCSU Student Athlete ~ Educational Partnership

I am eager and pleased to share that we have established a dynamic partnership with student athletes from Central Connecticut State University’s baseball program. Collaboratively developed with their Head Baseball Coach and CCSU Academic Advisor, approximately 30 student athletes come to John Paterson School each week to further advance the mission of both the Newington Public Schools and John Paterson School regarding community partnerships. Student athletes have scheduled times in classrooms, in physical education and out at recess to support teaching, learning and facilitating activities to develop sportsmanship, responsibility and most of all, fun! In the classrooms, CCSU student athletes work with children to reinforce numeracy and literacy. During physical education, CCSU students work closely with Mr. Bennett and Mr. Greenberg by helping implement lessons and activities in grades k – 3, and State Fitness Testing in grade 4. Out at recess, CCSU students provide guidance and instruction to students in activities ranging from kickball and basketball, to jump rope and four square. This partnership has yielded many positive outcomes; and one we hope to continue and expand in future years. CCSU students will complete their volunteer work at our school by December 11, 2009.

I wish you all a very safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,

Stephen Foresi

John Paterson Calendar of Events

|Nov 13 |School Family Meetings |9:00 am |

|Nov 18 |Custodial/Maintenance Workers’ Day | |

|Nov 18 |Grade 4 (Mr. Wozniak & Mr. Koski) Field Trip to Roaring Brook |9:00 am – 12:15 pm |

|Nov 19 |Newington SEPTA Sponsored Program Special Needs Estate & Trust Planning Town Hall Auditorium |7:00 pm |

|Nov 24 |PTO Meeting |7:00 pm |

|Nov 25 |School Wide Meeting |9:30 am |

|Nov 25 |Early Release Day |1:25 pm dismissal |

|Nov 26 & 27 |Thanksgiving Break | |

|Nov 30 |Grade 3 (Mrs. Lucas & Mrs. Michaud) Field Trip to the State Capitol |9:40 am – 12:00 pm |

|Dec 8, 9, 10 |Early Release – Parent/Teacher Conferences |1:25 pm dismissal |

|Dec 9 |Grade 2 (Mrs. Barilla) Field Trip to Stew Leonard’s |9:45 am – 11:45 am |

|Dec 11 |School Family Meetings |9:00 am |

|Dec 14 |Grade 2 (Mrs. Bontempo) Field Trip to Stew Leonard’s |9:45 am – 11:45 am |

|Dec 14 |Grade 3 (Mrs. Delaney & Mrs. D’Alessandro) Field Trip to the State Capitol |9:40 am – 12:00 pm |

|Dec 15 |Winter Concert |1:50 pm & 7:00 pm |

|Dec 16 |Grade 3 (Miss Fischer) Field Trip to the State Capitol |9:40 am – 12:00 pm |

|Dec 17 |Newington SEPTA Sponsored Program Navigating the PPT Process MKMS Auditorium |9:00 pm |

|Dec 23 |School Wide Meeting with Holiday Sing-A-Long |2:00 pm |

|Dec 24 – Jan 1 |Holiday Break – No School | |

|Jan 5 |PTO Meeting |5:00 pm |

|Jan 8 |School Family Meetings |9:00 am |

|Jan 15 |Schoolwide Meeting |2:00 pm |

|Jan 29 |Grade 4 Field Trip to the Science Center |9:00 am – 12:00 pm |

|Jan 29 |Professional Development |1:25 pm release |

|Feb 2 |Mike Kachuba performs Connecticut in Song for Grade 3 |2:00 pm |

|Feb 12 |School Family Meetings |9:00 am |

|Feb 12 |Showchoir performance at JWMS |1:45 pm |

|Feb 15 – 19 |Winter Vacation – No School | |

|Feb 23 |Grade 4 Field Trip to the University of Hartford |9:00 am – 12:00 pm |

|Feb 24 |Whats the Matter Science Presentations for Grade 2 | |

|Mar 2 |PTO Meeting |7:00 pm |

|Mar 3 |The Shadow Knows Science Presentation for Grade 1 | |

|Mar 12 |School Family Meetings |9:00 am |

|Mar 23 – 25 |Parent/Teacher Conferences |1:25 pm dismissal |

|Mar 26 |Staff Professional Development |1:25 pm dismissal |

|Mar 30 |Mr. Milardo visits Grade 4 Classes | |

|Apr 5 |Little Theater of the Deaf Performance | |

|Apr 6 |PTO Meeting |7:00 pm |

|Apr 9 |School Family Meetings |9:00 am |

|Apr 13 |Finally Fun Machines Science Presentations for Grade 3 | |

|Apr 13 |Edison Workshops for Grade 4 | |

|Apr 14 |Finally Fun Machines Science Presentations for Grade 3 | |

|Apr 14 |Edison Workshops for Grade 4 | |

|Apr 16 |MKMS Wizard of Oz Performance for Grade 4 |9:00 am |

|Apr 19 – 30 |Spring Break – No School | |

|Apr 27 |JWMS Orientation for Grade 4 Students |9:00 am |

|Apr 27 |JWMS Orientation for Grade 4 Parents |7:00 pm |

|May 4 |National Teachers’ Day | |

|May 4 |Grade 4 (Mrs. Carson, Mrs. Brown & Mrs. Powers-Tibball) Field Trip to Roaring Brook |9:00 am – 12:15 pm |

|May 7 |Grade 3 (Miss Fischer & Mrs. Delaney) field Trip to Mystic |9:00 am – 2:00 pm |

|May 11 |Grade 2 (Mrs. Miga & Mrs. Senatro) Field Trip to Roaring Brook |8:50 am – 11:30 am |

|May 11 |PTO Meeting |7:00 pm |

|May 13 |Bus Evacuation Practice | |

|May 13 |Grade 2 (Mrs. Bontempo & Mrs. Barilla) Field Trip to Roaring Brook |8:50 am – 11:30 am |

|May 18 |Spring Concert |1:50 pm & 7:00 pm |

|May 19 |Grade 2 Field Trip to University of Hartford |10:45 am – 1:30 pm |

|May 27 |Grade 3 (Mrs. D’Alessandro & Mrs. Michaud) Field Trip to Mystic | |

|May 28 |Staff Professional Development |1:25 pm dismissal |

|Jun 3 |A Celebration of Learning Awards Ceremony |10:00 am |

|Jun 4 |Grade 4 to Sturbridge Village |9:00 am – 2:00 pm |

|Jun 8 |PTO Meeting |7:00 pm |

|Jun 15 |Grade 4 Picnic | |

|Jun 18 & 19 |Early Release Day |1:25 pm dismissal |

|Jun 18 |Schoolwide meeting |9:00 am |

Kindergarten Korner

Fall has been full of fun and learning for the kindergartners. We have been exploring learning more letter sounds and words, reading, observing signs of fall, and learning more about numbers, shapes and patterns. We enjoyed our second field trip in October. We went to the pumpkin patch at Rose’s Berry Farm. We went on a hayride, picked out our own pumpkins and a large class pumpkin, and had a snack. We measured and compared the pumpkins after the trip. We carved the large pumpkin together. The trip and pumpkin activities were all great autumn learning experiences for the kindergartners.

In November, we are learning about the Native Americans and how they helped the Pilgrims. Real turkeys from Indian Hill Nature Center visited our school. We are making Native American crafts while reviewing shapes and patterns. We are learning poems and enjoying stories about Native Americans and Thanksgiving. We will celebrate Thanksgiving by having a feast with our preschool friends. Each class will bring a special treat to share with friends.

Identifying numbers, letters, sounds and sight words are very important to practice at home. Writing numbers, letters, and words in shaving cream in the tub or in a little flour on a tray is a great way to practice. Also, have your child count, count, count! Look online for math and literacy activities for kindergartners. Continue to read aloud to your child and have him/her retell stories to you!

We are reviewing good germ-fighting habits of using tissues, coughing or sneezing into our elbows, and washing hands. It is very important to review these habits at home. Reinforce your child’s good habits. In a new school, there are many new germs to battle, besides the worries of flu season. Make sure your child gets a daily dose of vitamin C whether it is in orange or apple juice, actual citrus fruits, or a daily vitamin. The more preventive we are the better.

Have a happy Thanksgiving! We look forward to seeing you at conferences in December!

Grade 1

The autumn months have been filled with exciting units of learning. The awe of raising our monarch butterflies and the thrill of watching those beautiful insects take flight to Mexico lingered into the early days of October. As we bid farwell to these marvels of nature, the first graders were well equipped to put their scientific skills of observation and prediction to work as we ventured outside the classroom and hit the leaf covered trails at the Hungerford Nature Center. The sensory walk focused on sight, hearing, touch, and smell as we explored the plant life and discussed the habitat and animals that make their homes in the woodlands. Our tour guides collected samples of the leaves, berries, seeds, and twigs that we were later able to examine more carefully back at school at an “exploration station”. Our first field trip demonstrated that our children are hard at work, not only in the academic realm, but also in supporting the Paterson Pride program. Having fun and cooperating with each other were demonstrated throughout our field trip and were closely linked to our most recent theme in reading.

Our reading theme during the last month, “Just for Fun”, focused on the importance of working and playing together. The Harcourt Trophies program offers a variety of reading selections in each theme to support children at all reading levels. Daily lessons and exercises in spelling, vocabulary, grammar, phonics, and writing promote integrated growth in language arts. The children are learning strategies not only in reading, but in mathematics as well.

How is a rhombus like a rectangle? How are they different? These are the types of questions that our first graders answered after exploring shapes and comparing their attributes. They also became proficient at recognizing, extending, and creating patterns. Relating this learning to everyday life is essential for the development of problem solving skills. In another fall unit, Data Around Us, our young mathematicians learned the importance of organizing data to help understand information. They collected data about favorite pets and colors using tables and tally marks and created graphs from the information they had gathered. We also have been keeping an Eye on the Sky during November as we collect data on the sky conditions (sunny, partly sunny, and cloudy). After collecting our data for the month we will analyze our findings. We plan to repeat the process in February so we can compare sky conditions for the two months. We are scientists and mathematicians all in one!

Our current math unit on grouping will focus on addition, how numbers are grouped, and estimation. Strategies using a number line or ten frames will assist the students in understanding that there is more than one way to solve addition problems. The children have started with easy addition facts, those with “plus 0” and “plus 1”. Understanding that you can “flip over” addition facts will save time as it encourages flexible thinking. Parents often ask how they can help their child at home. Practicing these beginning addition facts through flash cards or story problems at home will be most helpful. Allow your child to sort pennies, nickels, and dimes from a coin bank. Use the pennies to count by ones or twos, while using the nickels and dimes to practice skip counting by 5’s and 10’s.

Did you hear about our October guests? Undoubtedly the joy of sharing time with grandparents and special friends was a highlight for the children. Through a collection of songs, “One Big Happy Family”, a guided tour, and an assortment of activities back in the classroom the youngsters once again were showing Paterson Pride.

Another visitor to our first grade classrooms looked quite different from our guests on “Grandparents and Special Friends Day”. It was Alexander the Alligator! This furry green puppet brought along Lou Ann Stankowski from the Smilemobile Program to talk about dental health. Alexander was there to check on “our smile lights”. The first graders become instant friends with their guests and were transformed into dental students. They learned the importance of touching their teeth only with their tongues, even though fingers are enticing when a tooth is wiggly. Miss Lou Ann told them that “Your mouth is the front door to your entire health. Don’t rush when you brush!” They also learned that one can of soda can contain from 16 ½ to 21 ½ scoops of sugar! That was quite a surprise to our aspiring dentists, who were then given a set of teeth on which to practice their newly learned brushing techniques.

During the coming weeks our first graders will be learning about heritage and holidays around the world in social studies. We are planning some special activities and projects. You recently received a letter inviting parents or grandparents to share a family tradition, custom, or cultural celebration with the first graders. We are hopeful that your active participation in our special “Show and Tell” session will enhance and create a deeper understanding of diversity for our young learners.

We look forward to meeting with each of you to review your child’s progress at our upcoming December conferences. Best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving!

Grade 2

Second Graders have been very busy during the months of October and November. In math, they have been using buttons in a variety of grouping, counting and sorting activities. They used the buttons to explore mathematical concepts and skills. The unit ended with students being able to sort buttons according to attributes and explain in writing their reasoning for the classification.

Also in math students have been learning a variety of strategies for speed and accuracy with math facts. Please continue to work with your child each night reviewing these skills.

Soon we will be busy reading stories from the second theme in our Trophies Reading program, called Helping Hands. The children will read a variety of genres, including a folktale, a non-fiction photo essay, some realistic fiction and a fantasy story. In this theme, the children see how people work together to accomplish their goals. They learn about the importance and fun of teamwork.

In science, some classes have been learning about plant parts and their functions while other classes have been studying about the importance of eating healthy foods for good nutrition.

In the computer lab students have been developing their computer skills through the use of Type to Learn and Kid Pix. We’re pleased with their progress.

We look forward to meeting with you next month to discuss your child’s progress thus far this year.

Happy Thanksgiving from Grade 2!

Grade 3

The autumn months are full of great learning.  Third graders are busy reading together, in small guided groups, and independently while constantly working on comprehension strategies.  We have been working hard to write summaries, make personal connections and determine the main idea and supporting details in our reading.  We are also working on connecting our reading to our writing.  Many of us are writing personal narratives and are working to add “juicy details” or descriptive words.  Keeping journals at home and writing, in addition to regular homework, is always encouraged to help with writing practice and progress.  Third graders are also busy in the area of math.  We are completing units on place value, addition with regrouping, and telling time.   It is always helpful to use real-life experiences to enhance mathematics. So, while you are at home, ask questions like, “It is 3:00 now, we will be going to the store in 1 hour and 15 minutes, what time will it be when we leave?”  These types of word problems will help your child reinforce his/her elapsed time skills.  Please be sure to practice math facts at home.  We can not stress enough how important math fact fluency is in empowering students to reach success in math.  In science, third graders are working on understanding what makes a forest habitat.  We are discussing animal and plant adaptations (what helps animals and plants survive in the forest).  Students also had the opportunity to visit the Recycling Center and learn about the importance to reduce, reuse, recycle and rethink how we are taking care of our earth.  They also enjoyed a trip to the Old State House where the three branches of government were explained and the students participated in a mock election, a debate and a trial. It is a very busy fall season for all.  Remember to help encourage your child to read, write, and practice math facts at home.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Grade 4

The fourth graders had a busy month. They had trained hard for the state fitness tests, which were all completed by the beginning of November. Students had to complete a fitness test on curl-ups, sit and reach, push-ups and a pacing test. Great job and congratulations to all the fourth graders who did their best!

In early November, all third and fourth graders had the opportunity to hear Tony Abbott speak. Mr. Abbott has written numerous children’s books, including: Firegirl, The Secrets of Droon and The Postcard. During his presentation he shared with us the obstacles he faced throughout his life as a reader. One of his main points he emphasized was that ideas can come from anywhere, including personal experiences, newspapers, comics, etc. Visit his website at

One last exciting event the fourth grade had experienced this month was the election for student council officers and representatives. Each of the third and fourth grade classrooms nominated responsible student leaders from their class. Speeches were prepared by these students and presented to their classmates. Each student voted for the leader of their choice. An inauguration ceremony, including Dr. Collins and Board of Education members, was held to induct these officers and representatives into office. Congratulations to all the candidates!

Also as a reminder, all students are encouraged to practice their math facts on a nightly basis. This is a vital part of each student’s progress in math. A few ways that students can practice their facts are with flashcards, math websites, and timed-tests. Students can make huge gains just by practicing 10-15 minutes a night.

FROM THE NURSE’S CORNER

Flu Season

With flu (both seasonal and H1N1) season upon us, it is important that we work together to keep our children and school healthy. By keeping our children flu-free, we benefit the community as a whole. Additionally, healthy students miss fewer days of school.

Influenza (flu) is a virus that spreads by coughing, sneezing, and unclean hands. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages everyone to prevent the spread of germs by doing the following:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

• Put used tissues in the trash.

• Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing. Wash with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand cleaner.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• If your child gets sick, stay home from school, and limit your contact with others to keep from infecting others. Children should stay home at least 24 hours after they are free from fever (100F) or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.

The symptoms are:

• Fever[pic]

• Sore throat

• Chills

• Cough

• Headache

• Muscle aches.

Anyone can get the flu, even those who have gotten the flu shot, but they will usually get a milder case than those who did not get the shot.

To reducer the risk of you or your child catching the flu you should:

• Get the flu vaccine

• Avoid people who are sick

• Get plenty of rest

• Eat a healthy diet

• Exercise and get fresh air daily

• Wash your hands OFTEN!

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!”

Henry DeBracton

For additional information on the influenza virus, visit flu, also refer to Newington School Website for updated H1N1 information.

Please remember to call school if your child is ill. Also let me know if your child has a fever, cough and or sore throat.

Extra Change of Clothes

You would all be surprised to learn how many children come to the Health Room for a change of some article of clothing during the school year. Due to muddy playground conditions, splashing in the puddles on the way to school, spills at lunch or snack time, or the occasional wetting accidents, students will sometimes need clean, dry clothing. I recommend each child have a complete change of clothes (shirt, pants, underwear and socks) in their backpack year-round, kept in a Ziploc bag. I have a large supply of donated clothing, but may not have every size. I can always use pants for boys or girls in sizes 8-12 and socks. I find that sweat pants or jeans work best because they can be worn by either boys or girls. Thank you for your consideration and cooperation!

Substitute Nurses

We are always looking for qualified substitute nurses for the Newington Public Schools. If you are a licensed RN and not presently working full-time, please contact the Head Nurse, Pat Krin, at Newington High School, 666-5611.

Thank You,

Rosemary Breen, R.N.

Physical Education

It’s a busy time in the gymnasium. Students in Kindergarten through second grade have finished their respective soccer skill units and have moved into a fitness unit with various stations aimed at increasing their cardio-respiratory endurance, muscular strength, endurance and flexibility. We have also begun to introduce these terms to the students so they will be in the habit of using the correct terminology. Following this unit they will be involved in a tossing/throwing and catching unit followed by a floor hockey unit where they will learn the skills related to this fun and exciting sport.

The third grade students finished their soccer unit with some exciting modified game play. They have been working very hard during their fitness unit using the terminology stated while learning to use their pulse as a way of checking how intense they are working. Over the next couple of months they will be doing a tossing/throwing and catching unit that will take what they learned in previous years and add more of a challenge along the way. We will then start out floor hockey unit that will include a review of the necessary skills and progress toward positioning, game play and strategy.

The fourth grade students have been working tremendously hard in their preparation for the Third Generation Connecticut Physical Fitness Assessment. We have just completed the four major tests associated with this battery of assessments (P.A.C.E.R., Push-ups, Curl-ups and Sit and Reach). The students should be proud of themselves for a job well done. Over the next couple of months they will be finishing up the soccer unit with some exciting game play where they will play specific positions and use strategies presented in class. We will then move into our floor hockey unit that the students look forward to every year.

Intramurals will be starting after the New Year so that the fourth grade students can be instructed on the safety aspects of floor hockey. Be on the lookout for details concerning Intramural Floor Hockey.

Please be aware that students participating in physical education need to be wearing sneakers with rubber soles. Other types of shoes tend to leave scuffs and other markings on the floor. Thank you very much for all of your support.

Music Notes

It’s that time of year again! On Tuesday, December 15th at 7:00 P. M. the Fourth Grade Paterson Chorus will put on our winter concert. Family and friends are invited to the evening performance. If unable to attend at night, they are welcome to join us for the afternoon show at 1:50. Boys should wear dress pants and a dress shirt. (Tie is optional.) Girls should wear a skirt or a dress, but as always I trust the parents in choices for their child’s concert dress. All should wear bright, winter colors.

In third grade we have begun playing recorders. When students take the recorders home, they are encouraged to practice between 5 and 15 minutes per day. Remind the students that the recorder is not a toy and should be treated accordingly. Right now we are striving for a quiet, pleasant tone with our first 3 notes: B, A, and G. (Mi, Re, and Do.) They should be playing these notes with their left hand on top, and whispering “Too” into their recorders to get the right sound. Please help our third graders to remember their recorders must be in school on “music days”.

Remember to visit ! Mr. Kemp highly recommends the “Seasonal Music” section and the “Family Music Links” where there are fun, musical activities that families can do together.

Notes from the Geraldine C. Mullins Media Center

As the temperature drops and we look forward to Thanksgiving, students at John Paterson are very busy in the media center.

Kindergarteners are learning about the different information found on the title page.

First graders are getting their first peek at the Visual Search feature in our library OPAC.

Fourth graders have begun their Government Unit. In the culminating activity, students will select one office to run for from their research and create an election poster describing their qualifications and aspirations.

Dear Parents,

Some students have been placing their library books in backpacks with leaking water or juice boxes. As a result books are being returned with liquid damage.

The following are some suggestions that may help to avoid paying for a damaged book.

• Encourage your child to keep their books separate from lunches with water, juice boxes or thermos.

• Have your child place the library book in a large ziplock bag before putting it in their backpack.

• Remind your child to empty water bottles and thermos before placing back in their backpack.

We need to help children to remember that books are “treasures” and should be treated as such.Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely yours,

Mrs. Elston

Keep warm, cuddle up with a good book!

From the Art Room

The art room is full of activity. We are busy learning about new art materials and artists from around the world. This year I am putting a strong emphasis on vocabulary at each grade level and incorporating written reflections about each lesson in grades three and four. The students have some very interesting and insightful statements in their writing and these examples will be in their portfolios along with their artwork.

Kindergarten has been studying line and shapes in art. The students have created projects using warm fall colors. The students are currently studying how to use line to create texture. We read the story, Where the Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak, and looked at all the different ways the illustrator used lines to create texture on the monsters. The students are creating their own Line Monsters that have texture we can see and feel.

First graders are working in textiles, using fabric and ribbon to create a woven work of art. The lesson focuses on using pattern and variety within their work. The next unit first graders will be working on will be in mixed media. Students will create a work of art that combines both two dimensional and three dimensional elements.

Second graders have been studying the work of Henri Matisse and just finished creating window landscapes. Students are now learning about the work of artist Jacob Lawrence. Students responded to the painting, Self Portrait 1977, by Lawrence and discussed how he used objects in the background of his painting to show the viewer more about himself than just what he looks like. The students will be drawing a self portrait of with a background that illustrates to the viewer elements of the student’s life that are very special to them.

Third graders will be beginning a unit on masks that illustrate symmetry and texture. Students will view a series of masks from Africa and discuss them in terms of the art elements, why they were created and what they were used for. Students will be creating their masks using copper sheets and will learn how to tool the copper to illustrate textures and three dimensional form.

Fourth graders have completed a unit on Pop Art and are now beginning to learn about Cubism. Students looked at three examples of cubist art and discussed how as time went on the work became more and more abstract. The students will be drawing still lifes in the style of cubism for their next assignment.

Please stop in and visit during parent teacher conferences. If you are interested in volunteering in the art room or have questions about an assignment, please do not hesitate to call me. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Mrs. Feola

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John Paterson School

120 Church Street

Newington, CT 06111

Stephen J. Foresi, Principal

Paterson Staff

Mr. Stephen J. Foresi, Principal

Mrs. Paula Bowman, Secretary

Mrs. Gina Prange, Administrative Clerk

Mrs. Lilian Klinger, Early Childhood

Miss Nicole Chamberlain, Kindergarten

Mrs. Jill Hinton, Kindergarten

Mrs. Lesley Keener, Kindergarten

Mrs. Jodi Klimas, Kindergarten

Miss Alison Campanelli, Grade 1

Mrs. Karen Cote, Grade 1

Mrs. Patricia Olson, Grade 1

Mrs. Gail Pellegatto, Grade 1

Mrs. Stephani Sanzo, Grade 1

Mrs. Miranda Barilla, Grade 2

Mrs. Marilee Bontempo, Grade 2

Mrs. Linda Miga, Grade 2

Mrs. Christine Senatro, Grade 2

Mrs. Susan D’Alessandro, Grade 3

Mrs. Melissa Delaney, Grade 3

Ms. Julie Fischer, Grade 3

Mrs. Beth Lucas, Grade 3

Ms. Katherine Michaud, Grade 3

Mrs. Norine Brown, Grade 4

Mrs. Marsha Carson, Grade 4

Mr. Jason Koski, Grade 4

Mrs. Rebecca Powers-Tibball, Grade 4

Mr. John Wozniak, Grade 4

Mrs. Joan Harpie, Building Substitute Teacher

Mrs. Diane Loura-Krol, Special Education

Mrs. Stacey Michaud, Special Education

Mrs. Angela Boudreau, Intern

Mrs. Michelle Burba, School Psychologist

Ms. Marissa Murphy, Social Worker

Ms. Melissa Friedberg, Speech Pathologist

Mrs. Tyyne Kelly, Speech Pathologist

Ms. Ann Bouchard, Occupational Therapist

Mrs. Karen Daigle, Occupational Therapist

Mrs. Joyce Schwalenberg, Physical Therapist

Mrs. Kim Luiz, Gifted Teacher

Ms. Betsy Schiavone, ELL Teacher

Mrs. Betty Lasker, Reading Consultant

Mrs. Karen DiFrancesca, Reading Recovery

Mrs. Denise MacDonald, Reading Teacher

Ms. Kathryn Barry, Learning Tutor

Mrs. Liz Condon, Learning Tutor

Ms. Melissa Meyer, Learning Tutor

Ms. Amanda Feola, Art

Mr. Stephen Bennett, Physical Education

Mr. Seth Greenberg, Physical Education

Mr. Paul Kemp, Music

Mrs. Mary Polezonis, Music

Dr. Rachel Pac, Computer Specialist

Ms. Gail Elston, Media Specialist

Mrs. Rosemary Breen, School Nurse

Mrs. Ann Marie Andrews, Spec. Ed. Learning Tutor

Ms. Jennifer Bunger, Tutor

Ms. Jennifer Corriveau, Tutor

Ms. Ashley Fasolo, Tutor

Mrs. Susan Kosnoff, Tutor

Ms. Suzi Klatt, Tutor

Mrs. Sharon Leonard, Tutor

Mrs. Lisa Murphy, Tutor

Miss Sarah Raymond, Tutor

Miss Heather Sloate, Tutor

Mrs. Kim Diamond, Assistor

Ms. Linda Faselle, Assistor

Ms. Elaine Gaudette, Assistor

Mrs. Carlene Pac, Assistor

Mr. Michael D’Antonio, Custodian

Mr. Mark Richards, Custodian

Mr. Robert Tipton, Custodian

Mrs. Terry Rutkowski, Cafeteria Aide

Mrs. June Ryan Cafeteria Aide

Mrs. Naomi Saccavino, Cafeteria Aide

Mrs. Heidi Bochicchio, Cafeteria - Kitchen

Ms. Michelle Grenier, Cafeteria - Kitchen

Ms. Vida Oliva, Cafeteria - Kitchen

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