Stillwater Township School

November 4, 2011

 

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

11/9 (Wed.) – 1st Marking Period Ends

11/10, 11 (Thu. & Fri.) – School Closed NJEA Convention

11/16 (Wed.) – Report Cards

11/23 (Wed.) – 12:40 Dismissal

11/24, 25 (Thu. & Fri.) – School Closed Thanksgiving Recess

12/13 (Tue.) – Senior Citizen Holiday Luncheon

 

NEW ONLINE CALENDAR AND EVENTS SCHEDULER! We are excited to announce the launch of our new calendar and events scheduler. Go to www.stillwaterschool.net and click on the link to view the school calendar for the week and also sign-up for reminders to any events that are taking place in the school. If you have any questions or problems subscribing to the notifier, please contact Assistant Principal, Mr. Bell at 973-383-6171 x 224 or at christopher.bell@stillwaterschool.net.

 

HOLIDAY CONCERT DATE CHANGE:  The Holiday Concert date has changed. It will be Monday, December 12 (snow date 12/21)

 

ATTENDANCE LINE:  973-383-3227

 

MORNING KEEP NOW AVAILABLE!: KEEP is now offering morning childcare at Stillwater School. Contact 383-2213 for more info.

 

FEMA: If you were affected by Hurricane Irene and its aftermath, FEMA wants to hear from you. November 30 (original deadline was Oct. 31) is the last day affected residents can register for aid with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and submit loan applications to the Small Business Administration.

 

GUIDELINES FOR CLASSROOM PARTIES

1.      Keep it simple. Parties should provide a small classroom celebration for the children to augment the curriculum in a fun, meaningful way.

2.      There should be no more than four “food parties” a year: Halloween, Winter Holiday, Spring, and End of the Year. Thanksgiving is considered part of the curriculum.

3.      Parties should generally last about one period, or 40 minutes.

4.      The health and wellness of our students should be a primary focus when choosing what food to serve at the parties. Foods and beverages with minimal nutritional value or that have sugar listed as its first ingredient should be avoided. Healthy foods could include things like: fruit, vegetables, cheese, pretzels, yogurt, and raisins. Healthy beverages could include: water, milk, or 100% fruit or vegetable juices. One appropriately proportioned “sweet item” per party is recommended.

5.      Food allergies in the classroom should always be considered when planning a party. This information can be obtained from the homeroom teacher at the beginning of the year. Since all children should be able to participate fully in the class party, food items containing these specific allergens should not be brought to the party. When possible, food items should be brought in its original container, listing the food ingredients.

6.      Food donations are greatly appreciated. Be sure to check with the party organizer in advance, so “sweet items” are not duplicated.

7.      Goodie bags are not allowed.

8.      Keep crafts simple. Use recycled materials to avoid purchasing new.

9.      The collection of money should be avoided. If absolutely necessary, no more than $2 per family at a time should be requested.

10.  Party activities that require movement, strategy, and teamwork are strongly encouraged. For game ideas, feel free to browse a book located in the gym office, titled Indoor Action Games for Elementary Children.

 

CROSSING GUARD NEEDED: Stillwater Township is seeking an alternate part-time school crossing guard.  Call 973-383-9484 for details.

 

Substitute Custodian Needed:  Stillwater School is in need of substitute custodians. If you are interested, please call the school at 973-383-6171.

 

 

After School Learning Center Dates

NOVEMBER:  1, 3    15, 17    29

DECEMBER:  No ASLC

JANUARY:   5    10, 12    17, 19    24, 26    31

FEBRUARY:   2   7, 9   14, 16   28

MARCH:   1    6, 8    13, 15    27, 29

STUDENT COUNCIL: In years past we have done a food drive, but now we are doing a paper towel drive. Collection dates will be Nov. 14 - 18. The Student Council members will design and post  a pictograph in the cafeteria depicting the school’s progress. The paper towels will be donated to Manna House in Newton. We sure hope you will join us in these activities!   Alexis Sarni – President and Samantha Givone – Treasurer

 

5th & 6th grade HANDBELL Ensemble:  Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Attention 5th and 6th graders! A new handbell ensemble is being formed, and you are invited to become a member. This new group is open to all 5th and 6th graders on a first come, first served basis. Whether you already know how to read music, or if you would like to learn how to read music, you are invited to join the after-school handbell ensemble. Sound like fun? If so, REMEMBER TO BRING A BUS NOTE and come to the Music/Health room from 3pm-5pm on Monday, November 7 to learn more about it. During our meeting everyone will learn some basic ringing skills and also get a chance to play all of the handbells – from the largest one to the smallest one. At the end of this rehearsal everyone that would like to participate in the group will be given a letter with details about the class as well as a permission slip to take home and read with your parents. This permission slip needs to be signed and returned to me A.S.A.P. since the maximum number of students that can participate is 18. Parents feel free to call or email me with any question.  ~ Mrs. Hatch

 

Shining Star Awards: To promote positive behavior this school year, staff members are giving “Shining Star” awards to students who are caught modeling manners. These awards are not given out liberally; students really have to earn them. The awards are signed by the parents and then they are hung outside of the cafeteria on the bulletin board. Congratulations to the students who are already being honored!

 

Library Update: November is for nonfiction! Many of the younger students will be practicing the terms fiction and nonfiction while hearing samples of the fact filled text. Older students will begin using nonfiction to help answer questions and begin researching. All ages will become more familiar with the nonfiction shelves in the library and how to identify nonfiction books. Enjoying fiction and nonfiction side by side makes reading so much better!

 

American Education Week: American Education Week is November 14 - 18. Parents and grandparents may visit their children’s classrooms on Friday, November 18 during scheduled visitation times. A detailed schedule will be sent home. Since this is a regular academic day, we ask that you observe the following rules to minimize distraction in the classroom:

·                     Visit your child’s classroom only

·                     Do not videotape or take flash pictures during your visit

·                     Limit your visiting time to a 45 minute period

·                     Please do not bring siblings to the classroom

 

 

 

Senior Citizen holiday Luncheon

Seating is limited for our Senior Citizen Luncheon on Tuesday, December 13. The snow date is Wednesday, December 14. The deadline for ALL sign-ups will be December 2. Please call Susan Minter at the school to make your reservation (383-6171). Guests can begin arriving at the school at 11a.m. The event will begin at 11:30 a.m., and should conclude around 1:00 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

The Following Are Not School Sponsored Events

 


COMMUNITY EVENTS

Sussex county salute to military veterans: Sunday, Nov. 6 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds – parade at 2pm – Event includes WWII Aircraft fly-over, parade of military veterans, bands, military vehicles, military memorabilia & informational displays. Free refreshments – for more info contact the Division of Senior Services at 579-0555.

 

Stillwater Twp Blankets: The Stillwater Rec. Commission is taking orders for Stillwater Twp blankets. These are beautiful blankets depicting many of the town's historic buildings and are available in light blue, dark blue, hunter green and cranberry red, at a cost of $45 each. Orders will be accepted through Nov. 9 for holiday delivery. Call or email Tammy Leonard at 973-579-7155 or tammyleo@ptd.net. Help support our town's recreational facilities. Order your blanket today!

 

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP TREE LIGHTING: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3rd @ 7pm STILLWATER PARK - Please bring a ornament to help decorate the tree!

 

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP HOLIDAY HOUSE OUTDOOR DECORATING CONTEST: Entry forms will be available in town hall after 11/21. Judging will occur the weekend of December 17-18.

 

Stillwater Township FREE RABIES CLINIC: Saturday, November 19 at the Stillwater Township DPW Garage 919 Middleville Road, Stillwater, NJ from 9am – 11am. All dogs and cats presented for vaccination must be leashed and accompanied by an adult. All dogs due for inoculation next spring must attend this clinic. Puppies of 6-12 months must be inoculated for 1 year. For more information please contact the Stillwater Municipal Building at (973)383-9484 *Rabies expiration date must be after November 1, 2012 or a 2012 license will not be issued.

 

Baby Sitter Training: What you need to know and what every parent wants in a safe and responsible babysitter can be learned through the American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training course. The fee for this course is $85 and includes all course materials, supplies and a certification card. The program is designed for 11 to 15 year olds. Class will be on Thursday, December 29 (on holiday break) from 9am to 3:30pm. Registration is required and can be done by calling 1-800-REDCROSS or online at www.redcross.org. Use offering number #01081607.

 

FUNDRAISERS

6th Grade Fundraiser: Please make sure to check your child's backpack for some important fundraising information from Joe Corbi. The 6th Grade Class will be holding a fundraiser Nov. 1 - Nov. 17 to help out with the cost of the 6th Grade Class Recognition party to be held in June. A brochure will be going home so take a look and see all the delicious food choices. The 6th Grade Class thanks you for your support. Any questions, please call Suzie Givone at (973) 300-0120.

 

MARKET DAY: November is Dessert Month! Many desserts are available, along with five new pies. Along with the many favorite food choices, we have two new items this month: Turkey Sausage Links and Fully Cooked Prime Rib Slices. FREE THIS MONTH: With your $90 online purchase, simply input NOVBONUS in the Promo Code section at checkout, and you will receive a FREE 4-Pack of ChicNSteakes at pick-up.  Frequent Buyers: Make two purchases of $40 (pre-tax) between October and December.  Then place a third order of $40 (pre-tax) in January to receive a FREE Insulated Bag at your January sale pick-up.  November sale date is Tuesday, November 15th.  Paper orders due back to school by Tuesday, November 8th.  Cutoff for online orders is 11 pm on Wednesday, November 9th.  Questions, contact Cheryl Castner, 973-579-3182.

 

Stillwater Rec. League is raising money with Fun Pasta Fundraising. With each online order placed on our group's web page, 40% of the sale (excluding flat shipping rate of $5.95) will go back to our group and help us achieve our fundraising goal! The website for ordering is:  www.funpastafundraising.com/shop/stillwater Please check out the products - they are great for Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, or just for fun! Best of all you are supporting our kids and their sports programs!

 

FAMILY PORTRAITS registration is filling up fast, but we do still have available time slots left. COME ON OUT AND GET YOUR FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHED! Where else can you get a 10X13 professional print of your family for just $15? That is the cost of a sitting fee at Sears. Come out and support Harmony Hill Church, and get a photo to put over the fireplace! Call or email Laurie Schable at 908-362-5853, lerschable@gmail.com for information. The dates for this event are Saturday, Nov. 12 & Sunday, Nov. 13.

 

SPORTS

Stillwater Basketball is accepting registrations for all 3rd – 8th graders. We are looking for more players and coaches at all levels.  Any questions please call Robert Nodarse at 973-383-6494 or go to our website for forms at www.stillwater-rec.org.

 

Girls Travel Basketball Tryouts: October 27 at KRHS middle school gym from 7pm – 8:30pm for 5th through 7th grade girls. Any questions please email Ernie Logsdon at ernielogsdon@yahoo.com.

 

BASKETBALL COACHES NEEDED: The Kittatinny Travel Basketball Program is looking for coaches on the 5th grade and 8th grade levels. If you are interested, please call 973-600-8626

 

Family Ski Club: Sunday mornings at Mountain Creek for ages 7 - 17 and their families. You can even just join to get the discount on a season pass. Visit us on Facebook “Hampton Family Ski Club” or call Tracey deWaal 300-9840 for info.

 

 

ATTENTION ALL 6th GRADE PARENTS: Want to help with the 6th Grade Recognition Party? We would love for you to share your ideas and make this the best party ever for our kids. Our first meeting will be at 7pm on November 8 in room A119 (Mrs. McMahon's room). Hope to see you there!

 

 

 

Stillwater PTA

·               CLOTHING DRIVE UPDATE: Once again, thank you to everyone who donated clothing in support of the clothing drive. Your efforts have earned a total of $292.20. Thank you!!

·               BOOK IT!:  Reading logs have begun coming in...keep up the great work with your reading everyone!  Remember...the student who reads the most books between October and December will receive a prize for their accomplishment.  Questions, contact Cheryl Castner, 973-579-3182 or ccastner@embarqmail.com.

·               MEMBERSHIP DRIVE:  The PTA Membership Drive is an ongoing event all school year long.  If you wish to join the PTA, please return your envelope, with dues, to school.  If you have misplaced yours and would like another one, contact Wendy Kimble at 973-940-1211 or wak1016@ptd.net.  Thank you, and please consider becoming a member today!

·               STILLWATER SCHOOL COOKBOOKS:  Get a head start on your holiday shopping and purchase a Stillwater School Cookbook today!  They are currently on sale for $10.00 each.  Simply send your request and payment to school with “PTA Cookbook” written on the envelope, and your cookbook will be on it’s way to you.  Questions, contact Robin Waldo at 973-300-4002.

·               BOXTOPS UPDATE:  Homeroom Contest is Underway!  Did you know that since 2002 our school has earned more than $12,000 just from clipping those Boxtops?  Send them to school in a bag or envelope labeled with your child’s homeroom teacher’s name.  We will tally the Boxtops sent in during the year and keep track of each homeroom’s total.  Which class will lead the way with the most Boxtops clipped and collected by June 1, 2012 and earn a special surprise for their homeroom?  Look for updates in future newsletters listing the leading Homerooms.  Also, check out www.boxtops4education.com and sign up to check out our school’s progress and learn about Boxtops promotions and contests.  Keep clipping! Elaine Makarevich, Boxtops Coordinator

·               ROLLER SKATING:  Our next night of Roller Skating is Friday, November 18th, from 6:30 to 8 pm in the school gym.  Questions, contact Colleen Hurley, 973-940-1035.  Join us for another night of fun!

·               NEXT PTA MEETING:  Our next meeting is Wednesday, December 7th at 7 pm. See you there!