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Siwanoy School... 
Where Every Child Matters   
 

 At Siwanoy we strive to create a community in which everyone feels safe, welcome, and respected. Our goal is to develop the intellectual, emotional, social, physical, and creative capacities of each of our students, to enable them to become lifelong learners and engaged citizens in a complex and rapidly changing world. Our vision is of a school community in which everyone shares in creating a joyful, compassionate, and responsive environment where every child matters.
 
 
EXPRESS DEADLINE
The Siwanoy Express is a weekly newsletter emailed to the Siwanoy community. We welcome school-related content from students, teachers and parents. 
 
Please email news, photos or announcements by Friday @5pm.

Thank you!
-Amie Hughes
[email protected] 

October 17, 2013
- LOOKING AHEAD -

PACT's Fall Coalition Meeting, 10/17, 7:00-9:00pm, Alumni Hall
Wrapping Paper Deadline, 10/18
Board of Ed Meeting, 10/21, 8:00pm, Alumni Hall
Early Release Day, 10/28 - Noon Dismissal
Halloween, 10/31 parade out back starting at 2:15ish
Siwanoy Dad's Club, 11/4, 7:45pm, Rockwell's
Board of Ed Meeting, 11/4, 8:00pm, Alumni Hall
Siwanoy PTA Meeting, 11/6, 8:30am, Siwanoy Library
Siwanoy Book Fair & PJ Party, 11/14, 6:30-8:00pm, Siwanoy Gym

- EXPRESSLY YOURS -
From the Principal's Desk

Dear Families,

 

The other day I was asked whether I was running in this year's marathon. My response was that every day feels like a marathon. No, my running marathon days are over for now, but every day does feel like I am running one. Up and down the Siwanoy stairs observing learning in action. Out on the playground observing a different kind of learning in action.  The days at Siwanoy are so very full.  Teachers are engaged in professional development in the area of reading instruction, creating a K-5 alignment of the structure, strategies, and competencies necessary to promote strong, confident, and engaged readers.

 

The consultant, Carol Ann Tomlinson, has visited classrooms and met with administrators as we begin the work of deepening our understanding of and competence in providing differentiated instruction for our students. I heard her speak seven years ago, and have read her work. She inspired me then and she inspired me deeply when we reconnected last Friday. Our teachers are continually considering the learners in front of them, and seeking out methodologies, strategies, and opportunities to engage and challenge.

 

As we continue to align our instruction to the Common Core Learning Standards, teachers are researching a wealth of resources that will match instruction to learning goals.  At the same time they are pouring through assessment data gathered during these first weeks of school that will aid them in providing the best instructional program for each of their students.

 

At the same time, we have an active student government and fifth grade that are coordinating efforts that respond to our desire to promote the meaning of giving back and helping out. Please see the Express for information on the County Harvest food drive and the Stuff a Bus pajama and book drive. These initiatives bring home to our students the needs of those nearby.  Thank you for your support.

 

Add to this the enrichment programs, music lessons, full academic schedules, and the desire to make every day one in which "every child matters" and you understand why every day feels like a marathon. We are busy. Our days are full.  The first trimester is half over. I have enjoyed getting to know our new students and their parents, grandparents, siblings, and caregivers. May this year continue to be full of rich and meaningful experiences for all.

 

Have a wonderful weekend.

Sincerely, Susan

 

- SIWANOY NEWS -
**OUR SCHOOL ID IS: #06770**
(Earlier version of this article had the wrong ID)

Siwanoy Earns Money Through

Stop & Shop Loyalty Program

Welcome to the start of a new school year and a year of A+ School Rewards with Stop & Shop! Through March 20, 2014 Siwanoy will earn cash through the Stop & Shop A+ School Rewards Program.
 
To participate simply click here (make sure you have your Stop & Shop loyalty card handy). You can also download the form, print it out and put it in your child's folder. Click here for the form.

This is how it works: Siwanoy receives a percentage of your Stop & Shop purchases and ultimately will receive a check at the end of the program. The money goes towards a variety of educational needs. Important: You must re-register this year in order to receive credit (even if you did it last year). Registration is easy and the check we receive makes a HUGE difference to our school.

*Please be sure to register your card to benefit Siwanoy School using ID #06770.

Lost & Found

If you've lost a pair of reading glasses or designer sunglasses please stop by Mrs. Kildare's office.
Chess instructor Mr. Ellenbogen introduced Siwanoy students to an evening of chess during 'Family Chess Night' last week. It's not too late to register. See details below for more information.

New Lunchtime Chess Program
Register Today!!

"Mr. E. is amazing. My daughter took chess from him in the Spring and learned so much."          
  -- Praise for Mr. E. from the mother of a former student.

This week Siwanoy launched a new, year-long, lunchtime chess program from 12-1pm. Intermediate and advanced students meet on Wednesdays, and beginners on Thursdays. Candidate Chess Master Mike Ellenbogen is teaching the classes, which begin with a lecture followed by supervised play.

Mr. Ellenbogen has run the chess programming in Pelham for more than a decade, including the Enrichment Program at Siwanoy and the Recreation Department offerings. Click here to register. For more information contact Anaga Dalal.
Siwanoy TIPS Needs Your Input!

Please join the Topics In Parenting at Siwanoy (TIPS) committee tomorrow at 9:00am at the Four Corners Bakery if you are interested in helping plan this year's program. New parents are welcome! 

If you would like to be part of the TIPS committee, but can't make the meeting, please contact Rachel Cahill.
Stay Informed!
Site-Based Council Update


Please click here to access the Site-Based Council minutes from the September 25 meeting.

Siwanoy Students Participating in
'Walk To School' Day

Save The Date!
Siwanoy Book Fair & PJ Party
Thursday, November 14


When: 6:30 - 8:00pm
Where: Computer Lab

Wear your comfy pj's and join us for cookies & milk. Stay tuned for more details!
Stuff The Bus on November 13!                   
Goal For Pelham: 1,000 Pairs of PJ's

Please bring in a pair of NEW pajamas and/or NEW books to help children in need!

The Pajama Program provides new pajamas and new books to children, many of whom are waiting and hoping to be adopted. These children live in various situations including group homes, shelters and temporary housing facilities and are often shuffled from one place to another. Many have been abandoned, abused or neglected. Most have never enjoyed the simple comfort of having a mother or father tuck them in at bedtime with warm, clean pajamas and a bedtime story. Some of the children are living with their families below the poverty level, in desperate need of food, clothing and shelter.

The Special Pajama Program Bus will be coming to Siwanoy on November 13 to pick up our pajama and book donations.

Please click here to watch a video of the bus in action. For more information contact Suzie Reavey or click here to visit the Pajama Program website.
Wrapping Paper Fundraiser
Deadline -- TOMORROW!

Hurry! Only twenty-four more hours to order holiday gifts and wrapping paper through the Innisbrook wrapping paper fundraiser. Siwanoy receives a percentage from every order made. Ordering is done online. All checks should be made payable to Siwanoy PTA and can be placed in the wrapping paper mailbox in the school lobby. Please contact Alan Connolly with any questions.
- DISTRICT NEWS -
Pelham 2013-14 School Calendar

The calendar has been posted! 
View 2013-14 Calendar


Board of Ed Holds First of Seven 'Coffee' Events
Next One Slotted for November 13

The Board began the first of seven school-year coffee events this morning at J Caf�. Several Board members were on hand to meet with interested parents and residents.

Please plan to bring your questions or comments, grab a cup of coffee and spend a few minutes with the Board at the next coffee -- to be held Wednesday, November 13 at 9:00am. Those who attend will also find out what's on the Board's agenda for 2013-14.

Other coffees are planned for the following dates (locations to be announced):
 
Tuesday, January 21 -- 8:00pm
Wednesday, February 26 -- 9:00am
Friday, March 28 -- 9:00am
Tuesday, April 29 -- 8:00pm
Thursday, May 15 -- 9:00am
Upcoming Technology-Themed Events  
Useful Discussions for Parents

Technology Tools for the Elementary Student
October 22, 6-7:00pm, Alumni Hall
Explore the tech tools and applications that your children use in the elementary school classroom.

Technology Tools for the Secondary Student
October 29, 6-7:00pm, Alumni Hall
Explore the tech tools and applications that your children use in their courses.

Internet Safety

November 7, 6-7:00pm, Alumni Hall
Examine issues related to keeping all members of your family safe when utilizing technology.

Open Forum
November 13, 6-7:00pm, Alumni Hall
Director of Technology Michael Tromblee will address questions related to instructional technology.
- PTA NEWS -
PTA Membership Just Got Easier

Click here to sign up online. There are several membership options.

Mark Your Calendar!
Important PTA Meeting Coming Up

The next Siwanoy PTA Meeting will be at 8:30am on November 6. Members will be asked to vote on an amendment to the Siwanoy PTA Bylaws that will increase the number of persons that may hold the title of PTA Vice President from one (1) to two (2).  Click here to access the draft resolution that includes the amendment language.
Stay Informed!

Click  here to read the minutes from the September 16, 2013 Siwanoy PTA Meeting. The June 2013 minutes can be found here.

- COMMUNITY NEWS -

LHVA Announces 2013-14
Developmental Volleyball Program


Players in grades 2-8 are invited to learn and build basic volleyball skills. The program will be held at Pelham Middle School on Saturdays from 1-2:30pm starting in December and ending in March (10 sessions). Players will be divided by grades: 2-4, 5 & 6 and 7 & 8, but can be moved depending on their ability. This is a practice only program so players will not participate in any tournaments. There are no tryouts! Click here for more information. 

Pelham Newcomers & Neighbors Club
Family Halloween Party

When: Sunday, October 27 - 2:00-4:00pm
Where: The home of Sheri & Rob Min, 29 Witherbee Ave.

Children are invited to wear their costumes. There will be games, activities and refreshments.

$10/person; $30/family. RSVP by clicking here.
Let's Celebrate!
New Turf Field
Ribbon-Cutting

Please join us to celebrate the completion of the new turf field at Glover Field followed by the PMHS Homecoming Football Game.

Special thanks to Friends of Pelham Sports and Senator Jeff Klein for making this field possible for our Pelham athletes.

When: Saturday, October 19
What: 5:30pm Ribbon-Cutting; 6:00pm Kickoff
Where: Glover Field - off Sandford Blvd.
Pelham's First Scholastic Chess Tournament:
All Levels Welcome, Kindergarten - High School!

Calling all Pelham youth chess players! Registration is officially open for Pelham's first ever scholastic chess tournament taking place Saturday, November 16, at the Pelham Middle School. The tournament is open to students from Kindergarten through high school and will be overseen by renowned chess coach Michael Ellenbogen. It will have both USCF-rated and non-rated sections based on skill levels. The tournament welcomes players of all levels from Westchester County and NYC grades K-12. There will be recognitions/awards by section.

Discounts available for early registration, siblings and Pelham residency. Click here for more information. All inquiries can be sent to [email protected].
It's Not Too Late to Register!
Pelham Hockey Clinic - All Are Welcome


The Pelham Hockey Clinic runs through March 16, 2014. The cost of this year's clinic is $600 for 22 sessions.

It's not too late to register! If your son or daughter is interested in playing, please go to www.pelhamhockey.com, click on the "2013-14 Season Registration" tab, and select "2013-2014 Clinic." All participants must be registered with Pelham Hockey. Click here for more information and to access the flyer.
PACT's Fall Coalition Meeting Tomorrow
All Community Members Invited to Attend

All community members are invited to attend PACT's Fall Coalition Meeting set for tomorrow night from 7:00-9:00pm at Alumni Hall at Pelham Memorial High School. Join us and collaborate with fellow community members to implement initiatives to reduce underage substance use in our community. The meeting will also feature PACT's Youth Interns and Student Assistance Counselor at PMHS, Suzanne Chieca, LMSW. RSVP to [email protected]. Click here for more information on PACT.
Girls & Boys Travel Youth Lacrosse Tryouts
Final Tryout is Saturday

Last chance for spring tryouts for the boys and girls travel lacrosse teams. Boys in grades 3-8 are eligible; girls in grades 4-8 are eligible. Next tryout is October 20. Click here for details.

Siwanoy School   |  489 Siwanoy Place  |  Pelham Manor  |  NY 10803  |  
T 914.738.7650  |
 
F 914.738.8199


Principal: Susan Gilbert [email protected] 
PTA President: Clay Bushong [email protected]       
Siwanoy Express Editor: Amie Hughes [email protected]               
Express Photographers: Erin O'Neil [email protected]  & Karen Teller [email protected] 



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