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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] 

January 15, 2014
- LOOKING AHEAD -

Third Grade Orchestra Recital, 1/15, 8:30am, Siwanoy Gym
SEPTA Presentation, 1/15, 7:30pm, Middle School Library
Enrichment Registration Begins (online), 1/15, 8:00pm
5th Grade Pasta Night Fundraiser, 1/16, 6-7:30pm, High School Cafeteria C
Site Based Council Meeting, 1/17, noon, Siwanoy Library
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
, 1/20, School Closed
Registration Deadline for After-School Foreign Language Program
, 1/21
Board of Ed Coffee Event, 1/21, 8:00pm, Rockwell's
PTA Meeting, *1/22, 8:30am, Siwanoy Library (*new date) 
SEPTA Coffee, 1/24, 1:15-2:15pm, Pupil Personnel Office, 18 Franklin Place
Board of Ed. Meeting, 1/27, 8:00pm, Alumni Hall
- EXPRESSLY YOURS -
- SIWANOY NEWS -
Lunchtime Enrichment Registration-Starts 8pm Tonight

The Lunchtime Enrichment program, run by the PTA, offers extracurricular classes to our students during their lunch hour. There's something to suit everyone's interests!
 
Enrichment begins on Monday, January 27 and will run as weekly classes for eight weeks. This is a completely optional program. Registration begins on January 15 at 8:00pm. Descriptions of all classes will be available for viewing on the enrichment website starting on Sunday, January 12, but please do not register before 8:00pm on Wednesday, January 15. In the interest of fairness, any registration made prior to January 15 at 8:00pm will be deleted. There will be directions on the website guiding you through the registration process. Note: The Lunchtime Chess program will continue through the Enrichment period so please plan your child's schedule accordingly. Email Nicole Brown or Wendy Dougherty with questions.

Click here for additional information and instructions on how to register online (hint: print it out and keep it handy for when you register tonight).
Please Read - Very Important

Tomorrow's 5th Grade 'Pasta Night'  

Moved to Pelham High School

The response to the 5th Grade Pasta Night invite has been so overwhelming that we've had to move the venue from Siwanoy to the High School!

The event will now be held in Cafeteria C from 6:00-7:30pm.
Cafeteria C is located at the Colonial Ave. entrance - park on Corlies Ave.

**Unfortunately, we cannot take walk-ins the night of the event.**
Students from 4F talked about the different ways to "Stay safe" around
the school during a recent Town Meeting.

Registration Continues for Spring
After-School Foreign Language Program


Please register for the after-school foreign language classes run by Little Language League by Friday, January 21. We are offering Spanish, French and Italian classes for grades K-5. Sign up online by clicking here.

Spanish & French classes will be offered on Mondays; and Spanish & Italian classes will be offered on Thursdays. Classes are 3:15-4:15pm, and run from February 24 into May. The cost is $210 for 10 classes (including workbooks/materials). No previous language experience is necessary.

Learning a language at a young age enhances children's overall mental ability, builds self-esteem and helps them to have an appreciation for other cultures. The teachers from Little Language League are experienced in working with young children, and focus on learning language through play. They make classes fun! For more information, contact Page Edmunds.
Site Base Council - Stay Informed!

Interested in reading about what happened at the most recent Site Base Council Meetings? Click here to access the October Meeting Minutes and here for the November Meeting Minutes.
Siwanoy Calendar Integrated into District Calendar
New 'Burbio' Tool Helps You Get More Organized


If you're tired of referring to several different calendars for your family's various activities then look no further! Burbio lets you look at everything in one place. You will be notified each time a new school event or activity is added (you must opt-in for these alerts). Please click here to access the Siwanoy School Event Calendar.
- DISTRICT NEWS -
'Differentiated Instruction' PowerPoint Available to
Parents Who Missed December Presentation

If you missed the 'Differentiated Instruction' discussion presented by Carol Ann Tomlinson last month, then you might want to take a look at her PowerPoint presentation to see what you missed. Click here to open up the 15-slide presentation.
Strategic Planning For Pelham Schools 
Parents and Residents Invited to Attend Focus Groups

Want to participate in setting the direction for the Pelham Public Schools over the next five years?   

Parents and interested residents are invited to two open meetings to share their perspective on the strengths and areas needing attention for the Pelham schools.   

An Open Community meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 21 from 11:00-noon; and from 7:30-8:30pm on Thursday January 23. The meetings will take place in Alumni Hall on the ground level of the high school, opposite the main gym. Please enter via the circular driveway (off Colonial and Corlies Avenues) for the meetings.
Save The Date - January 21 
Board of Ed 'Coffee' Event 

Bring your questions/comments and grab a cup of coffee with members of the School Board at the next coffee -- Tuesday, January 21 at 8:00pm. The event will take place at Rockwell's. Future coffees will take place on the following dates:
 
Wednesday, Feb. 26 -- 9:00am
Friday, Mar. 28 -- 9:00am
Tuesday, Apr. 29 -- 8:00pm
Thursday, May 15 -- 9:00am
- PTA NEWS -
SEPTA Presentation TONIGHT!
Yoga, Mindfulness & Nutrition: How to Improve Emotion Regulation & Increase Attention in Children

When Tonight ~ 7:30pm
Where Middle School Library

Mayuri Gonzalez and Lindsay Malejko, co-owners of Pelham's Pransanthi Yoga and Pelham residents will address how to help your child in a holistic and strength- based way. The tools of yoga, mindfulness and nutrition offer ways for children to handle impulse control, self-regulation of emotions, and maintain focus in the moment and in the future. All parents are encouraged to attend. Please click here for additional information.
PACT Family Time - Connections Count
Tomorrow Night

Family Time is a PACT-sponsored initiative supported by the Pelham School District with no-homework nights for elementary students and a school calendar free of nighttime meetings. Use this day as a reminder to create a habit of spending regular time together as a family and making connections that count. Click here for the flyer.

One of the greatest gifts parents can give to their children is their time. Whether it's sharing breakfast, lunch or dinner together, research shows when families share regular meals, kids are less likely to smoke, drink or use illegal drugs.

Feel rushed to prepare dinner on your own? Make it easy and order in!  Click here to view take out menus from more than 15 local restaurants that support Family Time! Like PACT's Facebook page and receive daily conversation starters the week of Family Time.

PACT is a community coalition encouraging youth to make healthy, safe and substance-free choices. 
PACT Needs Your Help!

Help PACT reach its next Facebook milestone of 500 Likes! Visit and like PACT's Facebook page here. Help further spread PACT's important message to help kids make good choices and like, comment and share PACT's posts.

PACT is a community coalition encouraging youth to make healthy, safe and substance free choices. Visit pelhampact.org and find us on Facebook to get connected to parenting resources, talking tips, conversation starters, and up-to-date information on underage drug and alcohol use.  
Mark Your Calendar
SEPTA Coffee to be Held January 24

Please plan to attend the SEPTA coffee on January 24 from 1:15-2:15pm.

Discussion will focus on the transition process and life after high school for students with special need, as well as:
  • Recent graduation requirements for students with special needs.  
  • Services/options available at PMHS to support transition.  
  • Hosted by Rosemary Matthews and Lauren Ribeiro in the PPS office.
  • Please RSVP to Sally Tedesco at 738-3434 ext. 3 if you plan to attend. Click  here to see the flyer.
It's Not Too Late to Join the PTA!
Our Goal: 100% Participation

Why not kill two birds with one stone -- join the PTA and purchase your child's required $5 art sketchbook at the same time. You can pay by credit card or check (payable to 'Siwanoy PTA'). Click here to sign up. Membership options start at just $20.
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 -

Call For Nominations
Heart of Pelham PACT (HOPP) Awards

This award aims to recognize young people for their outstanding personal qualities, their healthy choices and serving as a positive influence on their peers through their actions and words. Click here for more information. Click here to nominate a Pelham High School student.
Pelham Kindergarten Registration

We're in the process of planning our Kindergarten registration for the Pelham Class of 2027! To be eligible to start this fall, a child must be five years old on or before December 31, 2014. Registration for Siwanoy children will be held on Wednesday, January 22 from 9:00-12:00pm at the Pelham School District Office located at 18 Franklin Place.

Any parent/guardian who cannot be present may make an appointment with Mrs. Camille Spadaro to register their child at 914-738-3434, ext. 1211. Click here for Dr. Garcia's letter with more details.
Save The Dates - January 24, 25, 26
Pelham Middle School to Perform Cinderella

"Impossible things are happening every day!" sings the Godmother in Rodgers & Hammerstein's musical fairy tale Cinderella, and impossible things will happen as Pelham Midldle School Drama students bring this timeless tale to life.

With the script and score lovingly adapted for middle school performers, this classic seems as fresh as today. After all, even if we know the story by heart, we still hold our breath until we are sure that the slipper fits.

Cinderella is the perfect family show to introduce young people to the magic of live theater. Performances are in the PMHS Auditorium on Thursday, January 23 and Friday, January 24 at 7:00pm; and at 2:00pm on Saturday, January 25. Tickets are available at the door.

Save The Date - January 25
Pelham Little League Registration!


Where Daronco Town House
When 9:00-12:00pm
Cost $125 per player (+$50 if received after January 25)

Please click here to access the updated registration form.

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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