Dear Cedar Mountain Families…
Indeed, Cedar Mountain is a “Beary Special” place…here are some reasons why…
The Great Kindness Week was very successful! Students participated in various activities that focused on all the little ways we can be kind to each other. Official “Student Greeters” said hello to all students as they arrived at school every morning. Each class made “Kindness Chains” as a culminating activity in Mr. Maurice’s School Counseling lessons. You will see the chains hung from our ceilings on the first and second floor of our school. Students enjoyed dressing up in a different theme each day. Below are pictures of students and teachers wearing tie-dyed clothing and Mrs. Megnin and Mrs. Horn’s class holding up their kindness chain.
Groundhog Day…Mrs. Battista and her student teacher, Miss Falcon, taught a lesson about groundhogs and the legend of Groundhog Day. This first-grade class made predictions on whether the groundhog will see its shadow or not. Students graphed predictions and analyzed the results. The students then made groundhogs and conducted a science experiment on shadows using flashlights. Students had to discover what is needed for the groundhog to see its shadow (light source), what makes the shadow (the groundhog blocks the light), and how they make the shadow move (moving the groundhog).
Mrs. Zinni and Ms. LaBar’s class went outside to search for shapes in the real world…They had fun finding all the shapes they have learned about and were fascinated to see so many shapes outside!
Students take notes as they spot shapes in their world
Mrs. Sweeney’s Class “Buzzes” about reading!
We are “buzzing” about books… Mrs. Talerico and Mrs. Ollert’s students wrote about their favorite books…Check out some of their favorite books…
Taylor Loves Snow Surprise
Kylie Loves 10 Apples on Top
Cole Loves How Dinosaurs Learned to Read
Stella Loves Goldie
Miss Malloy’s first-grade class completed a STEM activity related to the folktale, The 3 Little Pigs. The challenge was to create a house for the three little pigs that the big, bad, wolf cannot destroy. The students used only two of the following materials:
- Popsicle sticks
- Toothpicks
- Pipe cleaners
- Straws
- Playdough
- Marshmallows
- Dots
From the materials selected, students collaborated in teams and designed a house plan. After students drew out their plan, they built the house for the little pig. When the house was completed, students tested the house by using a blow dryer on the house (the big, bad, wolf) Students discussed and wrote about what worked and what did not work with their deigned house. Next, students made a new house plan using alternate materials. Students had so much fun and loved being engineers!
Miss Gonnelli introduced the traverse-climbing wall to all Cedar Mountain students during physical education class. When students walk into the gym, their faces light up to see that the mats are down by the climbing wall; they know it will be a day full of climbing! The traverse-climbing wall allows students to practice using different kinds of muscles that they may not normally use during other physical activities along with reinforcing balance, strength, coordination, independence, and positive risk-taking skills. Miss Gonnelli noted that all students stay focused and on task when climbing, paying extra close attention to their foot and hand placement to support their body on the wall. You might be surprised to see how many future competition climbers we may have here at Cedar Mountain!
On Saturday, February 2, 2019, the Vernon Cub Scout Pack 183 held their annual Pinewood Derby! The Lion and Tiger dens competed in four races. All scouts made these cars with the help of their parents and learned a lot about teamwork, achieving a goal, and the importance of doing your best. Here are the results of how our first-grade Cedar Mountain boys in Cub Scout Pack 183 performed…
Tiger Den 1:
1st place: Richie Yost
2nd place: Ryan Dixon
3rd place: Chase Crum
Tiger Den 2:
1st place – Alex Anson
2nd place – Eric Matthews
3rd place- Liam Lathrop
Funniest Car:
Christopher Minter
Most Patriotic Car:
George Clarke
Most Creative Car:
Michael Cook
Here are some activities that are coming up in the next few weeks…
SCA Meeting: Monday, February 4, 2019, at 9:45. At February’s meeting, Ms. Laurie Nelson, Math Coach, will be making a presentation on some activities you can do at home to bolster your child’s math skills. Also, Ms. Nelson will be demonstrating how to access Think Central online to find helpful manipulatives that you can use with your child. For our first-grade parents, she will give a “peek” at what second-grade math looks like.
VTHS Key Club Winter Wonderland: Saturday, February 9th, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, in the gym. This winter carnival is open to all preschool through third-grade students. There will be games, crafts, and other activities for your child. It’s a great winter activity for your family! Please click here for the flier.
SCA Valentine’s Craft Night: Will take place on Tuesday, February 11, at 6:30 pm, in the cafeteria. Please click here for the flier.
100th Day of the School Year: Monday, February 11th…your child’s teacher will give you information on the activities taking place in the classroom on this special day. Thank you also for contributing new toothbrushes and tissues that cost approximately $1.00. Your donation will be going to the organization called Coupons for the Community based in Sparta, NJ.
Kids Heart Challenge Program: Will run the week of February 11-15, 2019. You may be familiar with its previous name “Jump Rope for Heart”. The American Heart Association wanted this program to expand beyond just jumping rope, encouraging children to be active in multiple ways. While students will be learning different ways to jump rope, they will also experience our rock climbing wall and rope climbing as well. We are looking for parent volunteers to assist with this weeklong program. Thank you for your generosity in contributing to this annual campaign.
School Closed on Monday, February 18, 2019, for the observance of President’s Day
School Spirit Day: Thursday, February 21, 2019– wear your Viking gear or your “class of” t-shirt.
Love of Reading Week: February 25 to March 1, 2019, in celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday (March 2nd), students will be participating in various literacy activities throughout this week. Here is our schedule of activities:
| Day of the Week | Dr. Seuss Book | Dress Up Activity |
| Monday, February 25th | Oh the Places You’ll Go | Wear a shirt with words on it from a place you have visited |
| Tuesday, February 26th | Green Eggs and Ham | Wear something Green |
| Wednesday, February 27th | Wacky Wednesday | Wacky Hair and Silly Sock Day |
| Thursday, February 28th | Cat in the Hat | Wear stripes today |
| Friday, March 1st | The Sleep Book | Pajama Day |
40 Developmental Assets continues in February and March: We are very fortunate to continue this program at Cedar Mountain brought to us by Rebecca Dorney from The Vernon Coalition and The Center for Prevention and Counseling. Our program will run on Friday, February 15, AND Friday, March 15, at 9:45 am. 40 Developmental Assets is training for adults/parents that teach them about the 40 positive supports and strengths that young people need to succeed. Half of the assets focus on the relationships and opportunities they need in their families, schools, and communities (external assets). The remaining assets focus on the social-emotional strengths, values, and commitments that are nurtured within young people (internal assets). 40 Developmental Assets is a research-based program that comes from Search Institute. Here is the flyer for this program. A light breakfast will be served- all are welcome!
Think Spring and Kindergarten Registration! Do you know of a family member, friend, or neighbor whose child will be turning five by October 1, 2019? If so, please share that Kindergarten Registration will take place the week of April 1, 2019. Please see the Cedar Mountain calendar for specific times each day. Upon registering, you will also arrange a time for the entering kindergarten student to be screened using the DIAL4. You must register online to begin the process. You can do this at home on any device or you can log on at Cedar Mountain to complete this step of the process during registration week. You can always call for assistance, or if you would like to come in for a tour! We love visitors!
Let’s take a look one more time at our proud January Students of the Month!
Eric
Meet: Eric
Favorite:
Sport: Baseball Food: Pickles and Fish
Singer: AC/DC Book: Sharks
Movie: “Twister” School Subject: Gym with Miss Gonnelli and Math
Names of brother and sister: Travis and his sister who is coming in March!
Eric’s teacher, Mrs. Wilson, should know that Eric has a pet fish.
When Eric is not in school, he likes to go fishing.
Eric is really good at fishing.
When Eric grows up, he wants to be a fisherman; a bass pro-fisherman!
Lilly
Meet: Lilly Nickname: Lil
Favorite:
Sport: Gymnastics Food: Watermelon
Singer: Jo Jo Siwa Book: Green Eggs and Ham
Movie: “Moana” School Subject: Gym with Miss Gonnelli
Name of brother: William
Lilly’s teacher, Mrs. Megnin, should know that Lilly is kind.
When Lilly is not in school, she likes to play with her BFF.
Lilly is really good at playing hide and seek.
When Lilly grows up, she wants to be a YouTuber.
Ian
Meet: Ian
Favorite:
Sport: Soccer Food: Pizza
Singer: John Legend Book: Green Eggs and Ham
TV Show: “SpongeBob” School Subject: Gym with Miss Gonnelli
Name of brother: Joey (his twin)
Ian’s teacher, Miss Chmielowiec, should know that Ian does his work really well!
When Ian is not in school, he likes to have fun with his family.
Ian is really good at soccer.
When Ian grows up, he wants to be a scientist.
Tristan
Meet: Tristan Nickname: T
Favorite:
Sport: Soccer Food: His dad’s homemade pizza
Singer: Chris Stapleton Book: Firefighters
Movie: “Big Hero 6” School Subject: Math
Name of sister: Addison
Tristan’s teacher, Mrs. Barone, should know that Tristan thinks she is amazing!
When Tristan is not in school, he likes to build with Legos.
Tristan is really good at reading, helping others, and riding his bike.
When Tristan grows up, he wants to be a police officer.
Christopher
Meet: Christopher
Favorite:
Food: Pizza
Singer: Shawn Mendez Book: Any book about the Titanic
Movie: “The Titanic” School Subject: Gym with Miss Gonnelli
Names of brothers and sisters: Clayton, Emily, Hailey, and Zach
Christopher’s teacher, Mrs. Hartman, should know that Christopher wants to raise the Titanic when he gets older and be the new captain of the ship!
When Christopher is not in school, he likes to play “Hello Neighbor” and play with his hamster.
Christopher is really good at getting kindling in the woods for his fireplace.
When Christopher grows up, he wants to drive a tram car at the beach.
Avery
Meet: Avery Nickname: Avs
Favorite:
Sport: Cheerleading Food: Tacos
Singer: Jo Jo Siwa Book: Barbie
TV Show: “Fuller House” School Subject: Gym with Miss Gonnelli
Names of brothers and sisters: Royce, Jayce, and Kendall
Avery’s teacher, Mrs. Start, should know that Avery has a big, loving, kind heart.
When Avery is not in school, she likes to watch her iPad and do makeup tutorials.
Avery is really good at being a helper and being a big sister.
When Avery grows up, she wants to be a doctor.
Hattie
Meet: Hattie Nickname: Stir Fry
Favorite:
Sport: Gymnastics Food: Ice Cream
Singer: Kira Willey Book: The Grinch Flip Book
Movie: “Enchanted” School Subject: Writing Workshop
Names of brothers: Logan and Henry
Hattie’s teacher, Mrs. Talerico and Mrs. Ollert, should know that Hattie loves math and phonics!
When Hattie is not in school, she likes to swim at the pool.
Hattie is really good at ice skating.
When Hattie grows up, she wants to be a president!
Harper
Meet: Harper
Favorite:
Sport: All Star Cheerleading Food: Soup
Singer: Taylor Swift Book: One Bright Ring
TV Show: “Descendants” School Subject: Reading
Names of brothers: Logan (her twin brother), Bryce, and Ryan
Harper’s teacher, Miss Malloy, should know that Harper loves going to school!
When Harper is not in school, she likes to cheer or play outside.
Harper is really good at reading.
When Harper grows up, she wants to be a nurse.
Seong-Jin
Meet: Seong-Jin
Favorite:
Sport: Wrestling Food: Spaghetti
Singer: Seong Jin’s mom! Book: One Busy Day
TV Show: “Fishtronaut” School Subject: Gym with Miss Gonnelli
Names of brother and sisters: Seong-Nam, Seong-Uo, Seong-Yeoh
Seong-Jin’s teacher, Mrs. Battista, should know that Seong-Jin is very respectful.
When Seong-Jin is not in school, she likes to play.
Seong-Jin is really good at writing stories.
When Seong-Jin grows up, she wants to be a teacher.
Myles
Meet: Myles Nickname: Bud, Buddy, Joe-Joe Dancer
Favorite:
Sport: Football and Baseball Food: Pasta
Book: The Lorax
TV Show: “Pokémon” School Subject: Gym with Miss Gonnelli
Names of sisters: Peyton (his twin) and Autumn
Myles’ teacher, Mr. Dente and Mrs. Wilson, should know that Myles is going to be a professional football player!
When Myles is not in school, he likes to ride his dirt bike, play baseball and football, and in the summer, swimming in his pool with his friends.
Myles is really good at math and playing football.
When Myles grows up, he wants to be a football player.
John
Meet: John
Favorite:
Sport: Baseball Food: Ice Cream
Singer: John’s mom! Book: Press Start-Super Rabbitt Boy Blasts Off
Movie: “Jurassic World” School Subject: Music with Mr. Moschella
John’s teacher, Mrs. Rogers, should know that John loves dinosaurs!
When John is not in school, he likes to play with Legos and video games.
John is really good at science.
When John grows up, he wants to build a time machine!
Noah
Meet: Noah
Favorite:
Sport: Basketball Food: Chips
Song: Feliz Navidad Book: Clifford
TV Show: “Lightning McQueen”
Noah’s teacher, Mrs. Vanadia, should know that Noah likes strawberries!
When Noah is not in school, he likes to play Fortnite and watch TV.
Noah is really good at working with his Poppy.
When Noah grows up, he wants to be a police officer and work at Blue Diamond like his Poppy!
It is an honor to have a parent partnership with you regarding your child’s education….
Rosemary Gebhardt