Happenings at the Hill (East Hill, that is!)

Thanksgiving Break
I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving break! It was nice to spend time with family and get re-energized for the craziness that is December. As I tell my staff, the more routine we can keep things for our students, the better off all of us will be! Gratitude was last week's character strength focus. Here are a couple of pictures of students sporting their pre-Thanksgiving day outfits as well as a picture showing some of the things for which our kindergarten students are thankful.

Positivity Project
Yesterday we began focusing on the third week of the Other People Matter Mindset: "Knowing that my words and actions affect others." This means that everything we do, say, text, tweet, snap, or post can positively or negatively impact other people. On an individual level, our words and actions impact our relationships with other people. They have the power to lift others up or tear them down. Our words and actions also impact ourselves. Next week's character strength focus is kindness.

The Morning Mile
Ninety-four (94) of our students in grades 2-5 are participating in Ms. O'Keefe's monthly mileage club. One morning per month students arrive early to run or walk, or run/walk, a mile outside, weather permitting. The purpose is for fun, fitness, and friendship! This morning's weather did not cooperate, unfortunately, but that didn't stop anyone from finishing their mile! Each student receives a toe token when they complete the mile. Thank you to Ms. O'Keefe for organizing this monthly event and to Mrs. Klaben for helping out!

Picture Retakes and Group Photos
Picture retakes have been rescheduled for this Friday. If you were unsatisfied with your child's pictures, please send the package in with your child on Friday. We will also have group photos (band, chorus, orchestra, student council, etc.) taken on Friday.

Have a great rest of the week!

- Lisa

Gratitude

Gratitude
Gratitude is our character strength focus for this week and next. According to the Positivity Project, "Out of all 24 character strengths, gratitude is the single best predictor of individual well-being. And, the great thing about gratitude is that it can be intentionally cultivated. Numerous studies have concluded that gratitude is like a muscle. The more you practice it, the stronger it gets." Students have been discussing the many things for which they are grateful. Click here to read more about gratitude. I am grateful that I get to work with such great students, such caring families, and such a wonderful staff.

Mrs. Tuttle's class is grateful to Mrs. Deemer's Global Studies class for their visit to East Hill yesterday to teach third graders about tolerance. They read, "The Invisible Boy" to each of the students, discussed the book, drew and shared pictures of their interests and strengths, and each student received their own copy of the book to keep. It was a great experience and the kids loved it!

Parent Conferences
As a reminder, next Monday and Tuesday are half-days for parent conferences. The doors will open at 11:15 for parent pickup and buses will be dismissed at 11:30. I hope you find the time spent with your child's teacher(s) to be productive and worthwhile.

Community Giving
Once again our PTA is sponsoring the annual Giving Tree program at East Hill. From Monday, 11/19 through Friday, 12/7 there will be a "Giving Tree" decorated with gift tags in the school lobby. The gift tags include gift suggestions for local families in need this holiday season. If you would like to participate, please stop by the tree in the lobby to select a tag.

Square One Art
Today is the last day to submit paper order forms for Square One Art. Online orders will be accepted through this Sunday, 11/18. These were a huge hit last year!

Upcoming Dates
Half-days for Parent Conferences, 11/19 and 11/20
Thanksgiving Recess, 11/21 - 11/23
Winter Concert, WGHS, 7:00, 12/6
Holiday Parties, 2:15, 12/20

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

- Lisa

Half Day Tuesday!

Half-Day Tuesday!
As a reminder, tomorrow is a half day for all students in West Genesee. Parent pick-up is at 11:15 with bus dismissal at 11:30. The doors will open at 11:10 for students being picked up. Teachers will be attending various professional development training sessions in the afternoon.

Community Giving
Each year the East Hill Community, in conjunction with the East Hill PTA, sponsors local families who need additional support during the holiday season. If you are in need of additional support this year, please contact Mrs. Craig as we would love to help out.

Positivity Project

This week's character strength focus is bravery. Bravery means you act with mental, moral, or physical strength even when you know things are difficult or scary. To learn more about bravery, click on the character card from the Positivity Project co-founders.

Spelling Bee
Congratulations to the following fourth and fifth grade students who will be representing East Hill in the District Spelling Bee this Thursday at Camillus Middle School: Alaina Munson, Micah Schuessler, Skylar McGunnigle, Giovanni Capria, Lilly Nazarkiewicz, Aislenn Mehl, and Jessica Abert. Good luck!

Upcoming Dates
Tuesday, 11/6         Half-Day, 11:30 Dismissal
Thursday, 11/8       Spelling Bee, 9:45, CMS
Monday, 11/12       Veterans Day, No School
Wednesday, 11/14  PTA Meeting, 6:30
Monday, 11/19       Parent Conferences, 11:30 Dismissal
Tuesday, 11/20       Parent Conferences, 11:30 Dismissal

Have a great week!

- Lisa