Fractions are Everywhere!

Fractions, Fractions, Everywhere!
Walk into any intermediate classroom during math right now and you will see all things fractions! It's so interesting to see the progression from third grade, to fourth grade, to fifth grade.

In third grade they are learning how to use halves, thirds, and sixths to make a whole and have begun to compare fractions. They learn about equivalent fractions and learn that fractions can be greater than one. 

Fourth graders build on their fraction knowledge from third grade. They continue to compare fractions and extend the concept of equivalence by multiplying fractions. 

In fifth grade they are multiplying and dividing fractions. Mr. Meaney's class took to the snow last week to use an area model to multiply one-third by one-half. 

Students in the primary grades also learn about fractions. First graders learn to partition squares and rectangles into halves and quarters. Second graders build on that knowledge and are introduced to thirds. If you are really interested in the progression of fractions, here's a seven minute video that is actually pretty interesting! 

Supporting Others When They Struggle

This week we return to the Other People Matter Mindset, focusing on supporting other people when they struggle. According to Jeff Bryan, the Positivity Project co-founder, supporting others while they go through tough times is a critical piece of being human. There are many ways to help people when they are struggling. At this morning's P2 assembly Erin Engle, the founder of Griffin's Guardians, came to speak to the students about the organization that was started in memory of her son. Students were asked to bring in spare change over the next few weeks to raise funds for the Change for Hope Campaign which helps families with sick children in a variety of ways.

  

Weekend Power Packs

Through the generosity of our PTA, we are able to support 24 East Hill students with food each weekend. This is another way our community helps people in need of additional support. The PTA funds, and volunteers shop for and sort food each week for students who could use a little extra support. One of our Girl Scout Troops is doing a fundraiser to help out with this project. Students in each grade level were asked to bring in a certain item and deposit into the bin of their choice. Look who is winning!

Enrichment Day

Thank you for being so prompt in returning your forms. All of the classes are full! Enrichment Day will be held on Saturday, February 8 from 9:00 - 11:30. Please do not arrive early as the doors will not open until 9:00. Also, please be prompt in picking up your child(ren). It's going to be a great day!

Have a great rest of the week!

- Lisa

Prudence

Prudence


According to the Positivity Project co-founders, prudence is the ability to do the right thing, at the right time, for the right reasons. Leveraging this strength helps a person set goals, make plans, and have the discipline to accomplish them. For a 1-page overview, please click here.

Hope was last week's character strength.

PTA
Please join us tonight at 6:30 in the East Hill Library for January's PTA Meeting. A huge thank you goes out to the PTA and the East Hill community for the success of this year's Community Giving campaign. East Hill was able to help make seven local families' holidays much brighter thanks to everyone's generosity. Thank you also to the Camillus Police Department, Howard Hanna Realty, and the Skaneateles Student Council for their generous support in helping out some of our families. It is so appreciated!

Strategic Planning Team Calls for Commentary
If you haven't had a chance to take part in this annual survey, please do! We'd love your input regarding the District's areas of strength as well as areas in which improvement is needed. Thank you!

Upcoming Dates
1/13/20     PTA Meeting, 6:30, Library
1/20/20     No School, Martin Luther King Jr., Day
1/27/20     No School, Superintendent's Conference Day
2/8/20       Enrichment Day

Have a great rest of the week!

- Lisa

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!
Happy 2020! I hope that you all had a nice two-week break with your families! My children were home from college which was nice (although we barely saw them as they were busy with friends) and I was fortunate to be able to get a lot of reading done.

Hope/Optimism
Hope/Optimism is the P2 focus for this week. Hope means that you expect the best from the future and work to achieve it. Hope and optimism represent a state of hopefulness and confidence about the future, both short and long-term. I am hopeful and optimistic that 2020 will be a great year! For more about this character strength, click here.

Calls for Commentary
Every year the West Genesee Central School District's Strategic Planning Team comes together to review the District's progress toward improvement and make recommendations for continued growth. One of the key pieces of feedback is gathered from our staff, students, and community. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey. We'd like to hear your opinions on our areas of strength and opportunities for growth. Thank you!

Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten registration has begun for the 2020-2021 school year. These students will be the graduating class of 2033! Wow! Registration will begin on December 3, 2019 and will go until March 31, 2020 at the Central Registrar Office located at 300 Sanderson Drive, Camillus, NY 13031. For information about registering your student, go to the Registration Section of the website. Prior to coming in to register, you will need to make an appointment by clicking the appropriate link on the Registration web page or by calling the Central Registrar at (315) 487-4683.

Upcoming Dates
1/12/20     PTA Meeting, East Hill Library, 6:30
1/20/20     No School, Martin Luther King Jr. Day
1/27/20     No School, Superintendent's Conference Day
2/8/20       Enrichment Day

Have a great rest of the week!

- Lisa