April – May 2015 - Accompsett Elementary School

Jeanne Kull-Minarik
Principal
Jill Lahey
Assistant Principal
April – May 2015
Dear Parents,
Great care and consideration go into the placement decision of our students. Factors such as the
strengths and weaknesses of the student, behavioral characteristics, reading level, overall ability, and the
social/emotional needs of the child are taken into account, as well as the heterogeneity of the class.
Classroom teachers, special area teachers and other school personnel who have knowledge of the students
have input during the placement process.
Please understand that requests of convenience or preference cannot be granted because of our
commitment to all children. The only request that may be honored is for a peer separation or to not have the
same teacher your children had previously. Please put the request in writing and submit it to the principal’s
office before May 1. Letters received after this date will not be given consideration.
Sincerely,
Jeanne Minarik
Principal
Upcoming NY State Assessments
The NYS English Language Arts Assessments Grades 3-5 will be administered in three sessions on April 14, 15 and
16. It assesses standards for reading, listening, and writing. It contains questions in a variety of formats including
multiple-choice, short-responses, and extended responses. For multiple choice questions students read several
passages representing a variety of genres and must answer questions that demonstrate their understanding of the
passages. Students will listen to a selection from a variety of genres, take notes, and answer questions pertaining to the
literature. Written responses will be evaluated based on how well a student demonstrates an understanding of the
passages as well as organization, language use, and writing mechanics.
The NYS Mathematics Assessments Grades 3-5 will be administered in three sessions on April 22, 23 and 24. The
multiple-choice questions measure basic skills, concepts, and procedures. The short and extended-response questions
require students to support their answers by showing their work and/or explain, in writing, how they arrived at their
answers.
The NYS Grade 4 Science Assessment is a cumulative test of the science material that our students have
learned from kindergarten through grade 4. This two part test requires that students demonstrate their
science aptitude in a performance section and an objective section. The performance portion of the test will
be given on May 27 and 28. The objective portion will be given on June 1.
Please remember that it is important that students be present and punctual during these testing periods. Therefore, you
are asked to please avoid scheduling doctor/dentist appointments, etc. during school hours. Help your children be at their
best by making sure they have a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast before coming to school. Arriving to school
late will require the student to take the test on a make-up date.
Personal Items
Please be sure your child’s name appears on personal items such as jackets, book bags, lunch boxes, boots, sweatshirts,
gloves, sneakers, hats, glasses, etc. Pokemon cards, Shopkins, Trash Packs, cell phones, electronics, video
games and other expensive items may not be brought to school.
Character Education Corner: The Leader in Me
Here at Accompsett Elementary School we continue to learn about Sean Covey’s The Seven Habits of Happy Kids. This
month the students are learning about Habit 6: Synergize. This habit teaches children to value other people’s strengths
and learn from them. It reminds them to get along well with others, even if they are different. It teaches them the
importance of working well in groups with others and seeking out other people’s ideas to solve problems.
Celebrating Smithtown’s Sesquarcentenial!
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Smithtown turned 350 years old in 2015. The week of March 2 we shared a Smithtown fact everyday on the morning
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announcements. On Friday, March 6 all the students and staff wore Smithtown or Accompsett clothing in order to show
spirit and love for our school and community.
Throughout the week every grade level completed a special activity to celebrate the history of Smithtown. For example,
kindergarten celebrated Smithtown's birthday by exploring and comparing photographs from "then and now." The children
enjoyed making festive birthday banners to decorate the hallways and even discussed their favorite "Smithtown Spots"
with their families as a homework assignment. In first grade the children made a poster of their favorite places in
Smithtown with photographs and a description. A sample is displayed below. Second graders researched the Legend of
the Smithtown Bull and wrote facts on a graphic organizer to record their findings. Our third graders compared what it
was like to be a child in 1665 to a child in 2015. Fourth graders read an article about the importance of Smithtown during
the American Revolution and some researched old photos of Smithtown on-line and compared and contrasted how it
looks different today. In fifth grade they discussed the landmarks of Smithtown, the historical significance and the
services they provide. They also wrote an essay about what Smithtown means to them.
Second Grade Fairy Tale Ball
On April 1 princesses, princes, kings, fairy godmothers and fairies will gather for the Fairy Tale Ball.
The Ball is a culminating event for the Fairy Tale unit of study. The guests will sing, dance and
share eloquent speeches to detail their new found knowledge of fairy tales. In preparation for
the ball, the students are reading fairy tales in their guided reading groups, during shared
readings and read-alouds. They are also composing their very own fairy tales; examples
include putting the wolf on trial, or retelling Jack and the Beanstalk from the Giant’s point-of-view. Everyone is
looking forward to this magical day
Grade 5 Bronx Zoo Trip and Spirit Day
On May 12, our fifth grade classes will be taking a trip to the Bronx Zoo rain or shine. The
students will be leaving AEL at approximately 7:45 a.m. and will be returning around 4:00 p.m.
All attending will travel on the buses together.
In addition to the trip, the fifth grade students will be taking part in Grade 5 Spirit Day on Wednesday, June 17.
PTA Spring Flower Sale
Our Spring Flower Sale will soon be under way. Order forms will be available on the PTA website offering
flowering baskets, pots, flats and more. These items will be ready for pick up on May 6. On May 7 Accompsett
Elementary students will have the opportunity to choose a plant to give to a special person. The plants will be
offered free of charge to the students.
Field Day
Field Day is scheduled for grades 1 through 5 on Tuesday, May 26. All events take place on the middle
school athletic fields. Grades 1, 2 and 3 will begin at approximately 9:30 a.m. with grades 4 and 5
commencing at 12:45 pm. Parents are invited to attend as spectators. Carpooling would be appreciated,
as parking is very limited. Please be sure your child dresses appropriately in their team colors and for the
weather (sneakers and sunscreen). We are looking forward to fun and healthy competition. In the event of rain, the date
will be moved to Thursday, May 28. Details for the Kindergarten Field Day will follow.
Mike’s Hike
This race is a beautiful tribute to an incredible teacher. In April, 2011, Accompsett Elementary School suddenly lost one of
our beloved teachers, Michael Denaro. He was a member of the Accompsett Family, and he is missed by our entire staff,
student body, and the community. Accompsett Elementary has teamed up with Smithtown Children’s Foundation to
organize a 4K Run/2K Walk in Memory of Mike Denaro. Our hope is to bring the community together to honor and
remember Mike in a positive way.
The annual event will take place this year on Saturday, May 30, 2015. Check-in is at 8:30AM at Smithtown H.S.W. track.
Entry fee includes a t-shirt for the first 300 participants and bag for the first 500 participants. SINGLE RUNNER/WALKER:
$20 pre-registration by 6/5/14; $30 day of race; $10 Children's One Lap Fun Run. CHILDREN'S FUN RUN, FACE
PAINTING, MEDICAL SCREENINGS, MUSIC, REFRESHMENTS & MORE. AWARDS CEREMONY IMMEDIATELY
FOLLOWING ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD. For complete event information and online registration visit
http://longislandracetiming.com/mikeshike/
Incoming Kindergarten
Our Kindergarten Screening for new kindergarten students is scheduled for Monday, June 8, through Thursday, June 11.
Parents of new kindergarten students will be receiving more detailed information via mail explaining the screening
process.
There will be a Parent and Student Orientation program for all incoming kindergarten students on Friday, June 5. This
morning has been set aside to afford parents the opportunity to learn about their child's upcoming kindergarten
experiences. Please be sure to join us. More information will come home in the mail
Kindergarten Jamboree
The Kindergarten Jamboree is coming soon to Accompsett Elementary! We have all enjoyed learning many new
things this year. We are ready to dazzle and delight you as we perform several songs from Dr. Jean’s Program.
The parents of the Kindergarten children are invited to attend the performance on Tuesday, June 12 at 10:15 a.m.
There will be a brief congratulatory reception immediately following the show.
Summer Reading Program
Summer vacation is quickly approaching. We are continuing our annual Summer Reading Program. Your child
will choose an appropriate book on their level. To participate, children entering grades 1 through 5 will have to
read or listen to six books. It can be fiction or nonfiction. Each child must complete a form for each book read.
Forms will be given to your child at the end of the school year.
Long Island Museum at Stony Brook
This is our Accompsett display at the Student Expressions Exhibition. Four of our third graders, Sean Cote, Alexandra
Manzi, Daniel Pereira and Joseph Lamardo were selected to represent Accompsett in the 2015 exhibit. Below is a picture
of their Asian Bamboo Brush Landscape projects.
Mr. Springer and Sean Cote
"Our World," a Performance by the Accompsett 5th Grade
Led by Mr. Shivokevich, Accompsett Elementary School’s fifth grade students wowed audiences with their performance of
“Our World.” The class of 2015 took us on a journey into the world of a fifth grader through song, dance, and the
showcasing of their athletic abilities. A special thank you to Ms. Lee, Ms. Greenberg and Mrs. Shivokevich for all their help
in preparation for this event.
Important Dates
Apr. 1
Apr. 3 - 10
Apr. 14 - 16
Apr. 14
Gr. 2 Fairy Tale Ball, 10:00 a.m.
Spring Recess – school closed
NYS ELA Assessment test, gr. 3 – 5
PTA Mtg. 7:00 p.m., café; Pre-K
Registration 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Apr. 14
Bd. of Ed. Mtg., 8:00 p.m., NYA
Apr. 22 – Apr. 24 NYS Math Assessment test, gr. 3 – 5
Apr. 23
Spring Pictures
Apr. 28
Bd. of Ed. Mtg., 8:00 p.m., NYA
May 5
PTA Mtg. 7:00 p.m., café
May 6
PTA Spring Flower Sale pickup
May 6
Grade 5 Parent Info Night, 7:30 p.m., AMS
May 7
PTA Children’s Plant/Flower Selection
May 12
Grade 5 trip to the Bronx Zoo
May 12
Bd. of Ed. Mtg., 8:00 p.m., NYA
May 13
Staff Appreciation Day
May 14
Grade 5 visit to Accompsett Middle School
May 15
Grade 1 Family Day
May 19
Spring Book Fair
May 19
Budget Vote and BOE Elections
May 22
School Open - due to snow day
May 25
Memorial Day – School closed
May 26
School Open - due to snow day
May 26
Field Day - Gr. 1 – 5
May 26
May 27
May 28
May 30
Bd. of Ed. Mtg., 8:00 p.m., NYA
Grade 3 Heritage Day
Field Day Raindate
Mike’s Hike, 8:30 a.m.; HSW track
(check-in)
June 1
June 2
June 4
June 5
June 8 - 11
June 9
June 10
June 12
June 17
June 22
June 23
June 23
June 23
June 24
June 26
Grade 4 NY State Science Assessment
(written)
PTA End of Year Dinner
Grade 5 Friendship Games, AMS
Incoming Kindergarten Orientation
Incoming Kindergarten Screening
Bd. of Ed. Mtg., 8:00 p.m., NYA
Grade 5 Spring Concert, 7:00 p.m., HSW
Please note change of date
Kindergarten Jamboree, 10:15 a.m.
Grade 5 Spirit Day
Ducks Game
½ day for students
Grade 5 Moving Up Day, 9:30 a.m.
Bd. of Ed. Mtg., 8:00 p.m., NYA
½ day for students - Last day of school
Supt. Conf. Day – No school for student