WVCSD EdTalk: November 27, 2024

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the many things for which we can be grateful. This season offers us an opportunity to pause, appreciate and acknowledge the blessings that fill our lives. Warwick Valley Central School District is a very special place, and its students, staff, families and community members contribute so much to its collective success. We are always thankful.

Each day, our students inspire us with their curiosity, resilience and enthusiasm for learning. Whether in the classroom, on the field, on the stage, or in your extracurricular activities, you embody the spirit of perseverance and the desire to grow. Your dedication to your education, your kindness to others in our community, and your pursuit of excellence show us how bright your future really is.

Our schools partnered with the Warwick Food Pantry to help provide holiday meal items. Students and staff from schools around the district brought in many items to be donated. And, the Warwick Valley High School Interact Club delivered the first truckload of donated food last week. Thank you for your donations!

Our outstanding teachers and staff provide a tireless commitment to nurturing the minds and hearts of our students. Every creative lesson you teach, every word of encouragement you offer, and every challenge you help students overcome contributes to shaping them for tomorrow.

At Sanfordville Elementary School, Ms. Overbey, Mr. Bauer, Ms. Clark, and Ms. Kirwin’s classes all hosted the annual Friendsgiving celebration. Each class helped to prepare the menu, greet each family as they arrived and then serve their guests before having a chance to join in on the feast.  It was a nice way to have the different families gather and celebrate all the students’ hard work.

Our parents and families help create a partnership in education that is vital to the success of our district. From attending parent-teacher conferences and events, to volunteering in our schools, to simply being there for your children as they navigate their school year, you play an essential role in supporting their growth.

Our local businesses, organizations and other community members continue to generously invest in the success of our schools. Your contributions, whether through donations, volunteering or providing resources, make a significant difference in the lives of our students.

Thank you, everyone, and on behalf of the entire Warwick Valley Central School District, I wish you and your family a very happy, peaceful and safe Thanksgiving.

Here are some highlights from our schools this week:

Park Avenue Elementary School
The kindergarteners had a visit from members of the Warwick Historical Society and their “Traveling Trunk” this week. Their trunk contained many symbols of America, including three flags: one from the late 1700s, one from the late 1800s and our current flag. Students had the opportunity to compare the three flags and they learned about why and how the flags are different. Students were also exposed to images of the Liberty Bell, the American bald eagle and the Great Seal of the United States. Students learned about the meaning and importance of each of these symbols. This visit was connected to one of the kindergarten Reading Workshop units. Students are learning about United States symbols through non-fiction books. Kindergarten teachers collectively shared, “It was great to be able to see some of these symbols that we read about in ‘real life’ and to hear other voices talk about them to our students.”

First graders began celebrating their Then and Now unit. First graders will have the opportunity to visit another first grade classroom to learn about the past and compare it to the present. For example:

• In Mrs. D’Angelillo’s classroom, her students used quill pens to better understand how pilgrims wrote using these quill pens, which were made out of feathers. And, the experience allowed them to sense the differences between the two historical periods and how writing took place.
• In Mrs. Kurg’s classroom, students focused on how their homes today are very different from the pilgrims’ homes. They talked about differences in appearance, building material and sources of light and heat. The students used watercolors to draw log homes.
• Campora’s students learned about the different crops Native Americans raised. Her students discussed how people had to farm, hunt or fish to get their food. They learned about the importance of the corn crop and made a Native American ear of corn using paint.
• Berghahn’s students wrote their own stories on “deer skin” using pictures instead of letters and Ms. Urvater’s students learned about clothing during Colonial times.

All of these activities were successful and helped the children compare the past and present.

Sanfordville Elementary School
Sanfordville students and staff continued to show how thankful they were during the holiday season. Sanfordville was glad to participate with the Warwick Food Pantry in order to help ensure that the Food Pantry clients had the basics for a holiday meal this upcoming holiday season. Each day our students and staff could be seen carrying in items for the Food Pantry donation, which were later delivered to the Food Pantry. Thank you to everyone who participated.

The high school Spanish Club led by teachers Kathy Randall and Meghan Murphy visited Ms. Havell’s classroom this week. They taught her kindergarten students color words, counting to five, and animal names in Spanish. The club will be visiting every other month during the school year. The kindergarten class really enjoys when the high school kids come to visit and teach them new things.

Warwick Valley Middle School
Warwick Valley Middle School saw an unprecedented turnout for this year’s first meeting of its Stocks Club, led by Mr. Patafio and Mr. Botta. A total of 56 enthusiastic seventh and eighth grade students packed the room, eager to talk about the exciting world of investing and financial literacy. The club, now in its second year, has grown to become one of the most anticipated extracurricular activities at the middle school.

The Stocks Club offers students a hands-on opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the stock market, explore strategies for smart investing, and develop critical thinking skills through simulated trading activities. At the inaugural meeting, students engaged in a lively discussion about market trends, explored the basics of stock portfolios, and discussed goals for their financial education this year. The club fosters collaboration, with students working in teams to analyze data and make investment decisions, mirroring real-world financial practices.

This incredible turnout highlights our Wildcats’ enthusiasm for learning about the economy and how it impacts their future. We’re excited to see such a large group of young minds eager to take on the challenge of understanding financial markets. This club not only teaches practical life skills but also empowers students to think critically and make informed decisions. This year’s club goal is to ring the bell on Wall Street. This club truly instills all of our characteristics of a Portrait of a Graduate.

Warwick Valley High School
SkillsUSA is a national organization dedicated to promoting the importance of skilled trades and technical education, empowering students to develop the personal, workplace and technical skills they need to succeed in their careers. At school, SkillsUSA plays a key role in highlighting the value of C-tech programs and the paths they open for students after graduation.

Recently, SkillsUSA invited three distinguished professionals – Krista Plunkett (Cosmetology), James Drew (Criminal Justice), and Jeff Koff (Video Production) – to speak with our students about the essential skills they are honing in their respective fields. Each speaker provided valuable insights into how students can cultivate personal skills like communication and confidence, workplace skills such as teamwork, time management, and problem-solving, and technical skills specific to their careers.

Ms. Plunkett, an expert in cosmetology, emphasized the importance of creativity, attention to detail, and customer service in her work. She encouraged students to take pride in their craft and to continually seek learning opportunities in an ever-evolving industry.

James Drew, a seasoned professional in criminal justice, highlighted the significance of integrity, critical thinking, and adaptability, especially in high-pressure environments. He advised students to build a strong work ethic and to understand the role of communication and problem-solving in law enforcement.

Jeff Koff, a skilled video production expert, stressed the need for technical proficiency with the latest equipment, but also the ability to collaborate effectively with others in creative projects. He shared advice on staying adaptable in the rapidly changing media industry and emphasized the importance of persistence and a passion for storytelling.

Through their experiences, these professionals provided our students with a comprehensive view of the practical skills that will help them excel in the C-tech programs at the high school and beyond. Their discussions reinforced the critical connection between education and career readiness, offering students valuable tools for success in the workforce.