Superintendent’s MessageDear Menands School Community,

As we approach the upcoming holiday recess, we are excited to share with you our December issue of the Paw Prints, highlighting a number of the activities and events from the fall, and looking ahead to what the New Year has in store.

Our first trimester clubs & sports were a tremendous success, with nearly two thirds of our students participating. Both our cross country and soccer teams had successful seasons. Most exciting was that our soccer team had the opportunity to play an evening game under the lights at Siena College. Thanks to all the advisors and coaches who made these opportunities available to our students.

Red Ribbon Week was celebrated in October promoting healthy lifestyles and choices among students, and at the same time promoting school spirit. Thanks to our health and PE teachers and some of our eighth grade students for organizing and facilitating this event.

Our annual Pumpkin Contest was a smashing success, with among the highest number of students participating since the inception of this event. Kudos to Mrs. Ford for her work to coordinate this activity each year.

Despite needing to take advantage of the rain date, the turn out and performances at our annual Menands School Turkey Trot were stellar. We even had some record breaking performances! Again, I thank our PE staff and all staff who contributed to the success of this long standing tradition.

The Menands School PTA hosted a variety of activities and events for students during the fall that were incredibly well attended. They also conducted a forum for parents to learn more and express opinions about changes to the schedule, and in particular the impact on recess. Thanks to our PTA for being so active and involved, and for their commitment to engaging our families.

I hope the upcoming break provides time for rest and relaxation, and well deserved time with family. I look forward to the new calendar year and all we have planned here at Menands School in the coming months.

Sincerely,

Dr. Maureen A. Long

MENANDS SCHOOL 1

DECEMBER 2017

___ POST PTA FORUM UPDATES

Post PTA Forum: Updates Regarding Changes to the Schedule

On November 15, 2017 the Menands School PTA hosted a forum to allow parents and community members the opportunity to learn more about changes to this year’s schedule, and in particular, the impact on recess. The forum also allowed those in attendance to share their thoughts, concerns and suggestions with members of the Board of Education.

At the regularly scheduled, December 11, 2017 Board of Education Meeting, members of the school board engaged in a thorough discussion of the changes, in consideration of all the feedback and information they have received since the change was implemented. Based on the thoughts expressed, guidance and direction of the board members, Superintendent, Dr. Long, will embark on the process considering how restorations to recess time could be achieved. There are various factors involved in doing so, including, but not limited to, staffing implications and compliance with contractual obligations.

Updates on the process, possibilities and progress will continue to be shared at regularly scheduled board meetings, as well as via email. If you wish to be included in the email communications regarding this topic, please contact board clerk, Aileen Nicoll at (518) 465-4561 ext. 119 or via email: anicoll@menands.org to provide your email address. If your request is made via email, please put “recess communication” in the subject line.

INTERNET & SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENTATION

During mid-December, Investigator Smith and Investigator Mink from the Colonie Police Department met and presented information regarding internet and social media safety to students in grades 5-8. The presentation focused on safety measures and practices when using social media. Topics that were covered during the presentation included:

Cyber bullying and the associated law How to be safe while online Privacy settings Tools to use if problems arise while online Ways that law enforcement can help Online predatory behavior Age appropriate videos Sending and/or receiving images or photos.

MENANDS SCHOOL 2

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___ NEWS FROM THE ART DEPARTMENT

2018 Martin Luther King, Jr. Poster Contest Winners.

Thank you to Mr. Ray Perricone for judging 263 posters and selecting the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners for the 31st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Poster Invitational. This year’s theme was "We may all have come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now." MLK, Jr. The first place winner's artwork will be on display at Siena College (sponsor) on January 12th, 2018 for a reception. A letter will be coming home shortly from the college. Congratulations to all! A school wide poster exhibit will be hung in the Main Hallway in January and February.

Square 1 ArtWe had another successful year of creating exceptional work for the Art Fundraiser. Thank you to all the parents who purchased items. Original artwork will be coming home in a decorated folder before the break.

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Kindergarten

Winner Harshini M.2nd Place Kayin M.3rd Place Varsha R.

1st Grade

Winner Adhiraa S.2nd Place Evelyn J.3rd Place Shawn G.

2nd Grade

Winner Shanjana V.2nd Place Anjan B.3rd Place Varun P.

3rd Grade

Winner Adithya T.2nd Place Taryn D.3rd Place Jillian L.

4th Grade

Winner Mudaser N.2nd Place MaKenzie E.3rd Place Katie D.

5th Grade

Winner Sanvi J.2nd Place Julianna L.3rd Place Neha P.

6th Grade

Winner Shreya J.Sanyu N.

2nd Place Leana S.3rd Place Shayla D.

7th Grade

Winner Sabrina J.2nd Place Mady V.3rd Place Alexa E.

8th Grade

Winner JoAnna J.Vini T.

2nd Place Owen P.3rd Place Sanjana J.

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NEWS FROM THE CLASSROOM

Holiday Happenings in the First Grade

If you asked a first grader, “What do you like best about first grade?”, you are guaranteed to get a variety of responses. From participating in Pumpkin Day to reading interesting books during reading groups to talking about personal stories and writing personal narratives to investigating pumpkins and gourds (thanks to Ms. Jankowski) to celebrating Thanksgiving at a feast with traditional Thanksgiving foods to playing during activity time to practicing math skills on the website, Matific... first graders in Mrs. Marinstein and Mrs. Morrow/ Mrs. Keppler’s classes are learning and having fun everyday!

As the December holiday season approaches, the children will share their family’s winter holiday traditions with their classmates. In addition, the children will buckle their seatbelts, and “travel around the world” to visit countries near and far to gain an understanding of different cultures and to instill an appreciation and tolerance of similarities and differences in the world.

From the first grade community to you… have a safe, happy and wonderful winter holiday season!

MENANDS SCHOOL 4

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NEWS FROM THE CLASSROOM

New Dictionaries for Third Grade Students

On Monday December 4, Mr. Baniak from the Watervliet Lodge of Elks visited with the third grade students as part of the Dictionary Project. Each student received a personal dictionary that was donated by the Elks. He told the students how important dictionaries are when they are learning to become better readers and writers. Mr. Baniak helped guide our students through a “tour” of the dictionary and pointed out some of the great resources available to them. Inside each dictionary the students are not just able to look up words and definitions but it also includes facts about each state and country, maps of continents, bios written on all of the Presidents of the United States and information about each planet. The students were also very excited to see the alphabet for sign language because we have been learning some different signs at school. Mr. Baniak pointed out that the students might know one of the big words in the dictionary: supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, which is a word to say when you don’t know what to say. Thankfully, he pointed out that even though it’s a fun word to say and know, the students shouldn’t fall back on using “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” as an answer in class! That got a chuckle out of the third graders, but the teachers were grateful to hear the students agreed! The third graders have enjoyed finding new words or fun facts in the dictionary. Thank you to the Elks for providing this great resource and pencils to all of third grade!

MENANDS SCHOOL 5

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NEWS FROM THE CLASSROOM

Science, Technology, Engineering, Math OH MY!

Each 6 day rotation students in Mrs. Wroblewski and Mrs. Stanton's 3rd grade classrooms come together to work on STEM activities. The students are given a challenge that they need to solve together. From the brainstorming, to the building, testing and revision the students are actively involved in discussions and working together as a group to solve the challenge. Some of our fun projects we have done this year are building a catapult, making the longest paper chain, creating a hiding spot for a turkey, and designing the tallest tower that could hold a marshmallow.Here are some of the reasons students love STEM:

“I love when we get to use the materials to build something amazing.”

“We have fun, we learn to work together with friends and we also get creative.”

“What I love about STEM is working together to solve challenges and making new friends.”

“One thing that I like in STEM is that everyone is trying their best and we can do so much together.”

“I like STEM because I get to figure out how to work good with people I don’t usually work with.”

MENANDS SCHOOL 6

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NEWS FROM THE CLASSROOM

Ms. Jasinski’s 7th Grade Spanish Class - "¿Cómo soy Yo?"

7th graders have been very busy this year in Spanish! We are in the midst of the "¿Cómo soy Yo?" unit (What am I like?). Students created their own person and used Spanish adjectives to describe themselves. Our “class” is hanging outside the Spanish room. I am very proud of the work the students submitted!

6th Graders Investigate Their Lockers as an Introduction to the NYSSLS

The recently revamped New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) were released this year by the State Education Department. There have been significant changes made in the learning standards for grades K-12. One of the most important changes regarding science education is the move to bring in more natural phenomena for students to investigate in science. To start the year learning about data collection and analysis, Mr. Herrmann had the entire 6th grade split into investigative teams to answer the question “Is it possible for all of my stuff to fit in my locker?” by observing how well everything could fit. The class has investigated this phenomenon as they worked to answer the question by using a project-based learning model. Through this, the class learned about metric measurement, measuring physical properties, (such as volume) data collection and analysis, and applied problem solving. The project has culminated in the production of business letters that were used to share the teams’ findings with Dr. Long and the Board of Education at their monthly meeting on December 11, 2017.

MENANDS SCHOOL 7

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NOTES FROM THE COUNSELING CENTER

Enjoying the Holiday SeasonThe holiday season is well upon us! With it is all the excitement, anxiety, joy, and sometimes disappointment that accompanies big events. Children (and adults) can experience many feelings all at once and feel overwhelmed. We call that double dip feelings - when you feel two opposite emotions at the same time. We can get through those times by remembering to:

Encourage children to think good things about themselves. Say the positive. “This is a tough situation, and I know I will be able to work through it”

Ask children to say exactly what they are feeling instead of acting on it. It’s ok to say they’re feeling frustrated, mad or nervous. That statement can be followed by the encouraging statement.

Think optimistically. There are many good things in the day! Sometimes we need to focus on the good.

Introducing the School Counseling InternPlease welcome Ms. Lillian Ferris, our School Counseling Intern from Sage Graduate School. Ms. Ferris will be working in Menands School as an intern in the Counseling Office from January to May. Ms. Ferris has been at Menands School since September as a Practicum student in School Counseling and also occasionally provides substitute coverage. Feel free to contact Ms. Ferris at lferris@menands.org!

High School FairMenands will host the High School Fair for current 7th and 8th graders on Wednesday, January 10th. School representatives from North Colonie, South Colonie, Watervliet, Green Island and Tech Valley have been invited to share their curriculum, clubs/sports and unique school traits. Students will have the opportunity to meet with each school district from 1:30 to 3:00. Parents/Guardians and students are invited to speak to representatives that evening from 5:30 to 6:30. Please join us for this informative event!

2018 Career FairDo you have a career you would love to share with our Middle School Students? Each year, we hold a career fair to learn about different jobs. Students enjoy learning about all levels of positions, jobs that are in our community or beyond, and entrepreneurs!

Please consider joining us for a morning in June! For more information, please email Cheri VandenBerg, School Counselor, at: cvandenberg@menands.org.

MENANDS SCHOOL 8

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34th ANNUAL TURKEY TROT

Congratulations to all the runners who competed in the 34th Annual Turkey Trot. It was a wonderful day and everyone did a fantastic job! A big thank you goes out to the many staff volunteers who pitched in to make it a great event.

In the 3rd and 4th grade ½ mile race, third grader Kefy D. (3:16) finished first overall and was followed closely by fellow third grader Joa L. (3:37) who received first place for the girls. Ryan B. (3:39) finished as the fastest fourth grader and second place overall for the boys. McKenna K. (3:41) finished as the fastest fourth grade girl and received second place for the girls.

In the 5th and 6th grade 1 mile race, sixth grader Quinn M. set a new Menands School Girls Record. She received the fastest mile time of the day with a time of 6:07 and first place for the girls. She was followed shortly by fifth grader Melvin B. (6:19) who captured first place for the boys. Sixth grader Malakai W. (6:31) finished second for the boys. Fifth graders Caileigh N. (8:10) and Lilly N. (8:10) were the first two girls to cross the finish line from fifth grade for 4th and 5th places respectfully for the girls.

In the 7th and 8th grade 1 mile race, seventh grader Zacharie M. (6:12) led the way claiming first place for the boys. He was followed closely by eighth grader Caleb B. (6:15) for a boys second place finish. Seventh graders Birtu D. (7:00) and Alyssa B. (7:47) finished first and second for the girls. Eighth grader Ariadna L. (7:56) recorded a third place finish for the girls.

Congratulation to everyone on a successful Turkey Trot!

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3 rd and 4 th Grade Boys Top 10 3 rd and 4 th Grade Girls Top 10 1. Kefy D. -3:16 1. Joa L. -3:37

2. Ryan B. -3:39 2. McKenna K. -3:41

3. Marcelin M. -3:39 3. Carly D. -3:42

4. Darrel M. -3:45 4. Victoria M. -3:59

5. Sam L. -3:45 5. MaKenzie E. -4:07

6. Mudaser N. -4:00 6. Allie M. -4:09

7. Jasiah G. -4:01 7. Nana K. -4:10

8. Colton D. -4:08 8. Harley F. -4:14

9. Nishant Y. -4:19 9. Aauyshi B.-4:53

10. Tim B. -4:21 10. Taryn D. -5:01

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34 th ANNUAL TURKEY TROT cont’d…

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5 th and 6 th Grade Boys Top 10 5 th and 6 th Grade Girls Top 10 1. Melvin B. -6:19 1. Quinn M. -6:07

2. Malakai W. -6:31 2. Adriana F. -7:24

3. Aadit A. -6:42 3. Carly T. -7:54

4. Jeffrey B. -7:06 4. Caileigh N. -8:10

5. Werkie H. -7:42 5. Lilly N. -8:10

6. Hari M. -7:53 6. Leana S. -8:12

7. Aditya S. - 8:15 7. Keely W. -8:20

8. Jonathan B. -8:16 8. Shayla D. -8:35

9. Brendan K. -8:28 9. Andrea C. -8:52

10. Jeffrey R. -8:32 10. Neha P. -9:16

7 th and 8 th Grade Boys Top 10 7 th and 8 th Grade Girls Top 10 1. Zacharie M. -6:12 1. Birtu D. -7:00

2. Caleb B. -6:15 2. Alyssa B. -7:47

3. Owen P. -6:23 3. Jahaira M. -7:53

4. Jack M. -6:23 4. Ariadna L. -7:56

5. Chris L. -7:26 5. Sanjana J. -8:03

6. Ethan C.-7:35 6. Emma T.-8:11

7. Jordan G. -7:52 7. Vini T. -8:24

8. Joey K.-8:34 8. Shadae S. -9:24

9. Minh H.-8:47 9. Vanessa A. -9:26

10. Damani M. -8:32 10. Sakura M. -9:42

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SCHOOL NEWS

Red Ribbon Week

Red Ribbon Week was once again celebrated at the Menands School from October 25 to October 31, 2017. It is a nationally celebrated week in response to the tragic death of a drug enforcement agent named Kiki Camerena. Red Ribbon Week was nationally recognized in 1988 and has been celebrated yearly to raise awareness of the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and violence. It is the largest, most visible prevention awareness campaign observed yearly in the United States. Students and staff at Menands were encouraged to participate in themed days to encourage and support a healthy and drug-free lifestyle. Together we provided a united effort to maintain a drug-free school and community. There were five themes this year. The first theme was red day and students were asked to wear red clothes to support a drug-free life. The second theme was to have a bright future by supporting a drug-free life and students wore bright, neon, and/or sparkly clothes to school. The third theme was to keep the tiger spirit drug free by wearing blue and gold to show their school spirit for all Menands Tigers living healthy and drug-free. The fourth theme was to team up on drugs by wearing their favorite sport or team to celebrate a drug-free life. Lastly, the fifth theme was to scare away drugs by wearing black and orange to school. Each day during Red Ribbon Week different eighth grade students researched statistics on how to live a drug-free life and shared them on the morning announcements. Thank you to everyone that participated and congratulations to everyone on another successful Red Ribbon Week!

Menands School and Community Collects for Earthquake and Hurricane Relief Efforts

Thanks to a joint effort on the part of the Menands School and Community, several large boxes filled with needed supplies were successfully delivered to the designated Drop-Off Center at the Empire State Plaza to be donated to Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria relief efforts in Puerto Rico. Additionally, $107 was raised during the simultaneous coin drive and donated to the American Red Cross.

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SCHOOL SPORTS NEWS

Soccer Team Completes Winning 2017 Season

The Menands School Soccer Team wrapped up a winning season on Friday, November 2 with a record of eight wins, two losses, and two ties. This year’s participants were:

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Vanessa A.Alyssa B.Ethan C.Mia C.Birtu D.Bess D.Pharryll E.Jordan G.

Minh H.Collin J.Chris L.Leilah N.Satyam P.Jennie S.Shadae S.Ryan W.

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SCHOOL DRAMA PRODUCTION

Alice in Wonderland Junior is coming to Menands School! The Menands School Drama Club, under the direction of Mrs. Cannavo and Mrs. Bergeron, will perform two performances for the community. Join us Friday, March 23rd at 6 pm or Saturday, March 24th at 2:30 pm for an exciting trip to Wonderland to meet all kinds of colorful characters! Our cast list is below. Congratulations to all of our actors!

Chorus

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Alice in Wonderland JuniorCAST LIST

Alice – Sneha M.Small Alice – Isabella V.Tall Alice – Ariadna L.Cheshire Cat 1 -  Kamellia B.Cheshire Cat 2 – Mady V.Cheshire Cat 3 – Symphany G.White Rabbit – Jack K.Tweedle Dee – Leilah N.Tweedle Dum – Angelina O.Mathilda – Sanyu N.Flowers:  Katie D., Ella P., MaKenzie E., Leana S.Caterpillar – Andrew S.Mad Hatter – Jack M.March Hare – Kaylee M.Queen of Hearts – Vanessa A.King of Hearts – Daniel S.Dodo Bird – Taryn D.

Mina A.Diana A.Priya B.David B. Andrea C.Victoria M.Makayla D.Carly D.

McKenna K.Ella K.Jillian L.Birtu D.Julianna L.Matthew L.Juli M.Nihitha G.

Darrel M.Ezabel O.Harmony S.Vayden K.Keerthika K.Alexa E.Aayushi B.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Wonder Field Trip

The students in grades 5-8 will be going on a field trip to view the movie Wonder at the Spectrum Theater on Thursday, December 21st. The movie is based on the bestselling book about a young boy with genetic facial differences who enters school for the first time. The sixth graders in Mrs. Andrews and Mrs. Joyce’s Reading and ELA classes are currently reading the novel, Ms. Albert is using the book as a read aloud for the fifth grade and several of our seventh and eighth graders have also read this inspiring novel. The book and movie present positive messages about choosing kindness, friendship, empathy and appreciating everyone for who they are.

“Back to School” by Mr. Ray Perricone, Cook

Back to SchoolWhen I was younger, I was never much for school. I would much rather have been eating pizza, watching the Knicks, or collecting baseball cards instead of doing homework or studying. I enjoyed spelling and math, and that was it. I remember my favorite teacher in high school, Mr. Feldman, congratulating me on graduation day: “Ray, you hardly broke a sweat.” I mastered the art of doing just enough to pass.

Super fast forward 36 years later…my wife is a teacher, my daughter is a teacher, and I am now employed, of all places, at a school. One would think that it is the ghost of school years past haunting me or planning to even the score. Au contraire! (That’s right! My wife teaches French!) This is me having a second chance to get it right. My second chance is much easier because the administration, faculty, staff, parents and students at Menands are uniquely gifted: they’re kind and encouraging.

In my line of work, I get to see approximately 200 students a day. However, it is in 10-second intervals. For me, that’s not enough. To add to my quality time with students—my customers—I have attended cross-country and tennis clubs. I was killed by a rhino in last year’s school play. I came back to life and was able to attend Ms. Jankowski’s class to read and discuss the book “Anthem” with her students. Most recently, I was given the opportunity and honor of judging the MLK art exhibit. I’m also happy to have joined the PTA.

Getting to know the Menands community is without a doubt the most important ingredient in my back-to-school recipe. THANK YOU!

Ray, Cook

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SCHOOL NEWS & INFORMATION

Surprise Visit & Donation

On Wednesday, November 22, the day before the Thanksgiving Break, Menands School had a surprise visit from Sheila Clancy O’Donnell. Sheila is a Menands School graduate, who has been living in Ireland for several years.

She dropped by to make a donation to the school, of her children’s book: Princess Alexandra Rose of no Fixed Abode. The book is based on her daughter’s relationships with people across the globe, including in Ireland and here in the states locally. The book tells a wonderful story and has some great local references.

While Sheila was here, she was able to take a brief tour of the building and speak with her old neighbor Mrs. Sposito who teaches second grade. She was also able to connect with Mrs. Jankowski, our Library Media Specialist, and make tentative arrangements for a Skype conversation with some of our students in the near future.

Before she left, Sheila signed a copy of the book she donated to the library with the following inscription: “To a wonderful school . . . keep up the great work. You gave me my start and helped me to become who I am. I hope all the students follow their dreams like I did. Best of luck!”

Everbridge Emergency Alert ProgramGet alerted about emergencies and other important community news by signing up for the Village of Menands’ Emergency Alert Program. This system enables us to provide you with critical information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, school closures and delays, etc. You will receive time-sensitive messages wherever you specify, such as your home, mobile or business phones, email address, text messages and more. Sign up using the following link: https://member.everbridge.net/index/892807736724053#/login

Please remember to use the box to receive “Menands School” notifications.

FIRST QUARTER HONORSMENANDS SCHOOL 15

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Congratulations to ALL!

Superintendent’s List High Honor Roll Honor Roll

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JoAnna J.

Sanjana J.

Ariadna L.

Vinishasree T.

Kamellia B.

Alyssa B.

Mia C.

Birtu D.

Bess D.

Minh H.

Sabrina J.

Chris L.

Sakura M.

Reem M.

Iqra N.

Leilah N.

Madilyn V.

Shreya J.

Sheha M.

Sanyu N.

Vanessa A.

Matthew L.

Satyam P.

Owen P.

Nicholas P.

Emma T.

Lamario T.

Jessica T.

Ethan C.

Abbigayle G.

Collin J.

Isabella M.

Seth R.

Ryan W.

Werkneh H.

Jack K.

Sylas P.

Jeffrey R.

Jerome R.

Daniel S.

Leana S.

Carly T.

Jack M.

Andrea C.

Shayla D.

Quinn M.

Kansas P.

PTA NEWS DECEMBER 2017

The Menands School PTA would like to thank our membership and community for their dedication and support. We currently have a total of 87 members with 100% staff participation. With the help of our event chairs and volunteers we have successfully held several events and fundraisers this year. We are thankful to everyone who was able to participate.

There were many fun and educational PTA sponsored events during the last few months. In the month of October, the PTA sponsored our first Family Fun Night with a Spooky Bingo theme. A total of 198 people enjoyed a night playing bingo and winning prizes. Please be sure to join us on February 9, 2018 for another exciting Family Fun Night which is open to all.

The PTA also sponsored many activities during the month of November. First, we held a super hero themed dance for all students in grades K-8. DJ Todd Moffre kept everyone on their feet with lots of dancing, twisting and selfie taking! We also hosted our first Public Forum on November 15, to discuss the school’s new schedule, in particular, the impact on recess. Superintendent Dr. Maureen Long provided background information regarding the changes and answered many questions received from Menands families and community members. We look forward to continuing the conversation and coming to a mutually acceptable solution for all parties.

Keeping our children safe in our community as well as online is extremely important. On November 20th, Detectives Smith and Mink from the Colonie Police Department gave an informative presentation to parents on protecting our children while using the internet. Parents were educated on websites and applications that may negatively affect their child's online experience. They were also given great tools to assist them in monitoring their children's activities and understanding their online environment. The Detectives will be returning to the school in December to talk to our grade 5-8 students on Internet and Social Media Safety.

December brought an opportunity for our middle school students to socialize and hang out. Middle School Game Night allowed our students to enjoy games such as life sized Jenga, interactive games on the Wii and Connect 4 to name a few, with plenty of refreshments to go around. We concluded the night with an EPIC game of Musical Chairs! The classic game brought smiles and laughter to all who participated.

The PTA has decided to bring its very popular SaveAround fundraiser back to the Menands community. This coupon booklet is filled with great deals and is currently on sale from December 6th to the 20th. Please don't miss out on these tremendous savings.

We have lots of fun activities scheduled for next year. Please remember to mark your calendar.

Event Date TimeFamily Fun Night February 9 6 p.m.PTA Meeting February 27 6:30 p.m.Cultural Festival March 2 6 p.m.Literacy Night April 24 6 p.m.Themed Dinner April 19 6 p.m.Yard Sale May 5 TBDPTA Meeting and Ice-Cream Social June 5 6:30 p.m.Staff Appreciation June 19 TBD

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PTA NEWS DECEMBER 2017 cont’d…

The PTA would like to thank all of our parent and faculty volunteers for all of their help. Our events would not be possible without the help of our volunteers. Thank You!!

Visit our website https://www.menandsschoolpta.com and follow our Facebook page to stay informed. 

We look forward to seeing you at the next event!

2017-2018 PTA Board Members: Marcia Goddard, President Vanessa Mercado, Vice President Necole Chambers, Treasurer Jennifer Pearsall, Secretary

Email: menandsschoolpta@gmail.com

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CALENDAR

January 2018 Events

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

1 New Year’s Day

No School

2 A

Classes Resume

3 B 4 C 5 D

8 E

BOE Mtg. 6:30pm

9 F 10 AGr. 8 High School Fair

-Students 1:30pm-Parents & Students

5:30-6:30pm

11 B 12 C

15NO SCHOOLMLK Jr. Day

16 D 17 E 18 FWinter Concert

6:30pm

19 A

22 B

NWEA Testing

23 C 24 D 25 EPTA Literacy Night 6-7pm

26 FGr. 6-8 Marking Period Ends

29 A

NWEA Testing

30 B 31 CGr. 6-8 Report Cards Mailed

February Events

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 1 D 2 E

5 F 6 A 7 B 8 C 9 DPTA Family Fun

Night-6pm

12 E BOE Mtg. – 6:30pm

13 FCitizen/Scholar/

Honor Roll Assembly 1:35pm

14 A 15 B 16 C3rd Annual

Yusef Westerman Talent Show

19President’s Day

20 21 22 23

26 27

PTA Mtg. – 6:30pm

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Winter Recess- NO SCHOOL

Your Feedback Can Help: Changes Ahead for the Menands School Web Page

A commitment to fostering communication is among the goals adopted by the Board of education for the 2017 -18 School Year. One goal, in particular, is as follows:

Explore ways to enhance communications with constituent groups that will result in enhanced accessibility to, and sharing of information.

Our teachers and staff members have already begun to upgrade their web pages using the options available through Google. It is expected all teacher web pages will be updated by month’s end. As a district we are looking to make improvements to our existing web presence, and exploring the possibilities to utilize social media as a communication tool.

We need your help!

You can help shape the future of the Menands School District website by competing a brief survey by January 10th. Finding out what you find useful on the existing site and what you think can be improved upon is critical as we embark on this redesign.

The survey is accessible at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DNXQWND A link to the survey has been placed on our current web page: www.menands.org for easy “one click” access.

After the close of the survey, our district Technology Committee will work with media specialists from the Capital Region Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) on this redesign. At present our Technology Committee is comprised of faculty and staff, though we would welcome a parent member. The committee typically meets 4 to 6 times throughout the year, after school at 3:00. If technology is an area of expertise and/or interest and you would like to be considered as a member, please contact Dr. Maureen A. Long, Superintendent of Schools via email: mlong@menands.org.

MENANDS SCHOOL 20

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