8.29.12

This past school year continued the tradition of rich and meaningful experiences for the students and staff at Village Elementary.  As we look forward to the new school year, I am encouraged by the opportunities that exist for all of you as well as for our students.  I am grateful that we have a strong staff who welcomes our newest members, some being new faces and others returning from experiences away from school

The months of June, July and August brought a great deal of enthusiasm and excitement as we interviewed for several new staff positions at Village. It is so exciting to meet and talk with candidates as they share their ideas and beliefs for students and teaching. I learn so much from them. 

Please join me in welcoming the following people to Village Elementary:

           

Gail Palmer, Principal’s Secretary

Kim Giacolone, Health Aide

Casey VanEpps, Fifth Grade General Education ICT

Joseph Kuhn, Third Grade General Education

Lora Bower, LTS for Cindy DiGiacco, K

Stacey Gringer, LTS for Holly Schoos, 4^th

           

We move into the 2012-2013 school year with positive supports and opportunities in place for our students to assist them in striving for excellence in their lives as we maximize the potential for every child.  We will continue our efforts to further provide differentiated opportunities for all students as well as furthering the use of technology as a tool for student growth and success. 

Todd, Will, Grace, Caroline and I are eagerly looking forward to another great school year.  Will and Gracie will be at Village again this year in sixth and fourth grade.  Caroline is entering full day pre-k at TLC in North Greece.  I am excited about returning to the routine of school including regular time for reading, family game nights and fall sporting events.  Todd and I feel very grateful for the opportunities provided to the children of the Hilton Central school District as well as within the surrounding town recreation opportunities.  It is rare to find a small community with such grand opportunities for all ages and interests. 

It has been a summer of reading, movies and local attractions for my family.  From Hilton-Parma Recreation’s summer program and filed trips, to the summer camp offered through TLC, my children have been to Seabreeze, Minnehans, Hamlin Beach, Seneca Park Zoo, Rochester Museum and Science Center, Strong Museum, spray parks, the town park and of course, many trips to Abbott’s.  As a family, we have frequented Durand Eastman Beach, the different piers, a variety of hamburger stands along Lake Ontario and one of our favorite ice cream stands, Partyka’s on County Line Road. 

My reading list included a few books of poetry, Half Broke Horses by Jeanette Walls, and a few summer themed novels with the settings of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.  My children have reread some old favorites while also exploring some historical fiction and poetry as well.  ZooBooks, National Geographic, Highlights and High Five have been favorites among the girls, while Will spends time exploring Lacrosse magazines and articles at every chance he has. 

This year, we are very excited to embark on many new technology opportunities.  Every classroom is outfitted with a SMART Board.  Village VEPTO funded the final SMART boards which made our entire school SMART enabled.  We have also replaced and allocated many technology resources to the students and classrooms in an effort to continually provide opportunities for all students to engage in twenty-first century learning and skill opportunities.

I believe we are in great shape for an excellent school year.  Please join me in welcoming our newest staff members on opening day, lending a hand and offering support.  I know they will feel part of the Village family instantly.