John Paulding 2009-2010 School News

Click here for John Paulding memos

The Tar Beach Project at John Paulding School: Beautiful Mixed-Media Artwork by First Graders

In honor of Black History Month, first grade students at John Paulding interpreted Faith Ringgold’s acclaimed quilt and children’s book Tar Beach.   After a read-aloud, students discussed its message of hope and the power of the human imagination, then took time to reflect on the book’s beautiful illustrations.  As students created their own interpretations in pencil and watercolor wash, they practiced telling a story in a picture.  An exhibit of this work can be seen at John Paulding School on the first floor and in a special exhibition at the Warner Library (children’s room) beginning Feb. 1^st. 

“Cassie Louise Lightfoot, eight years old in 1939, has a dream: to be free to go wherever she wants for the rest of her life. One night, up on "tar beach" --the rooftop of her family's Harlem apartment building--her dream comes true. The stars lift her up, and she flies over the city. As Cassie learns, anyone can fly. ‘All you need is somewhere to go you can't get to any other way. The next thing you know, you're flying above the stars.’     This magical story resonates with a universal wish. Originally written by Faith Ringgold for her story quilt of the same name, Tar Beach is a seamless weaving of fiction, autobiography, and African-American history and literature”. (Cover excerpt, Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold, Crown Publishers, New York 1991.) Click here to see the John Paulding Art Gallery (Posted 1/23/10)

Winter Concert

A Chinese proverb states: “Keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps a singing bird will come.” During the winter concert at John Paulding, the voices of over 200 children flocked to the hearts of a happy and appreciative audience. Under the direction of music teacher, Ms. Joy Giuseffi, first grade children sang a variety of music they have learned since starting first grade in September. Cherished children’s storybooks, like Brown Bear, Brown Bear by Eric Carle, were turned into sweet melodies. Imagine small children knowing the entire text of a children’s book by memory! Music makes learning child’s play. Holiday magic filled the air as children voices sang of the coming Christmas and Hanukkah holidays. Members of the audience were delighted to hear the students cheerfully singing songs in English and Spanish. The final magic touch of the concert was viewing the beautiful snowflakes decorating the auditorium made by the children in Ms. Susan Barrett’s art classes.  Happy Holidays and New Year from the staff and children of John Paulding! (Posted 12/7/09)

First Graders Say Thanks!

The first graders in Mrs. Chulla & Mrs. Ferrari’s classes at John Paulding recently said “Thank you” to some of our nation’s soldiers.  As a Veteran’s Day project the students created cards to thank the servicemen stationed at FT Lewis, WA.  A first grade student’s aunt who is a nurse at Madigan Army Medical Center distributed the cards to the soldiers. The soldiers, some of whom have recently returned from Iraq, were thrilled with their first grade creations.  In turn the first graders learned some valuable lessons including thinking about others, saying thank you to those who sacrifice their lives for us and developing pride in our country.  They are looking forward to creating more cards for servicemen in the future!  (Posted 11/30/09)

Nineteenth Annual Rose Ceremony

The first part of the nineteenth annual Rose Ceremony was held Thursday, September 24, 2009 in the Sleepy Hollow High School auditorium.  Mrs. Conklin began the ceremony by stating what a very special class this year’s graduating seniors are and warmly welcomed the first grade students of John Paulding to the district as the future graduating class of 2021. 

The welcome by the senior class of 2010 continued as the Sleepy Hollow High School chorus, under the direction of Ms. Persad, sang an inspirational gift of song to the first graders.  The song, titled “Child of Tomorrow,” delivered the beautiful message to follow your dreams in this world that awaits you to both the classes of 2010 and 2021. 

Senior Class President, Joseph Scarpati, then eloquently spoke of the many cherished memories he had as a student in the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns.  He even fondly remembered his own Rose Ceremony as a first grade student and was now proud to be  “passing the torch” to the next generation.  His message to the future class of 2021 was to, “keep having fun in school and study hard.”

Mrs. Mercado-Belvin then thanked the seniors for their beautiful gift of song.  She shared with them that this year would be, “one of the most memorable years of their lives” and “to enjoy their journey ahead.” 

The ceremony concluded with the part everyone was waiting for- the Presentation of the Gifts!  Each first grade student was called, by name, to the stage and received a rose from a graduating senior.  The first graders also received a “Class of 2021” tee-shirt.  The culmination of this ceremony occurs in June when the first graders have the honor of passing a rose to the graduating seniors to bring full circle their experience in the district. (Posted 9/28/09)

High Five: John Paulding Pride

Our district’s first graders, at the John Paulding School, have started the school year with a new Character Education program called “High Five.”  The program will focus on five values throughout the year in conjunction with core elements presented in “Second Step,”  Cooperation and Teamwork will kick off the year.  The children will learn about being part of a team as they establish their new classroom community.  They will learn how to put competition aside, recognize strengths in their classmates as well as allow and invite others to contribute to their talents and skills.  As an introduction, all the children in the school have heard the book, Swimmy by Leo Lionni.  The students have discussed how the fish worked as a team and how they, too, can do this in their classrooms.  Throughout the year the children will learn about four other values: Responsibility, Respect, Empathy and Honesty.  The children will be recognized for applying what they learn throughout the year with personalized awards from their teachers.  Give a High 5 to the students at John Paulding School! (Posted 9/17/09)

            Jump Rope for Heart
February Calendar
Beauty and the Beast Letter
January Calendar
Reminder - Holiday Recess
December Calendar
Book Fair Flyer
Book Fair Kickoff Celebrations
Winter Concert
Reminder - Staff Development Thanksgiving Day Closing
Photo Retake Day
Thanksgiving Feast Turkey Appeal
JPS Thanksgiving Celebration 2009
Important Dates Reminder
November Calendar
Universal Spanish
High Five John Paulding Pride
Upcoming Events Reminder 10/15
Dual Language Breakfast
Photo Day
Literacy Night
Parent-Teacher Conference Date Change
Reminder Staff Development and Columbus Day
John Paulding Monthly Calendar

Visit Our News Archive