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Washington Irving 2008-2009 News


Supply Lists for 2009-2010

4th Grade
5th Grade


Washington Irving Challenge Fair

On Wednesday June 17, Washington Irving had its annual Challenge Fair.  This is a day and evening event in which Challenge students from 4th, 5th and 6th grades who participated in an Independent Study Project present their projects to classmates, faculty, and friends.

During this 8-week course of study, students selected topics from their own interests to research and present. The setup of this project is designed to emphasize the process of self-directed study, not just the final results.  Each week, specific skills such as researching, goal setting, note taking, selecting and designing products, and presenting were reviewed as a class and applied to the students’ individual projects.  Finally and most importantly, students were charged with becoming “experts” in their topic area, ready to provide an extensive amount of information in a relatively short amount of time.

An enjoyable time was had by all as we celebrated the efforts and accomplishments of a remarkable group of children. (Posted 6/21/09)


No Junk Food Contest

On Tuesday June 16, 2009 the winners of the No Junk Food Contest enjoyed a healthy pizza party. Mrs. Nardullo's 4th grade class were this years winner with 57 "carrots" (AKA points). We thank Amy's Organic Kitchen for the generous donation of the pizza and the EPTA for their continued support in making No Junk Food Week a success. (Posted 6/18/09)


Washington Irving  Math Olympiad Awards Ceremony

Tuesday night Washington Irving had their Math Olympiad Awards Ceremony hosted by Ms. Weaver.  The anxious fourth, fifth and sixth graders and their parents entered and were surrounded by the sound of math music.   They had an hour to move about and try out some activities the 6th grade advanced students designed, organized and ran.  The students dreamt up some exciting activities including Foul Shot (percentages), Paper Airplane Toss (measurement), Shape Twister (geometry), Board Games, Pig Golf (probability), Card Tossing (measurement) and Doughnut Denominators (fractions).  After parents and students had their fill of snacks and activities they made our way up to the auditorium for the awards ceremony.  4th grade did extremely well this year and we had a three way tie for 1st place.  The highest score in the entire school went to a 5th grader!  In 6th grade a long standing rivalry between two students was put to an end from a student no one saw coming. 

Congratulations to all 240 students that participated this year! 

A special thank you to the parents who took the time to bring your child/children and appreciate the joys of mathematics together. (Posted 6/14/09)


Congratulations to the WI Flag Rugby Team

The WI Flag Rugby Team that made it all the way to the finals of the 2nd annual Mayor’s Cup that took place at Columbia University on Saturday, June 6th.  Representing Ireland, the squad played a total of six games throughout the day. They played South Africa in the last game and were the runners up after an exciting final match.  Well done to all students.  Thank you very much to Dr. Greene, Dr. Tantillo, and Dr. Smith for their continued support of this program.  (Posted 6/10/09)


No Junk Food Week

This year Washington Irving Intermediate School will be having their annual NO JUNK FOOD WEEK from May 26- may 29th. The program's objective is to help children gain knowledge and skills needed to establish healthy eating habits.

Do you know the facts?

Obesity is at epidemic proportions in the United States. Today 61% of adults are over weight or obese, and 15% of children are overweight. For children, the percentage  has doubled since the 1980s. For adolescents, the percentage has tripled!

Overweight and obesity are associated with a number of health risks, including but no limited to heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, stroke, and orthopedic complications!

Poor eating habits are often established during childhood. More than 60% of young people eat too much fat, and less than 20% eat the recommended five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day!

This year each class will have a chance to earn carrots (also known as points). The class with the most carrots will earn a pizza party sponsored by Amy's Organic Foods! 

 We are grateful for a generous contribution from the EPTA, and donations from Sensible Foods, Raw Revolution, Enjoy Life Foods, and AMY's  for this fun event

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If you have any questions please contact Nurse Checchi at 631-2122. (Posted 5/22/09)


Quack Co.

At WI a new company has emerged called Quack Co.  Ms. Weaver’s advanced math class’ recent project was to develop a business as a class.  They discussed the different types of business and also thought about what special skills they had to offer that other people may want.  They had many ideas such as lemonade at recess, tutoring after school, and developing a school store.  One student was examining a duct tape wallet he had made at home and the class decided that they would manufacture and sell duct tape products.  

Unfortunately, the class soon realized there is much more to a business than just producing and selling.   Creating their own small business started with a good idea but students soon realized that had to get organized. They needed to agree on price, promotion and a sales plan. Quack Co developed four divisions, Production, Finance, Advertising, and Management. 

The finance department realized the idea was to make a profit.  They did some comparison shopping and found the store with the most duct tape at the lowest price and which was made in the U.S.A.  The store had a huge selection of colors to choose from.  The production team decided to conduct a survey of student’s color preferences.  The advertising team developed an advertising plan and created a corporate logo.  The Management team drafted a letter to staff to explain their new project.

The entire class undertook the task of setting a price for each item.  They had to figure out how much duct tape was needed to produce one wallet, how many wallets they could get out of the roll of tape, how much it cost to produce one wallet.  They determined a reasonable price for their product that their target market would pay. 

Quack Co. realized it wouldn’t be right to just keep the money and throw themselves a party  so the class discussed charitable donations.  Every student was given the option to give a short presentation of a charity they felt passionately about.  Many charities were presented (Socks for Soldiers, ASPCA, Guided Eyes, Salvation Army…).  The class voted and Feed the Children prevailed. 

So far Quack Co. has earned $135.45 for their charity and is not out of duct tape yet!  

Their advice to anyone starting their own business…

“Be prepared to learn as you go and make adjustments to your plan.  Running a small business requires perseverance, belief in your self and your team, and stay organized.” (Posted 4/28/09)


Green Snack Competition at Washington Irving

In honor of earth day, W.I.'s green committee is hosting a "green snacks" competition.  Starting Monday, April 20th students will earn points for the snacks they bring in each day.  If they bring in a fruit or a vegetable they can earn one point.  If they bring in a green colored fruit or vegetable they can earn one point.  If their fruit or vegetable is packed in a reusable or recyclable container (like tupperware) they can earn one point.  Each day, students can earn a total of 3 points.  On Friday, April 24th we will tally the points that each class earned.  The class with the most points from 4th, 5th and 6th grades will win a "green" prize for every student in the class.  We will post the winners on Friday afternoon.  So be ready to think and eat green! (Posted 4/19/09)


Washington Irving Spring Concert
 on Thursday, April 23rd at 7:00 pm
in Washington Irving School’s Auditorium

Performing students should report to the Music Floor by 6:30 pm
Students who attend this concert must be accompanied by a parent/guardian  
Click here for the Spring Concert Program

(Posted 4/2/09)


Reading Buddies

Washington Irving (WI) and John Paulding (JP) teamed up for the second annual reading buddy partnership. In preparation for the event WI students looked through a large selection of picture books that were hand selected from WI’s library. Once they chose the books, the students practiced reading with proper phrasing and expression. The students even created questions for their first grade buddies about the story.

On Wednesday, March 25th, Washington Irving students visited John Paulding where they read aloud their picture books to first grade buddies.  WI students received a warm welcome from their former principal and teachers as they entered John Paulding.  Once book buddy partners were selected, the children sat and enjoyed the books and illustrations together.  Conversations buzzed around the classrooms and children were heard talking about the books.  WI students left their new first grade friends with an illustration of the book to keep as a memory of their day together.  The WI students were presented with bookmarks and certificates in recognition of their contributions to the students of the John Paulding School.

John Paulding first graders have been invited to WI later this Spring to continue the partnership they made.  (Posted 3/30/09)


Colonial Day at Washington Irving School

On March 12, 2009, the sounds of a fife and drum filled the fourth grade hallway of Washington Irving School. Students strolled down the "village street" where each classroom was transformed into a colonial shop. The walls were decorated with scenes from colonial times painted by resident artist, Maureen Considine. Governor Greene, resplendent in his colonial attire, walked proudly through the colonial village surveying his land.


Children pounded nails into metal flashing to create beautiful tin masterpieces, while the scent of homemade pomanders permeated Mrs. Nardullo’s room. Across the hall, children couldn't help but follow the smells into Mr. White's room to bake colonial pretzels. Mrs. Oliva’s room was filled with painters busily preparing their wooden chests for decoupage.


Thanks to Mrs. Lynda Fassa of Green Babies, Inc., Mrs. Huntington’s room was turned into a doll shop where students fashioned rag dolls from organic cotton cloth. Mrs. Medina taught the students to make corn husk dolls.  In the office, Mrs. Venturini and Mrs. Trigo were supervising the print shop while Mrs. Conjura was watching over naughty colonial children in the pillory.

           
In the art room, Mrs. Gonzalez, Ms. Goldberg, and Ms. Rivera aided students in making mob caps and tricorne hats in order to complete their colonial attire.


In Mr. Duschenchuk’s room, students ate Jack wax, a treat made with crushed ice (snow) and topped with real maple syrup. Students also learned how to sew squares together to make quilts. With the hornbook they crafted, the students were able to practice their alphabet using a real quill and homemade ink in Mrs. Bentley's room.  If that wasn't enough, just a short stroll down the block found children stenciling note cards with Mrs. Sinni.


In Mrs. More’s room, Mr. Deleo was helping students create a portrait silhouette to decorate the halls of their Washington Irving colony.


Ms. O’Rourke instructed children in the art of making their very own bilbo catchers while parent volunteers were helping children braid old rags to fashion a rag rug. In the hallway, children were playing quoits.


In Mrs. Zerafa's room, children dipped a piece of wick in melted wax to create a candle to light their way. Mrs. Dalton, her trusted apprentice, was right by her side. With much help from Mrs. More and a little practice on their own, the children mastered the spinning of the whirligigs hand cut by Mrs. Trudy Dunbar.

           
The village bakery overflowed with an abundance of breads, cakes, cookies, and juice for everyone to enjoy. Students were able to spread freshly made butter over their cornbread or gingerbread. Colonists could stop at the nurse's office, which was turned into a colonial apothecary, to pick up some peppermint to settle their overstuffed tummies.

        
Washington Irving was fortunate enough to have Sara Mascia and Liz Laite from the Tarrytown Historical Society. They helped the students explore Tarrytown’s history during colonial times with authentic treasures. Thanks to the EPTA for their generous contribution to the Historical Society so that Ms. Mascia and Mrs. Laite could join us.

At the end of the day, everyone gained an appreciation for the busy lives of the early colonists who settled in New York. Thanks to the many parents, teachers, teaching assistants and family members who made Colonial Day a fantastic experience for all!!  (Posted 3/12/09)


Tarrytown Y Theatre Presents Julius Caesar

Washington Irving School Auditorium
Wednesday March 18th 8:30 am & 7:00 pm Thursday March 19th at 9:00 am
Evening Performance Tickets $10 adults, $5 children 4th grade and up

(Posted 3/11/09)


 

 

 

Math Olympiads at WI

Last year 150,000 students worldwide participated in the Olympiads.  All 50 states and 25 other countries were represented.  At WI we invite all students to participate and intensify their study of Mathematics.  A total of 240 students chose to compete this year.  That is about 43% of our WI family!

There are 5 round and each round consists of 5 challenging questions that foster mathematical creativity and ingenuity, develop flexibility while problem solving and stimulate enthusiasm and the love of mathematics.

Here are a taste of the questions WI students voluntarily tackle each month.

SAMPLE #1

Abby lists four consecutive multiples of some number.  The average of the first two multiples is 28 and the average of the last two is 44.  What is the greatest multiple on Abby's list?

SAMPLE #2

Three identical cubical boxes form a stack.  It takes 350 sq cm of wrapping paper to completely wrap the whole stack with no overlap.  Suppose each cube is wrapped separately instead.  What is the least amount of additional paper that is needed, in in sq cm?

Contact Ms. Weaver at cweaver@tufsd.org or check out moems.org for more details regarding this worldwide competition.  (Posted 3/3/09)


Sumi-e

Last month room 110 studied the picture books, Zen Shorts and Zen Ties, written by Jon J Muth. His beautiful stories reflect his interest in Japanese paintings and culture. After completing the books, Ms. Maureen Considine instructed the class in sumi-e. Sumi-e means black-ink pictures. It is an art form using black ink where the picture painted conveys the essence of nature. The students learned how to paint the bamboo tree using “one-brush” sumi-e.

To accompany the pictures, the students wrote poetry made popular in Japan. Haiku consists of 17 syllables arranged in three lines of 5-7-5. It most often refers to a season of the year.  (Posted 3/1/09)
 

Outside in the snow
throwing snowballs at my friends
      having a fun time!           
Johnathan

Winter fun is snow
skating on the ice outdoors
winter has Christmas       
Starlene

 Beautiful winter
today in my town right now
skating on the lake         
Gavin

Hearing birds and bugs
chirping and stinging people
raining in the spring           
Jailene

Summer, beautiful
sun shining on my flowers
all come out to play        
Enrique

Ice skating is fun
Christmas is my favorite
snowballs thrown at friends      
Regina

Summer is the best
season!  People come out at
night for the full moon.       
Wade

So we stay indoors
sometimes in the winter, but
I love throwing snow!       
Jennifer


Leaves change in the fall.
Breezes blow the leaves around
I love the cool air.       
Donna


Inauguration

The students and staff of Washington Irving School gathered together in the newly renovated auditorium to witness the inauguration of President Obama and to inaugurate the auditorium.   The students actively participated during the inauguration by taking the cues from what they saw and heard in the big screen they were viewing. (Posted 1/20/09)


Landscape Paintings

Sixth graders in Miss Gallo's art classes have been hard at work creating landscape paintings.  We started the lesson looking at different landscapes and pointing out ways the artist used perspective.  Perspective is a technique that artists use to create the illusion of three-dimensional space on a flat surface like paper.  This creates a sense of depth and makes your drawing look more like real life. 

Here are some of the perspective techniques we used to create our preliminary drawings.  First, when you want something to look far away, you can draw it smaller, and when you want something to appear closer, you draw it bigger.  Second, overlapping helps to give the illusion that one thing is in front or behind another.  Third, placement of your objects higher on the paper will make them look far away, and objects that are closer to the bottom will look close up.  As students were drawing they carefully placed trees and other objects using these techniques. 

Students used pictures of the Washington Irving campus as inspiration, while others used pictures of various landscapes.  We used acrylics paints to add color focusing on how to mix different values of a color.  We also learned that color could appear to fade as it moves into the background. (Posted 12/7/08)


 

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