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W. L. Morse 2007-2009 News Archive

Dear Families,

I hope this finds you well and enjoying the summer. As much as we enjoy the quiet and reflection that summer allows, we are most excited to welcome you and your children to Morse for the 2009-2010 school year. We had a very busy spring and have been hard at work this summer, enhancing both the building and the program. We are quite enthusiastic about our ongoing efforts to work together with you to develop children who are: curious, critical thinkers; lifelong learners; competent readers, mathematicians, scientists and citizens; as well as respectful, responsible and empathic people who believe that they are valued members of their community.

This year, we look forward to launching a comprehensive student values and character education program. We designed the program based on best practices that are aimed at cultivating a thriving learning community, enhancing student self esteem and diminishing bullying behavior. Our program incorporates aspects of our existing Second Step curriculum, includes components from the research-based Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) approach, and actively teaches core community values. Please see the "Morse Code" statement in the Parent/Student Handbook to read more about the four values on which we will focus in this program.

Students will learn about these values through school-wide assemblies and activities as well as during weekly classroom meetings. We will reinforce these values throughout their school day, as students will receive positive feedback when they are caught doing the right thing. Please look forward to monthly letters and calendars that will help you understand what students are learning as well as what you and your child(ren) can do at home to further this important work.

Many schools have experienced significant changes in their schedule this year due to changes in transportation. Although Morse was largely unaffected, please make special note of the following:

  • Students may begin arriving at 8:15am and should arrive by 8:30am. Please do not leave children unattended before 8:15am (when supervisors arrive).
  • Students are considered tardy and will start to miss important instruction if they arrive after 8:40am.
  • Dismissal is completed by 3:15pm each day. If you pick up your child, please arrive by 3 p.m. to ensure timely dismissal.

Regular attendance in school has been linked to higher achievement, stronger bonds to school and community, lower rates of delinquent and high risk behavior, and increased participation in higher education. Attendance habits are formed early and we want to make sure that our students learn good habits now, so we will also focus on encouraging students to come to school on time this year.

We are also pleased to welcome several new staff members to Morse. Although new to our school, their talents and contributions are not new to the district. Michelle Marx and Alia Yeater will join us after having great success teaching at Tappan Hill. Ms. Marx will join the second grade team and Ms. Yeater will teach a multi-grade class as part of our special education team. We welcome Judith Kass and Noehly Ochoa, who contributed a great deal as teaching assistants at the High School and John Paulding, respectively. Michelle DeVivo welcomed a baby girl into her family and will be on leave through the fall. Fortunately, Tatiana Godinho, who had great success as a full-year leave replacement at Washington Irving last year, will teach Mrs. DeVivo’s class.

We have many exciting events on the Morse Calendar this year. You can find the events on our online calendar, on the district printed calendar you will receive on the first day of school or in the monthly calendars you will receive from Morse. Please also look for a monthly newsletter that will arrive in the last week of each month during the school year.

We hope to see all of you at our Back to School Night on Wednesday, September 23rd. On that night, I will give a brief overview of the Morse program, share more about our building goals and speak to ways that we welcome parents to become more involved at Morse. You will also have the chance to visit classrooms and hear form your child’s classroom teacher(s). As you will read in the Handbook, the first parent-teacher conferences will be held on Thursday and Friday, November 11th and 12th at the close of the first marking period. Should you feel the need, you will certainly be able to contact your child’s teacher in advance of that meeting, but please look forward to the conference as a chance to learn about how your child(ren) has made the transition to a new grade and how he or she is developing academically and socially.

Please know that you can contact me by email or phone at any point if you have questions, comments or concerns. Enjoy the last few weeks of the summer and have a safe, restful Labor Day. We look forward to working with all of you!

Yours,

Mrs. Meghan Fitzgerald

Principal


Myths and Legends Came to Life at Morse

Myths and Legends from China, Brazil, and the United States came to life at Morse on June 3rd.  For the past 12 weeks, Peter Royston has been working with our 3rd grade classes to transform Myths and Legends into their own, original mini-theater productions.  Throughout these weeks, our 3rd graders have integrated the Social Studies curriculum with the study of theater dynamics.  Peter Royston’s Theater Residency at Morse offers our students a valuable learning experience as they explore the art of adapting voices, actions, choreography, and songs to, ultimately, bring their stories to an audience filled with family and friends. Mr. Royston’s work with children allows them to gain a different perspective about the art of teamwork and collaboration outside the classroom. Special thanks to Sue Barrett for her work with the Art Club in designing our striking stage backdrop. Also, special thanks to Mrs. Joy Giuseffi for selecting a variety of contemporary music that allowed our children to enhance their stories with song. This project was made possible through funding provided by the District Elementary Arts program, which is jointly funded by the School District, the EPTA and the Foundation for the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns.  (Posted 6/8/09 )


Lunchtime Literature Circles are a Success at Morse

Our first round of lunchtime literature circles just came to a close at Morse. Seven parents dedicated one day each week to facilitating literature circles with second and third grade students during lunch and recess.  Each group met to discuss a different book or series of books, ranging from books about Harry Houdini to a study of Love that Dog, a book about releasing the poet within.  Students all enjoyed and looked forward to the literature circles, even though they met during recess.  One girl reported, "I look forward to literature circle day the most!" The parent facilitators report that they enjoyed the types of discussions they were able to have and found it, "a great way to interact with kids and be a part of school."  The staff at Morse is quite grateful for our parent volunteers and the Foundation's support, both of which made this possible.  We look forward to continuing to offer literature circles next school year!  (Posted 5/14/09 )


Challenge Fair at Morse

On Tuesday evening, May 12th, WL Morse had its annual Challenge Fair.  This is an event in which Third Grade Social Studies Enrichment Students present the results of their Independent Study Projects.  These three month research and problem solving projects were in response to the question “What price do we pay for progress?”  After spending time learning research skills from other, shorter lived projects, the students were exposed to historical and present-time events that demonstrate both sides of that issue.  Some of the topics chosen for independent study were: “How the deforestation of the Amazon Basin affects the native peoples living in the area”; “Causes, effects and possible solutions to the Great American Dustbowl”; “The Interstate Highway System and its benefits and problems”; “How the introduction of American fast foods has led to obesity and related problems in China” and “Indian Point, Friend or Foe” among many others.  Students presented their work to parents, relatives, friends and the school community with great success.  We celebrated their hard work, curiosity and determination as well as the incredible help and cooperation from parents and teachers.  Great job everyone! (Posted 5/14/09 )


“Poem in Your Pocket Day”

April is National Poetry Month.  During this month, students throughout the country study and celebrate poetry.  Students at W.L. Morse have been studying poetry all month and will join in the national celebration by participating in “Poem in Your Pocket Day” on  Thursday, April 30th, 2009.

To celebrate the imagination and creativity of poetry, students of all ages are asked to carry a poem in their pockets to share with friends, classmates, teachers, family and friends. Students will be given opportunities to read their favorite poems throughout the day.  Join us in celebrating this Thursday!  Keep a poem in your pocket to share with someone!

KEEP A POEM IN YOUR POCKET
Keep a poem in your pocket
And a picture in your head
And you’ll never feel lonely
At night when you’re in bed.
The little poem will sing to you.
The little picture it brings to you
A dozen dreams to dance to you
At night when you’re in bed.
SO...
Keep a picture in your pocket
And a poem in your head
And you’ll never feel lonely
At night when you’re in bed.

Beatrice Schenkde Regniers

(Posted 4/27/09 )


Africa: Customs, History, Music, and Legend at Morse School

On April 1st Morse students enjoyed a performance of “Journey to Africa” presented by the Ishangi Family Dancers.  This event was generously funded by the BOCES Arts-in-Education Program.  Morse School has been lucky enough to enjoy visits from the Ishangis for 7 years, supporting the integration of African art and culture into the art curriculum.  Second grade artists have recently completed beautiful illustrations of an African folktale using concepts from textile design.  Third graders decorated masks.  Examples of both projects can be seen in the Morse Museum. 

The Ishangi Family Dancers were founded in 1958 and have performed all over the world including twice at the United Nations.  Their presentation is a wonderful blend of music, dance, and narration. In the course of the concert, students learned about authentic African customs, history, musical instruments, masquerades, and legends. The objectives of the program are to introduce students to the culture, dance, music, and history of West Africa. The program is entertaining and educational, incorporating everyday activities such as how clothing is washed by hand by beating the cloth on rocks. All dance and musical presentations were thoroughly explained.  What a wonderful culmination to our study in the Morse Art Studio!  (Posted 4/1/09 )


African Art Celebrated at Morse School

Second grade artists combined African textile designs with a traditional African folktale, “The Hatseller and the Monkeys.”  The border around the illustration was created by combining Kente textile designs from West Africa with our own carefully designed patterns.  The paintings on the inside of the project were created after we read the African folktale, “The Hatseller and the Monkeys.”  When we created these illustrations, we experimented with a technique using the idea of batik (a method of dyeing textiles).  Drawings were traced on top of a special wax paper leaving a secret wax version of our drawings on the bottom sheet of paper.  Then we painted with watercolors.  The wax kept the paper white where we traced.  We used mixed media—pastels and markers—to finish decorating the details on our pictures.  Third graders each created masks.

Examples of this art work are on display on the first floor at Morse school.  A travelling exhibition will be on view at the Warner Library beginning in early April. The Ishangi Family Dancers will be performing on April 1st for the entire school in celebration of our study of African art forms. (Posted 3/28/09 )


Second Graders Celebrate their Non Fiction Work

For several weeks, our second grade students have been learning to be better readers and writers of non-fiction.  We are very proud of all that they have accomplished!  In reader’s workshop, students learned more about how good readers read non-fiction to learn more about the world.  They also learned to use the features of non fiction to understand information, and take notes, recording what they learn and new questions for further investigation.  In writer’s workshop, they learned about what a good writer must do to help teach his or her reader about a topic.  Each student selected a subject to research and write about, from states and countries to mammals and non mammals.  Once they gathered their research, they worked on writing sentences and paragraphs and designing an informational poster on which to publish important information about their topic.  On Wednesday morning family and friends joined us in classrooms for a breakfast to celebrate these remarkable accomplishments and all that our students have learned during this unit.  For family and friends who could not attend, we welcome you to come and visit the posters.  They will remain up through parent conferences for all to see. Click here to see a sample of the students projects. (Posted 3/19/09 )


Morse Students Celebrate “Music in Our Schools Month”

March has been officially designated as “Music in Our Schools Month”, (MIOSM®), the time of year when music education becomes the focus of schools across the nation.  The purpose of MIOSM is to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children – and to remind citizens that school is where all children should have access to music.

There are a lot of special things happening at Morse this month to celebrate. Take a look at the March lunch menu for instance!   Classroom teachers worked with their students to brainstorm and come up with fun musical names for everyday lunch items.   We are listening to interesting musical facts and trivia during morning announcements.  Musicians from the Westchester Philharmonic will come and spend a day showing kids lots of different instruments. The second grade students will experience woodwind instruments, while third graders will see and hear instruments from the percussion family.   Both grades will attend a special MIOSM presentation on March 24 by the band and orchestra directors and students from Washington Irving School.(Posted 3/9/09 )


Morse Family Math Night was a Big Hit!

On Tuesday night, students, parents, siblings, aunts and uncles from more than 70 Morse families came to enjoy a variety of math games and activities.  Everyone played "Guess your Number" and a most exciting game of Greedy Pig at the end.  The cafeteria was packed and the energy in the room was exciting!  We all look forward to even more fun (and space!) next year.   Special congratulations to Gabriel Romero and Isaiah Burgess for making the closest estimate of the night!  Hannah Miller's mom, Virginia, was the adult to come the closest to estimate, so congratulations to her as well.  We are very thankful that so many families supported this event and continue to support mathematics!  To download a packet of fun math activities for home, click here. (Posted 2/13/09 )


Morse Teachers, Students and Parents Celebrated Healthy Heart Week!

In honor and celebration of Healthy Heart Month, Morse PE teachers welcomed Morse parents to come and participate in PE Class.  Students and parents (and even Mrs. Fitzgerald) competed in the Morse version of the Olympics, designed especially for Healthy Heart Week.  Teams worked together in and out of PE class to understand the importance of cardiovascular fitness and good sportsmanship.  Everyone who participated had a great time too!  Special thanks to Mr. Farrell and Mrs. Brennen for making this possible! (Posted 2/13/09 )


The Morse Third Grade Mask Tradition Goes On!

Every January, after studying masks from around the world, third grade students each design, decorate and title three-dimensional masks.   In our American culture, we use masks at Halloween.  Special protective masks are worn by athletes, doctors and soldiers.  In other parts of the world masks are used for many different reasons.  The third grade has studied some of these masks and created their own designs. The masks are will be on display on the first floor at Morse School through March. (Posted 2/10/09 )


Morse flyers and announcements are online

Morse families can now find all flyers, monthly newsletter and letters from the office posted on the Morse page of the district web site--just another (green) way to stay informed!   To visit the Morse page, go to http://www.tufsd.org/wlm/index.html or click on Winfield L. Morse on the top of the district web site. (Posted 2/10/09 )


Morse  FLIP:  Fun Lunch Indoor Program

For the next five weeks, the EPTA proudly presents Morse  FLIP:  Fun Lunch Indoor Program. On certain days during lunch, rain or shine, parent volunteers will lead special activities.

  • Wednesday:  Learn to Sew:  See a school wide project take shape!

  • Thursday: Play Bingo:  Have fun with kids from other classes!  

  • Friday: Learn Origami:  The colorful art of Japanese paper folding

On these days, one or two students from each class will be able to sign up for FLIP in the morning.   Students will rotate so as many children as possible will be able to participate.  At lunchtime, the students will bring their lunch (from home or purchased) to the activity & enjoy trying new projects & meeting new classmates.    Parents do not have to do anything; this is just an optional way to have winter fun!

Many thanks to the parents who are offering to lead these activities.   Please feel free to email Jennifer Povman at jpovman@optonline.net or call the school at 914-631-4144 if you would like to volunteer to help. (Posted 1/27/09 )


 

 

Winter Wonderland at Morse: A Celebration of Literacy

Students, staff, family members and friends thoroughly enjoyed Winter Wonderland, a day to celebrate literacy together at Morse.  The day started early for the SHHS Project YOU! students who set up a fantastic book sale for Morse students and families.  Teachers were thrilled to work with Project You to give every student at Morse a brand new book to take home!  Guests of all ages thoroughly enjoyed the assembly that featured the storytelling of Mr. Roscoe Orman, best known as “Gordon” on Sesame Street.  The crowd laughed along as he read one of his own books, Ricky and Mobo and one of our students’ favorites, Stone Soup They also had the chance to hear Mr. Orman speak about his work as Gordon on Sesame Street and how he became an author.  After the assembly, parents enjoyed a discussion about the value of listening to literature with Mr. Orman and the head of AudibleKids.com, the leading collection of children’s audiobooks online.  Parents at each grade level also met with Mrs. Fitzgerald, Mr. Lichtenwalner (ELA staff developer) and Mrs. Hickey (Challenge teacher) about how to help their students develop as readers and spellers.  Please visit the Morse page to download the materials that were handed out to parents.  In addition to these presentations, parents enjoyed the chance to spend time in their children’s classrooms, engaging in activities that celebrate reading and writing.  Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate with us and who helped to make Winter Wonderland so special! (Posted 1/25/09 )


Holiday Concerts Are a Big Success!

On December 4th, all students participated in our annual Holiday Concerts led by our music teacher, Joy Giuseffi. The second graders participated in a sing-along of some of our favorite songs of the season. We ended by filling the auditorium with ringing as each student rang a homemade jingle bell bracelet. The third graders saw elves, broke the piñata and celebrated the coming of snow days. We even had a visit from Mrs.Claus!  The concert ended with the entire student body singing America while each held up a flag for our country. For the first time, the third graders were able to repeat their concert in the evening so family and friends who aren't normally able to could attend. Thanks to all of you who came to these wonderful events! (Posted 12/9/08 )


From the Library…

The students at W.L. Morse School recently listened to the classic story of imagination, Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson. Inspired by Harold’s original adventure in which he explores the world outside his bedroom window, purple crayon in hand, many of the 2nd and 3rd graders went home and mimicked Harold themselves. What ensued could be considered Harold mania! The library bulletin board is an inspiring artistic tribute to our students’ rich imaginations and ability to make connections to literature.  Their original stories and images range from Harold underwater, Harold and the Headless Horseman, Harold and J.F.K, to Harold at the Taj Mahal.  For families who would like to explore with Harold, Crockett Johnson has written several additional titles, including Harold and the Purple Crayon Treasury: Five Adventures and Harold y el lapiz color morado (en español), many of which are available at the Warner Library. (Posted 12/8/08)


Clothing Sale Success!!!

W.L. Morse’s Second Semi-Annual “Gently Used Clothing Sale” was a wonderful success this past weekend.  Thanks to the dedicated help from the EPTA, staff and student volunteers, $1500 was earned to be put towards “Green” projects within the school.  Thank you to all who donated clothing to this worthwhile event.  Thanks also go to those who came to replenish their wardrobes.  Wonderful clothing was recycled and will be reused, allowing us to save the earth in our own way. (Posted 11/3/08)


Third Graders at Morse School Study Cubism

An exhibit of student work will be on view at the  Warner Library beginning November 7th

After comparing and contrasting realistic and abstract paintings in the art studio, third grade artists began the year by making Cubist-style paintings. Cubism was a school of painting popular in Europe during the early part of the last century.  Cubist painters used geometric shapes to create abstract paintings.  Unlike other styles, abstract art does not concern itself with creating photographic representations of the world.

Cubists used geometric forms in different ways.  Some Cubist painters wanted us to recognize “things” in their work but Robert Delaunay and his spouse Sonia believed that color and shape alone could create beautiful art.  They worked together for many years making paintings that looked like fragmented rainbows.  In the spirit of the Delaunays, the third grade used templates to create designs filled with overlapping shapes and then colored their work with tempera paint.

Along with our discussions of art history and shapes, students were able to develop their understanding of color theory.  While painting, each child had a color wheel at their side to consult as they mixed their custom colors.  Lively “color conversation” took place at all worktables.     (Posted 10/27/08)

 


Morse Celebrates Its Character!

New at Morse this year…At Morse, Character Counts! This new initiative embraces the pillars of character: citizenship, responsibility, honesty, trustworthiness, friendship, and perseverance. Students will participate in morning meetings which engage them in learning about these ideals and ways to actively demonstrate their understanding and personification of them. At the end of each week, classes will be recognized for the achievement of measurable goals. We are looking forward to recognizing our wonderful students this year! (Posted 9/14/08)


Earth Day

The students of Ms. Cristella's second grade class left a green footprint this Earth Day! The avid readers collectively read over 100 non-fiction books in an effort to save the rainforest.  In return, Scholastic Inc, in affiliation with the International Rainforest Alliance, sponsored 100 acres of the Choco Forest in Ecuador under Ms. Cristella's class name.  The Choco Forest is home to more than 9,000 species of endangered plants, animals, and amazing natural resources.  The class can now be found online under the Classrooms Care Green Hall of Fame.  The second grade students hope they inspire the greater community to do their part to make a difference and protect the sacred rainforest.  As one student so aptly pointed out, "EVERY day is Earth Day!" (Posted 5/7/08) 


Music Notes

As part of their ongoing study of orchestral instruments, all 2nd graders were treated to a special workshop on May 12th.  Musicians from the Westchester Philharmonic visited our school and demonstrated woodwind instruments.   Students were able to see “up close” and hear a flute, bassoon, clarinet, oboe, saxophone and recorder.   They learned about single reeds and double reeds and why a saxophone is really a woodwind instrument.  They learned that flutes are used all over the world and even heard ones from India and Ireland.   Seeing and experiencing these instruments “in person” is such a wonderful experience for the children.   They are looking forward to next year in 3rd Grade when they’ll study recorders with Mrs. Giuseffi!  (Posted 5/22/08)


Third Grade Artists at Morse School Studied Joan Miro

Joan Miro (1893-1983) was a Spanish painter and sculptor who produced vivid abstract works of art during much of the 1900s. His works often have very descriptive titles. Joan Miro's name is pronounced “hoän mro.“

We talked about Miro’s paintings as we looked at several reproductions of his work.  Then, like Miro, third grade artists used lines and shapes to make abstract pictures that are filled with shapes that remind us of people, creatures and objects.  We learned that a shape can look like more than one thing and that two people can interpret art differently and both have a valid point of view.

Students worked individually drawing and coloring Miro-style.  We used many of the skills we learned earlier this year when we made Cubist paintings.  Finally, we used the crayon-resist technique, coloring our shapes with primary colored crayons and then creating a background with watercolor and large wash brushes.  (see gallery) (Posted 4/28/08) 


3rd Graders Attend Westchester Philharmonic Concert

On April 15th, all 3rd graders were treated to a wonderful concert at Purchase College.  In preparation for the trip, they studied and listened to music by Beethoven, Handel and Haydn with Mrs. Giuseffi in music class.   Since this is Maestro Paul Dunkel’s final year at the Philharmonic, the theme of the education concert was “conducting”.    Students prepared with Mrs. Giuseffi by watching and participating with a demonstration DVD created just for this concert.    They also worked with a member of the Philharmonic who came to the school in March to demonstrate brass instruments and conducting styles.  The concert was generously funded by the BOCES Arts-in-Education Program.    Morse school has been fortunate to participate in the Philharmonic’s Education Concert for over 10 years. (Posted 4/28/08) 


Second Graders Celebrate African at Morse School

Second grade artists combined African textile designs with a traditional African folktale, “The Hatseller and the Monkeys.”  The border around the illustration was created by combining Kente textile designs from West Africa with our own carefully designed patterns.  The paintings on the inside of the project were created after we read the African folktale, “The Hatseller and the Monkeys.”  When we created these illustrations, we experimented with a technique using the idea of batik (a method of dyeing textiles).  Drawings were traced on top of a special wax paper leaving a secret wax version of our drawings on the bottom sheet of paper.  Then we painted with watercolors.  The wax kept the paper white where we traced.  We used mixed media—pastels and markers—to finish decorating the details on our pictures.

Examples of this art work will be on display at the Warner Library from March 5th until the end of April.  Students and faculty are looking forward to our visit from the Ishangi Family Dancers and their presentation, “A Journey to Africa,” on March 12th.  This performance will be a wonderful culmination to our study of African Art.  The art and culture of West Africa will come alive for students as they enjoy the Ishangi family’s program that is rich in stories, dance and music. (Posted 3/3/08) 


Our Memoirs

The students in Mrs. Bakala's class have worked very diligently to publish their memoirs.  From start to finish they were busy using the writing process in order to get to their final goal of publishing.  Thank you goes to The  Morse Publishing Center for making it possible to cover the books.  The next step was now to read from their published book and record their memoirs.  A special thank you goes to Liz Golden, our dedicated recording assistant, for helping the students record their work during our Writing Workshop sessions and to John Calvert, our Technology Specialist, who is always available to make projects like this one possible for all our students.   Enjoy reading  Memoirs from Mrs. Bakala's Class.  Click here to read our Memoirs.  (Posted 2/14/08)   


The Morse Third Grade Mask Tradition Goes On!

Every January, after studying masks from around the world, third grade students each cast, design, decorate and title three-dimensional masks. In our American culture, we use masks at Halloween.  Special protective masks are worn by athletes, doctors and soldiers.  In other parts of the world masks are used for many different reasons.  The third grade has studied some of these masks and created their own designs. Special attention was given to African masks in anticipation of an upcoming visit from the Ishangi Family Dancers from West Africa on March 12th.  The masks are currently on display on the first floor at Morse School. Click here to view the gallery of third grade masks.(Posted 1/31/08)


Community Poems

The 2nd grade students have been studying the characteristics of different communities in social studies. At the conclusion of the unit, the children individually created poems describing the community of their choice. They each worked through the writing process to complete this assignment. The students in Mrs. Richardson's class typed, illustrated and recorded their poems to share with the world. We hope you enjoy reading and listening to our work!  (Posted 1/10/08)


Morse Artists study the Art of the Middle Ages

Second grade artists learned that most people did not read and write in the Middle Ages and practiced telling stories with pictures. Each student created his or her own hand-colored story-telling picture.  Students were careful to include a setting and main characters in their work. We used the legendary tale of George and the Dragon as a theme for our work.  We even explored three-dimensional art in “Dragon Workshop” each student sculpted and painted a dragon figurine.dragon

Third graders learned that books were made and illustrated by hand and created their own “decorated letters.” First, students selected a letter.  Then, we began decorating the letter with imagery from the period.  Crowns, knights, dragons, castles and medieval flower designs were all used by Morse artists to decorate their work.  They then transferred the drawings onto black and gold metallic scratchboard and etched their beautiful designs in gold.

Also in keeping with the medieval theme…the third grade worked collectively to create simulated stained glass windows.  The designs are modeled after the rose windows of Notre Dame de Paris in France.  Students used a polymer paint which dries to a transparent finish. 

The work can be seen on display on the first floor of Morse School.  Please come take a look! The Middle Ages are between ancient and modern times. The Middle Ages began with the Fall of Rome (500) and ended with the Renaissance (1400). This period is associated with many beliefs and practices that now seem out of date, for example, the belief that the sun revolves around the Earth, and a host of popular superstitions. The early Middle Ages are sometimes called the Dark Ages.

The later middle Ages, however, saw many notable human achievements. Among these were the building of modern nations, such as England and France; expanded trade and the beginnings of the Age of Exploration, some remarkable works of literature and the building of magnificent churches.  The period saw major technological advances, including the invention of printing, gunpowder, spectacles, and greatly improved ships. (Posted 12/16/07)


Second Grade Community Field Trips

Police sirens blazed, the hook and ladder truck fired up its engine and Morse second graders watched on in wonder.    SH firetruck

There wasn’t any emergency.  All the fuss indicated it was time for the annual trip to the Sleepy Hollow Police and Fire Departments.  Second graders have been studying Community Service Workers in Social Studies.  Students were experts on the services the workers provide, their importance in our community, even how tax money helps to benefit the departments!

It was time to wrap up the unit by meeting our heroes- the firefighters and police officers! At the police department, Detective Checchi gave classes a behind the scenes look at the inner workings of the police department.  Students marveled at all of the computers in the communications room, they beamed as they got to handle handcuffs, police binoculars, and other important tools.  In the booking room, students imagined an arrest and saw the fingerprinting machine, scanners, and cameras.  Undoubtedly, the highlight of the tour was visiting the jail cells and evidence room! At the fire department students saw firsthand the many tools firefighters use to save lives.  We saw the forty year old Sleepy Hollow fireboat that has helped in many emergency situations throughout the years- from floods to rescues.  The hook and ladder truck saluted us by raising its ladder.  Students even got to witness the “Jaws of Life,” and gasped when they heard it could lift a car several feet off the ground!

A HUGE thanks to our community heroes, the Sleepy Hollow firefighters and police officers, who keep our community safe.  We salute you! (Posted 10/14/2007)


The Cubist Tradition at Morse School

Every September third graders begin their year in the art studio bycubism picture designing and executing Cubist paintings. The work will also be on display at the Warner Library Children’s Room beginning October 24th.

Cubism was an early-20th century school of painting and sculpture in which the subject matter is portrayed by geometric forms without realistic detail, stressing abstract form at the expense of other pictorial elements.  The Cubist style emphasized the flat, two-dimensional surface of the picture plane and rejected traditional techniques of perspective.  Cubist painters used geometric shapes to create abstract paintings.  Unlike other styles, abstract art does not concern itself with creating realistic representations of the world.

Cubists used geometric forms in different ways.  Robert Delaunay and his spouse Sonia believed that color and shape alone could create beautiful art.  They worked together for many years making paintings that looked like fragmented rainbows.  In the spirit of the Delaunays, the third grade used templates to create designs filled with overlapping shapes and then colored their work with cake tempera paint and fine nylon brushes.

Along with our discussions of art history and shapes, students were able to develop their understanding of color theory.  While painting, each child was challenged to mix his or her own colors discovering firsthand how to make particular shades and hues.  Students eagerly shared their discoveries with their classmates and answered each other’s “color questions.”  Please stop by the Morse Museum (on the first floor) to see the student’s work.  The work will also be on display at the Warner Library Children’s Room beginning October 24th. (Posted 10/10/2007)


WL Morse Challenge Program

The WL Morse Challenge Program is a three-tiered enrichment model designed to provide high ability learners with advanced curriculum in Social Studies and English Language Arts and Mathematics.  This model reflects TUFSD’s pedagogical goal of providing an integrated approach to the in-depth and accelerated learning that are the hallmarks of the Challenge Program.

Tier One: Social Studies Challenge
Students who participate in Social Studies Challenge are pulled from two periods of ELA each cycle to receive advanced instruction in Social Studies.
 

Students selected for Social Studies Challenge are among the top academic achievers in their classrooms and in performance on New York State standardized tests.  In addition to enjoying advanced instruction in Social Studies content, students in Social Studies Challenge will receive direct instruction in:

  • How to critically read, interpret and analyze text
  • How to plan and manage time for successful task completion
  • How to set and attain study goals while preparing for factual tests and projects
  • How to take notes and organize data
  • How to research information from internet, text and document sources
  • How to organize, prepare and present information for oral presentations

These students will also participate in the following National Competition offered at WL Morse

  • National Language Arts League
  • Continental Math League (if also in Math Enrichment)

Students who participate in any school-sponsored national competition will receive study materials and tips for competition.

Occasionally, there may be classroom work that your child will need to complete.  When deciding whether or not to participate in Challenge, parents should discuss this commitment with their child and make sure s/he understands his/her responsibility for obtaining and completing any classroom work that is missed.

Participants in the WL Morse Challenge Program have the potential to excel in academic achievement.  The Challenge program is designed to allow these students to learn good academic habits as well as to enjoy the opportunity for self-selected research.  The WL Morse Challenge Program is designed to provide children the opportunity to collaborate with an intellectual peer group. 

The general pattern of the WL Morse Challenge Program is that each year is divided into trimesters.  In the first trimester, students will participate in a study of Document Based Questions and begin a Geographical simulation.  Second semester study will continue that geographical simulation, which will feed into a Creative Story Writing Project using information that was researched in the simulation.  Students will use the third trimester for their Independent Study Project, which will be based on the Third Grade Social Studies Curriculum.  This will help them to refine their study and presentation skills as they prepare for the WL Morse Creativity Fair.

Tier Two: WordMasters Challenge

Students in WordMasters Challenge are pulled out of one ELA academic period to receive 45 minutes of enriched ELA instruction per cycle

Students selected for WordMasters Challenge demonstrate high academic potential in English Language Arts as evidenced by classroom performance and New York State standardized test scores.  These students will be working on the school newspaper, The Morse Gazette, which will be conceived, written and edited by them.  Students will learn the fundamentals of journalistic writing and demonstrate their skills with their articles.  These articles will be featured in the hard copy of the paper and the on-line edition.

Students in WordMasters Challenge will participate in the following National Competitions offered at WL Morse:

  • National Language Arts League
  • Continental Math League (if also in Math Enrichment)

Students who participate in any school-sponsored national competition will receive study materials and tips for competition

Occasionally, there may be classroom work that your child will need to complete.  When deciding whether or not to participate in WordMasters Challenge, parents should discuss this commitment with their child and make sure s/he understands his/her responsibility for obtaining and completing any classroom work that is missed.

The general pattern of the WordMasters Challenge is that each year starts with instruction on various forms of writing.  Particular attention is given to target audiences and how the student should write to those audiences.  Skills will also be taught how to write in particular forms, such as journalistic writing.  Projects will be given to the students that reinforce these skills.  Students will then focus on writing for the newspaper, and will be taught aspects of what makes a good newspaper article.  Students will learn observational skills as well as research skills for their article writing.  They will reinforce grammar skills learned in the regular classroom and have prepared for the National Language Arts League Tests.  These activities will allow students to both hone their competitive skills as well as share their expertise of English Language Arts as they work on projects that can be shared with a broader audience. 

Tier Three: Math Enrichment

Students in Math Club are pulled out of two 45 minute period of Extra Math to receive 90 minutes of mathematics enrichment per cycle.  The third tier of enrichment offered at WL Morse is Math Enrichment.  Students are selected for Math Enrichment by classroom teachers based on an individual student’s demonstrated skill in topics in mathematics. This class provides additional support for students who demonstrate the need for advancement in selected topics in mathematics.  These classes will be based on the Growing With Math curriculum, but extend deeper into selected topics at a more rapid pace.

Students who participate in Math Club are encouraged to participate in the following National Competition offered at WL Morse:

  • Continental Math League

Students who participate in any school-sponsored national competition will receive study materials and tips for competition. 
Click here for Challenge Curriculum

(Posted 10/3/2007)


How I am Spending My Summer Vacation!  by Kathy McDermott
For the next 15 weeks I will be training with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Hike for Discovery Program to prepare for a hike into the Grand Canyon on October
6th!  LLS provides professional coaching and clinics to guide participants through the physical and mental preparations needed to fully participate in this intensely difficult and rewarding experience. I am hiking to honor a very special third grader here at Morse School, Katie Smercak.  Katie was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia at the age of 5 and  is now in remission after 27 months of treatment.

We must continue to support life-saving research. I am making a commitment to raise over $4,000, with the hope of raising $10,000. 

I am making a personal contribution of nearly $1,000 to cover the cost of my participation.  In this way, all donations will go directly to the cause.

Online donations can be made at www.active.com/donate/hfdwhv/hfdKmcDerm

To learn more about the Hike for Discovery program and the great work of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, go to www.hikefordiscovery.org/wch (Posted 6/9/2007)



Third Graders Collaborate on First District Wiki!
Our third grade students from the challenge program, Ms. Restivo, Ms. Gentile, and Mr.Pitz's classes, have worked together to create a Morse Guide for incoming second grade students. After attending for two years, these third grade students are Morse experts. This guide is a way for them to pass their knowledge on and help new students feel comfortable when they come to Morse. You can read the guide with your child and are welcome to leave comments or questions in each page's discussion tab. The discussion tab is found along the top of the page.

The students wrote, edited, and collaborated on each page of this guide. This is a wiki, which means that most pages have been worked on by several students. When you click on the history tab at the top of each page you can see who the authors are and witness the writing process. From the history tab you can compare revisions and see how the pages were built.

Keep in mind that this project will never quite be finished. The school changes from year to year, and each third grade class will adopt the guide, updating and adding to it. Like every wiki, this project is always under construction! (Posted 5/31/2007)


Introducing The Morse Gazette
Like all good newspapers, The Morse Gazette now has a web presence! Our school newspaper has launched its debut Web Blog. With the publishing of our third hard copy edition this month, we are introducing The Morse Gazette to the community at large as an easy-access blog. See what is going on at Morse School! Learn what our students are thinking about! What makes them laugh? What is coming up in the near future? Be amazed at their accomplishments. We invite you to read our articles and send in your comments. Extra, Extra, Read all about it! (Posted 5/25/2007)


Mrs. Kluge's Second Grade Dual Language Class Writes and Reads Poetry in Spanish
As a culminating activity from their Poetry unit, the students in Mrs. Kluge’s Dual Language class created a special acrostic poem in Spanish representing the significance of their mother’s name for Mother’s Day. Click here to listen to our students read the poems! (Posted 5/22/2007)
 


Ms. Cristella's Class Blog Goes Live!
Ms. Cristella’s class blog is now available to the public and currently features “A Rainbow of Poetry.” The class read Mary O’Neill’s Hailstones and Halibut Bones, a collection of color poems, and crafted their own poetry modeled after O’Neill’s poetic style. The students worked quite diligently at the process, and Ms. Cristella said, "As good writers, we used sensory language, strong juicy 'wow' words, and visualization." Students also recognize that a good poet is able to read poems with expression, and the students have included Podcasts of each student reading aloud his/her poem. We welcome your comments on our blog! (Posted 5/8/2007)


Artist/illustrator Robert Casilla visited Morse
Artist/illustrator Robert Casilla visited the second grade students at Morse School, thanks to a grant from the Foundation. Casilla is an artist/illustrator of Hispanic background and has illustrated many multicultural children's books such as THE LITTLE PAINTER OF SABANA GRANDE, JALAPENO BAGELS, THE LEGEND OF MEXICATL and FIRST DAY IN GRAPES. He has also illustrated a number of biographies, including ones about Martin Luther King, Jr., John F. Kennedy, Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson, Jesse Owens and Simon Bolivar.

Casilla talked to the students about his background as well as the steps required in illustrating books.  He described how the words in the books inspire him through visualization and he shared the steps he takes from reading the authors’ words to the final draft of the books.  (Posted 4/28/2007)


 


Impressionism is Alive and Well at Morse School
This spring the entire school is working on projects inspired by the work of French Impressionist painter Claude Monet. Impressionism was a French art movement of the late 19th century characterized by the representation of a scene, objects, or figure through the application of paint in dabs of color in order to give an impression of the view rather than an accurate, photographic-like depiction.

Third graders have finished their own canvases after studying the Poppy Field Landscapes of Claude Monet (see gallery). Students were introduced to the concept of space and landscape perspective by learning how to define and create: foreground, middle ground and background. Their paintings were executed on canvas as were Monet’s, applying paint in thick dabs of paint. We were all amazed at how all the individual dabs worked together to produce beautiful landscapes. In addition, the third graders are also creating large murals for the auditorium in an Impressionistic style. (Posted 4/26/2007)


Second Graders Use Podcasts to Explain What They Would Do If Elected President
What would you do if you were elected president? How would you help to make the world a better place? Over the past few months, the children have been learning about different countries, states, and communities as well as environmental factors in social studies. They learned that some countries and communities have more resources to offer than others. The children in Ms. Dimmie’s 2nd grade class decided to write about the changes that they would make if they were elected president of the United States.  Click here to view their original artwork and listen to the podcasts!  (Posted 4/25/2007)


April is National Poetry Month. 
This month students throughout the country study and celebrate poetry.  Students at W.L. Morse are joining in the celebration by participating in “Poem in Your Pocket Day” on April 27, 2007.

To celebrate the imagination and creativity of poetry, students of all ages are asked to carry a poem in their pockets to share with friends, classmates, teachers and families. Students will be given opportunities to read their favorite poems throughout the day.  Join us in celebrating this Friday!  Keep a poem in your pocket to share with someone!

 

KEEP A POEM IN YOUR POCKET
Keep a poem in your pocket
And a picture in your head
And you’ll never feel lonely
At night when you’re in bed.
The little poem will sing to you.
The little picture it brings to you
A dozen dreams to dance to you
At night when you’re in bed.
SO...
Keep a picture in your pocket
And a poem in your head
And you’ll never feel lonely
At night when you’re in bed.

Beatrice Schenkde Regniers


Jump Against Drugs
Mark Rothstein is from Atlanta, Georgia and has presented more than 7,500 Jump Against Drugs school assemblies to over 5,000,000 young people.  Mark has also established two world records for marathon rope jumping.  His most recent was jumping continuously for more than 36 hours!  Over 259,000 total jumps!  Mark combines his skills as a professional rope jumper, educator, entertainer, athlete and role model to ensure a quality program.

Mark will spend all day at W.L. Morse school.  He will begin in the morning with his Jump Against Drugs school assembly.  For the remainder of the day, Mark will teach rope jumping and fitness workshops to our students. These workshops are an educational addendum to the assembly, and enable students to practice the beneficial skills seen during the show.  The character education messages of the assembly are reemphasized, and are a great supplement to our 2nd Step Program.

Funding for the Project was made possible by the Foundation and EPTA.   (Posted 4/23/2007)


Third Graders Visit the Union Church!
This month, third grade classes will be going by bus to visit the Union Church in Pocantico Hills.  They will be enjoying a tour of the inside of the church to see the beautiful stained glass windows created by Marc Chagall and Henri Matisse.  This experience is part of the art program; therefore, students will be escorted by both their art teacher and homeroom teachers.

The trip is free of charge to students as the BOCES Partnership for the Arts has been gracious enough to grant funding for this experience.  Students will be following up with a stained-glass Chagall project back in the Morse Art Studio.

This event has become a Morse tradition and students have always thoroughly enjoyed the beauty of these local treasures.  (Posted 4/18/2007)


Second Grade Students Study Longfellow (view our Vodcast)
Several of Mrs. Praino’s second grade students were studying the poem “The Ride of Paul Revere” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow with Mrs. Hickey. They decided to create a web-tribute to this historic poet in celebration of “Poetry Month.” The students illustrated some of the stanzas, and with Mrs. Hickey’s guidance, recorded their recitation. Then Mr. Calvert merged the illustrations with the recordings into the vodcast you see here. Click here to look and listen to this historic poem. (Posted 4/13/2007)


Photo of Elway, our adopted chimpanzeeSecond Graders Sponsored a Chimpanzee!
The students of Ms. Cristella’s second grade class are now the proud parents of an sponsored chimpanzee! During a non-fiction unit, each student researched a different rainforest animal and published a non-fiction chapter book.  After learning about the rainforest habitat destruction around the world, the students wanted to do their part to help.  They rallied together to collect pennies and donated the money to protect a chimpanzee that lost his home in the Congo rainforest in Africa.  The students would like you to know that you, too, can help save the rainforest on a daily basis by following these simple steps:
Photo of student books

  • Save paper! Write on the front and back!

  • Recycle white paper in the blue bins in our classrooms.

  • Save gas by walking or biking with an adult to places close by when you are going shopping in town.

  • Recycle plastics, glass, newspapers and magazines at home. (Posted 3/28/2007)


A Community Poetry Slam!
Mrs. Bakala’s class has been learning about different communities in Social Studies. The distinct attributes of rural, suburban, and urban communities provide contrasting experiences for our senses and Mrs. Bakala’s students have used these differences to inspire poetry. In a collaborative effort, our students have merged their prose to illustrate these contrasts. Each recorded poem showcases several students. Together they offer a feast for the senses; click here to listen and enjoy them!  (Posted 3/28/2007)



Africa:  Customs, History, Music, and Legend at Morse School
On March 15th Morse students enjoyed a performance of “Journey to Africa” presented by the Ishangi Family Dancers.  This event was generously funded by the BOCES Arts-in-Education Program.  Morse School has been lucky enough to enjoy visits from the Ishangis for 5 years, supporting the integration of African art and culture into the art curriculum.  Second grade artists have recently completed beautiful illustrations of an African folktale using concepts from textile design.  (This work is currently on exhibition at the Warner Library.)  Third graders cast and decorated masks.  Examples of both projects can be seen in the Morse Gallery on the district web site.

The Ishangi Family Dancers were founded in 1958 and have performed all over the world including twice at the United Nations.  Their presentation is a wonderful blend of music, dance, and narration. In the course of the concert, students learned about authentic African customs, history, musical instruments, masquerades, and legends. The objectives of the program are to introduce students to the culture, dance, music, and history of West Africa. The program is entertaining and educational, incorporating everyday activities such as how clothing is washed by hand by beating the cloth on rocks and how history is told using an ancient instrument. All dance and musical presentations were thoroughly explained.  What a wonderful culmination to our study in the Morse Art Studio!  (Posted 3/23/2007)



Philharmonic Alive:   “Into the Woodwinds”
As part of their ongoing study of orchestral instruments, all 2nd Graders were treated to a very special workshop on March 9th.  Musicians from the Westchester Philharmonic visited our school and demonstrated woodwind instruments.  Students were able to see “up close” and hear flutes, a bassoon, clarinet, oboe, 2 saxophones and several recorders.    They learned about single reeds and double reeds and why a saxophone is really a woodwind instrument.   They learned that flutes are used all over the world and heard one from India and a fife from Ireland.

They slithered like snakes with an oboe, walked sneakily like a cat with a clarinet and even danced a jig to a flute and recorder.  Seeing and hearing these instruments “in person” is such a wonderful experience for the children.  They are looking forward to next year in 3rd Grade when they’ll study recorders with Mrs. Giuseffi!  (Posted 3/14/2007)



Second Grade Celebrates Chinese New Year
Did you know that it is the year of the Golden Pig? This occurs once every sixty years.     Mrs. Sanchez Zhu created a slide show that displayed historical locations, the topography and factual information about China.  The students were able to participate in their very own Dragon Dance to celebrate the traditions and customs of Chinese New Year.  Some students wore traditional clothing from China and Korea to enhance the spirit of the occasion and introduce us to different Chinese languages.  (Posted 3/2/2007)



African Art Celebrated at Morse School
Second grade artists combined African textile designs with a traditional African folktale, “The Hatseller and the Monkeys.” The border around the illustration was created by combining Kente textile designs from West Africa with our own carefully designed patterns. The paintings on the inside of the project were created after we read the African folktale, “The Hatseller and the Monkeys.” When we created these illustrations, we experimented with a new technique using the idea of batik (a method of dyeing textiles). Drawings were traced on top of a special wax paper leaving a secret wax version of our drawings on the bottom sheet of paper. Then we painted with watercolors. The wax kept the paper white where we traced. We used mixed media—pastels and markers—to finish decorating the details on our pictures. Read more (Posted 3/1/2007)

Issue 2 of the Morse Gazette has hit the newsstands this week
Third grade Outreach students researched and wrote articles for this paper, edited them and then published them.  They wrote about favorite books, movies and games, along with favorite toy selections for both boys and girls.  There are two articles about Martin Luther King, Jr. in this paper – one in English and one in Spanish.  Chuckle along with our jokes in English and Spanish and learn something about the attack on Pearl Harbor.  There’s even a word search for those of you that love puzzles. (Posted 2/13/2007)


Morse Students Create Masks of the World
maskthumb.jpgEvery January, after studying masks from around the world, third grade students each cast, design and decorate three-dimensional masks. In our American culture, we use masks at Halloween. Special protective masks are worn by athletes, doctors and soldiers. In other parts of the world, masks are used for many different reasons. In anticipation of an upcoming visit from the Ishangi Family Dancers from West Africa, students paid particular attention to the mask-making tradition of Africa. (Posted 2/7/2007)


Math morning at MorseParent Math Mornings at Morse
Parents were invited to join their 2nd and 3rd graders on January 22 and 26 to observe and participate in math activities that are part of the Growing With Math Program being implemented district-wide at the elementary level. This was an enlightening experience for many who were able to see how the engaging, hands on activities, an integral component of the program, provide opportunities for students to build an in depth understanding of the math concepts being taught. Parents also got a glimpse at how teachers are using our new SMART Board technology to enhance instruction.

Following the classroom visits, parents joined Liz Irwin, our A.U.S.S.I.E. Math consultant, for a lively discussion and question and answer session.  The visits and discussions helped parents understand why we are using the research based approach to teaching math, which is a departure from the traditional ways math was taught when they went to school.

 

Outdoor Recess Guidelines for Pre-K through Grade 6
According to the American Association for the Child’s Right to Play, recess responds to children’s social, emotional, cognitive, intellectual, and physical needs.  The organization’s website cites the following benefits of recess:

  • Physical activity is essential for the healthy growth and development of children

  • Recess can serve as an outlet for reducing or lowering children’s anxiety

  • Traditional recess activities encourage children to take turns, negotiate, or modify rules and interact cooperatively.

Therefore, every attempt will be made to provide children with a daily outdoor recess (approx. 20-30 minutes).  Click here to read more and view guidelines.  (Posted 1/19/2007)


Second Graders Make Surrealistic Collages at Morse School
Currently on display at the Warner Library are Surrealistic collages made by second grade artists at Morse School.

Surrealism was a movement in art and literature.  It was founded in Paris in 1924 by the French poet Andre Breton.  Surrealism is an invented word meaning super realism.  Surrealist artists use images of things we recognize, but they invent different situations for these images to achieve shocking, poetic or dreamlike effects.  These artists did not believe that art had to “make sense.”


Max Ernst was an important surrealist artist.  He used texture in his paintings and collages.  To create texture he sometimes made rubbings from wood and other everyday objects.  The second grade used different rubbing plates to create our own texture-paper.   Then we cut and glued with pictures to create these incredible collages.  The work will be on view at the Warner Library all month.  (Posted 12/7/2006)



Morse School Newspaper - The Morse Gazette
For the first time, Morse students have created their own newspaper.  Third grade Outreach students decided that there needed to be a way to tell the school community about all the things going on at their school and about what third graders like and feel is important.  To much fanfare, the paper was rolled out this past week and the presses are rolling again.  Morse students read about Peaceful Playground, SmartBoards, book and video game reviews, jokes and more.  The Gazette staff would like to thank everyone for their help, with special thanks going to the editors of The Hudson Independent, Marcy Gray and Kimberly Marcus for taking the time to come in and talk to our staff.  More issues to follow, so stay tuned.  Click here to view The Morse Gazette.
  (Posted 12/5/2006)


Dedication of Joseph P. Carmody Auditorium and Joe Carmody Way
The Village of Sleepy Hollow is renaming Washington Lane (the exit street from Morse School) "Joe Carmody Way." Additionally, at the Board of Education meeting on Thursday, November 16, 2006, the Board approved naming the Morse auditorium in honor of Mr. Carmody. The ceremony for making both of these designations official will be held at the W.L. Morse School at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, November 27, 2006 (Posted 11/17/2006)

 



Music Notes:
What's going on in the Music Classroom
Music classes are off to a great start at Morse!  During these first few weeks, we have been getting to know each other through songs, movement and games. 

The 2nd graders began their study of the elements of music,.  So far, we have talked about  steady beat, meter, melodic direction and tone color.  One activity that was particularly fun was using our whole bodies to show melodic direction in the song, “Elevator”.  (Ask your child to show  you!)  We will continue the units on elements through October.  In addition, we will begin listening to and discussing “program music”.  The two pieces we will work through are “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” by Dukas  and “Night on Bald Mountain” by Mussorgsky.  Soon we will begin learning music for our annual Winter Concert on December 15th.

The Grade 3 students have been hard at work learning to read rhythmic notation in preparation for their recorder studies , which begin in January.  We started out with "rhythm name cards", notating the rhythmic pattern of our own names.  The unit is concluding with teams of students playing "Rhythm Bingo".  This is a fun way to assess their progress.

Please ask your child to share some songs with you as we journey through this year together! 

Joy Giuseffi, Music Teacher

DATE CHANGE:  The annual Winter Concert, which is listed on the district calendar as 12/14, has been changed to Friday, December 15th.  Please make a note of it! 


Cubism Returns to Morse!
Every September third graders begin their year in the art studio by designing and executing Cubist paintings. The work will also be on display at the Warner Library Children’s Room beginning October 18th.

Cubism was an early-20th century school of painting and sculpture in which the subject matter is portrayed by geometric forms without realistic detail, stressing abstract form at the expense of other pictorial elements.  The Cubist style emphasized the flat, two-dimensional surface of the picture plane and rejected traditional techniques of perspective.  Cubist painters used geometric shapes to create abstract paintings.  Unlike other styles, abstract art does not concern itself with creating realistic representations of the world.

Cubists used geometric forms in different ways.  Robert Delaunay and his spouse Sonia believed that color and shape alone could create beautiful art.  They worked together for many years making paintings that looked like fragmented rainbows.  In the spirit of the Delaunays, the third grade used templates to create designs filled with overlapping shapes and then colored their work with cake tempera paint and fine nylon brushes.

Along with our discussions of art history and shapes, students were able to develop their understanding of color theory.  While painting, each child was challenged to mix his or her own colors discovering firsthand how to make particular shades and hues.  Students eagerly shared their discoveries with their classmates and answered each other’s “color questions.”  Please stop by the Morse Museum (on the first floor) to see the student’s work.  The work will also be on display at the Warner Library Children’s Room beginning October 18th(Posted 10/23/2006)


K-12 Alerts Log inThe Public Schools of the Tarrytowns is Now Offering Parents and Guardians the Ability to Make Changes to Their Student Emergency Information Online! 
Gone are the days of filling in multiple forms and returning a variety of cards and the important information back to each school in September! This month, parents/guardians will receive a back-to–school packet that contains a letter from the superintendent, a copy of the information the district currently has on file for each child, a student ID and password so parents/guardians can make any changes online through our secure web portal, and instructions for doing so. Parent/guardians can click on the link below or the image above and enter in the student ID and password printed on the sheet that was mailed home and access the system.  The district recently partnered with K12 Alerts® to provide this system, as well as an emergency alerts system for phone, email and text messaging to cellphones. (Click here for more information)


 

We Did It!  Third Grade Students at Morse Place First in the Nation
Our third grade Challenge Students at Morse School have placed first in the nation in the Wordmasters Challenge, outpacing 198 other school teams competing nationally at this grade level.  One of our students was the only third grader in the country to earn a perfect score on all three meets. Additionally, eight of our students placed among the 14 highest-ranked third graders in the year-end national standings.  Our students won eight of the twenty awards given nationally for highest honors for individual achievement.  

“I am extremely proud of all my students and I will miss them next year, as this is my last year of teaching,” said Judith Hyman, Morse School Challenge teacher.  “I would say these children have made my day.”

Wordmasters is a national language arts competition entered by over 225,000 students annually, which consists of three separate meets held during the school year.  (Posted 5/26/2006)


blog9Third Grade Students Study van Gogh and Create Original Artwork!
The third grade looked at van Gogh’s wheat field paintings that he did in the last years of his life. Then they sketched their own wheat fields onto canvas board and used brushes and palette knives to apply the paint. Just like Vincent!  Click here to learn more, or click here to view the album of student work! (Posted 5/13/2006)
 

 

Peaceful Playgrounds

Wouldn't it be wonderful to look out over a playground where children were distributed evenly, laughing and playing peacefully, and supervisors were observing this phenomenon without raising their voices, their whistles, or their blood pressures? It's almost more than one can imagine. Or is it?

This is now the situation at W.L. Morse Elementary School where students enjoy a Peaceful Playground Celebration marking the completion of a joint project between the school and the EPTA.  W.L. Morse’s newly designed Peaceful Playground reveals concentric circles, rectangles, and various colored shapes, carefully spaced and painted on the blacktop. In addition to traditional games like hopscotch and four square, imagine an alphabet grid, a number grid, and a skipping track.

According to W.L. Morse Physical Education teacher Ray Farrell, "The playground is an essential part of any school and every community.  Children spend many hours of their school experience occupying themselves with what the playground has to offer. In fact, the whole neighborhood will enjoy both its appearance and its usages. This joint project was designed to serve both the school and the community."

To learn more about the program, please feel free to contact W.L. Morse Physical Education teachers at rfarrell at tufsd.org or dbrennen at tufsd.org. (change at to @ and eliminate any spaces).  (Posted 4/20/2006)


Student tribute to Joan Miró.  Click to view the Morse Gallery!Teachers and Students Blend Traditional Practices with High Tech Tools
Our students at Morse School learn writing, speaking, and art skills as part of the established curriculum, but the way they share their work with an authentic global audience is anything but traditional!  These young students use state of the art technology tools and solutions to share their writing, oral interpretations, and artwork with the community and the world via their own blog and podcast/audioblog site, Students in the Write

New additions
The site now includes the work of students in Mrs. Bakala’s class (click to view), who prepared a published piece to record for their audio blogging experience. They used a reading strategy called “synthesis” to write summaries for their writing pieces.

The Online Morse Gallery (click to view) is a new section and features the incredible artistic talents of our second and third grade students. As student work is finished, it is placed and organized in the Gallery. Currently, the gallery features photosets of beautiful second grade tributes to the great modern master Joan Miró and samples of a successful 2nd grade lesson on perspective using the SMART Board and Matisse's "Red Studio."

Click to learn more about the history of the Students in the Write project.



Students At W.L. Morse Are Participating In A New Physical Education Program Called Log It!

Log It is an optional, at-home fitness program.  Log It helps motivate kids to become, and remain physically active, by allowing them to log their daily physical activity steps or miles. In addition to recording their steps or miles, they can participate in a virtual hike across the USA with their class, be involved in class competitions vs. other classes, set daily goals, view their own personal step log, and compare their steps with other kids of the same age and gender.  Log It encourages kids to be physically active, step-by-step!                                               

Our first trip has begun already!  We started in our state capital, Albany, traveled through two states, and are currently on our way to New Hampshire.

If you have any questions regarding this new and exciting program, feel free to email rfarrell at tufsd.org or dbrennen at tufsd.org.  (change at to @ and eliminate any spaces).  (Posted 3/29/2006)


Morse Team Is First in the Nation!
A team of Morse Elementary School students recently won first place in the nation in a a national language arts competition.  The Morse team, coached by Judith Hyman, scored higher than the other 198 school teams competing in the third grade Gold Division of this year’s WordMasters Challenge second meet.  Seven members of the team had perfect scores, a significant accomplishment considering only sixteen third graders in the entire country had perfect scores.  Eight of our third graders also won highest honors for individual achievement.

Our third grade team scored a total of 197 points, 14 points higher than the closest runner up.  Only three schools in our geographical area scored in the top ten.  These schools are Morse School (score of 197), The Darien Public Schools Gifted Program (Darien, Connecticut - score of 181), and Julian Curtiss Magnet School of World Languages (Greenwich, Connecticut - score of 175).



self portraitSecond Grade Artists at Morse School Study Rembrandt and Create Their Own Self-Portraits

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (July 15, 1606 – October 4, 1669) Dutch painter, draftsman, and etcher of the 17th century was a giant in the history of art. His paintings are characterized by luxuriant brushwork, rich color, and a mastery of chiaroscuro. (Chiaroscuro is a technique employed in the visual arts to represent light and shadow as they define three-dimensional objects, from Italian chiaro, “light”; scuro, “dark”.) Numerous portraits and self-portraits exhibit a profound penetration of character. His drawings constitute a vivid record of contemporary Amsterdam life. The greatest artist of the Dutch school, he was a master of light and shadow whose paintings, drawings, and etchings made him a giant in the history of art.

As did Rembrandt, second grade artists created self-portraits by looking into a mirror and learning the proportions of the human face.  We colored with waxy crayons and then used watercolor to create a dramatic background in the spirit of Rembrandt. 
(Posted 3/10/2006)



Westchester Arts Council Presents Awards to Washington Irving and Morse Schools
Washinton Irving School hosted the The Westchester Arts Council's Arts Partners Challenge Grants program award ceremony on January 24.  The ceremony recognized outstanding collaborations between artists, arts organizations and schools for their collaborative projects in arts education in Westchester, Putnam, and Orange Counties.  Westchester Arts Council Executive Director Janet Langsam presented grant awards to Peter Royston and Washington Irving Principal Zbynek Gold for the 6th grade Ancient World theater residency that will take place at the school starting this March.  In addition, Principal Joe Carmody accepted the award for a dance residency that will take place at Morse School with the Tappan Zee Dance Group.  The Hudson Valley Writers' Center also received a check for their continuing work with Washington Irving School.  Board member Julia Rust and Executive Director Dare Thompson accepted a check on behalf of the Writers' Center, to continue the Write Mind language arts program led by writer-in-residence David Surface. (Posted 1/26/2006)


Multicultural Dinner
What is one great thing about having 70 countries represented in our school district?  The food!

The Eighteenth Annual Cultural Celebration Dinner at Winfield L. Morse School will be held on Wednesday, February 1, 2006.

Children and parents are invited to this exciting multicultural feast!  The only thing we ask it that you bring a food dish (serving 6-8) that represents a country of your choice.  Hot and cold beverages will be provided.  To ensure a successful evening, we need everyone’s help and participation.

If you would like to be a part of this free, fun-filled evening and wish to contribute an appetizer, salad, entrée or dessert, and/or donate your time, click here to print the form to be filled out and returned to your child’s teacher by Thursday, January 26, 2006.

Seating for second graders and their immediate families is from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Seating for third graders and their immediate families is from
7:00 – 8:00 p.m.


 

Third Grade Students Tie for First Place in WordMasters Challenge
A team of students representing Morse School  recently won highest  honors in the WordMaster Challenge- a national language  arts competition entered by over 225,000 students annually, which consists of three separate meets held  at intervals during the school year.

Competing  in the  very difficult GOLD DIVISION of the Challenge and supervised by Judith Hyman, the school’s third graders  TIED for  FIRST  PLACE in the nation  for the first meet. There were 199 school teams participating at this level  and in the gold division.

Two of the school’s students won highest honors in the first meet. They both had perfect scores, where nationwide only 26 third graders did so.

The WordMasters Challenge is an exercise in Critical  Thinking that encourages students to become familiar with a set of interesting new words (considerably harder than grade level), and then challenges them to use those words to complete analogies expressing various kinds of relationships. (Posted 1/17/2006)


Disruptive Technology Brings Powerful Changes to the District
Our district has recently been impacted by a disruptive technology, and we are quite excited about it! A disruptive technology in education can produce very powerful and positive changes, and a group of our students at Morse School are fortunate to be smack in the middle of one; Pod Casting.

Children in Ms. McCabe's class are piloting Pod Casting as a part of their writers workshop. Mr. Calvert, Morse's technology specialist, is working with the students to publish an audio blog, along with student writing, to the web. By providing students with an authentic audience, the writing projects and oral interpretations motivate the students to reach an audience far beyond the walls of Morse.

Principal Joe Carmody says, "Mr. Calvert and Ms. McCabe's project is a wonderful example of how technology applications can lead students across old boundaries and into new, exciting areas of exploration and accomplishment in English/language Arts."

Students have been the center of the entire program, including developing a name for the site, creating artwork for the site, and developing original content, both written and spoken, to be shared with the world. To fully grasp the power of this new medium, please visit the Students in the Write site. On the site there is a full explanation of the project, as well as a place for you to send us your feedback.  We look forward to reading your comments!

Ms. McCabe, second grade teacher at Morse, sums it up well, stating, "We anticipate that this project will encourage a culture of writing and promote a positive academic self-concept, while reinforcing speaking skills and reading fluency." (Posted 12/21/2005)


Winter Olympics 2006
With the implementation of a grant received by the EPTA, the second graders at Morse will participate in an interdisciplinary and integrated unit on the winter Olympics in Torino.  The students will be exposed to geography, sportsmanship, enhanced vocabulary, literacy, acquiring information through newspaper and magazine articles, knowledge of world class athletes and related activities in physical education class.  (Posted 12/13/2005)


The Katrina Project - Handcrafted Rag Dolls for Children in New Orleans
This month, Morse students are busy creating dolls to be given to young victims of hurricane Katrina at the Lusher School in New Orleans.  The project was the idea of the Fassa family who generously supplied the beautiful organic cotton that we are using to make the dolls.  Students in Mrs. Bakala, Miss Cimino, Mrs. Sherwood, Mrs. Cellante’s, Miss Ore’s, Miss McCabe’s, Ms. Sutherland’s and Mr. Duschenchuk’s classes are all enthusiastically creating and individually naming their dolls for shipment before the holiday break.

The school connection is being made with the help of the parent of one of our own students who’s mother and family come from New Orleans. The project is implemented through the Art Open Studio Program under the guidance of art teacher Sue Barrett.  Also noteworthy, The Teacher’s Association of the Tarrytowns has graciously agreed to pay for shipping the dolls to New Orleans.  (Posted 12/13/2005)


Morse Artists study the Art of the Middle Ages
The Middle Ages are between ancient and modern times. The Middle Ages began with the Fall of Rome (500-) and ended with the Renaissance (1400-). This period is associated with many beliefs and practices that now seem out of date, for example, the belief that the sun revolves around the Earth, and a host of popular superstitions. The early middle Ages are sometimes called the Dark Ages

The later middle Ages, however, saw many notable human achievements. Among these were the building of modern nations, such as England and France; expanded trade and the beginnings of the Age of Exploration, some remarkable works of literature and the building of magnificent churches.  The period saw major technological advances, including the invention of printing, gunpowder, spectacles, and greatly improved ships. They also improved upon the clock.

Second grade artists learned that most people did not read and write in the Middle Ages and practiced telling stories with pictures. Each student created his or her own hand-colored story-telling picture with more than one scene.  Students were careful to include a setting and main characters in their work. Many students drew magical medieval animals (like unicorns and griffins), knights and princesses in their work.

Third graders learned that books were made and illustrated by hand and created their own “decorated letters.” First, students selected a letter.  Then, we began decorating the letter with imagery from the period.  Crowns, knights, dragons, castles and medieval flower designs are all examples of the imagery Morse artists used in their designs.  They then transferred the drawings onto black and gold metallic scratchboard and etched their beautiful designs in gold.

Also in keeping with the medieval theme…the third grade worked collectively to create two eight-foot stained glass murals for the auditorium.  The designs are modeled after the rose windows of Notre Dame de Paris in France.  Students used various colored papers and a paper mosaic technique to create a stained glass effect.

The work can be seen on display on the first floor of Morse School.  Please come take a look!  (Posted 12/13/2005)


Pantomime Demonstration
Ellen Hamdy visited Mrs. Praino’s class to conduct a pantomime demonstration.  She explained the pantomime portion of the Nutcracker Ballet and had the students act out pantomime scenes. The class loved watching her and enjoyed learning about silent communication and entertainment.  (Posted 12/13/2005)


 

Cubism Returns to Morse!
Every September third graders begin their year in the art studio by designing and executing Cubist paintings.

Cubism was an early-20th century school of painting and sculpture in which the subject matter is portrayed by geometric forms without realistic detail, stressing abstract form at the expense of other pictorial elements.  The Cubist style emphasized the flat, two-dimensional surface of the picture plane and rejected traditional techniques of perspective Cubist painters used geometric shapes to create abstract paintings.  Unlike other styles, abstract art does not concern itself with creating realistic representations of the world.

Cubists used geometric forms in different ways.  Robert Delaunay and his spouse Sonia believed that color and shape alone could create beautiful art.  They worked together for many years making paintings that looked like fragmented rainbows.  In the spirit of the Delaunays, the third grade used templates to create designs filled with overlapping shapes and then colored their work with cake tempera paint and fine nylon brushes.

Along with our discussions of art history and shapes, students were able to develop their understanding of color theory.  While painting, each child was challenged to mix his or her own colors discovering firsthand how to make particular shades and hues.  Students eagerly shared their discoveries with their classmates and answered each other’s “color questions.”  Please stop by the Morse Museum (on the first floor) to see the student’s work  beginning October12th. 

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