Berea Times
Growing Minds of all Kinds
Mr. John Solimando, Principal
Editor: Mrs. Dockendorff
Ms. Tammy Ryder, AP
March 2016
Dear Berea Families,
Our theme for March is “Asking for Help”. This is sometimes difficult to do. We teach students to be
independent, but at the same time if they are having difficulty with anything, academic or social, we should also
teach them to ask for help from a trusted adult. This month Mrs. Gusmano will talk to students about how to
ask for help and how it’s a good thing.
February is normally a short month and this past February was even shorter with snow days and morning
delays. Please remember to stay alert to school delays and closings as we move into the last month of winter.
March is said to come in “like a lion and go out like a lamb”. In spite of the weather issues, we had a successful
Reading Mystery Night and Family Math Night. Thanks go out to our Mrs. McGuirk and Mrs. Kinsley and
their team of teachers for providing fun-filled nights for families with a strong education component.
The week of March 1 is Read Across America week in celebration of Dr. Seuss’s birthday. There will be
various activities and different dress days throughout the week. On March 2 there will be community readers
who will read to each class. More information will be sent home in Thursday folders on the various activities
for the week.
There will be a Budget Presentation at Berea on April 21 at 6:15 PM. This will be during our PTA/PTO
meeting. This presentation is being done at all the schools and is the same at each location. The idea is that if
you are unable to attend one, you can go to another and not miss anything. Everyone is encouraged to attend
these meetings to gather information and ask questions as we move forward in the budget process. The
complete budget calendar can be found on the District website.
Finally, the New York State ELA and Math exams are scheduled for April 5-7 for ELA and April 13-15 for
Math. These exams are for grades 3-5. Teachers have been working diligently all year preparing students for
these exams. I’d like to thank all the families for the support you provide your children in conjunction with the
teachers as we work together for their success.
March has some important dates to remember:
 March 1 – Chorus and Band Concert – Grade 4 6:30 PM, Grade 5 7:30 PM
 March 2 – Half Day for Professional Development
 March 4 – PTA Family Game Night 6:30 PM
 March 10 – PTA/PTO meeting in the library 6:15 PM
 March 14 – BOE Meeting 7:15 PM at CO (Review Draft Budget if needed)
 March 16 – Greenkill Parent Meeting – Grade 5 only 7:00 PM
 March 18 – PTA/PTO Tricky Tray 6:30 PM
 March 21-25 – Spring Recess
 March 28 – BOE Meeting at CO 7:15 PM – Berea Student Presentation to the Board
Sincerely,
John M. Solimando
Principal
Dear Berea Families:
This year, our spring equinox occurs on March 20,
at 12:30 a.m. This is a time when the hours of
sunlight are equal to the hours of darkness, cool
mornings and warm afternoons. With spring,
comes outdoor recess almost every day. So this
might be a good time to help your child pick out
comfortable and suitable clothing for school as the
weather gets warmer.
Berea standards for elementary school dress
reflect "common sense" and our concern for each student’s comfort, safety, cleanliness, and sense of
modesty. There is a strong correlation between neat, appropriate attire and a safe, positive learning
environment.
In order to create the best learning environment for our students, the following standards for student dress are
observed at Berea Elementary School:
Dressing in layers (sweatshirts/sweaters) might be a good way to keep warm in the morning and cool in the
afternoon. Mid-sections must be covered at all times (belly, side, and back). Shirts or tops must cover the
waistband of pants, shorts, or skirts. Tops allowed must have shoulder coverage at least 2” wide; no spaghetti
straps please. If tank tops are too baggy, a t-shirt should be worn underneath. All undergarments must be
covered. Remember, students sit at the rug for read-alouds and mini-lessons. So it’s always a good idea to test
it out at home before wearing it.
Footwear is required and must be safe and appropriate for indoor or outdoor
physical activity. Flip-flops and shower-type shoes or slippers are examples of
inappropriate footwear for school. Berea Elementary deems shoes with a heel
support as appropriate footwear. We recommend sneakers or walking shoes
as most appropriate and safe for school. We require appropriate footwear for
outdoor recess, especially if students choose to play on the swings.
While hats are allowed outside and on the bus, they are to be removed once
inside the building. We also request that t-shirts with words state messages
that are aligned with our mission: to foster positive academic, emotional,
social, and physical growth in a nurturing risk-free environment. Please refrain
from sending a child to school with messages that may be negative or
offensive or advocate violations of school rules. The safety of your child, both
physically and emotionally, is our number one concern.
I would also like to take this opportunity to remind students that electronic
devices and toys should be left at home. If students are displaying or using
these items during the school day, they will be confiscated and must be
picked up by a parent.
We look forward to a very successful spring. Thank you very much for your
support in our continued efforts to create the best learning environment
possible for our students. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to
call or email!
Sincerely,
Tammy Ryder
Assistant Principal
Berea’s Theme of the Month:
“Asking for Help”
We all need help sometimes, so why are so many of us uncomfortable asking for it? Maybe we
are too proud or too embarrassed. This month’s theme of the month is “Asking for Help.” It is
important for children to learn that everyone needs help occasionally when they are having
difficulty and that it’s nothing to be embarrassed about.
How to Ask for Help

Remember, it's okay to ask for help. Don't be embarrassed, and don't worry about other
people judging you.

Think what might happen if you don't get help. Think what might happen if you do get help.

Decide what the problem is and what help you need.

Think about who you can ask for help. Choose someone you trust and who will know how to
help you.

Think about what you'll say when you ask for help and then do it.

Remember, getting help when you need it is part of being responsible—to yourself.
Suggested Home Activities
Listed below are some activities you can try at home to help your child learn to ask for help:

Review the items listed in the How to Ask for Help section of this article.

Take turns talking about a time when you each felt embarrassed about not knowing
something or about not being able to do something. Discuss what happened.

Discuss a time when you asked for help. What did you do? How did it turn out?

Come up with two lists. On the first list write down the top reasons why people don’t ask for
help. On the second list write down the top reasons why people should ask for help.

Do role plays to practice asking for help.
Things You Can Do to Help Your Child Ask for Help

Talk with your child about the importance of letting you know when he or she is having
difficulty with something.

Don’t criticize or demean your child when he or she asks for help.

Tell your child that you want to help them learn new things and solve problems. Explain that
if you can’t help them you will help them find someone who can.

Explain that asking for help is part of being a responsible and mature person.

Be a role model and ask for help when you need it. Even if it means stopping and asking for
directions!
Aladdin
Inside the Royal Palace gates in the faraway city of Agrabah, Princess Jasmine (Kate Shust) is being
forced to choose a husband. Against her wishes, her father the Sultan (Zach Ullmeyer) insists that she pick the
visiting Prince Baba and be wed in the next three days. Knowing that Jasmine may never choose a prince, Jafar
(Dylan McLeer) the villainous vizier and his sidekick parrot Iago (Ian Ramos) secretly rewrite a law so that the
Princess will have to marry the Sultan’s highest-ranking official, if she fails to choose a husband within the time
allotted. Aladdin (Kellen Teutul), a poor street urchin, is thrown into a dungeon for stealing a loaf of bread.
While in the dungeon he is set free by Jafar to find a lamp found in the cave of wonders. There Aladdin finds
an old lamp and rubs it, releasing a Genie (Alyssa Funches) who grants him three wishes.
Speaking of wishes, The Berea Elementary School Drama Club has once again granted my wish by
pulling off another spectacular performance.
I found that all the cast members performed exceedingly well, projecting charisma in all of their songs
and dances.
The five narrators (Samantha Torres, Arianna Sosa, Claire Osterhout, Elaina Forgione and Alicia
Rodriguez) perform wonderfully in “Arabian Nights”. They also conduct humorous “red carpet interviews”
with several characters at the beginning of the show.
In this version, there is no Abu, the monkey and Rajah, the tiger. But don’t worry; there are plenty of
elements which make this version enjoyable. Sierra DeVito and Mackenzie Delmonico play the part of the
Magic Carpet. There smiles are infectious! Moving in fluid motions and acting like flight attendants, Sierra
and Mackenzie wear their costumes with pride, making their performance truly magical.
Aundre’ Rick, Patricia Tuohy, and Kyle Grimaldi danced into our hearts as the not so sharp royal
guards. Their antics bestowed some real belly-laughs to the audience.
Zach Ullmeyer brings great depth to his rendition of the Sultan. His acting allows the audience to see
that ruling a country is no easy task when following the rules.
Chris Leahy plays the self-loving Prince Baba perfectly. His comic delivery sets up the audience for
some big laughs during the performance.
Dylan McLeer and Ian Ramos, provide the story with the perfect mix of villainous contempt and smart
aleck sarcasm. Their comic timing as a team was flawless.
Alyssa Funches warms all our hearts as the Genie. The high energy she brings to the role, allows us to
believe that there is nothing in the universe that she can’t grant.
Kellen Teutul brings his boyish charms and good acting to his role as Aladdin. Communicating his lines
very well to the audience, he particularly succeeds in the scenes when trying to hide his true identity from
Princess Jasmine when he is parading around as Prince Ali.
Kate Shust brings a lot to her role as the spunky Princess Jasmine. Her singing voice is as strong as her
character as highlighted in the song, “A Whole New World.” But perhaps her best quality is her superb
speaking voice which is rich, warm, and clear.
Built and painted by the tech team, the huge colorful flats of the Royal Palace, Market Place, and Cave
of Wonders brings that “wow” factor to this production.
The eye catching and whimsical costumes did a fantastic job helping to transport us all to the world of
ancient Arabia.
Bravo to the Director: Bill Carter, Assistant Director: Tara Ann Goldizen-Rick, Choreographer: Keely
Wright, Technical Director: Michele Farrell, and Costumer: Chris Ann Harper-O’Connor on a job well done.
By Lib Retrac
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
**Attention all campers!! Camp Read-A-Lot has changed the date!
Second and Third Graders - Get ready for Camp Read-A-Lot! You will have fun participating in
“camping” and reading activities. After the activities, students will receive an awesome takehome gift! We look forward to seeing you!
Tuesday, March 8, 2016 from 6:15 PM – 7:30 PM
(arrival and sign in at 6:15- we will start promptly at 6:30)
Berea Yearbook
Don’t miss this opportunity to own a piece of Berea history!
This year all yearbooks purchased by April 8, 2016 will be personalized with the
child’s name. If you are interested in purchasing a 2015 - 2016 yearbook, please:
1. Complete the form at the bottom of this page.
2. Write a $17.00 check made payable to Berea Student Activity Fund. (A sales tax
is included in the cost of the yearbook.)
3. Submit the form and check in an envelope by April 8, 2016.
4. Please use one envelope and one form for each student.
Please note that there will be a few extra copies of the yearbook available in June.
They will cost $17.00 but will not be personalized.
_________________________________________
Please Complete . . .
Student’s Name
___________________________
Teacher’s Name
___________________________
Grade/Room
___________________________
Number of Books
___________________________
Total Remittance
___________________________
Please print your child’s name in the grid below as you would like it printed on the
yearbook cover. This personalization is included in the price of the yearbook.
(Please return this form to yearbook mailbox.)
The Berea Elementary School
PTA/PTO Needs You!!
Our PTA sponsors many programs and activities for our children, including dance parties, the
Science Fair, game and craft nights, the annual Talent Show, Founders Night, the Holiday
Wish Tree, Book Fairs, and so much more. The PTA also supports field trips, assemblies and
Teacher Mini grants.
Many of our longtime PTA parents are moving onto the Middle School, so we need parents to
become active in the PTA. For the coming school year we need a President, Secretary,
Corresponding Secretary, and committee and program chairs to run many of the events.
Without you, the PTA will not be able to continue to provide quality programs and activities
throughout the school year.
If you are interested in joining us, please email Kathleen Mosenson at [email protected],
or come to our next meeting on Thursday, March 10, at 6:15 pm in the Berea library. Thank
you.
February 2016
Kindergarten:
Ms. Friedman
Mrs. Herman
Mrs. Kedzielawa
Mrs. Primavera
Ariana Roche
Madelyn Heitman
Genevieve Maher
Madeline Legare
First Grade:
Ms. Grimaldi/Mrs. Klein
Ms. Hackett
Mrs. Skahen
Ms. Sick
Sophia Young
Samantha Messing
James Byrne
Jackson Lazzara
Second Grade:
Mrs. Mast
Mr. Nastasi
Mrs. Storaska/Mrs. Rubino
Mrs. Vermilyea
Richard Sprague
Alyssa Heid
Gabriel Anderson
Aurora Ullmeyer
Third Grade:
Mrs. Grammas/Mrs. Crown
Mrs. Orszewski
Mrs. Stevens
Mrs. Walker
Brianna McPhillips
Alex Cione
Khayle Veras
William Colson
Fourth Grade:
Mrs. Cook/Mrs. Doce
Mrs. Kinsley
Mrs. Page
Mrs. Scott
Chelsea Degon
Maya Hoffmann
Kyle Grimaldi
Reese Verlin
Fifth Grade:
Mrs. Abbruscato/Mrs. Salinovich
Mr. Carter
Ms. Flood
Mrs. Vianden
Jennifer Robertson
Mackenzie Delmonico
Jared Lucas
Adrian Lindsay
Berea Elementary - 4th Grade Honor Roll – 2nd Quarter
Bailey Badendyck, Andrew Bell, Lauren Bell, Zackerie Boepple, Lucy Campay, Julia Capicchioni, Isabella
Cruz , Julia Degon, Richard Degon, Abbey Demarest, Thomas DeMonda, Madison Flower, Taylor Gayton,
Ashley Gillen, Kyle Grimaldi, Jakob Holtje, Caelyn Hurd, James Joyce, Kayla Mainor, Zion McIntyre, Olivia
Messing, Amanda Marku, Armando Perez Fernandez, Declan Reilly, Jaden Robles, Nathan Schramm, Hannah
Seipp, Sophia Stahl, Robert Silvestro, Arianna Sosa, Shannon Stalter, Autumn Strobach, Lynae Smith, Lissenda
Sutton, Andrew Suriel, Jyles Taylor, Kaidyn Thompson, Sarah Torres, Gianna Vass, Reese Verlin, Isabella
Wade and Olivia Yankanin.
4th Grade Principal’s Circle - 2nd Quarter
Andrew Bell, Isabella Cruz, Madison Flower, Olivia Messing, Declan Reilly, Sophia Stahl, Autumn Strobach,
Lissenda Sutton and Olivia Yankanin.
Berea Elementary - 5th Grade Honor Roll – 2nd Quarter
Alisya Abdo, Ava Carsley, Shea Clarke, Leslie Cordero-Dorado, Mackenzie Delmonico, Sierra DeVito,
Christina Faso, Elaina Forgione, Alyssa Funches, Aaron Goldstein, Matthew Gonda, Richard Gonzales, Hugh
Harkin, Tatiyana Henriquez, Gabriel Hernandez Calderon, Kai Hew, James Hinspeter, Leyla Joseph, Christine
Jones, Liam Kelly, Christopher Leahy, Reese Leenstra, Adrian Lindsay, Daniel Livingston, Dylan McLeer,
Kiera McPhillips, Cristina Miro, Charlize Molyneux, Arianna Mosenson, Lulu O’Rourke-Chisholm, Alexander
Ortiz, Haven Partington, Jeremy Ragunath, Ian Ramos, Brooke Raymond, Dayna Reyes Concha, Aundre' Rick,
Sophia Roache, Jayden Robinson, Katherine Shust, Madison Sicardo, John Silvestro, Jalyssia Soto, Sydney
Sterling, Douglas Stickles, Samantha Torres, Patricia Tuohy, Kadyn Uke, Zachary Ullmeyer, Angelina Vargas,
Isabella Vargas, Fiorella Vega and Talia Wutz.
5th Grade Principal’s circle - 2nd Quarter
Ava Carsley, Sierra DeVito, James Hinspeter, Leyla Joseph, Liam Kelly, Christopher Leahy, Daniel Livingston,
Dylan McLeer,
Lulu O’Rourke-Chisholm, Jayden Robinson, Katherine Shust,
Madison Sicardo, Douglas Stickles and Zachary Ullmeyer.
Celebrating the 100th Day of School!
On Thursday, February 18th, Berea celebrated the 100th
day of school. Students in Miss Sick's class brainstormed
100 reasons to love Berea. Some reasons include: teachers,
recess, art, library, gym, and music. Can you come up with
100 reasons why you love Berea?
Dear Parents,
As we prepare for Kindergarten Registration this spring, we’d like your help in gathering student
information for our mailing list. If you have a child who will be five years old on or before
December 1, 2016, please complete the form below and return it as soon as possible to the main
office. If you have a friend or neighbor with a child eligible to enter kindergarten this fall, please
share this form with them, or ask them to call the main office of the school their child will attend
so that we may add his or her name to our mailing list. If you have any questions about
Kindergarten Registration, please call me at (845) 457-2400, ext. 18130.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping us identify our incoming kindergarten students…
The Class of 2029!
Sincerely,
Janine Maridou
Central Registrar
Incoming Kindergarten Student Information Form
Child’s Full Name:
Address:
Date of Birth:
Gender: MALE
FEMALE (circle one)
Mother’s Name:
Lives with child: YES
NO
Father’s Name:
Lives with child: YES
NO
Legal Guardian’s Name (if not living with parents):
Home Phone #:
Any additional information you’d like us to know:
Alt. #:
Berea Elementary celebrates Dr. Seuss!
About NEA’s Read Across America
The National Education Association is building a nation of readers through its signature program, NEA’s Read
Across America. Now in its 19th year, this year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read
through events, partnerships, and reading resources.
"You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read
with a child."
Special activities for the week of February 29-March 4th:
Monday, February 29th – Fox in Socks – Rainbow socks, striped socks, polka dots too - any pair of funky socks will do!!
Tuesday, March 1st – The Sleep Book/I am Not Going to Get up Today – For a sleepover, slumber party or going to
bed. Come to school in your pajamas instead! (No slippers!!)
Wednesday, March 2nd – Wacky Wednesday -- Wear zig zags or dots. Wear blig blags or blots! Come to school in
your tackiest and wackiest outfits.
Thursday, March 3rd – Green Eggs and Ham -- Light or dark, and bright enough to be seen. Wear your favorite shade
of GREEN.
Friday, March 4th - Be a Twin like THING 1 & 2 or dress like the CAT is what you can do! Wear a hat! OR, wear
RED, WHITE & BLUE!