June, 2016 Clayton Avenue Elementary Newsletter
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Starting on Monday, June 6—weather permitting—the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade Physical Education
classes will be riding our bikes on the blacktop outside of the track at Hoover Stadium.
The P.E. department has about 19 BMX-style bikes and 4 mountain-style bikes. Students are encouraged
to bring in a bike helmet, but if they do not have one they can borrow one of ours, as this is a requirement
to ride. Students are also allowed to bring in their own bike, scooter or skateboard, but parents would
have to provide transportation to and from school, as the bike/scooter/skateboard would not be
allowed on the bus. *Bikes/scooters/skateboards may be stored inside at Clayton Avenue for the length
of the bike riding unit.*
Several of the students have stated that they have never ridden a bike before, and I believe that this would
be a great opportunity to introduce these students to a wonderful, lifelong physical activity.
Though not required, the students are encouraged to attempt this activity, which we like to refer to as a
“Challenge by Choice”. The P.E. staff would like to get in at least 3 or more bike-riding sessions if possible.
HOORAY FOR SUMMER!
Summer is a great time for families to spend time together. We hope some of that time will be spent
reading! A fun way to keep your children reading all summer is to join CAE's 100 Book
Challenge. All families are invited to participate.
Here’s how the 100 Book Challenge works:
1. Children receive a 100 Book Challenge reading bag for storing and carrying books.
2. Children receive a 100 Book Challenge Reading Log to keep track of their reading.
3. Children choose several books to bring home in their reading bag. These books will match their
reading level and will get them started on their summer reading.
4. After reading (and maybe re-reading) the books, they can be exchanged at school for new
ones. [Families who cannot come to school for books can request home delivery.]
Children can read any books to meet the 100 Book Challenge, including their own books and library books.
Ready to take the challenge?
An invitation will be sent home with all students. If you are interested in participating, please return the form
by Friday, June 10th. Questions? Call CAE at 757-2271 or email Margaret Dein at [email protected]
We are hoping that at least 100 families will join the 100 Book Challenge!
Last Day of School
Tuesday, June 21
Dismissal at 11:50am
Monday, June 20 will also be a
Half-day Dismissal at 11:50am
Poetry is Alive and Well at Clayton Avenue Elementary
Poetry, the power of bringing words to life. It is the art of capturing life and all the emotions that it brings
using only words. This was all proudly on display on Wednesday, May 25 at Binghamton University for
the 39th annual Poetry and the Children Day. Over 400 students from 14 different school districts gathered
at The Anderson Center to a packed house. Clayton Avenue Elementary was proud to include 11 of our
very own student poets. All students in the 5th grade had to write their very own poem, then a group of
teachers selected the top 11 poems. Once the winning students were notified, they practiced and practiced
to get ready to recite their poems on the big stage. The 11 students selected were: Lauren Allen, Daisy
Anderson, Abigale Clark, Caden DellaPenta, Aidan Devine, Thomas Hayes, Kylie Klinko, Kendall Mills, Sam
Olson, Domenic Saladis and Connor Tallon.
The topics ranged from painting the sky to the meaning of life. The students all did a wonderful job
representing us with class and making us all very proud. Their poems were even printed in a children's
book of poetry.
The program began with guest poet professor, Mario Maroni, discussing the power of poetry. He went on
to call one of our very own Clayton Avenue students, Connor Tallon, up to the stage to read his poem. The
professor had pre-selected 2 poems out of over 400, as an example of how poetry can so strongly express
such important topics, such as Connor's poem on human rights.
All in all it was a great day for Broome and Tioga County to celebrate all of the young, talented poets in our
area. We are especially proud of our own poets, both those with selected poems, and the entire 5th grade
for the entries they contributed.
Below are pictures from our "Try"-Athlon 2016!!
A special thanks goes to all volunteers and also to KW Fitness (instructors Kevin, Danni and Cory), who provided
the obstacle course for free!
Notes from the Nurse
It’s amazing to think that June is here already! We have had a great school year filled with learning and fun.
This month still holds lots of activities that I hope you will participate in. Thank you for allowing me the privilege
of being a school nurse here at Clayton Ave. It is wonderful to work with such wonderful students, parents and
staff!
As the school year draws to a close, I’d like to remind you of some things:
 Should you suspect you have any unexcused absences that should be excused, please feel free to call
the Health Office to find out the dates so you may write an excuse. (757-2274) All absences require a
written note in order to be excused. The note may or may not count for an excused absence according
to our legal regulations.
 All medication needs to be picked up from the Health Office by June 21st. Any items left behind will be
discarded. I am not permitted to store any medicine over the summer.
 Physicals are required for students entering kindergarten, second and fourth grades. The physical must
be completed no earlier than the September prior to the beginning of the current school year. Please feel
free to fax any records to (07-757-2372, or bring the records to the Main Office during the summer.
Please check Lost and Found for any missing items. Anything left after June 21st will be discarded,
recycled for use in our school, or donated.
Remember to use sunscreen when outdoors and reapply often. Please also remember to wear a bike helmet
when riding scooters or bicycles. Summer is a wonderful time to “move it” outdoors.
Enjoy a healthy, active, and safe summer!
Jan Forsberg
MAY, 2016
Golden Sneaker (PE)
Grade 2--Mr. Olson
Golden Trashcan
(Classroom Neatness)
Grade 2--Mrs. Dibble
Golden Hallway
(Hallway Behavior)
Grade 5--Mrs. McKnight
Golden Spork
(Cafeteria Manners)
Grade 5--Ms. Liberatore
Golden Book (Library)
Grade 3--Mrs. Arnold
Golden Palette (Art)
Grade 4--Mrs. Cirbus
Golden Microphone (Music)
Grade 1--Mrs. Braman
Golden Whistle (Recess)
Grade 3--Mrs. Arnold
Golden Apple
(Class in Building)
Kindergarten--Mrs. Fendick
School Counselor Report
Mrs. Colleen Ferratella
Hello families! It’s hard to believe that we have made it to the end of another busy school
year. I am proud when I look back on all that we have accomplished. I feel so lucky to be
a part of the Clayton Avenue family.
Over the past couple weeks, I have completed my safety lessons in grades K-5. I cannot
stress enough how important it is that parents speak with their children about personal
safety. Personal safety means taking care of your body and protecting it. We all wear
seatbelts and bicycle helmets, but personal safety is much more than this. Children need to
understand that they have the right to refuse any unwanted touch, even if it’s from a trusted
family member or close friend.
Children must understand that they can say no, get away, and should talk to a grown up
about a touch that bothers them. Unfortunately, many touches that occur among friends can
start off “okay” but turn “not okay”, which is confusing or upsetting. During my lessons
we discuss this in an age-appropriate way, and I strongly encourage parents to do so at home.
All of my counseling groups and individual counseling are coming to a close. I will contact
parents regarding plans for next year. Play Groups are finishing as well, and these will be
available again next year to all K and 1st grade students. Our fun Move it Girls groups for
4th and 5th grade girls have ended. Our fantastic Safety Patrol party will be on June 16th. A
special thank you to our helpful Safety Patrol members, as well as to AAA for helping us
out.
This has been another great year at Clayton Ave. I wish you all a restful summer and will
see you in September!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Carnival
June 9
Donuts with Dad
June 17
Bear To Be
Your Best Awards
MAY, 2016
Winners
We want to recognize some students that
are really doing great things around
Clayton Avenue and in their classrooms!
Chloe Wirth
Thomas Vallely
Jonathan Weber
Constanza Alvarez-Sanchez
Owen Spinner
Mrs. Benko
Kendall Mills
Gavin Pham
Derek Kretzmer
Connor Freeman
Susie Hirst
Jessica Yetsko
Ava Czebeniak
Elijah Archer
Cayden Bohigian
Owen Tice
Ella Coleman
Abigail Putrino
Isabella Putrino
Addison Shipp
Kara Sullivan
JOURNAL TOPICS
5/31-6/3
If you were stuck on a beach island for 10
days, what 3 items would you
take with you?
Week 6/6-6/10
If you had three wishes, what would they
be and why?
Week 6/13-6/17
If you could make your own city, what
would it look like and what would the
rules be?
Week 6/20-6/21
What was your favorite part of the school
year and why?
Clayton Avenue Elementary School
(607)757-2271
Donna P. Halbert, Principal