District News: Week of 12/12/16

12/5/2016

BULLDOG BRILLIANCE
Sixth-Graders Discover the Power of Storytelling

Irvington Middle School sixth-graders, who are learning how to interpret different images and tell stories through pictures, celebrated the launch of their digital storytelling unit on Nov. 23.

The students, who previously studied memoirs and short stories in their English language arts classes, explored how the composition of an image can impact how people perceive it. They also learned about different camera angles and practiced taking photos with a set of iPads, which were funded through the Irvington Education Foundation.

“We really want students to be more aware of what they’re reading and we want them to learn to pay closer attention to why an author would use a certain setting, repeat one word or use a certain image,” English language arts teacher Judy Nadler said. “We hope they can transfer those skills to reading a larger text.”

Throughout the unit, the students will learn about the different components of a story and how to develop a character before crafting their own digital stories using pictures, sound and narration. They will share their work at a PTSA-sponsored film festival that will feature a red carpet and popcorn on Dec. 22.

“I like it because it’s something different,” said sixth-grader Sadie van der Spuy, whose group practiced taking extreme close-up, close-up, medium and wide angle shots during the launch. “[We’re learning how to] tell a story in a slightly different way, which is fun and interesting.”

In addition to Nadler, English language arts teachers Karen Acrish, Jessica Doherty, Carol LaBella, Alison Meiseles and Allyson Wild helped lead the digital storytelling unit launch.

BULLDOG FAMILY FUND APPEAL

Please make a tax-deductible donation to Bulldog Family Fund and help to ensure that every student in our district has the opportunity to fully participate in Irvington’s rich educational experience. Last year the BFF provided more than $14,000 in resources to district families in need.

Checks can be made payable to Irvington PTSA (please specify BFF on the memo line) and mail to: Irvington NY PTSA/BFF, P.O. Box 245, Irvington, NY 10533.

Donate online at: http://www.irvingtonnyptsa.org/bulldog-family-fund

Thank You!

Do You Need Assistance? If you ever need assistance or have questions regarding what assistance is available, please contact our district social worker, Gina Menendez at (914) 269-5233 or Gina.Menendez@irvingtonschools.org. *Names and personal information are kept confidential and are not shared with the PTSA/Bulldog Family Fund.*

BRICK DRIVE

The Irvington PTSA Brick Drive is back! Our goal is to add 100 more bricks to our IMS/IHS patio by graduation.

For each brick you buy, from now through January 31, 2017, your name will be added to a raffle for 1 free 4” x 8” brick with a small paw print logo.

Buy a brick for yourself, your current student, your grad, your favorite staff member, or as a dedication.

Proceeds from the sale of the engraved bricks will be used to create lovely outdoor spaces on the campuses of the Irvington schools that reflect the wonderful educational experiences happening inside the school buildings.

The funds raised from our first 100 bricks paid for the beautiful brick sitting walls outside IMS.

Buy your brick today: www.irvingtonnyptsa.org/brick-drive

IRVINGTON SCIENCE FAIR 2017

Full STEAM ahead!

Mark your calendars for the Irvington Science Fair, 3/25/17, 12-3pm at the Gina Maher Gym.

Click here to sign up today!

Sneak preview of our guests include, Digital Arts Experience, WeCanCenters, Curious on Hudson and many more! Come, participate, be a part of something amazing!

DIRECTORIES & COMMUNITY CALENDARS

The PTSA Student Directories and Community Calendars have now been delivered. If your youngest child is in grade K-5, the directory/calendar was backpacked home. If your youngest child is in grade 6-12, your directory/calendar was mailed home.

If you did not receive your directory or calendar, please contact Shari Wels at shariwels@gmail.com

Thanks for joining the PTSA!

SPIRIT WEAR

Irvington PTSA Spirit Wear is great for holiday gifts and stocking stuffers for all members of your family! Newly designed sweatshirts (pullover and zip), beanies, socks and headbands, in addition to shirts and shorts are all available, but quantities are limited.

Email irvingtonspiritwear@gmail.com for prices and available sizes.

SHOP ON AMAZON SMILE

Use Amazon Smile for your holiday shopping!

By designating Irvington NY PTSA when you shop on Amazon Smile, 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases will go toward funding PTSA programs that directly benefit Irvington's schoolkids!

To participate, please either:

click on http://smile.amazon.com/ch/13-3085349 and enter your existing Amazon sign-in information
or
at AmazonSmile, sign in using your existing Amazon sign-in Information and designate Irvington NY PTSA as the charity you support.

Either way, once you make the designation, it will be the default every time you sign in through Amazon Smile.

BEST OF WESTCHESTER

Help Irvington UFSD, Student Website Keep “Best of Westchester” Titles!

Voting for Westchester Magazine’s new “Best of Westchester” list for 2017 is now open and you can help the Irvington Union Free School District and a student-created website keep their titles. The District was voted as the best school district in the area in the “Best of Westchester” list for 2016.

In addition, Irvington High School students’ weather website, Weather in the Hud, was voted by the public as the best local website. Weather in the Hud, http://www.weatherinthehud.com, provides detailed forecasts that are specific to Irvington and the Hudson Valley region.

The public can vote on a number of categories, including Best Public School District and Best Local Website, from now through Jan. 25.

For more information and to vote, visit http://www.westchestermagazine.com/Westchester-Magazine/Best-Of/

DISTRICT NEWS