February 2023

Hello, IEC Families!

This is a great time of year…ODOB and Superbowl football!!! I am not sure what I am more excited for, the Buffalo Bills next season, the halftime show or the ODOB. Well of course our ODOB with our elementary community!!! We are embarking on our seventh year of One District One Book.

Every child has received a copy of the winning book and will be asked to read it at home over the coming months. Each week, new questions will be sent home for the corresponding chapters to stimulate conversation about the book with your family. I am personally asking you to make the time so your family can participate in this special school-wide/community-wide activity. We have selected a title that can be followed, understood, and enjoyed by all our students in grade K-6. We are very excited!

Reading aloud at home is valuable because it better prepares your child to be an effective reader. It is also a fun, worthwhile family activity. Through our One District One Book program, we are aiming to build a community of readers. Everyone - students, parents, teachers, administrators, even community businesses - will be participating. The benefits of reading aloud are remarkable -- studies have shown that reading to children helps them to listen better and longer, build bigger vocabularies, understand concepts better, feel positive about both books and learning, and more. When an entire school reads the same book, the buzz and excitement around the book being read increases these benefits, and there is the added joy of building community in the school family.

In school, your child will be invited to answer trivia questions to encourage and reward attentive, careful listening. You will soon find that your child will take pride in knowing and anticipating the details of the story. In class, there may be various activities which discuss or explore the book. You will want to make sure your family keeps up so your child can be included. Throughout the coming months, everyone will be talking about it. I personally invite your family to READ WITH US at the Lewiston Porter Intermediate Education Center.

Mrs. Rodriguez

Thursday 2/2/23- Groundhog day

Friday 2/3/23- Wear Red Day- to raise awareness about heart disease in women

Tuesday 2/14/23- Early Release- Dismissal at 2:25pm instead of 3:25pm

Tuesday 2/14/23- Valentine's Day

Monday 2/20/23- President's Day- No school

Tuesday 2/21/23- No school (Recess in lieu of Remote Learning/ no snow days)

President's Day is on Monday 2/20/23 - No school Monday 2/20- Tuesday 2/21

Black History Month got its start in 1926 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson, an African American, promoted Negro History Week in February.

The time was selected because it included the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln which had been notable dates for the black community since the start of the twentieth century.

Also known as African-American History Month, it was first observed by students and faculty at Kent State University in 1970.

In 1976 it evolved into a month-long celebration and became a national holiday when President Gerald Ford recognized “the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history” in a speech to mark the United States Bicentennial.

Since then, U.S. presidents have proclaimed February as National Black History Month.

It is a time for all Americans to reflect on both the history and teachings of African Americans and to focus on the progress, richness, and diversity of African American achievements.

Today Black History Month is celebrated not only in the US but around the globe by five different countries.

Information from

https://www.thereisadayforthat.com/holidays/usa/black-history-month-us

It's February – American Heart Month – a time when the nation spotlights heart disease, the No. 1 killer of Americans.

President Lyndon B. Johnson, among the millions of people in the country who'd had heart attacks, issued the first proclamation in 1964. Since then, U.S. presidents have annually declared February American Heart Month.

Throughout the month, the American Heart Association's "Heart to Heart: Why Losing One Woman Is Too Many" campaign will raise awareness about how 1 in 3 women are diagnosed with heart disease annually.

During American Heart Month, the AHA and other organizations reinforce the importance of heart health, the need for more research and efforts to ensure that millions of people live longer and healthier.

In most cases, heart disease is preventable when people adopt a healthy lifestyle, which includes not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood sugar and cholesterol, treating high blood pressure, getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week and getting regular checkups.

Information from

https://www.heart.org/en/around-the-aha/february-is-american-heart-month

The Pennsylvania Dutch were German-speaking immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania. They developed their own take on the legend of Candlemas in the 18th and 19th centuries bringing with them the custom of the native Groundhog as their annual weather announcer. Candlemas involved the clergy blessing and distributing candles needed for winter. The Pennsylvania Dutch transformed the idea by selecting an animal to predict their needs for winter.

The first-ever Groundhog Day was created by a local newspaper editor Clymer Freas around 1886, who convinced Groundhog hunter and local businessman, and all members of his Punxsutawney Groundhog club on the idea of Groundhog Day. Together, they all made their way to Gobbler’s Knob where the Groundhog would make the final decision on the weather. Today, a group called the inner circle who wear top hats, conduct the official proceedings on February 2 in a Pennsylvania Dutch dialect, where tens of thousands of people attend the day’s events every year.

Studies have proven no strong correlation between a Groundhog spotting its own shadow and the arrival of spring subsequently. According to German lore, the badger known as Dachs is their forecasting animal. A separate version of traditions states that clear weather on the holy Christian day of Candlemas would often prohibit winter being prolonged.

Groundhog lore suggests much about Punxsutawney Phil. It is said that he drinks a magic ‘‘elixir of life’’ every summer, giving him seven more years to live. He has been predicting since around 1886, and a badger’s life span is around six years roughly, so go figure. There is also supposedly only one Phil and any other groundhogs who attempt to do what he does, are imposters. He is said to speak to the club president on the day, in front of the crowds in Groundhogese which is understood and then translated.

Information from

https://nationaltoday.com/groundhog-day/

The Lewport IEC family LUVS babies, and want to PAMPERS them with all the HUGGIES possible!

Please join us throughout the month of February in donating all sizes/ brands of diapers to the survivors of domestic violence being assisted by Carolyn's House in Niagara Falls NY

For more information on Carolyn’s House please visit https://ywcaniagarafrontier.org/services/carolyns-house/

Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. It honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa in the early 17th century to African Americans living in the United States today.

Students in the I.E.C. 4th Grade Enrichment classes honored these special Americans by studying their contributions to American society and writing a report describing their Life and Legacy. Some of the reports featured Martin Luther King Jr. Thurgood Marshall, Jesse Owens, Rosa Parks, Barack Obama, Jackie Robinson among others.

Picture 1 - From left to right, top to bottom: Eric Rogers, Evan Harden, Hayden Siddall, Quincy Huntington, and Nora Waxman.

Picture 2 - From left to right, top to bottom: Ella Wedge, Noah Rookey, Matthew Lauger, Gavin Hotchkiss, Ross Marietta, Harper Burley, Alex Roscetti-Creamer, and Wesley Ryan.

Picture 3 - From left to right: Dominic Rossi, Ashlynn Petko, Ben Spence, Alfred Ligammari, Juliet Dimieri, Cole Karbowski and Zach Belen.

The kids in OT helped with cutting and pasting. They also explored and made art after two famous African American artists.

Each month, one student from Band, Orchestra, Chorus and General Music will be chosen as a Music Leader of the Month. These students demonstrate the 3 R’s (Responsibility, Respect and Resourcefulness) in these classes.

For the month of January, the following students have been chosen by Mrs. Spinnegan, Mrs. Zachary and Mrs. Carere:

Band - Evonna Farrar

Orchestra - Henry Mullen

General Music - Mia Piraino

Chorus- Zachary Belen

Congratulations! Keep up the great work!

The Lancer Leaders participated in two team building activities during the month of January. For the first activity, the students had to work together silently to group themselves with students with the same sticker color. This activity encouraged non-verbal communication and cooperation. For the second activity, students had to work to develop leadership skills and make the tallest structure using marshmallows and toothpicks. The students established great leadership skills throughout both activities and had fun!

Our 22-23 One District, One Book Reading Adventure is under way!

We had an amazing kickoff at the Lewiston Library on Wednesday, January 18th with over 300 in attendance! The excitement continued across our campus on Thursday, January 19th with in school kickoffs at the PEC, IEC, and Middle School. The reading excitement is palpable!

We hope your family is enjoying Dragons in a Bag at home as a family. The provided reading schedule is only a suggestion and paced in order to allow families adequate time. It’s okay to read it together faster or slower and it’s never too late to start reading. This book is yours to keep and grow your home library. Be sure you are reading our Friday ODOB Updates on Seesaw for Community Business Partner specials, highlights, and Scavenger Hunts. Trivia questions are also posted on this update as well as our weekly surprise chapter readers. And don’t forget to utilize our complete list of ODOB Community Business Partner specials throughout town! The One District, One Book details can be found on our website. All of these ODOB elements help our Reading Adventure take flight and add to the excitement. Our program will conclude on Friday, March 10th with a Family Reading Celebration, located at the IEC.

Watch Seesaw for details!

Fourth Grade Enrichment students participated in Robot Week by learning about and building simple robots. Students worked in groups to build a motor assembly and then experimented with linkages to create a device that converts electrical energy to motion. Students then made observations about their robot’s movement and documented the results. Some robots pulled weights (Crawlbot) and completed a race while others created abstract Art (Drawbot).

Students in Mrs. DeFranco’s third grade had the opportunity to participate in the “Join Explorer Classroom” — a live interactive session that connects young people with National Geographic Explorers — to hear behind-the-scenes stories and interact with cutting-edge scientists, researchers, and powerful storytellers from around the globe.

The National Geographic Explorer they met was Gunjan Menon. She shared her passion regarding saving endangered species as she took us through the mountains and jungles of Asia. Gunjan shared stories of some of the extremely rare and colorful 'heroes' of her films — red pandas, purple frogs, black softshell turtles, rusty spotted kittens. Students were asked if they too would like to become photojournalists one day.

By Mrs. H. Kazulak NBCT

During the month of December Mrs. Niccola’s class did some writing. They wrote about their greatest gifts. But it could not be just an iPhone or a tablet that they received. It had to be something that means a lot to them like a stuffed animal or a picture of someone special. So in that case, they wrote about something that means the most to them. They learned that some gifts are irreplaceable and don’t cost money. It is all about the love and care from others.

In my life family members have given me many great gifts. My greatest gift is a stuffed giraffe that I got when I was two years old. He was given to me at the Buffalo Zoo when we were there with my grandma and grandpa and aunt and uncle. It is a small giraffe that has tan skin and brown spots. I sleep with him every night. My mom and dad bought him for me at the zoo's gift shop because they knew I loved giraffes. He is 7 years old and does not look the same as when I first got him but he still means alot to me and I don't want him to rip. Giraffes are my favorite because of their long neck and spots. You can see he is my greatest gift I have been given.

February 1st- National Texas Day recognizes the Lone Star State along with its fierce record of independent people and history. The 28th state may not be the only state with a record of being a republic, but their dramatic revolution and fight for independence keep Texas history alive. On December 29, 1845, Texas became the 28th state admitted to the Union, but its storied history stretched long before that date. From the dictatorship of Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and the start of the Texas Revolution in 1835 to the Alamo in 1836, names like James Bowie, Davy Crockett, Sam Houston, and Juan Seguin echo throughout the state.

Rosa Parks Day honors an American Civil Rights hero twice a year on February 4th or December 1st.

February 3rd- National Wear Red Day, on the first Friday in February, is an annual campaign to raise awareness about heart disease in women. The national campaign urges women to learn their risk for heart disease and to take steps to lower their risk.

February 11th- National Inventors’ Day honors inventors of the past, the creators of the present, and encourages the architects of the future. National Inventors’ Day celebrates the genius behind design. It also dives into the history behind some of our most unusual inventions.

What do Ermal Fraze, Thomas Adams, Melitta Bentz, Patricia Beth, and Stephen Perry all have in common? They are recognized annually on February 11th, along with the Wright brothers, Thomas Edison, George Washington Carver, and Elisha Otis. Thanks to inventors, we can safely ride in an elevator, have a well-lit room at the flip of a switch, speak to someone on the other side of the world or efficiently pump lotion from a bottle. Many inventors go their whole life without recognition for their creations, while others are household names. Nearly everything around us results from someone tinkering in their garage, laboratory, or basement trying to find a solution to a problem.

February 14th, National Donor Day (also known as National Organ Donor Day) Observed each year this day aims to increase awareness about organ donation and the lives it saves. In the United States, more than 120,000 people are waiting for a life-saving organ donation.

The observance focuses on five different types of donations: Organs – Tissues – Marrow – Platelets – Blood. Many nonprofit health organizations sponsor blood and marrow drives and organ/tissue sign-ups across the nation. Approximately every two seconds, there is someone in the U.S. who needs blood, which translates to the need for over 41,000 daily donations. Each type of donation saves lives. While we may be able to donate blood, platelets, tissue, marrow, and some organs at any time, most organs are donated upon death. A single donor can save up to 8 lives and help more than 75 people.

February 15th, National Wisconsin Day recognizes The Badger State. Rich in copper, lead, forest and fertile farmland, Wisconsin became the 30th state on May 29, 1848. In 1634, French explorer Jean Nicolet was the first European to reach Wisconsin while seeking a Northwest passage to China. A mining boom, not fur trading, led to the nickname The Badger State. According to oral history, the miners burrowed into the hillsides much like badgers for shelter instead of setting up more permanent homesteads. The first wave of settlers to the area also began the uprooting of the Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Chippewa and other indigenous people.

Early in Wisconsin’s settlement, dairy production began to take root. By the turn of the century, the state became known for its dairy farms and synonymous with cheese.

February 18th- National Red Sock Day Wear your red socks to help save a life and limb! Did you know leg health can indicate risk for heart attack, stroke, and amputation? One in five adults over the age of 60 have a condition called Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.), and many don’t even know they have it. National Red Sock Day on the Third Saturday in February raises awareness about P.A.D., its risk factors, and what you can do.

P.A.D. is caused by plaque build-up in the peripheral arteries, mainly the arteries in the legs. It is the most debilitating disease many people have never heard of, and yet, it is responsible for nearly 200,000 amputations annually. More than half of those amputations are preventable with early diagnosis and treatment.

P.A.D. Symptoms

· Leg pain

· Leg cramps

· Neuropathy

· Tingling

· Numbness

· Non-healing foot ulcers

Additionally, 3 in 5 heart attack sufferers have P.A.D. This is why National Red Sock Day takes place in February, which is also American Heart Month

February 20th- National Leadership Day is set aside to acknowledge the power of leadership. Every year, we recognize the impact that leaders make in people’s lives as they seek to develop themselves and others. When you think about it, in every relationship, one person influences another, whether a parent or child, spouse or friend, student or teacher, employer or employee. In our everyday interactions with one another, someone is leading or influencing the other to do something or become something. This means that anyone can be a leader, whether you have a title or not. Over 50 years ago, John C. Maxwell defined leadership as this: “Leadership is influence; nothing more, nothing less.” When we talk about leadership, we know that leadership is about growth – for yourself, your relationships, your productivity, and your people. To lead well, you must embrace your need for continual improvement so that you can be the best leader you can be. The observance aims to empower people to help others and be change agents and difference makers in someone’s life. This is the opportunity we have on National Leadership Day: To show people what it means to be a good leader and inspire them to be a positive force of change in another person’s life.

On the third Monday in February, the United States celebrates the federal holiday known as Presidents Day. The day takes place during the birth month of the country’s two most prominent presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. While the day once only honored President George Washington on his birthday, February 22nd, the day now never lands on a single president’s birthday

February 22nd- National California Day recognizes the Golden State. For more than a century, Spanish missionaries settled in California. Manifest Destiny and the Mexican American War would play a pivotal role in making California a U.S. Territory. Under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Mexico sold California along with its territories north of the Rio Grande for 15 million dollars. Only days before the treaty was signed, gold was found at Sutter’s Mill in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The gold rush of 1849 would set off an era of settlement unlike any a new territory had ever seen. On September 9, 1850, two years after the gold rush began, California became the 31st state.

February 26th- National Set A Good Example Day When we observe kindness in others, we are often inspired to offer kindness ourselves. Someone set a good example for us to follow, and we must continue those good examples for others in our lives. This day encourages us to set a good example that inspires others. Everyone influences others. The influence could be positive or negative. Even from a young age, we experience good and bad behavior. Parents can positively influence their children at an early age. Additionally, many others, such as our extended families, educators, mentors, community leaders, and even organizations, can positively influence us in many ways. Some of the ways we can easily set a good example include:

· Demonstrating kindness.

· Being compassionate.

· Acting with fairness.

· Practicing tolerance.

· Being just.

· Treating others with respect. These good examples reflect a person’s values and positively affect them and others. Setting a good example can be applied in every setting, including home, school, work, and in the community at large

This month we conclude our newsletter spotlight series, designed to introduce the people who make the IEC the amazing place it is to learn and grow, the heart & soul of the building your children spend their days inside of. With great pleasure let us introduce our

Talented Therapy Providers

(Physical & Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologist, Psychologist & Social Worker)

Nurturing School Nurse

Charming Cafeteria Workers

and

Captivating Custodial Staff

Mrs. Williams, -Psychologist -Says the best thing about working at the IEC is How friendly and welcoming everyone (teachers, staff, and students) is. "I love..." reading, traveling (I've visited over 30 countries!), and spending time with my family. Her favorite sports are skating and swimming. Her favorite saying is "We can do hard things!" :) Additional information- I am a certified elementary teacher in Ontario (Canada) and have seven years of teaching experience in addition to my experience working as a school psychologist. I have worked in Canada, the Middle East (Kuwait) and the U.S.

Mrs. Brook, -Social Work - says the best hing about working at the IEC is my colleagues. "I love..." chocolate! She is a fan of the sport of soccer ant the Buffalo Bills. Her favorite saying is “People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.”- Maya Angelou

Mrs. Cardwell, SLP -Speech -says the best thing about working at the IEC is the great teachers, faculty, students and families. "I love..." I love my family, friends, and my pets. I am so fortunate to have so many incredible students to work with every day!!! She is a fan of the Buffalo Bills.

Mrs. McLaughlin, OTR/L -Occupational Therapy -says the best thing about working at the IEC is the students! "I love..." my family. She is a fan of the Buffalo Bills, and her favorite saying is "Never a dull moment!"

Mrs. Ferrari, PT/DPT -Physical Therapy says the best thing about working at the IEC is watching the students change from 3rd to 5th graders is amazing! "I love..." to hear what my students succeed at outside of therapy sessions - like when they come in on a Monday and tell me they learned to ride a bike over the weekend!!! She is a fan of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres. Her favorite saying is It's not always about Y.O.U. Additional information- My family is my pride and joy. Also my Dog, Rascal!

Graduated from Daemen College (a few years ago) and has had a long and varied career since then. Working in a Rehabilitation Hospital in Michigan specializing in neurological impairments from Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries along with a sprinkling of orthopedic, wound care and sports medicine. Gaining administrative experience along the way, Amy moved to NY and secured a job as Director of Rehab Services for two local hospitals and a nursing home where she oversaw Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists all while still contributing some time to patient care. Wanting to get back into patient care full time, there was an eventual transition to pediatrics. Working for ONBOCES for several years and finally landing here at Lewistion Porter, she services students K-12 here on campus as well as in our local private schools. She received her Doctorate in 2015, focusing on the correlation between Gross Motor Function and Academic Success.

Amy sees students that have developmental disabilities / delays that may impact such things as their ability to keep pace with their peers during classroom as well as recreational time.

Mrs. Klettke, RN -says that the best thing about working at the IEC is the wonderful students and staff! The IEC is the best place to work :) "I love..." my family, my black cat named Taco, reading, hiking, traveling, learning other languages and cooking. She is a fan of the Buffalo Bills and Sabres, as well as the Toronto Blue Jays. Her favorite saying is "Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference."

Mrs. Klettke, RN

Mrs. Murphy -says the best thing about working at the IEC is having the opportunity to talk with the students & hear about their day, weekend, or upcoming plans! "I love,,," all animals, chocolate, traveling, & everything Disney (especially Disney World!) Favorite sports/ team- Do football snacks count? ;) Her favorite saying is "Hakuna Matada" Additional information- I am: a mother to two beautiful girls, married, & a veteran- served 9 years in the US Air Force. I have a french bulldog named Bella Bleu, an associates degree in medical assisting, & I absolutely love working in the Lewport IEC cafeteria!

Mrs. D'Avolio - says the best thing about working at the IEC is the kid's smiling faces and listening to their stories! "I love..." baking all kinds of cookies and giving them to everyone. She is a fan of the Buffalo Bills and her grandson's hockey team the Junior Purple Eagles. Her favorite saying is "Children teach us what life is all about." Additional information- Life is short! Start each day with positive thinking and keep smiling all day! :)

Mrs. Wilson -says the best thing about working at the IEC is that the IEC family it is by far the best work family ever :) "I love..." my Grandchildren to the moon and back! Her favorite sports team is the Buffalo Bills, and her favorite saying is "It is what it is." Additional information- I love walking the halls of the IEC and seeing the kids with the smiles on there faces, when they say hi to me and smile it really makes my day!

Mr. Minor -says the best thing about working at the IEC is my coworkers. "I love..." my dog! He is a fan of the Dallas Cowboys, and his favorite saying is "is it break time yet?" ;)

Mrs. Stockinger -says the best thing about working at the IEC is The friendly ghost in the library ;)

"I love..." The artwork hanging on walls, and lockers! She is not really into watching sports. Her favorite saying is "The truth is out there." Additional information- The teachers, cafeteria workers, & office staff are extremely kind and very friendly all the time. Tina & Alicia (Principal & Program Coordinator) are pretty cool too.

Mr. Kohler - says the best thing about working at the IEC is my coworkers! He is a football fan, and his favorite saying is "whatever."

Pictured left to right:

Ron Miner, Charyl Wilson, Jen Stockinger, Rich Kohler & substitute IEC cleaner James Newsome

On January 11th, 2023, students from Ms. Khatib’s fourth grade class had the opportunity to participate in a live webinar with NASA Flight Director; Jet Propulsion Laboratory Bekah Sosland Siegfriedt during their library time.

Students had the opportunity to learn what it is like to work for NASA as an engineer and the importance of being able to collaborate and communicate with many other people as engineers and scientists work together very closely to achieve their common goals. Engineer Siegfriedt shared that over the years, NASA has sent five robotic vehicles, called rovers, to Mars. The names of the five rovers are: Sojourner, Spirit and Opportunity, Curiosity, and Perseverance. We learned that it can take anywhere from 6 to 24 minutes for a signal (traveling the speed of light) to travel from planet Earth to Mars. The amount of time depends on the orbit of the planets. She also told the class that if they are someone who is curious and likes to solve problems, maybe engineering is in their futures.

After Engineer Siegfriedt’s presentation students were able to ask her questions of their own. We learned that there is no rain on Mars, there are no clouds on Mars, there are a lot of dust storms and that it takes between 7 to 9 months for a rover to reach Mars. NASA is studying Mars so that someday humans may be able to live on the planet. Wouldn’t that be something?!

Submitted by: Mrs. H. Kazulak NBCT

In December, Mrs. Niccola’s 4th grade class participated in a very fun activity! an activity. Each student purchased a pair of holiday socks from the store, got a gift bag and filled the socks with small treats, like candy or even little fidgets. The girls exchanged socks with girls, and the boys did it for the boys. The boys and the girls each made a circle with their bags. The girls went first. They chose a bag to pass first, then they turned on some holiday music and passed the bag around the circle. When the music stopped they stopped passing and whoever was holding the bag got it and got out of the circle. And then the boys went and did the same thing. Everyone was excited to open their gifts and see what was inside!

Mrs. Tina Rodriguez, Principal

Mrs. Aliscia Krecisz, Program Coordinator

Email: trodriguez@lew-port.com
Website: www.lew-port.com
Location: 4061 Creek Rd, Youngstown, NY, USA
Phone: 716-286-7253
Twitter: @lewportIEC