November 2022

Dear Parents and/or Guardians,

November is here! It is a great time to practice an Attitude of Gratitude!

Do you have a moment to send a quick thank you note, tweet or email to a staff member at Lewiston-Porter Intermediate Education Center?

Expressing gratitude can fill your cup and our staff member’s cup. Positive connections between home and school foster mutual respect, in turn creating a rich learning environment. If you’re interested in sharing a quick thank you with someone that is having a positive impact on your child, please go to the @LewPortIEC and tweet a special message to your child’s classroom teacher. We are all “twitter” about great staff at the IEC.

-------------------------------------------------------My Turn-----------------------------------------------------------------

THANK YOU, PARENTS!

I want to thank you for your continued support and partnership as we navigate this dynamic, but different time in our children’s lives! Your work in providing a safe and caring environment nurtures the educational success of your child. This provides a solid platform for us to build on! We appreciate your hard work and commitment to our work together. This creates a team of support for your child(ren) that allows great learning to happen academically, socially, and emotionally. Thank you for your ongoing support!

It has been a great start to our year. The students and staff have been working diligently to implement daily routines and academic success for all children. I am so proud of all our students' hard work and respectful devotion to our school. Your behaviors promote a positive social, emotional and developmental environment for all our students. Through the Leader in Me Character Program, classroom D.E.A.L time and the building’s IEC leadership skills, our school is becoming a better place to learn and grow everyday.

We are coming upon the conclusion of our first trimester, so please be on the lookout for information from your classroom teacher regarding Parent-Teacher Conferences. Parent-Teacher conferences have long been valued as a most effective means of reporting individual pupil progress. The parent teacher conference allows parents and teachers to review the academic achievement, where all educational inquiries can be addressed to support the optimal growth of each child.

Please join Twitter @LewPortIEC to find more information on school events and happenings throughout the day.

Sincerely,

Tina Rodriguez,

IEC Principal

It's a time to celebrate the rich histories, diverse cultures and important contributions of our nation's first people. Interior works to honor the nation's trust responsibilities and special commitments to American Indians and Alaska Natives.

A Proclamation on National Native American Heritage Month, 2021

read it here https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/10/29/a-proclamation-on-national-native-american-heritage-month-2021/

• November 8th, Tuesday- Early Release Day- dismissal is at 2:25pm, instead of 3:25pm is also National S.T.E.A.M. Day!
• November 11th, Friday- School closed in observation of Veteran's Day
• November 18th, Friday- Substitute Educators Day, occurs the Friday before Thanksgiving each year
• November 23, 24, 25th- School closed for Thanksgiving recess
• November 24th, Thursday -Thanksgiving

Assemblyman Morinello provided children with a Summer reading challenge this past Summer. Children registered online and have marked at least 40 days of reading on a Summer calendar. They were recognized on October 18, 2022 with a pizza party provided by Assemblyman Morinello. They also have earned an Excellence in Reading certificate that they will receive in the mail.

Congratulations to the following IEC students: Katherine Fura, Ariana Godlewski, Maryelle Hausauer, Olivia Hausauer, Kensley Kilmer, Lauren Leven, Ellie Millar, Morgan Pierce and Noah Rookey. You should be very proud of yourselves for setting a great reading example! Keep reading!

Dear Lew-port Families,

At Lew-port, we have created a plan that will help prepare every child to be successful for the demands of the 21st Century. Our plan includes using the Leader in Me program. This plan allows students to develop leadership skills that they can use in everyday life. The Leader in Me program uses the Seven Habits of Happy Kids in order to help students become “leaders of their own learning.” Students participate in these initiatives throughout each day as skills are embedded in all content areas. However, they have a specific time that allows them to Drop Everything And Lead (D.E.A.L).

September/October : Overview of all Habits/Habit 1

November: Habit 2

The Seven Habits

Habit 1: Be Proactive

I am a responsible person. I make good choices. I hold myself accountable. I take initiative. I am respectful.

Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind

I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that have purpose and make a difference.

Habit 3: Put First Things First

I spend my time on things that are most important. I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan. I am organized.

Habit 4: Think Win-Win

I compromise with others. I make deposits in others’ Emotional Bank Accounts. When conflicts arise, I look for solutions.

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood

I listen before I talk. I try to see things from other viewpoints.

Habit 6: Synergize

I cooperate. I value other people’s opinions. I work well in groups. I seek out other people’s ideas to solve problems because I know that by teaming with others, we can create better solutions than any one of us alone.

Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw

I take care of my body by eating right, exercising, and getting sleep. I spend time with family and friends.

Students in Mr. Frederick’s 3rd grade S.T.E.A.M. class learned about the Engineering and Design process by planning and creating the highest tower possible. Students used toothpicks and gumdrops as their building tools. Each group went through the design process which culminated in a tower, then they had to “rethink” their design and build it again. The winning design was 12 ½ inches tall ! Mrs. Zito’s class had a great time !

Have you ever wondered why leaves change color? Third grade classes have taken advantage of the sunny, warm, autumn days to take a nature walk and utilizing the exceptionally colorful fall leaves to study “Why Leaves Change Color. ” Our local deciduous woodlamd lends itself to the diversity of trees in our area! Did you know that the spectacular leaf colors of autumn have actually been in the leaves all summer long? They are just covered up by the dominant green of the chlorophyl!! Get out and enjoy our beautiful autumn this year!!

As we continue our special IEC Spotlight Series, allow me to introduce you to our

Fantastic Fourth Grade Teachers,

Superb Service Learning Teachers,

and the

Spectacular Special Education Teachers

as well as the

Phenomenal Physical Education Department

(who by the way ALSO teach the Heath and Wellness program!)

and

Tremendous Technology & Encouraging Enrichment

(who also happen to be the IEC STEAM team!)

Pictured back row left to right

Mrs. Topolski (a Terrific Third Grade Teacher, showing support), Mrs. Behm (Spectacular Special Education Teacher in with Mrs. DuMoulin), Mrs. (Black) Fontanarosa (Fantastic 4th Grade Classroom Teacher), Mrs. Dougherty (Spectacular Special Education Teacher working with Mrs. Khatib & Mrs. Danahy) & Mrs. Eckstein (Spectacular Special Education Teacher working with 5th Grade Teachers Mrs. Niccola & Miss Yager)

Front row left to right (all Fantastic Fourth Grade Classroom Teachers)

Mrs. Stafford, Mrs. Khatib, Mrs. DuMoulin, Mrs. Niccola, & Mrs. Lombardo

Mrs. Lombardo- says the best thing about working at the IEC is the friendships, (we really are lucky to have the people here!) "I love..." my job as an educator. She is a soccer fan, and her favorite saying is "Oh Mylanta!" ;)

Mrs. Stafford- says the best thing about working at the IEC is the children! "I love..." Rescuing animals, my Harley Davidson Fat Boy motorcycle, sky diving, flying airplanes, driving stock cars, riding horses! She is a fan of the Buffalo Bills (of course!) Mrs. Stafford's favorite phrase is "Be a problem solver!" She states Be a problem solver! Be independent and responsible for yourself! Take risks and don't wait for someone to do something for you! GO FOR IT!!

Mrs. (Black) Fontanarosa- says the best thing about working at the IEC is the entire staff working together to make our building the best!! "I love..."that I am able to make a difference in the lives of my students everyday! She is a fan of the Buffalo Bills and her favorite phrase is "Have a nice day!"

Mrs. Niccola- says the best thing about working at the IEC is all of the wonderful students and dedicated staff. "I love..."reading, the beach, Pepsi, Swedish Fish, Target, watching Dateline, teaching 4th grade and being at home with my family and pets! She is a fan of the Lewport Lancers! Her favorite phrase is "I love you" She states I was a student at Lew-Port for all years, grades K to 12....

Mrs. DuMoulin- says the best thing about working at the IEC is...the 4th Grade teachers ;) (Great sense of humor hahaha) "I love....: Encouraging our Classroom Leaders! She is a Buffalo Bills fan, and her favorite saying is of course "Go Bills!"

Mrs. Khatib- says the best thing about working at the IEC is the amazing people! "I love..." my family and friends, my profession, Twizzlers, travel, people, singing, playing music (drums, piano, flute, ukulele- I try them all! I master none!) .She says I "Love the Bills! Love soccer-captained Lew-Port’s first girls soccer team. Love walking outside, especially at Fort Niagara." Her favorite phrase is "This is going to be the greatest day ever!"

Mrs. Danahy-says the best thing about working at the IEC is having lots of fun together! " I love..."habit number 7, "sharpening the saw" She is a fan of the Buffalo Bills, and her favorite phrase is "No worries" This is my lucky 18th year of teaching ! I have been teaching 5th grade for 16 years at the IEC. I can't wait to see what this year brings:)

Pictured left to right

Mrs. Behm, Mrs. Marchetti, Mrs. Dougherty, Mrs. Baio, Mrs. Block, Mrs. Eckstein

Mrs. Baio- says the best thing about working at the IEC is spending my days with third graders and amazing co-workers! "I love..."helping students learn and improve. Her favorite sports/ team ? The Bills / Yankees / Sabres

Mrs. Behm- says the best thing about working at the IEC is I love that my co-workers have become so of my best friends! Also, celebrating student growth!! "I love..." being a world traveler, my family and watching my one year old achieve new milestones! She is a fan of our football team- Go Bills!!!! Super Bowl Champions 2023! Her favorite phrase is "Mistakes are proof that you are trying!" She sates Mrs. DuMoulin is the best co-teacher!!! :-)

Mrs. Block- says the best thing about working at the IEC is sharing fun times with my class! "I love..."my family, my friends, and chocolate! I love to watch softball, but my favorite team is the Buffalo Bills. Her favorite phrase is "Kindness is never wasted!"

Mrs. Dougherty- says the best thing about working at the IEC is the people I work with! Everyone is welcoming, down to earth and part of a team. "I love..."my family. I have a daughter named Vienna that was born June 29th. I also love traveling , I have visited 15 countries outside of the United States, Italy being my favorite. Her favorite team (& phrase) "Go Bills!"

Mrs. Eckstein- says the best thing about working at the IEC is the staff and students! I enjoy coming to work each and everyday! "I love..."my family and my doggies! She is a big fan of the Buffalo Bills!!!! Buffalo Sabres!!!! Her favorite phrase is "I am the one thing in this life I can control. I am inimitable, I am an original." - Hamilton She states I am so grateful for getting to work with such wonderful people each and everyday! There is nothing better than seeing smiling faces and hearing laughter!

Mrs. Marchetti-says the best thing about working at the IEC is the staff- very welcoming and helpful, positive atmosphere! "I love..."when a student's " Light Bulb " turns on and you can see them smile cause they got it! She is a fan of horseback riding, and her favorite phrase is "You can do it!" Teaching for 20 years , L-P alumni

Our Phenomenal Physical Education Teachers also teach Health and Wellness to our students

They also do fun projects like the Field Day, Hoops for Heart for the American Heart Association and the Jingle Bell Jamboree for Hospice

Miss Singleton- says the best thing about working at the IEC is how awesome the IEC family is! "I love...When I hear a student say "I did it!" She is a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs (diversity is a good thing right?) and her favorite phrase is "Turn I "can't" into I CAN TRY!" I love my wonderful family and enjoy traveling - especially to the BEACH!

Mr. Lesh- says the best thing about working at the IEC is the kids! The IEC is the place to be. Our purpose is to ensure that when students leave Lewiston-Porter they will be ready to face the world with confidence in themselves and what they can contribute. While students are here, they will be challenged to grow along their pathway and discover their personal best. We do this through playful games in which students are given an equitable opportunity to strive for the thrive.

National S.T.E.M./S.T.E.A.M. Day on November 8th calls for full S.T.E.A.M. ahead! The day inspires kids to explore and pursue their interests in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Inspired by the Project Mc² brand, created by MGA Entertainment, the S.T.E.A.M.- based franchise features four super smart girls who are part of a super-secret spy organization called NOV8 (that’s “innovate”).

Why is S.T.E.M./S.T.E.A.M. so important, now more than ever before?

• S.T.E.M./S.T.E.A.M. is all around us and shapes our everyday experiences
• Of the U.S. Labor Department’s predicted 10 fastest growing occupations, nearly all of them are S.T.E.M./S.T.E.A.M. careers; therefore an interest in S.T.E.M./S.T.E.A.M. early on can lead to success later on in life
• The U.S. has fallen behind other nations in science and math education; we need to motivate young kids to pursue these subjects to keep up with the rest of the world
• We must close the gender gap that exists in S.T.E.M./S.T.E.A.M. related-careers. Building interest in girls is critical to their future earning potential.

Information from https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-stemsteam-day-november-8/

National STEAM Day leads us into the perfect time to introduce you to our STEAM team!

These incredible teachers not only teach STEAM but also

Tremendous Technology & Encouraging Enrichment

All students this year will have the opportunity to work in the STEAM LAB as part of their weekly Special Area rotation. Mr. Frederick will be teaching 3rd grade and Mrs. Peterson will be teaching 4th and 5th grade. All grades will be focusing on various STEAM activities through the year and are planning many exciting learning experiences.

Mr. Frederick

Mrs. Peterson

My name is Mr. Frederick and I will be teaching all third grade S.T.E.A.M. classes this year. I have met most third graders already and I am very excited for a fun year. My focus this year will be supplementing the 3rd Grade Science curriculum. I also teach the IEC Enrichment classes for all grades 3-5. The best way to reach me is through my email pfrederick@lew-port.com. I’m looking forward to a great year!

Mr. Frederick

My name is Mrs. Peterson and I will be teaching all fourth and fifth-grade S.T.E.A.M. classes this year. I also teach computer technology to all students in grades 3-5 at the IEC. We will be working on many awesome projects this year in the steam lab utilizing the engineering design process. In technology, we will learn about Internet Safety, learn how to type and code, use Google Apps for Education, and so much more. I am also the advisor for the 4th and 5th-grade coding club which will start in early 2023. The best way to reach me is through my email dpeterson@lew-port.com I’m looking forward to working with everyone this year!

Mrs. Peterson

On November 13th, as part of World Kindness Day, we are encouraged to spread kindness like an infectious cold. We want to share it more than usual because studies show when others observe kindness in action they are more likely to carry out an act of kindness, too.

We each have the potential to improve each others’ lives through understanding and kindness. Whether it’s a friend, family member, coworker, or stranger, our ability to show our humanity should have no limit.

The World Kindness Movement started World Kindness Day in 1998 and has spread to 28 countries.

From https://nationaldaycalendar.com/world-kindness-day-november-13/

Each year on November 15, millions of people across the United States take part in America Recycles Day. The day raises awareness about recycling and the purchasing of recycled products.

How we recycle and reuse products are important. For example, one-use water bottles flood America’s waterways and landfills at a rate of 60 million per day. Reducing this number can be achieved with water filtration devices and using portable re-usable drinking bottles and cups.

Reduce waste by repurposing and reusing old items. One of the bests ways to do this is by shopping at secondhand stores. Not only does it prevent items from ending up in the landfill, but it also saves you money. The old adage, “one person’s junk is another person’s treasure,” holds true. These stores offer more than you might imagine, from clothing and furnishings to kitchen items and replacement parts. If you’ve never shopped this way, consider it.

One area where we excel at recycling is aluminum. In fact, the U.S. recycles about 65% of its aluminum. That’s more than any other recycled item.

• In America, 105,800 cans are recycled every minute.
• Your television can run for 3 hours from the energy saved by recycling one can.
• In 2019, an aluminum can was worth about 1.7 cents.
• The industry pays more than $1 billion annually for recycled cans.

Your waste management professions are a wealth of information regarding recycling. They’ll give you the hard facts and steer you in the right direction, too. The role of waste management goes far beyond garbage collection. In each community, they provide various services and programs designed to protect and reduce the impact we have on our environment.

From https://nationaldaycalendar.com/america-recycles-day-november-15/

National Native American Heritage Day on the day after Thanksgiving honors American Indians across the nation. The day celebrates the vibrant cultures, traditions, and heritages while recognizing Native Americans’ many contributions.

The day encourages listening to Native American voices and fostering pride in the vibrant and layered heritage embedded deep within our society.

NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY DAY HISTORY

Riding horseback from state to state in 1914, Red Fox James, a Blackfoot Indian, sought endorsement from 24 states to support a national day recognizing and honoring Native Americans. He presented these endorsements to the White House the following year. At the time, the U.S. government didn’t proclaim a national day. However, the state of New York declared the second Saturday in May as American Indian Day.

In 1986, the 99th Congress passed a joint resolution authorizing the President to proclaim November 23-30, 1986, as American Indian Week. President Ronald Reagan declared the first American Indian week that year and each year following his presidency. President George H.W. Bush continued the proclamations until 1990, when he approved a joint resolution to declare November as National American Indian Heritage Month. This tradition has continued annually. In 2008 the Native American Heritage Day Act was enacted by Congress and signed by President George W. Bush on October 8, 2008.

from https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-native-american-heritage-day-day-after-thanksgiving/

We’ve just spent the weekend shopping and searching for the best possible deals. National Day Of Giving reminds us to give to those in need. Whether we look to our favorite causes or charities, it is a great reminder to lift others up during a generous time of year. On the Tuesday after Thanksgiving charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.

NATIONAL DAY OF GIVING HISTORY

In 2012, 92nd Street Y in New York City created Day of Giving to bring focus to the charitable season in the wake of the commercialized Black Friday and Cyber Monday. More commonly referred to as #GivingTuesday, National Day of Giving harnesses the power of social media to give back around the world and throughout the year.

From https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day-of-giving-givingtuesday-usually-follows-cyber-monday/

During the week of October 3rd- 7th here at the IEC we celebrated Crazy Sock Day, Decades Day, Tie-Dye Day, (Mrs. Khatib's favorite) Pajama Day and School Spirit Green & White Day!

The kids had so much fun during assembly, it was full of excitement, screaming and dancing!

On Tuesday October 11th Lewiston Porter had our "solidarity/ awareness day" regarding Orange Shirt Day. This is separate from Indigenous People's Day in purpose and by the actual date (in Canada Orange Shirt Day is September 30th)

Orange Shirt Day was inspired by Phyllis Webstad, an indigenous child who was forced to attend a residential school for Native Americans. The goal of these schools was to force assimilation on Indigenous children.

Her story begins with her first day of school, when the school leaders stole her favorite orange shirt (along with other personal belongings) and never returned to her.

The shirt became a metaphor for assimilation. She was constantly reminded that her personal culture and identity were considered wrong or taboo, and that her people didn't have a place in Canadian society.

What can we do to show that we think this type of behavior is wrong?

Wear ORANGE on Tuesday November 11th to show solidarity with our Indigenous neighbors, and use the day as an opportunity to spread the message of love and harmony.

Wow! This year’s Coat Drive (October 1st- October 21st) was a HUGE success! Twelve bags of coats for children, women, and men were collected from our school. Coats were also collected in the PEC, MS, and HS. We are really making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate at Lewiston-Porter! Doesn’t it feel good to know that we have helped make someone’s winter a little warmer!

A special thanks to students in the Service Learning, who made announcements, hung signs around the school, decorated collection barrels, and packed up and delivered the coats! SYNERGIZING at its finest!

Our annual district-wide Dress Down Day/Wear Pink fundraiser was held on Friday, October 14th.

Pictured left to right

Office staff Ms. Ruero, Mrs. Krieger, Mrs. Silvaggi, & Principal Mrs. Rodriguez

The IEC students had so much fun during the Apex Fun Run on Thursday October 20th!

Due to weather conditions, it was held inside the IEC gym, and glowing necklaces were worn as they ran laps to music and lights to cheering and encouragement from family members and the school staff.

★ Apex Leadership Co. is a locally owned company that provides a two-week hassle-free leadership and character-building program combined with a fitness-focused event fundraiser to help schools raise much needed funds. All students are included in the leadership program and fitness event regardless of financial participation in the fundraiser.

★ Our Apex program ran from 10/10/22 – 10/21/22.

★ Our fitness event this year was the: Apex Fun Run.

★ Students could gather flat donations or pledge amounts for $$ for each “lap” they complete during the event.

Team Lester’s two players chosen to pie Jump Kick Joel were… Cole Vanone and Chloe Vanone!

Students in class with Mrs. Sandonato-Siuta, Mrs. Block, Mrs. Zito and Miss Zeitz painted pumpkis -"showing kindness to all with a little piece of fall" This beautifully decorated pumpkin was presented to the office to enjoy

October 22nd is Make a Difference Day so students in Service Learning classes hit the grounds cleaning our school grounds. What are the benefits of picking up litter?

1.) It gives you a sense of community by helping to keep our school grounds clean.

2) It teaches children to GIVE as they watch their adult role models do it.

3) It keeps toxins out of the planet.

4) If someone sees you doing it, they may be inspired to pick one day as well – adding to the goodwill in our community.

We all can make a difference. Every little bit helps!

The APEX final mini-event on Monday 10/24/22 was- Sliming the Principal! Hosted by Joel Gellis, Apex Team Leader.

As a show of support for your school (and for the enjoyment of your students), Principal Mrs. Rodriguez was slimed on the auditorium stage!

Any student who won Tuesday's $20 pledge challenge was invited to the auditorium and given a pre made cup of slime/ice cream to dump on their principal's head! 54 students across 17 classes won that challenge, which made a huge difference!

In addition, the entirety of our top fundraising class was invited to put the finishing touches on Mrs. Rodriguez. Congratulations to our chain winners - Mr. Siuta & Mrs. Baio's class - who managed to stay atop the leaderboard from day 1!

The event itself was quite simple. Students filed into the auditorium, when their name was called, they walked up on stage, take one pre-made cup of sludge from the folding table, dump it on their helpless seated principal, and exit stage left.

The slime was made of pancake batter and food coloring. Whipped cream finished the event.

Special thanks to our PE teachers- Miss Singleton & Mr. Lesh, for their outstanding support, and of course to Principal Rodriguez for her fearlessness and adaptability!

Students in the class of Mrs. DuMoulin & Mrs. Behm had a delicious book tasting on Thursday, October 27th The classroom was transformed into a "Starbooks"- the 4th grade students sat at "tables" wore aprons, had beverages and snacks available. They shared the names, plot, characters and storylines of the books they have been enjoying, and hoped to inspire others to read them, too! This was an amazingly fun way to empower their public speaking abilities and both share, as well as inspire, the joy of reading!

On Monday October 31stth, our Service Learning classes invited officers from the Lewiston Police Department to come to our school for a Halloween Talent Show & Party!

Service Learning students brought their costumes to school to entertain our guests with a costume parade, songs, talent show and light refreshments.

Students’ families and friends were welcome to join in this fun activity.

This was an enriching experience that provided our children with the opportunity to interact with law enforcement in our community. As we continue our relationship with the Lewiston Police Department throughout the year, it is our hope that students will learn to respect and appreciate the wisdom, knowledge, and support that can be gained from those in authority. Thank you for your continued support!

Mrs. Tina Rodriguez, Principal

Mrs. Alsicia Krecisz, Program Coordinator

Email: trodriguez@lew-port.com
Website: www.lew-port.com
Location: 4061 Creek Road, Youngstown, NY, USA
Phone: 716-286-7252
Twitter: @LewportIEC