Swift River Elementary School

Newsletter for the Week of September 23- 27

Dear Swift River Families,

As we wrap up September, we’re excited to share the latest news, events, and achievements from our school community! This month has been filled with engaging activities, inspiring learning experiences, and opportunities for our students to shine.

In this edition, you’ll find important updates, upcoming events, and highlights from recent activities. We encourage you to stay involved and continue supporting our school as we work together to create a positive and enriching environment for our children.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to Swift River Elementary. Here’s to another great month ahead!

Warm regards,

Magda Harrison

Principal

LUNCH MENU FOR FIRST WEEK OF OCTOBER

IN THE CLASSROOMS

Mrs. Kruse - Second Grade Class

In this week's lesson named Apple Trapper, students learn about a variety of apples. In the activity, students engage in the engineering design process by building, testing, learning from failure, and trying again and again!

Mrs. Gernux - First Grade Class

In Mrs. Gernux's class they have started their Life Science unit and did two Science lessons so far, the kids have loved them! They are starting to learn about animal traits. Students used two different types of beaks to pick up different kinds of "food." One beak was a pointy beak made out of a straw bent in half, the other was a bill beak made from a small dixie cup with cuts on both sides. Students had to determine which beak was better to pick up certain foods and in certain scenarios (i.e. picking out "seeds" from between small "rocks").

Mrs. Davis - Third Grade Class

Mrs. Davis's class viewed the Buddy Bench video. After discussing the message about how to be inclusive and show kindness to another classmate students wrote and illustrated how they might include a child that was on the Buddy Bench.

From Mrs. Kibbe

During PE class last week, students are starting their Cooperation Unit. Throughout the next few weeks students will participate in many different challenges/activities that will promote independence with critical thinking, problem solving, good decision making and positive relationships. We encourage all families to talk with their children about what cooperation means, what it might look like and ask them how they used cooperation during their last PE class. Mrs. Kibbe would love to see families using cooperation outside of school too, if you would like to share a snapshot of your child using excellent cooperation at home, please send a picture with a little description to ckibbe@belchertownps.org.

Shout out to our stylish team

I wanted to take a moment to recognize the incredible spirit of collaboration and camaraderie that we’ve seen recently among our staff. It’s been wonderful to witness so many of you coordinating outfits and showing up in matching attire for various events! Let's go Swift River Elementary.

Left to Right, our fabulous staff - Ms. Fink, Ms. Harris, Ms. Holmes & Mrs. Zielenski

FROM THE MUSIC ROOM

We’re thrilled to share a special video from our wonderful music teacher, Mr. Gould! In this engaging presentation, Mr. Gould will take us through some of the exciting activities and projects happening in our music program this year.

Whether your child is a budding musician or just loves to sing along, this video offers a glimpse into the creativity and joy that music brings to our school community. We encourage you to watch and enjoy as Mr. Gould shares his passion for music and the fun we have in our classes.

Thank you for supporting our music program and encouraging your child’s love for the arts!

SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES

Trunk or Treat- We are excited to Share that our 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat will be taking place Wednesday, October 30th from 5:30-7. If you would like to participate please sign up on the link below. The PTO will happily provide candy for trunks to pass out, please indicate if interested. Set up begins at 5pm and will be located in the back lot of SRE. If you know of anyone interested please pass along our information, or share our google form. As always, thank you for your help in making this year's event the most successful one yet!

Trunk or Treat Sign Up

Garden help- Currently, the Belchertown Schools Garden is looking for families (ideally 3-4 families per grade level) willing to commit to help sustain the garden. If you are interested or would like more information, please email btowngarden@gmail.com.

UNCOMING EVENTS

Wed., 10/2 (7:00 pm) - CSSRE PTO Meeting (Virtual)
Wed., 10/9 (1:00 pm) - Districtwide Early Dismissal
Thurs., 10/10 - SRE Picture Day
Mon., 10/14 - No School
Wed., 10/30 (5:30 pm - 7:00 pm) - CSSRE Trunk or Treat

CONTACT INFORMATION

SWIFT RIVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Principal: Magda Harrison
Assistant Principal: Ivy Peritz-Smith
Main Office: 413-323-0471 or 413-323-0472
Absentee/Tardy Line: 413-323-0455 (Available 24 Hours)
Website: www.belchertownps.org
Location: 57 State Street Belchertown, MA 01007