Monday, 11/25 - A Day
- 3rd Grade Early Morning Library - 8:00
Tuesday, 11/26 - B Day
- 4th Grade Early Morning Library - 8:00
- 4th Grade Artifact Museum - Parent Visitation @ 2:30
Wednesday, 11/27 - C Day - 11:30 Early Rapid Dismissal
- 5th Grade Early Morning Library - 8:00
Thursday, 11/28 - Thanksgiving - School Closed
Friday, 11/29 - Thanksgiving Recess - School Closed
Each grade has recently wrapped up their first unit of study in Science and have already started or will be starting unit 2. Below you can find detailed information regarding the upcoming units in each grade and what students will be or are currently learning.
Third Grade Unit 2: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
In Unit 2, students will learn about relationships in past and present ecosystems. They will analyze data from fossils to interpret the environments they lived in long ago, and explore the relationships between habitats and the organisms that live in them today. They will collect evidence about how well different kinds of animals and plants survive in a habitat and predict what may happen if the environment changes. In addition, they will read informational texts to explain how organisms that form groups may help them find food, defend themselves, raise offspring, and survive. Lastly, students will discuss how well various solutions might combat an environmental change in an organism’s habitat. They will be actively engaged in the practices of science, and develop connections to the big ideas of this unit.
Fourth Grade Unit 2: Energy
In unit 2, students will learn about Energy systems. Using hands-on investigations, they will come to understand the relationship between the speed of an object and the energy of the object, that energy is conserved as it is transferred and/or converted from one form to another, and that changes in energy occur when objects collide. They will explore energy and fuels that are derived from natural resources and how their uses affect the environment, as well as learning about alternative energy sources and the pros and cons that are considered in decision making processes. Developmentally, fourth grade students are working towards becoming abstract thinkers. To support this, students will be working with many materials, designing and conducting hands-on investigations, recording her/his findings, and experiencing varied authentic learning opportunities. A fourth grade student is much more independent in her/his thinking and problem solving. They will be making predictions, discussing and elaborating on investigations and exploring the “why” of each lesson. These science lessons are active and engaging. Your student will become a fourth grade physicist, and you will be amazed at all they are learning!
Fifth Grade Unit 2: Structures and Properties of Matter
In their second unit, fifth graders will explore the Properties of Matter, an exciting Physical Science topic. They will be developing and using many different models to make sense of how the tiny particles that make up solids, liquids and gases (matter) behave. They will use their models to explore these concepts and explain their understanding of everyday phenomena, such as melting ice, dissolving salt, evaporating water and chemical reactions such as baking soda and vinegar. This unit will also introduce the idea of conservation of mass which students will be revisiting in middle school. Students will be making observations and measurements to record some interesting properties of materials. Then we’ll play a game to guess the identity of mystery materials. A highlight will be their planned investigation to discover the perfect recipe for slime. Developmentally, fifth grade students are working towards becoming abstract thinkers. To support this, students will experience many authentic hands-on learning opportunities and conduct investigations in order to become more independent in their thinking and problem solving.
#RNlearns
This is to inform you that this week we will be conducting an Evacuation (Fire) Drill and our annual Rapid Dismissal Drill.
The Rapid Dismissal will take place at 11:30 am on Wednesday, 11/27. This procedure is used for practice in evacuating the schools as quickly as possible in a controlled situation. This means that all students, staff and families are asked to leave the premises upon dismissal. The playground will be off limits after school.
The purpose of all drills is to ensure the safety and preparedness of our students and staff in case of an emergency.
Please rest assured that these are only drills and not actual emergencies.
For any questions or concerns, feel free to contact Mr. Scarantino directly.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Last week you should have received an email informing you of F.E. Bellows' new chromebook restricted hours times. First, this does not mean your child cannot access their Google Classroom or complete homework assigned online. They can still access these accounts via an internet browser on an at-home device, just not on their Rye Neck chromebook. Students will just not be able to use their Rye Neck chromebook before 7:30 am and after 7:30 pm and then on weekends. We do not assign homework on Fridays at Bellows.
As mentioned in the message, the chromebook is not for personal use. It is for school business only.
These new guidelines were instituted to help those families at home who need assistance managing chromebook use at home. If you feel like you have a management plan in place at home in which your child does not ask to use the chromebook for personal use, great! We appreciate you having a plan for media balance in your home. If you do not, this should be helpful to you in combating those requests to "get on the chromebook".
We are also mindful and aware that students have extracurricular activities that may require them accessing Google Classroom, i-Ready or CommonLit for homework assignments. If you'd like to "opt out" of the restrictions, we ask you to complete the form below. If you also have a complex home dynamic that requires you to request removing the restriction, this form is also for you. Lastly, if you have a strong management plan at home and don't need it, submit a response.
If you have any questions or concerns about the restrictions, DO NOT email your child's/children's teacher(s). You can email Ms. Lanza or Mr. Scarantino.
F.E. Bellows Elementary School Restricted Hours Opt Out Form 2024-25
Rye Neck 9th grader Immanuel Tan will be performing this Saturday with the Excelsior Symphony Orchestra at their Fall Concert! Rye Neck has a long history of both student and parent performers participating in the Excelsior Symphony Orchestra, formerly the St. Thomas Orchestra. You can find more information about their Fall Concert through ArtsWestchester.
As we continue our work with the district's Strategic Plan, we want you to be on the lookout for these special hashtags when you are following us on the social media platforms. Each goal as well as the plan as a whole, have their own unique hashtag that students in grades 5-12 and Rye Neck staff voted on.
Goal 1 - #RNlearns
Goal 2 - #PantherVoices
Goal 3 - #LeadersLeaRN
Entire Strategic Plan - #PanthersImpact
Please note that there is a sign on the visitor sign-in kiosk ➡️
- All visitors entering the building must sign in with ID at the Raptor kiosk at the front entrance. If you have forgotten your ID, you can type your information in. Once you are signed in, please ring the doorbell to gain entry. Your visitor sticker will print inside the building.
- If you are dropping off a student, just ring the doorbell and we will let the student in. No need to sign in.
- If you are only dropping off lunch, homework, etc, just ring the doorbell and we meet you at the door. No need to sign in.
The next early dismissal date for Professional Learning is Wednesday, December 18th. Third graders will be dismissed at 1:30, and fourth and fifth graders will be dismissed at 1:35. All grades will have their regular lunch period.
Please be sure to add these dates to your calendar:
- Wednesday, December 18th
- Wednesday, February 26th
- Wednesday, March 26th
The Rye Neck Safe Routes to School is a community group comprised of parents in the Rye Neck school district, who coordinate with school administrators, PTA representatives, elected officials, municipal employees, police officers, Mamaroneck SRTS, and other community members to improve pedestrian, bicycle, and traffic safety. Initiatives can include coordinating Education programs, advocating for Engineering initiatives by the municipalities, and/or requesting the assistance of local law Enforcement. Please see their new website for more information.
https://www.ryeneck.org/community-partners/safe-routes-to-school
If you have a change in your child's pickup after 12:00 pm, please call the main office at 914-777-4600 or email the office at febattendance@ryeneck.org. This will ensure that the message is relayed to your child in time for dismissal.
WINTER After School Clubs Still Have Openings!
Cooking: Masterchefs (Mon)
Writing Graphic Novels (Tues)
Digital Photography (Weds)
Flag Football with Harrison Youth Flag Football (Weds)
Winter Clubs run Jan 13th - April 10th
Visit https://www.yourafterschool.com/FEBellows.html to see the full schedule and to register!
"The RNSF "Give, Grant, Impact" Appeal is here! Now through December 20th, you have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students. Each donation funds grants that bring innovative resources, programs, and experiences directly to Rye Neck students, providing them with opportunities to explore, create and excel. Visit the RNSF WEBSITE to donate today!"
Grants so far have funded:
- The F.E. Bellows Fifth Grade School Store
- Garden Beds for Planting Spring 2025 in the Bellows' Life Garden
- Sensory Materials & Equipment for Students at Bellows
