Dear Parents/Guardians,
The excitement of Halloween has passed, daylight savings has come to an end, there is a chill in the air, and the leaves are falling faster... November is officially here! Although there are less actual school days this month, it is still a busy time!
October 25th was a special day as we dedicated our 75th Anniversary mural, Embracing our Roots... Celebrating our Future. We are grateful for the support of our Indian Landing PTO, the Penfield Central School District, and the ESL Community Foundation in making this mural a reality. This project officially began last fall, but the impetus for the project started several years ago. Since the fall of 2020, our PTO and Project LEAD teams have been discussing the name of our school and how the word “Indian” is perceived by the larger community. There have been significant conversations and discussions about the identity of our school and whether our current name is reflective of what we stand for and believe in. Our school community felt that it was important to dig into, understand, and uplift the history of Indian Landing school and its name. The mural project celebrates the history of who we are and it embodies our vision for the future as “A Place We Love to Be.” Indian Landing students, staff, alumni, and community members were directly involved in designing and creating a mural that reflects the timeline and history of both our school and the greater Rochester community. More than just artwork, this mural embodies the spirit of community placemaking as a vibrant testament to the identity of our school and the surrounding area.
Last school year, our K-5 students engaged in monthly history lessons learning about the area surrounding Indian Landing. Students know that less than a half mile from our school is the area that is currently Ellison Park, and that within the park there is marker indicating the original site of The Indian Landing, the beginning of the Ohio Trail from Canada to the Mississippi Valley. More recent history shows that prior to the construction of our building in 1949 there was a one room schoolhouse in the area. This schoolhouse burned down on more than one occasion. Our students have learned about the resilience and collaboration of the community that came to together to rebuild. Through each of the lessons last year, our students identified the traits and characteristics that define our ancestors and current Indian Landing students, staff, alumni, families, and community members. These are just a few examples of the rich history and tapestry of narratives that are captured in the Embracing Our Roots... Celebrating our Future mural. Through our Artist in Residency collaboration with Rochester artist Shawn Dunwoody we are able to pay homage to the profound heritage of this region and celebrate the enduring legacy of Indian Landing School.
To view a student narrated video of the mural please use this link: Embracing Our Roots... Celebrating Our Future.
In addition to our mural dedication, we also held our first Partner's Pride assembly of the 24-25 school year. Throughout the year we will use these monthly Partner's Pride assemblies to recognize students for Partner's Proud Moments- being respectful, responsible, safe and kind. We will also present brief social emotional learning lessons using the Zones of Regulation. The Zones can also be used at home! To learn more about this resource use this link- What are the Four Zones of Regulation?
Parent/Family Conferences will take place later this month on Monday, November 25th and Tuesday, November 26th. These conferences offer an opportunity to discuss your child's progress and to learn more about our educational program. If you have not yet scheduled a conference, please contact your child's teacher to set up a time.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Sincerely,
Marcie Ware
Principal
Eric Traugott
Assistant Principal
- Friday, November 8th— Wear red, white, and blue in honor of Veterans' Day; Assembly at 9:30 a.m. IL gym Wear red, white, and blue!
- Thursday, November 14th- PTO & Project LEAD Meeting, 7:00 p.m. Indian Landing Library
- Monday, November 11th— NO SCHOOL Veterans Day Holiday
- Friday, November 22nd- Partner's Pride Assembly; 9:15 AM; IL Gym
- Monday, November 25th and Tuesday, November 26th —NO SCHOOL Parent Teacher Conference Days
- November 27th-December 1st —NO SCHOOL Thanksgiving Recess
The deadline for forms has been extended to tomorrow November 5th!
All students are encourage to wear red, white, and blue on Friday!
There are over 9 million Native Americans and Native Alaskans living in the United States today. And with over 500 federally recognized tribes, there are hundreds of different cultures that are as unique as the people they represent. From artwork and literature, to cuisine and music, there is much to appreciate and learn.
While many refer to Native people as Native American, the National Museum of the American Indian notes that it's best to use the individual tribal name, when possible. In the United States, Native American is the most common term, but many Native people prefer the terms American Indian or Indigenous American instead. That said, the best term to use in a given situation usually comes down to preference — not your personal preference, but the preference of the person you’re speaking with. They might dislike “Native American” and prefer “American Indian,” or vice versa, but you have no way of knowing unless you have a relationship and ask respectfully.
Every November, we celebrate Native American Heritage Month, also known as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. The month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people. Heritage Month is also an opportune time to educate the general public about tribes, to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and, in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges. (Source: National Congress of American Indians)
Here at Indian Landing, we will be celebrating and learning together through daily announcements, shared stories, Community Circles, and other activities. All K-5 students will hear the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address and think about the question, "Based on the address, what can you tell the Haudenosaunee value (find important) in their culture?"
To learn along with us or to explore more at home, check out the following resources:
It won't be long before the first snowflakes of the season make their appearance so it is the perfect time for a reminder about cold weather gear for recess.
Recess is a time for students to decompress, be active and get fresh air. During the winter months, we make every effort to send students outside whenever possible. Students go outside for recess when the temperature (including wind chill) is at or above 15 degrees. Staff who supervise recess will be instructed on when it is appropriate to send students inside, i.e. complaint of numbness or tingling or complaint of feeling cold. It is important to make sure that your child comes to school appropriately dressed for the weather with the following items- jacket, snow pants, hat, boots, and gloves/mittens.
District policy will not allow students to wear shorts outside when it is less than 50 degrees.
Our goal is to touch as many families as we can. If your family would like to request assistance through our Holiday Helping Hands initiative, please complete this ONLINE FORM and our school social worker, Elsbeth Ebenhoe will follow up with you. You may also contact Ms. Ebenhoe directly at 249-6921 or by email at eebenhoe@penfield.edu. While we will ask for detailed information such as clothing sizes, ages, and gift ideas, all personal information is kept confidential.
If you would like to lend your support to our Holiday Helping Hands initiative, donations can be submitted through our PTO Square site.
Lost & Found
The Indian Landing (IL) Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is a partnership of parents, guardians, teachers, and administrators committed to supporting and enhancing the educational and social growth of all students at Indian Landing Elementary School.
Make sure you check out the Fundraising Page on the PTO website for information on all the ways you can contribute and support the PTO. We understand that sometimes families are too busy to participate in extensive fundraisers, but they still want to help. That’s why we created the Everyone Counts Campaign. 100% of your donation stays in the school and is tax deductible! To donate online please go to Everyone Counts Campaign Donation
Want to learn more? You are welcome to join us at our next meeting! We will meet on Thursday, November 14th at 7:00 PM in the Indian Landing Library. Please check out the PTO website for more information.
Email: IndianLandingPTO@gmail.com
Website: https://indianlandingpto.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/IndianLandingPTO
Twitter: @indianlandngpto
Our district's goals continue to focus on developing and supporting the whole student. Our approach to positive behavior support will emphasize the idea of Be a Partner! Students will learn specific expectations focused on these key concepts-
Be Respectful. Be Responsible. Be Safe. Be Kind.
These ideas are a part of what we do each and every day, and our staff will continually be looking for ways to acknowledge students who are respectful, responsible, safe and kind. Students will receive Partner's Pride stickers as recognition from adults in the building and on the bus. Students who receive stickers will be eligible for random prizes such as bracelets and t-shirts. Once a month, we will be recognizing "Partners Proud Moments". Students selected for this honor can be selected by a teacher for any reason. A positive attitude, responsible behavior, overcoming a difficulty, or meeting a personal goal are just a few examples of reasons why a student may be selected for a Partner's Proud Moment. These students receive an Outstanding Student certificate, as well as a special star pin.
Indian Landing Elementary School
Email: mware@penfield.edu
Website: http://www.penfield.edu/IndianLanding.cfm?subpage=30142
Location: 702 North Landing Road, Rochester, NY, United States
Phone: 585-249-6900
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndianLandingElementarySchool/
Instagram: @indianlandingelementary