

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP NEWSLETTER
December 6, 2024
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
PTA Holiday Fun Night 12/13/24
PTA Holiday Shop 12/9 thru 12/13/24
Winter Concert 12/12/24 at 7:00 PM; Snow date 12/19/24 7:00 PM
Board of Education Meeting 12/16/24 at 7:00 PM in the Library
Early Dismissal12/20/24 12:40 PM
Holiday Recess - School Closed 12/23/24 - 1/1/25 Happy Holidays
School Reopens 1/2/25
NEWS FROM FIRST GRADE
First-grade students enjoyed the story "Elf on a Shelf." Each classroom received a visit from an elf, and both classrooms decided to name their elves 'Buddy.' The children explored the concept of writing friendly letters and created their own letters addressed to the elves at the North Pole. Buddy and Buddy, the elves, helped deliver our letters, and we are excitedly waiting for their responses.
Miss Johnson
NEWS FROM SECOND GRADE
Second graders are becoming experts on a variety of topics while reading nonfiction texts! Students are currently in the process of reading various texts on an “expert” topic of their choice using standard print books as well as online texts. Some examples of topics that our students have chosen are giraffes, the ocean, the moon, horses, and many more! While reading, students are collecting keywords on their topic as well as interesting facts. Later this month, all second graders will participate in a “museum walk” together to share all that they have researched and learned!
Mrs. Bird
NEWS FROM MRS. CACCAVALE
This December, our third graders have been engaged in several exciting learning experiences. They’re working on an informational writing unit, where each student is creating their own “expert book” on a topic they’re passionate about. This project is helping them develop research and writing skills, while learning to present information clearly.
In social studies, we recently finished a unit on Native American cultures, where students explored the history, traditions, and lifestyles of various tribes. They worked in groups to research and create presentations, showcasing their findings on topics like art, clothing, and shelter.
In addition to these academic accomplishments, our class is also dedicated to giving back to the community. As part of a heartwarming tradition, our students are creating handmade ornaments for the annual senior luncheon. This project allows them to express their creativity while spreading holiday cheer to our local senior citizens. The students take great pride in crafting these special gifts, knowing they will bring joy to others during the holiday season!
NEWS FROM FOURTH GRADE
Fourth Grade English Language Arts
This fall has been busy and the fourth graders have been growing so tremendously! In reading, our class has been enjoying The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. In writing, we have been working on developing informational paragraphs focused on citing evidence and developing meaningful explanations. We have been working hard on grammar and morphology skills, as well as continuing to improve our spelling, handwriting, and decoding. Over the last few weeks, all the students wrote amazing personal narratives about a cozy winter day! It has been a busy and exciting fall and we are all ready to see what new adventures winter will bring to fourth grade!
Mrs. Maeurer
NEWS FROM MRS. DIRIENZO
Fun and easy ways to keep students at the top of their learning game during the winter break!
Read for pleasure – stash away the textbooks and choose a favorite holiday story or book of choice, and read for fun with your child. Invite your child into the kitchen – all those half teaspoons, tablespoons, and quarter cups measurements are great for practicing fractions. In the car – turn the drive to or from holiday events into a chance to practice letters and numbers playing the license plate game. Have a family game night – Many of your family’s favorite games can reinforce counting, reading, and drawing skills. Maintain sensible bedtimes - students can turn into night owls when there is no school to worry about in the morning. Before school starts up again, ease your child back into a regular bedtime schedule to start the new year off on the right foot.
Mrs. DiRienzo
MUSIC NEWS
It is finally time for the Winter Concert! I am so excited for everyone to see what the students have been working on for the past 3 months. Get ready for a selection of holiday music to get anyone in the spirit of the holidays. You will see the 2nd and 4th grade classes singing, The 5th and 6th grade advanced band and Select Choir. Doors open at 7:00pm
In music class 3rd graders have just started recorders. They have already begun reading rhythms and notes with the recorders in preparation for the spring concert in May. 5th has just finished their unit in music technology/production learning how to use a DAW and using premade beats to create their own songs. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season!
Mr. Both
OPERATION SANTA
Welcome to Operation Santa, a great day when Santa teams up with the Stillwater Volunteer Fire Department to spread joy around the town!! This year Santa will join us on December 14th starting at 10a.m.
You will need to drop off your SMALL SIZED wrapped gift at Station 2 (The Community Center) in Swartswood, December 11th or 12th between 5:30 and 7pm. Gifts should not be left unattended at the community center doors.
Donations to help fund this event are always appreciated and can be left with your gift at drop off, at time of Santa's visit, or made payable to Stillwater Area Volunteer Fire Company and mailed to 929 Stillwater Road Newton NJ 07860.
Any questions please email station42santa@gmail.com
If you would like Santa to visit your home, please complete this form and then drop your gift and donation on 12/11 or 12/12.
*not a school sponsored event*