Friday Update 2/17/2023

Dear Siwanoy Families,

A hundred days of laughter and learning have come and gone, and it’s time to reflect on everything you have to show for it! The 100th Day of School is a symbolic celebration of students’ achievements during the academic school year. We took some time out on Monday to celebrate our 100th day of school and all of our accomplishments. Congratulations to all of you for making it this far. I can't believe that we are more than halfway through the school year.

Jump Rope for Heart

And another successful Jump Rope for Heart is in the books. Special shout out to Dave Sparano for spearheading! With his guidance, our fearless PTA and all of our selfless 4th and 5th grade parents we raised well over $4,000! Wow. Simply amazing. And it just wouldn't be such an amazing event, year after year, without our very own Siwanoy gem, Keith Maley. Thank you, Keith.

Celebration of Black History Month

Did you know that February is Black History month? This week we learned some cool facts about Harriet Tubman, George Washington Carver, Thomas Jennings and LeBron James. Did you know that LeBron James is the all time leading scorer in NBA history? And, aside from his basketball career, this black American also helped to open a school, housing complex, and community center in his hometown of Akron, Ohio!

Professional Development, Early Dismissal on March 1st at 1pm

Just a gentle reminder that on Wednesday, March 1st, we have our last professional development early release of the school year. This means that we will have lunch from 11:45-12:45 and then the children will be dismissed at 1pm. We appreciate you arriving promptly at 1pm so that our teachers can start their workshops on time. Thank you!

Nature Workshop, Early Dismissal on March 1st at 1pm SOLD OUT!

Rye Nature Center is bringing its Animal Adaptations program to Siwanoy for early release day on March 1st, 1-3pm. Learn what different species need to survive. What do they eat and how do they protect themselves? What is their habitat? What function do their body coverings like fur, scales, and feathers serve? Limited to 20 students, $15/child. Signup through MTK. SOLD OUT!

Valentine's Day

We sure were feeling the love here at Siwanoy. Can I just say how adorable your children are? They were so excited to make, give and receive their Valentine's Day cards. It was a really sweet day.

Student Government

Random Acts of Kindness Week included post it notes, a lot of smiles and even a shout out to Mrs. Reynolds during morning announcements for being such a great teacher. Thank you to our Student Government for coming up with the idea and for leading the charge. Kindness rocks!

Alvin Ailey Dance Class in Pelham

Siwanoy Diversity Committee presents Family Fun Night- Alvin Ailey Dances with Pelham!

In collaboration with the Diversity Committees of all 4 Pelham Elementary schools and SEPTA, we cordially invite you to an evening of dance and fun!

When: February 28, 2023, 6:30-8:00pm

What: West African & Jazz/Hip Hop Dance class led by Alvin Ailey Arts in Education & Community Programs

Where: Hutchinson Elementary Gym

Who: All K-5 kids in Pelham *Chaperone required – this is not a drop off event*

Cost: Free! Space is limited so come early

Alvin Ailey Dance Flyer

Gentle reminders

Please remember to drive safely through our little village, especially in our school zones and when parking, please be mindful of our neighbors driveways. We really appreciate your help with this.

COVID Procedures

We know that a lot of you will be traveling over February break. Covid tests went home in backpacks this past week. Please make sure to test your child before returning to school on the 27th. I think that this is going to be the biggest hurdle for us of the school year. If we can curb the spread of covid right after this break, I predict that the rest of the school year will be healthy, happy and full of fulltime learning. For further information, please see this from our Superintendent https://www.pelhamschools.org/district/about/district-news/pps-news-story/~board/district-news/post/rapid-test-distribution

CultureFest Planning Committee

We are looking for volunteers to join the 2023 CultureFest planning committee! We had our first CultureFest last June and it was a smashing success! We are hoping that we can build on last years momentum to make this year's event even better. CultureFest is an event of food, dance, music and art that celebrates the rich tapestry of families and cultures that make up our Siwanoy community. If you would like to help plan in any way (big or small), please reach out to siwanoydiversity@gmail.com. (CultureFest Date: Thursday, May 4 from 5pm-7pm. More details to come!)

Building Bridges program starts May 8th

Please see the link below about additional information on Building Bridges and on how to get involved.

Building Bridges Program

Upcoming dates:

2/27 - Day 3

2/28 - Day 4

3/1 - Day 5/Early dismissal at 1pm for Professional Development

3/2 - Day 6

3/3 - Day 1