Web Address http://do.oacsd.k12.ny.us

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From the Principal's Desk

What a wonderful time of the year! Our "Caring and Sharing Community Theme" has been very evident in the many activities that have occurred this time period. We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone, as we collected food and toys for those in need.

The Apalachin Lions Club packaged the food and toys and delivered them on Saturday, December 19. A special thank you goes to all those that contributed.

I have been very impressed with the time and thought that families have given to our Sharing Wreath in the main lobby. The first leaf had a message of friendship and love for a fellow student who has had some medical problems. Others have indicated a need for love and caring, as well as a need to return to the real meaning of the holiday season. If you have the time to stop in, please take the time to read a few. It will prove to be time well spent.

Our Environmental Education Committee continues to meet on a regular basis. The goal of this committee is to infuse environmental issues into existing curriculum as a means of building well rounded citizens for the 21st century.

In the past year, the committee has led a number of projects around the school. The Rainbow Garden in the front of the building was the creation of the Kindergartens and Ms. Ernest.

The improved area in front of the cafeteria is there because of our grade 5 students and their teachers.

We have a Butterfly Garden in the area between the primary and intermediate wing of the building. Mr. Knapik, Mrs. LaCombe and other teachers, along with many students have created this.

The most recent addition is our weather station, which is a work in progress.

We will have the outdoor classroom constructed this month. The other parts of the station will be completed in the spring. Mrs. Ripic and two of our parents, Mrs. Lupe and Mrs. Rigoli, are leading this endeavor. Many other adults have also worked on this area.

We continue to need more ideas and expertise to maximize the potential of the idea of infusing environmental issues into the curriculum. If you are interested or know someone that might be, please contact me.

In January, we begin our Parents (adults) as Reading Partner's time. This is an idea that we hope is a year round activity. The pressures of daily life, however, can periodically put it on the "back burner," so we are attempting to re-generate interest in the children from 8 to 80 to read on a regular basis. The special time, as well as having someone special near, makes this a time all should look forward to.