Susan Gottlieb
Principal
PO Box 489
28 Pennsylvania Avenue Wurtsboro, NY 12790
(845) 888-2471
The
Emma C. Chase Elementary School is officially authorized to offer
the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP).
Chase Elementary School Testing Dates - Spring 2010
English Language Arts
(ELA) - Grades 3, 4, 5 - April 27, 28 and 29
Math - Grades 3, 4, 5 - May 5, 6 and 7
Science Performance - Grade 4 - May 25
Science Written - Grade 4 - June 7
Chase students participate in Odyssey of the Mind Competition MORE
Chase celebrates Women's History Month - March
As part of the districtwide celebration of
culture and diversity and Women's
History Month, Chase students in
grades 3-5 will read women's biographies during their library media
time. They will identify important facts about why the women became
famous and identify the IB Learner Profile characteristics that the
person exhibits. Students will use the program WORDLE and create a
fact sheet. The sheets will be used to create a WORDLE poster that
will be displayed in the hallway outside the library.
Photo: Chase students Kelly Swensen,
Kevin Ricker and Christina Langone.
Kindergarten Orientation, May 5
Kindergarten Screening, June 2 & 3
Child must be 5-years-old by Dec. 1, 2010. For more info, call 888-2471.
Chase students celebrate the history and contributions of African Americans
Lynn Oakley’s, Elizabeth Sicuro's and Jennifer
Unverzagt’s third grade classes at Chase proudly presents the
Jubilee Singers! The Jubilee Singers were African
American
students in one of the few colleges that allowed black students at
that time. Many of them were born into slavery. When the school
needed money or it would close, Ella Shepperd and her friends
travelled around singing songs from slavery days. They became very
famous and are an important part of African-American history. Our
classes have created acrostic poems to reflect the thoughts and
feelings we had after listening to the book based on the Jubilee
Singers story titled A Band of Angels by Deborah Hopkinson. We can
learn from the determination the characters showed in their actions.
Their singing inspired people to tears as they communicated
experiences they had in their lives. They were able to connect with
people of different colors and backgrounds and show that we are all
alike on the inside! Photo: Representing
the third grade classes from left, Luke Hicks, Ryan Grodin and Sarah
Grodin with the works of art and literature from the project.
Open-minded students and students with perfect attendance honored at Chase
Chase Elementary School held its monthly
celebration assembly in February. This month, students were
recognized for being open-minded. Students who were chosen showed
how they understand and appreciate their own culture and
history. They are also open to others’ perspectives, values and
traditions. They may also seek and evaluate different points of view
and are willing to grow from their experiences.
The following students were recognized for having perfect
attendance: Joseph Hundeland, Luke Norton, Jacob Worden,Joshua
Worden, Devin Lawrence, Emily McCreery, Heather Stasko, Jonah
Lilley, Cynthia Mendoza, Stephen Radlein, Danaya Clark, Jalyne
Massie and John Schultz
The following students had 100% attendance: Liam Cosh, Jailyn Labuda,
Brandon Reside, Theodore Riecker, Noah Wilkins, Mackenzie Straut,
Blain Wiseman, Lauren Salaerno, Jacqueline Welsh, Gabrielle Burton,
Kaylynn Champagne, Malcom Combs-Montalvo, Rebecca Kerstner,
Christopher Warren and Desiree White
Photo:Open-minded students Camereon
VanKleeck, Owen Jones, Jessica Blaskesley, Brianna Howard, Mia
Unverzagt, Rowan Decker, Dylan Pantoja, Emily Maxwell, Jonah Lilley,
Kirsten Buckstad, Jalyne Massie and Andrew Fredell
Chase fifth-graders graduate from D.A.R.E.
On February 5, Chase Elementary School’s
fifth–graders graduated from the D.A.R.E program, with their
instructor Corporal Cheryl Crumley. In the program, students learned
how to resist drugs, tobacco and alcohol; how to stand up
against negative peer pressure; internet safety; and how to resist
and avoid violent situations. Corporal Crumley, Sergeant Alvarez,
Sheriff Mike Schiff, and School Principal Susan Gottlieb were there
to show their support, as students and parents participated in the
graduation. Students received D.A.R.E t-shirts, pens, pencils and
certificates. D.A.R.E essay contest winners: Rebecca Kerstner,
Victoria Groom, Emily Maxwell, Samantha Schoonmaker, Dinaja Clark,
Samantha Romer, Victoria Groom, Devin Decicco, and Taylor Spargo
read their essays to the audience recounting what they had learned
from the program. They, along with the alternates Megan Joyce,
Damien Simpson, Jayda Rodriguez, and Elizabeth Martinez and their
families will be treated to a fun filled day at the Villa Roma
sponsored by the Sullivan County Sheriffs Department. An additional
student from each fifth-grade class, who consistently demonstrates
the learner profiles and attitudes of the IB program, will also be
selected to participate in the Villa Roma day. The Chase PTO
provided refreshments for the celebration of the student’s
successful completion of their D.A.R.E. experience. The D.A.R.E
program is sponsored by the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department.
Pennies for Peace at Chase
Chase School third-grader, Simone Evans,
initiated the idea of collecting pennies for an
organization
called Pennies For Peace. Pennies for Peace teaches children the
rewards of sharing and working together to bring hope and
educational opportunities to children in Pakistan and Afghanistan. A
penny in the United States is virtually worthless, but in Pakistan
and Afghanistan a penny buys a pencil and opens the door to
literacy. Her idea was enthusiastically received and we are now
collecting pennies. Students are busy estimating how much money will
there be in one week and how much money will there be when we are
all done. Photo: Simone Evans with her
fellow third-graders Mia Unverzagt, Edward Spears, Dietrich Behrens,
Luke Hicks and Emily McCreery with the present collection of coins.
Ronald McDonald visits students at Chase
Chase Elementary School was once again thrilled
with the visit of Ronald McDonald. Laughter filled the auditorium as
students went on a “Friendship Adventure” to learn about
co-operation and “How to Be a Hero.”
Ronald McDonald emphasized sticking up for others and how to help
friends everyday when confronted by a bully. Skits and games were
played by students and faculty and the importance of everyone
working well together was emphasized.
Starlab comes to Chase
Starlab made its annual visit to the Emma C.
Chase Elementary School. Students
were transported back to a time, before electricity, when people
created and told stories using the stars to teach and explain their
world.
From the Ancient Greeks to the Native Americans, students were
captivated by the night sky as seen in the Northern Hemisphere.
Students were encouraged to think and reflect on the stars, using
their imaginations as the reflected upon the wonders of the
universe.
Chase Elementary School Honored with
International Baccalaureate Status
For three years, the staff and students at the Chase Elementary School have worked tirelessly to adopt an internationally respected approach to teaching and learning that will prepare students for the challenges they will face during their educational experiences and in their future lives. As of December 7, the school has been officially authorized to teach the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. FULL STORY
Chase celebrates its 50th birthday and its students
At December’s celebration assembly,
students had many reasons to celebrate.
The fourth- and fifth-grade chorus sang in celebration of
Chase’s 50th birthday. Holiday songs were sung in Spanish by the
entire school led by Spanish teacher Elise Martinez. Students
were also awarded certificates for being thinkers. These
students were chosen because they displayed the traits of
thinking for themselves when making decisions and creatively
solving problems. Photo: Ciara Cain,
Amari Ellis, Anika Clarke, Sarah Grodin, Erich Wegner, Kali
Pantone, Cheyenne Guadalupe, Edward Spear, Justin Zicot, Dinaja
Clarke, Samantha Schoonmaker and Rebecca Kerstner
Polar Express at Chase
The Polar Express visited the Chase
Elementary School once again this year.
This wonderful and enchanting children's literature book came
alive for them in the form of a movie. When the "train" arrived,
students and staff entered the gymnasium and handed in their
tickets to climb aboard. The entire school enjoyed hot chocolate
and popcorn (donated by the PTO) as they watched the movie. This
was a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season with
students as they have either heard or read the book themselves.
Thank you to the staff for their help in putting this together
and a special thank you to the PTO for always being there for
the students.
Reading challenge motivates Chase students
Students from the Chase Elementary School
completed a Library Fall Reading Challenge. Students could read
books from the school library or from home.
First-, second- and third-graders were challenged to read eight
books while students in fourth and fifth grades aimed to read
six books. After reading each book, students were required to
fill in an apple or pumpkin sheet with the title, author, the
main characters of the book and a short description of their
favorite part of the book. The apple and pumpkin sheets were
displayed on the wall outside the school library. Students who
completed the full assignment between October and November were
invited to a special celebration of reading in December where
they were treated to snacks and received a special pencil and
two books. Photo: From left, Kali
Pantone, Caitlyn Pagano, Heather Stasko, Lauren Salerno,
Adrianna Tudruj, Kelly Lynn, Dana Kurthy, Elliana Herrold, John
Creighton, Lila McPerson and Deitrich Underwood.
Teddy Bear clinic teaches real life knowledge
Chase Elementary held its second Teddy Bear
Clinic recently. Kindergartners
and first graders learned about what it would be like as a
patient at a hospital through the use of teddy bears and other
stuffed animals at a make believe clinic. Volunteer doctors and
nurses from Catskill Regional Medical Center introduced
themselves and listened compassionately as the children told
what was wrong with their patient (stuffed animal). The nurses
and doctors then treated the stuffed animals and sent the
children back with a sense of security about visiting a
hospital. The students were also invited in an ambulance from
Mobile Medic to look around and ask
about anything they were wondering about. At the conclusion of
the clinic the children were given a snack and a little bear to
help remember this wonderful, insightful activity. Thank you to
all the volunteers who gave their time and compassion to the
children. We hope to see them next year as well.
Photos: Dr. Lathan bandages a lizard
as first graders Madison Darrell, Kyra Straigis, George Alcott,
Owen Jones and Tommy Campbell watch. Trinity Mcardle and
Adrianna Tudruj wait with their stuffed animals for their turn
to see the doctor.
Winter concert delights audience
The Chase Elementary School’s winter
concert was attended by many families and community members. It
was directed by Margo Leatham with piano
accompaniment provided by Marilyn Lounsbury. The concert theme
was songs of celebration showing how we communicate through
music. Students showed a variety of their musical talents
through the hand bell choir, Suzuki tone bells, tambourine
playing, expressive movement and creative exploration by first
graders and singing by various grades as well as the fourth and
fifth grade chorus. Students who belong to the gold recorders
performed as well. Students worked very hard to present the
concert to express themselves through music.
Students honored for their communication skills
November’s celebration assembly honored
students who displayed that they
were excellent communicators. People who are communicators
understand and express ideas and information confidently and
creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes
of communication. They work effectively and willingly in
collaboration with others.
Photo: Brianna Resides, Gabe Jones,
John Unverzagt, Hannah O’Donohue, Alhana Post, George Alcott,
Kaitlyn McKelvey, Kyle Platt, Amanda Karmolinski, Emilly
Maxwell, Damien Simpson and Cristina Langone.
Popcorn fundraiser a successful endeavor
The Chase Elementary School Citizenship
Committee along with fourth and fifth
grade
students volunteered their time to pop, bag and sell popcorn.
Every year, students and staff members work side by side to
raise money for the annual food drive at the high school. The
proceeds, $90, were donated to this worthy cause.
Photo: Citizenship Committee members
along with students who volunteered to stay after school to bag
popcorn.
Highlights from the Chase Halloween Parade
Many costume-clad students and staff
marched through the Village of Wurtsboro at Chase's Annual
Halloween Parade. Upon returning to school, everyone attended an
assembly at which the Lions Club awarded prizes for the winners
of the annual pumpkin decorating contest. The students sincerely
appreciate the time the Lions/Lioness members took to help
celebrate Halloween.
The winners are:
Kindergarten
Ms. Churchill: Sarah Daniels, Rebecca Salerno, Courtney Cushing.
Ms. Kolaitis: Matthew VanHouten, Kelani Hutt, Cameron DeMartino
Grade 1
Ms. Anagnostou: Abigail Boyle, Madison Kehoe, Nicholas Zambuto
Grade 2
Ms. LaGrutta: Anika Clarke, Jissela LaBuda, Dana Kurthy. Ms.
O’Rourke: Blaine Wiseman, Hannah Geagley, Lila McPherson
Grade 3
Ms. Oakley: Josh Schultz, Corrin Hadden, Kelton Ramos. Ms.
Sicuro: Emily McCreery, Mia Unverzagt, Heather Stasko. Ms.
Unverzagt: Brianna Brown, Lauren Salerno, Sarah Grodin
Graade 4
Ms. Eisenhardt: Christina Langone, Tyler Wells, Deandre Bowens.
Mr. Law: Adam Blakesley, Brielle Farrish, Dylan Broder
Grade 5
Ms. D. Lounsbury: Shane Kennedy, Jessica Falco, Jayda Rodriguez.
Ms. M. Lounsbury: Victoria Groom, Jaline Massie, Billy Stott
Grades 2,3,4
Ms. Crofoot: Nicholas Dyer, Danaya Clark, Kirsten McCarty
Photo: Second-graders from Connie
O’Rourke’s class: Kali Pantone, Lila McPherson and Brianna
Reside. CLICK HERE for a spooky photo array!
Students recognized for caring
At October’s celebration assembly, students
were recognized for the IB learner
profile of being caring. They were chosen because they displayed
how they want people around them to be happy and are sensitive
to their needs. They develop empathy, compassion and respect
towards the needs and feelings of others. They also think about
our world and try to take care of their community and
environment. They remember to treat others how they themselves
would like to be treated. Congratulations to students Tiana
Gunter, Adrianna Tudruj, William Mackey, Atiana Castro, Emily6
McCreery, Desiree White, Eddie White, Amos Decker, Braiden
DiMrtino, Kelly Lynn, Devin DeCicco and Robert VanHouten.
"Officer Phil" speaks about safety and responsibility
An educational program called “Officer
Phil” was presented as a way to help students become responsible
citizens by obeying the rules set by parents and society. It
presented various problems and their solutions with the use of
magic, a game show and a puppet called Mr. Icy the penguin. Mr.
Icy sang a song about the VIP (very important people) in the
children’s neighborhood. Students also played a game called “The
Treasure of the Seven C’s” which explored confidence, courage,
co-operation, caution, commitment, communicating and creativity.
Students laughed and learned through the assembly that is
supported by the Monticello Police Department and the local
business community. We are thankful for this program that
inspires everyone to participate in making their community a
safer and better place to live.
Photo: Third graders from Jennifer
Unverzagt’s class, Brianna Brown and David Taubner, with puppet
Mr. Icy and magician Mr. George.
School receives generous donation
The Woodbourne Correctional Facility staff
generously donated school supplies
and other essentials to our school. The money came from numerous
fundraisers during the past year with the goal of assisting each
elementary school in Sullivan County. We are very grateful for
the contributions that will aid students in our school.
Photo: Third-graders in Elizabeth
Sicuro’s class accept donations from Woodbourne Correctional
Facility staff. Staff members representing Woodbourne
Correctional Facility are: C.O. Gerald Stefanuk, Supt. Raymond
Cunningham, Lt.Steve Katz, Secretary Pam Hamlin, Mike Barnofsy
and Sue Sinistorie. Also pictured is Chase Principal Susan
Gottlieb.
Student gets response letter from President Obama
As a concerned citizen, fifth grader,
Samantha Romer, wrote a letter to
President Obama and received a reply. Samantha expressed her
concerns about the difficulties people were facing in the
present economy. President Obama responded in his letter to her
that as a young man he too faced difficult moments. He let her
know that he is working hard to make our communities and homes
better for all Americans. Samantha not only showed she is
caring, but also a risk-taker in writing to the president of the
United States.
Chase celebrates principled students
A celebration assembly was recently held at
the Chase Elementary School as a
way to recognize students who exhibited the traits of being
principled. They were chosen for their sense of fairness and
honesty with themselves and others. Principled students take
responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that
accompany them. At the assembly two students, Samantha Romer and
Dylan Broder, were given certificates of appreciation for their
hard work in setting up and running a “New to You Book Store”
for the entire school.
Photos: Blaine Wiseman, Hannah
Geagley, Sophie McPherson, Emma Bennett
,
Tyler Coates, Patrick Lynn, Ryan
Groden, Lauren Salerno, Victoria Groom, Samantha Romer, Danaya
Clark and Alexandra Riley
Samantha Romer and Dylan Broder show their commitment to helping
students have books readily available from the school book
store. Students can pay 25 cents, three box tops or exchange a
gently used book for another.
Local author visits Chase
The Chase Elementary School PTO sponsored a
special program for students by hosting local author, Gloria
Smith Zawaski, to visit the school. Ms. Smith Zawaski who
resides in Middletown, NY, introduced students to her new book
titled The
Undercover Kids’ Holland Adventure: The Trunk in the Attic. This
is the first book in a new series she is creating. The author
explained to students how a story gets to be a book and where
story ideas come from. The students were able to purchase her
book and a percentage of the money went directly to the PTO to
help with the costs of the many wonderful activities and
assemblies they sponsor throughout the year.
Photo: Author Gloria Smith Zawaski
signing books, her assistant Bridget Schultz, PTO member Kelly
Creighton, publisher Terrie Goldstein and students Alexis Costa,
Amos Decker, and Gavin Donald.
Kindergarten Kick-off helps ease
youngsters into
school
While the four- and five-year-olds greeted
each other with smiles and giggles, dozens of parents stood by
silently watching as they realized their babies were growing up.
That is one of the reasons why the Parent Teacher Organization
(PTO) at the Emma C. Chase Elementary School hosts its
kindergarten kick-off event every year – to help get students,
and parents, ready for the first day of school.
The fun-filled day included play time on the swings, slide and
monkey bars, a
game
of River Tag and the Circle Name Game designed as a
get-to-know-you exercise. The PTO also supplied snacks and
goodies for attendees and gave each incoming student a starter
school supply kit complete with a composition notebook and a
pencil.
Photos: For Chase PTO Secretary Mary
Purdy, the day’s event was two-fold - she not only attended as a
PTO representative, she was also there as the mother of incoming
kindergartner Andrew.
From left, Chase PTO co-president Christine Romer and Chase
Principal Susan Gottlieb were surrounded at the snack table by
hungry students, from left, Jenna Romer, Samantha Romer, Kelani
Hutt and Cassidy Swensen.
CLICK HERE to view a photo array from the event.
School News Notifier (SNN) messaging system now includes emergency text alerts MORE
Club Rec morning care
Morning care for elementary school students is available through Club Rec at all the district elementary schools. In addition to its after-school program, Club Rec is offers a before-school program from 7 to 9 a.m. Register at your child's school or call 794-8830, ext. 6 for more information.
PTO fundraisers pay for new playground equipment
Chase PTO PEACE Committee Chairwoman Jackie
Broder proudly cut the
ribbon for the new playground equipment at a brief ceremony on
June 24. Ms. Broder led the fundraising efforts to raise
the $12,000 needed to purchase the new playground equipment.
This was done mostly through the Box Tops program and various
raffles held during the past three years. They raised enough
funds to purchase a state of the art “Intensity” playground
equipment which will
encourage
activity for 40 students at one time. "The PTO believes in
looking for ways to increase the physical activity of the
students at Chase," said PTO President Lauralyn Radlein. "This
playground piece will promote non-stop activity as well as lots
of fun with climbing, sliding, and spinning activities." Chase
students and staff are very grateful and proud of the PTO’s
accomplishment of this second phase of playground equipment in
the last 4 years.
Photo: Monticello School Board member
Tara Buckstad, Assistant Superintendent for Business Gladys
Baxter, PEACE Chairwoman Jackie Broder, PTO President Lauralyn
Radlein and Principal Susan Gottlieb.
Chase named high performing/gap closing school
In a Times Herald-Record article, reporter Paul Brooks discusses the NYSED list of "high performing/gap closing schools." These are schools where students met the math and English standards for 2006-07 and where students made "adequate yearly progress" in English and math for two consecutive years.
Monticello's Chase and Duggan Elementary Schools are named on that list. Click here for the full story from the THR. Click here for the complete State list.
