Celebrating Culture and Diversity in the Monticello School District
Culture and Diversity Initiative Honored with Prestigious Award
November 3, 2011 - On behalf of the Monticello Central School District and Capital Region BOCES, communications specialist Renata Gittler was named as a finalist Empire Award winner in the non-profit campaign category by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Capital Region Chapter. Ms. Gittler received the honorable designation for her work on the “Celebrating Culture and Diversity in the Monticello Central School District” initiative. She was presented with the award by PRSA President Penny Vavura at a ceremony in Albany on October 27.
“At the heart of this social justice initiative is the hard work of many dedicated professionals,” said Ms. Gittler. “Hopefully, the widespread recognition of this project will raise the consciousness of others and help inspire more people to join in the celebration of our beautifully diverse region, and world.” MORE
Monticello Schools Honored with
National Award for its Culture and Diversity Celebration Initiative
Communications specialist Renata Gittler on behalf of the Monticello Central School District was recently honored with a 2011 Golden Achievement Award, one of the top honors bestowed by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA), for her work on the “Celebrating Culture and Diversity in the Monticello Central School District” initiative. This award acknowledges successful public relations campaigns that demonstrate outstanding achievement and leadership in school communication. MORE
CLICK HERE to view the "Celebrating Culture and Diversity" digital photo array
This photo and audio compilation highlights some of the ways staff and students recognize and honor the contributions and beauty of the cultures that comprise this diverse school district. It also shows how students learn to respect and embrace the differences of others.
1st Annual Celebration of Culture and Diversity Brings School and Community Together
More than 200 students, staff and community members filled the seats
of the Monticello High School auditorium to celebrate the beauty and
diversity of the many cultures that comprise the school district.
Event organizer Assistant Superintendent for Student Learning Kenneth Newman welcomed the guests to the April 14 celebration which featured an art exhibit, musical and theatrical performances, Native American storytelling, a poetry reading, and an international food tasting. (This included food from France, Asia, Italy, Europe, Mexico, Germany, Caribbean and U.S.)
The school/community event was the culmination of a year-long district-wide initiative to highlight and celebrate the contributions of diverse people. This goes beyond the national celebrations, such as Hispanic Heritage Month and Black History Month, and features classroom lessons embedded with positive messages of tolerance and respect for others. This celebration of culture is also expressed through the creation of poems, bulletin board displays and artwork.
"I think it is great that the kids in our schools can be proud of their cultures," said Noche Salas, a Monticello High School sophomore (pictured right). "It is wonderful that we are given the opportunity to express our individuality."
Robert J. Kaiser Middle School technology students, with the help of their teachers, created a virtual world filled with cultural images, music, videos and world history. While touring the virtual world, participants linked to the culture and diversity section of the district website.
Sullivan County Legislator Alan Sorensen was on hand to present the district with a Certificate of Special Recognition from the county, a Citation from the NY State Assembly and a Proclamation from the Office of Senator John J. Bonacic.
CLICK HERE to view the Celebration Program.
CLICK HERE for the celebration invitation flyer in English. CLICK HERE for the celebration invitation flyer in Spanish.
International Festival of Food and Crafts at KLR
On April 11, students from several classes - grades K-5 - packed the Rutherford cafeteria to celebrate spring with an International Festival of Food and colorful crafts.
Students proudly wore vests they had decorated with facts from many different countries that they had been studying. Ireland, Italy, Germany, Kenya and China were among the countries represented. Each vest bore the flag of the country, the money used and the word "hello" or "welcome" in the language spoken there, as well as many other interesting facts. Everyone enjoyed foods and desserts from a great diversity of countries.
Each student got to take home an edible centerpiece that looked like a bird's nest for the arrival of Spring. The many teachers, students, parents, custodial staff, teaching assistants and teacher aides all worked together to help make our International Spring Fling Food Festival such a success.
Women's History Month: March 2011 - from the U.S. Census Bureau
National Women's History Month dates back to March 8, 1857, when women from New York City factories staged a protest over working conditions. International Women's Day was first observed in 1909, but it wasn't until 1981 that Congress established National Women's History Week to be commemorated the second week of March.
In 1987, Congress expanded the week to a month. Every year since, Congress has passed a resolution for Women's History Month, and the President has issued a proclamation.
For facts and figures about women in sports, motherhood, education, business and more, visit the U.S. Census Bureau website by CLICKING HERE.
Kindergarten kids get colorful about diversity
Students in each of Cooke Elementary School’s kindergarten classes colored paper crayons with every color imaginable to show how beautiful diversity is.
Best friends look beyond the surface
Cooke Elementary School students
Aliyna Toro and Emilie Mulhern met in Debi Levine’s fourth grade
class earlier this year.
The two girls didn’t know each other and had a hard time at first
getting along. Ms. Levine encouraged the girls to get to know each
other and now they are best friends.
“Emilie is really funny and has a good personality,” said Aliyna. “I
don’t care what people look like, it is how they act that is
important.”
As for Emilie, she echoed that sentiment and said, “I pick my
friends by how they treat people and if they respect others.”
Cooke Elementary School Celebrates Black
History Month
The faculty, staff and students at
Cooke Elementary School celebrated the many contributions of African
American men and women during the month-long Black History
celebration during February.
Each teacher included a diverse selection of lessons in English
Language Arts (ELA) and social studies. The school library hosted a
display that featured books with African American themes and by
African American authors.
The school’s entranceway featured a bulletin board display about the
famous civil rights activist Rosa Parks while the hallways were
replete with artwork, poems and narrative literary works celebrating
our rich history.
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From the autobiography of Rosa Parks
"People always say that I didn't give
up my seat because I was tired, but that isn't true. I was not tired
physically, or no more tired than I usually was at the
end
of a working day. I was not old, although some people have an image
of me as being old then. I was forty-two. No, the only tired I was,
was tired of giving in. I knew someone had to take the first step
and I made up my mind not to move. Our mistreatment was just not
right, and I was tired of it."
"I would like to be known as a person who is concerned about freedom and equality and justice and prosperity for all people."
"I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear."
"Memories of our lives, of our works and our deeds will continue in others."
Reading to celebrate Black History Month By Allen Pierleoni
February is Black History Month, a time for all Americans to remember the struggles, accomplishments and contributions of African-Americans. If credit is due to any one person for establishing the "federally recognized celebration," it goes to Dr. Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950), who founded Negro History Week in 1926. MORE
Black History Month event helps strengthen the school/community connection
As part of the Monticello Central
School District celebration of culture and diversity, the Kenneth L.
Rutherford Elementary School hosted a variety of
speakers from the Community Progressive Response (CPR) organization.
The program focused on Black History Month and was designed to
introduce the diverse student population to the many positive
African-American role models from the local community.
Village of Monticello Post Master
Deborah Mack organized the event and opened the program with
encouraging
words aimed at inspiring the young attendees.
“Each of you can be whatever you want to be,” said Ms. Mack. “Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. You are all special. It is not about the color of your skin or your hair or your eyes, it is about acceptance, tolerance and respect for others.”
The array of speakers was well received by the students as they asked and answered questions about a variety of subjects. First Baptist Church of Monticello Musical Director Dr. Donna Singer talked about great musical pioneers such as Louis Armstrong and Josephine Baker while Sullivan County GED case manager Earl Gomez spoke about green energy and how it related to the wind turbine on the school lawn.
Social worker Joshua Jones asked the
students who Martin Luther King, Jr. was. The youngsters seemed very
savvy about this historical figure when they provided responses such
as, “he made a speech about freedom,” “he was a great leader,” and
“he had a dream that white people and black people
could be friends.”
Sullivan County Community College student Gabriella Curtis shared her experience at the inauguration of President Obama while Order of the Eastern Star Leader Belinda Williams explained how her organization helps the community through scholarships and summer camp.
Rutherford bus driver OJ Washington stopped by to remind the students how important good behavior is when riding on the school bus.
Correctional officer Thomas Mack, Jr. talked about his experience working in the juvenile justice system and stressed to the children that it is essential for them to follow the rules, listen to their teachers and parents, and treat each other with kindness.
“It is important for you to be nice to each other and to help people whenever possible,” said Mr. Mack. “Don’t bully other kids and don’t be afraid to say you’re sorry.”
Photo 1: Joshua Jones talks with KLR students, from left, Gabriela Hernandez, Mayrangelic Leon-Hernandez, Payge Clark and Hanna Oestrich. Also pictured is teacher aide Connie Penn. Photo 2: KLR second-grader Bryce Walker was very excited when he was chosen by green energy aficionado Earl Gomez to answer the question, “What is one form of green energy?” Bryce answered, “Wind!” Photo 3: OJ Washington and Deborah Mack.
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Photos: From left, Belinda Williams, Mary McNeil, Gabriella Curtis, Thomas Mack, Jr. and Dr. Donna Singer
CLICK HERE for this story as posted by the Catskill Chronicle.
Famous inspirational words from Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr.
- Speech Excerpt
"Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends. And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today!"
Famous words from former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln
"A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved - I do not expect the house to fall - but I do expect it will cease to be divided."
Sounds of Africa - Celebrating Culture through Music
As part of the celebration of Black History Month and as a way to share the richness and beauty expressed musically by diverse cultures, the Monticello Performing Arts Booster Club presented a performance by Master Drummer Bernard Woma and the Saakumu Dance Troupe during February in the Eugene D. Nesin Theatre for the Performing Arts at the St. John Street Education Center in Monticello.
The award winning group is one of the leading
traditional/contemporary dance and music groups in Ghana, West
Africa. Their music and dance range from spiritual, ceremonial
and
recreational genres to contemporary African dance forms. Their
music and dance is joyful, expressive and highly participatory.
Dance and Drumming Workshops give Students a
Firsthand Cultural Experience
Master Drummer Bernard Woma and the Saakumu Dance Troupe worked with students from the performing art classes at Monticello High School and RJK Middle School - leading them in tradition dance and drumming techniques.
The workshops were designed to enrich learning and immerse students firsthand in a cultural experience.
CLICK HERE to view the original press release and to read more about this group of talented musicians and performers.
For more information about Bernard Woma, visit www.dagaramusic.com.
Celebrating Culture and Diversity in the Monticello School District
2010-2011 
As a way to implement the Board of
Education goal to recognize and celebrate culture and diversity
within the Monticello School District, Assistant Superintendent for
Student Learning Kenneth Newman, Sr. formed and oversees the
Monticello Celebrates Culture and Diversity Committee.
This district-wide initiative is to ensure that all the schools are
highlighting the beauty of the many diverse cultures that comprise
the school community. It is also focused on addressing and
dispelling negative
stereotypes and exploring with students the rich
history and contributions of people from all cultural backgrounds.
Although committee members work within each school to celebrate the
months during the calendar year which focus on specific groups, such
as Hispanic Heritage Month, Native American Heritage Month, Black History Month and Women’s History
Month, this initiative goes far deeper than just scratching the
surface by celebrating at specific times. The district is exploring
how to recognize and celebrate culture and diversity on a regular
basis and how it is built into the curriculum as a part of student
learning. For example, how it is incorporated into creating poems,
bulletin board displays, celebrations, artwork and classroom
lessons. This will be a year-long project that will be documented on
the district website as an ongoing work in progress.
Photo: Rutherford students Briana Luna and Brayan Morales work on their cultural appreciation projects in Marjorie Sweet’s ESL class. The assignment was part of the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month which connected the children’s own heritage to their classroom learning. Briana’s project was about her sixth birthday party which combined elements from her different cultural backgrounds. Brayan had to research Spanish food as his project and conduct a survey to find out what is everyone’s favorite dish.
As part of the Culture and Diversity Celebration initiative and as a way to help our young people understand and accept the similarities and differences of people from varied backgrounds, teachers use classroom literature that reflects culturally diverse authors, people and subjects.
CLICK HERE for a list of the Elementary School Guided Reading Selections.
Origins Map links Rutherford students to 54
different countries and five continents
As a way to show students how people
from diverse cultural backgrounds can have many different
characteristics and still be friends, Kenneth L. Rutherford
Elementary
School International Baccalaureate (IB) Coach Claudia Cordisco
organized students to create the Origins Map mural. The project was
a collaboration of Rutherford personnel with students and teachers
from Monticello High School’s art department who were contracted to
paint the world map on a blank wall in the hallway outside of the
elementary school’s library.
Once the map was completed, Rutherford students had the opportunity
to research their heritages to identify the culture or mix of
cultures of their families and ancestors. Each student, and some
teachers, then posted a headshot on the map and connected the photo
with a string to the country of their main nationality. This helped
students visualize the vast variety of cultures of their
schoolmates.
Second-grader Nikko Suarez, whose family is from Puerto Rico, never realized how many of his classmates had a similar background
to his. He also never realized how many of his friends were from
different places.
When Julio DelGatto found out what his full heritage was, the
third-grader commented, “I like the fact that I am Greek, Italian
and Native American!”
According to Ms. Cordisco, in addition to the origins project, the
map is designed to be utilized for a variety of other purposes and
class lessons, such as geography, animal habitats, weather and
history.
The Origins Map project linked Rutherford students to five continents: North America, South America, Africa, Europe and Asia and the following 54 countries: Canada, United States (Native American), El Salvador, Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Saint Lucia, Trinidad, Barbados, Columbia, Guyana, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Algeria, Nigeria, Portugal, Ireland, Scotland, England, France, Norway, Netherlands, Sweden, France, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Yugoslavia, Italy, Albania, Kosovo, Malta, Greece, Belarus, Ukraine, Russia, Romania, Turkey, Pakistan, China, Philippines, India and Morocco.
Photos #1: IB Coach Claudia Cordisco with students, from right, Parth Patel (India), Nikko Suarez (Puerto Rico) and Renee Schreiber (El Salvador).
#2: Thanks to the map, first-grader Laurie Diaz learned exactly where in the world her country of origin is, the Dominican Republic.
#3: First-grader Aaliyah Alli points to her country of origin, Cuba.
#4: Monticello High School art teacher Jay Brooks worked with his students to ensure that their colorful creation was an accurate rendition of today’s world map.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP)
Emma C. Chase Elementary School was designated an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School on December 7, 2009. This honor and achievement represents a culmination of years of hard work by the Chase administration, faculty, staff and students. Our Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students aged 3 to 12, focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside.
CLICK HERE to view the IB created video: Education for A Better World: The IB Primary Years Programme
At Chase, we believe that
knowledge is “actively built, not passively learned”. We offer
an inquiry based curriculum that empowers students as they
develop as knowledgeable, respectful, compassionate, and
responsible world citizens and reflective life-long learners.
Our curriculum is collaboratively crafted by teams of our own
teachers and our lessons are taught and thoughtfully revised to
reflect best practices in education and to best meet the needs
of our students. Curriculum, lessons, and learning activities
are based on National and New York State Standards.
Our Motto: “ Be a better me … build a better world.”
Our Mission
Emma C. Chase Elementary School's Mission is to work collaboratively with parents and the world community to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and compassionate life long learners who will help to create a better and more peaceful world through inter-cultural understanding and respect for them selves and others.
CLICK HERE for the Chase Elementary School International Baccalaureate listing
CLICK HERE to view the Monticello Schools International Baccalaureate web section.
Students learn about the history of U. S. migration through Ellis Island project
The
students at Emma C. Chase Elementary School recently completed a
unit of inquiry called "Where We Are in Place and Time," in
which they studied human migration. They focused on the reasons
for migration, the history of immigration to the United States,
and the effects of immigration.
Each student began with a study of their own cultural background and the history of migration in the United States over the past 300 years. Student research included interviews, examination of primary documents such as passports, ship manifests and journal entries, and studying literature, websites and textbooks.
Students gradually developed a deeper understanding of why
people leave their homelands and migrate to a new country.
As a summative learning experience, students developed
identities complete with era appropriate biographies and
passports. Students also created suitcases to display
their
paperwork, maps and other prized possessions from their
“homelands.” They “boarded ships” and set sail for the United
States, landing at “Ellis Island."
Two fifth grade classrooms were transformed into Ellis Island, complete with checkpoints for luggage inspection, medical clearance, and character and employment interviews. Students who met the criteria finally swore an allegiance to their new country before embarking on their new lives.
Students study history and culture of folklore
The children at the Cooke Elementary School are studying Stories of the Oral Tradition. Students are reading, writing, dramatizing and telling tales from the past. They are studying the history and culture behind folklore. First grader students are preparing to present dramatic presentations of their favorite tales. The students voted on their favorite tale to present to the school; class votes were tallied and there was a tie! They then held a tie-breaking meeting to make the final decision, and now rehearsal begins!
Photo: Katleyn Sanders holds up the "final decisions."
Cooke student celebrate "Good Character"
The Hill Brothers Band performed as part of the kick-off of the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program for the 2010-11 school year. They put on a fun filled show emphasizing respect, responsibility and good character. The students and teachers sang and danced as they learned about following the PBIS values. This was a great way to celebrate the beginning of the school year. This event was sponsored by the Cooke/Rutherford PTA.
Students celebrate their diversity with learning and a feast
The first grade students of Sarah Galligan and Sara Kozachuk invited their families to school for a Heritage Feast. Students spent time learning about their cultures and heritages which they shared with each other.
They created flags that represented the various countries of their ancestors.
During this course of study, students reviewed maps, landmarks, language and land forms from an array of places around the globe. During the feast, everyone was open minded while trying new things. They were respectful of the cultures of others and embraced their differences.
Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther supports LGBTS club members during "No Name Calling Week"
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Supporters (LGBTS ) a new club at
the high school, recently helped raise awareness about bullying
in our
schools. "No Name Calling Week" was held from January 31
to February 4, sponsored by the Gay Lesbian Straight Education
Network. LGBTS club members held a bake
sale and asked students to sign a pledge asking them not to
bully; to intervene, if they are able to do so safely; and to
support efforts to end bullying and name calling.
On the afternoon of February 3, the club had a surprise visitor - NY State Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, who stopped by to show support and encourage the students to continue their efforts to bring awareness to these types of issues. Ms Gunther stated "No name calling is a no-brainer, we should all know better.” She also related how as a student in high school, she was also a victim of bullying. Ms. Gunther encouraged the students to make a plan to continue this effort.
Monticello High School Principal Arleene Siegel welcomed the assemblywoman and stated how this initiative is "a real start" to creating a more accepting culture and environment within the school by addressing the challenges of coexisting in a diverse environment. All parties agreed that one of the beautiful aspects of the Monticello Central School District is our diversity!
CLICK HERE for this story as featured by the Catskill Chronicle.
Students paint winning mural design
“Puzzle Pieces of Diversity” in the 200 wing
Alissa Hermida, Amanda Jahn, Makayla Jahn and Jessica Stratton recently painted their winning design, "Puzzle Pieces of Diversity," in the high school's 200 wing.
The students competed against their classmates in John Maranzana's English 12 class to design a school mural for the wing. Stop by the high school's 200 wing to check out this work of art!
ELA students study Native American tribes
In
honor of Native American heritage month in November, students in
Cherise Barasch's ELA classes completed a unit of study on the
Native American Tribes of the Americas.
The students used three primary sources to collect information on the history of their chosen tribe. They learned how to take notes in an organized fashion, access sources from the Internet and synthesize these notes into a presentation of their choosing. Students chose from presenting orally, structurally or in a written format (poetry, short story, song, or written report) and then presented the information to their classmates in an exchange of tribal information and history!
In all, 22 tribes were studied and the information was presented to all of the students. This allowed for each student to contribute his/her information to the study as a whole.
Photo: Students Hariel Mangual, Kyana Ashley and Cullen Feagin studied Native American tribes in ELA class.
Second grade students give thanks to traditions
On November 22, second grade students at Cooke Elementary School learned about the tradition of sharing while enjoying a Thanksgiving feast. All students donated a food item, from the turkey to cranberries to pumpkin pie, which was was arranged buffet-style and served by parent volunteers. Most importantly, the students enjoyed each others company as much as the great food! Happy Thanksgiving!
"Caring" students celebrated at October assembly
October’s Celebration Assembly celebrated students that
demonstrated the International Baccalaureate learner profile of
“caring”. Students that are caring
show empathy, compassion and respect toward the needs and
feelings or others. They have a personal commitment to service
and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and
to the environment. Congratulations to these “caring” students!
Photo: Diego Gonzalez, Heather Stasko, Morgan Mitchell, Acacia Williams, Robert Van Houten, Brianna Howard, Kaylynn Champagne, Hannah Kaplan, Steven Cammerino, Emily LaRuffa, Trinity McArdle, Kylie Caudy, Emily Campbell and Elise Heyman
Students embrace the challenge to treat others with kindness and compassion
October 2010
With the challenge before them to be
kinder to others, share a positive attitude and to celebrate life,
more than 800 students from
Monticello
High School and Robert J. Kaiser Middle School pledged to work as
student leaders and continue the work of Rachel Scott.
Rachel was the first student killed by the two gunmen in the
Columbine High School shooting in 1999. Her father has kept his
daughter’s legacy of compassion for others alive by creating
Rachel’s Challenge, which is an outreach program to students around
the nation to be a part of “a chain reaction” of kindness.
Rachel’s Challenge was presented to students and the community in
early October and included hard-hitting testimonials by the many
people whose lives Rachel touched. Monticello students
volunteered to create a Friends of Rachel (FOR)
organization in the
district as a way of instilling a more positive culture within the
schools. Part of
the focus of the new student groups will be to end
bullying, welcome new students to school and implement community
service projects to help
others.
The program was sponsored by the RJK PTA and is supported by the
EPIC Parent Center. For more information or to join one of the
clubs, please contact Robin LaFountain at 796-3058, ext. 20098 or
via e-mail at epic@k12mcsd.net.
RJK students Veronica Bonar, Demi
Dabbraccio and Demitra Bowen are committed to the idea of creating a
friendlier school environment. The trio expressed that they were
“deeply touched” by Rachel’s story and now want to make their school
a “better place.”
Students outlined their hands as a pledge to reach out to others in
kindness. A Rachel’s Challenge banner was signed with messages from
students who wanted to share their experiences and memorialize the
loved ones they have lost.
Rachel’s Challenge presenter Ken Scheible
of Oakland, California was living in Denver, Colorado at the time of
the Columbine tragedy. As a result of that
experience, he was deeply
moved to dedicate his life to educating and inspiring teenagers. He
has since spoken to thousands of young people across the United
States and Canada delivering a message of hope and empowerment.
Rachel's Challenge promotes kindness, compassion
Rachel’s Challenge took place on Monday, October 4, in the Monticello High School auditorium. This was a free, special presentation designed to inspire a positive school/community culture by identifying ways each of us can be a part of a “chain reaction of kindness and compassion."
Rachel's Challenge was created in honor of Rachel Joy Scott, the first person killed in the Columbine High School tragedy in April 1999. Ken Scheible of Oakland, California presented Rachel’s Challenge to faculty, staff, parents and community members. Scheible was living in Denver, Colorado at the time of the Columbine tragedy. As a result of that experience, he was deeply moved to dedicate his life to educating and inspiring teenagers. He has since spoken to thousands of young people across the United States and Canada delivering a message of hope and empowerment. He is excited and honored to now be sharing Rachel's message of compassion and kindness to thousands more.
New members welcome - Join the "Friends of Rachel"
The Friends of Rachel club was inspired by our school’s Rachel’s Challenge assembly in October. The members of Friends of Rachel want to make our school a positive environment by spreading kindness in order to make our school a little warmer. Members also plan on raising money for charities.
The Friends of Rachel club meets each Monday after school in room 221. New members are always welcome. Teamwork will keep Friends of Rachel going strong, with more members, we can stay inspired, and the heart of the group will expand. For more details/ information; talk to Mr. Cellini or Mae Bonnaci.
About Rachel's Challenge: Rachel's Challenge was created in honor of Rachel Joy Scott, the first person killed in the Columbine High School tragedy in April 1999. For more info, visit www.rachelschallenge.org or contact the EPIC Parent Center at 796-3058, ext. 20098 or via e-mail at epic@k12mcsd.net.
RJK Middle School SLE team conducts diversity survey
The RJK Middle School SLE team recently conducted a diversity survey. The survey questions asked about students' and parents' heritages. Once the information is compiled, it will be used to create a diversity map that represents the different countries of origin of the student population and their families. Future plans include creating a display of flags from each country/province represented. This is one of the ways the SLE plans to move forward toward creating a more supportive learning environment which includes celebrating diversity in the district schools.
Monticello Schools Supportive Learning Environment (SLE) Team working toward positive change in the district schools - CLICK HERE for the Monticello Schools SLE web section
Teachers use "Red" to teach tolerance and respect
In early October, teachers Sue Rodriguez and Jennifer DePaolo
worked collaboratively with their classes on an activity about
how to
show others tolerance, respect and open-mindedness.
Students had to approach a large human sized cut-out body,
called Red. Each student had to say an insult to Red. Each time
an insult was given, the student had to tear a piece off of Red.
Students
recognized how insults can hurt or tear a person apart. Students then had to give compliments to Red. Each time a compliment was given, a piece was taped back on. Students then had to come to terms with the fact that, although "Red" was put back together, Red had very visible scars.
September focused on tolerance and respect
Rutherford's International Baccalaureate (IB) Coach, Claudia Cordisco, visited a first grade class to talk about September's Attitudes of the Month: tolerance and respect. The students listened to and discussed a story about differences. Each child was able to point out how the characters in the book were different from one another.
With Ms. Cordisco's help, the children engaged in a fun hands-on activity that helped them see how words can either hurt or help someone. They learned how to show one another respect as well as how to be tolerant of their differences. By demonstrating open-mindedness the students will grow into respectful, tolerant community members.
Monticello High School student connects with the Native American culture of the Lakota
n the summer of 2009, Monticello High
School 11th grade student Rachel Ehrman traveled to South Dakota for
a month to live on a Lakota reservation. While there, she helped
establish two day camps and helped reconstruct several buildings
with other students in her travel group.
A principle part of Rachel’s summer was to immerse herself in Lakota
culture and tradition. She explained that this was easier said than
done. One example was that on the 4th of July, instead of the
Lakotas throwing fireworks in the air they threw them at Rachel’s
group while yelling “Get off of my land.”
Gradually, however, her group earned their trust. They were invited
to participate in a sweat lodge and attend multiple pow wows. By the
end of the summer, Rachel felt that she had formed an unbreakable
bond with her new Lakota friends.
On Rachel’s plane ride home, she realized how much she had learned
from the Lakota people and decided she wanted to share her
experience with others. So when she returned to school she
established a pen pal relationship between the students of Dupree
Elementary School in South Dakota and the Kenneth L. Rutherford
Elementary School in Monticello.
It took Rachel a few months to get her program started as she needed
to obtain the appropriate permission in both Dupree and at KLR to
move forward. After many phone calls, Rachel finally located two 3rd
grade teachers who were willing to have their students participate
in the project, Michelle Wall from South Dakota and Leanna Smith
from KLR.
Rachel, a participant in the Monticello High School STAR (Student
Teacher Assistant Resource) program, worked with Leanne Smith’s
class helping them write their letters. After the students shared
several letters, they were able to compare the similarities and
differences between the two completely different cultures. Ms.
Smith, Ms. Wall and Rachel plan to continue this pen pal program in
the upcoming year.
Chase Elementary School Honored with International Baccalaureate Status
For three years, the staff and students at the Chase Elementary School 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, 2009 the school was officially authorized to teach the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. FULL STORY
Web invitation sent to promote Culture and Diversity initiative
February 22, 2011
To help district personnel spread the word about this culture and diversity web section, an invitation explaining the initiative, “Celebrating Culture and Diversity in the Monticello Central School District” and welcoming our internal and external stakeholders to visit this site was sent via e-mail and SNN. Printed copies of the invitation were also sent home with the elementary school students. CLICK HERE to view the web invitation flyer.
Other Resources
The Million Father March grew out of recognition of the power of male involvement in the education of Black students. A father who actively participates in the educational and social development of a child is invaluable and irreplaceable. A 2004 summary study by The Parent Institute showed that at schools where teachers reported high levels of outreach to parents, reading scores grew at a rate 50 percent higher, and math tests scores 40 percent higher, than in schools where teachers reported low levels of outreach. "The Black Star Project operates with a belief in the strength of parental and community involvement in education to eliminate the racial academic achievement gap." MORE
CLICK HERE for a Holiday Traditions website.