School News: Character Education Awards October 2003

Students from Kindergarten to fifth grade showed the cheering crowd their many unique talents. The children's acts ranged from jump roping, singing, dancing, playing piano and drums to acrobatic acts and juggling.

Everyone had a wonderful time enjoying the many talents of the Chase School students!

Students donate goods to help those in need
Chase students worked to assist Rutherford student, Samantha Shantz, who presented her idea to collect coats for the organization Kids for Kids.

Chase students decided to donate toiletries for distribution through the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless.

The federation is committed to developing individualized and community-wide plans for disadvantaged people to break the cycles of poverty. They provide education to consumers goods, and services to those who are without resources.

Photo: Amanda Karmolinski, Jessica Pantoja, and Samantha Romer, Kyle Platt, Kelly Lynn, Deanna Wilcox, Arielle Capone-Quallenberg, and Angela Laba.

Memorial to student from the heart
Dr. Robert Justus and Mickey Maher, of the Sullivan County Renaissance came to present a plaque in memory of a Chase student, Andrew Pekal.

The plaque will be placed next to the pear tree that they donated in Andrew's memory. Chase fifth grade students were present at the dedication ceremony as well as their teachers, Dorrie Lounsbury, Angela Curtis, and Andrew's teacher, Marilyn Lounsbury.

Mrs. M. Lounsbury read a tribute to Andrew noting his many talents, his courage, and his enthusiasm for life. The tree will be an outward symbol of the friendship Andrew shared and the memories that will always be treasured. Andrew's spirit will live on in our hearts.

Chase students serenade the community
On June 6, Chase Elementary School hosted their Spring Concert for the community. Music teacher Peri Berman, conducted the 3rd, 4th and 5th grade recorders, the Gold Recorders, and the Chase Chorus. Marilyn Lounsbury was the accompanist. For added pleasure, Heather Giza, a fourth grader, played

Fur Elise on the piano as a musical interlude.

This was the first year that the concert had a combined band and orchestra with Duggan Elementary School. Music teachers Thomas Fadden and Nancy Wegrzyn conducted the Chase/Duggan combined band and orchestra respectively. Thanks to the community for continuing to support the students in the district music program.

Chase students learn more to make their garden grow
In the spirit of environmental awareness Sullivan Renaissance, in partnership with Sullivan BOCES Nautral Resources Department, presented a Pin Oak

Tree to Dennis Law's Third Grade class. Instructor , Robert Hayes, brought with him several students to assist in the planting of the tree. The students were Vernon Wilson, Janmie Hughson, Fred Kelder, and Kevin Manto who was a Chase graduate.

This was the second part of a grant that Mr. Law had previously received through the Sullivan Renaissance for a container garden. Mr. Hayes explained how to correctly plant a tree and gave the students handouts. Memphis, a rescue dog also came to offer assistance. The BOCES Natural Resource students also made and installed a bluebird bird house on our school grounds.

Chase students hold mock trials in real court
Every year for the past 15 years, Judge Joel Welsh of the Mamakating Town Court invites Emma Chase Elementary School fifth grade classes to participate in mock trials in his courtroom.

This year, students in Dorrie Lournsbury and Angela Curtis's class prepared a hit-and-run trial and Marilyn Lounsbury's students selected a dog assault incident.

Students played the parts of lawyers, defendants, plaintiff, judge, court recorder, bailiff, and jury members in an actual courtroom. Judge Welsh discussed our Constitution, court procedure, and our responsibilities as Americans in the courtroom.

Thanks to the Town of Mamakating for giving the students this real world experience.

Students battle each other with knowledge
The Battle of the Books has begun! Students from the fourth and fifth grades competed in the two-part grade-level battle during the past two months. Students who elected to participate chose their own teams consisting of 2-5 members

from their grade. They then had to read 30 pre-selected books amongst themselves and battle their knowledge in a contest featuring jeopardy-style questions. Six teams from the fourth grade battled on March 22 and five teams from the 5th grade on March 23. The teams who advanced to the last round were: The Fantastic Five, Skull Demons, Girl Power, Purple Panthers, the Radical Readers and the Champions

The final battle took place on May 11 with the winners as follows:
1st Place - Radical Readers - 5th Grade
2nd Place - The Fantastic Five- 4thGrade
3rd Place - Purple Panthers- 5th grade

The battle was fierce, but all teams did a wonderful job! A party was enjoyed by all students and the fourth-graders can't wait for next year to do it again!

Arbor Day a learning experience for Chase students
Arbor Day was celebrated at the Chase Elementary School with guests from the Wurtsboro Renaissance Committee. Committee members, Mayor Mickey Maher, Dr. Robert Justus, Joann Lyons, Pat & Bill Morris, Lyman Holmes, and Barbara Piper, donated their time and a pear tree to our school grounds.

First-grade teachers Terri Sager, Laurie Churchill, Christine Anagnostou, and third-grade teacher Dennis Law, brought their students to participate in the Arbor Day presentation. Joann Lyons explained to the students the many uses of trees and the history of Arbor Day. Back in their classrooms Barbara Semonite taught a lesson on composting.

The pear tree was dedicated in Andrew Pekal's memory by the Renaissance Committee.

Beautification project grant awarded to third-grade class
On April 19, Sullivan County Renaissance representative Denise Frangipane

visited Dennis Law's third-grade class. This class received a $75 grant from the Sullivan County Renaissance to plant a container garden in the courtyard at Chase. As part of the grant, the class will also plant a Northern Pin Oak tree on school property. Ms. Frangipane will return in June to discuss what students have learned from the project and hopefully to enjoy some vegetables. Congratulations Mr. Law!

For Chase students, Earth Day is in the bag
To celebrate Earth Day, third-graders in Elizabeth. Sicuro's class decorated

canvas tote bags with Earth Day slogans and designs for their parents to use when they shop, in place of plastic bags. They were assisted with the project by Monticello High School German teacher Jane Powers, who gave instructions to Ms. Sicuro on how to sew the bags along with a completed tote bag as a sample. The children were very proud of their work and their parents were happy recipients.

Chase students learn about emergency procedures
Chase third, fourth and fifth-graders were invited to an assembly given by the Town of Mamakating Volunteer Ambulance Corps during EMS week. The students were given an explanation of what to expect when they call 911 and what information would be asked. They also learned what activities would take place when the EMS arrived at their house or at an accident scene, what

equipment the EMS would bring with them and what it is used for.

A demonstration of equipment using a "real" volunteer helped bring the experience alive. Volunteers then gave a tour of the ambulance. Thanks to the volunteers who gave their time generously at this assembly: Heather Hampel, Brian Hackett, Stephanie Otto (pictured), Chris Hadden, Charlie Merritts, and Sue Kennett.

Chase Elementary School third-graders raise funds for Project Excel preschool programs
Emma C. Chase Elementary School third-grade students Maggie McDermott and Rachel Broder never dreamed their $103 fundraising effort would grow into a $2,000 donation for Monticello’s Project Excel preschool program.

The two girls collected bottles and cans and redeemed the deposits as a way to help others in their community. When community members and businesses heard about the girls’ effort, many decided to match their funds. The donation grew to $2,000.

Maggie and Rachael were amazed when the final dollar figure was calculated and expressed that they had, “never dreamed this would grow into such a big thing.”

Chase Elementary School Principal Susan Gottlieb honored the girls with a “Good Citizenship” award at the school’s monthly assembly. “We are really proud of them,” expressed Gottlieb. “They’ve really set a wonderful example for other students.” As an added surprise, Maggie’s mother, Linda McDermott, presented the girls with the award.

Students at Chase Elementary School literally had hundreds of books to choose from at the recent PTO-sponsored book fair!

Chase's 'top-a-the morning' included green eggs and ham
Chase Elementary School's first-grade students celebrated St. Patrick's Day with a "Green Eggs and Ham" breakfast. The children dined on spinach and ham omelets, juice and muffins while being entertained by Terry Mullen, a

bagpipe player with the NY State Police Pipes and Drums. The students and visitors danced merrily while Mr. Mullen played traditional and contemporary Irish tunes.

Mr. Mullen has faithfully attended each year's breakfast to play his bagpipes since his daughter, Tara, now a junior in college, was in the first grade at Chase. To delight the children, AIS teacher, Pat Yorks, dressed as the "Cat in the Hat," while first-grade teachers, Christine Anagnostou, Laurie Churchill, and Terri Sager, capitalized on the excitement and motivation with math and literacy activities to coincide with the event. Math lessons included graphs, surveys, and interpreting data.

DARE graduation at Chase
On Tuesday, March 13, Chase Elementary School's fifth-graders graduated from their DARE program with Deputy Cheryl Sheerer.

In the program, students learned how to resist drugs, tobacco and alcohol, how to stand-up against negative peer pressure, and how to resist and avoid violent situations. Deputies Sheerer and Ramos, Sheriff Mike Schiff, Sullivan County Legislator Kathy LaBuda, and Chase Elementary School Principal Susan Gottlieb were there to show their support as students and parents participated in the graduation.

Students received DARE tee-shirts, hats and certificates. DARE essay contest winners: Tara Madsen, Athena Ricker, Thomas Reardon, Cory Platt, Elden Mackac, and Katrina Zicot, read their essays to the audience - recounting what they had learned from the program.

The Chase PTO capped this graduation off with cake and juice in celebration of the students' successful completion of their DARE experience. The DARE program is sponsored by the Sullivan County Sheriff's Department.

Chase students sing - and shine - at county performance
On March 3, a group of Chase students performed in the All-County

Elementary Chorus at Liberty High School. Students from all over Sullivan County were selected for their musical talents. Our students were: Christopher Sprague, Amanda Meade, Katie Purcell, Brianna Smythe, Arielle Quallenberg-Capone, and Courtney Swensen.

The students were selected after auditioning and then rehearsed a few times a week with music teacher Peri-Ilene Berman. The students worked very hard and we are all very proud of their achievement. Congratulations!

Chase Elementary School students express their creativity at the Odyssey of the Mind tournament
On February 24, Chase Elementary School students went to the Region 5 Odyssey of the Mind competition. Odyssey of the Mind promotes creative problem solving for students in kindergarten through college. It is an

international program dedicated to teaching creativity to students throughout the world. Students learn creative problem-solving skills while trying to solve challenging, unique problems in a team setting.

Fourth and fifth-graders compete
This year's fourth and fifth-grade team was: Elesha Young, Elizabeth Laba, Emily Smith, Kevin Kane, Brianna Bennett, Jackie Fisher and Naomi Allen.

The team's problem was to design and build a structure made only of 18 grams of balsa wood, and glue. The team had to choose a creative assembly material so the structure could be assembled on-site. The team then tested the structure for its ability to balance and support as much weight as possible. They also presented a performance that integrated the assembly of the structure. The completed structure was abut the weight of 18 paperclips and at the competition held 265 pounds!

Congratulations to the team and their coaches, Mrs. Holmes an Ms. June Fisher!

Second-graders compete
Chase Elementary School also had two second-grade teams compete in this year's competition as well. Chase was the only school in Sullivan County who had second-graders compete. Team members were: Jahzeiah Beniquez, Dinaja Clark, Alexis Costa, Megan Joyce, Jordan Spordone, Andrew Fredell and Aryana Divila.

The team had to creatively solve a given problem. The problem was titled "Time Capsule". Members had to write and perform a skit about a group of explorers who uncover a time capsule filled with five objects. The members portrayed explorers in the North Pole as they uncovered a time capsule from the 1950's. Researching information about the 1950's using books, and going on-line, the members chose the following valuables to find inside the capsule : a hoola-hoop, cat clock, etch a sketch, hair grease, and a picture of Santa and Elvis.

Congratulations to all the team members and their coaches, Mrs. Unverzagt, and Mrs. O'Roarke!

Emma C. Chase Elementary School kindergarten students created a mural to re-tell the classic story of The Little Red Hen. The students created and labeled all the characters themselves.

Chase students help our overseas troops
After seeing the segment ‘Silly String Saves Lives’ on Good Morning
America, Emma C. Chase Elementary School students collected more than 300 cans of Silly String to help the U.S. troops in Iraq. The string is being used by soldiers to identify bomb trip-wires in buildings. All the cans will be taken to the Middle East combat areas later this month.

Scholarship fundraiser filled with good eats
The Third Annual Spaghetti Dinner for the Justin LaBarbera Baseball Scholarship was a huge success, thanks to everyone who donated their time and energy to this wonderful cause.

Chase families and community members donated boxes of pasta, others ordered dinners, and gave generous donations. Chase graduates, Jillian Oakley, and Cassie Fredell donated their time by helping serve the dinners. Marta Mangual, who works at the Cooke School, came with her two sons to volunteer their time also. Marta's son, Julio was the recipient of the Justin LaBarbera Scholarship at the high school last year.

Our faculty and staff had the privilege of working and laughing together to help coordinate and work at this worthy cause. As a result, approximately $1,500 was raised to send Chase students to baseball camp this summer.

This is all possible thanks to the Chase PTO, that generously donated the money for the sauce, containers, and meat and IGA of Wurtsboro, who donated the Italian bread (as they do every year). A special thanks to our own Mickey Maher who donated her time and expertise to keep everything flowing, including the pasta!

Legacy of literacy for former Chase student
In honor and memory of Mariah Merando, a former Chase student who lost her life while riding her bicycle, six new books were donated to the Chase library. Filled with generosity and community spirit, student’s donated their loose change to purchase the books, so that Mariah's love of books could be passed on to the students at Chase and enjoyed for years to come.

Chase School donates warmth to the needy
In conjunction with the Sullivan County United Way, Chase Elementary School students and staff collected warm and cozy winter hats and gloves to be distributed to needy individuals and families throughout the county.

Chase teacher Angela Curtis, donated special hats handmade by her mother, a retired Monticello Schools employee. The items adorned the school’s holiday tree until they were picked up by the United Way.

Thank you to all who donated to this worthy cause.

Chase fundraising for the community

The Chase School community, along with the Citizenship Committee, held two successful fundraisers for the holiday season.

The first sale, for Monticello High School's Thanksgiving Food Drive, raised $140 from popcorn and school supply sales.

The second, for the high school's Ann toy drive, candy canes were sold which raised $165. The Chase School community is always happy to contribute to the Monticello School District Community's worthwhile programs.

Chase winter concert a ringing success
Handmade nutcrackers made by third-graders and their families greeted family and friends to the Chase School Winter Concert.

The program was directed by music teacher Peri Berman with Marilyn Lounsbury conducting the Holiday Hand-bell Choir, as well as supplying piano accompaniment.

Enrichment program students create Medieval projects

Mrs. Jersey's 5th grade pull-out MEP students have been studying Medieval times. They have recently completed reports and projects as shown in the photo.

3rd graders enjoy the Nutcracker Festival
Chases 3rd grade students joined other third graders from Monticello, Liberty, and Tri-Valley to see The Nutcracker Festival at the Tri-Valley Theatre in Grahamsville. Students from the three districts made up the musicians, technical crew, dancers, production personnel, and the actors. When the program was finished, the dancers and actors came into the audience to sign autographs for the students. A wonderful time was had by all!

Exciting and interactive writing activities at Chase

Mrs. Lyttle's kindergartners sing songs and sound out words sound by sound. Mrs. Sager's first graders participate in word-writing exercises that include the words and sentences on the Word Wall. Third graders in Mrs. Sicuro's class do a book report and art activity in which they create the

main character of their book out of a paper bag. Then they do a written report as well as an oral presentation. Fifth graders in

Mrs. M. Lounsbury's class use "Writers Express" which allows them to practice all the processes of writing. Students also give public speeches on a topic of their choice, ranging from hamster care - to how to assemble a satellite T.V. - to how to tie-fly an elk hair caddis.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) at Chase Elementary School proving successful
As part of the district-wide initiative, Chase's PBIS team is up and running with its formulated plan to improve the school environment. With banners prominently displayed around the school with their motto, “We’re All in This Together,” the three rules of respect, responsibility and safety are being taught and reinforced.

PBIS is a program that promotes and rewards positive behavior in students and has helped with disciplinary issues at all grade levels. It's intention is to create and maintain a safe learning environment for students and staff by reducing behavioral problems.

So far, the PBIS team has undergone training and has met with support and cafeteria staff to make lunch times run more smoothly. A matrix of expected behaviors has been developed to identify expected behaviors and appropriate voice levels throughout the school and on the bus.

School officials have high hopes that Chase will have the same level of success with its new PBIS initiative that the middle and high schools have been achieving.

In a step towards community wellness, Chase Elementary School announces its "Mamakating Walks!" program
Community members are invited to the halls of Chase to take a walk. This new, innovative program is designed to help local people incorporate regular physical activity into their daily lives. It has been proven that regular exercise helps lower stress, makes you feel better and sleep more soundly. And the U.S. Surgeon General recommends 30 minutes of physical activity per day.

The University at Albany’s Prevention Research Center, Parks and Trails NY and a local steering committee has created the structure. All you have to do is show up! Monday–Friday, 4:30 -7 p.m. you can come to the school to walk the halls, without worrying about rain or snow. Twelve loops around the hall equals one mile. After April 15, the walking program will move outdoors to the beautiful Wurtsboro D&H Canal trail.

Staff will provide you with all the tools you need to start walking. So get off the couch and come on down! For more information call 888-2471.

Leaving a Legacy at Chase
Each year 5th grade students and their families raise funds to celebrate the final year of elementary school for the children. Students from the Chase 2006 graduating class had some extra funds and have purchased a complete Kodak Easy Share Camera and all of its accessories. This most generous, and much needed, gift is a gift that will keep on giving. The camera set will allow the Chase School to capture special moments and to be able to share them on the district web site, in newspapers and other publications.
A very warm and special thank you to the students and their families for this wonderful donation. Many of these students are currently in the 6th grade in the Robert J. Kaiser Middle School in Monticello.

Chase Elementary School’s PTO helped make this year’s annual Wurtsboro Halloween Parade an extra special event
In an effort to increase safety, parents and teachers volunteered to walk with the costumed students. They also supplied cider and donuts to every class as part of the celebration.

The Lions Club donated pumpkins to all the students to decorate and then awarded prizes for the best designs.

Mrs. Connie O'Rourke (pictured) lead her students in the parade and according to the last report, all the good little boos and ghouls had a wonderful time! A big thanks to all involved for their time and generosity.

Congratulations to all the winners of the pumpkin decorating contest:
Kindergarten: Ashley Williams, Emma Hildebrandt, Davey Klein, Dietrich Acosta-Behrens, Matthew Petrelli, Jackie Welsh First Grade: Dylan Broder Kelly Lynn, Brielle Farrish , Shyanne, Jessica Pantoja, Emma Spear, Dallas Risch, Loreli Davilla, Bryan Pagano,Graade 2: Emmry Briskie,, Danaya Clark, Samantha Schoonmaker, Rebeca Kerstner, Sjhane Kennedy, Devin Decicco Grade 3: Jacob Lilley, Rebecca Crance, Christopher Tafel, Kara Fredxell, Samantha Monroy, Gregory penn, Carissa Schilling, Victor Perez, Quinn Kolaitis Grade 4: Brianna Smyth, Angela Laba, Samantha Damms, Kaytlynn Kean, Joe Quick, Courtney Swensen Grade 5 : Kamree Farrish, Edward Murran, Khalil Guadaulupe, Katrina Zicot, Whitney Derienzo, Andrew Pikal

Assistant Superintendent shares her love of reading
Assistant Superintendent Ms. Kathleen Pagano-Fuller made a special visit to Chase Elementary School to read a storybook to several classes. The book she chose, "Pigs" by Robert Munsch, was one of her daughter's favorites and she felt the children would enjoy it. The book deals with creativity and making predictions; a stuffed pig was used as a prop to enhance storytelling.
Ms. Pagano-Fuller wanted to help the students get excited about books and to show them how reading can be a fun and enjoyable past-time.

"Officer Phil" safety program featured at district elementary schools
The Monticello Police Department, with support from local businesses, presented a safety assembly called "Officer Phil". The new concept, that illustrates the necessity of obeying rules set by parents and society, provides students with positive solutions to problems encountered within today's society. The program included magic tricks, humor, and an animated program with a mouse puppet named Mack.

Mack discussed 'stranger danger', bus safety, how to cross streets safely, and how to answer a phone when an adult is not present. A game show activity allowed two students to face off each other in answering questions about being a bully or a buddy.

District officials are extremely thankful for the businesses that supported this program, as well as the Monticello Police Department's dedication to protect and communicate the importance of being responsible citizens and members of the community.

ESL (English as a second language) students from Chase and Cooke Schools celebrated
with pizza and bingo at their recent Annual Open House.

Teachers, administrators and Community Advocate Mara Mangual, participated in the fun with the students, making it a very special event.

One of Monticello's educational initiatives is to help second language learners become more successful in school.

Educational grant given to Chase
The Emma C. Chase School was recently awarded a $500 ExxonMobil Educational Alliance Grant, thanks to the efforts of Alyce Van Etten, Monticello Board of Education President and Van Etten Oil Company executive.

The grant will be used to provide supplies and materials for Chase's Science Lab Program, which is part of their science curriculum. The money allows the school to provide students with hands-on science opportunities so that they may achieve the New York State Learning Standards in Science.

The Chase School is extremely grateful to ExxonMobil and Ms. Van Etten for this generous donation.

Fire Prevention Day educational & fun
Wurtsboro Fire Chief Paul Champagne, visited the Chase School during Fire Prevention Week to teach students about fire safety. He showed a very educational and entertaining video and explained to students when the proper time batteries in a smoke detector should be tested and changed. He also discussed cooking safety and gave all the students fire safety activity books.

On Friday, during a school fire drill, volunteer firefighters arrived amidst fire and rescue truck sirens and horns. Firefighters then demonstrated what would happen during a real fire and how they would rescue anyone still inside the building.

Later at the school assembly, prizes were awarded, courtesy of the fire department and the Ladies Auxiliary, for the Safety While Cooking poster contest.

The judging was very difficult due to the quality of entries, but the winners were:

First Grade: Jessica Pantoja, Justin Zicot, Braiden DeMartino, Sierra Squier, Jonah Lilley, and Dylan Broder. Second Grade: Rebecca Kerstner, Emily Maxwell, Aryan Davila, Ryan Devries. Third Grade: Sydney Anderson , Shawn Burke, Samantha Monry, Devin Wiseman, Carissa Schilling, Michael Cannavo Fourth Grade: Heather Gize, Kyle Schnitzer, Devin Leach, Brianna Bennett. Fifth Grade: Tara Madsen, Elesha Young, Athena Ricker, Kamree Farrish.

Giving the gift of knowledge

Mrs. Ella Martinek (pictured) a member
of the Telecom Pioneers,
delivered brand new dictionaries to all of our 4th grade students in early October.

Mrs. Martinek was
happy to donate the dictionaries so that
the students could have a dictionary of their very own to be used throughout their schooling. Her organization is proud to be a partner in enhancing our student's literacy and the 4th graders were very excited and appreciative of the generosity of the Telecom Pioneers' donation.

Changes at Chase School
The Chase School underwent some remodeling this summer!

The main office area, teachers' room and nurse’s office were reconfigured to provide better use of space.

Our goal was to create a more welcoming atmosphere and user-friendly area.
So please come visit!

New pear tree planted on school grounds
Arbor Day celebration made possible by community support

A partridge in a pear tree?
No, it’s just a BEAUTIFUL pear tree! Through the generosity of the Wurtsboro Renaissance Committee, consisting of Dr. Justus, Pat and Bill Morris, and Ms. Joann Lyons, the Chase School has another pear tree
to grace our front lawn. The tree came from Manza Farms in Middletown.

Mr. Manza generously donated his time to educate the first and second graders about trees and planting. Ms. Lyons spoke about Arbor Day and asked students questions about the celebration of Arbor Day. The students enthusiastically offered their ideas and opinions about Arbor Day and shared their knowledge about plants in general. The opportunity to participate in the Master Gardeners Program allowed the students to show off all the wonderful and interesting facts they learned. The students assisted in the actual planting of the tree that is now a wonderful addition to all the other trees and plants blooming in our yard. The continued support we receive from the the community makes Chase such a special place for children to learn and grow.

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