It’s October and that means pumpkins are everywhere! Pumpkins here. Pumpkins there. Pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere! Big ones, fat ones. Round ones, flat ones. Small ones, tall ones. Orange ones, white ones. Green ones, blue ones. Bumpy ones, smooth ones. So many to choose from!
Let’s harvest them and bring them to school for some book character fun! Follow the detailed directions below to participate in the October Pumpkin Character Challenge.
Select a book you have read or want to read.
Choose one character from the story to focus on.
Create this character using a pumpkin. Please be sure the pumpkin is small enough to carry to school. You may decorate it, glue things on it, carve it, or paint it! Be Creative!
You MUST complete the book report below or your October Pumpkin Character will NOT be accepted.
Deadline for the October Pumpkin Character Challenge is October 14th!
September 21st is the International Day of Peace! It used to be known as World Peace Day. It is dedicated to world peace and reminds us to take a minute to put smiles on other people’s faces, and try to be the best you can be with others. The day was first celebrated in 1982 and has been kept in many nations!
So to each of you…. I wish you a Happy International Day of Peace!
Good readers start off reading small amounts of time and then they gradually improve. So far we are at 22 minutes!! Can we read for longer? With some hard work and determination, our stamina will keep on growing!!
Wow…it is crazy to think how long ago September 11th happened…15 years! You were not even born yet! Teachers, parents, and other members of the community respectfully remember and learn about what happened during and after the 9/11 terrorist attacks just like we learned about the American Revolution, the Civil War and the Declaration of Independence. The stories below will empower students at William O. Schaefer to discover their own super powers!
The Man In Red Bandanna by Honor Crowther Fagan
When Welles Crowther was a young boy, his father gave him a red bandanna, which he always carried with him. On September 11, 2001, Welles Remy Crowther saved numerous people from the upper floors of the World Trade Center South Tower. “The Man in the Red Bandanna” recounts and celebrates his heroism on that day. Welles’ story carries an inspirational message that will resonate with adults as well as young children.
Listen to the story below read by Emma.
September 12th: We Knew Everything Would Be All Right
Heartfelt and touching book by 1st graders at Masterson Elementary School in Kennet, Missouri, about the day after the tragic events of September 11th.
On September 11th horrific events occurred, yet through the simple text and vibrant art of first graders, we are reminded that the world continued the next day. On each page, children experience the comforts of ordinary routines, such as their teacher reading books to them, having homework and recess, and knowing that 2 + 2 still equals 4. This is a poignant message of hope that reassures us all that even after bad things happen, tomorrow always brings a new day.
Listen to the story below read by our assistant principal, Jeannine Carr.
September’s Word of the Month is RESPECT. As we noticed, there are so many layers o the word RESPECT.
The basic definition is: treating people the way you want to be treated.
That could mean:
Be polite
Have manners
Include others
Be mindful of personal space
Work together
Be positive
And so much more
Watch this video to hear what other people think about respect!
Assembly Read Aloud:
Respect: Dare to Care, Share, and Be Fair by Ted and Jenny O’Neal
Please Say Please by Margery Cuyler
Do Unto Otters by Laurie Keller
Frog and Toad All Yearby Arnold Lobel
Clifford’s Book of Mannersby Norman Bridwell
The Legend of Papa Balloon by C. R. McClure
How To Be a Friendby Laurie Kransy Brown & Marc Brown
Read Aloud YouTube Videos: Me First by Helen Lester
Pinkerton Pig always has to be first — first to eat, first off the bus — until, running to be first for a sandwich, he finds himself in trouble with the Sand Witch.
The Recess Queen by Alexis O’Neill
Mean Jean is the reigning Recess Queen, pushing and smooshing, hammering and slammering the other kids whenever they cross her. And then one day a puny new girl shows up on the playground and catches Mean Jean completely off-guard. Not only is little Katie Sue not the least bit intimidated by the bully, she actually asks her to jump rope with her. In no time flat, Jean and Katie Sue are best buddies, and the playground is safe for all again.
Same Same But Different by Jenny Kostecki-Shaw
Elliot lives in America, and Kailash lives in India. They are pen pals. By exchanging letters and pictures, they learn that they both love to climb trees, have pets, and go to school. Their worlds might look different, but they are actually similar. Same, same. But different!
Are You Respectful Today? by Kris Yankee and Marian Nelson
Why do you need to be respectful? Patience, tolerance, consideration, and trustworthiness are qualities of respectful people. Life is happier with a respectful heart.
Respect Song:
Bruno Mars You Can Count On Me video
Below is a short film created to help teach students “What is a Friend?”
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