Glebe Street Newsletter Available Online
The following editions of our monthly newsletter are currently available online: March 2010, February 2010, January 2010, December 2009, November 2009, October 2009, September 2009

Principal's Corner - March Message
The month of March is full of activity at Glebe Street Elementary School. Our PARP Olympics is underway, students and families can participate in the Academic Fair (March 18), the All County Festival will be held on the March 5 and 6 weekend, Assemblyman Mark Butler will visit our classes, we will hold our Accelerated Reader Night, McDonald’s Night, and our Talent Show! All the while students are learning in and out of the classroom! Read more

JHS PTSA Spring Craft Fair March 13
Mark your calendar, grab your wallet and plan to come out to the third annual JHS PTSA Spring Craft Fair from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 13, at Johnstown High School.

Panther Parents – Stay Involved with the Glebe Street PTA by E-Mail
Sometimes (or all of the time!), life can be hectic and it is not possible for parents to make it to PTA meetings, even though they want to be involved. Now, the Glebe Street Elementary School PTA is offering “Panther Parents” as a way for you to ask questions, share opinions, present ideas or offer suggestions to the Glebe Street PTA. Learn how

Help Us Achieve 100% Participation at our Academic Fair
On March 18, Glebe Street will hold its annual Academic Fair. Please encourage your child to participate! We are especially interested in having individuals, groups and families enter - no project is too big or too small! Our goal is to provide students with an opportunity to showcase their gifts and talents in unique areas of interest independent of the classroom. This is an opportunity for families to read together, research together and showcase finished products together. For more information, please refer to the Academic Fair Information Flyer.

Learning Turns 100 Days Old
Our Glebe Street school community celebrated the 100th day of school on February 17 in hundreds of ways. Nearly 200 students were involved in creating many projects to commemorate the day. It was great to celebrate the hard work and solid learning that we spend so much time focusing on. Students loved the 100th day commemorative cake served for dessert at lunch! Thank you Mrs. Mittler, Mrs. Audrey and Mrs. Fisher!

Lunch with the Principal
Once each month, 14 students who have displayed excellent character traits, especially the character trait worked on during that month, enjoy Lunch with the Principal. Glebe’s Lunch with the Principal program is supported by the PTA and the SDM team. Mrs. Kathy Perito and sixth grade teacher Mrs. Betty Flanders are a tremendous help with the program. Enjoy these photos from our luncheon in February 2010. Our focus for the month of March is “Respect.”  
 

Miss Manners visits our Glebe Students
Miss Manners, a fictional character created by our school counselor Miss Nasadoski, visited Glebe students recently. During her visit she talked about tolerance and provided several scenarios for staff and students to act out. It was a perfect opportunity for valuable lessons that enhance our continuous work for excellent character. This is just one small way in which we design out character education program at Glebe to show our students what is acceptable, fair, kind and inclusive behavior toward everyone.

Dancin’ Back Into the Ice Age
Glebe’s winter “Ice Dance” brought all sorts of cool kids to our gymnasium on February 19 after a good week’s worth of work! It’s important to celebrate with each other as we learn with each other. Our terrifically supportive PTA arranged the dance for the students and families, and over two hundred attended and danced to tunes provided by a DJ. Please enjoy these pictures of this successful Glebe PTA family night! Thank you PTA – and thank you Mr. Henry and Mr. Fleming for helping to tidy up with us after the event!

It’s All Greek to Me
Sixth graders have been working on a unit called "It's All Greek To Me" in social studies, utilizing map skills and studying Greek architecture, amphoras (ancient Greek vessels with two handles), the Greek flag, the Olympics and the Olympic torch.

After learning that the Olympic tradition dates back to ancient Greece in 776 BC, they created their own Sixth Grade Social Studies Olympics, with a javelin throw (using a nerf dart), the shot put (using a cotton ball), the discus throw (using a paper plate) the broad jump and, the most popular event, arm wrestling. A closing ceremony was held on February 4, with gold, silver and bronze medals awarded to many and certificates of participation given to all.

They are now creating a hallway display with pictures of Mt. Olympus, Zeus and the Gods/Goddesses.

Sixth Graders Picket Principal’s Office
To illustrate the importance of democratic rights, students in Mrs. Flanders' and Mrs. Jones' sixth grade classes “play marched” into the principal's office and “protested” going out for recess (it must have been very cold that day!). This mock exercise really hit home the singular activity of picketing in protest as a peaceful means of marking views and opinions to governmental laws and edicts. The “march” was performed in fun, but really got the message across. We all had a good laugh, but also came to understand and respect that it is our right to be heard when we are in opposition to government. Martin Luther King and civil rights were the focus of the lesson - his efforts for peaceful demonstration liberated millions of Americans.

The NED Show
"Never Give Up, Encourage Others, Do Your Best!" This very important character building message was delivered with a yo-yo and some laughs when the NED Show visited Glebe Street Elementary School on January 14. NED is a fictional character who wakes up one morning and faces some "out of this world" challenges, through which he perseveres. His story is told through the performance of audience captivating yo yo tricks. The students truly enjoyed this assembly and could be heard repeating the lessons learned in the days that followed. A special thanks to Mrs. Cirrichio and the PTA for making the assembly possible!

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Remembered
On Friday, January 15, the students, staff and families of Glebe Street Elementary School came together to honor the memory and message of an American icon and hero.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s message of equality came during a time when its delivery was often met with resistance. Despite the obstacles he faced, Dr. King continued on with the vision of his work, in hopes of one day creating a better world.

Through student performances in the arts of song, poetry and a pictorial slide show, his message was shared and appreciated at Glebe Street Elementary School.

Introducing Panther Craft
To encourage excellent character, our Glebe parents and teachers have started a wonderful new initiative for our students called "Panther Craft." We don't craft panthers, but we do invite volunteers to lead a session of crafting! Students are selected to participate based upon a drawing from names of students who have earned Panther Points throughout the month. Panther Points are awarded to students whenever a person in the school community notices a demonstration of excellent character. Students may choose to use their Panther Points to purchase a fun item from the Panther cart; to enter a monthly drawing to enjoy Lunch with the Principal; or to enter a drawing to participate in our new Panther Craft program. Mrs. Lesa Levin arranged the very successful first event, with Mrs. Roth as our crafter, and a fun time crafting and socializing was had by all! Many thanks to our Shared Decision Making Team, our Parent Teacher Association, and to the wonderful volunteer crafters! Enjoy these photos.

Family BINGO Night
There was a school that had some fun and Glebe Street was its Name-O! G-L-E-B-E, G-L-E-B-E, G-L-E-B-E and Glebe Street was it's Name-O! At 6:30 p.m. on Friday, January 8, Glebe Street Elementary School held Family Bingo Night in its gymnasium. Despite the very cold weather, the turn-out for this free, PTA-sponsored event was spectacular! As players came in they were given their Bingo card and welcomed to help themselves to a beverage. Prizes were awarded to children for winning such games as four corners, straight BINGO, diagonal lines, and the letter X. During a brief intermission, snacks were served. Not only did the students enjoy themselves, but parents did too! It was wonderful to walk around and see children giggling with their parents about their bum-luck or strategically planning how to win the next round. These moments are so important as we work together and encourage character building and strengthening. When you play a game with your children, you are sharing your time with them. You are also teaching them; teaching them that they are loved. A special thanks to the official number caller, the very entertaining Mr. Clizbe, and to his wonderful assistant Mrs. Brown.

Showcasing our Chorus and Band
Music education is important at Glebe Street Elementary School. Our Glebe bands are under the direction of Miss Tamara Healy, while our chorus is under the direction of both Miss Jenna Polling and Mr. James Morton.  Hats off to our ensembles for bringing so much happiness to others through their music!  It is through experiences like concerts that our students learn important confidence skills as they show the musical skills that they have honed through personal practice and ensemble rehearsal. Congratulations, students and directors. Special thanks to Mrs. Ermie for putting together the program printing, to parents for supporting their children in practice and involvement, and to our fifth and sixth grade teachers for making accommodations that enable so many students to participate.

Good-bye & Good Luck to Ms. Duesler
Glebe Street is getting ready to say good-bye to Ms. Alyssa Duesler, who has been student teaching in Mrs. Cromer's physical education classes. As you can see in these photos, we sure had fun playing with the parachute and participating in winter relays with her. She also taught us how to play Kin Ball, dance the Cupid Shuffle and the Cha Cha Slide. We will miss her and wish her luck with her teaching career.

Santa's Workshop
'Tis the season to be jolly! This time of year is magical for children, and not just because of the gifts they receive, but also for the gifts they themselves can learn to give. On December 11, the students and families of Glebe Street Elementary came together for Santa's Workshop and had a merry time.
The event was sponsored, organized and orchestrated by the much appreciated PTA. Children and parents could pay $1 to make a homemade gift and the many crafts (ornaments, wreaths, welcome signs, tote bags, frames, etc.) were beautiful. Also available, a free gift wrapping table and access to the book fair. Donations for the food drive were collected (and will continue to be collected through December 21). The PTA thanks Santa for stopping in to visit and also sends an extra special and sincere thank you to Mr. Carm D'Amore for giving the children his time and the gift of his photographic skills. His generosity is truly wonderful. Enjoy this season, stay warm, and remember PANTHERS (jingle bell) ROCK!

Peer Science
Teamwork is alive and well here at Glebe Street. The sixth graders have paired up with the third graders to explore some interesting areas of science. Their first activity was working with toothpicks and clay to make cantilevers. A cantilever is a projecting structure, such as a beam, that is supported at one end and carries a load at the other end or along its length. It was so much fun to see the teamwork and cooperation between the two grades. The students had a great time working with each other and wonderful discussion ensued from the activity. Mrs. Park and Mrs. Jones were greatly impressed with the level of vocabulary spoken and the cooperation between teammates. We are looking forward to meeting again. See additional photos.

Enjoying the Playground
Over the past three years our PTA Playground Committee worked tirelessly, creatively, and cooperatively to furnish our great school with a beautiful and functional new playground to serve the free play needs of our children. Take a look at these snapshots of students enjoying the new playground on a fine autumn day at recess, and remember to play safely, observing the following rules:

• Walk on the playground surface and on the equipment
• Wear enclosed shoes with rubber soles on the playground at all times
• Take turns (practice the good character traits that we teach each day)
• Be kind to others and look out for each other
• Nine kids on the Wave at any one time
• Slide down on the slides and never jump from them

Fifth Graders Have Lost Their Marbles
Anyone passing by Mrs. Kollar’s fifth grade classroom recently might have noticed quite a bit of commotion. It was the day of the Marbles tournaments! Our reading series, Open Court, contains a terrific story about a girl who found her calling to be an expert marble player, even though she was not able to perform well in traditional sports. It is a story of overcoming obstacles and creative paths to success for students. Mrs. Kollar made the story real for her students by letting them experience, first hand, what a great activity marbles can really be! Pictured is the student winner of the tournament. See other photos here.

Garden Harvest
Back for a second year is Glebe’s magnificent garden, thanks to our students who prepared the soil and planted seeds and seedlings in the spring. What is growing there? The “three-sisters” of corn, beans and squash for social studies relevance; lettuce so we might have a salad day for all students; other vegetables, sunflowers, perennial flowers, and beautiful ornamental trees. The students in these pictures took part in some of the harvesting of ornamental corn and gourds on a sunny day in the garden this fall.

In the Pink
Friday, October 16, was Breast Cancer Awareness Day at Glebe. Our staff and students were “in the pink” in recognition of all people battling the disease. Also remembered were those who have battled cancers of all types, as well as their families and friends, for their courage in the face of very tough odds. Thanks to a terrific staff for remembering the importance of celebrating people and their qualities of perseverance and courage, and for allowing our students to play a part in a meaningful way.

Student Council Encourages School Spirit
Our student council, comprised of fifth and sixth graders, is over 80 strong this year. Mrs. Kollar, Mr. Frenyea, Mrs. Flanders and Mrs. Jones serve as advisors for this active organization of kids who care. Look for postings of our student council’s activities, from food drives to spirit days to environmental clean-up days. Here students celebrate Panther Pride with a school spirit day that gave all students and staff the chance to wear their favorite jersey to school! It’s all about PRIDE!

Transportation Day
On Monday, October 5, Glebe Street Elementary School hosted Transportation Day for the first time since 2006. A variety of vehicles lined both the front and side parking lots for a great portion of the day, giving students the opportunity to get up close and become more familiar with their functions and how they serve our community. Police cars, a fire truck, an ambulance, and the very popular "PPV" (People Powered Vehicle) were just a few of those present. This hands-on learning experience was made possible through the coordination of appreciated PTA members, valued faculty support and local community members. The children were excited and enthusiastic about this educational opportunity, and many said they hoped to do it again next year!

Hot Dog/Chili Night
HOT DOG! What a great event! Family, fun, food, and fundraising, could it get any better? At 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, Glebe Street students and families began to arrive for Hot Dog/Chili Night. Moving through the cafeteria line, people could choose from a variety of homemade chilis donated by Glebe families and friends. Diners could also purchase a hot dog and chips. But wait, save room for dessert! Baked goods and coffee were available and amazing! A special thanks to all of our PTA volunteers for cooking, baking, and working to make this a successful event!

Atoms, Atoms Everywhere
Our sixth graders have been learning about atoms, elements, the periodic table and states of matter. One of the project choices accompanying this science unit was to create a model of an atom. Students used the periodic table to pick a type of atom and also to gain information about that particular atom. The periodic table is organized according to atomic number, with an atomic number also representing how many protons there are in a particular atom. For example, the atomic number of oxygen is eight, so the number of protons in an oxygen atom is also eight. An atom should have the protons and neutrons bunched together in the nucleus (the center of the atom) with the electrons hovering around the nucleus. It was exciting to see the many ways students presented their atoms and the different materials used. For atom photos, click here.

Open House 2009-2010
What an evening! On Tuesday, September 29, Glebe Street Elementary School held its annual Open House. The night began in the gymnasium at 6:30 p.m. with a welcoming address from Principal William Crankshaw. After an introduction of the wonderful faculty and staff, students were encouraged to show off their school to their supportive families and friends. The PTA and the Boy Scouts set up information tables in the entry of the school, student works were on display in classrooms and hallways, while sunflowers and mums planted by students, faculty and staff were a lovely sight in the garden. We are most appreciative of the members of the Warren Street and Pleasant Avenue PTAs who graciously supervised our refreshment tables, although there were so many supporters in attendance that we actually ran out of refreshments! While cupcakes and cookies may have been in short supply, the Panther Pride in the house ROCKED!

Forever May She Wave!
Each year our young scouts and interested students perform the ritual of lowering the flag on the flag pole on the school grounds. The flag, as it is explained in our first-day student assemblies, stands for freedom. When we learn to respect the flag we learn to respect this freedom. The flag lowering ritual is one of the first leadership roles that students fulfill at the beginning of the school year. Our custodian, Mr. Henry, along with parent leaders, helps our students to keep the traditional responsibility of caring for our precious flag alive.

School Safety Always a Priority at Glebe
We work hard to make Glebe a safer place for children and your assistance is always appreciated. Read more about how you can help!

Price Chopper Tools for Schools
Do you participate in the Price Chopper Tools for Schools Program?  Your support can help us earn cool tools for our school!

General Mills Box Tops for Education
Our collection of General Mills Box Tops for Education (found on most  General Mills cereals and other products) continues. Support of boxtops4education.com is most appreciated, as it enables us to purchase new equipment for our school.

Visit District Homepage For District-Wide News
Information of importance to all schools in the district (i.e., stranger-danger tips, NYS Test Sampler links, etc.) is posted to the district homepage of the GJSD Web site. When checking your individual school’s page, please remember to check the district homepage, as well.

Wondering what news you may have missed? Many web articles previously posted on our site can be accessed in our Archives.

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Universal Pre-K Program
Central Council PTA

Board of Education Meeting
 7 p.m., JHS

Other Helpful Links:
;World Book
;F-M Photo Archives