(Submitted by Corinne Brechbiel)

Truman Moon has two new additions to its library. Two child-sized rocking chairs have been added to the library in memory of Cathy Crouch, a teaching assistant who passed away in December 2007. CAthy spent her entire twenty-seven years of service working at various grade levels at Truman Moon.

The funds for the chairs were received from the MTA, which consists of teachers, teaching assistants, and nurses. The idea for the chairs was formulated by the MTAO Executive Board members.

Peg Fratto, Truman Moon’s MTAO Building Rep, took on the task of completing the unfinished rocking chairs. Peggy sanded, stained, and produced the beautifully finished chairs now in use in Truman Moon’s library. Each chair displays a plaque embossed “In Memory of Cathy Crouch,” and the children have enjoyed using them while reading.

The project was a true labor of love. Not only will Cathy’s memory be present in our hearts, her memory will rock on in the halls of Truman Moon.

This past January 4th, Middletown High School’s Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA) college Biology class, under the guidance of adjunct professor and MHS biology teacher Shawn Haener, traveled to the beautiful SUNY New Paltz campus to spend an exciting day long workshop studying Molecular Biology. This rigorous genetics based program was run by the wonderful team of Dr. Dennis Moran and Arnold Nemerofsky. Both men are experienced veteran professors of the SUNY New Paltz Biology Dept. The day’s events allowed students to work hands-on with some great genetics equipment. They performed gel preparations, restriction enzyme digests, DNA argarose gel electrophoresis, staining, and gel analysis.

As the importance of DNA science and genetics continues to grow, it is essential that we introduce it to our young college students. Establishing an interest today could spark the beginning of an exciting and rewarding career in the ever expanding field of genetics.

by Gregory Farina

Musical artist Lyle Cogen recently spent a week with the teachers and students at Truman Moon. Lyle and music teacher Kristen Patrick taught the children “Carnival of the Animals.”

“Carnival of the Animals” is a musical suite of 14 movements by the French Romantic composer Camille Saint-Saëns. Students learned, through creative movement and dramatics, how to interpret the classical music story and how to tell a story through sound, characters and moods. It was a dynamic way for the children to make the connection between the Arts and English Language Arts.

On October 31, 2006, first grade students from Mrs. Abt’s, Mrs. Byrne’s and Ms Yegidis’ classes visited the residents of Southwinds Retirement Home. It was an exciting day for not only for the residents, but for the students as well. The children served the residents treats and entertained them with a poem and three songs. All who were present couldn’t help but smile. It was a joy to watch.

The first graders students also learned to formally introduce themselves to the seniors. Throughout the room you could hear children saying,”Hi my name is ____.” “What is your name?” “It is nice to meet you!”

The short hour spent at Southwinds not only had an impact on the students, but the seniors were truly touched by the attention the children showed them.

The teachers and students would like to thank everyone from Southwinds for allowing them to visit. The day was so successful that the three classes are planning another visit in the spring.

[As we go Around the Building this month, Greg Farina tells us about how some of our art teachers have recently been recognized for leadership.]

Art Teachers Wendy Enoch (Maple Hill), Gregg Farina (Truman Moon), Missy Perna (Chorley) and Danielle Strommer (Mechanicstown) were recognized for outstanding leadership in arts education by Artsonia.com. Artsonia is an online children’s art museum providing free educational resources for students, families and teachers. Each school has an online gallery where teachers share lesson plans and showcase their student’s artwork. Students and their families can log-on to the site, view the artwork, leave positive messages and even purchase keepsakes bearing their creations.

The Artsonia Annual Leadership Award, received by our teachers, honors educators who go beyond the classroom walls to encourage family and community in Arts Education. The award also recognizes significant achievement in the area of technology integration within the school art program. Participation in the program clearly shows the teacher’s initiative and dedication to not only arts education, but to cultivating family involvement and enhancing the learning experience of children.

Please take the time to congratulate your colleagues and visit their online galleries to view the many achievements of their students.

Maple Hill:
http://www.artsonia.com/schools/maple1
Truman Moon:
http://www.artsonia.com/schools/truman1
Chorley:
http://www.artsonia.com/schools/chorley1
Mechanicstown:
http://www.artsonia.com/schools/mechanicstown1