The Fall is a wonderful season, which often has us longing for the days of summer.  We have traded days of freedom for routines and schedules.  As we balance homework and studying, with our other activities, we quickly find ourselves thinking of the closest break and how far away summer vacation is.  And while our summers go by so quickly; so does each school year.  I can't believe we're almost in November!!!  Our 3rd graders feel like they've been here for years and our 6th graders seem like they are already looking for bigger and better.  As always, we have an exciting year ahead filled with great learning and laughter.

At home, Jamie is a busy 7th grader.  She is the Secretary of her School Student Council.  She is in the chorus and a few other clubs and is looking forward to the 7th and 8th grade ski trips to Mountain Creek.  She is busy each night with homework, which we know is helping her learn time management and the skill of prioritizing.  I am coaching Jamie's soccer team and we are having a successful season.  Jamie also plays field hockey...I enjoy watching her play, but after 3 years, still can't figure out the rules or the referee signals.

Jack has started Pre-K and it's a wonderful program for 3 and 4 year olds.  The first week brought about tears at drop-off, but that quickly faded when he realized his unlimited access to play-dough.  He loves his teachers, is making friends and is getting a positive behavior report every day [which we still question!].  There are now 2 Jacks..."Home Jack" and "School Jack" and we are proud parents of a Jack who knows to behave at school and then let out his inner-monter at home!  I started a soccer "team" for Jack's age, so every Saturday morning begins with 30 3 and 4 year olds!!!

In between the chaotic schedules, we are lucky to have a day of rest on Sundays.  With no commitments, we use it as a day for family activities.  One of our Fall Favorites, which we know many share, is a trip Apple Picking.  We always head to Warwick, NY to an Orchard called Pennings and it's always a big success!

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 Mr. Phillips and I finally held up our promise to Sleep on the Roof!  The students worked hard and deserved seeing us up there all night.  It was a fun time with huge crowds coming by to make sure we were up there.  We had bean bags, balls, water guns, bubbles and more to keep it exciting.  So many generous people brought us trays of food, snacks and drinks.  The night wound down around 11ish and we finally called it a night around 12:30.  Even with the tent, our hand and toe warmers and the portable heather...it was a chilly night.  As the air slowly leaked from by airbed and Mr. Phillips continued to snore...I lay there dreaming of this year's reward.

ANY IDEAS?????

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We had a wonderful assembly presented to us about bullying by John Halligan (thanks to Mr. Heitmann and Mrs. Kobylinski from the High School and MAC).  Mr. Halligan's son had been bullied starting in 5th grade and after years of non-stop bullying, which then led to cyber-bullying, Ryan Patrick Halligan commited suicide when he was 13.  The presentation was shared with our 6th graders and then there was a night presentation for parents.  His message was very powerful and gave the students and parents so much to think about.  Mr. Halligan has a website which contains bullying resources.  Bullying will be a big focus at Ridgewood Avenue this year; we already have a Character Education Committee of teachers focusing on this important topic.  For more information about Mr. Halligan and his son, Ryan, visit-

www.ryanpatrickhalligan.com

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GENDER DEFENDERS

Do you enjoy hanging out with the guys?   Are you looking for something to do after school with other 6^th grade boys?   Do you feel you are a leader in the school?   Do you want to become a leader?   Maybe make some new friends?   Do you have some ideas about things we could do in the school and out of school that would be fun?

If you answered YES…then the Boys’ Gender Defenders Club is for you.

Some ideas for the club include:

·         Organizing sporting events- 3-3 basketball tournament, flag football, kickball, etc

·         Wii Gaming Tournament

·         Activities that will let everyone else know how great guys are- maybe volunteer at a senior citizen home, find a way to help the homeless, etc.

·         Paint Ball Trip

·         Guy Talk- conversations about things that matter to 5^th and 6^th grade boys

·         “Field Trips”- go on a local hike, maybe a visit to a place like funplex?

These are just some ideas but ALL of the ideas will ultimately be decided on by the boys who join the Gender Defenders.

If you are interested in joining, please attend an Informational Meeting on Thursday, October 29^th  from 3:00-4:00 pm in the RAS Library.

Mr. Donovan will be the advisor for this group…let him know if you have any questions.   In order to attend, boys will need to hand in a permission slip (see links below)

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Ridgewood Avenue will be celebrating Halloween on Friday, October 30th.  Our annual parade will begin at 2:20.

Each year, Mr. Phillips and I look forward to picking out our costumes.  So far we have been:

                      Year 1-  Batman and Robin

                                        Year 2- Cat in the Hat and the Grinch

                                                                      Year 3-  Curious George and the Man in the Yellow Suit

                Year 4- Bert and Ernie

                                               Year 5-  Shrek and the Gingerbread Man

Year 6-  ???

We'll give you a hint:  In that last year, we have both taken trips to Disney World!!!

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A student gave me a book titled 1,001 Ways to Save the Earth by Joanna Yarrow.  Each time I update my page, I will also update a tip on how we can GO GREEN!!!!!!

Three quarters of a pound of fertilizers and pesticides are used to produce the average pair of jeans.  Don't let this happen on your account- the next time you buy jeans, choose a pair made from organic cotton.

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Our Character Education Focus for the month of October is...

RESPONSIBILITY

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CAFEPRESS.COM/RIDGEWOODAVE

  Thanks to the organization efforts of Tracey St. Auburn, the Ridgewood Avenue Home and School Association has begun a new adventure.  When you get a chance, visit the website below and you can buy plenty of great products with a Ridgewood Avenue School logo on them (courtesy of Jennifer Schmidt's father).  A portion of the proceeds from each purchase comes directly back to the RAS Home and School...which ultimately goes back to your children!

www.Cafepress.com/RidgewoodAve 

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