The Norfeldt News

October 9, 2014

Dear Families,

It feels like just yesterday we were welcoming everyone back to school! When I reflect

on the month of September, I am amazed what our students have accomplished.

Students have learned the school expectations and earned their first school wide

reward! Students had a fantastic time playing “The Norfeldt Games” last week. It was so nice

to see the staff and students playing organized games together outside. Children have settled

into the daily routines of the classroom and I am impressed as I walk around the school and

observe students putting forth great effort, collaborating and supporting one another.

Students are engaged and teachers are differentiating instruction and challenging students at

their own level. Norfeldt is a happy and exciting place to learn.

Home school communication is valued by the Norfeldt staff. If at any time, you have

questions or suggestions, do not hesitate to contact a staff member. I have greatly

appreciated the feedback that I have received from parents. If you have any suggestions or

questions that relate to Norfeldt as a whole, please let me know. We are always looking for

ways to grow! You can reach me by email at jen_derick@whps.org. If you prefer you might

place a call to the main office, join me at a “Coffee with the Principal” or call the office to set

up an appointment to come speak with me. Mr. Weaver and I will be setting up a Twitter

account in the near future as another means of communication.

Thank you for sending your wonderful children to us each day and thank you for being

an active part in their education.

Warm regards,

Jen Derick

OCTOBER CALENDAR OF EVENTSThursday 10/9 Community Folk Dance, 6:30PM -Through a grant awarded to Ms. Lisa Besman, from the Foundation for West Hartford Public Schools, Peter and Mary Alice Amidon are coming to Norfeldt! Peter and Mary Alice are versatile and widely respected performing and teaching artists who for the past 20 years have dedicated themselves to traditional song, dance and storytelling. During the day, Peter and Mary Alice will lead grades 2-4 in joyful music-making and folk dance. During the evening, all K-5 families are invited to a community folk dance led by the Amidons in the Gymnasium. If you can walk, you can folk dance! Please see the attached flyer. Monday 10/13 Columbus Day- NO SCHOOL Tuesday 10/14 Grade 4 Choir, 7:45AM, Music Room Grade 5 Orchestra, 7:45AM Wednesday 10/15 Grade 5 Choir 7:45AM, Music Room ACES, 9:00AM

Thursday 10/16 Leisure Svcs, Morning Club (Grds 2 & 3)-Fitness, 7:30AM Grade 5 Band, 7:45AM Grade 3 to Trash Museum, 9:00AM

Friday 10/17 School Picture Day -Get your students scrubbed and ready for Fall Photos at Norfeldt. The photographers from Coffee Pond will be here all day photographing each student and every class. Flyers have gone home and should be presented with payment on the day the photographs are taken. Monday 10/20 Grade 5 Student Council Officer Campaign Week Leisure Svcs, Morning Club (Grds 4 & 5)-Fitness, 7:30AM Norfeldt Night at Noodles and Co. -Our next collaborative night with our local restaurants is on Monday October 20th from 5:00pm-8:00pm at Noodles and Company. Grab some great food for dinner while supporting the Norfeldt PTO. Tuesday 10/21 Articles due for The Norfeldt News Grade 4 Choir, 7:45AM, Music Room Grade 5 Orchestra, 7:45AM BOE Meeting, Town Hall, 7:00PM Wednesday 10/22 Grade 5 Choir, Music Room Townwide Cross Country Meet

Thursday 10/23 Diwali/Divali (Hinduism) The Norfeldt News is published Grade 4 Fitness Testing Grade 5 Band, 7:45AM Farmers’ Market, 3:20PM -The farmers market will be held at the bottom of the ramp. The rain location will be in the cafeteria. This year we will be selling kale, apples, pears, pumpkins and other seasonal veggies as well as farmers market favorites, honey, honey butter, baguettes, sweet breads and more! Shop early for the best selection! Friday 10/24 Student Council Officer Assembly, Grades 1-5, 9:00AM- Voting immediately following in classrooms Tuesday 10/28 Grade 4 Choir, 7:45AM, Music Room Grade 5 Orchestra, 7:45AM Wednesday 10/29 Grade 5 Choir, Music Room Thursday 10/30 Grade 5 Band, 7:45AM Friday 10/31 Kindergarten Fall Harvest Super Center Day, 9:00AM Halloween Parade, Grades 2 & 3 2:00PM, Grades 4 & 5 2:10PM, Grades K & 12:20PM -Our annual Halloween Parade will take place October 31st . Give your princesses, ghosts, goblins, and superheroes a trial run at the parade to get them ready for the main event on Halloween Night.

Helpful Reminders

SCHOOL PICTURES

The PTO is sponsoring Norfeldt Picture Day on Friday, October 17th. Coffee Pond Productions will be here again this year to take class and individual student pictures.

Picture order forms were sent home with each student. Order forms and payment are due on Picture Day. Extra order forms are available in the school office. If you are interested in volunteering for this event, please contact Lori

Yontef Mathog at goodyontef@gmail.com . Volunteers will assist the photographers and help students to stay on task. In order to ensure the day

runs smoothly, a minimum of one hour commitment per parent would be appreciated.

Thank you.

VVVVETERANS ETERANS ETERANS ETERANS DDDDAY AY AY AY AAAASSEMBLYSSEMBLYSSEMBLYSSEMBLY On Tuesday, November 11

th

at

9:30 AM, we will host a Veterans Day

Assembly in the gym. During this

program, we shall recall the history of

Veterans Day, and the important role that veterans

have played in our country. Each grade level will do

a short presentation to honor our veterans. If you, a

friend, or relative is a veteran who would like to

attend this ceremony, please return the form, which

was sent home with your child by Thursday,

November 6th. Additional copies are available in

the school office. A breakfast reception will be held

in the cafeteria from 8:45-9:30AM for our veteran

guests.

PARENT CONFERENCE WEEK Parent Conference Week is the week of November 10th. Please make a note of the following dismissal schedule: Tuesday, November 11th 1:30PM Wednesday, November 12th 2:00PM Thursday, November 13th 1:30PM Friday, November 14th 1:30PM

Fall Farmer’s Market

The farmers market will be held on

Thursday, October 23 from 3:20-4:00pm at

the bottom of the ramp. The rain location

will be in the cafeteria. This year we will

be selling kale, apples, pears, pumpkins and

other seasonal veggies as well as farmers

market favorites, honey, honey butter,

baguettes, sweet breads and more! Shop

early for the best selection!

Norfeldt PTO Website Link

If you are looking for the PTO web pages,

you can find us under “Families” on the

Norfeldt website.

Or use this link:

http://www.whps.org/page.cfm?p=1119

You will find updated event information,

flyers, and contact information. Check it

out!

Spiritwear!Spiritwear!Spiritwear!Spiritwear! Norfeldt Spiritwear forms went home this week! Get a NEW Norfeldt Dolphin Tie Die T-Shirt, (now available in Adult sizes too!) as well as Sweatshirts, Long Sleeve T-Shirts, Fleeces and more! Orders due by October 30, 2014. Contact Dan Albanese at dan@torringtonpt.com with questions.

NEWS You Can Use!

International Night! The PTO is beginning to plan for Norfeldt's 2nd Annual International Night to be held on Thursday, January 29, 2015 (snow date January 30, 2015). We are excited to build on the success of our inaugural event this past January and are looking forward to increased participation and attendance this year! We will be holding committee meetings in the next few weeks and would like YOU to volunteer! International Night is an evening that celebrates the diversity of our Norfeldt Families! We need help staffing booths with Norfeldt students and family members representing different cultures and countries. If you are interested in volunteering for International Night 2015 please contact co-chairs, Deena Shefsky at deenass@me.com, Cami Ferreira at Camille.Ferreira@comcast.net or Elizabeth DaIsabel at queiroz1@sbcglobal.net. Volunteer request forms will be sent out next week.

P.E. Notes

Physical education classes are off to a great start!

Children in grades 1-3 have been using foot-eye

skills in relation to soccer. Grades 4&5 are learning

the skills and intricacies of football. And

kindergarteners are mastering space, speed, and

levels. Please remember to have your students in

athletic footwear on physical education days. This

is very important so everyone can perform all

activities to the best of his/her abilities. Also, the

annual Townwide Cross Country meet for all third,

fourth, and fifth graders will be held on Wednesday,

October 22 at Charter Oak School beginning at

2:45. Permission slips are still available in the P. E.

office. Fifth graders will begin fitness testing the

week of October 6th

. All fourth graders will be

tested on October 23rd.

Mrs. Kathy Sweetland & Mr. Dan Golden

Physical Education Teachers Hello Parents! Between iPads and Chrome books, students have been using technology at the start of this school year not only to create a deeper understanding, but to allow your child's creativity to blossom. I wanted to let you know about exciting new technology that is coming to Norfeldt through our iPad cart. I was able to purchase new apps through my Teacher of the Year grant called "iWrite with iPads." With this grant, I was able to purchase two book creator apps called "My Story" and "Book Creator." The first app, "My Story," is great for students in kindergarten through second grade to publish their own stories with audio, video, and even drawings to illustrate their writing as well as have multiple students create stories together. The second app, "Book Creator," is a powerful tool for students in third through fifth grade to create their own iBook by including custom creation and illustration capabilities. Also included in the grant was an app called "Puffin", which is a web browser that will allow students to access material that is engaged by Flash player to enhance research for writing. It is my hope that these apps will give our writers here at Norfeldt the ability to create unique and interesting stories to make them the best writers they can be! On another note, thank you for all the kind words and support for West Hartford's Teacher of the Year! I am honored to represent West Hartford as a teacher at our amazing school, Norfeldt! -Ms. Brittney Zieller

Box Top Fundraiser Did you know that you can help the Norfeldt PTO earn $ just by eating Cheerios, or blowing your nose with a Kleenex tissue? How about throwing away your garbage in a Hefty garbage bag or by wearing a Hanes undershirt? All of these products and MORE are part of the BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION program. By cutting out and turning in these BOX TOPS (located on the product packaging) in to the school office you help us raise $! Box Tops can be sent in to school with your child in an envelope or plastic bag marked “school office”, or just for fun, use the attached Box Top activity sheet. To date, Norfeldt has raised $6,945 through participation in this program. PLEASE HELP US RAISE MORE! We will be counting and bundling BOX TOPS for November submission. If you are available to help please contact Deena Shefsky at deenass@me.com

Help Wanted!

Parent Representative needed for WHPS

Health Advisory Council. The West Hartford

Health Advisory Council will kick off its

year in October. Parents and community

members collaborate to maximize efforts to

ensure students are healthy, well, and safe.

They will meet in the Town Hall (room

217) from 5:00-6:30 on these dates:

October 16, 2014, January 15, 2014, April

23, 2015. If you are interested in being

the Parent Representative for Norfeldt,

please contact Shelley Mendoza @

shelleyodo@comcast.net.

During the third week of October, all third graders will take the

InView Test of Cognitive Skills. It is part of our townwide testing program and the purpose of the test is to provide information

on students' ability to think rather than on their achievement. The test takes

approximately two hours and is completed in multiple sessions. Your assistance in assuring your child is well restedand present in school

during this week will be helpful.

DISTRICT HAPPENINGS

ELEMENTARY VACANT SEAT PROGRAM

Vacant Seat Program – Application Start date is

Monday, October 6, 2014

The West Hartford Public Schools vacant seat program

utilizes available space on school buses. This program

allows students to ride buses, where space is available,

who under the West Hartford Public Schools

Transportation policy are not eligible for transportation.

No additional bus stops are added to the routes for

this program.

Interested parents should contact the West Hartford

Public Schools Transportation Office at (860)561-6647

for additional information on or after October 6th.

Requests are taken in this office by telephone on a

first come, first served basis starting at 8:00 am.

Applications for the 2015-2016

Charter Oak and Smith Prekindergarten Programs

Applications for the 2015-2016 PreKindergarten

programs will be available in the Residency Office in the

Town Hall, in all elementary school offices and on the

West Hartford Public Schools website (www.whps.org)

beginning October 24th

. Applicants must be four years

old on or before January 1, 2016 and reside in West

Hartford. Please note that you may apply to only one

PreKindergarten program. Please plan to attend one of

the following open house informational meetings at:

• Smith School- Thursday, December 4, 6:30 p.m.

• Charter Oak International Academy- Thursday,

December 11, at 6:30 p.m.

Enrollment will be granted based on a lottery system.

Tuition will be assessed on a sliding scale based on gross

yearly income. Proof of West Hartford residency will be

required in order to apply. For more information about

the Smith open house please call the Smith main office

at (860) 236-3315; for more information about the

Charter Oak open house, please call the Charter Oak

main office at (860) 233-8506.

WEST HARTFORD

SPECIAL EDUCATION PTO

Wednesday, October 22, 2014, 7 p.m., Whiting

Lane School, 47 Whiting Lane, West Hartford

Molly McDonald – "Parent Management Training,

an evidenced-based effective program that quickly

improves behavioral problems in children". Does

your child have difficult behavioral issues? Join us

for an interactive approach to learning how to deal

with challenging behaviors.

Friday, November 7, 2014: Coffee and

Conversation 9:30 - 10:30 AM at Panera Bread,

Bishop's Corner.

Come meet with other parents whose children

receive services through the West Hartford Public

Schools. Look for the SEPTA sign on the table,

usually in the back of the restaurant.

Contact Kris Atkins at kwherry@comcast for more

information or if you have any questions.

ELC Lottery Applications

The Early Learning Center at Whiting Lane School

and Aiken Elementary School is now accepting

applications for the 2015-2016 school year. The

program is family centered and has half day

sessions that meet four days a week. A lottery will

be conducted in January.

To be considered for the program, children must be

three years old by September 1, 2015, toilet-trained

by the start of the school year and exhibit age-

appropriate language, social and play skills. All

applicants must participate in a play-based

screening prior to being considered for the lottery

selection.

If you are interested, please contact Pam Macca at

(860) 233-1455. The application process will close

on November 28, 2014.

October 2014

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome back to a new school year full of exciting opportunities and challenges! Your child’s health, safety,

and well being are of the utmost importance to us. West Hartford’s offerings in health education and physical

education are one way we emphasize these essential parts of your child’s total education in our schools.

As part of this health curriculum, each grade level does a unit called HEART (Healthy Eating, Activity, and

Reading Together) during October for four weeks. This four-lesson unit emphasizes the importance of making

healthy eating decisions and getting lots of physical activity daily. Your involvement and participation are

essential. This year we are working with Growing Great Schools to help celebrate Food Day on October 24th

.

We will be sending home the “Take the Eat Real Challenge” during the third week in October.

There are four primary resources that were used as the framework for these units.

1. MyPlate which emphasizes eating a variety of foods in order to get all the nutrients that your

body needs. It is okay to eat all foods, UNLESS there is a medical reason (such as an allergy or

diabetes), religious restriction, or family restriction.

2. The National Dairy Council has been a leader in dairy nutrition, research, education, and

communication since 1915. Some of the supportive materials used in lessons come from materials

provided by this group. They emphasize not only the importance of consuming dairy products, but also

the importance of eating a variety of foods.

3. The National 5 a Day for Better Health Program emphasizes the importance of children and

their families eating 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day.

4. CATCH (Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health) is a research-based study

that focuses on developing effective school health education for motivating healthier behaviors among

children. It focuses on having students understand that there are healthier choices within each food

group. Healthy eating is not a rigid set of standards, but requires that students make informed

decisions. There are NO good or bad foods. You can eat all foods unless there are medical, religious, or

family restrictions. One must consider frequency (HOW OFTEN) and portion size (HOW MUCH).

What emerged was the concept of GO-SLOW-WHOA foods.

What are GO, SLOW, and WHOA foods?

The lists and/or pictures of GO, SLOW, and WHOA foods used in the classroom serve as guidelines to

make healthful eating decisions. It is important to read labels to determine what is really in foods. Often

foods are a combination of GO, SLOW and WHOA foods. Here is a website that might give you a clearer

idea of these categories: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/wecan/eat-right/choosing-

foods.htm

GO foods come from all food groups, provide valuable nutrients, and are low in salt, added sugar, and

added fat. Some fat is healthy and necessary, but too often saturated fats are added in processing, either

through commercial packaging or cooking. Portion size is still important. Some GO foods have more

natural sugar than others so the portion size should be smaller.

SLOW foods come from all food groups and provide valuable nutrients, but may be higher in salt, added

sugar, or added fat. A GO food can become a SLOW food by what we add, or how it is made. For example,

a whole grain cereal with 1% milk and blueberries becomes a SLOW food when we add sugar. Canned

fruits in natural sugar are GO foods; canned fruits with light syrup and added sugar are SLOW foods.

Whole grain bread is a GO; white processed bread is a SLOW. Most foods eaten daily should be

primarily a combination of GO AND SLOW foods.

WHOA foods can still be eaten. WHOA means to stop and think about the choice. These foods can be low

in nutrient value or high in salt, added sugar, or added fat. Frying a food makes it a WHOA food. These

are special occasion foods. Stop and think. How many times have I had foods like this today? How much

should I eat? We all enjoy an occasional piece of pie or piping hot French fries, but we should not be

eating half a pie nor having a super-size portion of fries daily. Moderation is the key.

Grade level Content and skill focus

K-2 Make healthful eating decisions.

Eat 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables.

Eat a variety of foods.

Eat more GO and SLOW than WHOA foods.

3 Make healthful eating decisions.

Read labels, including salt and fat content.

Eat a variety of foods (MyPlate).

Eat more GO and SLOW than WHOA foods.

4 Make healthful eating decisions.

Set a goal to eat healthier.

Eat a variety of foods (MyPlate), with a focus on lunch.

Eat more GO and SLOW than WHOA foods, with a focus on

lunch.

5 Make healthful eating decisions.

Analyze the media’s influence on food choices.

Eat a variety of foods (MyPlate), with a focus on breakfast.

Eat more GO and SLOW than WHOA foods, with a focus on

breakfast.

Thank you in advance for your support with our health curriculum throughout the year. If you have any questions, please

feel free to contact your child’s teacher or me. Rosemarie A. Bonner, Department Supervisor for

Health and Physical Education Email: rosemarie_bonner@whps.org Phone: (860) 561-6639

School/Community Partners West Hartford Police Support

West Hartford’s Health Education Curriculum As part of elementary health education, the WHPD Community Relations Officers support the curriculum by

presenting “guest lessons” directly tied into the health objectives. Officers visit the classroom twice during the

school year -- once in the fall and once in the spring. Not only do these officers offer content information, but

more importantly they establish the police as “trusted adults” who can help if the need arises. Below find an

overview of the presentation topics at each grade level. If you have any questions or would like additional

information, please do not hesitate to contact: Rosey Bonner, West Hartford Public Schools, Department

Supervisor for Health and Physical Education, e-mail rosemarie_bonner@whps.org, phone 860-561-6639.

Officer Shane McAvay, email smcavay@westharford.org, phone 860-523-2055.

Overview of Police Presentations in Elementary Health Education updated 2014

Kindergarten Officer Familiarization • How to recognize a police officer by their “uniform,” “badges,” and

their “tools, including what is on their equipment belt

• Where they may find police officers

• Why police officers are “trusted adults”

Stranger Danger I • Identification and awareness about strangers

• Identification of “trusted adults”

• Introduce “Run, Remember, Report”

• How and when to use 911

Grade One Pedestrian Safety • How to walk safely and cross streets safely

• How and when to use “Run, Remember, Report” (reinforce)

Stranger Danger II • Identification and awareness about strangers and other unsafe

situations

• Identification of “trusted adults”

• How and when to use “Run, Remember, Report” (reinforce)

Grade Two

Building Character • Define character and reputation

• How actions define our character Bicycle Safety 1 Presented by WHPS Bike Safety Patrol Division

• Identify basic bicycle road rules

• Discuss equipment safety, including how to properly fit your

bicycle to the rider and importance of helmets

Grade Three Substance Abuse I • Talk about medicines as drugs, as well as tobacco and alcohol

• Emphasize that students never self-medicate, but always seek your

“trusted adult”

• When and how to use 911

Child Abuse and Discipline • Talk about types of abuse-physical abuse, emotional abuse, private

abuse

• Define discipline how it is different from abuse

• How to access a “trusted adult”

Grade Four Responsibility and Home Safety • Basic home safety-house rules, answering the door or the phone

• Other dangerous situations-weapons, fire, injuries and accidents

• When and how to use 911

Bicycle Safety II Presented by WHPS Bike Safety Patrol Division

• Review basic bicycle road rules

• Discuss equipment safety, responsibility for own actions and riding

in single file line

Grade Five Internet Safety • Know the basics of on-line etiquette and safety rules

• Discuss cyberbullying and how to handle

• Identify “trusted adults” and “safe on-line buddies”

Substance Abuse II • Talk about drugs, with a focus on alcohol

• Practice refusal skills in scenarios dealing with peer pressure

• Talk about the influence of media

• Identify “trusted adults” and the role of the police officer in helping

deal with situations

Monday, October 20, 2014 5:00-8:00 pm

333 Main St, Bishop’s Corner (Next to Marshalls)