January 2024

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the January edition of my Superintendent's Newsletter! The days have been frigid, but our classrooms are toasty and buzzing with various activities and engaging learning opportunities. From exploring the wonders of science --- dissecting frogs, building circuits, identifying the parts and functions of the human body, diving into literature and rich discussions, drawing, painting, and making music -- our students are enjoying new experiences on their educational journey. Our staff are continually finding creative ways to bring learning to life for our learners.

Beyond the classroom, our basketball teams are talented and unstoppable on the court, our theater program is preparing for an upcoming performance, and our clubs are meeting regularly. Extracurricular activities enhance our student's school experience and foster a sense of community and belonging.

Looking ahead, we have some exciting events on our calendar. These events are wonderful opportunities for us to celebrate our students and community. We encourage all families to stay connected and involved in our school's activities. Your support and participation significantly contribute to the positive atmosphere that makes Northville CSD such a special school. Remember, even if you do not have a student in our school, you can sign up for notifications of events via email and text - CLICK HERE TO GET NCS UPDATES!

LEARNING SPOTLIGHTS

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 

Martin Luther King, 2nd Grade,  Ms. Pratt & Ms. Flickinger

Students learned about the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. and shared reflections on his work on a beautiful bulletin board. Below is an interactive version of the board!

Learning About Electricity, 4th Grade,  Mr. Clapper's Class

During my visit, I was impressed by the students' enthusiasm and creativity. They assembled their circuits, connecting wires and batteries, and eagerly shared what happened to their light bulbs. One team joined two batteries to determine if multiple batteries would produce a brighter light. It was a joy to witness our students engaged in hands-on learning and discovering the fundamentals of electricity. Before this hands-on activity, students experienced circuit building using TinkerCad, an online virtual design platform that students use to digitally create circuits in a safe environment. From the digital experimentation, they engaged in the hands-on experience I observed. The next step will incorporate coding to control the circuit boards using Microbits and Arduino Boards. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL 

Leitner Boxes & Retrieval Practice, 7th Grade, Ms. Bevington

"A Leitner Box, also known as a Leitner System, is a method for efficient learning and memorization, often used for studying flashcards. Developed by the German scientist Sebastian Leitner in the 1970s, it's a form of spaced repetition learning. The system uses a series of boxes or compartments to organize flashcards based on how well the learner knows each one. Cards answered correctly are advanced to the next box, which will be reviewed less frequently. Incorrectly answered cards are moved back to the first or previous box, ensuring more frequent review. This method capitalizes on the psychological spacing effect, ensuring that information is reviewed and reinforced at optimal intervals to promote long-term memorization." (1) 

Ms. Bevinton shared that students practice Pan 1 "daily" for 5-8 minutes. Starting with Pan 1,  If they get the card right, it moves to loaf Pan 2. Loaf Pan 2 is practiced at a different interval, for simplicity, every 2 days. When they master them, they move them to level 2 and eventually level 3 (the farthest loaf pan). I gave my 7th graders a test on the terms we have created for our Leitner boxes since October. Here is the first result. I plan to test more times to see if the Leitner method is improving their retention long-term! This first test didn't count as a grade, and I asked them to skip any questions they didn't know to eliminate possible correct answers from guessing.

In general, the data is positive. Over two and a half months, with Christmas break in there and the fact that we haven't had much time the last few weeks to study the boxes, it shows they retain information. When we study in class, it's generally 8 minutes (usually a solid 5) before moving on. So, given those factors... It's working! 

Here are two video clips of students explaining the process. 

HIGH SCHOOL 

Environmental Science, 10th Grade, Ms. Dickinson

I had the pleasure of visiting Ms. Dickinson's 10th-grade class to hear her students' well-informed arguments regarding preserving and restoring historical monuments in Northville. Samantha Saldino, Fulton County Historian, was in attendance, listening and asking follow-up questions. This project aimed to engage students to incorporate their understanding of weathering and clImate into their research, critical thinking, and public speaking skills. Students worked in groups of four, fostering teamwork and collaborative problem-solving. Their arguments had to include a historical overview of the selected monument, weathering factors, climate change, an assessment of its current state, and a detailed proposal for its preservation or restoration. They considered factors such as historical relevance, community impact, and financial feasibility. The students also had to anticipate potential questions and responses. Their research and the presentations were impressive, reflecting their dedication and the practical guidance of Ms. Dickinson. 

Ms. Dickinson is currently working with the Water Insecurity Correction Coalition with her Ecology Class, learning about the impacts of road salt on the local environment. She has collaborated with Kevin Templin in the Facilities Department and Dan Reidell, village Highway Superintendent, to track road salt use in the village and its impacts on both the Little Lake and Great Sacandaga Lake. This weekend, a story map showcasing student work will be shared at the Adirondack Town Hall Tour in Saranac Lake.   This can be found here.

More exciting news about our students and Ms. Dickinson is highlighted in a recent article in the Adirondack Explorer Magazine, "Youth-led nonprofit ramps up Adirondack programming around road salt's impacts on water supplies." Click this link to read.

Spanish Class, Ms. Thomarie

"Tortillas, a staple in Mexican cuisine, have a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Originating with the indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica, tortillas were traditionally made from maize (corn) and formed the basis of the Mesoamerican diet. With the Spanish colonization of the Americas, wheat flour was introduced, leading to the creation of flour tortillas. Today, tortillas are not only a key component in many traditional Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas but have also been adopted and adapted into various culinary traditions around the globe." (2)  See Ms. Thomarie's Tortilla Recipe Here.

THE ARTS

Theater Productions ~ Ms. Boyle

Join us for our Spring Musical, the Lightning Thief.

Ms. Boyle, a first-grade teacher, embarked on her educational journey with a passion for children's theater, nurtured throughout her high school years. Initially aspiring to become a drama teacher, she pursued early childhood education in college, aiming to merge her love for theater with extracurricular programs for young learners. Upon her arrival at Northville, she observed a need for more theatrical opportunities for elementary students, a gap she was determined to fill. In 2018, Ms. Boyle produced "Seussical Kids," her first play, marking the beginning of a series of successful elementary theater productions. Over the years, she has produced six plays, each resonating with the energy of our young performers. The year 2021 brought a new challenge and a shift in her career trajectory: an opportunity to oversee the Middle and High School theater programs. Despite her initial comfort with younger age groups, encouragement from peers across districts played a role in embracing work with our older students, expanding her influence in theater education to encompass grades K 12. Under her guidance, the theater program has become a cornerstone of student development and community engagement. Students learn the invaluable skill of collaboration, committing to daily practices over three months, culminating in performances that consistently attract full houses. Community involvement is robust, with contributions ranging from set construction and costume design to fundraising and promotional efforts. A notable enhancement to the program has been the collaboration with local musicians, bringing a dynamic element to productions like "Footloose," which featured a live band. 

Cast Reading Lightning Thief Script

Ms. Boyle's commitment to professional growth and excellence led her to the Broadway Teachers' Workshop in New York City in the summer of 2023. Here, she gained insights from industry experts in various theatrical disciplines, including set design, choreography, stage combat, and vocal techniques. This experience honed her skills and provided a global perspective through interactions with educators from diverse regions like Japan, Canada, and the Caribbean Islands. Her most significant takeaway from this experience was a deeper understanding of theater as a dynamic, evolving art form. This reinforced her belief in the power of theater to engage and communicate with audiences, a philosophy she passionately imparts to her students. Ms. Boyle's journey reflects her unwavering dedication to enriching public school theater.

Art ~ Ms. Sedon and Ms. Jackson 

COMMUNITY LEARNING

Healthy Meals Community Microcredentials ~ Ms. Harris & Ms. Bieniek

Thanks to our own Ms. Harris and Ms. Bieniek, we offered our first community microcredential 

Micro-Credential 1: Living a Healthy Lifestyle – Nutrition, Lifestyle Choices, and Well-Being

Topics include Examining the relationship between diet and health. Understanding nutrients, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Overview of digestion, absorption, and storage of nutrients. Food supplementation and community nutrition. Carbohydrates, Lipids, Weight Management. The role of primary food groups. Students will develop a nutrition plan for a variety of life stages. Basic Cooking Techniques to prepare healthy meals. Thirteen community members completed the requirements to receive a microcredential certificate from Fulton Montgomery Community College. We are looking forward to the second course, which will offered in the spring.

Coming Spring 2024 - Micro-Credential 2: Farm to Table:  Growing, Harvesting, and Preparing Healthy Foods 

Topics include Plant life cycle, planting medium, planting from seed, propagation, hydroponic growing systems and techniques, environmental requirements for proper growth, pest pressure and management, and harvest techniques. The role of primary food groups. Students will develop a nutrition plan for a variety of life stages. Basic Cooking Techniques to prepare healthy meals.

TALENT SHOWCASE

I will highlight more of our talented staff in the coming months.

Ms. Nordyke ~ Biathlon in Italy

Ms. Nordyke, a former Olympic biathlete, recently competed in the Winter World Masters Games 2024 in Lombardy, Italy. The biathlon event was in the town of Vermiglio. The event is for athletes between the ages of 30 – and up. Held every four years in different locations, it attracts athletes from many countries, including France, Germany, Finland, Czechoslovakia, Slovenia, and Norway – athletes were there from as far as New Zealand and Japan! Biathletes from New York were joined by competitors from Washington, California, Wisconsin, and New Jersey. Besides biathlon, athletes are also there to compete in various sports – hockey, curling, downhill skiing, figure skating, and Nordic skiing. Ms. Nordyke is sharing her experience with students and staff to encourage people of all ages to stay active and play! Click Here to See a Video!

Ms. Filkins ~ Baker Extraordinaire

These are all baked goods, including the tray!

Ms. Filkins is an accomplished baker whose amazing goodies have been enjoyed by our Northville staff over the past few years. I had Ms. Filkins make all of my Christmas cookies this year. They were beautiful and delicious! 

Ms. Filkins recently entered The Greatest Baker competition "...ending in 9th place [in the nation]" and is still running for the Critic's Pick award, but that winner won't be crowned until the official end of the competition, and that date is February 9th.

Ms. Angus ~ Marges's Miniature Memories

Honoring a Family Member

Marge's Miniature Memories

Ms. Angus is a talented artist who designs miniature displays that honor the memories of loved ones. The process starts with an interview to understand the departed's unique stories and cherished moments. Ms. Angus then meticulously crafts each element of her miniatures, infusing them with a sense of special moments and personal history. Through her art, she creates an intimate tribute, allowing families to hold onto precious memories in a beautifully artistic way. Her work is not just a display; it's a heartfelt celebration of life and love. Each memory box begins with carefully selecting artifacts. Some elements are handcrafted. On average, memory boxes take approximately a month to create.

If you would like to meet with me in person or virtually, just email or call to schedule a time during the school day or after your work day. 

Be sure to visit our website to keep up with district news: https://www.northvillecsd.org/.

Dr. Sarah A. Chauncey, DPS-IM 

Superintendent of Schools
schauncey@northvillecsd.org
Work: 518-863-7000 x4120
Cell: 845-304-8791

(1) OpenAI. (2024). Explanation of the Leitner Box system. ChatGPT.

(2) OpenAI. (2024). Background of Tortillas. ChatGPT.