LETTER ARCHIVE

January-February Newsletter

 Dear Friends,

Logan Hammons and the Winning Catch

It may be cold outside, but our building is warm and cozy. Our cross-grade partnership between second and sixth graders brings ancient myths to life through collaborative storytelling and art. Meanwhile, our hydroponic lab's latest harvest is making its way to lunch trays, demonstrating sustainable food production in action. We're proud to have several talented musicians representing us at this year's All-County Music Festival, showcasing the artistic excellence of our student body. Additionally, we're welcoming experts to discuss the formation of the Adirondack Park and strategies for combating invasive species in our region. Their insights help our students understand their role in preserving our local ecosystem. Ms. Lazinski's Chemistry class models how science is best learned through lectures and hands-on labs.

Congratulations to Logan and his dad, Mr. Hammons, for hooking the winning catch in the Fishing Tournament, a 42-inch 18-20-pound Walleye.

The experiences shared below showcase our commitment to hands-on learning, environmental stewardship, and the arts.


Greek Mythology Collaboration - Ms. Clapper, Ms. Bevington, Ms Bogart

On January 28, Mrs. Clapper's 2nd graders and Mrs. Bevington's and Mrs. Bogart's 6th graders teamed up to create some Greek mythological creatures! 2nd graders have recently been reading Greek Myths in class. 6th-grade students, who are in the middle of reading Rick Riordan's The Lightning Thief, taught the 2nd graders about some of the more interesting creatures in the ancient Greek myths, including Chimera, Cerberus, Hydra, Sphinx, and the Minotaur. Each 2nd grader then carefully brainstormed a new creature, using parts from different animals and giving it a name and special abilities. From water and fire-breathing birds to a monster who sleeps on a bed of fire, the 2nd graders were really up to the challenge of learning and creating!



Animal Research ~ Ms. Richardson

Ms. Richardson's third-grade class has been busy exploring the fascinating world of animals through their recent research projects. As part of our ELA writing program, students have investigated various animals, gathering information about habitats, diets, adaptations, and interesting facts. Enjoy their pieces in the flipbook below. 


Hydroponics Lab ~ Ms. Harris

Students from the STEM8 class and the MS Hydroponics Club planted, nurtured, and harvested three tubs of lettuce and spinach for the cafeteria's lunches. From seedlings to harvest, it took approximately two months. 


Formation of the ADK Park ~ Ms. Harris

Jason Kemper from the Department of Planning and Development will be here today in the library, presenting information on the formation of the ADK Park and Invasive species to our seventh-grade science students (periods 1-3). This is our third installment of experts to visit.


Odyssey of the Mind 2025 ~ Ms. Thomarie, Ms. Clapper, Ms. Edwards & Caitlyn Clapper

Students are practicing for the Spontaneous portion of the Odyssey of the Mind competition. Thank you to Mrs. Clapper for helping us out and volunteering to judge at Regionals on March 8 at B-P. Also, a big thank you to some OM Alumni: Caitlyn Clapper (who is also donating her time to judge at Regionals), Lyra Thomarie, and Brynn Thomarie for helping to run stations and manage the chaos this afternoon.



Physical/Earth Science ~ Ms. Lazinski

In Physical and Earth Science,  8th-grade students tested structures they created to determine if they were earthquake-resistant. Students watched videos of earthquakes and the testing of model buildings on industrial shake tables to see how the structure of a building holds up to an earthquake. The purpose of this group activity was to design at least a two-story structure out of mini marshmallows and pasta (of the class's choice) that could withstand a moderate earthquake upon shaking. Students worked together, after reading background information on how buildings are designed to withstand earthquakes, to draw a model of their structure with measurements prior to building their initial structure. Students had to explain why they designed their structure and how their design would allow it to withstand a moderate earthquake. Students then tested their structures 3 times in sand and clay with a shake that mimicked a moderate earthquake. Students recorded their observations of how the structures held up and then made modifications to their structures before final testing occurred. Students had to justify their modifications to their structures. After final testing, students, individually and as a group, reflected on their structure and its ability to withstand a moderate earthquake. Currently, in class, students are learning about the layers of the earth, plate boundaries, seismic waves, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes.



Fulton County All-County Music Festival ~ Ms. McKnight & Mr. Martin

Thank you for supporting our students who performed in the Fulton County 2025 All-County Music Festival. A public concert took place on Saturday, February 1, in the Margaret Blowers Auditorium. 



Girls Varsity Soccer Team ~ Honored at the State Capital ~ John Karbowski

The Girls Varsity Soccer team was honored today in the Assembly Chambers for winning the New York State Class D State Championship. The team had an opportunity to meet with Assemblyman Matt Simpson and Senator Mark Walczyk, who congratulated the team on their state championship. The team was given a tour of the Capital Building and was honored in the Assembly Chambers, where they were presented with a Legislative Resolution for their accomplishments. I have attached some photos from today's trip. 





Ms. Fitzgerald posts to Northville CSD Parent Square daily to inform us about the numerous events that make our school and extended community such vibrant, welcoming spaces. Her efforts are essential to maintaining our strong sense of community. Also, be sure to check out our Facebook and Instagram pages.

We're always eager to support organizations that contribute to our community's well-being. If you're involved with a community event you'd like us to promote, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're happy to help spread the word. 


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