Peter Catalanotto Visits Heritage Elementary

This week Heritage Elementary welcomed famous author/illustrator Peter Catalanotto.  Mr. Catalanotto has written, illustrated and published over 45 famous children's books. He is a professor of writing at Columbia University and Pratt Institute, both in New York City. During this PTO sponsored author visit, Mr. Catalanotto engaged both students and teachers in workshops that inspired creativity, process, and imperfection! Heritage is a buzz with fresh ideas and a toolbox of new strategies to try out on the pages of our own writers notebooks, storyboards and sketch pads. Take a moment to ask your child about this unique and incredible learning experience.

Muffins with Mom & Donuts with Dad

Over 1,100 moms, dads and students attended our 2nd annual Muffins with Mom and Donuts with Dad event in the cafeteria. Thank you to the PTO for organizing this fantastic gathering!

Kindergarten Visits the Writing Lab

This month Kindergarten students will visit the Heritage Writing Lab to prepare for our Author Visit happening at the end of the month!  Peter Catalanotto, author and illustrator of a variety of well-loved children’s books, will be visiting Heritage Elementary on March 30^th and March 31^st.  To learn about Mr. Catalanotto, Kindergarten students visited the Lab to interact with one of his books and work to answer the question, “What has Peter Catalanotto done in his writing that I too can do in mine?”  The response to this question is demonstrated in the emulation of craft on the pages of their own A.B.C. book!  Ask your child about his/her experience in the Lab this month!

BARK Returns to the Heritage Reading Room

Bettering All Readers with K-9s returned to the Reading Room engaging excited readers in variety of games focused on word building, rhyming, fluency, and elements of story. Eager readers read alongside their well-mannered K-9 companions rotating from station to station, spending time learning beside each unique furry friend. BARK will return to Heritage again in May for its final visit of the school year.

Read Across America Day

In honor of Read Across America Day  Miss Kilbury and Mrs. Morton’s second grade students celebrated  Dr. Seuss by getting together with seventh grade visual arts students at the Franklin Regional Middle School.  Mrs. Christy Belgiovane and Mr. Bruce Palmiscino helped to guide all students in the Middle School library through Seuss related activities in math and literacy. 

3rd and 4th Grade Argument Writers Weigh In on Professional Athlete Salaries

Student writers in grades 3 and 4 wrapped up the final week  of their before school argument writing workshop. Over the past month, students have been grappling with Position A: Professional Athletes Make Too Much Money, and Position B: Professional Athletes Earn What They Make.  This morning, culminated their investigation and debate with a read-around of the varied points of view.  Heritage teachers along with Mr. Buffone showed up to hear students weigh in on this important work. Upon returning to their regular school day, these eager writers were recognized over the announcements for their success and dedication to argument writing and presented with an award of leadership. These students are to be commended as they are proficiently doing the work of 6^th and even 7^th grade standards.

Groovy Book Fair: Peace, Love and Books!

Heritage is set to host its 2^nd Scholastic Book Fair this year! PTO volunteers kicked off the Book Fair today with a teacher preview luncheon.  Teachers had the opportunity to peruse the book selection and create a wish list for students to purchase for their classroom.  The Book Fair will run for three days this week! With hundreds of book titles to choose from, the Heritage Book Fair has something for everyone!