Dear Bell Top Families,
This winter’s chill did not stop Bell Toppers from embracing the season and engaging in winter activities. The students enjoyed a hot chocolate treat during their lunch time. This was popular and proved to be a huge success! The gymnasium, with the support of the PTO and Mrs. Longworth, was transformed into a winter wonderland with decorations and themed activities. Several classes participated in outdoor pastimes such as sledding, snowshoeing, and making snowpals.
We will wrap up our winter adventures with our annual tradition of maple sugaring. Soon we will be tapping trees and making delicious maple syrup in our learning barn.
Live Virtual Wednesdays
Live Virtual Wednesdays were a necessary part of our weekly hybrid instructional delivery. However, with declining infection rates in the community, our superintendent and Board of Education have decided to eliminate these Live Virtual Wednesdays and instead bring students back to in-person learning on alternate A & B weeks. Information on this is located on our district website.
Kindergarten
As you may already know, Kindergarten students will return to in-person learning five days a week beginning March 1st. The teachers and staff have prepared the classrooms and we continue to follow health and safety guidelines set forth by the New York State Department of Health.
Welcome Aboard
I am happy to introduce two new Kindergarten teaching assistants to Bell Top. Ms. Lindsey Allocco and Mr. Tim Muzio to Bell Top Elementary. They started February 22 and are familiarizing themselves with the Bell Top procedures. This is allowing them time to acclimate to the students and the daily routines prior to the five day return.
Personal Safety Lessons
With the passing of Erin’s law in the NYS Senate, schools are now mandated to provide sexual abuse education to students. On March 11 & 12, Michael Fonda of St. Peter’s Health Partners will be coming to Bell Top to provide virtual live personal safety lessons to our students. A letter was sent home to all students on February 25 & 26 regarding these lessons.
March Important Dates
- 3/1 – Kindergarten students return to in-person instruction 5 days a week
- 3/5 – K-5 End of Marking period
- 3/10 – Kindergarten Registration (9-11 am and 6-8 pm)
- 3/10 – Board of Education virtual meeting @ 7:00 pm
- 3/18 – ½ day of school (Parent Conferences) dismiss @ 11:30 am
- 3/19 – ½ day of school (Professional Development) dismissal @ 11:30 am
- 3/24 – Board of Education virtual meeting @ 7:00 pm
- 3/29 – Bell Top PTO virtual meeting @ 7:00 pm
Please visit our district website at www.egcsd.org for any updates or news.
Sincerely,
Martin Mahar
Principal