Elementary School Newsbite: October 14th, 2026

Our kindergarteners had a wonderful time exploring the world of apples! Although last spring’s late frost meant there were no apples available for us to pick at the orchard this year, we didn’t let that stop our apple adventures. 

Students learned about the life cycle of an apple, labeled the different parts of an apple, and explored different varieties using their five senses. We even discovered a very special variety—the Hidden Rose Apple, which is pink on the inside!

On Friday, October 2nd, we celebrated Apple Day by wearing red and making homemade applesauce right in our classrooms. The students loved watching the process and, of course, enjoying their delicious treat in the afternoon!

Our apple activities connected beautifully to our science learning about plant needs, living things, and life cycles. Through these hands-on experiences, our kindergarteners were able to learn, explore, and have fun while making meaningful connections to the world around them. 

Our SHRES Student Council held its first meeting of the year! Students in grades 2–4 created posters to advertise our upcoming “Socktober Sock Drive” benefiting Fisherman’s Mark. Student Council is collecting new socks to donate and celebrating our contributions with a Crazy Sock Day on October 23rd! 

This month, Character Strong Book Club will meet during media blocks, October 19–23. Below are the books each grade level will be enjoying:

Kindergarten: Ravi’s Roar by Tom Percival

1st Grade: My Mouth Is a Volcano! by Julia Cook

2nd Grade: What If Everybody Did That? by Ellen Javernick

3rd Grade: Hey, Little Ant by Phillip Hoose and Hannah Hoose

4th Grade: Papa’s Magical Water-Jug Clock by Jesús Trejo

These books provide a wonderful opportunity to reinforce the importance of responsibility, our Character Strong trait of the month. We will discuss how responsibility means making good choices, doing our part, and taking care of what is important. We will also explore how our choices and actions can affect the people around us and how spreading kindness is another way we can show responsibility. Ms. Corcoran and Mrs. Cortina are looking forward to another great week of lessons!

Students enjoyed an outdoor presentation by goHunterdon on the importance of helmet safety. 

Friday, October 23rd: Crazy Sock Day

Check out Counselor Cortina's November newsletter HERE.