Message from Stonehedge Elementary School Principal-May 15, 2026
Hello Stonehedge Families,
It was a great week at Stonehedge. The Fourth Grade Band, Orchestra and Choral Concert last night was AMAZING. It really brings tears to my eyes to see the fourth graders so grown up! Thank you for all the hard work and time from our music teachers and families. Check out the photos from the concert below.
Don't forget the School Budget Vote is Tuesday, May 19. See more info below.
Have a beautiful weekend - I hear it might be a bit warmer?! (Fingers crossed!)
With a full heart,
Amanda
Message from Stonehedge Elementary School Principal-May 5, 2026
Hello Stonehedge Families,
I walked in this morning reminded of the outpouring of love and appreciation I was shown on Friday for Principal Appreciation Day. My heart is full. I wanted to take just a moment to express my deepest gratitude. To our students: your drawings of me and your sweet notes reminded me exactly why I love coming to work every day. To our staff and families: thank you for your partnership, your kind words, and the occasional—and very necessary—caffeine boosts. Stonehedge is a special place because of the people in it, and I feel incredibly lucky to lead such a vibrant, supportive community.
It wouldn’t be a day at Stonehedge without celebrating the students who go above and beyond. Our Wildcat WOW program recognizes those who demonstrate exceptional character, kindness, and effort. Last week’s winners have truly set the bar high! Whether it was helping a peer on the playground, showing incredible persistence during a tough math problem, or simply being a leader in the hallway, these students embody what it means to be a Wildcat. Congratulations to our recent winners! Keep it up- your positive energy is contagious and makes our school a better place for everyone.
Walking through the halls lately, the "hum" of learning is undeniable. It’s about the curiosity and the resilience our students show when they tackle something new. Those taking the NYS Assessments really worked hard and tried their best. Thank you to everyone for your dedication.
Thank you for sharing your children with us and for being such an integral part of our success. Let’s keep this momentum going as we head into the final stretch of the school year!
With a full heart,
Amanda
Message from Stonehedge Elementary School Principal-April 15, 2026
Hello Stonehedge Families,
Is there any better sound than the laughter of children on the playground? After a long winter of heavy coats and indoor recess, it has been a joy to see our students finally heading outside without the "winter gear" shuffle. As I walk through the hallways, I can feel the renewed energy that only spring in Central New York can bring. It has been a wonderful week so far.
Our first graders recently had a very special opportunity when they participated in Hospital Land. This program is always a favorite because it helps demystify the healthcare world for our younger learners.
Since today is Wednesday, we are currently celebrating Wellness Wednesday! Today, our classrooms are taking a few extra minutes to focus on mindfulness, stretching, and emotional health.
As we move into the second half of April, I want to thank you for your continued partnership. Your support makes Stonehedge a truly special place for our children to grow.
Enjoy the sunshine!
Sincerely,
Amanda
Message from Stonehedge Elementary School Principal
Dear Stonehedge Families,
Happy Friday. We have lots of information about what is happening around school included in this blog edition.
I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Spring Break.
Sincerely,
Amanda
Message from Stonehedge Elementary School Principal-March 18, 2026
Dear Stonehedge Families,
Today, we had an amazing visit with author, Stan Tucker. Mr. Tucker speaks about being kind and respectful. He was so full of energy and excitement. The students loved him. I hope you'll talk about him tonight with your children. March has been full of ways to celebrate reading- Stan just might be your son or daughter's favorite event so far! (Although, I know our One School, One Book event is hard to beat! Everyone loved talking about that Lola Levine!!!)
Thank you, PTA, for all of the events you have sponsored and to all of the time it has taken everyone to organize events this month. I can not imagine another school who celebrates reading better than Stonehedge! Way to go everyone!
As you know, this year we moved up our annual open house. It is Thursday, March 19th from 6 to 7 pm. I do hope an evening in March is more convenient for families. I can't wait to see you. It'll be another great night to celebrate learning here at Stonehedge.
Sincerely,
Amanda
Message from Stonehedge Elementary School Principal-March 6, 2026
Dear Stonehedge Families,
We so many exciting events happening at Stonehedge. I can't wait for you to check everything out below!
This month at STE, we are celebrating Pick a Reading Partner (PARP), which includes our One School, One Book event. We look forward to you and your children reading our selected book together each evening next week. Additionally, please note that the PTA book fair is approaching soon.
In light of these events, I would like to share information regarding effective reading practices. Research indicates that knowledgeable readers are more effective, as they can more easily build the necessary context for reading and writing. You can support your child’s knowledge-building through language development.
Knowledge-building begins in infancy. Through play and interaction with caregivers, children develop
oral language as a primary mechanism for understanding the world. Families can support this by creating language-rich environments that motivate children to learn.
Students of all ages also acquire vocabulary through incidental exposure. To encourage this, families are encouraged to create environments that facilitate these encounters, such as reading informational texts aloud.
Looking forward to celebrating reading and all of the rich learning experiences happening at school with you and your child(ren)! It's a great time to be a Wildcat!
All my best,
Amanda
Message from Stonehedge Elementary School Principal-January 27, 2026
Dear Stonehedge Families,
It sure has been exciting here at Stonehedge. Last week was the GRAND OPENING of our Music and Art Suite. The students were so excited (the art and music teachers were, too)! We'll take tour of the space at the next PTA meeting. Last week was also Stonehedge Spirit Week. You must check out the adorable pictures below. I think "Read My Shirt" day was my favorite. I especially loved celebrating reading with first grade while they read one another's shirts. Stay warm and enjoy the week!
All my best,
Amanda
Message from Stonehedge Elementary School Principal-January 13, 2026
Dear Stonehedge Families,
It has been so exciting to see our students’ joyful faces return this New Year. The first weeks back to school bring a level of excitement and renewal. The halls are filled with art work and writing from the students sharing their hopes and dreams for 2026.
Throughout the building, teachers are using the New Year as an opportunity to help students set goals, personal and academic. Students reflecting on areas they want to grow and enhance within themselves. This month we've also been reviewing classroom and schoolwide expectations, helping students remember what it means to be respectful, responsible, and ready to learn. These conversations help ensure that everyone feels safe, supported, and prepared for success.
We are excited to share that the Art and Music Suite is nearly complete. Teachers will be spending time this week and next moving getting moved in. We hope our students attend Art and Music classes in the new spaces by the end of the month. Wait until you see the spaces! They are gorgeous.
Here’s to a our students and a year filled with love and growth.
All my best,
Amanda
Message from Stonehedge Elementary School Principal-December 19, 2025
Dear Stonehedge Families,
I hope winter break gives your family time to rest, reconnect and enjoy the season in ways that matter to you.
Stay warm, stay safe, and I look forwarding to seeing you in the New Year!
Warmly,
Amanda
Message from Stonehedge Elementary School Principal-December 16, 2025
Dear Stonehedge Families,
We've made it to one of the most exciting stretches of the school year - the week before winter break! Energy is high, our halls are filled with anticipation, and our students are working hard to finish 2025 on a strong note. Before we head off on a well-deserved rest, I want to share a few updates and reminders.
Celebrating Learning: Even in a busy season, our students continue to impress us with their focus and growth. Teachers are working hard to assess progress and help students reflect on their goals. It has been wonderful to see students take pride in how far they have come since September. While this week will be exciting, we'll remain focused on learning while we enjoy some winter activities. Please know every day in school counts and we ask you keep consistent with attendance this week.
Looking Ahead: As we ring in the New Year, we'll focus on school community and reestablishing our positive behavior expectations and routines. Please support us at home by reinforcing our school expectations of being respectful, responsible and safe in all settings. After a long break, consistent routines and expectations at home and school go along way in supporting students.
Finally, I want to express my gratitude. Thank you for sharing your children with us each and every day. Their energy, curiosity, and kindness brings our building to life. Thank you for the way you support our staff, partner with us, and contribute to the warm, caring community that makes Stonehedge such a special place.
I hope winter break gives your family time to rest, reconnect and enjoy the season in ways that matter to you.
Stay warm, stay safe, and I look forwarding to seeing you in the New Year!
Warmly,
Amanda
Message from Stonehedge Elementary School Principal-December 8, 2025
I hope this finds you well. Two important pieces I wanted to be sure you were aware of. First, tomorrow is the Capital Improvement Vote. Please be sure to vote.
Also, we are looking for your feedback and input. Please complete our family climate survey via the QR code below!
I hope you have a great week.
Amanda