DONALD STEWART School No. 51

2024-2025

'Fall Harvest Festival'

October 31, 2024

_{On Thursday, October 31, 2024, our students participated in a pumpkin picking activity funded by the PTO.  Our gracious PTO members and staff members, Mr. Acebo and Mr. Kong, worked tirelessly to transform our school garden into our very own pumpkin patch! Thank you to our wonderful PTO parents, you made this day very special for our students!}

Message history

2023-2024

'Donuts with Dad'

June 12, 2024

Dads were highlighted and celebrated on June 12^th in celebration of Father’s Day.  The PTO provided beverages and donuts for all the classrooms for dads to enjoy as they spent time in their child’s classroom.  The dads were invited to join in completing an arts and crafts activity with their child as a keepsake of this memorable day.

'Quiver Farms Visiting Farm'

May 31, 2024

The Quiver Farms Visiting Farm stopped at our school on May 31^st.  Students fed the animals and learned how to properly care for the animals.  In the classroom, students read stories about animal homes and different kinds of animals and worked on activities that included matching animals with their homes and then narrating a story.  Independent exploration included building animal homes in the block area, reading books about animals, creating models of animal homes and exploring new vocabulary related to animals.

'Muffins with Mom'

May 10, 2024

Moms were highlighted and celebrated on May 10^th in celebration of Mother’s Day.  The PTO provided beverages and muffins for all the classrooms for moms to enjoy as they spent time in their child’s classroom.  The moms were invited to join in completing an arts and crafts activity with their child as a keepsake of this memorable day.

'Someone Special and Me Dance'

April 19, 2024

Our school’s PTO hosted a ‘Someone Special and Me Dance’ on the evening of April 19^th.  Students, parents, and staff members gathered in our school’s multipurpose room to enjoy an evening of dancing, crafts and fun activities.  This momentous occasion was organized to provide our parents and students with an opportunity to come together to spend a memorable evening they will cherish forever.  

'Scholastic Book Fair'

Week of March 4, 2024

Our school participated in the universal mission of encouraging students to read by taking part in our annual Scholastic book fair hosted by the PTO during Read Across America Week.  Parents, students, and staff members had an opportunity to shop for wonderful, engaging books that were affordable.   This amazing event would not have been possible without the help of our parent volunteers.

‘Chick Hatching Project’

January - February 2024

On January 29th, a farmer from Quiver Farms visited our school with the Chick Hatching Project (PTO funded).  She dropped off 12 incubated eggs, an incubator and a brooder box and encouraged the students to be good farmers when caring for the 12 eggs in the incubator. Students will be visiting the incubator during the next few weeks to discuss the changes.  In the classroom, they will create illustrations, label their work with new vocabulary, and use the new vocabulary in context.

Holiday Boutique

December 12th - 14th, 2023

Our school held the annual Holiday Boutique on Dec. 12^th – Dec 14^th.   Our students had the opportunity to purchase a variety of items for their loved ones during their shopping experience. We would like to thank the parent volunteers who spent countless hours setting up the boutique and all the parents for supporting the PTO.

Coat/Jacket Drive

Dec. 1st - 12th, 2023

Our school is collecting new and gently used coats and jackets during the first few weeks of December. The coats and jackets will be donated to the ‘Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless.’ In the classrooms, the teachers infuse lessons on carrying out acts of kindness that emphasize how acts of kindness provide support to help our community.       

Panda Pride Parade 

November 17, 2023

Students proudly wore their school t-shirts during the Panda Pride Parade, one of several events during American Education Week.  The PTO sale of school t-shirts supports our students’ special events. Students wear their school t-shirts during year round special events. Thank you parents for your continued support.

Fall Harvest Festival

October 31, 2023

Our school celebrated Autumn with our annual PTO funded Fall Harvest Festival.  The reading garden was transformed into a pumpkin patch with dozens of pumpkins.  All the students visited the garden throughout the day to choose their favorite pumpkin. Afterwards, in the classroom, the students participated in numerous arts and crafts activities.  Teachers infused Math and Language Art concepts into children's play experiences.  The entire School No. 51 family would like to thank all the families who donated Mums. We would also like to thank all the parent volunteers who helped make this possible.  

Birthday Celebrations 

Monthly 2023 - 2024

Staff members and families gather monthly to celebrate students' birthdays.  The students are served lunch and the PTO provides cupcakes for the children. This is an ongoing monthly celebration to commemorate their special day. 

2019-2020

Scholastic Book Fair

February 11^th  - February 13^th

Our school participated in the universal mission of encouraging students to read by taking part in our annual PTO funded scholastic book fair.  With the help of an amazing group of parents, the students and staff members from our school were able to shop for books to read at home and in the classroom.  Thanks again to the amazing parents who volunteered their time to set up this event. 

Coat/Jacket Drive

The PTO is sponsoring their annual coat/jacket drive from December 5th - December 20th.  New and gently used coats and jackets will be donated to the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeles.  Thank you for your donations.

Penguin Assembly

On November 13^th during American Education Week, the students were treated to a surprise visit from Dassen the Penguin from Jenkinson’s Aquarium.  The caretaker shared important facts about penguins with the students.  He said penguins live in Antarctica and they slide on their bellies; there are 18 different penguins and only 4 live in the cold; penguins have wings, a beak and feathers just like birds. Lastly, he shared that although penguins don’t’ fly, their feathers are used to protect them and help keep them warm when they swim.

Food for 500

The PTO Executive Board Members would like to thank all the families that participated in our November Food Drive.  With your help, we were able to donate over 500 food items to the First Baptist Church Soup Kitchen in Elizabeth, just in time for Thanksgiving dinner. 

Fall Harvest Festival

On October 31st., our school celebrated the Autumn season with our annual PTO funded Fall Harvest Festival. The multipurpose room was beautifully decorated with dozens of pumpkins for the students to choose from during their pumpkin picking adventure. The PTO worked tirelessly to arrange this event for our students.  Afterwards in the classroom, the students participated in numerous arts and crafts activities.  Mrs. Kate Rodriguez, the gym teacher joined in the celebration by creating numerous gross motor activity stations during gym class. She infused Math and Science concepts during children's play experiences.  The entire School No. 51 family would like to thank all the parent volunteers for their hard work and dedication. 

2018-2019

The Lizard Guy

On March 29^th., the Lizard Guy provided a live animal presentation with a lizard, a snake and turtles. He explained where the animals come from and their normal diet. He engaged in conversation with the curious young learners by explaining about how to care for the animals.

Scholastic Book Fair

The Scholastic Book Fair was once again a huge success thanks to the help of out school's PTO.  Students, staff, parents and other visitors had the opportutnity to purchase books during Read Across America Week, February 25th to foster a love of books and reading.  A special  thank you to the PTO volunteers for all their hard work. 

Coat/Jacket Drive

The PTO is sponsoring their annual coat/jacket drive from December 1st - December 9th.  New and gently used coats and jackets will be donated to the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeles.  Thank you for your donations.

Food for 500

Our school PTO is proud to sponsor our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. Your donations of non-perishable food items can be sent with your child and dropped off in the lobby or handed to your child’s teacher. The food drive will run through November 20^th. The donated items will then be donated to the First Baptist Church (Soup Kitchen), located in Elizabeth. Thank you in advance for your support.

Fall Harvest Festival

_{On Wednesday, October 31, 2018, our students participated in a pumpkin picking activity. Our gracious PTO members and staff members, Mr. Acebo and Mr. Kong, worked tirelessly to transform our school garden into our very own pumpkin patch! During Physical Education class the students participated in many harvest themed activities such as, pumpkin bowling and acorn toss. Thank you to our wonderful PTO parents, you made this day very special for our students!}

Duck Hatching Project

On October 15^th a farmer from Quiver Farms visited our school with the Duck Hatching Project. He dropped off 12 incubated eggs, an incubator and a brooder box and encouraged the students to be good farmers when caring for the 12 eggs in the incubator. Students will be visiting the incubator during the next few weeks to discuss the changes. In the classroom they will create illustrations, label their work with new vocabulary and use the new vocabulary in context.

Happy Birthday October 25, 2018

2017-2018

Quiver Traveling Farm

On June 8, 2018 the Quiver Traveling Farm visited our school with farm animals that included ducks, rabbits, chickens, geese, goats, pigs and several other animals. In the classroom, students read stories on animal homes and different kinds of animals and worked on activities that included using letters to match animals with their homes and then narrating a story. Independent exploration included building animal homes in the block area, reading books about animals, creating models of animal homes and exploring new vocabulary related to animals.

Let’s Bloom Together

Marigold Mike

_{On May 11th., students enjoyed a PTO funded presentation on flowers and planting. Marigold Mike from Let's Bloom Together, visited our school to talk to the students about plant life and gardening. Let’s Bloom Together is a going green / gardening enrichment program designed to make learning about the earth and horticulture fun and stimulating for children ages 3 – 10. Marigold Mike provided our students with an opportunity to experience and appreciate the beauty and wonder of the natural world we live in through an engaging, hands-on program. He also left plants for us to plant in our school garden. During the week of May 14th., the students planted the plants left by Marigold Mike and the Let’s Bloom Together enrichment program in the front of our school and in our school garden. In addition to helping students make the connection between nature and learning, the students were proud of working together to beautify our school. Ms. Delia and Ms. Maria the school custodians walked us through the planting experience. Upon returning to the classroom we created an illustration of the experience. We also wrote our names on a large flower cut-out and later added pictures of the experience and gave it to Ms. Maria and Ms. Delia as a Thank You for all their help.}

‘Quiver Farm Chick Hatching Project’

 On April 10^th., farmer Eric from Quiver Farms visited our school with the Chick Hatching Project. He introduced Night the rooster and Gale the hen to the students during his visit and encouraged the students to be good farmers when caring for the 12 eggs in the incubator. Students later visited the incubator. They will continue to visit them as the chicks peck their way out of the shells turning into active baby chicks. Students will be invited to discuss the changes they observe, create illustrations and label their work with new vocabulary.

SCIENCETELLERS

On March 13^th., our students participated in a unique collaboration of science experiments and high intensity learning with "SCIENCETELLERS." This interactive experience included hands-on experiments exploring the concepts of air pressure and chemical reactions all while taking a journey through storytelling. It sparked an interest in additional experiments in the classroom. The students were mesmerized by the changes they observed and were eager to continue exploring science related activities as young scientists.

Michael and The Rockness Monsters

On January 24^th., our students learned about healthy food choices as they danced along with the performance by Michael and The Rockness Monsters. His energetic music ignited the children’s interest in learning about healthy eating all while introducing new vocabulary.  Students were actively engaged throughout the performance during this playful singing and dancing experience.  This PTO funded activity is one of several assemblies throughout the year that exposes our students to exciting learning opportunities through music and movement.

December 1^st – 15^th PTO sponsored

Coat/Jacket Drive

New and gently used coats and jackets were donated by our students during the first few weeks of December. The coats and jackets were donated to the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless. Teachers created lessons on carrying out acts of kindness including lessons that emphasized how acts of kindness provide support and can help their community.

Holiday Boutique

The PTO held their annual holiday boutique on December 12th-14^th selling items for the students to purchase for relatives during the holidays. All proceeds go towards activities for our students. Students had an opportunity to purchase inexpensive items for loved ones all while exposed to mathematical concepts.   The entire School #51 family would like to thank all the PTO parent volunteers who work so hard to make amazing things happen for our students.  We are lucky to have them.

Food for 500

The PTO is sponsoring a Thanksgiving Food Drive. We are accepting donations of canned goods and non-perishable items.  Please drop off canned goods and non-perishable food items in the lobby, through November 21st. The food items collected will be donated to the "First Baptist Church Soup Kitchen". Together with your help we can reach our goal of 500 food items. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Fall Harvest Festival

October 31, 2017

Our school celebrated the Autumn season with our annual Fall Harvest Festival. The garden was beautifully decorated with dozens of pumpkins for the students to choose from during their pumpkin picking adventure. Afterwards in the classroom, they participated in a PTO funded arts and crafts activity.  Mrs. Kate Rodriguez, the gym teacher joined in the celebration by creating numerous gross motor activity stations during gym class. She infused Math and Language Art concepts during children's play experiences.  The entire School No. 51 family would like to thank all the parent volunteers who helped make this possible. 

2016-2017

Mother's Day Plant Sale

School #51 held their annual plant sale just in time for Mother’s Day on May 11th & May 12th.  PTO volunteers worked tirelessly to organize the event that offered students, staff and visitors an opportunity to purchase plants as well as herbs.  Prior to visiting the plant sale, students discussed the purpose of money and worked on hands on activities that exposed the students to its’ purpose in fun ways.   Students also created their own Mother’s Day cards with personal messages.

Michael and The Rockness Monsters

Students enjoyed a PTO funded performance by Michael and The Rockness Monsters on March 29th.  Students took part in music and movement activities as they learned about healthy food choices.  Students were actively engaged throughout the performance during this playful singing and dancing experience. Upon returning to the classroom, we continued the discussion on healthy eating habits and staying active.

SCIENCETELLERS

On March 23rd, the students enjoyed a unique collaboration of science experiments and high intensity learning during a "SCIENCETELLERS" assembly. This interactive experience included hands-on experiments exploring the concepts of air pressure, chemical reactions and more!

Scholast Book Fair

February 28th - March 2nd

 Our school participated in the universal mission of encouraging students to read by taking part in our annual PTO funded scholastic book fair.  Parents, students and staff members had an opportunity to shop for wonderful engaging books that were affordable.   This amazing event would not be possible without the help of our parent volunteers.

Pennies for Patients

Our school participates in a charitable fundraiser to educate our students on supporting people in need.  Pennies for Patients is a fundraiser which is part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s School and Youth Programs. It will run throughout the month of February.  This program raises funds for lifesaving treatments and cures for blood cancer patients.  During a three-week period, the students will collect spare change to support the organization’ s mission — to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma and to improve the quality of life for patients and their families.  Throughout the activity, students discuss the importance of helping others, helping the sick and caring for others as we continue to instill our school motto “Friends Care Friends Share.” The students also work on math concepts as they count and sort their donations. The impact our students’ participation will have on so many lives is significant, but their own sense of service and philanthropy is immeasurable.

Holiday Boutique

 The PTO held their annual Holiday Boutique on Dec. 14^th – Dec 16^th.   Our students had the opportunity to purchase a variety of items for their loved ones during their shopping experience. They were accompanied by a PTO volunteer who walked them through each table describing the items showcased.  We would like to thank the PTO volunteers Mrs. Pinos, Mrs. Golden-Aly, Mrs. Stavien, Mrs. Castro, Mrs. Nono, Mrs. Stevens, Mrs. Montero, Mrs. Zuniga and Mrs. Llano  who spent countless hours setting up the boutique as well researching and purchasing items that were suitable for our young students.   

 Coat/Jacket Drive

The PTO sponsored a coat/jacket drive from December 1st - December 12th.  The new and gently used coats/jackets were donated to the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless.  

Food for 500

The PTO is sponsoring a Thanksgiving Food Drive and we need your help.  We are accepting donations of can goods and non-perishable food items from November 1^st. – November 22^nd.  The food items collected will be donated to The First Baptist Church located at 402 Union Avenue in Elizabeth.  With your help, we can reach our goal of 500 food items.  Thank you in advance for your generosity.  

Fall Harvest Festival

  On October 31st.,  the students celebrated the Autumn Season by participating in our annual Fall Harvest Festival.  They visited the beautifully decorated garden and picked their own pumpkin. Later during small group, they worked on an art activity to continue the discussion on the Harvest theme.  We would like to thank the PTO volunteers for all their hard work in making this event possible and a special thank you to all the parents who donated mums.