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Many, many, many thanks to the PTSO for its donation of books to the Music Program!

This year I would like to tell you, in more depth, about the music program at ECS by writing a series of articles that will be published here though out the year. Each will cover an aspect of the program. I hope they give you a better sense of what your children do in my class on a daily basis.

Why our Students Study Music

At Elysian, students study music not only for the joy of making music, but also to gain an understanding of music as a powerful and highly expressive language. Students study a piece of music, whether vocal or instrumental, in order to gain experience and understanding of emotional content (the emotional reason for and meaning behind the music which will determine the interpretation of the music), musical concepts (beat, rhythm pattern, meter, scale, melody, harmony, form, etc.) and physical mastery (technique). Students study improvisation and composition in order to learn to express their emotions and ideas through the language of music. The self-discipline, creativity, and development of skills required in music can be transferred directly in to other areas of life, and support our students’ other academic endeavors.

In order to speak and understand the language of music, there are fundamental questions which we, as listeners, students, and performers, need to ask and, over time, answer:

-How can we know what composers and other professional musicians know about what makes music expressive?

In order to help students explore these questions, I teach Dalcroze Eurhythmy, the most comprehensive approach to the study of the language of music and because it provides a rigorous framework for learning by using playful, challenging games and improvisation to teach musical concepts. In addition, Dalcroze Eurhythmy places a child not only in the role of student, but also in the roles of peer and teacher.

In future articles, I will explain much more about Dalcroze Eurhythmy and the various components of the music program. I look forward to any questions or comments you

answer your questions and open and interest- ing dialogue about arts and education.

Halloween Party (Set up: Friday, Oct. 26, 7pm-? For party on Saturday, October 27, 3-5 pm, Rue Bldg.) Our fearless co-chair, Susan Chait, reported on our the status of Halloween Party planning. Susan is gratified by the response to her email “blasts” and call for volunteers.

o Food: Watch the newsletter for details of what Halloween Party foods the different grade levels are asked to contribute;

If you cannot attend the Halloween Party, there are still ways that you can help. In the next newsletter, Susan will send a list of miscellaneous “stuff” that we need for the party that folks can provide for the event–these include small things (donuts) and big things (outside canopy) for the fortune teller.

Our ever popular costume competition will continue. Tentative categories include the scariest costume, the cutest costume, and the most creative costume. The costume competition will take place at 4pm sharp with “contestants” parading across the stage. Adults (parents AND teachers) are encouraged to dress up as their will be an adults-only competition as well.

To help with the Halloween Party or to receive Susan Chait’s email blasts, contact Susan at schait@magnaglobal.com.

Report on Scholastic Book Fair: Congratulations to Book Fair Co-Chairs Wendy Setzer and Frances Fresse for orchestrating an incredibly successful book fair! We made a total of $7,400 in sales, of which ECS gets to keep about 30%, and purchased ALL the books requested by teachers and Lynn Kluepfel, ECS librarian. Finally, all students went home with a book, regardless of their ability to pay. Thanks to our co-chairs and the many volunteers who participated (you know who you are!) for their hard work.

Report on Johnny Rockets Fundraising: Thanks to everyone who ate at Johnny Rockets during the week of September 17-20th! We raised $300 as a result of this fundraiser with very little effort and were told it was one of the most successful fundraisers Johnny Rockets has sponsored. We are grateful to our friends at Johnny Rockets for their support of our school.

Innisbrook Wraps: The Innisbrook Wrapping Paper Sale packets went out in students’ folder last week. Innisbrook wrapping paper is beautiful and very affordable. Please return your order forms no later than October 19^th. Please contact Mary Ann Bowen, Innisbrook Co-Chair, at (201) 798-6137 with any questions or if you’d like to volunteer to help to sort and package orders.

Student Rep Elections: Thanks to Lynn Dexheimer for volunteering to serve as our parent liaison with the teachers and students to facilitate the PTSO student rep elections and to help student reps have an enjoyable and productive PTSO experience. Lynn’s efforts and those of the 7th and 8th grade teachers have already resulted in the election of two energetic student representatives–Gabriella Barry-Solano and Lauren Cortina. Congratulations, Gabby and Lauren and thank you in advance for your service. The remaining student reps will be in place by the November 13^th PTSO meeting.

Gabby and Lauren have already made some significant contributions to the PTSO through their suggestions at their very first meeting. They raised the issue of the need for more events for older students to either run or participate in to add to the football toss, milk can games, and “Pin the Tail on the Skeleton” games that were favored by bigger kids. Haunted house and “gross” stuff ideas were discussed, as was the possibility of middle school students helping with set up on Friday, October 26^th and clean up on Saturday, October 27^th after the party. Gabby and Lauren will get back to Lynn Dexheimer, Susan Chait and Tracey Cavalcino with their ideas for this event.

Kuumba Day: (Set up: Saturday, Dec. 8; Event: Sunday, Dec. 9): Please mark your calendars now for this unique celebration of our school which includes an African dance performance by our 3^rd graders. This is a remarkable event that no one should miss!

Chili Supper: (Saturday, January 12^th): Gene Steinhardt shared his ideas regarding a chili competition involving chefs of all chili-making abilities. This promises to be a lot of fun; start digging up your favorite chili recipe!

Raffle: A Starbucks gift certificate, green china tea set, and antique doll from Kasakhstan were raffled off to three lucky winners. Don’t miss the next meeting to see what you can win!

Carol Stock’s Presentation: Carol fielded some questions regarding Elysian’s student evaluations and announced that presentations by “Specials” Teachers would be made at the next PTSO meeting on November 13, ECS music, art, Spanish, and physical education teachers would present on their work with our students this year.

Next PTSO Meeting: (Tues. November 13^th at 6:30.) Don’t miss the opportunity to hear ECS music, art, physical education, and Spanish teachers discuss their plans for work with our students this year.

Oops! We forgot to thank Donna Olah-Reiken for all her help on picture day! So here’s a hearty thank you to Donna and the other volunteers. – Deb Rosner

Last call for October Boxtop Drive!

We mail in our Boxtops this week! We’d love to send in as many as possible. We’ll continue to collect them throughout the school year. The next big drive is in April.

Don’t forget: Innisbrook Fundraiser: Register to receive prize credits for orders placed online by friends and relatives: www.innisbrook.com ; Elysian’s number is 120231. Help make this a successful year! Thanks in advance for your participation! If you have questions, please call Mary Ann Bowen at 201 798-6137.

Still Wanted: DVDs Suitable for Children.

PTSO Dues reminder. If you haven’t done so, please do so now!

School Policy Reminder: Students may not consume soft drinks/sodas, coffee, or other caffeinated beverages in school. This includes recess and/or after school hours!

I’m still looking for parent volunteers to serve on the Outreach Committee and to help with the three open houses listed above. Please call me to volunteer! - Lynne Shapiro

The Hoboken Family Alliance Open House is Tuesday, October 16, 5pm – 8 PM in the Rue Building Gym. Is there anyone out there, who’d like to volunteer an hour or so with me at Elysian’s table? We’ll answer questions and give info to potential applicants. – Lynne Shapiro

· The New Victory Theater visits Elysian to discuss last week’s Wolves in the Walls performance.

· 4:30 performance, After School, Mayhem Poets, at the New Victory Theater, 42^nd Street, NYC. Call or e-mail Lynne Shapiro for ticket info. (grades 3 and up)

· Carol Stock Walks in the Rag-a-Muffin Parade. Care to join her? Everyone welcome, meet at the South Side of 11^th and Washington, 3:30 PM

Wall last week. This show was a wonderful adaptation of a children’s book by Neil Gaiman. Really fun! Really interesting use of sets, props, puppets, and costumes, as well as the integration of video.

Tickets for Mayhem Poets! Elysian has tickets for an After School Performance at the New Victory on Thursday, October 25, 4:30 PM. Mayhem Poets is recommended for students grades 3 and up. We will leave school at 3:00 PM sharp and will return around 6:45 PM. Call Lynne Shapiro if you have any questions about chaperoning and cost, or if you need a permission slip sent home with your child.