Newfield Central School District
Newfield, New York
May is Better Speech and Hearing Month is alive and
flourishing in the small town of Newfield, New York!
In honor of May is Better Speech and Hearing Month, my
colleague Peggy Roe and I have sponsored an informational and
communication-themed contest yearly in our central New York
district of Newfield. We have found the information to be
invaluable to parents, teachers and staff. It is definitely
something that the kids look forward to as well as the adults.
Last year's theme was greater understanding of figurative
language with a focus on the meanings and origins of commonly
used English proverbs and idioms. A weekly expression was shared
on Monday and answers were due Thursday afternoon (1 per class).
Classes guessed true meanings and we read them, as well as the
actual meaning and origin, over the public-address system once a
week. They were not only creative but extremely entertaining!
This year we will offer two contests as well as a professional
courtesy to the staff and their spouses by offering hearing
screenings. Both contest spin off of ASHA's theme of
"Communication is Key." The hearing screenings will be
available in part due to the assistance of local graduate
students from both Peg's and my alma mater: Ithaca College!
This year's pre-K to 1st grade will brainstorm as many ways
possible to communicate, while 2nd to 5th grades will participate
in a classroom brainstorming activities that promote problem
solving of various peer scenarios/situations that pertain to our
children's use of appropriate decision making and behaviors.
Public-address announcements will occur weekly to share these
great ideas of ways to problem solve in addition to the many,
unusual ways we can communicate in life.
We are sure that many student ideas will be generated in all
classrooms at Newfield Elementary for both these contests and as
always we greatly appreciate our colleagues highlighting the
importance of our profession through their participation!
Submitted by:
Kathleen Millier, SLP
Newfield Central School District