Principal's Message

Dear Sherman Families,

Our school initiated a hold-in-place procedure this afternoon in response to a student who wasn’t feeling well. Initial attempts to reach a parent were unsuccessful. With the best interests of the student in mind, we enlisted the help of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office to assist us with making contact with the family. They were able to do so, and the student went home with a parent.

I was very pleased with the way students and staff members responded. These situations reinforce why the drills we practice during Safety Week are so important.

Thanks for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Courtney Betancourt
Principal

Dear Sherman Families,

As we wrap up the month of January and head into February, winter continues to make itself known with consistently cold temperatures across our community. Despite the chilly weather, our students have remained focused and engaged, and we appreciate your support in helping them arrive at school dressed warmly and prepared for the day. As always, please continue to monitor district communications for any weather-related updates, and thank you for your flexibility and partnership during the winter months at Sherman.

PTO Meeting

Our next PTO meeting is scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 3. We encourage all families to join us as we plan upcoming events and discuss ways to support our Sherman students and staff. Please use the following link to join the meeting: February PTO Meeting Link.

Advanced Coursework Notification (Grades 5–12)

Families of students in grades 5–12 are reminded that the district’s Advanced Coursework Notification is shared annually to ensure students and parents are informed about opportunities available in junior and senior high school. This notification outlines the benefits of participating in advanced courses, provides descriptions of the advanced coursework offered in upcoming school years, and explains the academic and non-academic supports available to help students succeed, including information about any financial assistance that may be available. 

Sherman Talent Show!

We’re excited to invite families to the Sherman Talent Show, taking place from 6–7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10. This special evening will showcase the creativity, confidence, and talents of our Sherman students. We look forward to celebrating our performers and welcoming families for a fun and memorable night together!

We Have Two Great Musicals at Our Junior High Schools!

Roth Junior High Presents “Mary Poppins, Jr.”

Join us for music, magic, and high-flying fun as this beloved story comes to life on stage. It’s going to be practically perfect in every way! There is one more performance to attend at 3 p.m. Saturday, January 31, in the Roth auditorium, 4000 E. Henrietta Road. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at rhnet.org/marypoppins.

Burger Junior High Presents “The Wizard of Oz”

Dorothy and her friends are off to see the wizard in this journey through Oz, where they discover the importance of friendship, courage, and believing in yourself. Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday, February 6, and 1 p.m. Saturday, February 7, in the Burger auditorium, 639 Erie Station Road, West Henrietta. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at rhnet.org/wizardofoz.

SEL & PBIS Monthly Focus - February

Social Awareness & Responsible Decision-Making: Social awareness is the ability to recognize and respect the feelings, personal space, and perspectives of others, while responsible decision-making involves making thoughtful, safe, and respectful choices that support oneself and the community.

Be Respectful & Be Responsible: Students are learning to follow directions, listen to others’ ideas, wait their turn, use appropriate language and tone, respect personal space and privacy, demonstrate good sportsmanship, and communicate positively across all settings—including classrooms, hallways, the cafeteria, assemblies, the bus, and when using technology.

Families can help by:

• Encouraging your child to pause, listen, and consider others’ perspectives before responding.
• Practicing respectful behaviors at home, such as taking turns speaking and using polite language.
• Reinforcing personal space and privacy during family activities and routines.
• Discussing how expectations may look different in various settings (school, bus, online, community).
• Modeling respectful communication and calm problem-solving when challenges arise.

Mid-Year (MOY) Screening Results for ELA & Math

As part of our ongoing commitment to monitoring student progress, families will receive mid-year (MOY) screening results for ELA and math. Results will be shared for iReady Math (grades K–8) and DIBELS/mClass ELA (grades K–6). Teachers are prepared to discuss student results and answer questions as needed.

MOY screening reports, along with a letter explaining the screening process and purpose of the reports, will be sent home in student backpacks as soon as possible after the testing window closes on January 23, and no later than February 9. Family letters are linked below for additional information:

MOY iReady Math Letter (Grades K–8)

MOY mClass DIBELS Home Connection Letter (Grades K–6)

These reports are intended to help families better understand student progress and support learning at home.

Upcoming Calendar

2025-2026 Sherman Calendar of Events (Green and Gold Team listed at the bottom)

February 3, PTO Meeting @ 6 p.m.

February 10, Sherman Talent Show @ 6-7:30 p.m. 

February 11, Royal Comet Meetings

February 9-13, Spirit Week

February 16-20, February Recess

Other Links

• MealViewer
• Early Pickup Form
• Regular and Consistent Pick-up Form
• Sherman School Absence Form

Sincerely,

Courtney Betancourt
Principal

Dear Sherman Families,

Winter has certainly made its presence known this week, with colder temperatures settling in and a potential snowstorm forecasted for the weekend. As the weather changes, we appreciate families helping students come to school dressed warmly and ready for outdoor transitions. Please be sure to keep an eye on district communications in case weather impacts schedules, and as always, thank you for your flexibility and support as we navigate the winter season together at Sherman.

Advanced Coursework Notification (Grades 5–12)

Families of students in grades 5–12 are reminded that the district’s Advanced Coursework Notification is shared annually to ensure students and parents are informed about opportunities available in middle and high school. This notification outlines the benefits of participating in advanced courses, provides descriptions of the advanced coursework offered in upcoming school years, and explains the academic and non-academic supports available to help students succeed, including information about any financial assistance that may be available. 

We Have Two Great Musicals Coming Up at Our Junior High Schools!

Roth Junior High Presents “Mary Poppins, Jr.”

Join us for music, magic, and high-flying fun as this beloved story comes to life on stage. It’s going to be practically perfect in every way! Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday, January 30, and 3 p.m. Saturday, January 31, in the Roth auditorium, 4000 E. Henrietta Road. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at rhnet.org/marypoppins.

Burger Junior High Presents “The Wizard of Oz”

Dorothy and her friends are off to see the wizard in this journey through Oz, where they discover the importance of friendship, courage, and believing in yourself. Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday, February 6, and 1 p.m. Saturday, February 7, in the Burger auditorium, 639 Erie Station Road, West Henrietta. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at rhnet.org/wizardofoz.

SEL & PBIS Monthly Focus - January

Responsible Decision-Making: Responsible decision-making is the ability to make thoughtful, safe, and respectful choices that consider the well-being of oneself and others.

Be Responsible: Taking ownership of actions, following expectations, and making choices that support learning, safety, and positive relationships.

Families can help by:

• Encouraging your child to slow down and think through choices before responding or acting.
• Discussing everyday decisions and guiding your child to consider possible outcomes.
• Helping your child set realistic goals and checking in on progress together.
• Emphasizing accountability by talking through mistakes and identifying next steps.
• Modeling calm decision-making during challenges and explaining your thought process aloud.

Grade 5 Science Computer-Based Testing (CBT) Simulation

On January 29, Grade 5 students will participate in a Science Computer-Based Testing (CBT) simulation exam. This practice experience is designed to familiarize students with the digital testing platform, tools, and question types they will encounter on the New York State Science Assessment later this year. The simulation helps students build confidence, practice navigating the online format, and focus on demonstrating their science knowledge without the added stress of an unfamiliar testing environment.

Mid-Year (MOY) Screening Results for ELA & Math

As part of our ongoing commitment to monitoring student progress, families will receive mid-year (MOY) screening results for ELA and Math. Results will be shared for iReady Math (grades K–8) and DIBELS/mClass ELA (grades K–6). Teachers are prepared to discuss student results and answer questions as needed.

MOY screening reports, along with a letter explaining the screening process and purpose of the reports, will be sent home in student backpacks as soon as possible after the testing window closes on January 23, and no later than February 9. Family letters are linked below for additional information:

MOY iReady Math Letter (Grades K–8)

MOY mClass DIBELS Home Connection Letter (Grades K–6)

These reports are intended to help families better understand student progress and support learning at home.

Upcoming Calendar

2025-2026 Sherman Calendar of Events (Green and Gold Team listed at the bottom)

January 29, CBT Simulation, Grade 5 Science

January 30, No School (Grading Day)

Other Links

• MealViewer
• Early Pickup Form
• Regular and Consistent Pick-up Form
• Sherman School Absence Form

Sincerely,

Courtney Betancourt
Principal

 

January 9, 2026

Dear Sherman Families,

We are writing to share a scheduling update that will take effect on Monday, January 12, related to Mr. Kipp’s new role as Rush-Henrietta Employees’ Association (RHEA), Teachers’ Chapter President.

Beginning Monday, Mr. Kipp will continue teaching all of his scheduled sections through 1:07 p.m. Each afternoon after 1:07, our building substitute, Ms. Anna Childs, will take over instruction and facilitate all remaining sections through dismissal.

Ms. Childs is a familiar and trusted member of our Sherman community. She completed her student teaching at Sherman last year in Ms. Cady’s classroom and has served as our building substitute since the start of this school year. Ms. Childs is a certified teacher, and we are very excited to have her step into this expanded role, working with students in the afternoons.

We are confident that this plan will ensure continuity of instruction while also supporting Mr. Kipp in his union leadership responsibilities. Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Courtney Betancourt
Principal

Dear Sherman Families,

Happy New Year! We hope your family enjoyed a restful and meaningful two-week break filled with time to recharge and reconnect. As we welcome 2026, we are excited to see our students return refreshed and ready to learn. January is a great opportunity to re-establish routines, set goals, and begin the year strong together at Sherman.

PTO Meeting

Our next PTO meeting is scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 13. We encourage all families to join us as we plan upcoming events and discuss ways to support our Sherman students and staff. Please use the following link to join the meeting: January PTO Meeting Link.

Winter Concert Season
The 6th-grade winter concert will be held Wednesday, January 14, at the Senior High School, 1799 Lehigh Station Road. Students should arrive between 5:45 and 6 p.m. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m.

The 5th-grade winter concert will be held Wednesday, January 21, at the Senior High School. Students should arrive between 5:45 and 6 p.m. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m.

Sherman Musical

We’re excited to share information about our spring musical which will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 4, and Friday, June 5. Please watch the announcement video for additional information. 

SEL & PBIS Monthly Focus - January

Responsible Decision Making: Responsible decision-making is the ability to make thoughtful, safe, and respectful choices that consider the well-being of oneself and others.

Be Responsible: Taking ownership of actions, following expectations, and making choices that support learning, safety, and positive relationships.

Families can help by:

• encouraging your child to talk through choices and possible outcomes before making decisions.
• setting clear routines and expectations at home and reinforcing follow-through.
• discussing how choices impact others, especially during conflicts or challenges.
• involving your child in age-appropriate decisions, such as planning schedules or setting goals.
• reflecting together on what went well each day and what could be improved tomorrow.

6th Grade Fun Night

We are excited for our annual 6th Grade Fun Night, taking place from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, January 16. This event is sponsored by the Sherman PTO. Parents/guardians will need to sign their child in at the front door for drop off at 6 p.m.  You will be given a number and destination for pickup: bus loop or side door/parking lot. If there is someone else picking up your child, please give them the child's number and pick-up spot. After signing in, students will need to check in at Ping Pong and Cornhole to see when they will be playing in those tournaments. Students are encouraged to bring their own water bottles, but we will have plenty of water available with pizza and dessert.

 

We still need volunteers to make this a parent drop-off event—approximately 30 parent volunteers are required. If you are able to help, please sign up here. Thank you for your support!

Upcoming Calendar

2025-2026 Sherman Calendar of Events (Green and Gold Team listed at the bottom)

January 14, Royal Comet Meetings

January 14, @ 6:30 p.m. Grade 6 Winter Concert @ Senior High School

January 16, 6 to 8 p.m. Grade 6 Fun Night

January 19, No School (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)

January 21, @ 6:30 p.m. Grade 5 Winter Concert @ Senior High School

January 30, No School (Grading Day)

Other Links

• MealViewer
• Early Pickup Form
• Regular and Consistent Pick-up Form
• Sherman School Absence Form

Sincerely,

Courtney Betancourt
Principal

 

Dear Sherman Families,

Happy New Year! We hope your family enjoyed a restful and meaningful two-week break filled with time to recharge and reconnect. As we welcome 2026, we are excited to see our students return refreshed and ready to learn. January is a great opportunity to reestablish routines, set goals, and begin the year strong together at Sherman.

PTO Meeting

Our next PTO meeting is scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 13. We encourage all families to join us as we plan upcoming events and discuss ways to support our Sherman students and staff. Please use the following link to join the meeting: January PTO Meeting Link.

Winter Concert Season

The 6th-grade winter concert will be held on Wednesday, January 14, at the Senior High School. Students should arrive between 5:45 and 6 p.m. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m.

The 5th-grade winter concert will be held on Wednesday, January 21, at the Senior High School. Students should arrive between 5:45 and 6 p.m. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m.

Sherman Musical

We’re excited to share information about our spring musical which will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 4, and Friday, June 5. Please watch the announcement video for additional information. 

SEL & PBIS Monthly Focus - January

Responsible Decision Making: Responsible decision-making is the ability to make thoughtful, safe, and respectful choices that consider the well-being of oneself and others.

Be Responsible: Taking ownership of actions, following expectations, and making choices that support learning, safety, and positive relationships.

Families can help by:

• Encouraging your child to talk through choices and possible outcomes before making decisions.
• Setting clear routines and expectations at home and reinforcing follow-through.
• Discussing how choices impact others, especially during conflicts or challenges.
• Involving your child in age-appropriate decisions, such as planning schedules or setting goals.
• Reflecting together on what went well each day and what could be improved tomorrow.

6th Grade Junior High Course Planning

A reminder to review the Secondary Program Course Guide (linked here) to explore a full overview of the 7–12 program and learn about the wide range of course options available. Students will soon begin making selections for World Language—Spanish, French, German, or American Sign Language—as well as music courses for seventh grade. A junior high course-planning document and Google Form (linked here) will guide families through choosing language preferences, ranking elective options, and indicating music selections. Please review the detailed letter and submit your child’s course preferences by Monday, January 5, 2026. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school counselor.

6th Grade Fun Night

We are excited for our annual 6th Grade Fun Night, taking place from 6-8 p.m. Friday, January 16. This event is sponsored by the Sherman PTO. Parents/guardians will need to sign their child in at the front door for drop off at 6pm.  You will be given a number and destination for pickup: bus loop or side door/parking lot. If there is someone else picking up your child, please give them the child's number and pick-up spot. After signing in, students will need to check in at Ping Pong and Cornhole to see when they will be playing in those tournaments. Students are encouraged to bring their own water bottles, but we will have plenty of water available with pizza and dessert.

 

We still need volunteers to make this a parent drop-off event—approximately 30 parent volunteers are required. If you are able to help, please sign up here. When we return from break, students will also bring home a flyer that must be completed and returned. Thank you for your support!

Upcoming Calendar

2025-2026 Sherman Calendar of Events (Green and Gold Team listed at the bottom)
January 5, 4th-grade ensembles begin

January 14, Royal Comet Meetings

January 14, @ 6:30 p.m. Grade 6 Winter Concert @ Senior High School

January 16, 6 to 8 p.m. Grade 6 Fun Night

January 19, No School (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)

January 21, @ 6:30 p.m. Grade 5 Winter Concert @ Senior High School

January 30, No School (Grading Day)

Other Links

• MealViewer
• Early Pickup Form
• Regular and Consistent Pick-up Form
• Sherman School Absence Form

Sincerely,

Courtney Betancourt
Principal

 

Dear Sherman Families,

As we head into the December Recess, we wish all of our students and families a joyful and restful holiday season. This is a special time to celebrate the many cultural traditions that make our school community so rich and vibrant. Whether you are observing holidays, enjoying time with loved ones, or simply taking a well-deserved rest, we hope this break brings happiness, reflection, and renewal.

PTO Meeting

Our next PTO meeting is scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 13. We encourage all families to join us as we plan upcoming events and discuss ways to support our Sherman students and staff. Please use the following link to join the meeting: January PTO Meeting Link.

Sherman Musical

We’re excited to share information about our spring musical, which will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 4, and Friday, June 5. Please watch the announcement video for additional information. 

SEL & PBIS Monthly Focus - December

Social Awareness: Social awareness is the ability to recognize and respect the feelings, personal space, and perspectives of others in a variety of settings.

Be Caring: Being caring means showing kindness, empathy, and concern for others through your words and actions.

Families can help by:

• Encouraging your child to notice and comment on others’ feelings, for example, “I think my sibling might be frustrated—how can I help?”
• Setting up family “kindness challenges,” such as leaving a thoughtful note or doing a helpful task for someone in the household.
• Role-playing social situations together to practice empathy, perspective-taking, and respectful responses.
• Encouraging your child to offer help or support in the community, like assisting a neighbor or volunteering together.
• Talking openly about different emotions your child experiences and naming them to build emotional vocabulary.
• Reflecting together at the end of the day on one thing each family member did to show care or understanding.

6th Grade Junior High Course Planning

It’s time for our sixth-grade students to begin planning their courses for junior high! Families are encouraged to review the Secondary Program Course Guide (linked here) to explore a full overview of the 7–12 program and learn about the wide range of course options available. Students will begin making selections for World Language—Spanish, French, German, or American Sign Language—as well as music courses for seventh grade. A junior high course-planning document and Google Form (linked here) will guide families through choosing language preferences, ranking elective options, and indicating music selections. Please review the detailed letter and submit your child’s course preferences by Monday, January 5, 2026. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school counselor.

Bivona Child Safety Matters Lessons (Grades 4–6)

Lessons began this week and went very well! They will continue after December Recess. The Bivona teachers are so impressed with our students and the positive culture of our Sherman community. Our school will continue the Bivona Child Safety Matters lessons after the break. Please review the detailed letter from Bivona with additional information. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher or the main office.

Upcoming Calendar

2025-2026 Sherman Calendar of Events (Green and Gold Team listed at the bottom)
January 5, 4th grade ensembles begin
January 14, Royal Comet Meetings
January 14, @ 6:30 p.m. Grade 6 Winter Concert @ Senior High School
January 16, 6 to 8 p.m. Grade 6 Fun Night
January 19, No School (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
January 21, @ 6:30 p.m. Grade 5 Winter Concert @ Senior High School
January 30, No School (Grading Day)

Other Links

• MealViewer
• Early Pickup Form
• Regular and Consistent Pick-up Form
• Sherman School Absence Form

Sincerely,

Courtney Betancourt
Principal

Dear Sherman Families,

With just one week left before December break, there is a wonderful sense of excitement and momentum throughout the building. This week’s Royal Comet Meetings brought our grade levels together to celebrate successes, reflect on areas for growth, and participate in a fun team challenge that strengthened our sense of community. Our students continue to show pride, effort, and teamwork each day, and we’re looking forward to a strong finish before the break.

PTO Meeting

There will be no PTO meeting in December. Our next PTO meeting is scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 13. We encourage all families to join us as we plan upcoming events and discuss ways to support our Sherman students and staff. 

Holiday Giving at Sherman

We’re excited to share information about this year’s Sherman Giving Tree and Coin Collection (flyer link here). Through December 19, we will be collecting nonperishable food items—such as canned vegetables and fruit, boxed potatoes, cereal, and jams—as well as winter gear, including hats, gloves, and snow pants. We will also be gathering coins to purchase gift cards for Sherman families in need. All food donations will be delivered directly to the R-H Kicking Hunger Food Pantry. 

Additionally, don’t forget to check out our Sherman Spirit Week flyer (flyer link here) for the fun dress-up days happening the week of December 15. Thank you for helping us support our community during the holiday season!

SEL & PBIS Monthly Focus - December

Social Awareness: Social awareness is the ability to recognize and respect the feelings, personal space, and perspectives of others in a variety of settings.

Be Caring: Being caring means showing kindness, empathy, and concern for others through your words and actions.

Families can help by:

• Encouraging your child to check in with family members by asking simple questions like “How was your day?” or “How can I help?”
• Practicing waiting skills during everyday routines, such as taking turns during meals or while playing games.
• Modeling calm problem-solving when conflicts arise and inviting your child to help brainstorm solutions.
• Using family reading time to pause and talk about how characters might be feeling and why.
• Celebrating small acts of kindness your child shows at home to reinforce caring behavior.
• Creating shared family goals—like keeping a common space tidy—to build cooperation and responsibility.

6th Grade Junior High Course Planning

It’s time for our sixth-grade students to begin planning their courses for junior high! Families are encouraged to review the Secondary Program Course Guide (linked here) to explore the full overview of the 7–12 program and learn about the wide range of course options available. Students will begin making selections for World Language—Spanish, French, German, or American Sign Language—as well as their music courses for seventh grade. A junior high course-planning document and Google Form (linked here) will guide families through choosing language preferences, ranking elective options, and indicating music selections. Please review the detailed letter and submit your child’s course preferences by Monday, January 5, 2026. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school counselor.

Bivona Child Safety Matters Lessons (Grades 4–6)

Next week, our school will begin the Bivona Child Safety Matters lessons, which are designed to teach students important age-appropriate skills for staying safe in a variety of situations. These lessons empower children to recognize unsafe behaviors, set personal boundaries, and seek help from trusted adults. If you have any questions about the program or would like additional resources, please reach out to our main office. Please review the detailed letter from Bivona with additional information.  If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher or the main office.

Local Resources

With the holiday season upon us, we want to remind our community of several local avenues of support. Students can always take advantage of the free breakfast and lunch options on school days. (We recommend submitting the annual free and reduced lunch forms so R-H can continue to provide an array of services to students and families.) In addition, families can utilize the R-H Kicking Hunger School Food Pantry and additional local food resources. You may also visit this page on our website for a variety of resources available to families.

Upcoming Calendar

2025-2026 Sherman Calendar of Events (Green and Gold Team listed at the bottom)
12/15–12/19: Spirit Week (flyer)
12/22–1/2: December Recess – No school

1/5: 4th Grade Ensembles Begin

Other Links

• MealViewer
• Early Pickup Form
• Regular and Consistent Pick-up Form
• Sherman School Absence Form

Sincerely,

Courtney Betancourt
Principal

 

Dear Sherman Families,

December is off to a wonderful start here at Sherman! As we move into the final weeks of 2025, our students are showing excitement for upcoming winter activities, engaging deeply in their learning, and demonstrating kindness throughout our school. With the holiday season upon us, we’re grateful for the continued partnership of our families and look forward to a month filled with community, connection, and celebration.

PTO Meeting

There will be no PTO in December. Our next PTO meeting is scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 13. We encourage all families to join us as we plan upcoming events and discuss ways to support our Sherman students and staff. 

Holiday Giving at Sherman

We’re excited to share information about this year’s Sherman Giving Tree and Coin Collection (flyer link here). Through December 19, we will be collecting nonperishable food items—such as canned vegetables and fruit, boxed potatoes, cereal, and jams—as well as winter gear, including hats, gloves, and snow pants. We will also be gathering coins to purchase gift cards for Sherman families in need. All food donations will be delivered directly to the R-H Kicking Hunger Food Pantry. 

Additionally, don’t forget to check out our Sherman Spirit Week flyer (flyer link here) for the fun dress-up days happening the week of December 15. Thank you for helping us support our community during the holiday season!

SEL & PBIS Monthly Focus - December

Social Awareness: Social awareness is the ability to recognize and respect the feelings, personal space, and perspectives of others in a variety of settings.

Be Caring: Being caring means showing kindness, empathy, and concern for others through your words and actions.

Families can help by:

• encouraging your child to notice how others may be feeling and talk about ways to respond with kindness.
• practicing “personal space” by creating simple cues or boundaries during family activities.
• taking turns sharing daily highlights to build empathy and active listening skills.
• role-playing common situations—like waiting in line or joining a group—to practice respectful behavior.
• pointing out caring actions you see in books, movies, or real-life moments and discussing why they matter.
• setting up small family responsibilities or teamwork tasks to strengthen cooperation and problem-solving.

Digital Equity Survey/SchoolTool Access

New York requires school districts to gather information regarding home access to the Internet and what devices students use. This annual Digital Equity Survey is accessible through SchoolTool now. 

When you log in to SchoolTool, you will be prompted to respond to several brief questions found in each student's SchoolTool account. This will only take a few minutes and is available through the app or by logging on to the SchoolTool website. We created a document to walk you through the process if you are using the website instead of the app. We have also created a short video to assist you with a few of your selections while taking the survey. If you are using the SchoolTool mobile app on your phone, you may see multiple surveys for each student. The required survey will be in red text. Please update or complete the survey no later than Friday, Dec. 12. If you completed the survey last year, please review your responses to verify the information is still accurate.

Local Resources

With the holiday season approaching and the potential for limited federal resources being made available to assist local families, we want to remind our community of several local avenues of support. Students can always take advantage of the free breakfast and lunch options on school days. (We recommend submitting the annual free and reduced lunch forms so R-H can continue to provide an array of services to students and families.) In addition, families can utilize the R-H Kicking Hunger School Food Pantry and additional local food resources. You may also visit this page on our website for a variety of resources available to families.

Upcoming Calendar

2025-2026 Sherman Calendar of Events (Green and Gold Team listed at the bottom)

12/10: Royal Comet Meetings
12/15–12/19: Spirit Week (flyer)
12/22–1/2: December Recess – No school

Other Links

• MealViewer
• Early Pickup Form
• Regular and Consistent Pick-up Form
• Sherman School Absence Form

Sincerely,

Courtney Betancourt
Principal

 

Dear Sherman Families,

We hope you had a warm and restful Thanksgiving surrounded by family and friends. This season always reminds us how grateful we are for our wonderful Sherman community. A heartfelt thank-you to all the parents and caregivers who attended Parent-Teacher Conferences last week—your partnership and engagement play a vital role in your child’s success. As we return from the break, we’re excited to continue the learning, connection, and growth that make Sherman such a special place.

PTO Meeting

There will be no PTO in December. Our next PTO meeting is scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 13. We encourage all families to join us as we plan upcoming events and discuss ways to support our Sherman students and staff. 

Digital Equity Survey/SchoolTool Access

New York requires school districts to gather information regarding home access to the Internet and what devices students use. This annual Digital Equity Survey is accessible through SchoolTool now. 

When you log in to SchoolTool, you will be prompted to respond to several brief questions found in each student's SchoolTool account. This will only take a few minutes and is available through the app or by logging on to the SchoolTool website. We created a document to walk you through the process if you are using the website instead of the app. We have also created a short video to assist you with a few of your selections while taking the survey. If you are using the SchoolTool mobile app on your phone, you may see multiple surveys for each student. The required survey will be in red text. Please update or complete the survey no later than Friday, Dec. 12. If you completed the survey last year, please review your responses to verify the information is still accurate.

Local Resources

With the holiday season approaching and the potential for limited federal resources being made available to assist local families, we want to remind our community of several local avenues of support. Students can always take advantage of the free breakfast and lunch options on school days. (We recommend submitting the annual free and reduced lunch forms so R-H can continue to provide an array of services to students and families.) In addition, families can utilize the R-H Kicking Hunger School Food Pantry and additional local food resources. You may also visit this page on our website for a variety of resources available to families.

Holiday Giving at Sherman

We’re excited to share information about this year’s Sherman Giving Tree and Coin Collection (flyer link here). From December 1–19, we will be collecting nonperishable food items—such as canned vegetables and fruit, boxed potatoes, cereal, and jams—as well as winter gear, including hats, gloves, and snow pants. We will also be gathering coins to purchase gift cards for Sherman families in need. All food donations will be delivered directly to the R-H Kicking Hunger Food Pantry. 

Additionally, don’t forget to check out our Sherman Spirit Week flyer (flyer link here) for the fun dress-up days happening the week of December 15. Thank you for helping us support our community during the holiday season!

SEL & PBIS Monthly Focus - December

Social Awareness: Social awareness is the ability to recognize and respect the feelings, personal space, and perspectives of others in a variety of settings.

Be Caring: Being caring means showing kindness, empathy, and concern for others through your words and actions.

Families can help by:

• Encourage your child to listen carefully and take turns during conversations or games.
• Model respectful greetings and polite behavior with family members and neighbors.
• Practice appropriate language, tone, and volume when speaking at home.
• Help your child follow directions and routines consistently.
• Discuss ways to respect personal space and privacy with siblings or friends.
• Play cooperative games that emphasize teamwork, patience, and good sportsmanship.
• Talk about how their actions affect others and brainstorm kind or helpful responses.

Bivona Child Safety Matters Lessons (Grades 4–6)
This year, the Bivona Child Advocacy Center will be providing direct instruction for the Monique Burr Foundation Child Safety Matters curriculum as part of Erin’s Law requirements. This program teaches age-appropriate personal safety strategies to help children recognize unsafe situations, use safe adults for support, and build protective skills. Please review the detailed letter from Bivona with additional information. 

As part of the program structure, one of our building’s mental health professionals (school counselor, psychologist, or social worker) will attend the first lesson for grades 4 and 5, and the second lesson for grade 6. Teachers will be selecting two 55-minute instructional blocks for the lessons to take place during the school day.

A virtual informational meeting for parents will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, December 2. Please use the link below to join. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher or the main office.

Rush-Henrietta Parent Prep with The Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester

Time: Dec 2, 2025 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86113473142?pwd=kOpve3S5r73g9hOHaAGQy6sRzaDU7H.1

Meeting ID: 861 1347 3142

Passcode: 418901

Upcoming Calendar

2025-2026 Sherman Calendar of Events (Green and Gold Team listed at the bottom)
12/2: Child Advocacy Center Parent Meeting 6-7 p.m.

12/10: Royal Comet Meetings
12/15–12/19: Spirit Week (flyer)
12/22–1/2: Holiday Recess – No school

Other Links

• MealViewer
• Early Pickup Form
• Regular and Consistent Pick-up Form
• Sherman School Absence Form

Sincerely,

Courtney Betancourt
Principal

 

Dear Sherman Families,

I’m excited to share that Emily Van Scooter has been selected as the next assistant principal at Sherman Elementary, pending approval by the Board of Education next month.

Mrs. Van Scooter has been a familiar and trusted educator in our building since 2017. She has taught both 4th and 5th grade at Sherman and has made a lasting impact on students through her strong instruction, caring relationships, and commitment to our school community. In addition to her classroom work, Mrs. Van Scooter has supported schoolwide instruction as part of our Instructional Leadership Team. She has stepped in to assist with assistant principal responsibilities throughout this school year whenever needed.

This past summer, Mrs. Van Scooter served as the Extended School Year (ESY) Program Coordinator, leading the program with excellent communication, organization, and a focus on student success. Her leadership experience across the Rush-Henrietta district also includes work as a reading interventionist, Summer SMART interventionist, and participation in the R-H Leadership Learning Lab.

The Board of Education will review her appointment on Tuesday, December 2, and Mrs. Van Scooter will officially begin her role as assistant principal on January 1.

Please join me in congratulating Mrs. Van Scooter on this exciting next step. We are thrilled to have her continue supporting our students, staff, and families in this new role.

Warmly,
Courtney Betancourt
 

Dear Sherman Families,

As we approach the end of November, excitement is building for the upcoming Thanksgiving break. With a full week off from school, our students and staff are looking forward to time with family, rest, and the start of the holiday season. 

Before we begin the weekend, I want to update you on two situations that occurred this week. As I shared Wednesday, a student made a written threat in a group chat with peers. In addition, since that time, a different student made a verbal threat at school toward an employee. After investigating these situations, we concluded that neither student posed a danger to themselves or others. Nonetheless, appropriate disciplinary and supportive actions have been taken in each case.

Please talk to your child about the importance of choosing their words more carefully and thoughtfully. As a Sherman community, we will continue to support our students, helping them learn and grow to reach their full potential. Thank you.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

A reminder that Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on Monday, November 24, from 1–8 p.m. and Tuesday, November 25, from 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Classroom teachers should have shared scheduled meeting times with parents. Conferences are a wonderful opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, celebrate strengths, and collaborate on goals. We look forward to connecting with all of our families during this important time.

As part of the conferences, families will also receive beginning-of-year (BOY) screening results in ELA and math. Teachers will share results from iReady (grades K–8) and DIBELS/mClass (grades K–6) during conferences. For parents or guardians unable to attend, a copy of the letter and the screening reports are to go home in student backpacks as soon as possible after Parent-Teacher Conference days. These reports are designed to help families understand their child’s progress and provide strategies to support learning at home.

Digital Equity Survey/SchoolTool Access

New York requires school districts to gather information regarding home access to the Internet, and what devices students use. This annual Digital Equity Survey is accessible through SchoolTool now. 

When you log in to SchoolTool, you will be prompted to respond to several brief questions found in each student's SchoolTool account. This will only take a few minutes and is available through the app or by logging on to the SchoolTool website. We created a document to walk you through the process if you are using the website instead of the app. We have also created a short video to assist you with a few of your selections while taking the survey. If you are using the SchoolTool mobile app on your phone, you may see multiple surveys for each student. The required survey will be in red text. Please update or complete the survey no later than Friday, Dec. 12. If you completed the survey last year, please review your responses to verify the information is still accurate.

Local Resources

With the holiday season approaching and the potential for limited federal resources being made available to assist local families, we want to remind our community of several local avenues of support. Students can always take advantage of the free breakfast and lunch options on school days. (We recommend submitting the annual free and reduced lunch forms so R-H can continue to provide an array of services to students and families.) In addition, families can utilize the R-H Kicking Hunger School Food Pantry and additional local food resources. You may also visit this page on our website for a variety of resources available to families.

SEL & PBIS Monthly Focus

Relationship Skills are the ways we build and maintain positive connections with others—like showing kindness, listening carefully, cooperating, and resolving conflicts peacefully.

Be Caring: Demonstrating kindness, empathy, and concern for others through words and actions. It’s about treating people the way you would like to be treated, keeping promises, and making thoughtful choices.

Families can help by:

• Modeling active listening during conversations and encouraging your child to do the same.
• Practicing “perspective taking” by talking about how others might feel in different situations.
• Encouraging your child to check in on friends or family members who may need support.
• Setting up simple family routines—like sharing highs and lows of the day—to build connections.
• Practicing problem-solving together when disagreements arise and celebrating successful teamwork.

Bivona Child Safety Matters Lessons (Grades 4-6
This year, the Bivona Child Advocacy Center will be providing direct instruction for the Monique Burr Foundation Child Safety Matters curriculum as part of Erin’s Law requirements. This program teaches age-appropriate personal safety strategies to help children recognize unsafe situations, use safe adults for support, and build protective skills. Please review the detailed letter from Bivona with additional information. 

As part of the program structure, one of our building's mental health professionals (school counselor, psychologist, or social worker) will attend the first lesson for grades 4 and 5, and the second for grade 6. Teachers will be two 55-minute instructional blocks for the lesson to take place the school day. 

A virtual informational meeting for parents will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, December 2. Please use the link below to join. If you have any questions, please contact your child's teacher or the main office. 

Rush-Henrietta Parent Prep with The Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester

Time: Dec 2, 2025, 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86113473142?pwd=kOpve3S5r73g9hOHaAGQy6sRzaDU7H.1

Meeting ID: 861 1347 3142

Passcode: 418901

Upcoming Calendar

2025-2026 Sherman Calendar of Events (Green and Gold Team listed at the bottom)
11/21: Last Day for Food Drive Donations
11/24–11/25: Parent-Teacher Conferences (No school for students)
11/26–11/28: Thanksgiving Recess – No school

12/2: Child Advocacy Center Parent Meeting 6-7 p.m.

Other Links

• MealViewer
• Early Pickup Form
• Regular and Consistent Pick-up Form
• Sherman School Absence Form

Sincerely,

Courtney Betancourt
Principal

Dear Sherman Families,

This afternoon, we learned that a Sherman student made a threat in a group chat among peers. After investigating the matter, we concluded the student did not pose a danger to themselves or others. Appropriate disciplinary and supportive actions will be taken.

Please remind your child that our school and district have expectations for student conduct outlined in the district's Code of Conduct. The safety of students and staff is our highest priority. 

I would like to extend my thanks to those who took this seriously and reported the concern. Working together, we will continue to maintain a safe, caring learning environment for our school community.

Sincerely,

Courtney Betancourt
Principal

Dear Sherman Families,

As we move further into November, we pause to honor and thank our veterans for their service and dedication to our country. This week, students and staff reflected on the importance of gratitude, respect, and community—values we celebrate every day at Sherman. We also have several updates and reminders to share as we head into a busy and exciting month!

PTO Meeting – Rescheduled

Our next PTO meeting has been rescheduled for Tuesday, November 18, from 6 to 7 p.m. We encourage all families to join us as we plan upcoming events and discuss ways to support our Sherman students and staff. Please use the following link to join the meeting: November PTO Meeting Link

Sherman Food Drive

Sherman is hosting our annual Sherman Food Drive to help families in need this season. We are collecting non-perishable food items, personal care items, paper products, and cleaning supplies now through Monday, November 17.

Donations can be dropped off in the main office or at collection bins throughout the building. All donations will be shared with the R-H Kicking Hunger School Food Pantry. Thank you in advance for your generosity and community spirit!

Sherman Clothing Drive

Sherman is collecting gently used or new winter clothing items, including jackets, coats, and shoes, throughout next week! Donations can be dropped off in the Sherman main office through Friday, November 21.

Families in need are welcome to select items from the donated clothing during Parent-Teacher Conferences on November 24 and 25 in the cafeteria. Thank you for helping us keep our Sherman community warm this winter!

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-Teacher Conferences are just around the corner! Classroom teachers have reached out via Remind to schedule conference times. Families can choose from both in-person and virtual options. These conferences are a valuable opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, set goals, and explore supports, strengthening the partnership between home and school.

As part of the conferences, families will also receive beginning-of-year (BOY) screening results in ELA and math. Teachers will share results from iReady (grades K–8) and DIBELS/mClass (grades K–6) during conferences. For parents or guardians unable to attend, a copy of the letter and the screening reports are to go home in student backpacks as soon as possible after Parent-Teacher Conference days. These reports are designed to help families understand their child’s progress and provide strategies to support learning at home.

Digital Equity Survey/SchoolTool Access

Since 2021, the New York State Education Department has required districts to gather information regarding home access to the Internet and what devices students use. This annual Digital Equity Survey will be accessible through SchoolTool beginning Thursday, November 20.

When you log in to SchoolTool after that date, you will be prompted to respond to some brief questions found in each student's account. You won’t be able to access your student’s information, including report cards, until this is completed.

If more than one survey is available for your child, please review the version in red. This will only take a few minutes and can be done via the app or by logging on to the SchoolTool website. We created a document to walk you through the process if you are using the website instead of the app. 

If you completed the survey last year, please review your responses to verify the information is still accurate. If you have not already completed the survey, you will be prompted to do so when you log in. Please update or complete the survey no later than Friday, December 12.

Please note: If you are using the SchoolTool mobile app, you may see multiple surveys for each student. The required survey will be in red text.

We have also created a short video to assist you with a few of your selections while taking the survey. We appreciate your time and thank you for helping us to fulfill this state requirement.

Local Resources

With the holiday season approaching and the potential for limited federal resources being made available to assist local families, we want to remind our community of several local avenues of support. Students can always take advantage of the free breakfast and lunch options on school days. (We recommend submitting the annual free and reduced lunch forms so R-H can continue to provide an array of services to students and families.) In addition, families can utilize the R-H Kicking Hunger School Food Pantry and additional local food resources. You may also visit this page on our website for a variety of resources available to families.

SEL & PBIS Monthly Focus

Relationship Skills are the ways we build and maintain positive connections with others—like showing kindness, listening carefully, cooperating, and resolving conflicts peacefully.

Be Caring: Demonstrating kindness, empathy, and concern for others through words and actions. It’s about treating people the way you would like to be treated, keeping promises, and making thoughtful choices.

Families can help by:

• Practicing gratitude together and noticing kind acts at home or in the community.
• Encouraging your child to offer help or support when a family member or friend needs it.
• Playing cooperative games that require teamwork and sharing responsibilities.
• Discussing solutions to conflicts calmly and brainstorming ways to compromise.

Upcoming Calendar

2025-2026 Sherman Calendar of Events (Green and Gold Team listed at the bottom)
11/18: PTO Meeting (Rescheduled) 6–7 p.m.
11/21: Last Day for Food Drive Donations
11/24–11/25: Parent-Teacher Conferences (No school for students)
11/26–11/28: Thanksgiving Recess – No school

Other Links

• MealViewer
• Early Pickup Form
• Regular and Consistent Pick-up Form
• Sherman School Absence Form

Sincerely,

Courtney Betancourt
Principal

 

Dear Sherman Families,

What a wonderful start to November! We’ve seen students dive into learning, show kindness toward one another, and embrace our monthly focus on gratitude. As we move further into the month, we have several important updates and reminders to share.

PTO Meeting – Rescheduled

Our next PTO meeting has been rescheduled for Tuesday, November 18, from 6 to 7 p.m. We encourage all families to join us as we plan upcoming events and discuss ways to support our Sherman students and staff. Please use the following link to join the meeting: November PTO Meeting Link

Sherman Food Drive

Sherman is hosting our annual Sherman Food Drive to help families in need this season. We are collecting non-perishable food items, personal care items, paper products, and cleaning supplies now through Friday, November 21.

Donations can be dropped off in the main office or at collection bins throughout the building. All donations will be shared with the R-H Kicking Hunger School Food Pantry. Thank you in advance for your generosity and community spirit!

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-teacher conferences are right around the corner! Classroom teachers will reach out via Remind to schedule conference times. Both in-person and virtual options will be available. This is a great opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher about progress, goals, and supports as we continue building strong school-home partnerships.

Digital Equity Survey/SchoolTool Access

Since 2021, the New York State Education Department has required districts to gather information regarding home access to the Internet, and what devices students use. This annual Digital Equity Survey will be accessible through SchoolTool beginning Thursday, November 20.

When you log in to SchoolTool after that date, you will be prompted to respond to some brief questions found in each student's account. You won’t be able to access your student’s information, including report cards, until this is completed.

If more than one survey is available for your child, please review the version in red. This will only take a few minutes and can be done via the app or by logging on to the SchoolTool website. We created a document to walk you through the process if you are using the website instead of the app.

If you completed the survey last year, please review your responses to verify the information is still accurate. If you have not already completed the survey, you will be prompted to do so when you log in. Please update or complete the survey no later than Friday, December 12.

Please note: If you are using the SchoolTool mobile app, you may see multiple surveys for each student. The required survey will be in red text.

We have also created a short video to assist you with a few of your selections while taking the survey. We appreciate your time and thank you for helping us to fulfill this state requirement.

Local Resources:

With the holiday season approaching and the potential for limited federal resources being made available to assist local families, we want to remind our community of several local avenues of support. Students can always take advantage of the free breakfast and lunch options on school days. (We recommend submitting the annual free and reduced lunch forms so R-H can continue to provide an array of services to students and families.) In addition, families can utilize the R-H Kicking Hunger School Food Pantry and additional local food resources. You may also visit this page on our website for a variety of resources available to families.

SEL & PBIS Monthly Focus

Relationship Skills: The ways we build and keep positive connections with others — like showing kindness, listening, working together, and solving problems peacefully.
Be Caring: Being honest, keeping promises, and making choices others can count onshowing kindness, empathy, and concern for others through your words and actions. It’s about treating people the way you’d want to be treated.

Families can help by:

• Encouraging your child to include others in games or group work.
• Encourage your child to listen when someone else is talking.
• Model using kind words, even during disagreements

Upcoming Calendar
2025-2026 Sherman Calendar of Events (Green and Gold Team listed at the bottom)
11/11: Veterans Day – No School
11/12: Royal Comet Meetings
11/18: PTO Meeting (Rescheduled) 6–7 p.m.
11/21: Last Day for Food Drive Donations
11/24–11/25: Parent-Teacher Conferences (No school for students)
11/26–11/28: Thanksgiving Recess – No School

Other Links:

• MealViewer
• Early Pickup Form
• Regular and Consistent Pick-up Form
• Sherman School Absence Form

Sincerely,

Courtney Betancourt
Principal

Friday, October 31, 2025

Dear Sherman Families and Employees,

What a week it's been - full of sun, rain, wind, and a Halloween landing on a Friday! Unfortunately, the Annual 6th Grade Pumpkin Drop originally set for October 31 has been postponed to Monday, November 3 (can you believe November is already here?). A huge thank you to Bill Mosher and his team at the Henrietta Fire District for making this event possible, and thanks to Mr. Kinney for organizing it.

Updates from Sherman:

Picture Make-up Day 

Sherman’s make-up day is scheduled for Wednesday, November 5. If your child was absent the original day they will have their picture taken on November 5. Also, if you purchased a package but would like to have a new picture taken, send the package in with your child for a retake.

PTO Meeting

We hope you join us for our November PTO meeting. The meeting is virtual and will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 4. Please use the following link to join the meeting: November PTO Meeting Link

Sherman Food Drive

Sherman is hosting a food drive next week and is requesting donations of any non-perishable food, personal care items, paper products, cleaning supplies, and school supplies from those who are able to contribute. Families who wish to donate may drop off items in the main office through Friday, November 7. These items will be brought to the R-H Kicking Hunger School Food Pantry the following week. Thank you in advance for any and all donations!

CLUBS

Session 1 Clubs began this week. After-school clubs run on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays. We offer parent pickup and bus transportation. Please note that many clubs have roster limits of 23. Theater and Student Council clubs do not operate under the lottery system. Please contact the main office if you have questions about these clubs. Dismissal information for clubs can be found below.

Club Bus Information

Your child will fill out a bus pass during the club and give it to the bus driver.  Please be sure your child knows what address they will be dropped off at. The number of students riding the bus will vary each afternoon, so it is impossible for us to give exact drop-off times. If you have transportation questions after 4 p.m., you will need to call transportation (359-5380) directly.  Please do not call Sherman.

Club Pick-Up Information

• If you plan to pick up your child, you will need to be in the car lineup at our side entrance at 4:15 p.m. Please have the GRAY club fast pass visible for “Club Pickup.”
• If you are not present when buses leave around 4:20 p.m., the student will be placed on a bus.  
• You do not need to send in a pass or note to pick up. You need to be present at 4:15 p.m.  

Parent-Teacher Conferences:

We are looking forward to meeting with you. Our parent-teacher conferences will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. on Monday, November 24, and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, November 25. Classroom teachers will reach out via Remind to schedule conferences. Please note that both in-person and virtual meetings are available.

Local Resources:

With the holiday season approaching and the potential for limited federal resources being made available to assist local families, we want to remind our community of several local avenues of support. Students can always take advantage of the free breakfast and lunch options on school days. (We recommend submitting the annual free and reduced lunch forms so R-H can continue to provide an array of services to students and families.) In addition, families can utilize the R-H Kicking Hunger School Food Pantry and additional local food resources. You also may visit this page on our website for a variety of resources available to families.

Upcoming Calendar

2025-2026 Sherman Calendar of Events (Green and Gold Team listed at the bottom)

11/3: 6th-Grade Pumpkin Drop (During the school day)

11/4: PTO Meeting (virtual) 6 to 7 p.m.

11/5:  School Picture make-up day

11/7: 1st Quarter Ends

11/11: Veterans Day (No School)

11/12: Royal Comet Grade-Level Assemblies

11/24-25: Parent-Teacher Conferences (No school for students)

11/26-28: Thanksgiving Break (No school)

Other Links

• MealViewer
• Early Pickup Form
• Regular and Consistent Pick-up Form
• Sherman School Absence Form

 

SEL & PBIS Monthly Focus

Self-Management: Setting goals, staying organized, and handling emotions in positive ways

Be Trustworthy: Being honest, keeping promises, and making choices others can count on

Families can help by: 

• Encouraging routines and responsibilities at home
• Praising honesty and effort

Sincerely,

Courtney Betancourt
Principal

Dear Sherman Families,

Thank you all for your incredible support throughout the principal interview process—it has meant so much to me and to our school community. I’ve officially wrapped up my first week as principal, and I couldn’t be prouder of our students and staff. Our halls feel positive and safe, with students continuing to be their best selves and working hard each day. Teachers are thoughtfully designing our intervention block to meet the needs of all learners, ensuring every child receives the support and challenge they need to grow. It’s truly an exciting time at Sherman!

The search for Sherman’s next assistant principal has officially begun! We’ll soon be seeking stakeholder representation to ensure that voices from across our school community are part of the selection process. More details will be shared in the coming week.

Trunk or Treat Happening Today!

Sherman’s PTO is excited to host its annual Trunk or Treat for Grades 4 and 5 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. TODAY, Friday October 24, in the front bus loop! Join us for a fun-filled evening of treats, creativity, and community. Costumes are welcome but not required—come as you are and enjoy the celebration. We can’t wait to see you there!

Updates from Sherman

PTO Meeting

We hope you join us for our November PTO meeting. The meeting is virtual and will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 4. Please use the following link to join the meeting: November PTO Meeting Link

Clubs

Session 1 Clubs begin Monday, October 27. After-school clubs run on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays. We do offer parent pickup and bus transportation. Please note that many clubs have roster limits of 23. Theater and Student Council clubs do not operate under the lottery system. Please contact the main office if you have questions about these clubs. Dismissal information for clubs can be found below.

BUSING INFO

Your child will fill out a bus pass during the club and give it to the bus driver.  Please be sure your child knows what address they will be dropped off at. The number of students riding the bus will vary each afternoon, so it is impossible for us to give exact drop-off times. If you have transportation questions after 4 p.m., you will need to call transportation (359-5382) directly; please do not call Sherman.

PICK-UP INFO 

• If you plan to pick up your child, you will need to be in the car lineup at our side entrance at 4:15 p.m. Please have the GRAY club fast pass visible for “Club Pickup.”

• If you are not present when buses leave around 4:20 p.m., the student will be placed on a bus.  

• You do not need to send in a pass or note to pick up.  You need to be present at 4:15 p.m.  

October is Bullying Prevention Month

There are school-wide and classroom initiatives to educate our students on bullying prevention.  On Thursday, October 30, we have “No One Eats Alone Day!” Students are invited to find a friend who needs a buddy at lunch and sit with them. 

Upcoming Calendar

2025-2026 Sherman Calendar of Events (Green and Gold Team listed at the bottom)

10/24: Grades 4 and 5 Trunk-or-Treat, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

10/31: 6th Grade Pumpkin Drop (During the school day)

11/4: PTO Meeting (virtual) 6 to 7 p.m.

11/7: 1st Quarter Ends

11/11: Veterans Day (No School)

11/12: Royal Comet Grade-Level Assemblies

11/24-25:  Parent-Teacher Conferences

11/24-28: Thanksgiving Break (No School)

Other Links

• MealViewer
• Early Pickup Form
• Regular and Consistent Pick-up Form
• Sherman School Absence Form

SEL & PBIS Monthly Focus

Self-Management: Setting goals, staying organized, and handling emotions in positive ways

Be Trustworthy: Being honest, keeping promises, and making choices others can count on

Families can help by: 

• Encouraging routines and responsibilities at home
• Praising honesty and effort

Sincerely,

Courtney Betancourt
Principal

Friday, October 17, 2025 

Dear Sherman Families, 

As my time serving as interim principal at Sherman Elementary comes to a close, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for the kindness, support, and partnership you've shown throughout my time here. The staff at Sherman is deeply committed to providing students with the best education possible. I’ve seen this dedication every single day, in every corner of the school. I’m incredibly proud to have worked alongside so many passionate and talented individuals.

It has truly been a privilege to work with such a dedicated community of families, staff, and students. Sherman is a special place, and I leave with deep gratitude for the opportunity to be part of its story, even if only for a short while. My last day is Friday, October 17.  

Please join me in congratulating Courtney Betancourt on her appointment as principal! Since arriving at Sherman, Courtney has served as our assistant principal with professionalism, warmth, and unwavering enthusiasm. Her passion for education and her deep care for the Sherman community have been evident in everything she does. With Courtney at the helm, Sherman is in excellent hands—now and for years to come.

We’re pleased that Marc Nelson will be joining Sherman as interim assistant principal, with a tentative start date of October 27. Marc is a retired elementary principal who brings extensive experience and a deep commitment to supporting both students and staff. We’re fortunate to welcome such a dedicated educator to our team. The search for a permanent assistant principal is underway—stay tuned for updates in the coming weeks.

---

Royal Comet Meetings for our 4th, 5th, and 6th graders took place on October 15!

• Our Royal Comet Meetings for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders continue to be a powerful and uplifting tradition at Sherman Elementary! Held on Wednesday, October 15, these gatherings shine a spotlight on the positive behaviors we see every day; kindness, responsibility, respect, and a commitment to learning. They also serve as an important reminder of our school-wide expectations and the values that make Sherman such a special place. Most importantly, these meetings reinforce that our students come first. We’re proud to celebrate their growth, character, and contributions to our school community.

---

It’s Almost Time for Sherman's Annual 4th & 5th grade Trunk or Treat!! 

  Please join us rain or shine from 6:30-8pm on Friday, October 24.  

• If you’re interested in decorating a trunk or donating candy, please use the sign up below…this event relies heavily on volunteers so we appreciate any help!
• Please see the sign up below if you are planning to participate in our annual Trunk-OR-Treat by decorating a trunk or donating candy to hand out.

Sign-Up Genius For Trunk or Treat!!!

---

 IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT THE MORNING ENSEMBLE BUSES: 

• A reminder: students who are not in ensembles should not be riding early buses:  

We’d like to remind families that early-arriving transfer buses are reserved exclusively for students participating in our morning ensembles, which meet on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. These buses are not intended for general student use, and students who are not enrolled in these programs should not be arriving at school more than an hour before the official start time.

We appreciate your support in helping ensure that all students arrive at their designated time, allowing us to maintain a safe, structured, and focused start to the school day for everyone. 

---

UPCOMING CALENDAR EVENTS:

2025-2026 Sherman Calendar of Events (Green and Gold Team listed at the bottom)

Monday, 10/20: 4th Grade Music Lessons Begin

Friday, 10/24: Grades 4 and 5 Trunk-or-Treat, 6:30-8 p.m.

Tuesday, 11/4:  PTO meeting, 6-7 pm

Wednesday, 11/5:  School Pictures (Make-Up)

Tuesday, 11/11: Veterans Day, Schools Closed

Monday, 11/24: Parent-Teacher Conferences, 1-8pm (No school for students)

Tuesday, 11/25: Parent-Teacher Conferences, 8-3pm (No school for students)

Wednesday-Friday, 11/26-28:  Thanksgiving Recess SCHOOL NOT IN SESSION!

---

OTHER LINKS

• MealViewer
• Early Pickup Form
• Regular and Consistent Pick-up Form

• Sherman School Absence Form
• Visit our school website: sherman.rhnet.org. 

---

As a reminder, below are practical and supportive tips for families to help address bullying behaviors and online harassment through social media or texting:

 Talk Early and Often

• Open the conversation: Regularly check in with your child about their online and school experiences.
• Use their language: Kids may not use the word “bullying”—they might say “drama” or “being mean.” Ask open-ended questions to understand what’s really happening.

 Set Clear Expectations

• Create family rules for online behavior, including kindness, respect, and what to do if they see or experience bullying.
• Discuss consequences for inappropriate behavior, both at home and at school.

 Stay Involved

• Know the platforms your child uses—social media, games, messaging apps—and how they work.
• Follow or friend your child on social media, or have another trusted adult do so.
• Check privacy settings and help your child understand how to protect their information.

 Watch for Warning Signs

• Be alert to changes in mood, withdrawal from social activities, reluctance to use devices, or sudden drops in self-esteem—these can be signs of bullying or harassment.

 Teach Digital Resilience

• Help your child develop strategies for handling online conflict, such as blocking users, reporting abuse, and not responding to hurtful messages.
• Encourage them to screenshot and save any harmful messages or posts as evidence.

 Partner with the School

• If bullying is happening at school or involves classmates, reach out to teachers or administrators. Schools can only help if they’re aware of the issue.

 Model Empathy and Respect

• Kids learn a lot by watching adults. Show them how to treat others with kindness and how to stand up for what’s right.

It’s been a fantastic week of learning, growth, and connection at Sherman. Thank you to our students, staff, and families for making it all possible. Enjoy a well-deserved weekend. I will miss working at Sherman.  

Sincerely,

Chris Barker
Interim Principal

Thursday, October 16

Dear Sherman Families, 

Club information and a student information sheet to return to school will be coming home today or tomorrow with your child.

Please take a moment to review the materials together and complete the student information sheet that will ensure your child's participation in the chosen club by Thursday, October 23. 

Clubs are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, October 28, as Sherman is excited to offer a variety of engaging opportunities for students to explore their interests and connect with peers.

Sincerely,

Chris Barker
Interim Principal

Dear Sherman Families,

This morning, a student brought an item that has practical uses but also could be considered a weapon onto the bus. Another student saw the item and reported it to administrators. We were able to speak with the student who brought the item and took possession of it. 

Although no threat was made, we take these situations seriously. We thank the student who was willing to report the concern to adults. Rush-Henrietta has a well-defined set of expectations outlined in its Code of Conduct, and the Code will be followed in this matter. The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority.

Let’s continue to work as strong partners to maintain a safe, caring learning environment for our entire school community.

Chris Barker
Interim Principal

Dear Sherman families, 

We had a wonderful week at school! Our students worked hard, showed kindness, and made many great choices. Of course, as we all know, kids are still learning—and that means mistakes will happen. It’s a natural part of growing up.  At Sherman, we believe school is a place to learn in every sense—not just academics, but also how to make good decisions and treat others with respect. Learning appropriate behavior takes time, and it can be challenging. That’s perfectly okay. What matters most is helping kids learn from their mistakes so they don’t repeat them.

This is the heart of our approach: we work closely with students to guide and support them when behaviors need adjusting. As a parent of four myself, I’ve had to remind myself of this philosophy more than once—it’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.

---

October is National Bullying Prevention Month—a great time to remind ourselves that building a safe, respectful school environment is something we all play a part in. At Sherman, we’re dedicated to helping students understand the power of kindness, empathy, and standing up against bullying in all its forms, whether it’s verbal, physical, or online.

Social media harassment can be just as harmful as in-person bullying, and we want our students to feel confident and supported as they learn how to handle these situations with courage and compassion. By encouraging respect and open conversations, we help every child feel seen, heard, and safe, and we teach them how to be advocates for themselves and others. Together, families and schools can make a lasting difference. Let’s keep working as a team to ensure all our kids feel protected and valued every day.

As someone who’s worked closely with student behavior for many years, I’ve seen how actions that seem “innocent” or “just joking” can still be deeply hurtful. One phrase I heard often was, “It only happened once.” But that “once” might be happening to different students in different classrooms every day, and sometimes adults don’t even realize it.

When we brush off harmful behavior, we risk missing patterns that can really affect a child’s well-being. That’s why it’s so important for our school and families to work together. We want to help kids learn empathy, take responsibility, and understand how their words and actions, online or in person, can impact others. Our children are growing up in a complex world. By teaming up, we can make sure they feel safe, supported, and respected every day.

Below are some practical and supportive tips for families to help address bullying behaviors and online harassment through social media or texting:

 Talk Early and Often

• Open the conversation: Regularly check in with your child about their online and school experiences.
• Use their language: Kids may not use the word “bullying”—they might say “drama” or “being mean.” Ask open-ended questions to understand what’s really happening.

 Set Clear Expectations

• Create family rules for online behavior, including kindness, respect, and what to do if they see or experience bullying.
• Discuss consequences for inappropriate behavior, both at home and at school.

 Stay Involved

• Know the platforms your child uses—social media, games, messaging apps—and how they work.
• Follow or friend your child on social media, or have another trusted adult do so.
• Check privacy settings and help your child understand how to protect their information.

 Watch for Warning Signs

• Be alert to changes in mood, withdrawal from social activities, reluctance to use devices, or sudden drops in self-esteem—these can be signs of bullying or harassment.

 Teach Digital Resilience

• Help your child develop strategies for handling online conflict, such as blocking users, reporting abuse, and not responding to hurtful messages.
• Encourage them to screenshot and save any harmful messages or posts as evidence.

 Partner with the School

• If bullying is happening at school or involves classmates, reach out to teachers or administrators. Schools can only help if they’re aware of the issue.

By working together, families and schools can create a strong support system that helps children feel safe, confident, and empowered—both online and off.

---

Sherman Principal Finalist Interviews:

• Earlier this week, Sherman Elementary welcomed principal finalists who met with families, students, and staff in dedicated forums. Families appreciated the chance to ask questions and share their hopes, while students enjoyed engaging in conversations that made them feel heard. Staff noted the candidates’ strong understanding of Sherman’s values.

• This afternoon, hopefully you received the E-News from Dr. Mullen, that Courtney Betancourt, the assistant principal at Sherman, has been named the new principal.  I am unbelievably proud and excited for Courtney and Sherman.  She loves the school community and she is an excellent leader with passion, thoughtfulness, compassion, and vision. 

---

It’s almost time for our Annual 4th & 5th grade Trunk or Treat!! 

            Please join us rain or shine from 6:30-8pm on Friday, October 24.  

• If you’re interested in decorating a trunk or donating candy, please use the sign up below…this event relies heavily on volunteers so we appreciate any help.  

                                      

TRUNK OR TREAT SIGN-UP GENIUS

---

 IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT THE ENSEMBLE BUSES: 

• STUDENTS WHO ARE NOT IN ENSEMBLES SHOULD NOT BE RIDING EARLY BUSES:  I want to remind families that transfer buses arriving early to school are designated specifically for students who are enrolled in our morning ensembles, which meet on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. These buses are not intended for general student use, and students who are not part of these programs should not be arriving at school over an hour early. It has been reported that some students are boarding these early buses without being part of an ensemble, which creates supervision and safety concerns. We kindly ask for your support in ensuring that students arrive at their scheduled time so we can maintain a safe and structured start to the school day for everyone.

---

Upcoming Calendar

2025-2026 Sherman Calendar of Events (Green and Gold Team listed at the bottom)

Monday, 10/13: No School (Columbus and Indigenous Peoples’ Day)

Wednesday, 10/15: Royal Comet Grade-Level Assemblies

Monday, 10/20: 4th Grade Music Lessons Begin

Friday, 10/24: Grades 4 and 5 Trunk-or-Treat, 6:30-8 p.m.

---

Other Links

• MealViewer
• Early Pickup Form
• Regular and Consistent Pick-up Form
• Sherman School Absence Form
• Visit our website: sherman.rhnet.org. 

---

SEL & PBIS Monthly Focus for October

Self-Management: Setting goals, staying organized, and handling emotions in positive ways

Be Trustworthy: Being honest, keeping promises, and making choices others can count on

Families can help by: 

• Encouraging routines and responsibilities at home
• Praising honesty and effort

October is Bullying Prevention Month

Bullying: Repeated actions (verbal, physical, social, or online) that hurt, exclude, or intimidate others

Families can help by: 

• Modeling kindness and respect
• Practicing and role-playing standing up for others

Cyberbullying Prevention Tips:

• Monitor online activity
• Set clear rules for devices
• Teach kids not to share personal info or respond to hurtful messages
• Encourage kids to come to you if something online feels wrong

As we wrap up another week at Sherman, thank you for your continued partnership and support. Whether it’s showing up for events, checking in with your child, or simply staying connected, it all makes a difference. We’re proud of the growth we’re seeing and excited for what’s ahead. Wishing you a restful weekend with moments that matter...

Sincerely,

Chris Barker
Interim Principal

Dear Sherman families, 

My name is Chris Barker, and I’m honored to step in as your Interim Principal and excited to be part of this wonderful school community. With 36 years in education, including roles as teacher, assistant principal, principal, and director—I’ve dedicated my career to supporting students, staff, and families. After retiring from Rush-Henrietta last August, I served as Interim Principal and Assistant Principal at Vollmer Elementary from December - June.

My goal is simple while at Sherman: to lead with care, assist where needed, and build strong connections. I look forward to working together to make this a great month of October! 

---

HIGHLIGHTS!

Mr. Passero ends his time at Sherman:  The school celebrated Principal Dave Passero as he concluded his time with us, surrounded by heartfelt farewells from students and staff. The send-off was filled with joy, appreciation, and warm memories—reflecting the lasting impact he’s had on our school community. As he begins his new role in the Victor Central School District, we extend our sincere thanks and wish him all the best in both the near and distant future. His leadership will be missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire.

Sherman “Fun Run” update: The school hosted its annual "Fun Run" fundraiser on October 3, and it was a fantastic celebration of school spirit and community support. Students, staff, and families came together with energy and enthusiasm, helping to raise over $10,000!  The funds will be donated to support school enrichment programs, classroom resources, and student activities that enhance learning and engagement throughout the year. Thank you to everyone who volunteered, participated and contributed to making this event such a success!

Finding the new Principal for Sherman:  Our school is excited to welcome two finalists for the Principal position on Monday and Tuesday, October 6 and 7. As part of the selection process, both candidates will meet with two stakeholder groups: one composed of staff and adult representatives, and another made up of student leaders. These groups reflect the voices and perspectives of our school community, and their input will play an important role in helping us find the best fit for our future.

The entire staff will have the opportunity to attend forums where they will meet the finalists and have the opportunity to ask questions. These forums are designed to foster transparency and engagement throughout the selection process, ensuring that everyone has a chance to hear directly from the candidates and contribute to the conversation.

We look forward to a thoughtful and engaging experience for all involved. Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks.

---

UPDATES: 

PTO Meeting

We hope you join us for our October PTO meeting. The meeting is virtual and will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 7. Please use the following link to join the meeting: October PTO Meeting Link

CLUBS: LAST CALL FOR REGISTRATION!!!

It is time to sign up for after-school clubs. Due to high demand, all registrations will be done through a lottery system. Students who do not get into clubs in Session 1 (10/28-1/22) will be given lottery priority in Session 2 (1/27-4/16). After-school clubs run on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays. We do offer parent pickup and bus transportation. Please note that many clubs have roster limits of 23. Theater and Student Council clubs do not operate under the lottery system. These clubs require auditions or teacher recommendations. 

NEW CLUB:  Ski Club!   Brand new for our 4-6 schools this year.  Please take a look at the flyer and contact Jake Falci, teacher/advisor at Burger JHS.  His contact information is on the flyer.  Stay tuned for more information in future E-News.     

• Ski Club at Swain!

Registration is open through Monday, October 6. Confirmation of enrollment will be sent home with students on Friday, October 17. Final registration forms must be submitted to the main office by Thursday, October 23. Click here to express your interest in a club.

---

Upcoming Calendar

2025-2026 Sherman Calendar of Events (Green and Gold Team listed at the bottom)

10/7: PTO Meeting (virtual) 6-7 p.m.

10/10: No School (Staff Conference Day)

10/13: No School (Columbus and Indigenous Peoples’ Day)

10/15: Royal Comet Grade-Level Assemblies

10/20: 4th Grade Music Lessons Begin

10/24: Grades 4 and 5 Trunk-or-Treat, 6:30-8 p.m.

Other Links

• MealViewer
• Early Pickup Form
• Regular and Consistent Pick-up Form
• Sherman School Absence Form
• R-H has a new website! Please familiarize yourself with the website and share feedback here. The direct link to our site is sherman.rhnet.org. 

---

SEL & PBIS Monthly Focus for October

Self-Management: Setting goals, staying organized, and handling emotions in positive ways

Be Trustworthy: Being honest, keeping promises, and making choices others can count on

Families can help by: 

• Encouraging routines and responsibilities at home
• Praising honesty and effort

October is Bullying Prevention Month

Bullying: Repeated actions (verbal, physical, social, or online) that hurt, exclude, or intimidate others

Families can help by: 

• Modeling kindness and respect
• Practicing and role-playing standing up for others

Cyberbullying Prevention Tips:

• Monitor online activity
• Set clear rules for devices
• Teach kids not to share personal info or respond to hurtful messages
• Encourage kids to come to you if something online feels wrong

Have a great week ahead!

 

Sincerely,

Chris Barker
Interim Principal

Dear Sherman Families, 

 

Message below is from our PTO with regard to the "Fun Run" that will happen tomorrow...Friday, October 3rd at school.  Please take a look! 

 

---

Last Chance to Donate Before the Big Event! 
Sherman Families,

The Sherman Fun Run is TOMORROW!  That means TONIGHT is the FINAL NIGHT to make donations on MyBooster.com before our exciting event!

We are SO CLOSE to hitting our $20,000 goal — let’s finish strong!

 What your donations support:

• Awesome indoor recess equipment for every classroom

• Expanded access to new technology for all students

• Funding future PTO events like the End of Year Picnic

And if we reach our goal...
 Our P.E. teachers will take a splash in a DUNK TANK! 

Let’s make it happen!

Thank you for your incredible support!
-Sherman PTO

Sincerely,

Chris Barker
Interim Principal

Dear Sherman Families,

I cannot thank you enough for allowing me to serve as the principal of Sherman Elementary. Tuesday, September 30, will be my final day as I begin a new chapter as Assistant Superintendent for Personnel in Victor Central School District.

It has been the honor of a lifetime to work alongside such caring families and incredible students. Your partnership, trust, and commitment to our children’s growth have made Sherman a truly special place. I am so proud of the accomplishments we’ve achieved together and confident that the school will continue to thrive under the dedicated staff here at Sherman.

Thank you for welcoming me into your lives and for all the memories I will keep with me. Sherman will always hold a special place in my heart. Mr. Chris Barker will serve as interim principal until a new principal is hired.

Updates from Sherman

Spirit Week

Please see our Spirit Week Flier for September 29-October 3.

PTO Meeting

We hope you join us for our October PTO meeting. The meeting is virtual and will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 7. Please use the following link to join the meeting: October PTO Meeting Link

Sherman Fun Run – Register Today!

The weekend has arrived, and we are making great progress toward our goal! Here are some status updates: 

Students Signed Up: 41%

Students Donated: 20%

Current Estimated School Profit: $9,630

For those who still need to sign up, you can visit MyBooster.com. Our $20,000 goal will support PTO events, classroom experiences, and new technology for students.

• Fun Run: 10/3/25 Click here for the Fun Run Schedule
• The Sherman PTO Fun Run is Friday, October 3! Weather permitting, the event will take place outdoors behind the school. Parents and guardians are welcome to attend, but please note that this is an outdoor-only event. Feel free to bring signs to cheer on the runners! Visitors will not be allowed inside the school building, so please park in the lot and walk around to the back.

Clubs

It is time to sign up for after-school clubs. Due to high demand, all registrations will be done through a lottery system. Students who do not get into clubs in Session 1 (10/28-1/22) will be given lottery priority in Session 2 (1/27-4/16). After-school clubs run on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays. We do offer parent pickup and bus transportation. Please note that many clubs have roster limits of 23. Theater and Student Council clubs do not operate under the lottery system. These clubs require auditions or teacher recommendations. 

Registration is open through October 6. Confirmation of enrollment will be sent home with students on Friday, October 17. Final registration forms must be submitted to the main office by Thursday, October 23. Click here to express your interest in a club.

Upcoming Calendar

2025-2026 Sherman Calendar of Events (Green and Gold Team listed at the bottom)

9/29-10/3: Spirit Week

10/3: Fun Run (During the school day)

10/7: PTO Meeting (virtual) 6-7 p.m.

10/10: No School (Staff Conference Day)

10/13: No School (Columbus and Indigenous Peoples’ Day)

10/15: Royal Comet Grade-Level Asemblies

10/20: 4th Grade Music Lessons Begin

10/24: Grades 4 and 5 Trunk-or-Treat, 6:30-8 p.m.

Other Links

• MealViewer
• Early Pickup Form
• Regular and Consistent Pick-up Form
• Sherman School Absence Form

SEL & PBIS Monthly Focus

Self- Management: Setting goals, staying organized, and handling emotions in positive ways

Be Trustworthy: Being honest, keeping promises, and making choices others can count on

Families can help by: 

• Encouraging routines and responsibilities at home
• Praising honesty and effort

October is Bullying Prevention Month

Bullying: Repeated actions (verbal, physical, social, or online) that hurt, exclude, or intimidate others

Families can help by: 

• Modeling kindness and respect
• Practicing and role-playing standing up for others

Cyberbullying Prevention Tips:

• Monitor online activity
• Set clear rules for devices
• Teach kids not to share personal info or respond to hurtful messages
• Encourage kids to come to you if something online feels wrong

Sincerely,

Dear Sherman Families,

We had to adjust our Friday, October 3, Fun Run Schedule. Our 4th and 5th-grade times were impacted. Please see our updated schedule. Click here for the Fun Run Schedule

Weather permitting, the event will take place outdoors behind the school. Parents and guardians are welcome to attend, but please note that this is an outdoor-only event. Feel free to bring signs to cheer on the runners! Visitors will not be allowed inside the school building, so please park in the lot and walk around to the back.

Sincerely,

Dave Passero
Principal

Dear Sherman Families,

School picture day is scheduled for September 25. All forms were sent home with students this week. We are looking forward to seeing all of those smiling faces in our yearbook in June. 

Updates from Sherman

Sherman Fun Run – Register Today!

It’s time to sign up for our Sherman Fun Run at MyBooster.com! Our $20,000 goal will support PTO events, classroom experiences, and new technology for students.

Key Dates:

• Kickoff: 9/22/25
• Fun Run: 10/3/25
  • Click here for the Fun Run Schedule
    • The Sherman PTO Fun Run is Friday, October 3! Weather permitting, the event will take place outdoors behind the school. Parents and guardians are welcome to attend, but please note that this is an outdoor-only event. Feel free to bring signs to cheer on the runners! Visitors will not be allowed inside the school building, so please park in the lot and walk around to the back.

Every student who registers earns a prize! Plus, thanks to our partnership with Dave & Buster’s, students can unlock special rewards and sweepstakes entries. Thank you for supporting our school and making this event a success!

4th Grade Ensemble Registration

Please click here to register for 4th-grade music ensembles. The registration deadline to be included is Friday, September 26.

Clubs

It is time to sign up for after-school clubs. Due to high demand, all registrations will be done through a lottery system. Students who do not get into clubs in Session 1 (10/28-1/22) will be given lottery priority in Session 2 (1/27-4/16). After-school clubs run on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays. We do offer parent pickup and bus transportation. Please note that many clubs have roster limits of 23. Theater and Student Council clubs do not operate under the lottery system. These clubs require auditions or teacher recommendations. 

Registration will be open September 19-October 6. Confirmation of enrollment will be sent home with students on Friday, October 17. Final registration forms must be submitted to the main office by Thursday, October 23. Click here to express your interest in a club.

Information Night and Book Fair

We hope you will join us for the Sherman Informational Night & Book Fair!

• 9/23: Grades 4-6 Gold Team, 6-7 p.m.

Book Fair: 

Sherman Book Fair 

Upcoming Calendar

2025-2026 Sherman Calendar of Events (Green and Gold Team listed at the bottom)

9/22: 5th and 6th Grade Before-School Ensembles Begin 

9/23: Informational Night & Book Fair (Gold Team) 6-7 p.m.

9/25: School Picture Day

9/29-10/3: Spirit Week

10/3: Fun Run (During the school day)

10/7: PTO Meeting (virtual) 6-7 p.m.

10/10: No School (Staff Conference Day)

10/13: No School (Columbus and Indigenous Peoples’ Day)

10/15: Royal Comet Grade-Level Asemblies

10/20: 4th Grade Music Lessons Begin

10/24: Grades 4 and 5 Trunk-or-Treat, 6:30-8 p.m.

Other Links

• MealViewer
• Early Pickup Form
• Regular and Consistent Pick-up Form
• Sherman School Absence Form

SEL & PBIS Monthly Focus

Our focus this month is Self Awareness and Be Ready To Learn! Sherman Elementary has these expectations for how students can show this at school. 

Building self-awareness can improve a child’s confidence and optimism! To increase self-awareness, children need to be able to identify their emotions and how they impact behavior. Here is a resource that can provide more information and examples of how we can help children build more self-awareness. 

Being Ready To Learn is such an important part of success! 

Here are some additional tips to help your children be ready to learn, as well as some tips for managing fear or anxiety!

Sincerely,

Dave Passero
Principal

Dear Sherman Families,

This morning, we established a Medical Hold-In-Place in the building in order to tend to a staff member who wasn’t feeling well. An ambulance responded to the building, and the staff member was transported to the hospital for evaluation. I appreciate the way students and staff members responded to this situation. Everyone followed procedures and was safe within the school during the time. These situations reinforce why the drills we practice during the year are so important. 

Sincerely,

Dave Passero
Principal

Dear Sherman Families,

It’s time! You can register your student for our Sherman Fun Run! This year, our goal is to raise $ 20,000, which will support our one major fundraiser that powers the entire year. Your support helps bring PTO events to life, enhance classroom experiences, and expand access to new technology that sparks learning. Signing up is quick, and every student who registers earns a fun prize!

️Sign Up On MyBooster.com  ️

Thank you for being a part of our Sherman Elementary School community and helping us make a difference for our students. We are grateful for your support!

Follow our Sherman PTO FACEBOOK page for fun progress updates in the coming weeks!

Key Dates to Remember:

Fundraiser Kickoff in school – 09/22/2025

Event Day – 10/03/2025

We are excited to share that we have a special partnership activation with Dave & Buster's! When you sign-up your student(s) on MyBooster.com, and get a $1 per-minute donation, they earn a 60-minute Dave & Buster's Play Pass. Once signed up, they will be entered into a schoolwide sweepstakes for a Dave & Buster's MEGA VIP Party! Students can earn additional entries by completing sharing tasks on their student dashboards. Registration opens today!

Thank you for helping us make this event a success. We couldn’t do it without our amazing school community!

Updates from Sherman

Clubs

Our after-school club information will be released next week. Due to high demand, all registrations will be done through a lottery system. Students who do not get into clubs in Session 1 (10/28-1/22) will be given lottery priority in Session 2 (1/27-4/16). Please note that many clubs have roster limits of 23. Theater and Student Council clubs do not operate under the lottery system. These clubs require auditions or teacher recommendations. Registration will be open September 19-October 6. Confirmation of enrollment will be sent home with students on Friday, October 17. Final registration forms must be submitted to the main office by Thursday, October 23.

Information Night and Book Fair

We hope you will join us for the Sherman Informational Night & Book Fair!

• 9/16: Grades 4-6 Green Team and Special Class, 6-7 p.m.
• 9/23: Grades 4-6 Gold Team, 6-7 p.m.

Book Fair: 

Our in-school browsing days will be September 15 and 16, shopping days will be September 18 and 19, along with both Informational Nights on September 16 and September 23. To learn more about the book fair and visit the book fair homepage, click here: Sherman Book Fair 

School-wide Jobs

We are now accepting applications for our school-wide student jobs. Please check out our letter, application, and job descriptions using this link. Applications were also sent to student email addresses. All applications are due by Friday, September 19.

Upcoming Calendar

2025-2026 Sherman Calendar of Events (Green and Gold Team listed at the bottom)

9/16: Informational Night & Book Fair (Green Team) 6-7 p.m.

9/22: 5th and 6th Grade Before-School Ensembles Begin 

9/23: Informational Night & Book Fair (Gold Team) 6-7 p.m.

9/25: School Picture Day

9/29-10/3: Spirit Week

Other Links

• MealViewer
• Early Pickup Form
• Regular and Consistent Pick-up Form
• Sherman School Absence Form

Survey Reminder

If you would like to provide input to aid the search for the next Sherman principal, you are invited to participate in this short, confidential survey. Your responses will help identify the characteristics the Sherman community values in its next leader. Please complete the survey by this Sunday, September 14.

New Website

R-H has a new website! Please familiarize yourself with the website and share feedback here. The direct link to our site is sherman.rhnet.org. 

SEL & PBIS Monthly Focus

Our focus this month is Self Awareness and Be Ready To Learn! Sherman Elementary has these expectations for how students can show this at school. 

Building self-awareness can improve a child’s confidence and optimism! To increase self-awareness, children need to be able to identify their emotions and how they impact behavior. Here is a resource that can provide more information and examples of how we can help children build more self-awareness. 

Being Ready To Learn is such an important part of success! 

Here are some additional tips to help your children be ready to learn, as well as some tips for managing fear or anxiety!

Sincerely,

Dave Passero
Principal

Dear Sherman Families,

We had an excellent first week at Sherman, filled with smiles and the students' excitement as they came back to school. On Wednesday, September 10, we'll host our first Royal Comet Grade Level Assembly of the year. These gatherings aim to strengthen community, highlight the Sherman Big 3, and promote social, emotional, and academic success. We’re looking forward to next week!

Updates from Sherman

PTO Meeting

We hope you join us for our September PTO meeting. The meeting is virtual and will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 9. Please use the following link to join the meeting: September PTO Meeting Link

School-wide Jobs

We are now accepting applications for our school-wide student jobs. Please check out our letter, application, and job descriptions using this link. Applications were also sent to student email addresses. All applications are due by Friday, September 19.

Fun Run Fundraiser

Get Ready for Our Fun Run Fundraiser! 

Our MyBooster Fundraiser begins Monday, September 22. Our Fun Run is scheduled for Friday, October 3. This is a chance for students to get active, have fun, and help support our school! Families and friends can show their support by pledging donations, which will go directly toward enriching programs and experiences for our students.

• Learn more here: Program Overview
• Learn how to Sign Up: Sign Up Video

Thank you for helping us make this event a success. We couldn’t do it without our amazing school community!

Information Night and Book Fair

We hope you will join us for the Sherman Informational Night & Book Fair!

• 9/16: Grades 4-6 Green Team and Special Class, 6-7 p.m.
• 9/23: Grades 4-6 Gold Team, 6-7 p.m.

Book Fair: Our in-school browsing days will be September 15 and 16, shopping days will be September 18 and 19, along with both Informational Nights on September 16 and September 23. To learn more about the book fair and visit the book fair homepage, click here: Sherman Book Fair 

New Website

R-H has a new website! Please familiarize yourself with the website and share feedback here. The direct link to our site is sherman.rhnet.org. 

Upcoming Calendar

2025-2026 Sherman Calendar of Events

• 9/9: PTO Meeting 6 p.m. (Virtual)
• 9/10: Royal Comet Grade-Level Meeting (During the school day)
• 9/16: Informational Night & Book Fair (Green Team) 6-7 p.m.
• 9/22: 5th and 6th Grade Before-School Ensembles Begin 
• 9/23: Informational Night & Book Fair (Gold Team) 6-7 p.m.
• 9/25: School Picture Day
• 9/29-10/3: Spirit Week

Other Links

• MealViewer
• Early Pickup Form
• Regular and Consistent Pick-up Form

SEL & PBIS Monthly Focus

Our focus this month is Self Awareness and Be Ready To Learn! Sherman Elementary has these expectations for how students can show this at school. 

Building self-awareness can improve a child’s confidence and optimism! To increase self-awareness, children need to be able to identify their emotions and how they impact behavior. Here is a resource that can provide more information and examples of how we can help children build more self-awareness. 

Being Ready To Learn is such an important part of success!  Here are some additional tips to help your children be ready to learn, as well as some tips for managing fear or anxiety!