Please stay tuned to www.nyc.gov/schools for the latest news concerning Swine Flu.
A letter was distributed to all students today to articulate the steps we are taking at the Holliswood School. There are no cases of Swine Flu at the Holliswood School. Please contact your child's teacher if you do not receive that letter.
Thank you.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Swine Influenza (Swine Flu) - Information for Families
Dear Families:
As you may already be aware, there have been several cases of Swine Influenza (Swine Flu) confirmed in a non-public school in Queens. The New York City Department of Education has been working closely with the Department of Health and Mental Health regarding guidance for the situation. Please see below a Question and Answer document, which was circulated to all principals regarding Swine Influenza.
It is very important to be alert to this situation, but to remain calm. We will keep you advised as more information becomes available.
Thank you.
FAQs - Information on Swine Influenza
What is swine influenza?
Swine flu is a respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses that regularly cause outbreaks in pigs. There have been reports of serious illness and deaths due to swine flu in Mexico, but the recently confirmed cases in the United States have been mild.
What are the symptoms of swine influenza?
Swine flu symptoms are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, lethargy, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu.
If parents ask whether it is safe for their child to attend school, what should I say?
So far only one school, St. Francis Preparatory in Queens, is closed. There is no reason for anyone else to keep healthy children at home. If a child has fever or a respiratory illness they should be kept home from school until they have recovered.
Is swine influenza treatable?
Yes. Antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms). It is particularly important for people who have severe illness and for those with underlying illness (such as diabetes, heart, or lung disease) to be treated.
How does swine influenza spread?
Swine flu viruses can be directly transmitted from pigs to people and from people to pigs. Human-to-human transmission is also possible, and appears to be occurring with this outbreak. Spread is mainly through coughing or sneezing. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
How can I protect myself from swine influenza?
Here are the best ways to avoid getting or spreading swine influenza:
Encourage all people to cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you get sick, limit contact with others to avoid infecting them.
These are the same protections as those for seasonal flu and many other respiratory infections.
What should I do if a student is sick?
The student should be evaluated by the nurse. If the nurse believes that the student may have influenza, the child should be separated from other students and sent home. The student should not take the school bus. Students with symptoms of flu should not return to school until they have been symptom-free for 1 to 2 days.
What should I do if a school employee has flu symptoms?
The person should go home and not return to school until 1-2 days after they become symptom free.
As you may already be aware, there have been several cases of Swine Influenza (Swine Flu) confirmed in a non-public school in Queens. The New York City Department of Education has been working closely with the Department of Health and Mental Health regarding guidance for the situation. Please see below a Question and Answer document, which was circulated to all principals regarding Swine Influenza.
It is very important to be alert to this situation, but to remain calm. We will keep you advised as more information becomes available.
Thank you.
FAQs - Information on Swine Influenza
What is swine influenza?
Swine flu is a respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses that regularly cause outbreaks in pigs. There have been reports of serious illness and deaths due to swine flu in Mexico, but the recently confirmed cases in the United States have been mild.
What are the symptoms of swine influenza?
Swine flu symptoms are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, lethargy, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu.
If parents ask whether it is safe for their child to attend school, what should I say?
So far only one school, St. Francis Preparatory in Queens, is closed. There is no reason for anyone else to keep healthy children at home. If a child has fever or a respiratory illness they should be kept home from school until they have recovered.
Is swine influenza treatable?
Yes. Antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms). It is particularly important for people who have severe illness and for those with underlying illness (such as diabetes, heart, or lung disease) to be treated.
How does swine influenza spread?
Swine flu viruses can be directly transmitted from pigs to people and from people to pigs. Human-to-human transmission is also possible, and appears to be occurring with this outbreak. Spread is mainly through coughing or sneezing. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
How can I protect myself from swine influenza?
Here are the best ways to avoid getting or spreading swine influenza:
Encourage all people to cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you get sick, limit contact with others to avoid infecting them.
These are the same protections as those for seasonal flu and many other respiratory infections.
What should I do if a student is sick?
The student should be evaluated by the nurse. If the nurse believes that the student may have influenza, the child should be separated from other students and sent home. The student should not take the school bus. Students with symptoms of flu should not return to school until they have been symptom-free for 1 to 2 days.
What should I do if a school employee has flu symptoms?
The person should go home and not return to school until 1-2 days after they become symptom free.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Latest News from the DOE Website
Welcome back families!
Spotlight from the NYCDOE Website (www.nyc.gov/schools):
Take the 2009 NYC School Survey
Don't miss your chance to tell your school what it's doing well and what it could do better. Find out more about this year's Learning Environment Survey and take the survey online by April 24.
Vote For Your Local Parent Representatives
Beginning today, all parents of a child in a NYC Public School can vote online for local parent representatives on Community and Citywide Education Councils. For more information, visit the election website or call 1-877-NYC-VOTE.
Middle School Film Festival 2009: My Life, My Lens
Seventh and eighth graders are encouraged to submit stories inspired by their lives for the Middle School Film Festival. More than 200 applicants will be chosen to produce their own short films during a summer film camp at the New York Film Academy.
Spotlight from the NYCDOE Website (www.nyc.gov/schools):
Take the 2009 NYC School Survey
Don't miss your chance to tell your school what it's doing well and what it could do better. Find out more about this year's Learning Environment Survey and take the survey online by April 24.
Vote For Your Local Parent Representatives
Beginning today, all parents of a child in a NYC Public School can vote online for local parent representatives on Community and Citywide Education Councils. For more information, visit the election website or call 1-877-NYC-VOTE.
Middle School Film Festival 2009: My Life, My Lens
Seventh and eighth graders are encouraged to submit stories inspired by their lives for the Middle School Film Festival. More than 200 applicants will be chosen to produce their own short films during a summer film camp at the New York Film Academy.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
School-Wide Program School Vote
Dear Families:
Yesterday, the PTA distributed a communication to all parents regarding an upcoming meeting. As you may already know, PS/IS 178Q has been selected to receive expanded Federal Stimulus Funds for the 2009-2010 school year. Therefore, we would like to invite you to discuss what this means and vote on becoming a School-Wide Program School.
The meeting will take place this Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at 8:15 AM, in the library. Please join us.
As a reminder, the Learning Environment Surveys are due to the DOE by April 24th.
Many thanks.
Yesterday, the PTA distributed a communication to all parents regarding an upcoming meeting. As you may already know, PS/IS 178Q has been selected to receive expanded Federal Stimulus Funds for the 2009-2010 school year. Therefore, we would like to invite you to discuss what this means and vote on becoming a School-Wide Program School.
The meeting will take place this Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at 8:15 AM, in the library. Please join us.
As a reminder, the Learning Environment Surveys are due to the DOE by April 24th.
Many thanks.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Announcements/Updates
Updates on Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Enrollment
Pre-Kindergarten
The last day for families to submit pre-kindergarten applications is Friday, April 3. Families can submit an application by mail or online. Translated versions of the application are also available online.
Kindergarten
Parents who receive a kindergarten assignment must visit their assigned school with their child to accept the offer and pre-register by Monday, April 20.
First Annual Arts Benefit
Our first annual arts benefit concert generated a terrific turnout. We raised over $300 on contributions, which will be allocated towards our arts programs next year. Thank you to all for your support. The arts benefit concert showcased all of our performing arts programs, including our residencies with Young People's Chorus, Dancing Classrooms and 144 Music and Arts. The Holliswood Middle School Band and the entire second grade performed as well. It was a wonderful evening.
Spring Fundraiser
This Friday, students will be receiving catalogs for Mother's Day and Spring items. We would be grateful for all of your support in this endeavor.
ELA and MATH Instructionally Targeted Assessments (ITAs)
As you know, one of our school-wide goals this year is to enhance the level of data-driven instruction. This Thursday and Friday, students in grades 3-8 will take their second round of ITAs. The school uses these assessments to inform instruction and target students' areas in need of improvement.
Parent Workshop on 8th Grade SS Exit Project
This Friday at 8:15 AM, Mrs. Corley, our parent coordinator, and eighth grade Social Studies teacher, Mr. Roder, will host a parent workshop on the expectations of the eighth grade social studies exit project, which is a graduation requirement. Please join us.
SAVE THE DATES
On April 28th, Ms. Nugent, English Department Leader, will host the Middle School Poetry Night at Barnes and Noble on Union Turnpike. The event will take place from 5-7 PM.
Inquiry Team Update
Inquiry Team I is expected to launch Phase III on their research and work on vocabulary in May. Students have demonstrated progress on vocabulary. Inquiry Team II is currently studying patterns in student writing and identifying a particular sub-skill to focus on. Sixth Grade Teacher, Ms. Freitas, has been added to Team 2.
Calendar Correction
The Kids for Coltrane Concert and Assembly will not take place next week, as indicated, TBA, on the calendar. The concert date will be announced.
Emergency Blue Cards
Please remember to update your emergency blue cards when revising contact information. Additionally, no one is allowed into the building without a valid NYS picture identification card, such as a Driver's or Non-driver's license.
Spring Break
Spring Break will commence on Thursday, April 9th and end on Friday, April 17th. Students will return to school on Monday, April 20th. All after school programs on April 8th will remain in effect. Have a restful vacation.
Please call the school if you have any questions. Thank you.
Pre-Kindergarten
The last day for families to submit pre-kindergarten applications is Friday, April 3. Families can submit an application by mail or online. Translated versions of the application are also available online.
Kindergarten
Parents who receive a kindergarten assignment must visit their assigned school with their child to accept the offer and pre-register by Monday, April 20.
First Annual Arts Benefit
Our first annual arts benefit concert generated a terrific turnout. We raised over $300 on contributions, which will be allocated towards our arts programs next year. Thank you to all for your support. The arts benefit concert showcased all of our performing arts programs, including our residencies with Young People's Chorus, Dancing Classrooms and 144 Music and Arts. The Holliswood Middle School Band and the entire second grade performed as well. It was a wonderful evening.
Spring Fundraiser
This Friday, students will be receiving catalogs for Mother's Day and Spring items. We would be grateful for all of your support in this endeavor.
ELA and MATH Instructionally Targeted Assessments (ITAs)
As you know, one of our school-wide goals this year is to enhance the level of data-driven instruction. This Thursday and Friday, students in grades 3-8 will take their second round of ITAs. The school uses these assessments to inform instruction and target students' areas in need of improvement.
Parent Workshop on 8th Grade SS Exit Project
This Friday at 8:15 AM, Mrs. Corley, our parent coordinator, and eighth grade Social Studies teacher, Mr. Roder, will host a parent workshop on the expectations of the eighth grade social studies exit project, which is a graduation requirement. Please join us.
SAVE THE DATES
On April 28th, Ms. Nugent, English Department Leader, will host the Middle School Poetry Night at Barnes and Noble on Union Turnpike. The event will take place from 5-7 PM.
Family Math Night - April 30th
Our Spring Concert will take place on May 20th, from 6-8 PM. Due to the auditorium space, we will sell tickets for this event beginning May 1.
Our 3-5 and 6-8 Chorus (part of the Young People's Chorus of NYC) will perform on May 28th at the 92nd Street Y - tentative time is 11:00 AM. Details will follow (http://www.ypc.org/).Inquiry Team Update
Inquiry Team I is expected to launch Phase III on their research and work on vocabulary in May. Students have demonstrated progress on vocabulary. Inquiry Team II is currently studying patterns in student writing and identifying a particular sub-skill to focus on. Sixth Grade Teacher, Ms. Freitas, has been added to Team 2.
Calendar Correction
The Kids for Coltrane Concert and Assembly will not take place next week, as indicated, TBA, on the calendar. The concert date will be announced.
Emergency Blue Cards
Please remember to update your emergency blue cards when revising contact information. Additionally, no one is allowed into the building without a valid NYS picture identification card, such as a Driver's or Non-driver's license.
Spring Break
Spring Break will commence on Thursday, April 9th and end on Friday, April 17th. Students will return to school on Monday, April 20th. All after school programs on April 8th will remain in effect. Have a restful vacation.
Please call the school if you have any questions. Thank you.
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Corley's Corner
Parents and Staff turn out for Corley's Ladies' Night at Strike Long Island (November 2008)
Mrs. Corley gets ready to read at the Barnes and Noble Fundraiser Event
Parents and Staff participate in Corley's Cupcake Creations Parent Workshop
Our Student Council Gives Back!
2009 Student Council President Chrysalis Terrado and her cabinet pose in front of dozens of toys donated by Holliswood families for our annual toy drive (December 2008)
