Friday, October 30, 2009

HALF DAY LUNCH SCHEDULE

HALF DAY LUNCH SCHEDULE

Distributed on: October 19, 2009

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Please be advised that all students are eligible to receive lunch on half days. During half days, we will follow the lunch periods listed below. Our first half day of the school year is Tuesday, November 10, 2009. On this day, dismissal will be 11:30 AM.

Due to the abbreviated lunch period, there will be no recess. Students will proceed directly to the cafeteria for lunch with their teachers and return to class following their lunch unless specified below.

10:10 - 10:30: Grades 6-8

10:35 - 11:00: Grades Pre-K, K, 1, 4

11:05 - 11:30: Grades 2, 3, 5 (dismisses from lunch to regular dismissal sites)

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Rugby Scrimmages and Tournament

There will be a rugby scrimmage this Sunday, 11/1, from 12 - 2 PM at Chelsea Waterside Park.

Flyers will be distributed today regarding the Randall's Island Tournament on November 7th (from 12-4 PM).

Here are the details:
When – Saturday, November 7, 2009.
Times – 12 to 4pm (Arrive by 11am)
Where – Randall’ s Island, Field 75
Cost – FREE
Other – bring athletic apparel, warm clothing, water bottle & snacks. Equipment provided by PRUSA.

For more information & to RSVP:
Christian Mayo
Christian.Mayo@playrugbyusa.com
212-563-3250

If you don't receive a flyer, please let Mr. Sanchez know.

Thank you.

H1N1 Update

Update from NYCDOE Website (www.nyc.gov/schools):

Health experts say vaccination is the best way to protect children against H1N1 and to prevent the spread of the virus. This letter contains important updates about how schools are working to keep students healthy during flu season, including important information about our free and voluntary vaccination program for all children.

Elementary schools with fewer than 400 students and a school nurse will begin offering H1N1 vaccines on Wednesday, October 28. Larger elementary schools will phase-in starting Wednesday, November 4. Middle and high school students can receive the vaccine beginning in early November at various weekend locations throughout the five boroughs. Updated dates and locations for middle and high school vaccinations will be available at schools and online as more information becomes available. Elementary school students who miss the vaccine offered in school can also get the vaccine at weekend clinics. Please continue to check www.nyc.gov/flu for the latest information.

Parents must complete consent forms for their children to receive a vaccination. Schools will send home consent forms and they are also available here along with other important information. Parents should complete and return these forms to school as soon as possible to ensure that their children receive the vaccine.

If you have questions and/or concerns about H1N1, please visit www.nyc.gov/flu or contact your physician.

All community members—adults and children alike—should remember to take basic precautions against the flu, like washing hands regularly and covering coughs. Working together, we can keep our students safe and healthy this flu season.

Halloween Safety Tips

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Saturday, October 31, 2009 is Halloween. Traditionally, Halloween is a time of fun and excitement. However, we need to take precautions in order to have a safe Halloween experience.

Below, we have listed some helpful guidelines to consider, as children go out Trick or Treating.

1. Go Trick or Treating in a group with a responsible adult.
2. Wear a costume that is fireproof and can be seen when it is dark.
3. Do not eat any unwrapped candy or fruit.
4. Parents should inspect all treats before permitting children to eat them.
5. Only go Trick or Treating to friends and neighbors. Do not knock on
strangers' doors.
6. Do not go Trick or Treating late in the evening.
7. Do not play any tricks that can hurt anyone or that can damage property.

We would like to inform families that we are going to have our first school spirit day – “CRAZY HAT DAY” on October 30th, in which students may create their own unique hats and wear them in school. However, students should not wear costumes or masks to school this day. Additionally, students may not have any paint on their faces.

On the evening of October 29th, the PTA has sponsored a Pumpkin/Fall Festival in which children may wear costumes.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Universal Pre-Kindergarten in NYC DOE Schools

Pre-Kindergarten Registration Deadline
Elementary schools / Deadline: October 30

There are still seats available for four-year-old children in Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) programs throughout the five boroughs. The deadline to register students is October 30. Families can visit the DOE’s Web site to find programs that may have available seats.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Flag Rugby Teams

Please be advised that upcoming weekend scrimmages and tournaments for Play Rugby USA will be rain or shine.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

UPCOMING CONSTRUCTION

UPCOMING CONSTRUCTION


Dear Parents/Guardians:

Please be advised that the ongoing construction taking place on school premises at 3:30 PM each day will impact the use of the school yard after school. In the coming days to weeks, the contractor will position a construction lift in the large school yard. A fence will separate the construction lift from the rest of the school yard. Please supervise your children when they are in our school yard after school. We would also recommend that when students are playing in the raised small playground (monkey bars), they should be supervised by adults at all times.

Please be advised that students who are playing on school grounds after school hours are not supervised by Holliswood School staff unless they are participants of one of our after school programs. The school yard is used for our CHAMPS after school sports program and our elementary flag rugby team. Additionally, the Samuel Field Y Program uses the school yard and has counselors supervising the children during those times. If your child is in middle school, we would suggest that your child proceed directly home if unsupervised by an adult.

When there is construction in our school yard, we will schedule indoor recess. A separate letter to Middle School parents will be issued regarding the location of the CHAMPS program during the construction period (Cunningham Park or indoors).

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us or the school’s parent coordinator, Mrs. Corley.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,


Jennifer Ambert, Principal
Patrick Klocek, Assistant Principal

Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences - November 10th

Dear Parents/Guardians:

You are cordially invited to our Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences. Both afternoon and evening conferences will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2009. Conferences are scheduled for 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM in the afternoon and 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM in the evening. During these times, you will have the opportunity to confer with your child’s teacher about his/her academic and social progress. Please feel free to bring an English Language translator with you to the conference. We will also have translators available.

Elementary Families will receive scheduled appointment times. Please complete the tear-off below to indicate your availability. The teachers will send you a reply. Middle School Families will meet with individual teachers through a sign-up sheet, which will be posted outside classrooms during conference hours. This will enable you to meet with the various teachers who instruct your child in a timely manner.

Reminder: Due to Parent-Teacher Conference on the afternoon of Tuesday, November 10, 2009, students will be dismissed at 11:30 AM. Please make sure to make arrangements to have your child picked up at 11:30 AM that day. If your child rides a bus home from school, please arrange that there is a responsible adult at the bus stop. Please sign the tear-off below and return it to your child’s teacher by Friday, October 30, 2009.

All PS/IS 178 After-School Programs will be cancelled on November 10, 2009. The Samuel Field Y Program will also be cancelled.

Elementary report cards will be distributed on November 5, 2009 via backpack.
Middle School report cards will be distributed on November 9, 2009 via backpack.

Information regarding Open School Week (week of November 16-November 20) will be distributed shortly.

Thank you for your cooperation. I look forward to seeing you.

NYS Grade 5 Social Studies Assessment

***NYS Grade 5 Social Studies Exam***

October 13, 2009

Dear Parents/Guardians of Grade 5 Students:

As you know, the Grade 5 NYS Social Studies Exam will be administered on November 16, 2009 – November 17, 2009. With the support of our parents and guardians, our teachers and students have been working tirelessly to prepare for this exam and we know that all of our children will perform brilliantly. We ask that you review the tips below to help your children to prepare for the exam:

1. Make sure your children go to bed early and that they have enough rest. Be sure to get them to school on time the next day, as latecomers may not be permitted to take the exam.
2. Please be sure that your children eat a light, healthy breakfast.
3. Dress them for success. Children should wear comfortable clothes.
4. Please make sure the children are prepared. Our students need to show up to school with #2 pencils, erasers, and other materials specified by their teachers.
5. Tell them to be positive: Expect to do well. Reassure them and tell them to relax. Let them know it is okay to take a short break. They can pause briefly when they need to break the tension. Teach them to close their eyes and practice head rolls or other relaxing exercise.
6. Remind them to avoid distractions and to concentrate only on their own exam.

To provide you with more information, we would like to invite you to our Grade 5 NYS Social Studies Exam Workshop with Mrs. LaPenta, one of our fifth grade teachers, and Mrs. Corley, our Parent Coordinator, on October 21, 2009 at 8:15 a.m. in our library. We have invited grade four parents as well.

As always, thank you for your continued cooperation and support.

Sincerely,



Jennifer Ambert
Principal

Patrick Klocek
Assistant Principal

Mayor's Flu Fighters Program

Please visit: http://www.nyc.gov/portal/site/nycgov/?front_door=true
to read about the Mayor's Flu Fighters Program.

Information booklets about H1N1 and vaccinations for elementary students will be released in the coming weeks. Please stay tuned.

Thank you.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Highlights

On 10/2, Mrs. Corley facilitated a parent workshop on ARIS Parent Link. If you missed that workshop, please inform Mrs. Corley and she will provide you with information.

On 10/4, the Elementary Flag Rugby teams played their first scrimmage at Chelsea Waterside Park. Congratulations to them for doing a terrific job. Their next scrimmage will take place on 10/18/09 at the same park.

On 10/7, some students in grades 3-8 auditioned for Young People's Chorus (YPC) of New York City. Conductor Amy Kotsonis was pleased with all of the students who auditioned. Letters will be distribued shortly to inform parents of the outcome. If your child missed the audition, he/she may audition on October 23, 2009 during the chorus' first rehearsal. He/she must bring a signed permission slip to audition. Returning chorus students (from last year) will receive a letter as well. Parents/guardians should sign this letter if they intend on having their child continue participation.

On 10/7, during indoor recess, Mr. Klocek and I spoke to the Middle School students (a follow up discussion to our September 29th recess presentation). We articulated our observations regarding lining up and transitioning from classes. We emphasized safety regulations and that our school has ten grades, which includes younger students. Students were reflective and discussed their thoughts for improvement as well.

On 10/8, students in Grade 8 participated in a Guidance Assembly with Guidance Counselors Peters and Feigelson on the High School Application process. Parents who need more information should contact the Guidance Office. We encourage Grade 6 and 7 parents to reach out to the Guidance Office as well. A guidance newsletter was distributed earlier this month.

On 10/9, Middle School students participated in a CHAMPS Assembly. Mr. Klocek reviewed the policies regarding missing CHAMPS sessions, dismissal, and the team contracts that must be signed.

On 10/13, the Big Apple Fundraiser orders are due. We are grateful for any support.

Upcoming Events
- SCHOOL WILL NOT BE IN SESSION on 10/12 due to Columbus Day
-Girl Scout Registration (Parent-run) will be held on 10/13 at 6 PM; PTA Meeting will follow at 7 PM
-Specialized HS Prep Course begins on Tuesday, 10/13
-CHAMPS begins on Wednesday on 10/14
-Family Volleyball Night will take place on 10/15 (Parents vs. Faculty Game)

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Elementary Flag Rugby Program (with Play Rugby USA)

As you know, this Sunday, 10/4/09, our elementary flag rugby teams (A and B) will play in their first scrimmage at Chelsea Waterside Park (West 23rd Street and 11th Avenue). The scrimmage will take place from 12-2 PM. However, players are asked to arrive at 11:45 AM.

Transportation is not arranged by the school. Parents/Guardians are responsible for their children during weekend scrimmages.

If there is inclement weather, please call Christian Mayo (Play Rugby USA Director) at 212-563-3250 or 347-575-2938.

If you have any questions, please call Mr. Sanchez (Co-Coach of the Rugby Teams at 178). The Play Rugby USA Coach for 178 is Coach Elliott.

Thank you.

NEWS FROM ARTSONIA

NEWS FROM ARTSONIA:

Great News! Sabrina338, from PS/IS 178 Holliswood School, has been selected as a finalist for this week's "Artist of the Week" award for the 4th-6th age group. The finalist who receives the most online votes between now and Saturday, October 3 will be selected as our "Artist of the Week." To view the finalists and cast your vote, simply click on the link below. Voting is limited to one vote per computer per day for each age group!
http://www.artsonia.com/aotw/vote/0/6162174
The "Artist of the Week" will be featured on the Artsonia homepage and will receive a commemorative plaque from Artsonia. In addition, Blick Art Materials has generously donated $100 gift certificates to the winning teachers and $50 to the winning artists. All fan club members from Holliswood School have just been sent an email inviting them to vote, but we encourage you to personally spread the word at school, making sure all your students cast their votes right away!

Hispanic Heritage Month

During the month of October, we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Each official class teacher will receive the books of the month, The House on Mango Street (grades 4-8) and Hairs/Pelitos (grades PK-3) by Sandra Cisneros. We hope the students enjoy them. Teachers will implement structured read alouds for these books and students will prepare responses to literature.

Teachers and staff have selected books around the theme of celebrating diversity for the entire year.

About Parent Coordinator Phyllis Corley

My name is Phyllis Louise Lattimer-Corley. I am married and have one son.

I was the educational director of a day care center in Nassau County for sixteen years prior to the birth of my son. I planned to be a stay-at- home mom for five years until my son went to kindergarten. Well, that didn’t happen! I got involved in his elementary school, PS 178, first as a class parent, then in the library, and later became PTA president for three years.

When my son moved on to middle school at MS 74, I again took on the role of PTA president for two years. Gee, I guess I wasn’t really staying at home. My son, James is now a freshman at Binghamton University. I am fortunate to be writing this blog, as I enter my sixth year as parent coordinator of my son’s wonderful alma mater.

Welcome to our school family. I am looking forward to an exciting school year. There are so many fantastic activities that have been planned for both you and your child. I encourage all parents to be partners in your child’s school.
Ø Attend Parent Teacher Conferences
Ø Go to PTA Meetings
Ø Participate in Parent Workshops
Ø Volunteer to help at school events.

I am here to assist you in any way that I can. Please feel free to contact me with any concerns or just stop by for a cup of coffee.

Phyllis Corley,
Parent Coordinator

Corley's Corner

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!

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)

Upcoming School Closings and Half Days


To view the official NYC Dept. of Education 2013-2014 School Calendar, visit


http://schools.nyc.gov/NR/rdonlyres/D45BBFC5-BB4E-4C6B-ACE7-F7E15D8AA1BE/0/20132014SchoolYearCalendar.pdf

It is also anticipated that we will add half days for professional development for our faculty during the 2013-2014 school year (subject to UFT and PTA approval). An announcement will be made.



In the event of an emergency closing or delayed opening due to weather, please call 311 or watch your local news channels. When NYC public schools are closed, our school will be closed.















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