On December 14, 2010, our Fifth Grade Ballroom Dance Team took home the silver medal at the Queens Quarter Finals at PS 144.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Ballroom Dance Team
On December 14, 2010, our Fifth Grade Ballroom Dance Team took home the silver medal at the Queens Quarter Finals at PS 144.
Doreen Rappaport's Visit
On Tuesday, December 7, 2010, Holliswood School graduate and acclaimed author, Doreen Rappaport, volunteered to visit our school to conduct a Writing Workshop with our third and fourth graders. During the visit, Ms. Rappaport discussed the writing process behind many of her books, including Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Lady Liberty: A Biography, Eleanor: Quiet No More: The Life of Eleanor Roosevelt, and Abe’s Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln. She inspired our students to never give up on pursuing their dreams and passions. She also discussed the arduous process of editing and revision. Our students asked insightful questions about her books, such as third grader, Gaby Pesantez, who asked, “Why did you choose to write about history?” Other questions focused on how Ms. Rappaport generates ideas for her specific books and how long it takes to conduct research. In addition, Ms. Rappaport provided special autographs to all the students who asked. Third grade teacher, Lauren Kienle, remarked how much the students enjoyed the visit. One of our school-wide goals this year is to add voice and descriptive details to make our writing more interesting. Through Ms. Rappaport’s visit, she provided the students with ideas and strategies on how to make that happen. As a Holliswood School graduate, Ms. Rappaport’s visit motivated our students to reach their full potential. Our students know that they may some day be able to become an author just like her with hard work and dedication.
UPDATES
UPDATES
December 16, 2010
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As we approach the new calendar year, we hope that all of you have a terrific Winter vacation. Looking ahead, we would like to keep you up-to-date with structures that are currently in place and continuing in 2011.
New Staff/Additional Roles
• Rafael Argudo, Library Substitute Teacher
• Charles Caputo, returning Music Teacher
• Jason Chin, Assistant Principal
• Annette Giardina, Dean (new role)
• Mary Hubert, Substitute Secretary
• Jennifer Hunsberger, new Reading/Writing Intervention Teacher
• Diana LoPiccolo, new ESL Teacher
• Pamela Paisley, returning SAPIS Worker
• Cristina Peters, full time Guidance Counselor
• Ilene Rivera, Secretary
• Denise Taylor, Nutritionist
• Jenny Torres, returning Paraprofessional, Class 5-205
• Emma Brondolo, Teaching Artist, Young People’s Chorus of NYC (Grades 3-8)
• Dr. Ron Petrides, Band Director, Grades 7-8, 144 Music and Arts
• Jonathan Kruk, Teaching Artist, Early Stages Storytelling (Grade 4)
Continuing Programs
• Young People’s Chorus of New York City (Grades 3-8)
• Peer Mediation Training by NYC Commission on Human Rights (Grades 6-8)
• SAPIS Classes – Grades 2 & 5 (beginning 12/14), Grades 3 & 4 have completed program
• Student Advisory Classes (Grades 6-8)
• Title III After School Program will continue with Mrs. Carter on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
• CHAMPS Rugby and CHAMPS Volleyball (TBA)
• After School Math Program (begins March 1, 2011)
• Saturday ELA Program (begins March 5, 2011)
Reminders
• Students who want to participate in the Breakfast Program should arrive between 7:30-7:45 AM
• School yard will remain locked during the Winter season due to ongoing construction
• Lines will be painted and bumps will be re-created as per communication from the NYCDOT
• Please remember to drive safely (i.e.no U-turns and no double parking).
We would like to take this opportunity to again wish you an enjoyable holiday season.
Thank you for your support and cooperation.
Sincerely,
Jennifer C. Ambert
Jason Chin
Phyllis Corley
December 16, 2010
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As we approach the new calendar year, we hope that all of you have a terrific Winter vacation. Looking ahead, we would like to keep you up-to-date with structures that are currently in place and continuing in 2011.
New Staff/Additional Roles
• Rafael Argudo, Library Substitute Teacher
• Charles Caputo, returning Music Teacher
• Jason Chin, Assistant Principal
• Annette Giardina, Dean (new role)
• Mary Hubert, Substitute Secretary
• Jennifer Hunsberger, new Reading/Writing Intervention Teacher
• Diana LoPiccolo, new ESL Teacher
• Pamela Paisley, returning SAPIS Worker
• Cristina Peters, full time Guidance Counselor
• Ilene Rivera, Secretary
• Denise Taylor, Nutritionist
• Jenny Torres, returning Paraprofessional, Class 5-205
• Emma Brondolo, Teaching Artist, Young People’s Chorus of NYC (Grades 3-8)
• Dr. Ron Petrides, Band Director, Grades 7-8, 144 Music and Arts
• Jonathan Kruk, Teaching Artist, Early Stages Storytelling (Grade 4)
Continuing Programs
• Young People’s Chorus of New York City (Grades 3-8)
• Peer Mediation Training by NYC Commission on Human Rights (Grades 6-8)
• SAPIS Classes – Grades 2 & 5 (beginning 12/14), Grades 3 & 4 have completed program
• Student Advisory Classes (Grades 6-8)
• Title III After School Program will continue with Mrs. Carter on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
• CHAMPS Rugby and CHAMPS Volleyball (TBA)
• After School Math Program (begins March 1, 2011)
• Saturday ELA Program (begins March 5, 2011)
Reminders
• Students who want to participate in the Breakfast Program should arrive between 7:30-7:45 AM
• School yard will remain locked during the Winter season due to ongoing construction
• Lines will be painted and bumps will be re-created as per communication from the NYCDOT
• Please remember to drive safely (i.e.no U-turns and no double parking).
We would like to take this opportunity to again wish you an enjoyable holiday season.
Thank you for your support and cooperation.
Sincerely,
Jennifer C. Ambert
Jason Chin
Phyllis Corley
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Article regarding PS/IS 178's art program
Article regarding PS/IS 178's art program:
http://www.yournabe.com/articles/2010/12/09/queens/qns_ps_178_20101209.txt
http://www.yournabe.com/articles/2010/12/09/queens/qns_ps_178_20101209.txt
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
New Phone System
Dear Parents/Guardians:
We have installed a new phone system. Therefore, when you call the school at 718-464-5763, following the greeting, you will have the ability to select any extension to be transferred to. The following extensions are the options available:
For School Safety, press 1
For the guidance office, press 2
For the school based support team, press 3
For the school nurse, press 4
For the Parent Coordinator, press 5
For the PTA, press 6
For the Assistant Principal, press 7
For immediate assistance, dial 0 at any time
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Thank you.
We have installed a new phone system. Therefore, when you call the school at 718-464-5763, following the greeting, you will have the ability to select any extension to be transferred to. The following extensions are the options available:
For School Safety, press 1
For the guidance office, press 2
For the school based support team, press 3
For the school nurse, press 4
For the Parent Coordinator, press 5
For the PTA, press 6
For the Assistant Principal, press 7
For immediate assistance, dial 0 at any time
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Thank you.
Monday, December 6, 2010
ELA Parent Workshop
Parent Workshop for Parents/Guardians of Students in Grades 3 – 8.
TOPIC: Components of the New NYS ELA Assessments
DATE: December 14, 2010
TIME: 8:30 AM
PLACE: Room 201
PRESENTERS: Julia Kucharski, Literacy Coach and Phyllis Corley, Parent Coordinator
Familiarize yourself with the components of the new ELA
Learn strategies that will be helpful to your child on the multiple choice section of the assessment
Obtain listening activities that you can use at home
Light refreshments will be served
TOPIC: Components of the New NYS ELA Assessments
DATE: December 14, 2010
TIME: 8:30 AM
PLACE: Room 201
PRESENTERS: Julia Kucharski, Literacy Coach and Phyllis Corley, Parent Coordinator
Familiarize yourself with the components of the new ELA
Learn strategies that will be helpful to your child on the multiple choice section of the assessment
Obtain listening activities that you can use at home
Light refreshments will be served
Barnes and Noble Bookfair
Details
What? Barnes and Noble Bookfair
When? The staff read aloud will be tonight, 12/6/10, at 6 PM. However, the book fair will continue through 12/11.
What? A percentage of the net sale will be contributed to the school to purchase future books.
Where? Barnes & Noble Fresh Meadows 176-60 Union Turnpike
Who? All Families and Students are invited to attend
Parents can also make a purchase online at BN.COM/bookfairs and use the Bookfair ID: 10353530.
What? Barnes and Noble Bookfair
When? The staff read aloud will be tonight, 12/6/10, at 6 PM. However, the book fair will continue through 12/11.
What? A percentage of the net sale will be contributed to the school to purchase future books.
Where? Barnes & Noble Fresh Meadows 176-60 Union Turnpike
Who? All Families and Students are invited to attend
Parents can also make a purchase online at BN.COM/bookfairs and use the Bookfair ID: 10353530.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
STUDENT SAFETY
STUDENT SAFETY
November 22, 2010
Dear Parents/Guardians,
P.S./I.S. 178Q continues to promote pedestrian and traffic safety. We can save lives and prevent accidents by promoting the safety of young people on our streets, whether they are walking or riding in cars. We have to work together.
As you recall, the Queens Borough Traffic Commissioner, Maura McCarthy, met with our school community during a January 2010 PTA meeting to discuss how the Department of Transportation (DOT) would research the traffic patterns around our school and identify ways that the DOT could support us. We have sent Ms. McCarthy a follow up correspondence to find out when the DOT will be able to create new speed bumps on Avon Road, add stop signs, as well as paint new traffic lines. We have also contacted the NYPD in order to add police presence in the mornings.
Recent observations of our morning arrival and afternoon dismissal procedures tell us that we need to continue to do more as a community. We do not want to wait until a person is critically injured. We have a responsibility to ensure that this does not happen. We need your active involvement.
Parents/guardians need to talk with other parents and with their children. Teachers need to talk with their students and all of us need to follow the basic safety rules that have been put in place at P.S./I.S. 178Q, as well as use our common sense. Our best defense against injury is to work together to promote safety for our students and our community.
Please Remember To:
Drive slowly
Park at the curb and let your child out on the sidewalk side (school side of the street)
GET OUT OF YOUR CAR and walk your child across the street – there are no crosswalks in the middle of the block either on Avon Rd. or Radnor Rd.
[The only legal crosswalk is at 188th Street and Avon Road where the Crossing Guard is stationed]. The speed bump is not a crosswalk!
Do Not Double Park
Do not make U-turns
Do not pass the school bus when lights are flashing
Use seat belts and child safety seats
Encourage students to travel with a buddy and be aware of their surroundings
when traveling to and from school
There is ongoing construction after school. The playground is locked after school and students should leave the school upon dismissal.
We would also like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Holliswood School Safety Committee
November 22, 2010
Dear Parents/Guardians,
P.S./I.S. 178Q continues to promote pedestrian and traffic safety. We can save lives and prevent accidents by promoting the safety of young people on our streets, whether they are walking or riding in cars. We have to work together.
As you recall, the Queens Borough Traffic Commissioner, Maura McCarthy, met with our school community during a January 2010 PTA meeting to discuss how the Department of Transportation (DOT) would research the traffic patterns around our school and identify ways that the DOT could support us. We have sent Ms. McCarthy a follow up correspondence to find out when the DOT will be able to create new speed bumps on Avon Road, add stop signs, as well as paint new traffic lines. We have also contacted the NYPD in order to add police presence in the mornings.
Recent observations of our morning arrival and afternoon dismissal procedures tell us that we need to continue to do more as a community. We do not want to wait until a person is critically injured. We have a responsibility to ensure that this does not happen. We need your active involvement.
Parents/guardians need to talk with other parents and with their children. Teachers need to talk with their students and all of us need to follow the basic safety rules that have been put in place at P.S./I.S. 178Q, as well as use our common sense. Our best defense against injury is to work together to promote safety for our students and our community.
Please Remember To:
Drive slowly
Park at the curb and let your child out on the sidewalk side (school side of the street)
GET OUT OF YOUR CAR and walk your child across the street – there are no crosswalks in the middle of the block either on Avon Rd. or Radnor Rd.
[The only legal crosswalk is at 188th Street and Avon Road where the Crossing Guard is stationed]. The speed bump is not a crosswalk!
Do Not Double Park
Do not make U-turns
Do not pass the school bus when lights are flashing
Use seat belts and child safety seats
Encourage students to travel with a buddy and be aware of their surroundings
when traveling to and from school
There is ongoing construction after school. The playground is locked after school and students should leave the school upon dismissal.
We would also like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Holliswood School Safety Committee
INTERNET SAFETY
INTERNET SAFETY
November 29, 2010
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The Internet is perhaps the single most important invention to impact on elementary, secondary, and higher education in today's world. At P.S. /I.S. 178Q, our focus is to have students use this tool in the safest possible manner, both in school and at home.
In school, students practice internet safety and become familiar with educational websites in their computer classes with Mr. Masi. For parents, during the last two years, we have conducted a series of workshops on internet safety.
• In November 2009, we facilitated an I-Parent workshop presented by David Solano. This workshop informed participants of the types of information children are sharing online and what parent supervision should look like when students are using sites, such as Facebook.
• On May 26, 2010, Donna Brailsford, Director of Safety, Suspension, and Youth Development presented an Internet Safety/CyberBullying workshop.
• At a CyberBullying Parent Workshop on October 26, 2010, Ms. Brailsford made parents aware of potentially dangerous common social networking websites that are accessible to children.
• During Parent-Teacher Conferences on November 9, 2010, Ms. Brailsford presented a “Respect for All” parent workshop, along with Katie Bracken, Director of NYC Commission on Human Rights in Queens, addressing human rights at school and over the internet. The NYC Discipline Code was also explained during these sessions.
As a parent, you can safeguard the content your children view on the internet by calling your internet provider and asking for help desk support. You will be able to protect your children from accessing inappropriate websites. If you use Internet Explorer, you can set privacy settings by clicking on Tools, Internet Options, Security and lastly, clicking on Privacy. Similarly, on other portals and websites, there are security features.
As a reminder, all electronic communication devices, such as cell phones and beepers etc., are prohibited from city school buildings as per Chancellor’s Regulation A-412. Please view this regulation online at www.nyc.gov/schools for further information.
On the back of this letter, please find some educational websites, as well as the address to our School Portaportal Page, where you will continue to find resourceful websites.
Thank you for your ongoing cooperation and support.
Sincerely,
Jennifer C. Ambert
Principal
November 29, 2010
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The Internet is perhaps the single most important invention to impact on elementary, secondary, and higher education in today's world. At P.S. /I.S. 178Q, our focus is to have students use this tool in the safest possible manner, both in school and at home.
In school, students practice internet safety and become familiar with educational websites in their computer classes with Mr. Masi. For parents, during the last two years, we have conducted a series of workshops on internet safety.
• In November 2009, we facilitated an I-Parent workshop presented by David Solano. This workshop informed participants of the types of information children are sharing online and what parent supervision should look like when students are using sites, such as Facebook.
• On May 26, 2010, Donna Brailsford, Director of Safety, Suspension, and Youth Development presented an Internet Safety/CyberBullying workshop.
• At a CyberBullying Parent Workshop on October 26, 2010, Ms. Brailsford made parents aware of potentially dangerous common social networking websites that are accessible to children.
• During Parent-Teacher Conferences on November 9, 2010, Ms. Brailsford presented a “Respect for All” parent workshop, along with Katie Bracken, Director of NYC Commission on Human Rights in Queens, addressing human rights at school and over the internet. The NYC Discipline Code was also explained during these sessions.
As a parent, you can safeguard the content your children view on the internet by calling your internet provider and asking for help desk support. You will be able to protect your children from accessing inappropriate websites. If you use Internet Explorer, you can set privacy settings by clicking on Tools, Internet Options, Security and lastly, clicking on Privacy. Similarly, on other portals and websites, there are security features.
As a reminder, all electronic communication devices, such as cell phones and beepers etc., are prohibited from city school buildings as per Chancellor’s Regulation A-412. Please view this regulation online at www.nyc.gov/schools for further information.
On the back of this letter, please find some educational websites, as well as the address to our School Portaportal Page, where you will continue to find resourceful websites.
Thank you for your ongoing cooperation and support.
Sincerely,
Jennifer C. Ambert
Principal
Monday, November 8, 2010
OPEN SCHOOL WEEK VISITATION SCHEDULE
November 3, 2010
Dear Parent/Guardian,
We are pleased to inform you that open school week has been announced for the week of November 15 –November 19. P.S. / I.S. 178 parents/guardians are encouraged to visit classrooms during this week. In order to have minimum disruption to the daily routine, please follow the schedule below.
Monday, November 15
Pre-K 9:00-9:30 AM
K 10:30-11:00 AM
Tuesday, November 16
Grades 1 & 2 10:30-11:00 AM
Wednesday, November 17
Grades 3 & 4 8:30-9:15 AM
Grade 5 9:45-10:15 AM
Friday, November 19
Grade 6 9:00-9:30 AM
Grades 7 & 8 9:45-10:15 AM
As our partners in education, the purpose of Open School Week is to get a firsthand look at our school environment. This is not a time to meet with the teacher privately. If you would like to meet your child’s teacher, Parent Teacher Conferences have been scheduled for Tuesday, November 9th, from 1:00-3:00 PM and 5:30-8:00 PM.
If for any reason you are not able to come at the designated date and time, please contact your child’s teacher and they will accommodate you.
We look forward to your visit.
November 3, 2010
Dear Parent/Guardian,
We are pleased to inform you that open school week has been announced for the week of November 15 –November 19. P.S. / I.S. 178 parents/guardians are encouraged to visit classrooms during this week. In order to have minimum disruption to the daily routine, please follow the schedule below.
Monday, November 15
Pre-K 9:00-9:30 AM
K 10:30-11:00 AM
Tuesday, November 16
Grades 1 & 2 10:30-11:00 AM
Wednesday, November 17
Grades 3 & 4 8:30-9:15 AM
Grade 5 9:45-10:15 AM
Friday, November 19
Grade 6 9:00-9:30 AM
Grades 7 & 8 9:45-10:15 AM
As our partners in education, the purpose of Open School Week is to get a firsthand look at our school environment. This is not a time to meet with the teacher privately. If you would like to meet your child’s teacher, Parent Teacher Conferences have been scheduled for Tuesday, November 9th, from 1:00-3:00 PM and 5:30-8:00 PM.
If for any reason you are not able to come at the designated date and time, please contact your child’s teacher and they will accommodate you.
We look forward to your visit.
ELA and Math Scores
Dear Parent or Guardian:
Each year, students in grades 3-8 take New York State tests in English language arts (ELA) and math. These tests measure how well each student has learned the skills expected at his or her grade level. Working with your child’s teachers, you can use the results of these tests to understand how well your child is performing, and to identify areas in which your child needs extra help.
On Friday, October 15, 2010, your child’s results on last spring’s ELA and math tests were placed in individual envelopes and distributed via backpack. These reports help you gain a better understanding of your child's current strengths and weaknesses as measured by the New York State Learning Standards. They can also be a helpful starting point for conversation with your child and your child’s teachers about his or her academic progress. Students who received a performance level of 1 or 2 on either the ELA or the Math assessment have been invited to attend our mandated Extended Day program. Those students will also have an opportunity to be invited to our Saturday ELA program and After School Math program in March.
It is important to note that this year, New York State changed how the ELA and math tests were graded. City students generally earned scaled scores, or actual scores, that were about the same as last year. However, according to the new grading system, a scaled score that last year was high enough to earn a level 3 (or “proficient”), this year would only earn a level 2 (or “basic”). As a result, a student whose State test result dropped did not necessarily learn less than in previous years. The score just translated to a different level than before. This tougher grading system has resulted in a significant drop in overall grades – not just at our school, but across the City and the entire State.
For more information about your child’s results, you can also log in to ARIS Parent Link at www.arisparentlink.org. ARIS Parent Link is an online tool with up-to-date information about your child’s academic progress. ARIS Parent Link has the same performance information that is on the Parent Report, plus a more detailed proficiency rating related to your child’s results on the NY State tests. You can also see your child’s course grades, periodic assessment results, enrollment history, and attendance information, as well as the Progress Report, NYC School Survey results, and State Report Card for our school.
With easier access to information about your child’s learning, you can continue to be an active partner in your child's education. We hope that you find the Parent Report and ARIS Parent Link to be helpful resources. For questions regarding the Parent Report, or for information about how to log in to ARIS Parent Link, please feel free to contact our Parent Coordinator, Phyllis Corley, at our school.
Thank you,
Jennifer C. Ambert
Principal
Each year, students in grades 3-8 take New York State tests in English language arts (ELA) and math. These tests measure how well each student has learned the skills expected at his or her grade level. Working with your child’s teachers, you can use the results of these tests to understand how well your child is performing, and to identify areas in which your child needs extra help.
On Friday, October 15, 2010, your child’s results on last spring’s ELA and math tests were placed in individual envelopes and distributed via backpack. These reports help you gain a better understanding of your child's current strengths and weaknesses as measured by the New York State Learning Standards. They can also be a helpful starting point for conversation with your child and your child’s teachers about his or her academic progress. Students who received a performance level of 1 or 2 on either the ELA or the Math assessment have been invited to attend our mandated Extended Day program. Those students will also have an opportunity to be invited to our Saturday ELA program and After School Math program in March.
It is important to note that this year, New York State changed how the ELA and math tests were graded. City students generally earned scaled scores, or actual scores, that were about the same as last year. However, according to the new grading system, a scaled score that last year was high enough to earn a level 3 (or “proficient”), this year would only earn a level 2 (or “basic”). As a result, a student whose State test result dropped did not necessarily learn less than in previous years. The score just translated to a different level than before. This tougher grading system has resulted in a significant drop in overall grades – not just at our school, but across the City and the entire State.
For more information about your child’s results, you can also log in to ARIS Parent Link at www.arisparentlink.org. ARIS Parent Link is an online tool with up-to-date information about your child’s academic progress. ARIS Parent Link has the same performance information that is on the Parent Report, plus a more detailed proficiency rating related to your child’s results on the NY State tests. You can also see your child’s course grades, periodic assessment results, enrollment history, and attendance information, as well as the Progress Report, NYC School Survey results, and State Report Card for our school.
With easier access to information about your child’s learning, you can continue to be an active partner in your child's education. We hope that you find the Parent Report and ARIS Parent Link to be helpful resources. For questions regarding the Parent Report, or for information about how to log in to ARIS Parent Link, please feel free to contact our Parent Coordinator, Phyllis Corley, at our school.
Thank you,
Jennifer C. Ambert
Principal
PRESENTATION BY THE NYC COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS
PRESENTATION BY THE NYC COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS
AND CYBERBULLYING WORKSHOP
October 19, 2010
Dear Parents/Guardians:
In September, the NYC Commission on Human Rights conducted a presentation to our Middle School Advisory Teachers and Staff regarding human rights, covering topics, such as discrimination, racism, bias, agism, hate, and sexual orientation preferences. Our middle school teachers were engaged in powerful dialogue regarding these issues, discussing ways to integrate read alouds and the impact on teaching.
Next Tuesday, October 26, 2010, the Queens Director for the NYC Commission on Human Rights, Katie Bracken, will conduct individual class presentations on Human Rights to all of our Middle School students. She will cover the topics above in her conversation. Ms. Bracken will also discuss the upcoming ten-week peer mediation program involving our middle school students.
Sincerely,
Jennifer C. Ambert
Principal
AND CYBERBULLYING WORKSHOP
October 19, 2010
Dear Parents/Guardians:
In September, the NYC Commission on Human Rights conducted a presentation to our Middle School Advisory Teachers and Staff regarding human rights, covering topics, such as discrimination, racism, bias, agism, hate, and sexual orientation preferences. Our middle school teachers were engaged in powerful dialogue regarding these issues, discussing ways to integrate read alouds and the impact on teaching.
Next Tuesday, October 26, 2010, the Queens Director for the NYC Commission on Human Rights, Katie Bracken, will conduct individual class presentations on Human Rights to all of our Middle School students. She will cover the topics above in her conversation. Ms. Bracken will also discuss the upcoming ten-week peer mediation program involving our middle school students.
Sincerely,
Jennifer C. Ambert
Principal
Monday, October 25, 2010
Gifted and Talented Testing
From the NYCDOE Website:
2010-2011 Test Information Handbook and Request for Testing Forms now available online, at elementary schools and at Borough Enrollment Offices
This week, the New York City Department of Education released information for families interested in testing their children for eligibility and possible placement in elementary school Gifted and Talented Programs, kindergarten through third grade, in September 2011. Families interested in having their children participate in the testing – which is required for eligibility to a Gifted and Talented Program – must submit a Request For Testing Form (RFT) by of Wednesday, November 17, 2010.
The Request for Testing Form and the New York City Gifted & Talented Information Handbook 2010-2011 are available to public school students at all public elementary schools, to non-public school students at all Borough Enrollment Offices and to all students at the NYC Department of Education’s website: http://schools.nyc.gov/Academics/GiftedandTalented
Full details about the Gifted and Talented testing and placement process are included in the Handbook. The RFT and the Handbook are also available in the following translated versions: Arabic, Bengali, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Urdu.
Families of public school children may complete a Request for Testing Form directly online or return a paper copy to their public schools. Families of non-public school children may complete a Request for Testing Form directly online or at any Borough Enrollment Office.
The Department of Education will host five borough-wide Parent Information Forums on the Gifted and Talented admissions process. At these sessions, Department staff will present an overview of testing, scoring and placement, and answer questions from families. Each session runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The schedule for the Gifted and Talented Parent Information Forums is as follows:
Monday, October 18, 2010, MANHATTAN, at Louis D. Brandeis Educational Campus, 145 West 84 Street, New York, NY 10024
Monday, October 25, 2010, QUEENS, at Long Island City High School, 14-30 Broadway, Queens, NY 11106
Tuesday, October 26, 2010, BRONX, at Theodore Roosevelt Educational Campus, 500 East Fordham Road, Bronx, NY 10458
Wednesday, October 27, 2010, STATEN ISLAND, New Dorp High School, 465 New Dorp Lane, Staten Island, NY 10306
Tuesday, November 9, 2010, BROOKLYN, Sunset Park High School, 153 35th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232
2010-2011 Test Information Handbook and Request for Testing Forms now available online, at elementary schools and at Borough Enrollment Offices
This week, the New York City Department of Education released information for families interested in testing their children for eligibility and possible placement in elementary school Gifted and Talented Programs, kindergarten through third grade, in September 2011. Families interested in having their children participate in the testing – which is required for eligibility to a Gifted and Talented Program – must submit a Request For Testing Form (RFT) by of Wednesday, November 17, 2010.
The Request for Testing Form and the New York City Gifted & Talented Information Handbook 2010-2011 are available to public school students at all public elementary schools, to non-public school students at all Borough Enrollment Offices and to all students at the NYC Department of Education’s website: http://schools.nyc.gov/Academics/GiftedandTalented
Full details about the Gifted and Talented testing and placement process are included in the Handbook. The RFT and the Handbook are also available in the following translated versions: Arabic, Bengali, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Urdu.
Families of public school children may complete a Request for Testing Form directly online or return a paper copy to their public schools. Families of non-public school children may complete a Request for Testing Form directly online or at any Borough Enrollment Office.
The Department of Education will host five borough-wide Parent Information Forums on the Gifted and Talented admissions process. At these sessions, Department staff will present an overview of testing, scoring and placement, and answer questions from families. Each session runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The schedule for the Gifted and Talented Parent Information Forums is as follows:
Monday, October 18, 2010, MANHATTAN, at Louis D. Brandeis Educational Campus, 145 West 84 Street, New York, NY 10024
Monday, October 25, 2010, QUEENS, at Long Island City High School, 14-30 Broadway, Queens, NY 11106
Tuesday, October 26, 2010, BRONX, at Theodore Roosevelt Educational Campus, 500 East Fordham Road, Bronx, NY 10458
Wednesday, October 27, 2010, STATEN ISLAND, New Dorp High School, 465 New Dorp Lane, Staten Island, NY 10306
Tuesday, November 9, 2010, BROOKLYN, Sunset Park High School, 153 35th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Phone System
We experienced an issue with our phone system today, which reverted back to expired default messages from the school.
We apologize for any inconvenience. The error should not recur, but we thank you for bringing the matter to our attention.
At the end of the month, we will be installing a completely new phone system (same phone number).
We apologize for any inconvenience. The error should not recur, but we thank you for bringing the matter to our attention.
At the end of the month, we will be installing a completely new phone system (same phone number).
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
New Assistant Principal
October 12, 2010
Dear Parents/Guardians:
After an extensive search for an Assistant Principal (nearly 200 people applied), our School Leadership Team and I unanimously decided on one individual who possessed the enthusiasm, passion and skills we were looking for in our new Assistant Principal. I am eager to introduce Jason Chin to our school community. Please join me in welcoming him to PS/IS 178. Mr. Chin will attend our October PTA meeting this evening at 7 PM and will be joining us at PS/IS 178 later in the week.
As Assistant Principal, Mr. Chin will oversee the middle school, citywide and state testing, Academic Intervention Services, student advisory, the Talent Programs, After School Programs, National Junior Honor Society, Student Council and other school-wide initiatives and programs.
Welcome, Jason Chin, and congratulations!
Sincerely,
Jennifer C. Ambert
Principal
Dear Parents/Guardians:
After an extensive search for an Assistant Principal (nearly 200 people applied), our School Leadership Team and I unanimously decided on one individual who possessed the enthusiasm, passion and skills we were looking for in our new Assistant Principal. I am eager to introduce Jason Chin to our school community. Please join me in welcoming him to PS/IS 178. Mr. Chin will attend our October PTA meeting this evening at 7 PM and will be joining us at PS/IS 178 later in the week.
As Assistant Principal, Mr. Chin will oversee the middle school, citywide and state testing, Academic Intervention Services, student advisory, the Talent Programs, After School Programs, National Junior Honor Society, Student Council and other school-wide initiatives and programs.
Welcome, Jason Chin, and congratulations!
Sincerely,
Jennifer C. Ambert
Principal
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
NYC Periodic Assessment Calendar
NYC Periodic Assessment Calendar
October 4, 2010
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Please be advised of the following administration dates for New York City Periodic Assessments. These exams are formative assessments used to inform and differentiate instruction in the classroom.
Grades 1-3 ECLAS-2 September – October 29th
ECLAS-2 tracks students' development of early literacy knowledge and skills. The assessment is designed to show educators where a child is making progress and where he or she may need further instruction. The ECLAS-2 kit is based on nationally recognized end-of-year benchmarks that every child should meet in kindergarten and grades 1, 2, and 3. These benchmarks are grounded in research and reflect the current New York State literacy standards.
Grades 3-8 Acuity Instructionally Targeted Assessments in ELA and Math
November 4- November 19th
Instructionally Targeted Assessments (ITAs) were designed with New York City educators to measure skills commonly taught within a specific instructional period. These assessments meet New York City Formative assessment requirements.
Grades 3-8 Acuity Predictive Assessments in ELA and Math
January 18 – February 4 Predictive Assessments simulate New York State Tests and Regents Exams and measure student growth. These assessments meet Periodic Assessment Predictive assessment requirements.
Grades K ECLAS-2 January - February
Grade 2 EPAL January 10-21
Grades K-3 ECLAS-2 April 27 – June 3
Grades 3-8 Acuity Instructionally Targeted Assessments in ELA and Math March 7 - 18 See description above
Grade 8 Acuity Predictive Algebra March 7 - 18 Predictive Assessments simulate New York State Tests and Regents Exams and measure student growth.
If you have questions about any of the assessments, please ask your child’s teacher or you may call our Parent Coordinator, Phyllis Corley. Mrs. Corley will facilitate parent workshops throughout the year to familiarize you with the various assessments and instructional tools to support your child’s learning. A similar letter was sent in September regarding State Assessments, which is posted on the school’s blog.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Ambert, Principal
October 4, 2010
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Please be advised of the following administration dates for New York City Periodic Assessments. These exams are formative assessments used to inform and differentiate instruction in the classroom.
Grades 1-3 ECLAS-2 September – October 29th
ECLAS-2 tracks students' development of early literacy knowledge and skills. The assessment is designed to show educators where a child is making progress and where he or she may need further instruction. The ECLAS-2 kit is based on nationally recognized end-of-year benchmarks that every child should meet in kindergarten and grades 1, 2, and 3. These benchmarks are grounded in research and reflect the current New York State literacy standards.
Grades 3-8 Acuity Instructionally Targeted Assessments in ELA and Math
November 4- November 19th
Instructionally Targeted Assessments (ITAs) were designed with New York City educators to measure skills commonly taught within a specific instructional period. These assessments meet New York City Formative assessment requirements.
Grades 3-8 Acuity Predictive Assessments in ELA and Math
January 18 – February 4 Predictive Assessments simulate New York State Tests and Regents Exams and measure student growth. These assessments meet Periodic Assessment Predictive assessment requirements.
Grades K ECLAS-2 January - February
Grade 2 EPAL January 10-21
Grades K-3 ECLAS-2 April 27 – June 3
Grades 3-8 Acuity Instructionally Targeted Assessments in ELA and Math March 7 - 18 See description above
Grade 8 Acuity Predictive Algebra March 7 - 18 Predictive Assessments simulate New York State Tests and Regents Exams and measure student growth.
If you have questions about any of the assessments, please ask your child’s teacher or you may call our Parent Coordinator, Phyllis Corley. Mrs. Corley will facilitate parent workshops throughout the year to familiarize you with the various assessments and instructional tools to support your child’s learning. A similar letter was sent in September regarding State Assessments, which is posted on the school’s blog.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Ambert, Principal
Reminder - Schedule Changes
We would like to remind you of the following citywide schedule changes:
Monday, October 11th Columbus Day observed. School closed.
Tuesday, November 2nd Election Day, no school for students.
Conference day for staff.
Tuesday, November 9th Parent/Teacher Conferences. Half-day for students. Dismissal at 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, November 11th Veterans Day. School closed.
Thursday & Friday Thanksgiving Recess. School closed.
November 25th & 26th
Monday, October 11th Columbus Day observed. School closed.
Tuesday, November 2nd Election Day, no school for students.
Conference day for staff.
Tuesday, November 9th Parent/Teacher Conferences. Half-day for students. Dismissal at 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, November 11th Veterans Day. School closed.
Thursday & Friday Thanksgiving Recess. School closed.
November 25th & 26th
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Citywide High School Fair
The Citywide High School Fair is scheduled for October 2 and October 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This fair provides a great opportunity for high schools to recruit students actively.
Citywide High School Fair
Middle school students and their families are invited to attend the annual Citywide High School Fair! The fair is a great opportunity for you to speak with representatives from the city’s public high schools and learn about their programs. See below for fair flyers and more details.
Citywide High School Fair
October 2 & 3, 2010
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Brooklyn Technical High School
29 Fort Greene Place
Citywide High School Fair
Middle school students and their families are invited to attend the annual Citywide High School Fair! The fair is a great opportunity for you to speak with representatives from the city’s public high schools and learn about their programs. See below for fair flyers and more details.
Citywide High School Fair
October 2 & 3, 2010
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Brooklyn Technical High School
29 Fort Greene Place
School Calendar
School Calendar for 2010-2011
Tuesday, September 7 School reopens for all staff
Wednesday, September 8 School begins for all students. Early dismissal
for PreK and Kindergarten only
Thursday, September 9 & School closed in observance of Rosh Hashanah
Friday, September 10
Monday, September 13 Early dismissal for PreK and Kindergarten
Tuesday, September 14 Early dismissal for PreK
Monday, October 11 Columbus Day, school closed
Tuesday, November 2 Election Day, no school for students.
Conference day for staff.
Thursday, November 11 Veteran’s Day, school closed
Thursday & Friday,
November 25 & 26 Thanksgiving Recess
Friday, December 24 Winter Recess
through and including (Last Day Thursday, December 23
Friday, December 31 School reopens Monday, January 3)
Monday, January 17 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Monday, February 21 Midwinter Recess
through (Last Day Friday, February 18
Friday, February 25 School reopens Monday, February 28)
Monday, April 18 Spring Recess
through (Last Day Friday, April 15
Tuesday, April 26 School reopens Wednesday, April 27)
Monday, May 30 Memorial Day observed, school closed
Thursday, June 9 Chancellor’s Citywide Professional Development Day, no school for students
Tuesday, June 28 Last Day for all Students, half day
PARENT/ TEACHER CONFERENCE DAYS (tentative)
Tuesday, November 9 P/T Afternoon Conferences (1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Half-day for Students – Dismissal at 11:30
P/T Evening Conferences (5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
Tuesday, March 15 P/T Afternoon Conferences (1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Half-day for Students– Dismissal at 11:30
P/T Evening Conferences (5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
Tuesday, September 7 School reopens for all staff
Wednesday, September 8 School begins for all students. Early dismissal
for PreK and Kindergarten only
Thursday, September 9 & School closed in observance of Rosh Hashanah
Friday, September 10
Monday, September 13 Early dismissal for PreK and Kindergarten
Tuesday, September 14 Early dismissal for PreK
Monday, October 11 Columbus Day, school closed
Tuesday, November 2 Election Day, no school for students.
Conference day for staff.
Thursday, November 11 Veteran’s Day, school closed
Thursday & Friday,
November 25 & 26 Thanksgiving Recess
Friday, December 24 Winter Recess
through and including (Last Day Thursday, December 23
Friday, December 31 School reopens Monday, January 3)
Monday, January 17 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Monday, February 21 Midwinter Recess
through (Last Day Friday, February 18
Friday, February 25 School reopens Monday, February 28)
Monday, April 18 Spring Recess
through (Last Day Friday, April 15
Tuesday, April 26 School reopens Wednesday, April 27)
Monday, May 30 Memorial Day observed, school closed
Thursday, June 9 Chancellor’s Citywide Professional Development Day, no school for students
Tuesday, June 28 Last Day for all Students, half day
PARENT/ TEACHER CONFERENCE DAYS (tentative)
Tuesday, November 9 P/T Afternoon Conferences (1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Half-day for Students – Dismissal at 11:30
P/T Evening Conferences (5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
Tuesday, March 15 P/T Afternoon Conferences (1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Half-day for Students– Dismissal at 11:30
P/T Evening Conferences (5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
NYS Assessment Calendar
September 13, 2010
Dear Parents/Guardians of Students in Grades K-8:
Please be advised of the following testing administration dates for New York State Elementary and Intermediate Schools. More information will follow, as we approach the testing windows. There is additional information on the state’s website at www.nysed.gov.
Applicable Grade(s) Assessment NYS Administration Dates Make-Up Dates
All ELL Students NYSESLAT: Speaking 4/13/11-5/24/11 N/A
Grades 3-8 NYS English Language Arts (ELA) 5/4/11-5/6/11 5/5/11-5/11/11
Grades 3-8 NYS Mathematics 5/11/11-5/13/11 5/12/11-5/18/11
All ELL Students NYSESLAT: Listening, Reading and Writing 5/16/11-5/24/11 N/A
Grade 4 Science Performance Test 5/31/11-6/3/11 N/A
Grade 8 Science Performance Test 5/31/11-6/3/11 N/A
Grade 4 Science Written Test 6/6/11 6/7/11-6/8/11
Grade 8 Science Written Test 6/6/11 6/7/11-6/8/11
If you have any questions about any of the assessments, please ask your child’s teacher or you may call our Parent Coordinator, Phyllis Corley.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Ambert
Principal
September 13, 2010
Dear Parents/Guardians of Students in Grades K-8:
Please be advised of the following testing administration dates for New York State Elementary and Intermediate Schools. More information will follow, as we approach the testing windows. There is additional information on the state’s website at www.nysed.gov.
Applicable Grade(s) Assessment NYS Administration Dates Make-Up Dates
All ELL Students NYSESLAT: Speaking 4/13/11-5/24/11 N/A
Grades 3-8 NYS English Language Arts (ELA) 5/4/11-5/6/11 5/5/11-5/11/11
Grades 3-8 NYS Mathematics 5/11/11-5/13/11 5/12/11-5/18/11
All ELL Students NYSESLAT: Listening, Reading and Writing 5/16/11-5/24/11 N/A
Grade 4 Science Performance Test 5/31/11-6/3/11 N/A
Grade 8 Science Performance Test 5/31/11-6/3/11 N/A
Grade 4 Science Written Test 6/6/11 6/7/11-6/8/11
Grade 8 Science Written Test 6/6/11 6/7/11-6/8/11
If you have any questions about any of the assessments, please ask your child’s teacher or you may call our Parent Coordinator, Phyllis Corley.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Ambert
Principal
CHANGES IN THE NYS ELA AND MATH ASSESSMENT 2010
CHANGES IN THE NYS ELA AND MATH ASSESSMENT 2010
September 13, 2010
Dear Parents/Guardians:
We hope that you have had a restful summer and we look forward to a stellar 2010-2011 school year.
As you may be aware from the Chancellor’s letter distributed last week, as well as recent news, there were major changes in the way New York State graded the Spring 2010 English Language Arts and Mathematics Assessments. According to data reviewed by the NYCDOE,
City students generally earned scaled scores, or actual scores, that were about the same as last year. According to the new grading system, a scaled score that last year was high enough to earn a level 3, or “proficient,” this year would only be a level 2, or “basic.” A student whose State test result dropped did not necessarily learn less than in previous years. The score just translated to a different level than before.
The tougher grading system resulted in a significant drop in overall grades across the City and the entire State. As a result, the change in the cut off scores for each performance level will have a drastic impact on our school’s overall progress report. As the Chancellor has already articulated, under the new grading system, fewer students will receive a level 3 and level 4. In order to address the changes to the scoring, we are revamping our curriculum calendars to begin implementation of the new Common Core State Standards.
In the coming weeks, students in grades 3-8 will receive their individual scores. As you are aware, the scores have been available on ARIS since August 16, 2010 at www.arisparentlink.org. For your ARIS password and log in information, please contact Mrs. Corley at pcorley3@schools.nyc.gov.
I look forward to seeing you during Meet the Teacher Night next week, September 21, 2010, from 6:00-8:00 PM. A PTA meeting will immediately follow.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Ambert
Principal
September 13, 2010
Dear Parents/Guardians:
We hope that you have had a restful summer and we look forward to a stellar 2010-2011 school year.
As you may be aware from the Chancellor’s letter distributed last week, as well as recent news, there were major changes in the way New York State graded the Spring 2010 English Language Arts and Mathematics Assessments. According to data reviewed by the NYCDOE,
City students generally earned scaled scores, or actual scores, that were about the same as last year. According to the new grading system, a scaled score that last year was high enough to earn a level 3, or “proficient,” this year would only be a level 2, or “basic.” A student whose State test result dropped did not necessarily learn less than in previous years. The score just translated to a different level than before.
The tougher grading system resulted in a significant drop in overall grades across the City and the entire State. As a result, the change in the cut off scores for each performance level will have a drastic impact on our school’s overall progress report. As the Chancellor has already articulated, under the new grading system, fewer students will receive a level 3 and level 4. In order to address the changes to the scoring, we are revamping our curriculum calendars to begin implementation of the new Common Core State Standards.
In the coming weeks, students in grades 3-8 will receive their individual scores. As you are aware, the scores have been available on ARIS since August 16, 2010 at www.arisparentlink.org. For your ARIS password and log in information, please contact Mrs. Corley at pcorley3@schools.nyc.gov.
I look forward to seeing you during Meet the Teacher Night next week, September 21, 2010, from 6:00-8:00 PM. A PTA meeting will immediately follow.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Ambert
Principal
MEET THE TEACHER NIGHT
You are invited to MEET THE TEACHER NIGHT
on Tuesday, September 21, 2010
from 6:00-8:00 PM
Format:
There will be a sign up sheet outside of your child’s class for two sessions: Session A will be 6:15-6:50 PM and Session B will be 7:10-7:45 PM for Elementary Classrooms. Each session can accommodate 15 parents/guardians.
For middle school classrooms:
There will be a sign up sheet outside of your child’s class for three sessions: Session A will be 6:00-6:30 PM; Session B will be 6:40-7:10 PM; Session C will be 7:15-7:45 PM. Each session can accommodate 15 parents/guardians.
on Tuesday, September 21, 2010
from 6:00-8:00 PM
Format:
There will be a sign up sheet outside of your child’s class for two sessions: Session A will be 6:15-6:50 PM and Session B will be 7:10-7:45 PM for Elementary Classrooms. Each session can accommodate 15 parents/guardians.
For middle school classrooms:
There will be a sign up sheet outside of your child’s class for three sessions: Session A will be 6:00-6:30 PM; Session B will be 6:40-7:10 PM; Session C will be 7:15-7:45 PM. Each session can accommodate 15 parents/guardians.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Minor Power Outage
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Please be advised that there was a minor power outage in the school building today. Our facilities division is working to address the problem so that it will not recur.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
Thank you for your patience.
Please be advised that there was a minor power outage in the school building today. Our facilities division is working to address the problem so that it will not recur.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
Thank you for your patience.
ARIS Parent Link and your child's State Test Scores
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Please be advised that your child's NYS ELA and Math assessment scores were posted in ARIS on August 16, 2010. The web address is www.arisparentlink.org. If you need assistance logging on, including username and password information, please contact Mrs. Corley at pcorley3@schools.nyc.gov
Thank you.
Please be advised that your child's NYS ELA and Math assessment scores were posted in ARIS on August 16, 2010. The web address is www.arisparentlink.org. If you need assistance logging on, including username and password information, please contact Mrs. Corley at pcorley3@schools.nyc.gov
Thank you.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Student Registration and Contact Information
Student Registration Dates for the 2010-2011 School Year:
• Tuesday, August 31, 2010 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Wednesday, September 1, 2010 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Tuesday, September 7, 2010 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
If you are not sure whether you are zoned for PS/IS 178Q, please call 311 or visit the NYCDOE website: www.nyc.gov/schools
What to Bring to Registration
When you go to register, please bring your child with you. You also must bring the following documents:
• Proof of residence. Any two of the following documents:
• A residential utility bill (gas or electric) in the resident's name issued by National Grid, Con Edison, or the Long Island Power Authority (for the Rockaways); must be dated within the past 60 days
• Documentation or letter on letterhead from a federal, state or local government agency, including the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), City Housing Authority, Human Resources Administration (HRA), the Administration for Children's Services (ACS), or an ACS subcontractor indicating the resident's name and address; must be dated within the past 60 days
• An original lease agreement, deed, or mortgage statement for the residence
• A current property tax bill for the residence
• A water bill for the residence; must be dated within the past 60 days
• Official payroll documentation from an employer such as a form submitted for tax withholding purposes or payroll receipt; a letter on the employer's letterhead will not be accepted; must be dated within the past 60 days
• Child’s birth certificate or passport
• Child’s immunization records
• Child's latest report card/transcript (if available)
• Child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and/or 504 Accommodation Plan (if applicable and available)
First Day of School for All Students (Please note Pre-K follows a different schedule on the first day of school):
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
School Hours 8:00 AM – 2:20 PM; Extended Day: 8:00 AM – 2:57 PM
Visit the NYCDOE Website: www.nyc.gov/schools or our school blog: http://holliswoodschool.blogspot.com
To contact the Parent Coordinator: pcorley3@schools.nyc.gov
To ask questions regarding the Samuel Field Y After School Program @ 178, please call them directly at 718-225-6750; Program Director: Dominick Menno
• Tuesday, August 31, 2010 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Wednesday, September 1, 2010 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Tuesday, September 7, 2010 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
If you are not sure whether you are zoned for PS/IS 178Q, please call 311 or visit the NYCDOE website: www.nyc.gov/schools
What to Bring to Registration
When you go to register, please bring your child with you. You also must bring the following documents:
• Proof of residence. Any two of the following documents:
• A residential utility bill (gas or electric) in the resident's name issued by National Grid, Con Edison, or the Long Island Power Authority (for the Rockaways); must be dated within the past 60 days
• Documentation or letter on letterhead from a federal, state or local government agency, including the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), City Housing Authority, Human Resources Administration (HRA), the Administration for Children's Services (ACS), or an ACS subcontractor indicating the resident's name and address; must be dated within the past 60 days
• An original lease agreement, deed, or mortgage statement for the residence
• A current property tax bill for the residence
• A water bill for the residence; must be dated within the past 60 days
• Official payroll documentation from an employer such as a form submitted for tax withholding purposes or payroll receipt; a letter on the employer's letterhead will not be accepted; must be dated within the past 60 days
• Child’s birth certificate or passport
• Child’s immunization records
• Child's latest report card/transcript (if available)
• Child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and/or 504 Accommodation Plan (if applicable and available)
First Day of School for All Students (Please note Pre-K follows a different schedule on the first day of school):
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
School Hours 8:00 AM – 2:20 PM; Extended Day: 8:00 AM – 2:57 PM
Visit the NYCDOE Website: www.nyc.gov/schools or our school blog: http://holliswoodschool.blogspot.com
To contact the Parent Coordinator: pcorley3@schools.nyc.gov
To ask questions regarding the Samuel Field Y After School Program @ 178, please call them directly at 718-225-6750; Program Director: Dominick Menno
Friday, July 30, 2010
Letter to Parents/Guardians from the Chancellor about the state scores
Dear Parent or Guardian:
As you may know, the State earlier this week released the results of the annual New York State math and English Language Arts (ELA) exams for students in grades three through eight.
I am sure you are anxious to see your child’s results. In the fall, all families will receive individualized reports from the State with their child’s test scores. This report will help you understand areas where your child needs work and will show you how your child is doing compared to other students.
Additionally, if your child was not promoted to the next grade in June and is currently enrolled in summer school, you will receive a letter later this week letting you know if your child still needs to take the citywide ELA and math exams in August. This decision will be based on your child’s final State test scores. If we had today’s State test results at the time summer school decisions had to be made, additional students would have qualified for summer school. Since these results were not available in time to place these students in summer school, they will instead receive additional support during the school year to ensure they master the content and skills necessary to succeed in their current grades.
If you prefer to get your child’s scores in advance of the start of school, we are making scores available to parents online. Beginning Monday, August 16, you will be able to access your child’s test scores through the DOE’s ARIS Parent Link website, which provides personalized student data.
• If you have visited the site before, or if you have your child’s student ID number and a temporary password, go to www.arisparentlink.org to log in. Once there, click on your child’s student profile to see your child’s results on the 2010 State tests.
• If you do not currently have ARIS access, see the end of this letter for more details.
As you know, we have made dramatic progress over the last several years. But this year, the State changed the way the tests were graded. As you may have heard, the State now holds students to a considerably higher bar compared to previous years. As a result, a score that last year was high enough to earn a rating of 3, or “proficient,” may only have earned a rating of 2, or “basic,” this year. The tougher grading system resulted in a significant drop in overall ratings across the entire State and here in the City. However, despite the drop in overall ratings, our students this year generally earned ELA and math scores that were consistent with last year’s results and, in some cases, were even better than last year.
Mayor Bloomberg and I applaud the State’s effort to continue to raise the bar and set higher standards for our students. Earlier this month, the State adopted new national Common Core standards, which will begin to influence what’s taught in schools. These standards will introduce more writing, problem solving, and critical thinking and help teachers and principals better connect learning across different subject areas and grade levels. Principals and teachers this summer are already working together to map out how these new standards will begin to affect their work with your child next year.
I expect each school in the City to analyze closely the State exam results and make the appropriate adjustments to curriculum and supports for students so that they can reach and eventually exceed these higher standards. I also expect each school to work with you and your child to identify areas of proficiency and strength, and areas that require extra support and attention.
Make no mistake about it—we have already made tremendous progress, but we realize we must do even better. We will not give up until every child is receiving a high-quality education and until every graduating student is ready for college or a career. Looking back, and looking ahead, I’ve never been more hopeful that we can reach this goal.
Sincerely,
Joel I. Klein
Chancellor
As you may know, the State earlier this week released the results of the annual New York State math and English Language Arts (ELA) exams for students in grades three through eight.
I am sure you are anxious to see your child’s results. In the fall, all families will receive individualized reports from the State with their child’s test scores. This report will help you understand areas where your child needs work and will show you how your child is doing compared to other students.
Additionally, if your child was not promoted to the next grade in June and is currently enrolled in summer school, you will receive a letter later this week letting you know if your child still needs to take the citywide ELA and math exams in August. This decision will be based on your child’s final State test scores. If we had today’s State test results at the time summer school decisions had to be made, additional students would have qualified for summer school. Since these results were not available in time to place these students in summer school, they will instead receive additional support during the school year to ensure they master the content and skills necessary to succeed in their current grades.
If you prefer to get your child’s scores in advance of the start of school, we are making scores available to parents online. Beginning Monday, August 16, you will be able to access your child’s test scores through the DOE’s ARIS Parent Link website, which provides personalized student data.
• If you have visited the site before, or if you have your child’s student ID number and a temporary password, go to www.arisparentlink.org to log in. Once there, click on your child’s student profile to see your child’s results on the 2010 State tests.
• If you do not currently have ARIS access, see the end of this letter for more details.
As you know, we have made dramatic progress over the last several years. But this year, the State changed the way the tests were graded. As you may have heard, the State now holds students to a considerably higher bar compared to previous years. As a result, a score that last year was high enough to earn a rating of 3, or “proficient,” may only have earned a rating of 2, or “basic,” this year. The tougher grading system resulted in a significant drop in overall ratings across the entire State and here in the City. However, despite the drop in overall ratings, our students this year generally earned ELA and math scores that were consistent with last year’s results and, in some cases, were even better than last year.
Mayor Bloomberg and I applaud the State’s effort to continue to raise the bar and set higher standards for our students. Earlier this month, the State adopted new national Common Core standards, which will begin to influence what’s taught in schools. These standards will introduce more writing, problem solving, and critical thinking and help teachers and principals better connect learning across different subject areas and grade levels. Principals and teachers this summer are already working together to map out how these new standards will begin to affect their work with your child next year.
I expect each school in the City to analyze closely the State exam results and make the appropriate adjustments to curriculum and supports for students so that they can reach and eventually exceed these higher standards. I also expect each school to work with you and your child to identify areas of proficiency and strength, and areas that require extra support and attention.
Make no mistake about it—we have already made tremendous progress, but we realize we must do even better. We will not give up until every child is receiving a high-quality education and until every graduating student is ready for college or a career. Looking back, and looking ahead, I’ve never been more hopeful that we can reach this goal.
Sincerely,
Joel I. Klein
Chancellor
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Statements of Mayor Bloomberg and Schools Chancellor Klein on Results of State Math and English Tests
Statements of Mayor Bloomberg and Schools Chancellor Klein on Results of State Math and English Tests
07/28/2010
Statement of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg:
“Today, the State Department of Education released the results of the math and English exams administered this spring. This year’s scores maintained the major progress we have made raising student achievement levels in recent years, and the decision by the State to raise its benchmark for proficiency will help us raise achievement levels even higher. According to the new, tougher benchmarks, roughly 54 percent of city students in grades 3-8 are meeting or exceeding math standards, while just over 42 percent are meeting reading standards. Parents, teachers and principals should understand that these numbers do not mean our students are performing any worse than they were last year; it just means that there is a new, tougher benchmark for measuring our successes.
“In this increasingly competitive global economy, we need our students to have a strong foundation to be successful – and we are clearly headed in the right direction. Since 2002, we’ve seen an ongoing trend with New York City students outperforming students in school districts throughout the State. And I believe if we keep working together to raise our standards and give our students the support they need, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.”
Statement of Chancellor Joel I. Klein:
“After substantial progress since 2002, our kids should be proud. By any measure, on both the state tests and the highly respected National Assessment of Educational Progress, New York City students have far outpaced students in the rest of the state.
“Today’s lesson is that we have a long way to go – with higher expectations, our toughest and most exciting work is just beginning. Our goal has never been just proficiency, or even a high school diploma; our goal is to graduate all our students college and career-ready. It’s time to come together to help our students meet this great challenge. It will take an unprecedented effort from school officials, teachers, students, and parents; and it will take a more rigorous set of standards that require our students to do college-level work.”
07/28/2010
Statement of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg:
“Today, the State Department of Education released the results of the math and English exams administered this spring. This year’s scores maintained the major progress we have made raising student achievement levels in recent years, and the decision by the State to raise its benchmark for proficiency will help us raise achievement levels even higher. According to the new, tougher benchmarks, roughly 54 percent of city students in grades 3-8 are meeting or exceeding math standards, while just over 42 percent are meeting reading standards. Parents, teachers and principals should understand that these numbers do not mean our students are performing any worse than they were last year; it just means that there is a new, tougher benchmark for measuring our successes.
“In this increasingly competitive global economy, we need our students to have a strong foundation to be successful – and we are clearly headed in the right direction. Since 2002, we’ve seen an ongoing trend with New York City students outperforming students in school districts throughout the State. And I believe if we keep working together to raise our standards and give our students the support they need, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.”
Statement of Chancellor Joel I. Klein:
“After substantial progress since 2002, our kids should be proud. By any measure, on both the state tests and the highly respected National Assessment of Educational Progress, New York City students have far outpaced students in the rest of the state.
“Today’s lesson is that we have a long way to go – with higher expectations, our toughest and most exciting work is just beginning. Our goal has never been just proficiency, or even a high school diploma; our goal is to graduate all our students college and career-ready. It’s time to come together to help our students meet this great challenge. It will take an unprecedented effort from school officials, teachers, students, and parents; and it will take a more rigorous set of standards that require our students to do college-level work.”
Monday, July 26, 2010
Changes to the State Scores in ELA and Math
On July, 20, 2010, the New York State Board of Regents announced approved scoring changes to the Grades 3-8 Math and English assessments, raising the bar on the level of proficiency. The changes will be reflected immediately by lower test scores when the New York State Education Department releases the results this week.
The approved changes resulted from a comprehensive review of how student performance on the state tests relates to performance on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) exam, future performance on Regents exams, and first year performance in college. The study concluded that the state “exams didn't sufficiently test students' abilities - the bar was set too low” according to Senior Deputy Education Commissioner John King.
Currently, scores classify student proficiency into four categories: Level 1 - not meeting learning standards, Level 2 - partially meeting learning standards, Level 3 -meeting learning standards, and Level 4 - meeting learning standards with distinction. The tougher grading will likely impact school districts across the state. “Fewer kids are going to hit that 3, which indicates proficiency,” King said. A press release from NYSED stated the Regents’ goal is to provide all students with a world-class education that prepares them for college, work, 21st century citizenship, and lifelong learning.
In the link above, there is a NY Times article explaining the justification behind the re-calibration of the scores.
The approved changes resulted from a comprehensive review of how student performance on the state tests relates to performance on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) exam, future performance on Regents exams, and first year performance in college. The study concluded that the state “exams didn't sufficiently test students' abilities - the bar was set too low” according to Senior Deputy Education Commissioner John King.
Currently, scores classify student proficiency into four categories: Level 1 - not meeting learning standards, Level 2 - partially meeting learning standards, Level 3 -meeting learning standards, and Level 4 - meeting learning standards with distinction. The tougher grading will likely impact school districts across the state. “Fewer kids are going to hit that 3, which indicates proficiency,” King said. A press release from NYSED stated the Regents’ goal is to provide all students with a world-class education that prepares them for college, work, 21st century citizenship, and lifelong learning.
In the link above, there is a NY Times article explaining the justification behind the re-calibration of the scores.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Letter from the Chancellor
Dear Parent or Guardian,
As you are no doubt aware, the current schedule for school to start in the fall has students returning to class on Wednesday, September 8, 2010.
But over the past few weeks, we heard directly from many parents and school communities concerned about the impact of Labor Day and the Jewish holidays on the first week of school. They asked us to consider moving the first day of school to Monday, September 13, 2010.
Recognizing the importance of not losing an instructional school day, the parents who wrote us further proposed that our teachers and staff use that Wednesday, September 8, 2010, as a professional development day, and instead use what is known as Brooklyn-Queens day—a professional development day that falls on Thursday, June 9, 2011 as an instructional school day.
Both the Mayor and I thought this proposal made sense for all involved and, in fact, would save parents the hassle of finding child-care for a one-day, mid-week holiday in June.
But in order to move forward with this plan, we needed the agreement of the United Federation of Teachers (UFT).
Unfortunately, the UFT refused our proposal and therefore we are left with no choice but to keep the calendar unchanged.
I also want to briefly address UFT’s statements in the press that we should allow different schools to start classes on different days. That idea is simply not feasible.
We cannot have a chaotic system where different schools start classes on different days, which would require different bus schedules as well as different food schedules. It would be confusing to parents, a further strain on our budget, and disruptive to the overall school calendar.
We understand and are sympathetic to the stress some families may feel because of the schedule during the first week of school, and regret that we were unable to make a change we saw as straightforward and fair to all.
But given our inability to reach an agreement with the UFT, we will proceed with starting school on Wednesday, September 8, 2010.
I wish you and your families an enjoyable, relaxing summer, and look forward to seeing everyone in the fall.
Sincerely,
Joel I. Klein
As you are no doubt aware, the current schedule for school to start in the fall has students returning to class on Wednesday, September 8, 2010.
But over the past few weeks, we heard directly from many parents and school communities concerned about the impact of Labor Day and the Jewish holidays on the first week of school. They asked us to consider moving the first day of school to Monday, September 13, 2010.
Recognizing the importance of not losing an instructional school day, the parents who wrote us further proposed that our teachers and staff use that Wednesday, September 8, 2010, as a professional development day, and instead use what is known as Brooklyn-Queens day—a professional development day that falls on Thursday, June 9, 2011 as an instructional school day.
Both the Mayor and I thought this proposal made sense for all involved and, in fact, would save parents the hassle of finding child-care for a one-day, mid-week holiday in June.
But in order to move forward with this plan, we needed the agreement of the United Federation of Teachers (UFT).
Unfortunately, the UFT refused our proposal and therefore we are left with no choice but to keep the calendar unchanged.
I also want to briefly address UFT’s statements in the press that we should allow different schools to start classes on different days. That idea is simply not feasible.
We cannot have a chaotic system where different schools start classes on different days, which would require different bus schedules as well as different food schedules. It would be confusing to parents, a further strain on our budget, and disruptive to the overall school calendar.
We understand and are sympathetic to the stress some families may feel because of the schedule during the first week of school, and regret that we were unable to make a change we saw as straightforward and fair to all.
But given our inability to reach an agreement with the UFT, we will proceed with starting school on Wednesday, September 8, 2010.
I wish you and your families an enjoyable, relaxing summer, and look forward to seeing everyone in the fall.
Sincerely,
Joel I. Klein
End of Year Reflection and Goodbyes
June 21, 2010
To the Holliswood School Community:
This year, we have had many wonderful memories. From our multicultural celebration to the numerous concerts and shows, we have had a successful year. We are thrilled to have such a supportive community of families and dedicated staff, committed to promoting the growth of every student in our school.
This month, our school became the winners of the Trashmasters Contest for Super Recycling, sponsored by the Department of Sanitation. We won the Queens Borough Award for best recycling. In sports, our Elementary Rugby Team became runners-up during the Citywide Mayor’s Cup Tournament on June 5, 2010. Fifty-six teams from private and public schools competed in that tournament.
Academically, our students have demonstrated growth. While all of our standardized test results are not yet available, we have exceeded our previous year’s performance on the fifth grade NYS Social Studies Assessment. This is not only attributed to our faculty, but to the tremendous work that you do with your children. We are pleased that our graduating eighth grade class will attend such prestigious high schools as Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, Brooklyn Tech, Townsend Harris, High School for Math, Science and Engineering at City College, Queens High School for the Sciences at York College, and local schools, such as Bayside, Cardozo, and Francis Lewis.
We would also like to share news regarding personnel changes. After four years, our Assistant Principal, Patrick Klocek, will be leaving our school and moving on to a principal position outside of New York City. Furthermore, after 23 years of service at the Holliswood School, our Supervising School Aide, Carmel Leong, will be retiring. Please join me in congratulating our beloved staff members who will be leaving us this year.
Thank you for everything you do to make our school community truly unique and special.
We look forward to beginning another terrific school year this September.
Sincerely,
Jennifer C. Ambert
Principal
To the Holliswood School Community:
This year, we have had many wonderful memories. From our multicultural celebration to the numerous concerts and shows, we have had a successful year. We are thrilled to have such a supportive community of families and dedicated staff, committed to promoting the growth of every student in our school.
This month, our school became the winners of the Trashmasters Contest for Super Recycling, sponsored by the Department of Sanitation. We won the Queens Borough Award for best recycling. In sports, our Elementary Rugby Team became runners-up during the Citywide Mayor’s Cup Tournament on June 5, 2010. Fifty-six teams from private and public schools competed in that tournament.
Academically, our students have demonstrated growth. While all of our standardized test results are not yet available, we have exceeded our previous year’s performance on the fifth grade NYS Social Studies Assessment. This is not only attributed to our faculty, but to the tremendous work that you do with your children. We are pleased that our graduating eighth grade class will attend such prestigious high schools as Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, Brooklyn Tech, Townsend Harris, High School for Math, Science and Engineering at City College, Queens High School for the Sciences at York College, and local schools, such as Bayside, Cardozo, and Francis Lewis.
We would also like to share news regarding personnel changes. After four years, our Assistant Principal, Patrick Klocek, will be leaving our school and moving on to a principal position outside of New York City. Furthermore, after 23 years of service at the Holliswood School, our Supervising School Aide, Carmel Leong, will be retiring. Please join me in congratulating our beloved staff members who will be leaving us this year.
Thank you for everything you do to make our school community truly unique and special.
We look forward to beginning another terrific school year this September.
Sincerely,
Jennifer C. Ambert
Principal
Monday, June 7, 2010
Half Day Reminder
Please be advised of the following citywide half days:
June 8, June 17 and June 28th
On all dates, dismissal will be 11:30 AM.
In addition, there is no school on June 10th due to the citywide staff development day.
June 8, June 17 and June 28th
On all dates, dismissal will be 11:30 AM.
In addition, there is no school on June 10th due to the citywide staff development day.
Friday, May 28, 2010
No School - May 31
Please be advised that there is no school on May 31, 2010 due to Memorial Day.
However, the Samuel Field Y Program will be open at 178 for students enrolled in their program. For questions, please contact the Y directly.
Thank you.
However, the Samuel Field Y Program will be open at 178 for students enrolled in their program. For questions, please contact the Y directly.
Thank you.
Field Day and MS Olympics
MS Olympics will take place at Cunningham Park on June 24th
Grades 3-5 Field Day will take place at Cunningham Park on June 25th
More information from Mr. Sanchez will follow.
Thank you.
Grades 3-5 Field Day will take place at Cunningham Park on June 25th
More information from Mr. Sanchez will follow.
Thank you.
CLUB GETAWAY
CLUB GETAWAY
May 25, 2010
Dear Parents/Guardians of Eighth Grade Students attending the Club Getaway Senior Trip:
Further to our January 12, 2010 meeting regarding senior events, please be advised that all plans for our Eighth Grade Senior Trip to Club Getaway on June 1 and June 2, 2010 in Kent, Connecticut have been finalized. Please find attached a list of what students should bring to the trip, a sample itinerary, and an overview of events, as specified by Club Getaway, as well as emergency contact information for the facility.
We would also like to make you aware of the following:
• We will have five teachers chaperone the trip: Ms. Nugent, Mr. Sanchez, Dr. Rispoli, Mr. Roder and Ms. Rapp. If you need to reach your child during the trip, please call Club Getaway at 203-616-0563. As you are aware, the trip includes numerous physical activities. In the event of an accident, the teachers and Club Getaway site supervisors will administer First Aid. You will be contacted in the event of any accident. Therefore, please make sure that you have given us your most current phone numbers.
• All students must be at the school at 7:00 AM on June 1st. The bus will be leaving promptly at 7:15 AM. The anticipated return date/time is June 2nd at 4:00 PM.
• We would like to remind all parents and students that electronic devices, such as cell phones, iPods, video game devices, etc. are not permitted on this trip.
• As per Chancellor’s Regulation A-701, if your child requires medication, he/she is permitted to self-medicate as a middle school student with appropriate parent approval via a Medication Administration Form (MAF) on file at the school.
• Finally, we will be meeting with 8th grade students regarding the trip during recess on May 26, 2010 to review the Chancellor’s Discipline Code, the trip itinerary and expectations. During that time, we will review the entire trip packet.
If you have any questions, please contact Phyllis Corley, Parent Coordinator.
Many thanks.
Sincerely,
Jennifer C. Ambert
Patrick Klocek
May 25, 2010
Dear Parents/Guardians of Eighth Grade Students attending the Club Getaway Senior Trip:
Further to our January 12, 2010 meeting regarding senior events, please be advised that all plans for our Eighth Grade Senior Trip to Club Getaway on June 1 and June 2, 2010 in Kent, Connecticut have been finalized. Please find attached a list of what students should bring to the trip, a sample itinerary, and an overview of events, as specified by Club Getaway, as well as emergency contact information for the facility.
We would also like to make you aware of the following:
• We will have five teachers chaperone the trip: Ms. Nugent, Mr. Sanchez, Dr. Rispoli, Mr. Roder and Ms. Rapp. If you need to reach your child during the trip, please call Club Getaway at 203-616-0563. As you are aware, the trip includes numerous physical activities. In the event of an accident, the teachers and Club Getaway site supervisors will administer First Aid. You will be contacted in the event of any accident. Therefore, please make sure that you have given us your most current phone numbers.
• All students must be at the school at 7:00 AM on June 1st. The bus will be leaving promptly at 7:15 AM. The anticipated return date/time is June 2nd at 4:00 PM.
• We would like to remind all parents and students that electronic devices, such as cell phones, iPods, video game devices, etc. are not permitted on this trip.
• As per Chancellor’s Regulation A-701, if your child requires medication, he/she is permitted to self-medicate as a middle school student with appropriate parent approval via a Medication Administration Form (MAF) on file at the school.
• Finally, we will be meeting with 8th grade students regarding the trip during recess on May 26, 2010 to review the Chancellor’s Discipline Code, the trip itinerary and expectations. During that time, we will review the entire trip packet.
If you have any questions, please contact Phyllis Corley, Parent Coordinator.
Many thanks.
Sincerely,
Jennifer C. Ambert
Patrick Klocek
Adopt-A-Building
May 4, 2010
Dear Parent/Guardian,
The fourth grade classes recently took a trip to the Queens Museum of Art to learn and explore more about New York. When we were there, we studied viewed a panorama scale model of the City of New York. This architectural model includes every building located in the five boroughs before the year 1992. It is a true masterpiece.
In 1964, Robert Moses created this scale model for the World’s Fair. The first update to the panorama was in 1992. It included the most recent buildings located in the five boroughs. Many years have been spent on this amazing project. In 2009, the museum launched a program called Adopt-A-Building. This program gives the community a chance to own a piece of the panorama. This will ensure the upkeep of a specific building or neighborhood on the panorama.
As a school, we would like to purchase our building. We are invested in making sure that we make our mark on history as well as making our mark on this masterpiece.
This is a community project and we wanted to include the school community in raising money to purchase P.S./I.S. 178. Our goal is to reach a cumulative total of $500.00, which is the cost to purchase the scale model of P.S./I.S. 178. Any extra money that is raised will go towards the Arts.
If you are interested in donating, please send in cash or a check (made out to P.S./I.S. 178) to Ms. Ehrentreu or Ms. Gahring’s mailbox. Please fill out the tear off below and include it in the envelope.
Together, we can raise the money and preserve our building.
Sincerely,
Ms. Ehrentreu and Ms. Gahring
Name:__________________________________________________
I would like to donate: $________________________
Parent Signature:______________________________________________________
Return tear-off and money in an envelope to Ms. Ehrentreu.
Dear Parent/Guardian,
The fourth grade classes recently took a trip to the Queens Museum of Art to learn and explore more about New York. When we were there, we studied viewed a panorama scale model of the City of New York. This architectural model includes every building located in the five boroughs before the year 1992. It is a true masterpiece.
In 1964, Robert Moses created this scale model for the World’s Fair. The first update to the panorama was in 1992. It included the most recent buildings located in the five boroughs. Many years have been spent on this amazing project. In 2009, the museum launched a program called Adopt-A-Building. This program gives the community a chance to own a piece of the panorama. This will ensure the upkeep of a specific building or neighborhood on the panorama.
As a school, we would like to purchase our building. We are invested in making sure that we make our mark on history as well as making our mark on this masterpiece.
This is a community project and we wanted to include the school community in raising money to purchase P.S./I.S. 178. Our goal is to reach a cumulative total of $500.00, which is the cost to purchase the scale model of P.S./I.S. 178. Any extra money that is raised will go towards the Arts.
If you are interested in donating, please send in cash or a check (made out to P.S./I.S. 178) to Ms. Ehrentreu or Ms. Gahring’s mailbox. Please fill out the tear off below and include it in the envelope.
Together, we can raise the money and preserve our building.
Sincerely,
Ms. Ehrentreu and Ms. Gahring
Name:__________________________________________________
I would like to donate: $________________________
Parent Signature:______________________________________________________
Return tear-off and money in an envelope to Ms. Ehrentreu.
Middle School Re-Design/Re-Structuring
Middle School Re-Design/Re-Structuring
May 19, 2010
Dear Parent/Guardian:
As you are aware, for the past two years, we have been established as a Pre-K to 8 school. Currently, in middle school, we have an honors and a non-honors class on each grade. There are a total of two general education classes on each grade (sixth through eighth) in middle school. Only students enrolled in honors classes take the Regents Examinations in eighth grade. We offer the Living Environment and Integrated Algebra Regents.
At our recent School Leadership Team (SLT) Meetings, while reviewing our current school-wide data, we discussed the possibility of a new middle school design, which would include heterogeneously re-organizing both classes on each grade. During our April 26, 2010 meeting, the SLT reached a consensus in favor of having two heterogeneously grouped general education classes on each grade throughout the school, K-8. Currently, in grades Kindergarten to Five, each class is grouped heterogeneously. Reorganization takes place during May and June and students are placed in two classes, so that both groups of students are as ability-equivalent as possible. The new design would differ from the current middle school design. With the new middle school design, we will offer Accelerated Math and Spanish courses to both classes on each grade. Both classes would have the opportunity to take the Math Regents examination and the Spanish Proficiency Exam.
The math data we analyzed demonstrates that all of our students are prepared to be challenged by accelerated course work in mathematics and should be granted the same opportunity only previously granted to honors students. We would maintain an honors program in English and Science. Students enrolled in Science Honors would take the Living Environment Regents in Eighth Grade. Social Studies and Physical Education classes would be grouped heterogeneously. Talent would remain –as is- heterogeneously grouped.
As your children are progressing in their adolescent years, they must be nurtured in an environment where the highest of personal and academic standards are expected. This new structure reflects our belief that all students can achieve and should be afforded with the same opportunities.
We will discuss the new middle school design during the May 25th PTA meeting at 7:00 PM in our auditorium. We hope you will join us.
Sincerely,
The School Leadership Team
Jennifer Ambert, Principal • Dee Ellerby-Cirillo, Parent Member • Tricia Gomes, UFT Chapter Chair • Ya Lan Hong, Parent Member • Ellen Kletzkin, Teacher • Patrick Klocek, AP • Ewa Michael, Secretary/Parent Member • Niki Maratos Stefanakis, Parent Member • Patrick Patten, Parent Member • Cindy Phillips, Teacher • Jennifer Puglisi, Teacher • Vivian Rizzotto, PTA Co-President
May 19, 2010
Dear Parent/Guardian:
As you are aware, for the past two years, we have been established as a Pre-K to 8 school. Currently, in middle school, we have an honors and a non-honors class on each grade. There are a total of two general education classes on each grade (sixth through eighth) in middle school. Only students enrolled in honors classes take the Regents Examinations in eighth grade. We offer the Living Environment and Integrated Algebra Regents.
At our recent School Leadership Team (SLT) Meetings, while reviewing our current school-wide data, we discussed the possibility of a new middle school design, which would include heterogeneously re-organizing both classes on each grade. During our April 26, 2010 meeting, the SLT reached a consensus in favor of having two heterogeneously grouped general education classes on each grade throughout the school, K-8. Currently, in grades Kindergarten to Five, each class is grouped heterogeneously. Reorganization takes place during May and June and students are placed in two classes, so that both groups of students are as ability-equivalent as possible. The new design would differ from the current middle school design. With the new middle school design, we will offer Accelerated Math and Spanish courses to both classes on each grade. Both classes would have the opportunity to take the Math Regents examination and the Spanish Proficiency Exam.
The math data we analyzed demonstrates that all of our students are prepared to be challenged by accelerated course work in mathematics and should be granted the same opportunity only previously granted to honors students. We would maintain an honors program in English and Science. Students enrolled in Science Honors would take the Living Environment Regents in Eighth Grade. Social Studies and Physical Education classes would be grouped heterogeneously. Talent would remain –as is- heterogeneously grouped.
As your children are progressing in their adolescent years, they must be nurtured in an environment where the highest of personal and academic standards are expected. This new structure reflects our belief that all students can achieve and should be afforded with the same opportunities.
We will discuss the new middle school design during the May 25th PTA meeting at 7:00 PM in our auditorium. We hope you will join us.
Sincerely,
The School Leadership Team
Jennifer Ambert, Principal • Dee Ellerby-Cirillo, Parent Member • Tricia Gomes, UFT Chapter Chair • Ya Lan Hong, Parent Member • Ellen Kletzkin, Teacher • Patrick Klocek, AP • Ewa Michael, Secretary/Parent Member • Niki Maratos Stefanakis, Parent Member • Patrick Patten, Parent Member • Cindy Phillips, Teacher • Jennifer Puglisi, Teacher • Vivian Rizzotto, PTA Co-President
Thursday, May 13, 2010
High School Information
Please visit the NYCDOE web page to receive the latest information regarding the High School Application Process. The guidance office previously sent two fliers regarding upcoming citywide workshops. Please click on the link below for additional information. Alternatively, we will have a HS workshop on May 19th at 9 AM at our school.
http://schools.nyc.gov/ChoicesEnrollment/High/default.htm
For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our guidance office: 718-464-5763, ext. 2532.
Thank you.
http://schools.nyc.gov/ChoicesEnrollment/High/default.htm
For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our guidance office: 718-464-5763, ext. 2532.
Thank you.
Warm Weather Attire
Dear Families:
As the weather is getting warmer, we want to remind parents/guardians that all students should wear outfits that are appropriate for school.
Girls should not wear bare midriffs, spaghetti straps, tube tops, short shorts, or very tight clothes. Boys should not wear athletic mesh shirts unless there is a tee shirt underneath.
For safety reasons, all students should wear closed-back shoes. Shoes such as flip flops or clogs are not permitted in school.
We respectfully request that you reinforce this message to your children.
Thank you for your attention.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Ambert
Principal
As the weather is getting warmer, we want to remind parents/guardians that all students should wear outfits that are appropriate for school.
Girls should not wear bare midriffs, spaghetti straps, tube tops, short shorts, or very tight clothes. Boys should not wear athletic mesh shirts unless there is a tee shirt underneath.
For safety reasons, all students should wear closed-back shoes. Shoes such as flip flops or clogs are not permitted in school.
We respectfully request that you reinforce this message to your children.
Thank you for your attention.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Ambert
Principal
May 14, 2010 YPC Assembly
May 12, 2010
Dear Families of Students in Young People’s Chorus:
We are thrilled that the chorus will perform for our student body and families/visitors on May 14, 2010 at 9:45 AM in our school’s auditorium. During this event, the grades 3-5 and 6-8 choruses (under the direction of Amy Kotsonis, Assistant Conductor of Young People’s Chorus of NYC) will showcase all that they have learned. The recommended dress code is a white dress shirt and black pants.
Since this performance will take place during the school day, please enter through our main entrance on Radnor Road. Please bring NYS picture identification.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Jennifer C. Ambert
Principal
Dear Families of Students in Young People’s Chorus:
We are thrilled that the chorus will perform for our student body and families/visitors on May 14, 2010 at 9:45 AM in our school’s auditorium. During this event, the grades 3-5 and 6-8 choruses (under the direction of Amy Kotsonis, Assistant Conductor of Young People’s Chorus of NYC) will showcase all that they have learned. The recommended dress code is a white dress shirt and black pants.
Since this performance will take place during the school day, please enter through our main entrance on Radnor Road. Please bring NYS picture identification.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Jennifer C. Ambert
Principal
Monday, May 3, 2010
Elementary Rugby
Please be advised of the remaining dates for Elementary Rugby with Mr. Sanchez:
Elem Rugby [Team A] – 5/24/10 – 3-4 PM
Elem Rugby [Team B] – 5/19/10 – 3-4 PM
Mr. Sanchez’s letter of March 22, 2010 indicated all of the dates for the program.
Thank you.
Elem Rugby [Team A] – 5/24/10 – 3-4 PM
Elem Rugby [Team B] – 5/19/10 – 3-4 PM
Mr. Sanchez’s letter of March 22, 2010 indicated all of the dates for the program.
Thank you.
ECLAS-2 Assessment
April 26, 2010
Dear Parents/Guardians of Grades 1-3 Students,
Further to our January 5, 2010 letter, we would like to remind you that students in grades one to three participate in ECLAS-2 testing during the year. The ECLAS-2 Assessment measures students’ reading skills. Please be advised that teachers in Grade 3 will not administer the ECLAS-2 assessment during the New York State Assessment period of April 26-April 28, 2010 and May 5-7, 2010. The spring assessment window for ECLAS-2 will end on May 28, 2010.
For more information regarding New York State and New York City Assessments, please visit our online Portaportal page: http://guest.portaportal.com/ps.is178q or the NYCDOE website: www.nyc.gov/schools. A link to the NYCDOE Assessment page has also been posted on our school blog.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for your continued cooperation and support.
Dear Parents/Guardians of Grades 1-3 Students,
Further to our January 5, 2010 letter, we would like to remind you that students in grades one to three participate in ECLAS-2 testing during the year. The ECLAS-2 Assessment measures students’ reading skills. Please be advised that teachers in Grade 3 will not administer the ECLAS-2 assessment during the New York State Assessment period of April 26-April 28, 2010 and May 5-7, 2010. The spring assessment window for ECLAS-2 will end on May 28, 2010.
For more information regarding New York State and New York City Assessments, please visit our online Portaportal page: http://guest.portaportal.com/ps.is178q or the NYCDOE website: www.nyc.gov/schools. A link to the NYCDOE Assessment page has also been posted on our school blog.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for your continued cooperation and support.
MULTICULTURAL CELEBRATION
MULTICULTURAL CELEBRATION
April 23, 2010
Dear Holliswood School Community:
On Thursday, April 8, 2010, from 5:45 to 8:00 PM, over fifty families packed the Holliswood School (PS/IS 178Q) gymnasium to celebrate Multicultural Night. Students, Parents, Family Members and Staff Members created presentation boards, displays and shared food to highlight their cultures. Fifteen countries were represented. Performances included a storyteller, students dancing, as well as a singer. A parent shared, “The school is a microcosm of various cultures that was shown through performances, displays and food which I enjoyed! It was pure enjoyment to see the kids participate with great pride.” Our parent coordinator, Phyllis Corley, recruited students, family members and staff to participate months prior to the event, which made the evening extremely successful. Through this experience, students researched aspects of their culture, such as history, clothing, food, transportation, climate, customs, languages, monetary exchange rates, and utilized props such as clothing, photographs, scale models of houses, as well as cultural art pieces to decorate their stations. Visitors viewing the various stations learned a great deal as well and shared tremendous positive feedback.
As always, thank you for your support and dedication.
April 23, 2010
Dear Holliswood School Community:
On Thursday, April 8, 2010, from 5:45 to 8:00 PM, over fifty families packed the Holliswood School (PS/IS 178Q) gymnasium to celebrate Multicultural Night. Students, Parents, Family Members and Staff Members created presentation boards, displays and shared food to highlight their cultures. Fifteen countries were represented. Performances included a storyteller, students dancing, as well as a singer. A parent shared, “The school is a microcosm of various cultures that was shown through performances, displays and food which I enjoyed! It was pure enjoyment to see the kids participate with great pride.” Our parent coordinator, Phyllis Corley, recruited students, family members and staff to participate months prior to the event, which made the evening extremely successful. Through this experience, students researched aspects of their culture, such as history, clothing, food, transportation, climate, customs, languages, monetary exchange rates, and utilized props such as clothing, photographs, scale models of houses, as well as cultural art pieces to decorate their stations. Visitors viewing the various stations learned a great deal as well and shared tremendous positive feedback.
As always, thank you for your support and dedication.
Upcoming Events - SAVE THE DATE**
SAVE THE DATE**
May 13th: Science Fair - 4-6 PM
May 14th: Young People’s Chorus Performance at PS/IS 178Q — 9:45 AM
May 19th: High School Information Workshop for 6th and 7th Gr. Parents —9 AM
May 20th: Young People’s Chorus Performance at the 92nd Street Y — 11 AM
May 25th: Family Math Night—5:30-7:00 PM
June 3rd: Awards Night — 6 PM
June 7th: National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony - 5:30 PM
June 9th: Kids for Coltrane Concert* - 6 PM
June 11th: Honors Ceremony (Principal’s & Academic Honor Roll Students)/Student of the Month Assemblies - 9 AM & 1 PM
June 16th: Fifth Grade Moving Over Ceremony* — 8:30 AM
June 21st: Pre-K & Kindergarten Stepping Up
June 22nd: Culminating Band Performance — 9 AM
June 23rd: Eighth Grade Dance at New Hyde Park Inn* — 6 PM
June 25th: Eighth Grade Graduation* — 9 AM
PTA Meetings: May 4th, May 25th & June 22nd @ 7:00 PM
*Tickets Required
**Dates may change with advanced notice
May 13th: Science Fair - 4-6 PM
May 14th: Young People’s Chorus Performance at PS/IS 178Q — 9:45 AM
May 19th: High School Information Workshop for 6th and 7th Gr. Parents —9 AM
May 20th: Young People’s Chorus Performance at the 92nd Street Y — 11 AM
May 25th: Family Math Night—5:30-7:00 PM
June 3rd: Awards Night — 6 PM
June 7th: National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony - 5:30 PM
June 9th: Kids for Coltrane Concert* - 6 PM
June 11th: Honors Ceremony (Principal’s & Academic Honor Roll Students)/Student of the Month Assemblies - 9 AM & 1 PM
June 16th: Fifth Grade Moving Over Ceremony* — 8:30 AM
June 21st: Pre-K & Kindergarten Stepping Up
June 22nd: Culminating Band Performance — 9 AM
June 23rd: Eighth Grade Dance at New Hyde Park Inn* — 6 PM
June 25th: Eighth Grade Graduation* — 9 AM
PTA Meetings: May 4th, May 25th & June 22nd @ 7:00 PM
*Tickets Required
**Dates may change with advanced notice
Friday, April 30, 2010
Upcoming Field Tests - Grades 3 - 8
The New York State Education Department will be administering a Field Test to all schools in New York State, which will measure student achievement in ELA and Mathematics. This exam will be administered on May 12 – May 13, 2010 and the results of the exam will be used by the state for educational purposes. Please note that your child’s performance on this exam will not be considered as promotional criteria and the results will not appear on your child’s official transcripts. Students that were exempt from the ELA will participate in this Field Test, but will only answer the questions in the mathematics section.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued support.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued support.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Updates from the NYCDOE website
Spotlight:
Gifted & Talented Score Reports Have Been Mailed
Score reports for elementary school students who took Gifted and Talented examinations have been mailed to families. Electronic access to score reports (for those who applied online), and applications for eligible students, will be available beginning Monday morning, April 19.
2010-2011 Charter School Lottery Procedures
Starting April 1, 2010, any charter school that received more applications than available seats will conduct a lottery for its 2010-11 school year. If you have any questions or concerns regarding charter school lottery procedures, please feel free to contact the Charter School Office at (212) 374-5419 or CharterSchools@schools.nyc.gov.
High School Admissions Supplementary Round
The deadline for students to submit a Supplementary Round Choice Form to their guidance counselor is Thursday, April 29.
Take Your School Survey by April 23rd
NYC School Surveys are due today, April 23. The surveys help school leaders understand what key members of the school community say about the learning environment at each school. If you're a parent, teacher, or student in grade 6 through 12, take your survey today.
Gifted & Talented Score Reports Have Been Mailed
Score reports for elementary school students who took Gifted and Talented examinations have been mailed to families. Electronic access to score reports (for those who applied online), and applications for eligible students, will be available beginning Monday morning, April 19.
2010-2011 Charter School Lottery Procedures
Starting April 1, 2010, any charter school that received more applications than available seats will conduct a lottery for its 2010-11 school year. If you have any questions or concerns regarding charter school lottery procedures, please feel free to contact the Charter School Office at (212) 374-5419 or CharterSchools@schools.nyc.gov.
High School Admissions Supplementary Round
The deadline for students to submit a Supplementary Round Choice Form to their guidance counselor is Thursday, April 29.
Take Your School Survey by April 23rd
NYC School Surveys are due today, April 23. The surveys help school leaders understand what key members of the school community say about the learning environment at each school. If you're a parent, teacher, or student in grade 6 through 12, take your survey today.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
School Survey
Dear Parents/Guardians:
This is a friendly reminder to please complete your school survey. They are due tomorrow.
Thank you very much.
This is a friendly reminder to please complete your school survey. They are due tomorrow.
Thank you very much.
Monday, April 12, 2010
AVON ROAD TRAFFIC UPDATE
AVON ROAD TRAFFIC UPDATE
April 12, 2010
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Further to our December 18, 2009 letter, our January PTA Meeting regarding traffic on Avon Road, and the various interventions we have implemented regarding safety, we would like to inform you that we are still experiencing frequent traffic violations during morning arrival time. Motorists continue to make dangerous U-turns, endangering our students and other pedestrians.
As you are aware, since last year, we have been in touch with the 107th Precinct to ensure that there are safe traffic practices surrounding our school. In addition, in our January PTA Meeting, the Queens Borough Traffic Commissioner, Ms. Maura McCarthy, was a guest speaker. She came to listen to all of the concerned parents and staff members. As a result, the Department of Transportation (DOT) began conducting a study to analyze the traffic patterns around our school building. We are awaiting the results of the DOT’s research.
To improve the traffic conditions on Avon Road, in January, we made the Radnor Road entrance available to all students entering the building at 7:30 AM as an alternate option to Avon Road. The building opens at 7:30 AM on both Avon Road and Radnor Road, not earlier than this time. Our school clocks are adjusted to Eastern Time on the cellular phone network. As continuously restated, please be advised that the speed bumps surrounding our school building are not legalized crosswalks. There is a legal crosswalk on 188th Street and the Grand Central Parkway, where a city crossing guard is stationed. Please be cognizant of the street parking signs around our school and understand that the police will issue tickets to motorists who violate any parking and traffic rules. The most safe and effective way to exit your vehicle is on the curb side of the street. Please remember not to release your children on the traffic side.
We would like to reiterate the importance of following traffic laws and emphasize that our school community has been proactive in communicating our concerns to the Department of Transportation, local politicians, the Community District Education Council (CDEC), the 107th Police Precinct, as well as Department of Education Senior Officials to ensure safety around our school.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
School Safety Committee
April 12, 2010
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Further to our December 18, 2009 letter, our January PTA Meeting regarding traffic on Avon Road, and the various interventions we have implemented regarding safety, we would like to inform you that we are still experiencing frequent traffic violations during morning arrival time. Motorists continue to make dangerous U-turns, endangering our students and other pedestrians.
As you are aware, since last year, we have been in touch with the 107th Precinct to ensure that there are safe traffic practices surrounding our school. In addition, in our January PTA Meeting, the Queens Borough Traffic Commissioner, Ms. Maura McCarthy, was a guest speaker. She came to listen to all of the concerned parents and staff members. As a result, the Department of Transportation (DOT) began conducting a study to analyze the traffic patterns around our school building. We are awaiting the results of the DOT’s research.
To improve the traffic conditions on Avon Road, in January, we made the Radnor Road entrance available to all students entering the building at 7:30 AM as an alternate option to Avon Road. The building opens at 7:30 AM on both Avon Road and Radnor Road, not earlier than this time. Our school clocks are adjusted to Eastern Time on the cellular phone network. As continuously restated, please be advised that the speed bumps surrounding our school building are not legalized crosswalks. There is a legal crosswalk on 188th Street and the Grand Central Parkway, where a city crossing guard is stationed. Please be cognizant of the street parking signs around our school and understand that the police will issue tickets to motorists who violate any parking and traffic rules. The most safe and effective way to exit your vehicle is on the curb side of the street. Please remember not to release your children on the traffic side.
We would like to reiterate the importance of following traffic laws and emphasize that our school community has been proactive in communicating our concerns to the Department of Transportation, local politicians, the Community District Education Council (CDEC), the 107th Police Precinct, as well as Department of Education Senior Officials to ensure safety around our school.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
School Safety Committee
Fifth Grade Social Studies Results
Dear Holliswood School Family:
We are pleased to report that our Grade 5 Fall 2009 New York State Social Studies scores have arrived. Our results are as follows:
72.58% of our students performed at a level 4 (exceeding the standards and grade level), while 27.42% of our students performed at level 3 (meeting the standards); a combined total of 100% of students meeting or exceeding the standards.
The 2009-2010 results have improved from previous school years.
We attribute our success on this assessment to: our units of study in English Language Arts, aligning teaching Social Studies and nonfiction in October and November; professional development support to teachers; parental and familial involvement; and extensive work in the area of differentiated instruction, as teachers challenge all learners to make progress and hone their skills.
We will release the individual student results to fifth grade families. They are also available on ARIS.
Thank you for your support and dedication towards making the Holliswood School a wonderful place for all students to excel.
We are pleased to report that our Grade 5 Fall 2009 New York State Social Studies scores have arrived. Our results are as follows:
72.58% of our students performed at a level 4 (exceeding the standards and grade level), while 27.42% of our students performed at level 3 (meeting the standards); a combined total of 100% of students meeting or exceeding the standards.
The 2009-2010 results have improved from previous school years.
We attribute our success on this assessment to: our units of study in English Language Arts, aligning teaching Social Studies and nonfiction in October and November; professional development support to teachers; parental and familial involvement; and extensive work in the area of differentiated instruction, as teachers challenge all learners to make progress and hone their skills.
We will release the individual student results to fifth grade families. They are also available on ARIS.
Thank you for your support and dedication towards making the Holliswood School a wonderful place for all students to excel.
Friday, March 26, 2010
High School Admissions Update
Message from Chancellor Klein, received at 2:40 PM on March 26th
March 26, 2010
Dear Parent/Guardian,
A decision has just been reached in the lawsuit brought by the UFT and others that has had an impact on the high school admissions process. As soon as possible, the Office of Student Enrollment will mail your child’s high school admissions letter to the home address listed on his or her high school application.
We know how difficult this delay has been for you and for your family, and we thank you for your patience. In the meantime, please continue to check the Department of Education’s Web site at www.nyc.gov/schools, or call 311, for updated information.
Sincerely,
Joel I. Klein
Chancellor
March 26, 2010
Dear Parent/Guardian,
A decision has just been reached in the lawsuit brought by the UFT and others that has had an impact on the high school admissions process. As soon as possible, the Office of Student Enrollment will mail your child’s high school admissions letter to the home address listed on his or her high school application.
We know how difficult this delay has been for you and for your family, and we thank you for your patience. In the meantime, please continue to check the Department of Education’s Web site at www.nyc.gov/schools, or call 311, for updated information.
Sincerely,
Joel I. Klein
Chancellor
Middle School Articulation
Middle School Articulation
March 23, 2010
Dear Grade Five Families:
As you are aware, for the past two years, we have been established as a Pre-K to 8 school. We are a United States Department of Education Blue Ribbon School. Last year, our first graduating class articulated to specialized high schools, including Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, Brooklyn Tech, Queens High School for the Sciences at York College, High School for Math, Science and Engineering at City College and prestigious local schools, such as Townsend Harris, Bayside, St. Francis Preparatory, Archbishop Molloy, Cardozo and Francis Lewis.
Many of you have been part of our Holliswood School Family for several years, while some of you are new members of our community. As your children are transitioning into middle school, we are sure that you have many questions about what to expect in middle school. Therefore, we would like to invite you to view our middle school at your convenience during the week of April 12th. This tour will be available for parents/guardians only, as we do not want to interrupt instructional time for our fifth graders, while they are preparing intensely for their New York State Assessments.
Please find attached our middle school informational pamphlet and please call our Parent Coordinator, Phyllis Corley, to schedule a visit.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
March 23, 2010
Dear Grade Five Families:
As you are aware, for the past two years, we have been established as a Pre-K to 8 school. We are a United States Department of Education Blue Ribbon School. Last year, our first graduating class articulated to specialized high schools, including Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, Brooklyn Tech, Queens High School for the Sciences at York College, High School for Math, Science and Engineering at City College and prestigious local schools, such as Townsend Harris, Bayside, St. Francis Preparatory, Archbishop Molloy, Cardozo and Francis Lewis.
Many of you have been part of our Holliswood School Family for several years, while some of you are new members of our community. As your children are transitioning into middle school, we are sure that you have many questions about what to expect in middle school. Therefore, we would like to invite you to view our middle school at your convenience during the week of April 12th. This tour will be available for parents/guardians only, as we do not want to interrupt instructional time for our fifth graders, while they are preparing intensely for their New York State Assessments.
Please find attached our middle school informational pamphlet and please call our Parent Coordinator, Phyllis Corley, to schedule a visit.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
High School Admission Update from the Chancellor
Distributed on March 24, 2010
Dear Parent/Guardian,
I know you were expecting to receive your child’s high school match today. However, due to an ongoing lawsuit that affects the high school admissions process, we can’t yet send home matches as previously planned. I understand you are anxious to receive this information, and rest assured, the Department of Education is doing everything possible to make the matches available soon. We will update you as soon
as we know more. Thank you for your patience—we truly regret the delay.
Sincerely,
Joel I. Klein
Chancellor
Dear Parent/Guardian,
I know you were expecting to receive your child’s high school match today. However, due to an ongoing lawsuit that affects the high school admissions process, we can’t yet send home matches as previously planned. I understand you are anxious to receive this information, and rest assured, the Department of Education is doing everything possible to make the matches available soon. We will update you as soon
as we know more. Thank you for your patience—we truly regret the delay.
Sincerely,
Joel I. Klein
Chancellor
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Pre-Kindergarten Admissions Updates
Pre-Kindergarten Admissions Updates
Elementary schools
The Pre-Kindergarten application period began on March 1. Pre-K directories and applications are available online and at borough enrollment offices. Elementary schools should have received pre-K directories for distribution to families by March 8, and translated versions of the directory will be available online. The deadline for families to apply to pre-K is April 9.
Please inform families that they are invited to attend an information session to learn more about the pre-Kindergarten admissions process. Representatives from the Offices of Student Enrollment and Early Childhood Education will be available at each of the sessions to answer questions. Translation and interpretation services will be provided. You can download more details, including a flyer about the sessions to share with families at your school, at this Web site.
Elementary schools
The Pre-Kindergarten application period began on March 1. Pre-K directories and applications are available online and at borough enrollment offices. Elementary schools should have received pre-K directories for distribution to families by March 8, and translated versions of the directory will be available online. The deadline for families to apply to pre-K is April 9.
Please inform families that they are invited to attend an information session to learn more about the pre-Kindergarten admissions process. Representatives from the Offices of Student Enrollment and Early Childhood Education will be available at each of the sessions to answer questions. Translation and interpretation services will be provided. You can download more details, including a flyer about the sessions to share with families at your school, at this Web site.
Mid-Year Reflection and Thanks
Mid-Year Reflection and Thanks
March 15, 2010
Dear Holliswood School Community:
As we move forward into Spring, we would like to take this opportunity to pause, reflect and thank you for an outstanding school year so far. The 2009-2010 school year has been momentous. We achieved a dramatic improvement on our school’s Progress Report for the 2008-2009 school year, which is attributed to the dedication of our tireless and supportive parents, our exceptional and committed staff, and all of the students’ hard work.
We would like to congratulate our entire Holliswood School Family on the following accomplishments this year:
• Tremendous Work by the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), including outstanding service during the Fall Pumpkin Festival, our Fall and Winter Middle School Dances, Fall Vision Screening, Fall and Spring Book Fairs, Picture Day and ongoing meetings.
• Numerous Fundraisers: Haiti Relief Snack Sale, which raised almost $1,600 to the American Red Cross International Response Fund for Haiti. We received honorable notice from the Daily News, as well as directly from the American Red Cross, thanking us for our accomplishment. Other fundraisers included the Canned Food Drive, Toy Drive, and Daffodil Days for the American Cancer Society.
• Remarkable attendance at Family Events, such as Family Basketball Night, in which we were featured on the New York City Department of Education News Page; PTA Pumpkin Festival; Talent Show; Volleyball Night; Barnes and Noble Night; Winter Concert; Student of the Month Assemblies, writing celebrations, and other assemblies and concerts.
• Our School Leadership Teams and School Safety Committee works extremely hard to bring forward suggestions and next steps for resolutions.
• Our Art Department won an art contest sponsored by Artsonia and received a grant of $5,000 from Microsoft.
• One of our students won the District 25 and District 26 Spelling Bee and competed in the City Championships, representing Queens.
• An amazing middle school Career Day with guest speakers, including some of our Holliswood parents.
• The full launch of our Respect For All Campaign by continually practicing our Holliswood virtues and acknowledging each other when exhibiting those virtues.
• The formation of our first Elementary Rugby Team, who came in second place in the city in the Fall Rugby Tournament.
• Achievements by our middle school CHAMPS sports teams, such as Volleyball, Football and Rugby
• Achievements by our middle school debate team.
• Outstanding extracurricular math programs, such as Middle School Math Team, Elementary Math Team, Math Games Club, First in Math, and Math Success Programs.
• Ongoing enrichment programs, such as ThinkQuest and differentiation in the classroom.
• The continuation of our fabulous Arts Residencies, partially funded by the PTA, such as Young People’s Chorus and 144 Music and Arts.
• Other Arts Residencies including Early Stages (funded by Mr. Mark Weprin) and the Dancing Classrooms Ballroom Dance Program for Grade 5; Our music, technology and visual arts department.
• Ongoing Monthly Parent Workshops
• Ladies Night and Parent Coordinator Book Club Events
• Middle School Chorus performance at Lincoln Center
• Day programs including Student Council, Safety Patrol, Recycling Club, Junior Honor Society, Penny Harvest Club, Art Club, Intramurals, Kids for Coltrane, Fashion Design, Yearbook Club, Data Thieves
• Ongoing partnership with the Samuel Field Y Program for our Elementary After School Program
• May-June Events, including the Senior Trip to Club Getaway, 7th Grade Philadelphia Trip, 6th Grade Medieval Times Trip.
• Ongoing Partnership with the New York Knicks
Since our school year is far from over, we would like to remind you to please join us for the following upcoming events (more information will follow):
• Our second annual Arts Benefit Concert on March 24, 2010 at 6 PM in which we will showcase the broad range of talent in our school.
• Multicultural Night on April 8, 2010 at 5:45 PM, where we will celebrate the wonderful diversity in our school.
• Title I Sponsored Family Math Night on May 25, 2010, from 5-7 PM, in which students, teachers and families will play math games and students will develop strategies for improving mathematical skills.
We want to thank you all for contributing your best efforts to a successful school year thus far. There are successes to report about every day in our school and we thank everyone for participating in maximizing the school’s potential. Please remember to continually visit our School Blog: http://holliswoodschool.blogspot.com for the latest information and school news.
Sincerely,
Jennifer C. Ambert, Patrick Klocek, Phyllis Corley
March 15, 2010
Dear Holliswood School Community:
As we move forward into Spring, we would like to take this opportunity to pause, reflect and thank you for an outstanding school year so far. The 2009-2010 school year has been momentous. We achieved a dramatic improvement on our school’s Progress Report for the 2008-2009 school year, which is attributed to the dedication of our tireless and supportive parents, our exceptional and committed staff, and all of the students’ hard work.
We would like to congratulate our entire Holliswood School Family on the following accomplishments this year:
• Tremendous Work by the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), including outstanding service during the Fall Pumpkin Festival, our Fall and Winter Middle School Dances, Fall Vision Screening, Fall and Spring Book Fairs, Picture Day and ongoing meetings.
• Numerous Fundraisers: Haiti Relief Snack Sale, which raised almost $1,600 to the American Red Cross International Response Fund for Haiti. We received honorable notice from the Daily News, as well as directly from the American Red Cross, thanking us for our accomplishment. Other fundraisers included the Canned Food Drive, Toy Drive, and Daffodil Days for the American Cancer Society.
• Remarkable attendance at Family Events, such as Family Basketball Night, in which we were featured on the New York City Department of Education News Page; PTA Pumpkin Festival; Talent Show; Volleyball Night; Barnes and Noble Night; Winter Concert; Student of the Month Assemblies, writing celebrations, and other assemblies and concerts.
• Our School Leadership Teams and School Safety Committee works extremely hard to bring forward suggestions and next steps for resolutions.
• Our Art Department won an art contest sponsored by Artsonia and received a grant of $5,000 from Microsoft.
• One of our students won the District 25 and District 26 Spelling Bee and competed in the City Championships, representing Queens.
• An amazing middle school Career Day with guest speakers, including some of our Holliswood parents.
• The full launch of our Respect For All Campaign by continually practicing our Holliswood virtues and acknowledging each other when exhibiting those virtues.
• The formation of our first Elementary Rugby Team, who came in second place in the city in the Fall Rugby Tournament.
• Achievements by our middle school CHAMPS sports teams, such as Volleyball, Football and Rugby
• Achievements by our middle school debate team.
• Outstanding extracurricular math programs, such as Middle School Math Team, Elementary Math Team, Math Games Club, First in Math, and Math Success Programs.
• Ongoing enrichment programs, such as ThinkQuest and differentiation in the classroom.
• The continuation of our fabulous Arts Residencies, partially funded by the PTA, such as Young People’s Chorus and 144 Music and Arts.
• Other Arts Residencies including Early Stages (funded by Mr. Mark Weprin) and the Dancing Classrooms Ballroom Dance Program for Grade 5; Our music, technology and visual arts department.
• Ongoing Monthly Parent Workshops
• Ladies Night and Parent Coordinator Book Club Events
• Middle School Chorus performance at Lincoln Center
• Day programs including Student Council, Safety Patrol, Recycling Club, Junior Honor Society, Penny Harvest Club, Art Club, Intramurals, Kids for Coltrane, Fashion Design, Yearbook Club, Data Thieves
• Ongoing partnership with the Samuel Field Y Program for our Elementary After School Program
• May-June Events, including the Senior Trip to Club Getaway, 7th Grade Philadelphia Trip, 6th Grade Medieval Times Trip.
• Ongoing Partnership with the New York Knicks
Since our school year is far from over, we would like to remind you to please join us for the following upcoming events (more information will follow):
• Our second annual Arts Benefit Concert on March 24, 2010 at 6 PM in which we will showcase the broad range of talent in our school.
• Multicultural Night on April 8, 2010 at 5:45 PM, where we will celebrate the wonderful diversity in our school.
• Title I Sponsored Family Math Night on May 25, 2010, from 5-7 PM, in which students, teachers and families will play math games and students will develop strategies for improving mathematical skills.
We want to thank you all for contributing your best efforts to a successful school year thus far. There are successes to report about every day in our school and we thank everyone for participating in maximizing the school’s potential. Please remember to continually visit our School Blog: http://holliswoodschool.blogspot.com for the latest information and school news.
Sincerely,
Jennifer C. Ambert, Patrick Klocek, Phyllis Corley
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
***NYS ELA and Math Exams***
As you know, the New York State ELA Assessment will be administered to students in grades 3 – 8 on April 26, 2010 – April 28, 2010. The State Math Assessment will be given May 5, 2010 – May 7, 2010. With the support of our parents and guardians, our teachers and students have been working tirelessly to prepare for these exams and we know that all of our children will perform brilliantly. We ask that you review the tips below to help your children 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.
6. Remind them to avoid distractions and to concentrate only on their own exam.
As always, thank you for your continued cooperation and support.
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.
6. Remind them to avoid distractions and to concentrate only on their own exam.
As always, thank you for your continued cooperation and support.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Upcoming Acuity Assessments
Dear Parents/Guardians of Students in Grades 3 – 8,
The New York City Department of Education has been administering Instructionally Targeted Assessments to students in grades 3-8 during the school year. Please note the upcoming assessment dates:
ELA ITA (Instructionally Targeted Assessment) – Week of March 8, 2010
Math ITA (Instructionally Targeted Assessment) – Week of March 8, 2010
Integrated Algebra Regents Predictive Assessment – Class 801 – March 15, 2010
Please note that these assessments are used to inform instruction. The results of these exams will be used by our teachers to identify each student’s individual needs. As such, it is very important for you to encourage your children to do the very best they can. Following any periodic assessments, results are displayed on ARIS. Students are provided with differentiated assignments on the Acuity website to reinforce their skills.
Thank you for your continued cooperation and support.
The New York City Department of Education has been administering Instructionally Targeted Assessments to students in grades 3-8 during the school year. Please note the upcoming assessment dates:
ELA ITA (Instructionally Targeted Assessment) – Week of March 8, 2010
Math ITA (Instructionally Targeted Assessment) – Week of March 8, 2010
Integrated Algebra Regents Predictive Assessment – Class 801 – March 15, 2010
Please note that these assessments are used to inform instruction. The results of these exams will be used by our teachers to identify each student’s individual needs. As such, it is very important for you to encourage your children to do the very best they can. Following any periodic assessments, results are displayed on ARIS. Students are provided with differentiated assignments on the Acuity website to reinforce their skills.
Thank you for your continued cooperation and support.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Upcoming Important Dates
Please be advised of the following dates for workshops, meetings, programs and events:
EVENTS:
Talent Show – March 4th - 6-8 PM
Career Day: March 4th – 8:15 -11:15 AM
No Pre-K on 3/5
Saturday Program resumes on 3/6
3/8: MS Basketball Practice 3-5 PM
3/8: Pre-K Directories available (PreK registration: www.nyc.gov/schools/ChoicesEnrollment/PreK) or call 311
3/8-3/12: Respect for All Week – Ms. Peters will be going into MS classrooms beginning next week to conduct lessons.
3/10: Math Success Program Begins for Middle School 3-5 PM
3/11: Math Success Program Begins for Grades 3-5 (3-5 PM)
3/12: Grade 5 Ballroom Dance Culminating Event 1:00-1:45 PM
3/15: PTA-Sponsored Scholastic Book Fair (All Week) Library will be used
3/15: MS Young People's Chorus Concert at Lincoln Center 7 PM
3/16: Parent Teacher Conferences 1-3 PM; 5:30-8:00 PM – DISMISSAL IS AT 11:30 AM
All Teachers follow the following half day lunch schedule:
• 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)
3/24: Arts Benefit Concert 6-8 PM, invitations will be distributed to parents on 3/5
3/29-4/6: Spring Recess (We return on Wednesday, April 7th)
Multicultural Day will be celebrated on April 8. If you have any ideas, please consult with Mrs. Corley.
TESTING
Grades 3-8: March 9: ELA ITA Testing and March 10: Math ITA Testing (Library used)
801: March 15: Algebra Predictive
March 8-26: ELL Periodic Assessment
Grades 1-3: ECLAS 2: begins April 19th
WORKSHOPS
Parent Conversations - Mrs. Corley's Office: 3/5 (Please make an appointment)
ELA Parent Workshop (Parents of Grades 3-8) on March 24 at 8:15 AM
EVENTS:
Talent Show – March 4th - 6-8 PM
Career Day: March 4th – 8:15 -11:15 AM
No Pre-K on 3/5
Saturday Program resumes on 3/6
3/8: MS Basketball Practice 3-5 PM
3/8: Pre-K Directories available (PreK registration: www.nyc.gov/schools/ChoicesEnrollment/PreK) or call 311
3/8-3/12: Respect for All Week – Ms. Peters will be going into MS classrooms beginning next week to conduct lessons.
3/10: Math Success Program Begins for Middle School 3-5 PM
3/11: Math Success Program Begins for Grades 3-5 (3-5 PM)
3/12: Grade 5 Ballroom Dance Culminating Event 1:00-1:45 PM
3/15: PTA-Sponsored Scholastic Book Fair (All Week) Library will be used
3/15: MS Young People's Chorus Concert at Lincoln Center 7 PM
3/16: Parent Teacher Conferences 1-3 PM; 5:30-8:00 PM – DISMISSAL IS AT 11:30 AM
All Teachers follow the following half day lunch schedule:
• 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)
3/24: Arts Benefit Concert 6-8 PM, invitations will be distributed to parents on 3/5
3/29-4/6: Spring Recess (We return on Wednesday, April 7th)
Multicultural Day will be celebrated on April 8. If you have any ideas, please consult with Mrs. Corley.
TESTING
Grades 3-8: March 9: ELA ITA Testing and March 10: Math ITA Testing (Library used)
801: March 15: Algebra Predictive
March 8-26: ELL Periodic Assessment
Grades 1-3: ECLAS 2: begins April 19th
WORKSHOPS
Parent Conversations - Mrs. Corley's Office: 3/5 (Please make an appointment)
ELA Parent Workshop (Parents of Grades 3-8) on March 24 at 8:15 AM
Friday, February 26, 2010
Saturday Program on 2/27/10 has been cancelled
Please be advised that the Saturday Program on 2/27/10 has been cancelled.
No School - 2/26/2010
As per Chancellor Klein, NYC Public Schools are closed today: February 26, 2010. Please stay tuned to your local news or www.nyc.gov/schools for updates. Thank you.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Procedures on Days with Citywide Emergency Conditions or on Major Storm Days
Procedures on Days with Citywide
Emergency Conditions or on Major Storm Days [Distributed in September]
September 11, 2009
Dear Parent/Guardian:
This letter explains the procedures we follow on a day with citywide emergency conditions or a major storm day. The Chancellor will make an announcement to all public schools in the city on whether to close schools or delay their opening. This announcement is made in consultation with other City officials. All authorized delayed openings will result in the regular starting time being two hours later (Please note that, in addition to this two hour delay, the afternoon extra 37.5 minute session for small group instruction, tutoring or test preparation, will be cancelled, as well as all field trips, all adult and continuing education activities, and all after-school activities – see below.)
By 6:00 a.m., the decision is announced on the 311 Information Line, on the Department of Education website Home Page (which can be accessed at http://schools.nyc.gov) and on the following radio stations in the city: WINS (1010 AM), WCBS (880 AM), WABC (770 AM), WLIB (1190 AM), WADO (1280 AM), WBLS (107.5 FM), WNYE (91.5 FM), as well as the following television stations: WCBS (Channel 2), WNBC (Channel 4), WNYW (Fox Channel 5), WABC (Channel 7), Univision Channel 41, and "NY 1" (Channel 1 on cable television). Major radio news stations, such as WINS (1010 AM) and WCBS (880 AM), should be listened to on portable radios in the event of a major blackout.
The school telephone number is: 718-464-5763. The regular school hours (including the extra 37.5 minute sessions for small group instruction, tutoring or test preparation) are: 8:00 AM-2:57.5 PM. Without the extended day session (Fridays), school hours are 8:00 AM-2:20 PM. If there is an authorized delayed school opening, the school hours will be: 10:00 AM – 2:20 PM. Our Parent Coordinator can be reached at pcorley3@schools.nyc.gov or 347-563-4409.
When there is an authorized citywide school closing or delayed school opening, the following will be cancelled unless the Chancellor makes an announcement to the contrary: all field trips, all extra 37.5 minute sessions for small group instruction, tutoring or test preparation at the start or at the end of the regular school day, all after-school programs (including Community-Based Organization after-school programs on public school sites), all after-school program transportation (including transportation to after-school programs at Community-Based Organization sites), all Adult and Continuing Education classes, all Young Adult Borough Centers, and all evening GED programs.
When there is an authorized citywide delayed school opening, school buses will run, but their arrival times will be delayed by two hours. In addition, buses will not be available for any start or end of day extra 37.5 minute sessions for small group instruction, tutoring or test preparation (since these sessions will be cancelled). Morning prekindergarten programs within public schools will also be cancelled.
It is expected that when there is a delayed opening, all end of day extra sessions will be cancelled. As a result, all students will be dismissed at the regular time for students not attending the extra 37.5 minute session for small group instruction, tutoring or test preparation. However, if citywide emergency conditions or a storm worsen, the Chancellor may have to announce an early dismissal. The Chancellor will notify bus services of the earlier dismissal schedule.
You should have plans in place with a relative, friend or neighbor in case your child is released early and you will not be at home to care for him or her. Your child should know of your plans. Please note that you must have listed that relative, friend or neighbor on the school’s “BLUE EMERGENCY CONTACT CARD” because schools are not authorized to release pupils to persons not listed on that card. You may also identify on the card a person or persons who should not have access to your child, as well as indicate the actions you would like the school to take if none of your listed contacts can be reached. The school will follow your recommendations as much as possible. It is important that you make certain that the card is up-to-date. If your child takes a school bus, school staff will remain in school with the bused children until buses arrive for dismissal or until your child is picked up.
If you have a child with a disability, you should use your discretion in deciding whether to send him or her to school when there is a delayed opening. If your child has medical or other health issues requiring nursing or other services during the school day, including services requiring a nurse or paraprofessional to ride on the bus, you should consider not sending your child to school. Please be reminded that your child will not be picked up if a nurse or paraprofessional who is required to ride with him or her is not aboard the school bus.
Again, contact the 311 Information Line, access the NYCDOE website Home Page at http://schools.nyc.gov, and listen to the radio or television stations listed above for information.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Emergency Conditions or on Major Storm Days [Distributed in September]
September 11, 2009
Dear Parent/Guardian:
This letter explains the procedures we follow on a day with citywide emergency conditions or a major storm day. The Chancellor will make an announcement to all public schools in the city on whether to close schools or delay their opening. This announcement is made in consultation with other City officials. All authorized delayed openings will result in the regular starting time being two hours later (Please note that, in addition to this two hour delay, the afternoon extra 37.5 minute session for small group instruction, tutoring or test preparation, will be cancelled, as well as all field trips, all adult and continuing education activities, and all after-school activities – see below.)
By 6:00 a.m., the decision is announced on the 311 Information Line, on the Department of Education website Home Page (which can be accessed at http://schools.nyc.gov) and on the following radio stations in the city: WINS (1010 AM), WCBS (880 AM), WABC (770 AM), WLIB (1190 AM), WADO (1280 AM), WBLS (107.5 FM), WNYE (91.5 FM), as well as the following television stations: WCBS (Channel 2), WNBC (Channel 4), WNYW (Fox Channel 5), WABC (Channel 7), Univision Channel 41, and "NY 1" (Channel 1 on cable television). Major radio news stations, such as WINS (1010 AM) and WCBS (880 AM), should be listened to on portable radios in the event of a major blackout.
The school telephone number is: 718-464-5763. The regular school hours (including the extra 37.5 minute sessions for small group instruction, tutoring or test preparation) are: 8:00 AM-2:57.5 PM. Without the extended day session (Fridays), school hours are 8:00 AM-2:20 PM. If there is an authorized delayed school opening, the school hours will be: 10:00 AM – 2:20 PM. Our Parent Coordinator can be reached at pcorley3@schools.nyc.gov or 347-563-4409.
When there is an authorized citywide school closing or delayed school opening, the following will be cancelled unless the Chancellor makes an announcement to the contrary: all field trips, all extra 37.5 minute sessions for small group instruction, tutoring or test preparation at the start or at the end of the regular school day, all after-school programs (including Community-Based Organization after-school programs on public school sites), all after-school program transportation (including transportation to after-school programs at Community-Based Organization sites), all Adult and Continuing Education classes, all Young Adult Borough Centers, and all evening GED programs.
When there is an authorized citywide delayed school opening, school buses will run, but their arrival times will be delayed by two hours. In addition, buses will not be available for any start or end of day extra 37.5 minute sessions for small group instruction, tutoring or test preparation (since these sessions will be cancelled). Morning prekindergarten programs within public schools will also be cancelled.
It is expected that when there is a delayed opening, all end of day extra sessions will be cancelled. As a result, all students will be dismissed at the regular time for students not attending the extra 37.5 minute session for small group instruction, tutoring or test preparation. However, if citywide emergency conditions or a storm worsen, the Chancellor may have to announce an early dismissal. The Chancellor will notify bus services of the earlier dismissal schedule.
You should have plans in place with a relative, friend or neighbor in case your child is released early and you will not be at home to care for him or her. Your child should know of your plans. Please note that you must have listed that relative, friend or neighbor on the school’s “BLUE EMERGENCY CONTACT CARD” because schools are not authorized to release pupils to persons not listed on that card. You may also identify on the card a person or persons who should not have access to your child, as well as indicate the actions you would like the school to take if none of your listed contacts can be reached. The school will follow your recommendations as much as possible. It is important that you make certain that the card is up-to-date. If your child takes a school bus, school staff will remain in school with the bused children until buses arrive for dismissal or until your child is picked up.
If you have a child with a disability, you should use your discretion in deciding whether to send him or her to school when there is a delayed opening. If your child has medical or other health issues requiring nursing or other services during the school day, including services requiring a nurse or paraprofessional to ride on the bus, you should consider not sending your child to school. Please be reminded that your child will not be picked up if a nurse or paraprofessional who is required to ride with him or her is not aboard the school bus.
Again, contact the 311 Information Line, access the NYCDOE website Home Page at http://schools.nyc.gov, and listen to the radio or television stations listed above for information.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Wednesday's Specialized High School Open Houses Rescheduled in Anticipation of Inclement Weather
Wednesday's Specialized High School Open Houses Rescheduled in Anticipation of Inclement Weather
02/08/10
Open Houses Scheduled for Wednesday, February 10 Will Be Held on Monday, February 22
In anticipation of inclement weather conditions, the New York City Department of Education has postponed the Specialized High School Open Houses scheduled for Wednesday, February 10, 2010. These open houses have been rescheduled for Monday, February 22, 2010, and will take place at the same times and in the same locations as originally scheduled.
The open houses that have been postponed from Wednesday, February 10, 2010, to Monday, February 22, 2010, are as follows:
· The Brooklyn Latin School – 325 Bushwick Avenue, Brooklyn: 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm· Brooklyn Technical High School – 29 Fort Greene Place, Brooklyn: 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm· Staten Island Technical High School – 485 Clawson Street, Staten Island: Session I (for students with last names A-L): 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm · Staten Island Technical High School – 485 Clawson Street, Staten Island: Session II (for students with last names M-Z): 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm · Stuyvesant High School – 345 Chambers Street, Manhattan: 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
The Specialized High School Open Houses on February 9 (Bronx Science; Math, Science and Engineering at City College; Queens HS for the Sciences at York and American Studies at Lehman) and February 11 (LaGuardia) will be held as scheduled.
Students are encouraged to attend the Open House at any specialized school to which they have received an offer. For a list of all Specialized High School open houses, please visit our website at www.nyc.gov/schools/ChoicesEnrollment/High/Calendar. If you have any questions, you may contact the Office of Student Enrollment at HS_Enrollment@schools.nyc.gov or (718) 935-2399.
02/08/10
Open Houses Scheduled for Wednesday, February 10 Will Be Held on Monday, February 22
In anticipation of inclement weather conditions, the New York City Department of Education has postponed the Specialized High School Open Houses scheduled for Wednesday, February 10, 2010. These open houses have been rescheduled for Monday, February 22, 2010, and will take place at the same times and in the same locations as originally scheduled.
The open houses that have been postponed from Wednesday, February 10, 2010, to Monday, February 22, 2010, are as follows:
· The Brooklyn Latin School – 325 Bushwick Avenue, Brooklyn: 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm· Brooklyn Technical High School – 29 Fort Greene Place, Brooklyn: 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm· Staten Island Technical High School – 485 Clawson Street, Staten Island: Session I (for students with last names A-L): 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm · Staten Island Technical High School – 485 Clawson Street, Staten Island: Session II (for students with last names M-Z): 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm · Stuyvesant High School – 345 Chambers Street, Manhattan: 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
The Specialized High School Open Houses on February 9 (Bronx Science; Math, Science and Engineering at City College; Queens HS for the Sciences at York and American Studies at Lehman) and February 11 (LaGuardia) will be held as scheduled.
Students are encouraged to attend the Open House at any specialized school to which they have received an offer. For a list of all Specialized High School open houses, please visit our website at www.nyc.gov/schools/ChoicesEnrollment/High/Calendar. If you have any questions, you may contact the Office of Student Enrollment at HS_Enrollment@schools.nyc.gov or (718) 935-2399.
Chancellor Klein Announces Schools Closure Tomorrow
Chancellor Klein Announces Schools Closure Tomorrow
Due to anticipated inclement weather conditions, all New York City public schools will be closed tomorrow, February 10, 2010. All after-school activities, PSAL events, and all other events taking place in school buildings will also be cancelled. While travel conditions to school in the morning may not be difficult, the weather is expected to worsen as the day progresses, complicating dismissal. We are making this decision today to give parents as much time as possible to make alternative plans for tomorrow.
Get the latest information about NYC public schools. Subscribe to our weekly and monthly newsletter, featured updates, and NotifyNYC alerts.
Due to anticipated inclement weather conditions, all New York City public schools will be closed tomorrow, February 10, 2010. All after-school activities, PSAL events, and all other events taking place in school buildings will also be cancelled. While travel conditions to school in the morning may not be difficult, the weather is expected to worsen as the day progresses, complicating dismissal. We are making this decision today to give parents as much time as possible to make alternative plans for tomorrow.
Get the latest information about NYC public schools. Subscribe to our weekly and monthly newsletter, featured updates, and NotifyNYC alerts.
Monday, February 8, 2010
CHAMPS Volleyball - Tuesday Session
Due to the Special Elections in the gym, the Tuesday CHAMPS Volleyball Program has been cancelled tomorrow, 2/9/10.
Middle School Basketball Team Tryouts
Middle School Basketball Team tryouts will be held today from 3-5 PM. We will have a make up date this week during lunch hours. Students should ask their official class teachers for a permission slip or see Mr. Roder, Boys' Team Coach.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
New High Schools Fair and Application Process
New High Schools Fair and Application Process
Middle and high schools / Event: February 6-7
The New High Schools Fair will be held at Emigrant Savings Bank Hall in Manhattan on Saturday, February 6 and Sunday, February 7. The fair will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on both days. Translated materials and interpretation services will be available at the fair. Please help spread the word to students and families. A flyer with details about the fair (in English and other languages) is available at www.nyc.gov/Schools/ChoicesEnrollment/High.
The Directory of the New High Schools: New York City Public Schools Opening September 2010 is now available at www.nyc.gov/Schools/ChoicesEnrollment/High/Publications.
Middle and high schools / Event: February 6-7
The New High Schools Fair will be held at Emigrant Savings Bank Hall in Manhattan on Saturday, February 6 and Sunday, February 7. The fair will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on both days. Translated materials and interpretation services will be available at the fair. Please help spread the word to students and families. A flyer with details about the fair (in English and other languages) is available at www.nyc.gov/Schools/ChoicesEnrollment/High.
The Directory of the New High Schools: New York City Public Schools Opening September 2010 is now available at www.nyc.gov/Schools/ChoicesEnrollment/High/Publications.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Message from the Yearbook Committee
The Yearbook Committee (Gahring, Herrel and Tsapelas) would like to inform parents that they are looking for any pictures of students taken during student events (such as writing celebrations, assemblies, family nights, flashback photos of 8th graders etc.) Parents/Students can send the yearbook photos to 178yearbook2010@gmail.com. The Committee already has a collection of photos, but they would like more.
Many thanks.
Many thanks.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Upcoming School Closing
Upcoming School Closing
February 2, 2010
Dear Parents/Guardians:
We would like to remind you that all New York City Public Schools will be closed during Mid-Winter Recess/President’s Week: February 15, 2010 to February 19, 2010. For a listing of all school closings, please visit the NYCDOE website: www.nyc.gov/schools or our school blog: http://holliswoodschool.blogspot.com.
February 2, 2010
Dear Parents/Guardians:
We would like to remind you that all New York City Public Schools will be closed during Mid-Winter Recess/President’s Week: February 15, 2010 to February 19, 2010. For a listing of all school closings, please visit the NYCDOE website: www.nyc.gov/schools or our school blog: http://holliswoodschool.blogspot.com.
HAITI RELIEF FUNDRAISER AT PS/IS 178Q
HAITI RELIEF FUNDRAISER AT PS/IS 178Q
February 2, 2010
Dear Parents/Guardians/Staff:
We would like to thank you for all of your donations of snack items and for all of the support you have provided with regard to our fundraiser. In seven days, our school raised $1,551.00, which we will contribute to the American Red Cross International Response Fund for Haiti.
Through this process, the students learned about the true essence of community. The Student Council Officers and Advisors, who had firsthand experience selling the items, took tremendous pride in contributing their efforts to a worthy cause. Students purchasing the items shared similar feelings of delight.
February 2, 2010
Dear Parents/Guardians/Staff:
We would like to thank you for all of your donations of snack items and for all of the support you have provided with regard to our fundraiser. In seven days, our school raised $1,551.00, which we will contribute to the American Red Cross International Response Fund for Haiti.
Through this process, the students learned about the true essence of community. The Student Council Officers and Advisors, who had firsthand experience selling the items, took tremendous pride in contributing their efforts to a worthy cause. Students purchasing the items shared similar feelings of delight.
MARCH PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
February 1, 2010
Dear Parents/Guardians:
You are cordially invited to our Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences. Both afternoon and evening conferences will be held on Tuesday, March 16, 2010. 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 (distributed to students) 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, March 16, 2010, 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 Monday, March 1, 2010.
All PS/IS 178 After-School Programs will be cancelled on March 16, 2010. The Samuel Field Y Program will also be cancelled.
Elementary report cards will be distributed on March 11, 2010 via backpack.
Middle School report cards will be distributed on February 8, 2010 via backpack.
Thank you for your cooperation. I look forward to seeing you.
February 1, 2010
Dear Parents/Guardians:
You are cordially invited to our Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences. Both afternoon and evening conferences will be held on Tuesday, March 16, 2010. 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 (distributed to students) 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, March 16, 2010, 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 Monday, March 1, 2010.
All PS/IS 178 After-School Programs will be cancelled on March 16, 2010. The Samuel Field Y Program will also be cancelled.
Elementary report cards will be distributed on March 11, 2010 via backpack.
Middle School report cards will be distributed on February 8, 2010 via backpack.
Thank you for your cooperation. I look forward to seeing you.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Important Information for Middle School Students Interested in New High Schools
The New High Schools Fair will be held at Emigrant Savings Bank Hall in Manhattan on Saturday, February 6 and Sunday, February 7. The fair will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on both days. Translated materials and interpretation services will be available at the fair. Please help spread the word to students and families about the fair. A flyer with details about the fair (in English and other languages) is available at www.nyc.gov/Schools/ChoicesEnrollment/High.
Students who would like to apply to one or more of the new high schools must complete a New High Schools Choice Form to update the program choices they originally submitted in December. The New High Schools Choice Forms will be available for pick up on February 3 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Middle schools should make arrangements to pick up these materials at the designated high school admissions pick up location for their district. Extra forms are available on SEMS under "Apps/Letters."
Students must return completed New High Schools Choice Forms to their counselors by February 23. If you have any questions, contact the Office of Student Enrollment at HS_Enrollment@schools.nyc.gov or (212) 374-2363.
Students who would like to apply to one or more of the new high schools must complete a New High Schools Choice Form to update the program choices they originally submitted in December. The New High Schools Choice Forms will be available for pick up on February 3 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Middle schools should make arrangements to pick up these materials at the designated high school admissions pick up location for their district. Extra forms are available on SEMS under "Apps/Letters."
Students must return completed New High Schools Choice Forms to their counselors by February 23. If you have any questions, contact the Office of Student Enrollment at HS_Enrollment@schools.nyc.gov or (212) 374-2363.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
HAITI RELIEF FUNDRAISER AT PS/IS 178Q
Dear Parents/Guardians/Staff:
As we continue to learn more about the crisis in Haiti, we are deeply saddened and would like to participate in a fundraising effort. As a school community, we would like to make a monetary contribution to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which provides immediate relief to those in need.
We would be grateful for your assistance in donating items for a snack sale (i.e. fruit snacks, individually wrapped cupcakes, juice boxes, water bottles etc.). If you are interested in participating, please begin bringing the snack items in on Wednesday, January 20, 2010. Students can bring the items to the office. Our first sale will take place during both lunch periods on January 21. We will sell any remaining snacks during subsequent days. All proceeds from the snack sale will benefit Haiti Relief. The funds will be deposited into the School’s General Funds account and we will issue a check to the American Red Cross International Response Fund and specify ‘Haiti Relief.’
Alternatively, you can visit www.redcross.org, www.nyc.gov/fund or call 311 to donate independently.
Thank you for all of your efforts.
As we continue to learn more about the crisis in Haiti, we are deeply saddened and would like to participate in a fundraising effort. As a school community, we would like to make a monetary contribution to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which provides immediate relief to those in need.
We would be grateful for your assistance in donating items for a snack sale (i.e. fruit snacks, individually wrapped cupcakes, juice boxes, water bottles etc.). If you are interested in participating, please begin bringing the snack items in on Wednesday, January 20, 2010. Students can bring the items to the office. Our first sale will take place during both lunch periods on January 21. We will sell any remaining snacks during subsequent days. All proceeds from the snack sale will benefit Haiti Relief. The funds will be deposited into the School’s General Funds account and we will issue a check to the American Red Cross International Response Fund and specify ‘Haiti Relief.’
Alternatively, you can visit www.redcross.org, www.nyc.gov/fund or call 311 to donate independently.
Thank you for all of your efforts.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Holliswood in the News
On the NYCDOE website (www.nyc.gov/schools), our school is featured today regarding our Family Basketball Night.
To view the article, please visit: http://schools.nyc.gov/Home/InOurSchoolsToday/2009-2010/bball011510.htm
Thank you.
To view the article, please visit: http://schools.nyc.gov/Home/InOurSchoolsToday/2009-2010/bball011510.htm
Thank you.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Notify NYC Emergency Notification System
From the NYCDOE Website:
Mayor Bloomberg, Emergency Management Commissioner Bruno and Schools Deputy Chancellor Grimm Announce Expansion of Notify NYC Emergency Notification System to Include Public Schools
1/14/2010
Families Can Receive Notify NYC Calls, Texts, and Emails About Emergencies at City Schools
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Commissioner Joseph F. Bruno and Schools Deputy Chancellor Kathleen Grimm today announced that New York City public school families can sign up for Notify NYC updates for emergency situations at their children’s schools by phone, text message, or e-mail. Notify NYC is the City’s public notification program and has been expanded to include delayed school openings and early dismissals, student relocations, and temporary school closures related to weather or other unexpected events. Parents and guardians can choose to receive alerts for up to five zip codes, and will receive notifications about schools within those zip codes. The City expanded Notify NYC to provide parents with real-time information about events affecting their children’s schools after the passage of the Public Schools Emergency Alert Act. The Mayor, OEM Commissioner and Deputy Chancellor made the announcement at J.H.S. 217 in Queens and were joined by the sponsors of the Public Schools Emergency Alert Act, Assembly Member Rory I. Lancman, State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, and Council Member Mark S. Weprin, a former member of the Assembly.
“This expansion of Notify NYC is one more way that we’ve strengthened the lines of communication between parents and their children’s schools,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Now, in the event of an emergency, we can communicate with families clearly, accurately, and in a timely fashion.”
“Signing up for Notify NYC is quick, easy, and best of all, it is free,” said Commissioner Bruno. “I encourage all New Yorkers to join the more the 27,000 people who have signed up and taken a positive step to ensuring they have the information they need to make good decisions during emergencies.”
“The Notify NYC system makes it easy for parents to receive critical information affecting their children during the school day as it occurs,” said Deputy Chancellor Grimm. “I urge parents to sign up for the service, which will help ensure that our schools are even better prepared for emergencies and can communicate easily and quickly with parents.”
“I applaud this initiative that will use available technology to improve communications between schools and parents in a quick, efficient and modern way,” said Queens Borough President Helen M. Marshall. “As a parent, I can appreciate a parent’s anxiety about not knowing where their child is during an emergency, inclement weather or other adverse circumstance. I would appreciate knowing when an emergency occurs and what is being done to alleviate fears and concerns about students.”
“Emergency alert systems work,” said Assembly Member Lancman. “Parents, teachers and staff need to know about school emergencies in real time, so they can protect our children and themselves. I’m proud to stand with the mayor as New York City implements the landmark Public Schools Emergency Alert Act passed by the legislature last session.”
“Recalling last year’s swine flu outbreak at a Queens high school that could have become a Citywide epidemic, the Legislature’s newly enacted Schools Emergency Alert System sends out fast notices by phone, email or text to parents, faculty, students, community residents, when a threat to health or life arises, at minimal cost to a large organization, but with huge returns for safety,” said Senator Addabbo. “These alerts also piggyback onto the existing Notify NYC Emergency Alert System.”
“When there is an emergency at a school, parents need to know what is going on right away,” said Council Member Weprin. “As a sponsor of the Public Schools Emergency Alert Act, I know that it will make tense situations a little easier for families.”
“Emergency alerts sent to parents and guardians will help keep them informed of any possible emergencies at their students’ schools,” said Assembly Member Catherine Nolan, chair of the Assembly Education Committee. “As a parent of a public school student, I feel this system is extremely helpful and it will help keep parents and guardians informed.”
“I am enormously grateful to Mayor Bloomberg and Chancellor Klein for creating and advancing Notify NYC,” said Council Member James F. Gennaro. “This system will provide immediate and important benefits to families throughout our City. I am confident that this system will be replicated in school systems throughout the country, as it should be. The Mayor and the Chancellor deserve thanks for protecting and empowering our families with this new system.”
Since the launch of zip code-specific school alerts on January 1, the system has already been used to alert parents of three temporary school relocations. Students at a Staten Island school and a Bronx school were relocated because of heating problems, and students at another Bronx school were relocated as a result of a gas leak. To register for alerts, families can visit http://www.nyc.gov/ or call 311.
About Notify NYC
Notify NYC was launched as a pilot program in December 2007 serving four communities. Data from the citywide pilot were used to gauge the efficiency and effectiveness of different types of notification technologies, and the value of different types of emergency and non-emergency information to participants.
After the successful conclusion of the pilot, Notify NYC was launched Citywide in May 2009, allowing residents in all five boroughs to register multiple email addresses, text message accounts and phone numbers to receive Notify NYC advisories about events in up to five zip codes. The program was also expanded to allow people to register for non-emergency notifications such as unscheduled suspensions of alternate side parking rules.
Since the program began, the City has sent out 243 messages related to 184 incidents across all five boroughs. To date, more than 27,000 people had enrolled to receive notifications, including almost 8,000 parents and guardians who signed up to receive school-related alerts. Alerts sent through Notify NYC are also posted at http://www.nyc.gov/ and on Twitter and distributed to call takers at 311 and 911 to ensure that information the City provides is accurate, timely and consistent.
Notify NYC is the product of a multi-year initiative to enhance the City’s emergency public communication systems, an effort that is overseen by Deputy Mayor for Operations Edward Skyler. Notify NYC is also a central component of the City’s implementation of a recommendation from the World Trade Center Health Panel Report, which proposed improvements to the delivery of environmental health information during emergencies. Notify NYC is a voluntary program. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other personal information collected during the registration process will never be used for purposes other than sending Notify NYC messages and will remain confidential. For more information about Notify NYC or to register, visit http://www.nyc.gov/. People who do not have regular access to email or text messaging may also register exclusively for voice alerts to their home, office or cell phones by calling 311 and using the automated phone registration system.
Mayor Bloomberg, Emergency Management Commissioner Bruno and Schools Deputy Chancellor Grimm Announce Expansion of Notify NYC Emergency Notification System to Include Public Schools
1/14/2010
Families Can Receive Notify NYC Calls, Texts, and Emails About Emergencies at City Schools
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Commissioner Joseph F. Bruno and Schools Deputy Chancellor Kathleen Grimm today announced that New York City public school families can sign up for Notify NYC updates for emergency situations at their children’s schools by phone, text message, or e-mail. Notify NYC is the City’s public notification program and has been expanded to include delayed school openings and early dismissals, student relocations, and temporary school closures related to weather or other unexpected events. Parents and guardians can choose to receive alerts for up to five zip codes, and will receive notifications about schools within those zip codes. The City expanded Notify NYC to provide parents with real-time information about events affecting their children’s schools after the passage of the Public Schools Emergency Alert Act. The Mayor, OEM Commissioner and Deputy Chancellor made the announcement at J.H.S. 217 in Queens and were joined by the sponsors of the Public Schools Emergency Alert Act, Assembly Member Rory I. Lancman, State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, and Council Member Mark S. Weprin, a former member of the Assembly.
“This expansion of Notify NYC is one more way that we’ve strengthened the lines of communication between parents and their children’s schools,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Now, in the event of an emergency, we can communicate with families clearly, accurately, and in a timely fashion.”
“Signing up for Notify NYC is quick, easy, and best of all, it is free,” said Commissioner Bruno. “I encourage all New Yorkers to join the more the 27,000 people who have signed up and taken a positive step to ensuring they have the information they need to make good decisions during emergencies.”
“The Notify NYC system makes it easy for parents to receive critical information affecting their children during the school day as it occurs,” said Deputy Chancellor Grimm. “I urge parents to sign up for the service, which will help ensure that our schools are even better prepared for emergencies and can communicate easily and quickly with parents.”
“I applaud this initiative that will use available technology to improve communications between schools and parents in a quick, efficient and modern way,” said Queens Borough President Helen M. Marshall. “As a parent, I can appreciate a parent’s anxiety about not knowing where their child is during an emergency, inclement weather or other adverse circumstance. I would appreciate knowing when an emergency occurs and what is being done to alleviate fears and concerns about students.”
“Emergency alert systems work,” said Assembly Member Lancman. “Parents, teachers and staff need to know about school emergencies in real time, so they can protect our children and themselves. I’m proud to stand with the mayor as New York City implements the landmark Public Schools Emergency Alert Act passed by the legislature last session.”
“Recalling last year’s swine flu outbreak at a Queens high school that could have become a Citywide epidemic, the Legislature’s newly enacted Schools Emergency Alert System sends out fast notices by phone, email or text to parents, faculty, students, community residents, when a threat to health or life arises, at minimal cost to a large organization, but with huge returns for safety,” said Senator Addabbo. “These alerts also piggyback onto the existing Notify NYC Emergency Alert System.”
“When there is an emergency at a school, parents need to know what is going on right away,” said Council Member Weprin. “As a sponsor of the Public Schools Emergency Alert Act, I know that it will make tense situations a little easier for families.”
“Emergency alerts sent to parents and guardians will help keep them informed of any possible emergencies at their students’ schools,” said Assembly Member Catherine Nolan, chair of the Assembly Education Committee. “As a parent of a public school student, I feel this system is extremely helpful and it will help keep parents and guardians informed.”
“I am enormously grateful to Mayor Bloomberg and Chancellor Klein for creating and advancing Notify NYC,” said Council Member James F. Gennaro. “This system will provide immediate and important benefits to families throughout our City. I am confident that this system will be replicated in school systems throughout the country, as it should be. The Mayor and the Chancellor deserve thanks for protecting and empowering our families with this new system.”
Since the launch of zip code-specific school alerts on January 1, the system has already been used to alert parents of three temporary school relocations. Students at a Staten Island school and a Bronx school were relocated because of heating problems, and students at another Bronx school were relocated as a result of a gas leak. To register for alerts, families can visit http://www.nyc.gov/ or call 311.
About Notify NYC
Notify NYC was launched as a pilot program in December 2007 serving four communities. Data from the citywide pilot were used to gauge the efficiency and effectiveness of different types of notification technologies, and the value of different types of emergency and non-emergency information to participants.
After the successful conclusion of the pilot, Notify NYC was launched Citywide in May 2009, allowing residents in all five boroughs to register multiple email addresses, text message accounts and phone numbers to receive Notify NYC advisories about events in up to five zip codes. The program was also expanded to allow people to register for non-emergency notifications such as unscheduled suspensions of alternate side parking rules.
Since the program began, the City has sent out 243 messages related to 184 incidents across all five boroughs. To date, more than 27,000 people had enrolled to receive notifications, including almost 8,000 parents and guardians who signed up to receive school-related alerts. Alerts sent through Notify NYC are also posted at http://www.nyc.gov/ and on Twitter and distributed to call takers at 311 and 911 to ensure that information the City provides is accurate, timely and consistent.
Notify NYC is the product of a multi-year initiative to enhance the City’s emergency public communication systems, an effort that is overseen by Deputy Mayor for Operations Edward Skyler. Notify NYC is also a central component of the City’s implementation of a recommendation from the World Trade Center Health Panel Report, which proposed improvements to the delivery of environmental health information during emergencies. Notify NYC is a voluntary program. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other personal information collected during the registration process will never be used for purposes other than sending Notify NYC messages and will remain confidential. For more information about Notify NYC or to register, visit http://www.nyc.gov/. People who do not have regular access to email or text messaging may also register exclusively for voice alerts to their home, office or cell phones by calling 311 and using the automated phone registration system.
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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)
