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.

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

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

About Parent Coordinator Phyllis Corley

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

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

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

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

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

Phyllis Corley,
Parent Coordinator

Corley's Corner

Corley's Corner
Parents and Staff turn out for Corley's Ladies' Night at Strike Long Island (November 2008)

Mrs. Corley gets ready to read at the Barnes and Noble Fundraiser Event

Parents and Staff participate in Corley's Cupcake Creations Parent Workshop


Our Student Council Gives Back!

Our Student Council Gives Back!
2009 Student Council President Chrysalis Terrado and her cabinet pose in front of dozens of toys donated by Holliswood families for our annual toy drive (December 2008)

Upcoming School Closings and Half Days


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


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

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



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















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