Family Winter Dance

Please join us for our second Family Dance this Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at 6:00 PM. Light refreshments and a live DJ will provide an evening of family fun to celebrate the holiday season.

Admission is a ream of paper per person or $5.00 each. Contact Ms. Corley for tickets.

Thank you.

Barnes and Noble Night

Dear Families,

We are very proud to announce that the Holliswood School is sponsoring our annual Barnes and Nobles Fundraiser! The fundraiser will begin on Monday, December 5th and end Saturday, December 10th at the Fresh Meadows store on Union Turnpike. This in-store event was extremely successful last year because so many of you came out to support the school. Your participation was extraordinary and the Fresh Meadows store responded in kind by sharing a generous percentage of the total sales that were made during last year’s event with the school.

To further motivate the students to take part in the excitement, our staff has volunteered their time on Monday night from 4:30-6:30 p.m., to read aloud to the students and interact with the parents in a more social setting. Attached you will find the voucher that must be presented when you are making your final purchase if the school is going to benefit from your generosity. Please come, do some holiday shopping and share in what promises to be a truly enjoyable event.

We look forward to seeing you there!


Sincerely,



Jason Chin
Assistant Principal
-------------------------------------------------------------
We are proud to announce our annual Barnes & Noble Bookfair will be taking place at the Fresh Meadows location on Monday, December 5, 2011. You will also have an opportunity to support us by shopping online from Monday, December 5, 2011 through Saturday, December 10, 2011. A percentage of your purchase made through www.bn.com/bookfairs will be contributed to our Bookfair. Here’s how:

• Be sure to use the web address above (www.bn.com/bookfairs) to do your online shopping.
• When you’ve finished selecting your purchases, click on your cart and begin the check-out process. On the payment page, there will be a section at the bottom that states Check Here If This Is a Bookfair Order. When you check the box, type in our bookfair ID number 10564912 in the required entry field.
• If you already have a BN.com account with a default payment method, you will only see a Checkout Summary screen. To add the Bookfair ID to the payment page, you will need to click on the Change button on the right-hand side of the Payment Section. This will take you back to the payment page, where you can enter our bookfair ID number 10564912.
• After placing your order, you can log back into your Order Summary Confirmation to check to see if the Bookfair ID number is listed on your order (10564912). If it is, everything was done correctly!
• If you do not see a Bookfair ID number (10564912), or if you realize that you placed your order without using our Bookfair ID number, please call Customer Service at 800-962-6177 as soon as possible. Provide your order number and our Bookfair ID number, and the representative will manually add your order to our Bookfair sales total.
• Please note that the purchase of some items such as gift cards, textbooks, magazines, etc. is excluded from Bookfair sales totals. For more information, check the FAQs on the www.bn.com/bookfairs home page.
Please feel free to forward this letter and our bookfair vouchers to any family and friends who would like to support our Bookfair as well.

Thanks again for supporting our Bookfair!

-------------------------------------------------------

Holiday Concert - December 8, 2011

SAVE THE DATE

The Holiday Concert
Thursday, December 8, 2011 - 6:00 PM

Featuring performances by:

The Elementary Chorus (The Young People’s Chorus of NYC @178, Grades 3-5)
The Middle School Chorus (The Young People’s Chorus of NYC @178, Grades 6-8)
conducted by Sheldon Ogbourne of YPC
The Holliswood School Band, conducted by the All-Borough Band Director, Jennifer Schecter

Performance attire: White top, black bottoms (Musicians)

Guests, please enter through Avon Road (tickets: $3.00 each now on sale)
Performers, please enter through Radnor Road

October 25, 2011

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Monday, October 31, 2011 is Halloween. Traditionally, Halloween is a time of fun and excitement. However, we need to take precautions in order to have a safe Halloween experience.

Below, we have listed some helpful guidelines to consider, in the event that your children go out Trick or Treating.

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

As a reminder, Halloween costumes are not permitted in school. However, children may wear a costume to the PTA-sponsored Fall Festival on October 27, 2011 at 6:00 PM.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Very truly yours,


Jennifer Ambert
Principal

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES

Dear Parents/Guardians:

You are cordially invited to our November Parent-Teacher Conferences. Both afternoon and evening conferences will be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2011. Conferences are scheduled for 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM in the afternoon and 5:30 PM to 8:00PM 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 form, which will be distributed on 10/21, 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, 11/15, 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. Pre-K and Kindergarten students will be dismissed at 11:15 AM. 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 and return it to your child’s teacher by October 26, 2011.

All PS/IS 178 After-School Programs will be cancelled on Tuesday, November 15, 2011. The Samuel Field Y and Kuei Luck Programs will also be cancelled.

• Elementary report cards (Grades 1-5 only) will be distributed on November 9, 2011 via backpack.
• Middle School report cards will be distributed on November 7, 2011 via backpack.

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

Holliswood in the News

Please view the article in the Queens Gazette:

http://www.qgazette.com/news/2011-10-19/Features/PS_178_Celebrates_Six_Decades_Of_Service.html

Thank you.

Parent Workshop on 10/7/11 Cancelled

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Please be advised that Ms. Corley's Parent Workshop, entitled "Respect for All" (First Friday Second Cup), has been cancelled. The workshop was originally scheduled for this Friday, October 7, 2011. Ms. Corley will re-schedule this meeting at a later date.

If you have any questions, please call Ms. Corley.

Thank you.

60th Anniversary

Our 60th anniversary assemblies and dance were a tremendous success! Special thanks to Ms. Guglietta, who coordinated all of the assemblies, along with Mrs. Corley, who assisted with the assembly and coordinated the dance with the parent volunteers. The 9:00 AM assembly featured speeches by Superintendent Saunders, Council Member Mark Weprin and Alumni Marilyn Gellar. Ms. Gellar was in the very first kindergarten class of 1951. All of our speeches referred to ‘then’ and ‘now,’ highlighting how school used to be, what games we would play, and how fortunate children are today because technology is at their fingertips. I encouraged our students to invent something new and use their imaginations. While I am a huge proponent of technology, reflecting about the nostalgia (life without all of the technology) makes me think that we have to continue to foster creativity. During the dance, we had a great turnout from our younger students and their families. Thank you to the staff members, who were able to come out and celebrate the 60th. Former Assistant Principal Patrick Klocek (who is now a Principal in Farmingdale) also stopped by and was greeted by all of our students. Thank you to all of the families who participated.

Earlier in the day, students in grades Pre-K to 4 planted their pinwheels for peace. Above are pictures taken on September 27th.

PROGRESS REPORT RESULTS (2010-2011)

Dear Families,

We are thrilled to announce that we have received an A on our 2010-2011 Progress Report.

Attached to this letter, you will see page 1 of our Progress Report, which highlights our performance on every category. The report also explains our progress over the last three years:
• In 2009, we ranked in the 56th percentile.
• In 2010, we ranked in the 72nd percentile.
• In 2011, we are now ranked in the 80th percentile, meaning our school scored greater than or equal to that of 80 percent of K-8 schools.

We believe our A is attributed to the following:
• The hard work and dedication of our staff.
• The professional development that has been delivered to ensure that our teachers are raising the standards in their classrooms.
• Effective teaching and learning.
• The tremendous parent and family support that our students have received.

If you look closely at our complete Progress Report online at www.nyc.gov/schools, on page 7, you will see that our list of peer group schools are among the best schools in New York City, such as NEST and Anderson.

We would like to continue to make progress in the 2011-2012 school year by ensuring that we continue to raise the level of academic language as reflected in our students’ writing and mathematical reasoning when solving problems.

We congratulate you on our school’s A and we hope to see you at the school’s dance, celebrating our 60th Anniversary tomorrow night, September 27th at 6:00 PM.

Meet The Teacher Night

September 14, 2011

Dear Families,

Welcome back! We are pleased to announce that our Meet the Teacher Night will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2011. The event will begin at 6:15 p.m. and conclude at 7:50 p.m. For elementary school families, Meet the Teacher Night will be organized into three twenty minute sessions to accommodate families with more than one student in our school. Elementary families can proceed directly to their child’s classroom.
• Session A: 6:20-6:40 p.m.
• Session B: 6:50-7:10 p.m.
• Session C: 7:20-7:40 p.m.

A listing of all service providers, such as speech teachers, School Assessment Team, ESL, SETSS and out of classroom teachers will be provided in the lobby. Please enter through our Radnor Road entrance.

For middle school families, we are organizing the event on September 20, 2011 into four twenty minute sessions between 6:15-7:50 p.m. During this time, parents will travel to different classrooms to visit their child’s teachers. The schedule for middle school families will be distributed tomorrow.

A PTA meeting will immediately follow at 8:00 p.m. in the auditorium. We thank you for your assistance in making the opening weeks of school such a success and we look forward to seeing you at this important event.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Ambert
Principal

WATER MAIN WORK & STREET CLOSURE

WATER MAIN WORK & STREET CLOSURE


September 8, 2011

Dear Parents/Guardians:

I have been informed by the Community Construction Liaison that construction work will begin along 188th Street throughout next week between the hours of 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM due to the installation of new water main lines. A letter will be distributed to students tomorrow.

Due to this ongoing construction, please allow extra travel time, so that students are not late for school.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me, Mr. Chin or Mrs. Corley.

Many thanks.

Sincerely,


Jennifer Ambert
Principal

Welcome to the 2011-2012 School Year

September 8, 2011

Dear Families,

Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year! This school year marks my fourth year as your principal.

I am honored to be part of a community where parents, families, students, teachers and staff members are invested in the success and growth of the school. At the Holliswood School, students are enthusiastic about their learning and make strides to become critical thinkers and good citizens.

The Holliswood School offers your child an excellent education. We work arduously to ensure that education is engaging and stimulating. Every student here has the opportunity to reach his/her full potential. The Holliswood School promotes an environment that encourages open communication among all constituents where every member is a proactive participant in moving the school forward. You are encouraged to take an active part in your child’s education.

We would like to remind you of two informative websites for parents/guardians in order to view ongoing important information and to enhance communication:

http://holliswoodschool.blogspot.com/
[This website is used as a forum to post important dates and upcoming school-wide events].

http://guest.portaportal.com/ps.is178q
[This website includes important online resources to help you become more familiar with the curriculum].

We would also like to take this opportunity to introduce three new staff members:

Speech Teacher, Jennifer Newman: Ms. Newman is a speech pathologist who received her Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology from LIU CW Post and a BA in Communications Sciences and Disorders from SUNY Cortland. She grew up on Long Island and has had the opportunity to provide therapy for children ages 4-15. Ms. Newman is excited to work collaboratively with the PS/IS 178 community.

Math Teacher, James Trani: Mr. Trani is the newest math teacher at PS/IS 178. He graduated from Hofstra University, earning a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education, as well as a Middle School Advanced Studies Certificate. Before becoming a teacher, he earned a BS in Accounting from Providence College in Rhode Island and worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and HBO in Midtown Manhattan as a Financial Analyst/CPA.

English Teacher, Vanessa Walker: Ms. Walker is a proud mother of two beautiful children. With a Bachelor's Degree in Media Arts from LIU, Ms. Walker's first career was with the Associated Press (AP). At the AP, she worked in marketing and corporate communications. Ms. Walker then made her transition into education. At New York University, Ms. Walker earned her Master of Arts Degree in Education. She comes to PS/IS 178 from District 19, where she taught English Language Arts for 7 years.

I welcome you to a brand new school year, envisioned with hope and in anticipation of endless possibilities.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or the school.

You will be receiving information about our upcoming Meet the Teacher Night on Tuesday, September 20th shortly.

Sincerely,


Jennifer C. Ambert
Principal

NYS TEST RESULTS

Parents/Guardians may view their children’s test results in ARIS Parent Link; they will be available by next Wednesday, August 17. Throughout the week of August 22, the NYCDOE will set up ARIS Parent Link access stations in select libraries in every borough; parents who do not already have their login information can receive their usernames and passwords at these sites. Additional information to share with parents, including a flyer and accompanying FAQ, will be available in the fall. This fall, we will also share Individual Student Reports.

For the complete article regarding NYS test results, please visit the NYCDOE website and the link: http://schools.nyc.gov/Offices/mediarelations/NewsandSpeeches/2011-2012/stateresults080811.htm

Thank you.

Opening Day Procedure for Students

September 8, 2011
Opening Day Procedure for Students

MORNING ARRIVAL GRADES 1-8

On Thursday, September 8, all students in grades one through eight should enter the school by the Avon Road entrance at the rear of the school by 7:55 AM. If your child needs assistance, school staff, safety patrol, and student monitors will be available to assist students who need help carrying supplies. School begins promptly at 8 AM. It is extremely important that students be on time to participate in the morning activities.

FOR THE FIRST DAY ONLY

Grades 1-5 will line up in the gymnasium.
Grades 6-8 will line up in the auditorium.

If you anticipate that your child will need assistance, please arrive at school prior to 7:50 AM.

Following the first day, grades 6-8 will meet in the gymnasium and grades 1-5 in the auditorium.

For the safety of all students, Parents/Guardians will not be permitted to enter the building. If you wish to go to the main office, you must enter on Radnor Rd. and show ID to the school safety agent.

Remember to drive safely. Park your car and have children use the car door on the sidewalk side of the car. No double parking or U-turns.

Registration Information

Registration will take place on August 30th (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM), August 31st (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM) and September 1st (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

From the NYC Dept. of Education Website (www.nyc.gov/schools):

What to Bring

When you come to register, please bring your child with you. You also must bring:

*Child’s birth certificate or passport
*Child’s immunization records
*Proof of residence, which will be verified by any two of the following:
*A residential utility bill (gas or electric) in the resident’s name issued by National Grid, Con Edison, or the Long Island Power Authority; 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 day
*Child’s latest report card/transcript (if available)
*Child’s Individual Education Program (IEP) and/or 504 Accommodation Plan (if applicable and available)

If you need a copy of your child's birth certificate, you can order it online through the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Please visit the Office of Vital Records web page for more information.

Enjoy the Summer Vacation/Contact Information for CBOs

To the Holliswood School Community:

Thank you for another wonderful school year. Our first day of school will be Thursday, September 8, 2011. Please continue to check our school blog and the NYCDOE website (www.nyc.gov/schools) for any updates about school.

If you wish to find out about our partner community-based organizations, I am including their contact information below:

Samuel Field Y in Little Neck, NY
718-225-6750

For direct/specific questions regarding the Y @ 178, the program will be held at the Queens High School of Teaching this summer. Program Director Dominick Menno can be reached at 646-772-3879 or via e-mail: DMenno@sfy.org. The Queens High School of Teaching is located at 74-20 Commonwealth Boulevard, Bellerose, NY 11426.


Kuei Luck Educational Center
195-05 69th Ave, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365
Tel 718-679-9908 x810 fax 718-736-8588
www.kueiluck.com
Program Director of 178's program: Lily Kwok

2011-2012 School Calendar

The first day of school will be September 8, 2011. For updates regarding our school, please continue to visit our blog.

Please find below the NYCDOE calendar for next year:

http://schools.nyc.gov/NR/rdonlyres/1F681438-24B4-4752-8AF6-027CC344FB10/106919/20112012SchoolYearCalendarRev.pdf

Second Annual Multicultural Night - May 17, 2011

Our second annual Multicultural Night was a successful event, complete with parents, family members, students, staff, and community members. The event was coordinated by Title I Parent Committee Chairperson, Ms. Basehore and Ms. Corley, our parent coordinator. Students worked in groups with their family members and staff members to produce trifold boards representing countries of their family history, including China, El Salvador, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Jamaica, Philippines, Zambia and much more. The students researched information, such as history, climate, clothing, transportation, landmarks, languages and other facts about their countries. Students, parents, family and staff members also contributed dishes from their countries and, together, the school community enjoyed a delightful evening representing the true essence of our school mission statement. The evening culminated with a performance by a dancer from the American Dance Studio, Heather, who gathered students and parents for a group dance, including the tarantella and Irish step dancing.

8th Grade Varsity Math Team Places Second in Citywide Tournament

Congratulations to the 8th Grade Math Team for placing second in Sunday's sixth annual Pi5 NY Math Tournament. Our 8th grade team placed 2nd in the varsity division. Special congratulations to Coach Kim Mascoe and students, Henry, Junhao, Saif, Caleb and Brian. The students were fortunate enough to receive their silver medals from our new Chancellor, Dennis Walcott.

Construction Along Kent Street

Dear Parents/Guardians:

I have been informed by the Community Construction Liaison that construction work will begin along Kent Street on Thursday, May 12, 2011 to repair a water main.

In the prior notification (attached) sent to the community by CEC, work was projected to take place between Union Turnpike and Grand Central Parkway "for about two weeks." At this point, water main pipes are being installed between Aberdeen Road and Midland Parkway, and the work is expected to continue south on Kent Street from Midland Parkway to Grand Central Parkway for about three weeks. Affected residents are being notified accordingly.

Due to this ongoing construction, please allow extra travel time, so that students are not late for school. As a reminder, students in grades 3-8 will be taking Book of their NYS Math Exam on Thursday.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me, Mr. Chin or Mrs. Corley.

Many thanks.

NYS ELA and Math Field Test 2011

May 9, 2011

Dear Parents/Guardians of Students in 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 16, 2011 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.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued support.

Sincerely,


Jennifer Ambert
Jason Chin

New York State ELA Test

New York State ELA Test

April 5, 2011

Dear Parents/Guardians of Students in Grades 3 – 8,

As you know, the New York State ELA Assessment will be administered to students in grades 3-5 on May 3-5, 2011 and grades 6-8 on May 3-4, 2011. The State Math Assessment will be given May 11, 2011 – May 12, 2011. 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.
Below is the Test Format for Grades 3-8 for the NYS ELA

Grade 3 NYS ELA Test
Day 1
Book 1 Reading selections
35 multiple-choice questions 60 Minutes

Day 2
Book 2 Listening & Writing
8 multiple-choice questions
3 short-response questions 30 minutes, plus an additional
15 minutes prep time and time to
read aloud the listening selection

Day 3
Book 3 Reading/Writing
4 short-response questions
1 extended-response question 60 minutes


Grade 4 NYS ELA Test
Day 1
Book 1 Reading selections
43 multiple-choice questions 70 Minutes

Day 2
Book 2 Listening & Writing
8 multiple-choice questions
3 short-response questions 30 minutes, plus an additional
15 minutes prep time and time to
read aloud the listening selection

Day 3
Book 3 Reading/Writing
4 short-response questions
1 extended-response question 60 minutes


Grade 5 NYS ELA Test
Day 1
Book 1 Reading selections
35 multiple-choice questions 60 Minutes

Day 2
Book 2 Listening & Writing
8 multiple-choice questions
3 short-response questions 30 minutes, plus an additional
15 minutes prep time and time to
read aloud the listening selection

Day 3
Book 3 Reading/Writing
4 short-response questions
1 extended-response question 60 minutes

Grade 6 NYS ELA Test
Day 1
Book 1 Reading selections
41 multiple-choice questions 70 Minutes

Day 2
Book 2 Part 1: Listening
5 multiple-choice questions
3 short-response questions
Part 2: Writing
3 multiple choice questions
Part 3: Reading/Writing
4 short-response questions
1 extended-response question
90 Minutes

Grade 7 NYS ELA Test
Day 1
Book 1 Reading selections
41 multiple-choice questions 70 Minutes

Day 2
Book 2 Part 1: Listening
5 multiple-choice questions
3 short-response questions
Part 2: Writing
3 multiple choice questions
Part 3: Reading/Writing
4 short-response questions
1 extended-response question
90 Minutes

Grade 8 NYS ELA Test
Day 1
Book 1 Reading selections
41 multiple-choice questions 70 Minutes

Day 2
Book 2 Part 1: Listening
5 multiple-choice questions
3 short-response questions
Part 2: Writing
3 multiple choice questions
Part 3: Reading/Writing
4 short-response questions
1 extended-response question
90 Minutes



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

Reflection and Thanks

Reflection and Thanks

April 4, 2011

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. We would like to thank our 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 Festival, our Fall and Winter Middle School Dances, Fall Vision Screening, Fall and Spring Book Fairs, Picture Day and ongoing meetings.
• Numerous Fundraisers: Tsunami and Earthquake Relief Snack Sale, which raised $500 to the American Red Cross; Girls’ Basketball Snack Sale, raising $911; Fifth Grade Fundraiser, raising $1,565; Talent Show, raising $1,355. Other fundraisers included Daffodil Days for the American Cancer Society, raising $562 and our Third Annual Arts Benefit, raising $645.
• Remarkable attendance at Family Events, such as Family Basketball Night; PTA Fall Festival; Title I Family Math Night; Talent Show; Barnes and Noble Night; Winter Concert; Arts Benefit; Student of the Month Assemblies, writing celebrations, and other assemblies and concerts.
• Our School Leadership Team and School Safety Committee work extremely hard to bring forward suggestions and next steps for resolutions.
• Our Art Department won numerous awards during the annual Arlene Thomas Bird Contest at Alley Pond Park, including Best in Show.
• Author Visits including the visit of Holliswood Graduate, Doreen Rappaport, author of Martin’s Big Words; The wonderful visit of Ruby Bridges, who taught a diversity lesson to students in grades 2-5.
• An amazing middle school Career Day with guest speakers, including some of our Holliswood parents.
• The continued Respect For All Campaign by practicing our Holliswood virtues and acknowledging each other when exhibiting those virtues.
• The launch of our Peer Mediation Program, sponsored by the NYC Commission on Human Rights.
• The launch of our Student Advisory Program, where students are able to brainstorm ideas for encouraging Respect for All and work on service learning projects.
• The ongoing work of our Student Council, who have continued to collect suggestions from their peers and have developed a Student Council website.
• Achievements by our middle school CHAMPS sports teams, such as Volleyball and Rugby
• The formation of our new Girl’s Basketball Team
• Outstanding extracurricular academic programs, such as Middle School Math Team, Elementary Math Team, Math Success Program, ELA Saturday Program, Debate Team and Title III ESL Program.
• Ongoing enrichment programs, such as ThinkQuest and Robotics, as well as differentiation in the classroom.
• The continuation of our fabulous Arts Residencies, such as Young People’s Chorus of NYC, 144 Music and Arts, Early Stages (funded by Mr. Mark Weprin) and the Dancing Classrooms Ballroom Dance Program for Grade 5
• The success of our music, technology and visual arts department.
• Ongoing Monthly Parent Workshops
• Ladies Night and Parent Coordinator Book Club Events
• Day programs including Student Council, Safety Patrol, Recycling Club, Junior Honor Society, Penny Harvest Club, Drama Club, Kids for Coltrane, Fashion Design, Yearbook Club, Data Thieves
• Ongoing partnership with the Samuel Field Y Program and Kuei Luck Enrichment Center for our After School Programs
• End of Year 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):
• Barnes and Noble Middle School Poetry Night on April 5th at 5:00 PM (Barnes and Noble Fresh Meadows)
• Science Fair on April 6th from 4:00-5:45 PM
• Multicultural Night on May 17th at 6:00 PM, where we will celebrate the wonderful diversity in our school.

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.

Barnes and Noble Bookfair

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As you know, tonight is Barnes and Noble Poetry Night at the Barnes and Noble store in Fresh Meadows from 5:00-6:30 PM. This year, the Barnes & Noble Bookfair has expanded to the web. You will have an opportunity to support us by shopping online from Tuesday, April 5, 2011 through Sunday, April 10, 2011. A percentage of your purchase made through www.bn.com/bookfairs will be contributed to our Bookfair. Here’s how:

• Be sure to use the web address above (www.bn.com/bookfairs) to do your online shopping.
• When you’ve finished selecting your purchases, click on your cart and begin the check-out process. On the payment page, there will be a section at the bottom that states Check Here If This Is a Bookfair Order. When you check the box, type in our bookfair ID number 10401768 in the required entry field.
• If you already have a BN.com account with a default payment method, you will only see a Checkout Summary screen. To add the Bookfair ID to the payment page, you will need to click on the Change button on the right-hand side of the Payment Section. This will take you back to the payment page, where you can enter our bookfair ID number 10401768.
• After placing your order, you can log back into your Order Summary Confirmation to check to see if the Bookfair ID number is listed on your order (10401768). If it is, everything was done correctly!
• If you do not see a Bookfair ID number (10401768), or if you realize that you placed your order without using our Bookfair ID number, please call Customer Service at 800-962-6177 as soon as possible. Provide your order number and our Bookfair ID number, and the representative will manually add your order to our Bookfair sales total.
• Please note that the purchase of some items such as gift cards, textbooks, magazines, etc. is excluded from Bookfair sales totals. For more information, check the FAQs on the www.bn.com/bookfairs home page.
Please feel free to forward this to any family and friends who would like to support our Bookfair as well. Thanks again for supporting our Bookfair!


Sincerely,



Mr. Chin
Assistant Principal

Half Day and Parent Teacher Conference Reminder

REMINDER

On March 15th, there will be a half day of school due to Parent-Teacher Conferences. All students will be dismissed at 11:30 AM.

All conferences will take place between 1:00-3:00 PM and 5:30-8:00 PM on Tuesday, March 15th. If you have to re-schedule with your child's teacher, please send him/her a note as soon as possible.

Thank you.

Third Annual Arts Benefit

Family and Friends are invited to the Third Annual Arts Benefit at the Holliswood School on Thursday, March 24, 2011, at 6:00 PM, in the auditorium

Admission is $3.00*

Student Goals

Dear Parents/Guardians:

As we approach Parent-Teacher Conferences next week, I would like to notify you of one of the school’s ongoing instructional initiatives, which is to identify specific student SMART goals. S.M.A.R.T. represents specific, measurable, achievable, results-based and time-bound. Each teacher is a member of a grade-level, cross-grade level or department team throughout the school.

Throughout the school, teacher teams have been distributing your child’s learning goals to you in different subjects. I encourage you to ask your child’s teacher(s) to explain the goal(s) with you during Parent-Teacher conferences, so you can learn firsthand what skills are required to achieve those goals. The teachers can also offer specific strategies that you can practice with your child at home in order to sharpen his/her skills.

Since the beginning of the school year, teachers have assessed your child in all core subjects. After analyzing assessment results, teachers group students by skill, according to strengths and areas in need of improvement in each subject area. Based on these groupings, teachers formulate small group goals or individual student goals, and design lesson plans to meet each student’s needs.

As you know, Parent-Teacher Conferences occur only twice per year, but throughout the year, forging an ongoing relationship with your child’s teacher(s) is integral to maximizing your child’s success in school. We all have to work together to ensure student progress.

I look forward to seeing you next week.

RESPECT FOR ALL (RFA)WEEK SUMMARY

RESPECT FOR ALL (RFA)WEEK SUMMARY

March 3, 2011

Dear Parents/Guardians:

During Respect for All Week, February 14-18, we had the opportunity to highlight and build upon ongoing diversity programs and curriculum-based instruction. We also had opportunities to embark upon new initiatives that promote respect for diversity and engage students in meaningful lessons and/or other activities that focus on preventing bias-based harassment, intimidation and/or bullying.

We are pleased to report that the activities we held at the school, re-capped below, were successful.

• 2/14 - 100th Day of School Activities (in every classroom) in connection with RFA
• 2/15 @ 6 PM – Middle School Mix It Up Dance
• 2/15 & 2/16 – Respect for All Assembly during recess periods with Social Worker Neil Goldstein
• 2/17 @ 6 PM – Talent Show, signifying the unique talents of our students
• 2/18 @ 8:15 AM – Respect for All Parent Workshop with Parent Coordinator Corley and SAPIS Worker Pamela Paisley
• All Week – Classroom Lessons Regarding Diversity and Respect

During the “Mix It Up Dance,” some students came dressed in an ethnic costume. During Student Advisory sessions in middle school, discussions began with an Ethnic Sharing Circle where students shared what they liked most about their ethnicity, what they liked least, and about a time where they might have felt left out or discriminated against. They also talked about a time where they might have made an assumption about someone which turned out to be wrong.

In addition, our Peer Mediation Program, sponsored by the NYC Commission on Human Rights, culminated during their Swearing In Ceremony on February 17th, at which Council Member Weprin spoke about the importance of Respect for All. The attached article from the Queens Times discusses his visit in detail.

As we have continuously emphasized to our students and staff, Respect for All is a team effort. We all have to work together to promote a culture of respect and model good citizenship for our children.

Pre-Kindergarten Admissions

The pre-Kindergarten application period begins on March 7. The deadline for families to apply to pre-K is April 9. The pre-K admissions calendar contains these and other important dates and deadlines. The pre-K website is:

http://schools.nyc.gov/ChoicesEnrollment/PreK/default.htm

Families are invited to attend an information session to learn more about the pre-K admissions process. Please visit the online page (above) to view the calendar. Sessions will take place throughout the city during March. Translation and interpretation services will be provided.

RESPECT FOR ALL (RFA)WEEK

RESPECT FOR ALL (RFA)WEEK

February 8, 2011

Dear Parents/Guardians:

The NYC Department of Education has designated February 14-18 as Respect For All Week in all NYC public schools. During this week, schools will have opportunities to highlight and build upon ongoing diversity programs and curriculum-based instruction. Schools will also have opportunities to embark upon new initiatives that promote respect for diversity and engage students in meaningful lessons and/or other activities that focus on preventing bias-based harassment, intimidation and/or bullying.

For the week of February 14th, we have selected the following activities:

o Virtues Poster contest winner will be announced on Monday, February 14, 2011
o 2/14 - 100th Day of School Activities (in every classroom) in connection with RFA
o Posters displaying Respect and other virtues are displayed throughout the school
o All Week - Classroom lessons discussing stereotyping, bias and tolerance
o Special Assembly to discuss Tolerance and Respect on 2/15 and 2/16 during recess periods with Social Worker Neil Goldstein
o 7th Grade class trip to the Museum of Tolerance on 2/15
o “Mix it Up” School Dance on 2/15/11 with prizes given for best ethnic costume. Special song with the theme of Tolerance will be played: “People are People” by DePeche Mode.
o Classroom activities/games with “Respect for All” theme include vocabulary lessons, role playing, Cross Cultural Scavenger Hunt, films such as, “The Home Run,” “Growing Up” and “The Sound I Saw.” Student Advisory discussions will revolve around stereotyping, bias, etc.
o 2/17/2011 – Student and Staff Talent Show, celebrating our student’s individual talents – 6 PM
o 2/18/2011 - Respect for All Parent Workshop - “The Mosaic of Our School Community”: A Conversation w/Parents with Parent Coordinator Corley and SAPIS Worker Pamela Paisley @ 8:15 AM
We hope you will be able to participate in the parent activities mentioned above.

Thank you.

Third Annual Family Basketball Night - February 9th

Come one, come all. Family Basketball Night is near. All are welcome to come and take part in this evening of fun and laughs.
This fantastic event will take place in the school gymnasium on Wednesday, February 9th, 2011 at 6 pm immediately following our school basketball fundraiser for the American Heart Association (at 5 pm).

-Mr. Sanchez, Coordinator

All after school programs are in session today, 2/2/11.

Thank you.

2/1/11 - After School Programs

CHAMPS Volleyball, Title III ESL and Girl Scouts have been canceled tomorrow, Tuesday, 2/1/11.

However, the Samuel Field Y and the Kuei Luck After School Program will operate tomorrow.

Flag Rugby Tournament Canceled 1/30/11

The Flag Rugby tournament scheduled for this Sunday, 1/30/11, has been canceled due to yesterday's snowfall. CHAMPS is looking forward to the end of this winter weather so that they can host additional tournaments without hesititation.

--
Posted By Mr. Sanchez to HOLLISWOOD ATHLETICS at 1/28/2011 10:54:00 AM

NYC Public Schools are closed today, Thursday, 1/27/11

The Mayor has announced that NYC Public Schools are closed today, Thursday, 1/27/11, due to the snow emergency. Please stay tuned to your local news channels for additional updates. Thank you.

PTA Meeting Re-scheduled to 1/25/11

Due to the cancellation of the PTA meeting of January 11th, the meeting has been re-scheduled for Tuesday, January 25th, 2011 at 7 PM.

One of the topics on the agenda is to review and vote on the PTA By-laws.

As always, children are welcome.

From the PTA

Mid-Winter Recess/President’s Week

January 19, 2011

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 21, 2011 to February 25, 2011. For a listing of all school closings, please visit the NYCDOE website: www.nyc.gov/schools or our school blog: http://holliswoodschool.blogspot.com.

Many thanks.

Parent Teacher Conferences - March 15th, not February

On the DOE calendar for February, it lists:

February
16th: Middle Schools: Citywide Evening Parent Teacher Conferences
17th: Middle Schools: Citywide Afternoon Parent Teacher Conferences
21st-25th: Midwinter Recess (Schools closed)


However, please be advised that K-8 schools follow the same format as elementary schools for parent teacher conferences (PTCs) and PTCs will be held on March 15th
(1:00-3:00 PM and 5:30-8 PM) for elementary and middle school families at 178. A letter will be distributed in February.

Thank you.

Dear Parents/Guardians:

On January 12, 2011 at 11:43 AM, Con Edison instructed building officials to evacuate the school due to its suspicion of a gas leak in its service box near the school on Avon Road. In accordance with our School Safety Plan, we proceeded to evacuate the building. FDNY, in consultation with Con Edison, determined that it was safe to re-occupy the building at 11:57 AM. All of our staff members and classes returned back to the building safely and expediently.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused. As you know, the safety of our students is always our priority. Con Edison and the Division of Facilities for the Department of Education share our standards concerning student safety and are working to address the problem.

Please remember that if we have a “snow event,” The Holliswood School, PS/IS 178Q, will follow the direction of NYC public schools in declaring a snow day. If NYC public schools close, we will be closed. Please be sure to watch your local news channels or call 311.

After School Relocation on 1/11/11

After School Relocation

January 11, 2011

Dear Parents/Guardians:

On January 11, 2011 at 2:57 PM, Con Edison reported a gas leak and instructed building officials to evacuate the school. In accordance with our School Safety Plan, there was a relocation of all After School Programs for all remaining students. FDNY, in consultation with Con Ed, has addressed the problem and allowed re-occupancy of the building.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused. As you know, the safety of our students is always our priority.

No After School Tomorrow - PS/IS 178Q Programs Only

PS/IS 178Q AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

January 11, 2011

Dear Parents/Guardians of Students Involved in PS/IS 178Q After School Programs:

Please be advised that PS/IS 178Q after school programs (CHAMPS Rugby, ThinkQuest and Title III ESL Program) will be canceled tomorrow, Wednesday, January 12, 2011.

For information regarding school closings, please tune in to your local news channels to find out if NYC public schools are closed. You may also call 311 or visit www.nyc.gov/schools.

To find out if the Sam Field Y Program will operate tomorrow, please call Program Director, Dominick Menno, directly at (646) 772-3879.

To find out if the Kuei Luck Program will operate tomorrow, please call Program Director, Lily Kwok, at 718-679-9908.

If you have any questions, please call the school at 718-464-5763.

FUNDRAISERS & EVENTS AT PS/IS 178Q

FUNDRAISERS & EVENTS AT PS/IS 178Q

January 6, 2011

Dear Parents/Guardians:

We hope your Winter break was restful and enjoyable. Happy New Year!

During our Barnes and Noble Event in December, our school community spent over $2,600 and our school’s total profit was $540. The event was very successful. We will be able to use those funds towards the purchase of future “Books of the Month.” As you are aware, teachers in all grades read the “Book of the Month” to the students and they have an opportunity to analyze the text and produce a response to literature. Our theme for the past two years centers on diversity. We have selected authors from a variety of backgrounds and themes that embrace our Holliswood Virtues. We have also chosen books representing different literary genres. Some of the books we have read are:

Hairs by Sandra Cisneros (PreK to grade 3) w/ House on Mango Street (grades 4-8); Hip Hop Speaks to Children edited by Nikki Giovanni ; Red Sings from Treetops by Joyce Sidman; Barack Obama, Son of Promise, Child of Hope by Nikki Grimes; I Am Amazed by Jodi Hills; Trees of the Dancing Goats by Patricia Polacco; Martin’s Big Words and Lady Liberty: A Biography by Doreen Rappaport; Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things by Lenore Look; Hey Dad, Let’s Have a Catch by Harold Theurer, Jr; Listen to the Rain by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault; Snow by Cynthia Rylant. Our January 2011 book of the month is The Sound of Colors by Jimmy Liao and our February 2011 book of the month will be Ruby Bridges Goes To School by Ruby Bridges.
Lastly, in October, during our Big Apple Fundraiser, our school community spent $5,308. Our school’s profit was $2,731. All of the funds are allocated towards school-wide events and materials.

In light of the financial crisis, we thank you for all your generosity.

Please be sure to regularly visit our school blog: http://holliswoodschool.blogspot.com , which contains additional information about upcoming events and other school news.

Thank you again for all of your efforts.

Cancelled - Gifted and Talented Testing at PS/IS 178Q on Saturday, 1/8/11

All Gifted and Talented Testing at PS/IS 178Q on Saturday, 1/8/11, have been cancelled in anticipation of inclement weather.

Students originally scheduled to be tested on 1/8/11 have been re-scheduled to the same times on Saturday, 2/5/11. All students were contacted via telephone on 1/6/11 and letter home.

If you have any questions, please contact testing coordinator, Jason Chin.

Please be advised that this cancellation applies only to PS/IS 178Q as a testing site. For information regarding other sites throughout NYC, please contact the individual school directly.

Thank you.

CANCELLED - Parent Workshop

THE PARENT WORKSHOP BELOW HAS BEEN CANCELLED IN ANTICIPATION OF INCLEMENT WEATHER. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR AN ALTERNATE DATE

THANK YOU.

REMINDER: PARENT WORKSHOP
Why are today’s youth so unhappy despite the fact that
they have more than any generation in history?

Who: Tracey Jackson, Writer, Director, Author
What: “Lucky Ducks”
Screening of Documentary Film 8:30-10:00 AM
Join us for an open discussion with Tracey Jackson
following the screening 10:00-11:00AM

When: Friday January 7, 2011
Where: P.S. / I.S. 178Q The Holliswood School
189-10 Radnor Road
Jamaica Estates, N.Y. 11423
Host Site Contact: Phyllis Corley, Parent Coordinator
718 464-5763 or pcorley3@schools.nyc.gov


Plenty of parking on Avon Road behind the school


Facilitated by the Parent Coordinators of: P.S. 18, P.S. 115, P.S. 173,
P.S. 186, P.S. 191, P.S. 213,P.S./I.S. 266, P.S./I.S. 178, M.S. 74 and M.S. 172

THE KINDERGARTEN APPLICATION PROCESS

THE KINDERGARTEN APPLICATION PROCESS WILL TAKE PLACE FROM JANUARY 10, 2011–MARCH 4, 2011

ELIGIBILITY
Children born January 1 – December 31, 2006
Zoned children will be given first priority

WHERE

PS/IS 178
189-10 Radnor Road
Jamaica, NY

WHAT TO BRING

 Original birth certificate or passport
 Two proofs of address (1st must be Con Edison bill; 2nd proof may be: water bill, mortgage statement, official payroll documentation)

WHEN
9:00 A.M. – 2:30 P.M.
Tuesday & Thursday

Under the new guidelines, this is an intake application, not a registration. Seats can no longer be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Upon acceptance to
PS/IS 178, you will need to register with your child, immunization records and the above documentation.