WELCOME BACK AND CONGRATULATIONS!

Dear Families, Welcome to the 2012-2013 school year! This school year marks my fifth 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. Great News: We are delighted that the construction in our playground has been completed. We have a completely renovated school yard, which the students will enjoy during recess, P.E. and during after school programs. We are also pleased to announce that our school has been recognized as a New York State Education Department Reward School. The Department identified 250 schools in 164 districts as Reward Schools. Only 55 NYC Public Schools received this reward, including 178. Reward Schools are either schools that have made the most progress or schools that have the highest achievement in the state and do not have significant gaps in student achievement that are not being closed. Schools will be awarded up to a maximum of $150,000 each year for two years and up to $300,000 for the entire grant period. Additionally, we received a new technology grant for $50,000 from Council Member Weprin, which we will use to purchase Smart Boards, laptops and iPads. We are so thrilled to have received these grants and awards, which are attributed to the focused work of our school community. Reminders: We would like to remind you of some informative websites for parents/guardians in order to view ongoing important information and to enhance communication: www.nyc.gov/schools [The NYCDOE website provides excellent resources for families, such as the Common Core Learning Standards, and information about state and city initiatives taking place in our school]. http://holliswoodschool.blogspot.com/ [This website is used as a forum to post important dates and upcoming school-wide events]. 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. I would like to remind you about our upcoming Meet the Teacher Night on Wednesday, September 12th from 5:30-7:00 PM. On that evening, a PTA meeting will immediately follow at 7:00 PM in our auditorium. I look forward to seeing you at this important event.