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

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

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.

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

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.