Garden Work Day
Dear Families,
It’s SPRING and the garden is starting to show it! We are once again holding our Garden Work Day. This year our Garden Work Day will be on Saturday, April 21, 2018, the day before Earth Day. What a great way to teach the children about how to be good stewards of our Earth!
Each year in the spring we ask parents to join us on a Saturday to help spruce up our school garden. We ask for a few hours of your time to help create and maintain the front gardens. These front gardens are not just for show, they are used by your children as an outdoor classroom.
This year we are also asking for donations of grass seed and plants, please see the lists below. I am approaching large garden centers to ask for things such as mulch, and garden fixtures like benches, and tables. If families can bring the smaller items, that would help.
As I said, our Garden Work Day will be on Saturday, April 21, 2018. We will be in the garden from 10:00am to about 2:00 pm. Students are welcome to come with their grown-up and work, but please remember there will be garden tools out. Any students attending Saturday Academy must go to class first and then may stay after it is over and join their grown-up to help as well.
We have some shovels, rakes, gloves, etc, but if you have your own, please feel free to bring them.
Thank you in advance for your commitment to your children and PS 38.
Sincerely,
Ms. Regan & Mrs. Frisz
STEM Teachers
The Principal's Corner
Monday, March 5, 2018
Dear Families,
Wow! March is already here and with it comes unpredictable weather. We all know the old saying “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.” Well, we just had quite a Nor Easter last Friday…Talk about unpredictable! Because the temperature is so unpredictable we have to be careful not to let it catch us off guard. Therefore, I want to stress the importance of making sure your children come to school with a warm coat so they can play outside. This is inclusive of those who come to Saturday Academy. Many students are wearing hoodies and waiting till the doors open at 9:00 a.m. Please note the doors do not open before 9:00 a.m. and during cold winter months children should not be dropped off early. It is way too cold outside to stand and staff is not officially in until 9:00 am. Students must always be dressed appropriately as we do engage them in fire drills and evacuation drills as a safety measure. If your child is not dressed appropriately, this could put them in a very uncomfortable situation should we have to leave the school grounds for an extended period of time. We must be prepared at all times to evacuate. Additionally, as long as the weather is above freezing, children will go out for recess.
I certainly hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable winter break. Now that we are back, the rest of the school year will fly by and before you know it, it will be June.
At PS 38 we embrace and celebrate cultural diversity. Before the break your children enjoyed a very special assembly performed by the New York City Chinese Cultural Center and had an amazing experience as they watched and engaged in a variety of Chinese dances. Do visit the New York City Chinese Cultural Center on-line at www.nychineseculturalcenter.org to find out more about this amazing organization and all it has to offer. On March 8, students in grades 3-5 will enjoy another cultural assembly performed by The Temple for the Arts. This organization will engage the children in a historical time-line of African American music. Teaching children about the historical accomplishments and struggles of African Americans benefits everyone.
Parent Teacher Association: Our PTA has really been working rigorously to bring in outside resources to inform our families. PTA meetings are a forum to share information regarding our school policies, programs, events, changes, and provide families with resources and information to support and inform you. Our next meeting will be on March 21 at 6:00 pm. Additionally we will be honoring our Students of the Month for Reading and our Citizens of the Month. Please make an effort to attend these meetings as our goal is to strengthen family/community ties. Our PTA will also be hosting an event for our Male Students and their mother or special adult female in their life on March 26, 2018 at “Painting With A Twist” located at 221 Hylan Boulevard. Details related to cost, time, etc, can be found in the letter which was sent home. Additional letters are in the main office. It is a lovely night out with your child and if you’re interested, you may speak with Mrs. Ryan or Mrs. Chow for the information. We hope to see you there!
Our next Parents as Learning Partners (PALP) day will be on March 23, 2018 and we look forward to you joining us in the classrooms for yet another curricular focus. A letter will be forthcoming. PALP days provide parents with the opportunity to see our curriculum in action, understand our methodologies, how children are learning, and why we do what we do. It also provides you with a new lens for our learning expectations and gives insight as to how you can support the work your children bring home. Our goal is to actively engage parents in the learning process with their child while the teacher explains step by step the “what, why, and how” of the learning process. For your children, this serves as a proud moment of learning along-side their parent. We hope to see many parents on March 23, and look forward to a brief discussion with you about your experience afterward.
Parent Surveys have been distributed to all families and it is very important that you please make time to take this survey so that we may once again have 100% participation. Information gathered from the Parent Surveys contributes to our school’s overall effectiveness and Quality Snapshot results and provides us with information to continue to ensure your children are provided with the best learning experiences. Every class who has 100% surveys returned will receive a free pretzel and this year will also have No Home Work on a specific Thursday which I will select. We do not give written HW on Fridays and having a Thursday off will make for a nice long restful family weekend. Please support our initiative and submit your parent survey before March 23, 2018.
Parent Teacher Conferences will be hosted on Thursday March 15, 2018 from 1-3 pm in the afternoon, and then from 4:30-7:30 pm in the evening. If you have a scheduled appointment please ensure you are on time. These are brief 5 minute sessions which are student led conversations about an area they are proud to share they have grown in and areas they are still working on doing better in. Please bring your child as they will share their own glows and grows. Should you want to schedule a longer family meeting with your child’s teacher please see Mrs. Chow who can assist you.
Attendance/Lateness Policy:
We continue to drive this important initiative. By 8:20 all children are late and missing instruction. Children must be in school in order to learn/grow and consistent patterns of absenteeism and lateness directly impact student achievement. Instruction begins at 8:15 am. We ask that parents also refrain from picking up children early right before the end of the day as this disrupts instruction. Emergencies may arise, but they should be minimal.
Please note that class trips and special activities are privileges and any student who demonstrates little effort, consistently does no homework, or is excessively absent/late, will not be permitted to go. Letters will continue to go home to families where children have fallen below the 90% for absence/lateness. Please support your children in their learning lives by making sure they are well rested, do their homework, and are on time and in school daily.
Pre-Kindergarten sets the stage for Kindergarten. They are our youngest learners and consistency and routines are a very important facet in their lives. While we understand when children are sick, when students are consistently absent this sets the children back and makes it very difficult for them to adjust to being in school again when they return. Please note the importance of bringing your child to school as this early learning will lay the foundation for next year making their adjustment to Kindergarten that much easier.
Testing: Our State Exams are quickly approaching and I would like to take this opportunity to invite parents of all students in grades 3-5 to our “Getting Ready for Testing” workshops which will take place Friday March 9, 2018 at 8:35 am. We encourage all parents of students in testing grades to attend and ask that you please send in the tear off so we can estimate how many families may be in attendance. This year we have also invited parents of second grade students who will be taking these exams next year to join us! If you are interested, do send in the tear off. The New York State ELA Exams will be on April 11, and 12 and The New York State Math Exams will be on May 1, and 2. Our curriculum is rigorous and your children have worked hard to prepare all year long. There are 3 Saturday Test Prep Academy days left before the ELA Exam and it is highly recommended that all students are in attendance. After the ELA there will be 2 sessions of Saturday Academy in April before the Math Exam in May. Again, we have worked hard to prepare and support your children throughout the year and I am confident that they will do their very best.
Our support programs and enrichment programs continue. Additionally, classes with one teacher are supported with another push in teacher to work with small groups of students on occasion, and our paraprofessionals are trained and provide 10-15 minutes of Great Leaps phonics and math support to students in need. This year with the support of our PTA we have Reading Eggs and Math Seeds computer support programs and grades 3-5 use Reflex Math. These programs can also be used at home and over the summer, and I encourage families to ensure that their children find some small time to do so. 1 hour 2-3 times a week will make a difference.
Current Support/Enrichment Programs:
Morning Math Program: Grades 3-5 Saturday Test Prep Academy: Grades 3-5 Winter Cycle-BOKS: Grades 2-3 Winter Cycle CASA Visual Arts: Grades K-2 Winter Cycle- CASA Dance: Grades 3-5 Title III Afterschool: K-5 ENL Students Year Book Committee: 5 Grade Upcoming: BOKS Spring: Grades 3 and 4 Flag Football: Grade 5 CASA Dance: K-2 CASA Visual Arts: 3-5 |
Every one of these support/enrichment programs and our rigorous curriculum has been designed to help your children achieve academic excellence providing them with a strong path to becoming college/career bound. We will continue to inspire all children, cultivate their strengths, and strive for academic excellence for all.
~Thank you for entrusting your children to us.
Believing In Children...
Inspiring Young Minds,
Nancy Murillo
Principal
My March 2018 Newsletter 3-5-18.docx.doc
My February 2018 Newsletter February 18.docx.doc
My January 2018 Newsletter January 3 2018.docx.doc
My November 2017 newsletter November parent letter 17.docx.doc
My October 2017 newsletter 10-6-17.docx.doc
My September 2017 newsletter sept 11-17.docx.doc
DOE Notices
Discipline Code Letter - DiciplineCodeParentLetterSY1516final91515.pdf
Testing Information for Parents- 2017-handout-for-parents-3-8-tests What Parents need to Know.pdf
Upcoming Events This Week
-
Pretzel Day- Bring your $1.25
PS38 George Cromwell School -
Math test Grades 3, 4, 5
PS38 George Cromwell School -
Pretzel Day- Bring your $1.25
PS38 George Cromwell School -
Safety Meeting 7:30am
PS38 George Cromwell School -
Pretzel Day- Bring your $1.25
PS38 George Cromwell School
STEM Information- Children Activities, Workshops, Camps
STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — in an interdisciplinary and applied approach. Rather than teach the four disciplines as separate and discrete subjects, STEM integrates them into a cohesive learning paradigm based on real-world.
What separates STEM from the traditional science and math education is the blended learning environment and showing students how the scientific method can be applied to everyday life. It teaches students computational thinking and focuses on the real world applications of problem solving.
Parents As Learning Partners
Parent As Learning Partner Day
Friday, April 20, 2018 at 8:35 am
Friendly Reminder
In order to ensure the success of this initiative it is important that you understand the following:
· Please no moving from classroom to classroom, this is disruptive. If you have more than one child in the school, there will be other opportunities to visit each classroom.
· Please no conferencing with the teachers, the teachers have to continue with the teaching and learning and cannot be disrupted to converse with a parent.
· Please keep your cell phones on vibrate and please do not use them while the class is in session.
· No coffee is allowed in the classrooms.
· We ask that you arrive promptly; we do not want the lesson disrupted in any way.
After the classroom instruction, we will debrief in the All Purpose Room.
School Spirit Day-April 20, 2017
Show your school spirit!!!
CRAZY HAIR DAY!!!!
SLT-School Leadership Team
Our School Leadership Meetings are open to the school community and the public.
2017 – 2018 School Leadership Team Meetings
Thursday, October 12, 2017 @ 2:45 pm
Thursday, November 9, 2017 @ 2:45 pm
Thursday, December 13, 2017@ 9:00 am
Thursday, January 11, 2018 @ 2:45 pm
Thursday, February 8, 2018 @ 2:45 pm
Thursday, March 22, 2018 @ 2:45 pm
Thursday, April 19, 2018 @ 2:45 pm
Thursday, May 17, 2018 @ 2:45 pm
Friday, June 8, 2018 @ 2:45 pm
Helpful and Informative Websites: Check out these websites for tips, strategies, and ways you can help your child at home.
Read.. Read... Read...
Leveled Book List
The following books are listed from easy to difficult by reading levels and can be found at www.amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.
Books that are “just right” for your child will be the ones on their level. To build fluency, have your child read books on an easier level. Books above your child’s level will be too difficult. However, a child’s listening level is usually 2-3 grade levels above their reading level. If your child is reading at a first grade level, they can listen and comprehend books at a third or fourth grade level.
Reading aloud to your child will help challenge students by introducing them to more sophisticated vocabulary and increasing their cognitive skills. In addition, reading together is a great time for parents to bond with their children and will provide opportunities for meaningful discussion. It will become a time you and your child look forward to each night!
Remember; don’t restrict your child’s reading material to only books. Provide the chance to read other types of materials (magazines, comics, newspapers, atlases, recipes, game instructions, etc.). This will allow them to discover several reading materials of interest.
For more leveled books, check out this website: http://orgs.bloomu.edu/americareads/leveledbooks/leveledbooks.html
Also, www.reallygoodstuffreading.com has a great set of Learn to Read Books for levels A-J.
For a list of leveled books, click here Leveled Book List _summer_.pdf
Notes from Mrs. Chow
HOW YOU CAN HELP YOUR CHILD AND YOURSELF
Depression in Children
What is depression in children?
Childhood depression is different from the normal "blues" and everyday emotions that occur as a child develops. Just because a child seems sad doesn't necessarily mean he or she has significant depression. If the sadness becomes persistent, or if disruptive behavior that interferes with normal social activities, interests, schoolwork, or family life develops, it may indicate that he or she has a depressive illness. Keep in mind that while depression is a serious illness, it is also a treatable
Signs and symptoms of depression in children include:
· Irritability or anger
· Continuous feelings of sadness and hopelessness
· Social withdrawal
· Increased sensitivity to rejection
· Changes in appetite -- either increased or decreased · Changes in sleep -- sleeplessness or excessive sleep
· Vocal outbursts or crying
· Difficulty concentrating · Fatigue and low energy · Physical complaints (such as stomachaches, headaches) that don't respond to treatment
· Reduced ability to function during events and activities at home or with friends, in school, extracurricular activities, and in other hobbies or interests
· Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
· Impaired thinking or concentration · Thoughts of death or suicide
Not all children have all of these symptoms. In fact, most will display different symptoms at different times and in different settings. Although some children may continue to function reasonably well in structured environments, most kids with significant depression will suffer a noticeable change in social activities, loss of interest in school and poor academic performance, or a change in appearance. Children may also begin using drugs or alcohol, especially if they are over age 12.
How Is Depression Diagnosed in Children?
If the symptoms of depression in your child have lasted for at least two weeks, you should schedule a visit with his or her doctor to make sure there are no physical reasons for the symptoms and to make sure that your child receives proper treatment. A consultation with a mental health care professional who specializes in children is also recommended.
A mental health evaluation should include interviews with you (the parent or primary caregiver) and your child, and any additional psychological testing that is necessary. Information from teachers, friends and classmates can be useful for showing that these symptoms are consistent during your child's various activities and are a marked change from previous behavior.
There are no specific tests -- medical or psychological -- that can clearly show depression, but tools such as questionnaires (for both the child and parents) combined with personal information can be very useful in helping diagnose depression in children. Sometimes those therapy sessions and questionnaires can uncover other concerns that contribute to the depression such as ADHD, conduct disorder, and OCD.
What Are the Treatment Options? Treatment options for children with depression are similar to those for adults, including psychotherapy (counseling) and medication. The role that family and the child's environment play in the treatment process is different from that of adults. Your child's doctor may suggest psychotherapy first, and consider antidepressant medicine as an additional option if there is no significant improvement. The best studies to date indicate that a combination of psychotherapy and medication is most effective at treating depression. Studies show that the antidepressant Prozac is effective in treating depression in children and teens. The drug is officially recognized by the FDA for treatment of children ages 8 to 18 with depression. Other medications may be chosen if there are other coexisting illnesses contributing to the depression.
****Information source-National Institute of Mental Health: "Depression in Children and Adolescents."
depression in children-Dec 2017.docx.doc
Helping Children Deal With Grief.docx
How Trauma Affects Kids in School.docx
Why Do Kids Have Tantrums and Meltdowns.pdf
Fighting Caregiver Burnout.pdf
Three Common Parenting Traps.pdf
Accommodations for Anxious Kids.docx
Parents Information Links
- Click here for theParent Handbook Parent Handbook.pptx
- Click here for New York City Public Schools Information
- Click here for information on our SAFE school water. LetterForSchoolsThatTestNegative 1.docx
- Click here for the 2015-2016 New York City Public School calendar
- Click here for the school menu
Parent Notices-5th Grade Parents
Information for current 5th Grade students-
September 15, 2017
Dear Parents of our Incoming 6th Grader’s 2018,
You are cordially invite to attend our 5th Grade Articulation Night here at I.S. 2.
Come Join Us On:
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
6:30 -7:00pm
Come learn about I.S. 2 and all we have to offer!
Here from our Staff, Teachers, UAU and meet our PTA
Have all your questions answered!!
articulation is 2 - 10-10-17.docx.doc
Save the Date...
Important Dates:
February 2018
Feb 2: ground Hog Day
Feb 6: Safety Meeting, 4th Grade Assembly-3rd is invited: American Revolution
Feb 7: PTA 9:00 am,
Feb 8: SLT
Feb 9: PALP: Math/SOLVE, Valetine's Day Dance,
Feb: 13: I Love U Sale in Library,
Feb 14: Spirit Day: Wear red, pink, purple
Feb 16-25: Winter Recess-No School
Feb 26: return to school
HAVE YOU GOOGLED TODAY?
Where can I find....?
General- All subject, All grades
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/
Reading Sites:
http://www.storylineonline.net/
Math Sites:
https://www-k6.thinkcentral.com
http://www.mathplayground.com/
Science Sites:
https://kids.usa.gov/science/index.shtml
http://ngexplorer.cengage.com/ngyoungexplorer/index.html
What up???
Pre-K Registration Starts January 17, 2017
Pre-K Directories for 2017 Registration are Available in the Office.