Principal's Parent Newsletter

Spring is here!

 

Instruction:

The Assistant Principal and I are continuing to give teacher feedback as we visit classrooms.  We are focusing on “Questioning and Discussion Techniques” used during instruction. We observe the quality of questions, discussion techniques, and student participation.

 

We have purchased 5 IPad 2s to support instruction with technology.  Teachers will be selected to receive an IPad 2 based on how they will use the IPad 2 to support student learning.

 

State Tests:

ELA New York State Test

Grades 3, 4 & 5

Tues, April 17; Wed, April  18;  &  Thurs, April 19^th.

 

Math New York State Test

Grades 3, 4 & 5

Wed, April 25th; Thurs, April 26^th & Fri, April 27^th. 

 

I hope you had the opportunity to attend the Testing Workshop for parents on March 22^nd.  Helpful strategies for parents were presented by Mrs. Gordon & Mrs. Navetta, Classroom teachers.

 

Our “Book of the Month” for April is “Of Thee I Sing” by President Barack Obama; it is a tribute to thirteen groundbreaking Americans throughout history.

 

Beginning this month, our students in Kindergarten will be able to access “Raz-kids.com.”  This online program allows your child to read books to increase their reading levels.

 

As part of our Math Initiative, on April 4^th, our 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th & 5^th grade will participate in a “Math Jeopardy” game in the auditorium; they will compete to solve math problems.  On May 8^th, there will be an assembly presented, “Math + Fun = Arithmetikles” sponsored by the PTA.

 

Safety & Respect:

“During the week of April 10^th (School Break), NYC Department of Transportation will convert the direction of traffic flow on 11^th Avenue to one-way eastbound between 152^nd and 154^th Streets.  During the same period and covering the same blocks, the traffic direction on 12^th Avenue will be converted to one-way westbound (from two-way operation).  I would like to thank Community Board 7, Greater Whitestone Taxpayers Civic Association and our local officials for their efforts and support in bringing this to fruition.

 

Enrichment Activities:

In the last 2 months, our basketball team has played PS 209, PS 163, PS 129, & PS 214; they have won all four games.  They have won a total of 6 games and lost only 2 games.   Our cheerleaders are doing a great job of cheering on the team.

 

Participating teachers and classes in our City Center Dance Program are part of a weekly residency with “Flamenco.”  On March 5^th, the classes attended a Flamenco Dancing Festival at City Center.  Parents were invited on Wednesday, March 21^st to observe the final class in a sharing session.

 

Kudos to the 2^nd grade students on their performance, “New York, New York” on March 23^rd; it was outstanding!

 

Please complete the “Learning Environment Survey”

Our year to date attendance is 94.7 

Thank you for your continuous support!