News Alerts

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• May Newsletter

  3K2 – 104A

  Mr. Jackie, Ms. Erika, and Ms. Esther

   

   

  For roughly the month of May, the children and their teachers will be exploring and studying the following unit – “Exercise.”

   

  Investigation 1: What do we know about exercise? What do we want to find out?

  o The children will begin their investigation by discussing and sharing what they already know about exercise. The children and their teachers will also take this time to develop any specific questions they have about exercise. They will discuss the type of exercise they do, know, and/or have seen. Furthermore, considering the warmer weather and the change in season, the children will be encouraged to specifically focus on thinking about the exercise they do outdoors as oppose to indoors.

  Investigation 2: What are the different types of exercises?

  o The children will be introduced to a few different types of exercises in which each morning throughout the week, they will engage and participate in a few simple movements related to cardio, stretches, yoga, etc. During this time, the children will also be introduced to vocabulary such as balance, endurance, flexibility, and strength and learn about how different types of exercises relate to each of those terms.

  Investigation 3: Where do people exercise?

  The children will discuss indoor versus outdoor exercises with an emphasis on the latter. Children will first learn how even certain activities that they may not consider as exercise is in fact exercise such as dancing. They will then discuss outdoor exercises and during “Gross Motor” will practice and participate in some of the outdoor exercises discussed such as jogging, skipping, galloping, climbing, etc. During this week, the children will also briefly talk about how machines can also be used for exercise as well.

  Investigation 4: What type of equipment do people use to exercise?

  o In the previous week, the children were introduced to a few different types of equipment and machines that can be used for exercise. This week, the children will focus more on identifying and if possible, using a few simple exercise machines to work with. For example, the children may work with a few light hand weights and/or a balance beam.

   

  Simple Family Activities Related to Our Study

   

  1. Have your child practice and work with you when you – the parent/guardian – are exercising at home. Explain to them the purpose of the different types of exercise.

  2. Visit a local park and see if there are any exercise equipment available to use – some parks have balance beams, simple ellipticals, pull-up bars, warm-up benches, etc. Talk with your child about how the different types of exercises make you feel.

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• MAY 3K102A NEWSLETTER

   

   

• MAY 3K102A NEWSLETTER

   

   

  Ms. Cristino, Miss Karol and Mrs. Nath wish everyone a very happy May !

   

   

  WHAT WE ARE LEARNING:

  We are working on our unit “EXERCISE”. Young children are in nearly constant motion. Moving makes children feel capable and confident, releases tension, and builds strong bodies and minds. Children’s love of movement will make a study of exercise very exciting! We will try many types of exercise, watch other people exercise, explore the places that people exercise, and explore equipment that’s used. We will learn concepts and skills in language and literacy, physical development, math, science, social studies, the arts and technology. We will also be developing thinking skills to observe, investigate, ask questions, solve problems, make predictions and test our ideas.

   

   

  REMINDERS:

  Arrival time is between 7:45 and 8am in the annex. Students who arrive after 8:15 will be marked late.

  Dismissal time is promptly at 2:00. Any student not picked up by 2:20 will be walked to the main building gym.

  Please pack a water sippy cup and snack for your child, daily. We cannot store food in the classroom.

  PLEASE SIGN UP TO BE A PARENT READER. Sign-up sheet on side of classroom door.

   

  IMPORTANT DATES:

  May 1- Parent Teacher Conferences on google classroom.

  6pm-6:45 English only

  7pm-7:45- English/Spanish

  May 28- Dance Performance for 3K-1st grade- All Parents invited

  May 31- Annual “We Are District 24 Day” at Forest Park

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• June Pre-K Newsletter

  Mrs. Longo, Mrs. Kelly & Ms. Mondesi

   

   

  Birthdays and Other Important Dates

  Staff Development (No School)- June 5th & 6th Summer Birthdays

  Leo C- June 2nd Lizbeth- July 6th

  Malka C- June 12th Mrs. Longo- July 10th

  Juneteenth (No School)- June 19th Xoel C- July 14th

  Pre-K Stepping up Ceremony- June 23rd or 24th Angel- July 20th

  Lian T- June 24th Dante N- July 21st

  Last Day of School!- June 26th Sofia J- July 22nd

  Ismael N- June 27th Zoey C- July 24th

  Keyla R- August 5th

  Fabio A- August 10th

  Sebastian H- August 21st

  Felix K- August 30th

   

   

   

  We will end the school year by learning about water and the different ways we use water, how it changes, and how it helps people and the environment.

  We will also be preparing your children for the changes that will come in September, when they enter Kindergarten.

  We’d like to thank you for all your support and cooperation with your child’s education this school year. We thank you for allowing us to be your child’s Pre-K teachers. It has been a wonderful and rewarding year!

  Enjoy your summer, and don’t forget to read lots of books!!

   

  Reminders

  - Please send a reusable bottle of water with your child each day.

  - Please be sure your child dresses appropriately for the warm weather, as they will be enjoying time outside.

  - Please be sure your child wears sneakers.

Kindergarten May Newsletter

Lenneberg/Ms. Kozlowsky Class K-211m

Mrs.Vozzolo Class K-202a

Ms. Markov Class K-202m

Ms. Richman Class K-204m

We are continuing to learn to read high-frequency words (heart words) by sight and we are working on blending sounds and reading three-letter words that we call “CVC” words. For example: (hat, pan, sun) We are learning about vowels and middle sounds. We continue to enjoy learning with our Really Great Reading program! In math, we are focussed on the addition and subtraction of one-digit numbers.

In our HMH Literacy program,we will be learning about how each of us have our own opinions about which foods taste best. Over the next month, we will read books about how food gets from plants to our plates. We will even take a look underground to find out about special animal helpers that work behind the scenes to make gardens grow. In writing, we will share our opinions about school food and favorite fruits and vegetables. All along the way, we will observe growing plants!

Please continue to work with your children at home. It teaches them that education is important and they absolutely love the attention you are giving them. They also love showing off everything they’ve been learning in class. As always, we appreciate the support!

Students will be taking their end of the year assessments in M-class, HMH and MAPS. We are so proud of them and how far

they have come! We hope that we have instilled a love of learning in them that will last through their academic careers.

Important Dates:

Thursday, May 1- Parent/Teacher Meetings(Virtual)

Wednesday, May 28- Dance Performance

Friday, May 30- Queens Zoo Trip

Saturday, May 31- 3rd Annual We Are District 24 at Forest Park

 

 

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AS

 

June 1st Grade Newsletter

Mrs.Villalta, Mrs.Frydel, Mrs.Scherr, Ms.Oro, and Mrs.Benenati

Dates to Remember:

· No school, June 5th, 2025.

· No school, June 6th, 2025.

· Make your own sundae (weather permitting), June 9th, 2025

· No school, June 19th, 2025.

·Feild Day, June 17th, 2025

·End of Year Party, June 26thth, 2025

· LAST DAY of school, June 26th, 2025

Reminders:

· Please check your child’s folders every day.

· Please check homework every day.

A peek at what we are learning:

MATH: Students will learn how to tell time to the hour and half- hour using an analogue and digital clock. Students will also end the year learning about 2D and 3D shapes. Focusing on their attributes.

Phonics: Students will focus on the short and long diagraph oo, vowel teams, and contractions. They will continue to practice using CVC words and creating sentences.

ELA: Students will listen to and read informational texts about someone who inspires them. Students will recognize that good things can happen when a person is brave enough to try something new. They will read about innovators, architects, and others who have been brave enough to try new things.

Second Grade Newsletter MAY

Ms. Garcia, Ms. Olivo, Ms. Ululati, Ms. Arias, Mrs. Saleh, and Mrs. McKenna are thrilled to share that second grade is having a wonderful year! We’ve loved getting to know your children and can’t wait to continue learning and growing together in the months ahead.

What we are learning:

● HMH Into Reading: Students will be learning about different cultures.

● Math: Students will be working on adding and subtracting 3 digit numbers with regrouping using various strategies.

● Writing: Students will experience a new traditional or cultural experience. They will then write a thank-you letter to the person they shared the experience with and write about what they learned or why that experience was important to them.

Reminders:

● Please check your child's folder and homework daily.

● Arrival is at 8:00 a.m

● Dismissal is at 2:00 p.m

● There are spelling tests every Friday

Important dates:

● Parent Teacher Conferences - Thursday, May 1st

● Memorial Day NO SCHOOL - Monday, May 26th

● Dance Performance - Tuesday, May 27th

● Trip to the Zoo - Wednesday, May 28th

Please check your dojo.

Terrific Third Graders

June 2025 Newsletter

As the school year comes to a close, we want to thank you for a wonderful year! We truly appreciate all the support, time, and effort you have given. We hope you have an amazing summer!

Math - Topic 15

This month, we will focus on extending students' understanding of two-dimensional shapes. Students will explore relationships between shape categories. Trapezoids, parallelograms, rectangles, rhombuses, and squares are all quadrilaterals with special names. Students will also learn about convex and concave polygons. They will identify attributes of different shape groups and compare them.

Reading - From Farm to Table

Essential Question:

· How does food get to your table?

· How does good nutrition help you?

· What can we reap from a garden?

Over the next three weeks, our class will build knowledge about food sources, with a focus on informational texts. We will read and view materials about how food reaches our tables. Our goal is to reinforce topic vocabulary-agriculture, reap, nutrition, and tilling-through everyday conversations.

Writing - Poetry

In this module, students will reflect on what they enjoy during different times of the year and write a poem about their favorite month or season. Their poems should include vivid details, descriptions, and examples that paint a picture for the reader.

As they write, students should:

· Express their feelings and ideas about the topic

· Use language that helps readers visualize their topic

· Choose words for both their meaning and sound

· Arrange ideas in lines and stanzas

Important Dates

· June 5 - Anniversary/Chancellor's Conference Day (No students)

· June 6 - Clerical Day (No students)

· June 17 - Field Day at Grover Cleveland Fieldhouse

· June 19 - Juneteenth (Schools closed)

· June 26 - Last Day of School for Students

June Newsletter-4th Grade

We are finishing up the school year with a fun topic!

We are beginning to work on Module 12 which is a fiction genre study. We will be revisiting books that we have read during the year. - Essential Question Week 1: What are the characteristics of realistic fiction? Week 2: What are the characteristics of traditional tales? Week 3: What are the characteristics of historical fiction? Students will be able to recognize and describe the characteristics of realistic fiction texts. They will analyze texts for characteristics of realistic fiction. Students will also determine the author’s purpose for using specific genre features.

Writing: We have begun writing for Module 9. Students will think about an endangered plant or animal. They will write a research report about that plant or animal and conduct research, provide facts and details, and explain why the plant or animal should be protected. The students need to research the facts and details. They are to carefully clearly state the central idea and write about the research in their own words. They also need to create an accurate bibliography.

Please encourage your children to read every night

WIN – What I Need

In the morning for 30 minutes, students have been divided into groups based on their needs.

Tier 3 is working on primary phonics- Sound Sensible

Tier 2 is working on the next level of phonics- S.P.I.R.E

Tier 1 is working on Socratic Reading Circles

Math: Rays Angles Protractors

Students are finishing up the school year learning about rays angles and how to use a protractor.

**Memorizing multiplication facts is important because it builds a strong foundation for more advanced math concepts. It improves problem solving speed. It boosts confidence and calculations which is why we Please encourage your child to study their multiplication facts.**

Important Dates

June 3rd Recorder Concert.

June 5th- Thursday NO SCHOOL

June 6th- Friday NO SCHOOL

June 12th - Mets Trip

June 17th Field Day

June 19th -Thursday NO SCHOOL

June 26th - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

Fifth Grade Newsletter

HAPPY JUNE!

ELA:  We will continue to work on Module 10 in our HMH curriculum and begin module 12 mid month of June.

READING 

Essential Question for Mod 10 is:

What can we learn about ourselves by observing and interacting with animals?

Students find this module fascinating!  This unit encourages students to explore the natural world by examining the lives, behaviors, and environments of animals.  Students will use their knowledge of informational text as they explore humans’ curiosity about, and relationships with animals.  Through a variety of texts, students learn how scientific observation, empathy and research help us understand animals and the world they live in.  Skills that students will learn in this module are determining the main idea and supporting details, compare and contrast information across texts, summarize informational texts, and use text evidence to support conclusions.

The Essential Questions for Mod 12 are:

1. What are the characteristics of realistic fiction?
2. What are the characteristics of play?
3. What are the characteristics of mystery?

In this unit students will build and strengthen their reading, writing, listening, speaking, and thinking skills as they explore various types of fiction texts. Students will take a closer look at the world of fiction through a focused genre study. This module helps students understand the different types of fiction and how authors use story elements like character, setting, plot, and theme to engage readers.  During this module, your child will read and compare various works of fiction, analyze how characters develop and respond to challenges, identify key story elements and themes across texts, explore author’s craft and author’s purpose, including dialogue and description, and practice close reading and use text evidence to support their thinking.

WRITING

Focus statement for Mod 10 is:

Some things are worth fighting for.

Throughout this module students will be exposed to new ideas or have new insights into the ways that animals are cared for.  Students will be encouraged to be alert to information about community organizations that help animals.  Then they will write a persuasive letter explaining why people should support the organization with their money or time.

Through this writing your child will learn how to state a clear opinion and support it with strong reasons and evidence, understand the structure and purpose of a persuasive letter, practice using persuasive language and transitions to strengthen their argument, research an animal-related organization to support with facts and write and revise a letter addressed to a newspaper editor, advocating for animal welfare. This assignment helps students develop their voice as writers and learn how writing can be used to influence others and make a positive difference in the world.

Focus statement for Mod 12 is:

Our words paint the story of our lives.

In this module your children will read and listen to poems that tell stories of resilience.  They will be encouraged to use words to describe what they see.  They will also learn to recognize graphic elements in poetry, including figurative language.  Students will then be asked to write a narrative poem, true story or made up, using poetic techniques, figurative language and graphic elements to help tell the story and create a mood. 

MATH

We are working on Topic 17: Step Up to Grade 6

This topic is to help prepare students for the next grade by giving them a preview of upcoming skills and strengthen their problem-solving abilities as they get ready to move on to middle school.  

During this topic, your child will:

• Explore algebraic thinking, such as using variables in expressions and equations
• Practice graphing on a coordinate plane
• Learn how to interpret and analyze patterns and relationships in data
• Review key concepts from the year to reinforce foundational skills

This topic helps students build confidence and develop readiness for the more advanced math they will see in the next grade.

*Continue memorizing multiplication and division facts over the summer!

IMPORTANT DATES: 

• No School Eid: Thurs June 5^th and Fri June 6^th
• 5^th Grade Trip: Wed June 11^th
• 5^th Grade Dance: Fri June 13^th  
• Field Day at Grover Cleveland Park: Tues June 17^th
• 5^th Grade Commencement Ceremony: Wed June 18^th
• No School Juneteenth: Thurs June 19^th
• Last day of school: Thurs June 26^th

Friendly Reminders:

• All students should have paid $70 for 5^th grade trip by now. If you haven’t done so yet, please do as soon as possible.
• As we look forward to celebrating our upcoming 5^th Grade Dance and Ceremony, we kindly ask that students dress to impress for these special occasions. This is a wonderful opportunity for them to feel proud and confident as we honor their achievements and enjoy a fun, memorable time together. Some suggested attire:

Girls may choose to wear a nice dress or other semi-formal outfit.

Boys may wear a button-down shirt, polo, or other neat and presentable clothing.

5^th CEREMONY SCHEDULE:  Wednesday, June 18^th in the GYM

• 9:00am – Classes 5-406 and 5-510
• 11:00am – Classes 5-401, 5-402 and 5-412

*Ceremonies will begin promptly at 9am and 11am, therefore we kindly ask that all families arrive early to ensure you are seated before it begins.

**All students will go home with their families immediately following the ceremony.

As we wrap up the school year, all of us on the 5th grade team want to extend our heartfelt thanks to you for an amazing year. Together, we’ve celebrated so much growth, perseverance, and achievement—and while there were challenges along the way, your children rose to meet them with determination and heart.

It has truly been a pleasure to teach and watch your children grow this year. We are so proud of all they’ve accomplished and the wonderful individuals they are becoming.

We wish your family a relaxing, joyful summer and send our best wishes to your children as they take the exciting next step in their journey.

With gratitude,
The 5th Grade Team

Physical Education

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• Happy Spring.

   

  This May will be wrapping up our units in different grades.

   

  3rd, 4th and 5th grade are finishing up the Basketball unit.  We will be continuing with our students favorite unit…Soccer.

   

  1st and 2nd grade will be completing their long instruments unit of using tennis racquets, pool noodles and hockey sticks.  Students will be moving on to a soccer unit.

   

  Please mindful to your students as the weather is changing to please wear layers for physical education and wear proper shoes.  If you need to know what day your student has gym you may email me any questions or concerns at [email protected]

   

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  MS

   

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• In the month of May all ELL/MLL's will be taking the NYSESLAT (New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test). The purpose of the test is to determine how well they are learning English. Beginning in late April students will be individually administered the Speaking portion of the NYSESLAT. There is one exam for Grades 3-4 and fifth graders are given the exam for Grades 5-6. The testing window for the Listening, Reading and Writing portion is May 12-May 23. 
  • The reading section asks students to answer questions about stories printed in their test books.
  • The writing section asks students to write in response to questions and prompts in their test books.
  • The listening section asks students to select the correct response to a picture and/or word or statement read aloud.
  Unlike the State ELA and Math tests, the NYSESLAT is paper based. Performance on the NYSESLAT determines eligibility of ENL services the following academic year. Students who score Commanding level (demonstrating English proficiency) will continue to receive ENL services for two years.
   
  The results are reported in raw scores, scale scores, and performance levels. The “raw score” is the number of correct answers, which is converted to a “scale score,” to make it possible to compare scores across grade levels. Scale scores are divided into the following five performance levels that show how well students have mastered English language skills.
  Commanding:
  • Students function fluently in listening, reading, writing, and speaking
  • Students' skills are equal to those of native English speakers at their appropriate grade level
  • These students have gained the skills necessary to participate in an English-speaking classroom
  Expanding:
  • Students are able to use skills at a higher level than intermediate students.
  • Although their knowledge and use of English is at a more advanced level, these students make mistakes usually involving more:
  • subtle use of language
  • difficult levels of vocabulary and grammar
  Transitioning:
  • Students have better English skills than students at the basic level
  • However, these students' skills are often not well developed and they make significant errors in the four skill areas
  Emerging:
  • A student at the Emerging level needs some supports and structures to improve their academic language skills
  Entering:
  • Students are at the beginning level in the four skill areas
  • These students’ English skills are minimal
  How are the results used?
  Students will continue to receive English as a New Language or bilingual services until their scores on the New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test show that they have learned English well enough to participate in English-only classes. Educators also use students’ New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test scores to help decide which instructional standards to focus on, and to evaluate their programs.
   
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• ENL Grades K-2
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• Welcome spring. Our spring break is almost here. During the vacation please make sure your child reads every day. Also have your child go onto Starfall.com. There are many activities for your child to do to learn  and review the letter as well as its sounds.  Please only do those activities that are free.In school we are reviewing the letters and its sounds. Some of the classes are learning the long vowel sounds as well as the vowel teams. We are then taking our knowledge of phonics to reading the decodable books.
  If you ever have a questions or concerns please email me at [email protected].

   

   

   

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• May Library Newsletter

   

  Students in kindergarten and first grade will celebrate May by learning about the different holidays and special days, such as Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day and Memorial Day. Students will enjoy various picture books that support the seasonal topics with an accompanying craft or activity. Students will also be given opportunities to improve their reading skills by having time to choose their own books and read independently.

   

  In second and third grades, we will continue with our Jory John author study. Students have enjoyed all of the books that we have read so far and have grown in their own social-emotional understanding. Children will read The Couch Potato, The Sour Grape, The Smart Cookie and The Big Cheese throughout the month. Students will identify similarities amongst his stories and utilize the skills of prediction and inference upon starting his new stories throughout the month. We will culminate the author study by creating a bar graph to show which book is a favorite amongst the second and third graders.

   

  Students in fourth and fifth grades will work on a Digital Citizenship unit. Digital Citizenship encompasses skills such as online safety, digital etiquette, critical thinking and responsible information sharing. They will listen to enriching stories, such as Chicken Clicking, The Fabulous Friend Machine, Old MacDonald had a Phone and If You Give a Mouse an iPhone that help to teach them to be good digital citizens. These stories introduce and discuss the potential risks and benefits of technology and using it appropriately. The goal is to teach them how to use technology responsibly, safely and ethically, thus making them good digital citizens.

   

  “There are many little ways to enlarge your world.

  Love of books is the best of all.” -Jacqueline Kennedy

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  MAY NEWSLETTER FOR MUSIC

   

  THIS MONTH: 

  Kindergarten - May Songs

  First Grade - Carnival of the Animals (Pianists, Fossils, Swan)

  Third Grade - Music Around the World Unit (Mexico)

  Fourth Grade - Continuing how to play The Recorder and playing songs

  Fifth Grade - Graduation Songs (Star Spangled Banner, Kindness, Let There Be Peace on Earth) and The Wizard of Oz

   

  SHOWS

  All grades that have music will be celebrating with an end of year performance soon!  Letters will go home shortly! 

   

  DID YOU KNOW?

  Just like different types of stories, there

  are different GENRES, or types of music.  Classica, Rock, Jazz, Hip Hop, Blues, Reggae, Country  and so many more! What kind of music do you like?  

   

  JOKE OF THE MONTH?

  Why did the singer climb the ladder?

  They wanted to reach the high notes! 

   

  For previous newsletters, visit https://docs.google.com/document/d/10paUwZiIoXP_HV6zpbgdlHDwhXdJ-CivR88iVHTmnzk/edit?usp=sharing

   

  MUSIC NEWSLETTER FOR FEBRUARY

  THIS MONTH:

  Kindergarteentine and February Songs

  First Grade - Carnival of the Animals (Mules and Tortoises)

  Third Grade - Music Around the World Unit (China, 

  Fourth Grade - Learning how to play The Recorder and playing songs

  Fifth Grade - Graduation Songs (Star Spangled Banner, Kindness, Let There Be Peace on Earth) and starting our Spring Show

  Movie Night: Need a movie to watch during February Break?  Try one of these: Enchanted, Anastasia, High School Musical, Trolls, The Swan Princess

   

  Short, Busy February

  February is such a busy month for being so short!  Don’t forget to celebrate Groundhog Day, Presidents Week, Valentine’s Day, 100th Day of School, Cypress’ Birthday, Super Bowl Sunday and mnal favorite - Random Acts of Kindness Day!

   

  JOKE OF THE MONTH What did the drum say on Valentine’s Day?

  My heart beats

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  MUSIC NEWSLETTER FOR FEBRUARY

  THIS MONTH:

  Kindergarten - Valentine and February Songs

  First Grade - Carnival of the Animals (Mules and Tortoises)

  Third Grade - Music Around the World Unit (China, 

  Fourth Grade - Learning how to play The Recorder and playing songs

  Fifth Grade - Graduation Songs (Star Spangled Banner, Kindness, Let There Be Peace on Earth) and starting our Spring Show

  
  

  Movie Night: Need a movie to watch during February Break?  Try one of these: Enchanted, Anastasia, High School Musical, Trolls, The Swan Princess

  
  

  Short, Busy February

  February is such a busy month for being so short!  Don’t forget to celebrate Groundhog Day, Presidents Week, Valentine’s Day, 100th Day of School, Cypress’ Birthday, Super Bowl Sunday and my personal favorite - Random Acts of Kindness Day! 

  
  

  JOKE OF THE MONTH What did the drum say on Valentine’s Day?

  My heart beats for you! 

  MUSIC NEWSLETTER FOR FEBRUARY

  THIS MONTH:

  Kindergarten - Valentine and February Songs

  First Grade - Carnival of the Animals (Mules and Tortoises)

  Third Grade - Music Around the World Unit (China, 

  Fourth Grade - Learning how to play The Recorder and playing songs

  Fifth Grade - Graduation Songs (Star Spangled Banner, Kindness, Let There Be Peace on Earth) and starting our

  Movie Night: Need a movie to watch during February Break?  Try one of these: Enchanted, Anastasia, High School Musical, Trolls, The Swan Princess

  
  

  Short, Busy February

  February is su a busy month for being so short!  Don’t forget to celebrate Groundhog Day, Presidents Week, Valentine’s Day, 100th Day , Cypress’ Birthday, Super Bowl Sunday and my personal favorite - Random Acts of Kindness Day!

  JOKE OF THE MONTH What did the drum say on Valentine’s Day?

  Mart beats for you!

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• Mindful Moments with Savage

  May Newsletter | Theme: Integrity

   

  Dear Students and Families,

   

  Happy May! As we stretch into the final months of the school year, we’re focusing our minds and hearts on a powerful theme: Integrity.

   

  What is Integrity?

  Integrity means doing the right thing—even when no one is watching. It’s about being honest, making good choices, and being true to yourself. In yoga and mindfulness, integrity helps us stay grounded, kind, and connected.

   

  This Month in Yoga Class

  We’ll be exploring poses and practices that help us understand integrity in our bodies and minds. Some highlights include:

   

  · Warrior Poses to build inner strength and confidence.

  · Tree Pose to help us feel steady and true.

  · Partner activities that teach trust and responsibility

  · Mindful Moments focused on honesty, respect, and making thoughtful choices.

   

   

  At-Home Mindfulness Tip

  Try this “Truthful Breathing” exercise:

   

  1. Sit quietly and take a few deep breaths.

  2. Think of a time when you made a good choice, even if it was hard.

  3. As you breathe, say to yourself: “I am honest. I do what’s right.”

   

   

  Family Challenge: Integrity in Action

  Each week in May, talk together as a family about a real-life situation where someone showed integrity. What happened? How did it feel? Can you think of a time you showed integrity?

   

  Quote of the Month

  “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” — C.S. Lewis

   

  Wishing you all a mindful May, filled with strength, honesty, and heart.

   

  Namaste,

  Ms. Savage

  Yoga and Mindfulness

   

Coding and Robotics

In May the upper grades will work with Minecraft Education game-like setting where students can practice math skills while solving problems, thinking critically, and being creative. Minecraft Education’s pre-built worlds and lesson plans provide effective tools for students to strengthen and showcase their mathematical skills. The resources we will use to get started include the following lessons: “Ratio Riddles” for developing key concepts of ratio, proportion, fractions, and scale, “Mummy Mayhem” which introduces students to the concepts of shape, symmetry, and spatial reasoning and more.

In May the lower grades will begin a final project. The students can creating a game or alter a game they have worked on earlier this year. For this game, students will learn about the elements of games. They will also be shown how to create two different types of games on the ScratchJr application. They will then spend the several sessions designing and sharing games.

• Science News

  Mrs. Fanning

  Grade 2- Students are exploring landforms and how they can change over time. We are experimenting with water and wind erosion using chalk, pumice and candy models. Students are learning the names and characteristics of landforms around the world.

  Grade 3- Students are completing their unit on weather with a focus on climate, clouds and severe weather systems. Experiments included creating tornado bottles and hurricane shelters. We are also working on the New York State Investigation called “Cloud in a Bottle” where students can model the water cycle and temperature fluctuations in specific climates.

  Grade 4- Students are completing their unit on sound. Experiments include creating instruments to explore amplitude (volume) and frequency (pitch). Our final project will be creating sound wave art for a popular sound. Students will also be completing a New York State Investigation called “Light it Up” to explore electrical circuits.

  Grade 5- Students are completing their unit on Patterns of Earth and Sky. We explored how planets and the moon move and how that impacts what we see in the sky. Experiments included creating moving models of planets, investigating gravity toys, and making models of revolutions and rotations of the Earth. All fifth graders have been meeting and working on model questions to prepare for the upcoming New York State Science Exam. This exam will be held on May 13th and will be computer-based.

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• Speech & Language Newsletter

  Strategy of the Month: Ask Open-Ended Questions
   
  Asking Open-Ended Questions allows children to respond in a variety of ways instead of a simple “yes”, “no”, nodding their head or gesturing.  Open-ended questions include who, what, where, when, why and how questions.
   
  Examples of open-ended questions:
  -What are you building?
  -What happened in the book?
  -When do we wash our hands?
  -Who is at the door?
  -What do you like to eat for lunch?
  -Where is the duck?
  -How do we play the game?
  -Why is the cat sad?
   
  Language Activities:
  -Ask Open-Ended Questions while playing house.
  -Take a walk down your street and ask your child Open-Ended Questions about different Spring related items you pass.
  -Plant a flower or a seed with your child. Talk about the different parts of a flower. Discuss what your flower or seed needs to grow and how you will nurture it.
  -Paint a butterfly with your child. Cut a white piece of paper into the shape of a butterfly and fold it in half vertically. Have your child paint only the left wing. Talk with your child about the life cycle of a butterfly as you paint. Close the wings and press them together. Open the wings to find a fully painted butterfly. Discuss how this happened (The wings of a butterfly are symmetrical). Look for other items in your home that are symmetrical.
   
  Suggested books:
  -Ladybugs, written by Gail Gibbons
  -The Very Hungry Caterpillar, written by Eric Carle
  -The Curious Garden, written by Peter Brown

May Newsletter

Counselor's Corner - Josephine D’Amico

As the school year comes to a close, May is a time to celebrate achievements and prepare for transitions. This month, we’ll be focusing on the theme of reflection and celebration. It’s important for students to look back on their successes and growth this year and to start thinking about the future with optimism and excitement.

Focus of the Month:

Reflecting on the past year helps students recognize how much they’ve learned and grown. This month, we’ll be encouraging students to celebrate their accomplishments, both big and small. We’ll also be discussing how to approach the upcoming transitions.

Wellness Tips:

Transitions can be both exciting and challenging. Help your child prepare for the next steps by discussing what they’re looking forward to and what they might find challenging. Encourage them to express any concerns and talk about strategies to manage change.

Upcoming Events:

Parent Teacher Virtual Conferences:

Thursday May 1, 2025

Math Exam: Grade 3 - May 7 & 8

Grade 4 - May 8 & 9

Grade 5 - May 6 & 7

Contact Information:

If you have any questions or would like to discuss how to support your child’s progress, please feel free to contact me at ([email protected]) or call (718-821-9800).