Please join me in congratulating our graduates! It was wonderful to see the students present their work at last week’s graduation. Thanks to all the teachers, staff, and families who helped make it so great! June is always bittersweet as we say so long to our graduates. If you are a graduating or moving away, please stop in to the office for a few hugs before you leave and please stay in touch!
We will be sending Class Welcome letters and supply requests in midsummer. We will email these unless you have requested paper notices. Please be sure to inform Jocelyn if your email or address changes. You can find letters and class supply lists on our website (once you know your class). For families that are not returning, please be sure to pick up your child’s portfolio and other possessions from your class before you leave. Likewise, let us know if plans change over the summer and you are not returning so we can update our registers and fill our seats. The best way to reach us over the summer is by email (abbe@theearthschool.org or jocelyn@theearthschool.org )
PLEASE CHECK LOST & FOUND IN THE LOBBY AND SCOOTER ROOM BY WEDNESDAY. REMAINING ITEMS WILL BE DONATED.
PLEASE RETURN BORROWED CLASSROOM MATERIALS AND BOOKS.
As we head into the last full week of school, I want to thank everyone for making it a great year. As I always say on school tours, it’s the community that makes the Earth
School great! Thanks to all the families, teachers, staff and children who have worked so hard this year “learning and growing as community.”
Graduation is this Thursday at 9:00 a.m. in the school auditorium. If you have ever attended an Earth School graduation, you know it is an amazing experience! Each graduate will share something about themselves and their time at the school. You may have already noticed the “portfolio displays” lining the hallways. Each graduate worked with an adult “mentor” to review and reflect on their work from their years in the school. Selections are displayed for the community to see. Please have a look around and enjoy!!
We will be sending Class Welcome letters and supply requests in midsummer. We will email these unless you have requested paper notices. Please be sure to inform Jocelyn of any email/address changes. You will also be able to find letters and class supply lists on our website (once you know your class). For families that are not returning, please be sure to pick up your child’s portfolio and other possessions from your class before you leave. Likewise, let us know if you something comes up and you are not returning in September so we can update our registers and fill our seats. Narrative Reports will be distributed on Friday.
PLEASE CHECK LOST & FOUND IN THE 6 TH STREET LOBBY AND SCOOTER ROOM. REMAINING ITEMS WILL BE DONATED TO HOUSING WORKS.
PLEASE RETURN BORROWED CLASSROOM MATERIALS AND BOOKS. Many of you have expressed concern about The Earth School’s funding challenges. Carmen Gunzl and I recently attended our annual budget meeting. We went through the complicated process of comparing our anticipated enrollment and funding sources against our staffing needs and expenses. For the first time in many years, our initial allocation of funding will cover basic staffing costs. While the budget is still very tight, we are relieved that we don’t have to endure a lengthy appeal process over the summer. I appreciate everyone’s support this year and we will continue to work for our fair share of funding!
LOVE,
Abbe
Posted Jun 18, 2018, 4:08 AM by Designer Stevie Remsberg
It is hard to believe that it is June! As I walk around the school, I notice how much your children have grown and matured since September. The approach of the summer vacation brings many emotions for each of us. There are feelings of excitement and anticipation, but also loss and fear about moving to new situations, such as new classes and, for some, new schools. When children experience these mixed emotions, they may express themselves through behaviors that adults may find confusing. According to Lesley Koplow (at Emotionally Responsive Practice), at this time of year, we can expect to see some regression, detachment, disorganization, and, even, physical aggression as children cope with their emotions. End-of-year rituals, sticking with predictable schedules and routines, and providing avenues for children to express themselves are very important. In responding to the behaviors, she suggests using “Reflective Technique,” in which adults help children make connections to underlying causes, “Sometimes kids get worried at the end of year and their feelings come out in _____. I’m going to make sure everyone is safe, but if you are feeling worried or angry about saying goodbye, you may ___ (draw, write, talk about it, etc.)” Older children can be invited to discuss their mixed feelings during class meetings or through assignments. Remember that these behaviors and reactions are temporary!
Family Conferences begin this week. Please make an appointment by signing up in front of the classroom or emailing your teachers. Did you know that ALL of your child’s teachers and service providers are available and eager to meet with you to discuss your child’s progress? Don’t forget to meet with Patrice (Patrice@theearthschool.org), Emmy (Emmy@theearthschool.org), or Vince (vince@theearthschool.org). Individual appointments and drop-in times are available.
IMPORTANT: Please complete this short Family Involvement Survey (1 per family): https://goo.gl/forms/Vvgz4yNGiBndmJPX2Your answers will help the SLT plan for next year! Paper and online copies available. Turn in to your teacher or the office or stop by the PA room for a copy.
As part of the PA-sponsored Miles Program, Earth School students are eligible to apply to enroll in (first-year) TUITION-FREE MUSIC & DANCE CLASSES at Third Street Music School Settlement. There will be a spring OPEN HOUSE on June 19th from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. at 235 East 11th St to meet teachers, try out dance, singing, and instruments, and apply for classes for NEXT FALL. Children who are interested in applying for FREE classes must attend the event and must be ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT or guardian. The program is open to children age 6 (by Dec 2018) to 14, who have never been enrolled at Third Street.
LOVE,
Abbe
Posted Jun 3, 2018, 5:46 PM by Designer Stevie Remsberg
Tues, 6/26. Last day of school. Dismissal 11:55 a.m. Please check with your after school program as many are finished for the year.
LOOKING AHEAD
First Day of School: September 5th, 2018. Visit the school calendar here for more information.
SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS
Did you know that free summer meals are served in our schools from June 27 – Sept 1? Summer meals will also be available at hundreds of public pools, parks, libraries, and other locations around New York City. Visit the SchoolFood website (schoolfood.nyc.org) to access the daily menu and find a location near you; Call 311 or visit the 311 website: www.nyc.gov/311; www.nokidhungry.org; Text “nycmeals” to 877-877
Remember all events are on the school calendar here on our website!
Make Your Family Contribution!
Click the button below. Thank you!
