"Speaking Success into Existence"
"Speaking Success into Existence"
"To get to all, we focus on each"
We are the CoVo Crocs!
Meet our new Mascot... But right now he does not have a name so please help us make a decision (click the link below):
Principal Ryan T. Branch
Data-Driven Instruction: Immediate Action Items for Teachers
Finalize Strategic Student Groups
Use data sources such as i-Ready, past assessments, exit tickets, and instructional reports to confirm and differentiate student groups:
- Slippables students: Near proficiency, ready to advance
- Pushable students: Have targeted gaps that need addressing
- Accelerating students:Ready for extension and enrichment
Ensure each group has a clear instructional focus tied to specific standards, enabling targeted instruction that meets student needs.
Prioritize Standards-Based Review
Start with major, anchor, or power standards, then spiral in:
- Additional clusters and supporting standards
- Previously taught standards from earlier grades that remain relevant and assessable
Cross-check standards against current NGLS expectations to maintain alignment and ensure relevance.
Integrate Released Test Questions Purposefully
Utilize NYSED resources to locate test questions by standard:
- Prioritize questions from 2019 to the present that are aligned with NGLS
- Use older questions only when they reinforce skills and align with current rigor
This will strengthen students’ familiarity with test formats and the standards they assess.
Instructional Look-Fors During Test-Prep Lessons
To enhance classroom implementation, lessons should consistently include:
- Explicit modeling of problem-solving strategies before student practice
- Frequent check-ins using CFUs (cold calls, whiteboards, quick writes, partner checks)
- Active monitoring during guided and independent work
- Real-time instructional adjustments based on observed misconceptions
Teachers should be able to identify:
- Common student errors
- Standards requiring immediate reteaching
- Students who need regrouping or targeted support
Your commitment to analyzing data and aligning instruction to standards is vital for student success on the NYS assessments. Continued focus on strategic grouping, standards alignment, real-time monitoring, and purposeful use of released questions will strengthen instruction and build student confidence in both Math and ELA.
I-Ready Sprints
I-Ready Sprints are NOT assessments; they are MyPath engagement and teacher assigned lessons (based on observed gaps that the classroom teacher will have to assign). While the identified students on the attached list work on the I-Ready Sprints, plan to support the other students in small group instruction based on their needs. Students must be on the program for a minimum of 40 minutes for each subject they are identified for (see attached and there is a Math tab and an ELA tab). Ensure that students work on their scheduled I-Ready Sprints during the following times starting February 9th. Please refer to Feb. 6th email sent at 3:00pm for the list of identified students.
Data Dive Walkthrough
This week, we will be conducting a Data Dive walkthrough during your prep periods. Please be prepared to discuss and present the following items:
Data Dive Questions:
- Current unit and student performance for:
- ELLs
- Pushables
- Slippables
- SWDs
- Proficient/Enrichment
- Upcoming unit focus
- Data tracking format
- Most recent assessment
- Most recent assignment with feedback to students, how is data used for groupings?
- Housed data for upcoming report cards/PID
Please have this information prepared. It is important to note that this is not a new expectation; these are ongoing practices that have always been part of our instructional framework. Currently, we are focusing on verifying that these practices are being consistently implemented in your planning and instruction.
Additionally, if any of these areas are challenging, use these questions as a reflection tool to inform your lesson planning and ensure effective data use within your units.
New Standard Practice: Using SmartPass for Student Passes
We heard your concerns regarding students arriving late to class, bathroom usage, water breaks and other related transition issues. In response, we purchased SmartPass to help manage these situations more effectively. Last month Ms. Smith introduced the platform to staff, and we want to emphasize that for this system to be successful, it must be actively used by everyone. Currently, we still need to write passes to the nurse due to an outdated computer system, but SmartPass is now the standard practice at CoVo for students to leave the classroom. This is our pass system, and it is not optional.
Key Reminders for Using SmartPass:
Ensure SmartPass is open on your computer at all times. It is also helpful to have the app on your phone for notifications (similar to Dojo or attendance apps).
Passes are limited to 2 per student per day.
The water break is included in the pass count, please remind students.
Students should only be on their designated floor:
8th graders: 2nd floor (bathroom/water passes)
6th & 7th graders: 1st floor
The time limit for passes is adjustable suggested 3 minutes for bathroom breaks. Use the down arrow on your laptop or drag the dot with your mouse to set the duration.
Check the Hall Monitor tab (top middle) before creating a pass.
Remember to END the pass when the student returns, so they are not flagged as still being out.
Passes can be created for Support Staff and the Main Office by typing the room number or name.
If you are on Hall Duty, you must have SmartPass open and monitor who is in the hall, ensuring students have a generated pass from their class.
If a student does not have a digital pass, please create one for them to return to their location
SMARTPASS TEACHER TRAINING- 17 MINS
SMARTPASS- ACCEPTING CLASS- 2 MINS
OFFICE/ CLERICAL / SUPPORT STAFF TRAINING- 7 MINS
Emergency Evacuation Concerns
Familiarize yourselves with the egress routes of all rooms just in case you are on a coverage during a drill or actual emergency. Please review and adhere to the expectations on the Emergency Readiness Site.
Student Behaviors
We launched the year by identifying adolescent behaviors and working to be proactive to ensure that we maximize learning. As the holidays approach, behaviors will surely escalate as our energy and tolerance diminishes. Being proactive and collaborative will ensure that we make it through the holidays and beyond. Starting Monday:
Utilize Smartpass when granting passes to students
Remind students of no bathroom 1st & last 10 mins of the periods, 1st, 6th, 7th, and 8th periods.
End class on time and line students up with the class ambassador as the leader. Stand at the door and have them state the class they're going to next and release/direct them at the same time as your colleagues. Releasing 270 kids at the same time and relying on just 4 staff members to direct them to class has not been efficient. We all have to do our part to ensure structure.
Staff Arrival and Punctuality Reminder
As a reminder, school begins at 8:10 AM. Staff should be at their assigned posts greeting students as they arrive. You are expected to be at your post by 8:10, not walking into the office.
If you arrive late, you are required to punch in; there is no need for reminders about the punching in procedure. This is a mandatory policy that must be adhere to.
If the punch clock is not working for any reason, please inform Ms. Camille or AP Dragon so your arrival time can be recorded accurately.
If you are running late, you must communicate this via text or phone call to AP Dragon and Ms. Camille.
Please review the Staff Handbook for additional details and ensure full adherence to these procedures.
Attendance Procedures and Recent Updates
The Attendance Team has successfully removed most of the no-show students, which has contributed to lowering our chronic absenteeism rate. Additionally, there are a handful of teachers that diligently review the daily absentee list and contact the office to correct discrepancies. Your efforts are truly appreciated.
While we have implemented several structures to minimize errors such as taking attendance twice daily, adjusting for late arrivals, and sending email reminders these issues indicate that we still need to be more vigilant. I highly recommend thoroughly reviewing the daily absentee list when it is emailed to catch and correct any discrepancies promptly.
Moving forward, any errors related to recording and taking attendance will result in a disciplinary meeting, as attendance records are legal documents vital for compliance and reporting.
Coaching Visits
As we move forward with our coaching visits, please maintain the following:
these cycles are to improve pedagogy and are not meant to be evaluative.
coaching partnerships have been requested by departments during SLT, ILT and Consultation meetings. Some of these partnerships utilizes school funding while others are mandated by the district. Monitor your DOE calendars for coaching dates and adjust your pacing to ensure you are instructing instead of assessing on coaching days.
The meaningful work occurs after the visit as you internalize the feedback and adopt the next steps/resources to your practice to improve pedagogy.
Have 2 copies of lesson plans printed on the day of coaching visits.
Ensure your classrooms reflect student work, resources, etc.
Classroom observations
As we begin our observation cycles, admin will be identifying your alignment to our instructional focus for this school year. Some of the high priority foci will include your planning as it aligns to our instructional focus, the instructional shifts, alignment to pacing calendars, your assessment/differentiation process, incorporation of state exam language as well as your granular moves to support each student as per our MTSS groupings (pushables/slippables). Additionally, the use of Dojo for rewarding students and cold call, will be considered for Domain 2: Classroom Environment.
Review the Danielson Rubric and pay close attention to the "Critical Attributes" columns to identify the admin look fors during visits.
Student Suspensions
We currently have a few students that are suspended. Please refer to the Suspension Document for details.
Student Movement/Hallway Protocol
First and Last Ten Minutes: No students should be allowed to leave the classroom during the first and last ten minutes of each class period.
Bathroom Usage: Bathrooms are not available during periods 1, 6, 7, and 8. While bathroom breaks are limited during these times, students with a genuine emergency will be allowed to leave. When students leave the classroom with a pass, they are to REMOVE their backpacks and leave them in the classroom.
Classroom Passes: Students must have a pass to leave the classroom, particularly when going to the bathroom or for water. Passes should be issued and tracked until the Smart Pass system is fully operational.
Bathroom and Water Breaks: These breaks should be limited to reduce hallway congestion. When students leave the classroom with a pass, they are to REMOVE their backpacks and leave them in the classroom.
Datadashboard & Graded+
Our 2025-26 Datadashboard has been updated with additional features to support analyzing student data. We will have PD sessions to explore the new features of the dashboard and Graded+ in the upcoming weeks. Take some time to explore some of the data and you can view the Lunch & Learn: Graded+ Instructional Video (button above) if you would like to get a jump on uploading student work and generating feedback to students. Visit your App store to download our CoVo app titled "Community Voices MS".
Pacing Calendars
The district encourages us to begin instruction right away. We understand the time needed to assess and align resources. Access the math and ELA pacing guides under Monday's expectations (right). They will be added to each department's subpages once updated.
Parent Outreach Log
Utilize the 2025-26 Parent Outreach Log (button above) to record interactions with families during your weekly mandated parent outreach times as well as during parent teacher conferences. This document will be supportive during difficult conversations with families
Collaborative Approach to Decreasing Negative Student Behavior
As we strive to foster a positive and productive learning environment, it is crucial that we all align our efforts to decrease negative student behaviors. A consistent and unified approach can significantly enhance our classroom dynamics.
Keep the following strategies in mind:
Communicate with Parents: Regularly call home to keep parents informed of both positive behaviors and any concerns. Gaining parent support can be instrumental in reinforcing expectations at home.
Start and End Class on Time: Respect the schedule by beginning and concluding lessons promptly.
Greet and Dismiss at the Door: Stand at your door to welcome students at the beginning of class and to dismiss them at the end. This simple act helps establish a positive rapport and sets the tone for the class period.
Limit Student Passes: Restrict the number of students leaving the classroom during instructional time. Students should not be allowed to leave the classroom during the first and last ten minutes of each class to minimize disruptions.
Consistent Expectations: Ensure that classroom rules and expectations are clear and enforced. Reinforcement of these expectations should be done regularly.
Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate and acknowledge positive student behaviors, both individually and collectively.
Engaging Instruction: Provide lessons that actively engage students to reduce the likelihood of disruptive behaviors.
Utilize Support Systems: Don’t hesitate to reach out to counselors for assistance with students who need extra support.
Dojo Point distribution
We agreed to use the Class Dojo system to reinforce positive student behaviors. Students trade in the points for various rewards throughout the school year to keep them motivated and focused on following the expectations. All teachers are expected to distribute and highlight the Dojo points to support our PBIS initiative and foster positive behaviors. It is also listed in our instructional absolutes.
Essential Staff Reminders
Time cards: Staff members are to report to the location of their designated assignment no later than 8:10 AM regardless of whether or not they have a specific class assignment or coverage at that time. Note: Reporting for duty means reporting to the location where assigned duties are to be performed and not merely signing or clocking in.
Per session time: Timesheets are to be turned in on the 1st and 15th of each month.
Coverage Sheets: Must be turned in by the end of each week.
Attendance: Roster forms moving forward will be on the second column. USE PENCIL, NOT A PEN.
Teacher schedule: If you are not teaching 25 periods , you will be assigned first to help cover the classes we need for the day.
Absences: By 6:45AM, Admin and Camille should be notified via email of your absence. As for lateness, Camille and AP Dragon should be texted.
Copies: Must be submitted as a hard copy with a copy request, allowing at least a 48-hour (workday) turnaround. No email submissions are accepted.
ICT Planning
The co-planning periods are designated for collaborative preparation for upcoming units and lessons, rather than focusing solely on the lesson for the immediate next day. It is essential that teachers plan one to two weeks in advance. This approach is especially crucial for subjects that follow a scripted curriculum, such as Illustrative Mathematics (IM). By planning in advance, both content and special education teachers can be aligned and confident in the lessons and activities being taught.
1st & 4th Period - Daily attendance due by 8:30 AM and 10:45 AM daily - Period attendance is mandatory
Utilize Smart Pass to limit hallway traffic
1st period - Grade Team Leader Meeting
7th period - Study hall w/ Mr. S. - If you have students that need to complete assignments/study for an exam, utilize a digital platform, inform Mr. S and share the necessary work with him.
Math Team - Practice.org tutoring make up visit (see link above)
When lesson planning, create group work for tier III students for the coach to work with.
Review Citywide Behavioral Expectations and note the Progressive Ladder of Support
2:30 - 3:30 - NYS NGLS Performance Deep Dive - ELA and Math by Solved
3:30 - 4:10 - OPW
1st & 4th Period - Daily attendance due by 8:30 AM and 10:45 AM daily - Period attendance is mandatory
Utilize Smart Pass to limit hallway traffic
Math Team - Practice.org tutoring continues for math (see link above)
When lesson planning, create group work for tier III students for the coach to work with.
Update Sub Folder/plans - Submit copies to main office
Update parent outreach logs - During your conversations with families this week, include the amount of time/lessons passed by students on I-Ready and IXL (Math & ELA teams)
6th period - 6th grade team meeting
7th period - Study hall w/ Mr. S. - If you have students that need to complete assignments/study for an exam, utilize a digital platform, inform Mr. S and share the necessary work with him.
2:30 - 4:30 - ELA AIS and Fluency First Program - students to be picked up @ 2:25PM and escorted to the auditorium. Phone cases remain locked.
2:30 - 4:30 - Boxing program
1st & 4th Period - Daily attendance due by 8:30 AM and 10:45 AM daily - Period attendance is mandatory
Utilize Smart Pass to limit hallway traffic
ELA Coaching - Mrs. Savoy Visit - share lesson plans and prepare for a planning session
Math Team - Practice.org tutoring make up visit (see link above)
When lesson planning, create group work for tier III students for the coach to work with.
3rd period - Attendance Team Meeting
6th & 7th Periods - Cosmetology Program - Rm. 114
7th Period - 7th Grade Team Meeting
ELA Team - Mrs. Savoy's Coaching Schedule
7th period - Study hall w/ Mr. S. - If you have students that need to complete assignments/study for an exam, utilize a digital platform, inform Mr. S and share the necessary work with him.
2:30 - 4:30 - MATH AIS and Fluency First Program - students to be picked up @ 2:25PM and escorted to the auditorium. Phone cases remain locked.
2:30 - 4:30 - Boxing program
No School - Spring Recess
No School - Spring Recess
Upcoming dates to remember
Bulletin Boards Due dates: 10/9, 12/4, 1/29/26, 3/12/26, 4/30/26, 6/11/26
ELA Coaching Visits (Mrs. Colas): 12/2, 1/26, 3/2, 3/19, 3/25, 4/20, 5/5, 5/19
ELA Coaching Visits (Mrs. Savoy): 3/11, 3/12, 3/18, 3/25, 4/1
NYS ELA Exam: 4/16 and 4/17
MBSK Symposium at Channel View School For Research: Monday April 27, 2026
NYS MATH Exam: 4/28 and 4/29
On going expectations
Daily lesson plans available
Bell to bell instruction continues!
Monitor your pacing and support hallway transitions
Please be at your post by 8:10 AM
Escort and pick students up for lunch until further notice
Escort students to the door during dismissal
Instructional Daily Routines
share classroom expectations with students
Put in your request for copies 2 workdays in advance as they will not be copied on the day/period needed
score your individual assessments, share results with your department and feedback to students
"PS: It Works! Parenting Skills Workshop"
~On behalf of the Admin Team:
Mrs. Klein for having the 2nd highest IPR completion in the district!!
Our AIS crew for their efforts to support our pushables even on a precious Saturday
Mrs. Williams for purchasing McD for students that showed up for Saturday AIS
Ms. Meyers for extending the classroom to hallways for group work.
The ELA team for their flexibility and collaboration with coaches.
Rubinstein- 5th
Montgomery-Williams - 8th
Nurse Brown - 15th
Vargas - 21st
Meade - 29th
Email your shout-outs to lvargas19@schools.nyc.gov
Class Wars: Please continue to advertise the prizes, urge students to wear uniform daily and monitor their attendance. Student monitor lists are below.
Mrs. Duzant will hand out iPads first 15 mins of 1st period.
Students will use the iPad to record their class' uniform and attendance daily.
Mrs. Duzant collect iPads starting with 8th grade and finishing with 6th grade.
601-Haydee Yascaribay/ Azaleeth Salcedo-G.
603-Aubrey Pinnock/ William Bartlett
631-Noah Achaibar/ Jason Mercado
691- Maliq Mumbar/ Tristan Cammock
701- Kayla Benn/ Aniyah Ojasmar
703- Yaylin Balbuena/ Sanoya Robinson
731- Teresa Tigue/ Ming Jackson
791- Dai Dunn/ Rocsi Pierre
801- Dylan Alexander/ Shub Saint Louis
802- Anjuani Malvo/ Tyrece McKoy
803- Alyssa Jaipaul/ Theo Robinson
831- Chloe Toussaint/ Alivia Reid
891-Jayden Barreto/ Josiah McArthur
Community Voices Middle School 356 believes in the philosophy of “Speaking Success into Existence” through teacher collaboration by empowering scholars and their families to take ownership of their achievements in order to become change drivers for our diverse and dynamic world.
We provide scholars with creative outlets and transferable learning opportunities in all subject areas to strengthen their academic foundation and develop their critical thinking and problem solving skills. Scholars become critically conscious self-starters when immersed in a nurturing and culturally responsive environment that fosters inquiry and discovery.
Scholars are provided with opportunities to make their thinking visible through problem-solving, academic discourse, multi-step tasks and written responses across the curriculum. This can be accomplished by the creation of open-ended higher order thinking questions, discussion prompts and positive reinforcement structures such as PBIS and Class Wars Points.
Teachers plan using real world connections and provide multiple entry points, previously established strategies, resources and next steps for scholars to be successful.
Multiple forms of data collection are utilized daily to determine student groupings, activities and next steps for upcoming lessons.
Multiple forms of feedback are evident (teacher conferencing, exemplars, rubrics, peer feedback, Graded+ etc.).
Scholars are provided with a Learning Target in the form of an “I Can” Statement from which the Success Criteria will be derived.
Supporting teacher teams with analyzing student data to improve ELA and Math fluency.
Analyzing student data to improve student proficiency.
Strengthening Core Instruction
Priority 1
All students will learn to read well.
By June 2026, literacy for all students will improve, as measured by a 10% decrease, from 43% to 33%, of the percentage of students two or more grade levels below on the i-Ready Diagnostic Exam.
Priority 2
All students are physically and emotionally safe.
By June 2026, physical and mental wellness for all students will improve, as measured by a 10% increase in Student Safety Rating on the Student Perception Survey from 74% to 84%
Priority 3
All students have a high-quality academic experience
By June 2026, the students performing on or above grade level will Increase by 10% from 34% to 44%, for all students, as measured by i-Ready Diagnostic.
Priority 4
All students graduate college and career ready and have a strong plan and pathway to economic security.
By June 2026, the percentage of students responding favorably to "how often do you use ideas from this class in your daily life?" for all students will Increase by 5% from 46% to 51% as measured by the Student Perception Survey.
Priority 5
All districts and schools are more inclusive and responsive for parents and families, including having more families choose NYC Public Schools.
By June 2026, the increase in parent responses to school survey will Increase by 20% from 10% to 30% as measured by NYC School Survey Results.
Priority 6
Chronic Absenteeism.
By June 2026, chronic absenteeism for all students will decrease 10%, from 47% to 37%, as measured by Chronic Absenteeism Rate.
Priority 7
Quality Individualized Education Program (IEP).
By June 2026, to strengthen the quality and implementation of IEPs for All Students with Disabilities (SWD), we will improve students being moved into Least Restrictive Environments by an increase of 3%, from 7% to 10%, as measured by SESIS Program Recommendation Report.