Pre-K B

Hello Families!!

What a fun-filled first week of school we have had!  It was amazing getting to know each child and their unique personalities.  Devon and I are excited to go on this Pre-K adventure with them all!

Please keep an eye out for weekly newsletters from our class with information regarding what your children worked on during that week as well as what the following week will include.  If we are discussing a specific topic, season, holiday etc., please feel free to continue the discussions or readings at home.  The class/home relationship is important to us and we encourage families to continue the learning process at home.  It takes a village!!!!

Next week, Mrs. Mennella and I will be calling all families to chat about your children’s first week in Pre-K.   Although there have been a few tears on some mornings, they have only lasted for a few seconds. The children quickly bounce back and eagerly jump into whatever classroom activity is going on.

Please take a moment to check out some of the pictures we have taken of the children, enjoying both indoor and outdoor activities.  The pictures can be found on the website.  Pictures will be added weekly onto the classroom website, alongside the newsletter every Friday.

Have a great weekend!!!

Ms. Gomez and Mrs. Mennella

Important Dates:

• Friday, September 6th- Blue Devil Night 

• Monday, September 9th- Poly PM begins

• Tuesday, September 10th- New Parent Orientation @ 5:30pm and Welcome Reception for LS parents @6pm

• Monday, September 16th- Picture Day!

• Thursday, September 19th- Back to School Night (virtual)

Dear Families,

It was so great to chat with so many of you this week! We look forward to seeing all of your faces at the Back to School Night on 9/19 (virtual).  

We would also like to take this moment to introduce our classroom pet, Zoey!!!!  Zoey is a full grown bearded dragon. The children will learn all about our lizard friend and how to take care of her daily needs.  They were SOOOO excited when she arrived in our class this week. They drew pictures and taped them to her tank, as well as felt the comfort to pet her.  

The following are a few of the things we have been working on in our class, and what we will continue to work on next     week.

This week we:

-Introduced our daily schedule, calendar, weather and job chart. 

-Began a discussion about melanin and same/differences that we all share.

-Started to create self portraits (or as some stated – “Selfies”).

-Discussed Hispanic Heritage Month and shared facts about Puerto Rico.

-Learned a "coqui" song and shared facts about this amazing little frog.

-Took a lovely walk around the block to observe the beautiful flowers, nests and nature in our neighborhood.   

-Continue to grow as a PreK B Team!

Next week we:

-Will continue our discussion about “self” and define the word “family”.

-Continue our self-portraits and discussions regarding diversity as well as the same/different traits that we all share.

-Discuss the change of season and Autumn.

-Continue our discussions about Puerto Rico and the Tainos.

-As part of our Science unit, we will take a closer look at our fingerprints 

-Continue to grow as a PreK Team!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Warmly,

Evelyn & Devon

Important Dates:

• Monday, September 16th- Picture Day!

• Thursday, September 19th- Back to School Night (virtual)

AUTUMN WINDS

Autumn winds begin to blow,

colored leaves fall fast and slow.

Whirling, twirling all around,

till at last they touch the ground.

This week we:

-Continued our discussion about “self” and defined the word “family”.  In the book, Families are Different, a family is defined as people glued together with a special kind of glue called love.

-Discussed self-portraits and what makes us unique as well as the same/different traits that we all share.

-Began to discuss the approaching change of season (Fall).  

-Enjoyed our first Buddy Time!!!  Pre K B will gather with our second grade buddies (2A) to enjoy some time together.  Eventually, we will pair each second grader with one (sometimes two) of our Pre K students.  The pair will play, read books and share activities monthly.  In past years, we have witnessed these friendships grow from year to year.  We will post pictures of these buddy moments for you to enjoy as well.

-Continue our discussions about Puerto Rico.  Additionally, we looked at the coqui frog, traditionally found in Puerto Rico, and learned the "Coqui" song.  Ask your child to sing a couple of verses. We sing this traditional song in both English and Spanish. 

-Took a walk around the neighborhood and searched for signs of Fall.

-Continued our first Science unit: "Body and the 5 Senses."  We read books about our senses as well as talked about the uniqueness of our fingerprints.  Next week, we will use an ink pad to print each child’s unique fingerprints into their journals.

-The kids were so great during Picture Day!  Good work Team PreK B!

Next week we will:

-Complete and display our self portraits detailing our own unique qualities.  

-Continue discussing Puerto Rico, its traditional foods and its amazing music. 

-Continue Family discussions and what makes a family, "A Family".  This discussion will lead into a family unit whereby parents will be asked to come to our class (or zoom) and describe what it was like the day your child joined the family.  Stay tuned to next week's newsletter for more details. 

-Will read the book Chrysanthemum, to count, chart and compare the letters of our name.

-Continues to grow as a PreK Team!

-Will welcome the Fall season with many fun activities.

-Place our fingerprints in our journals as part of our Science unit.

Important Dates:

• Wednesday, October 2nd: No After School

• Thursday, October 3rd and Friday, October 4th: Rosh Hashanah, School Closed

• Thursday, October 10th: PreK & K Parent Social @ 7pm

• Monday, October 14th: Indigenous People's Day, School Closed

• Tuesday, October 15th: Professional Day, School Closed

• Friday, October 18th: Crazy Sock Day

• Satuday, October 19th: Homecoming

• Friday, October 25th: Conference Sign-Ups

• Saturday, October 26th: Haunted House

• Thursday, October 31st: Dress Up Day & Parade

Crayon Poem

With these crayons I could draw…..

A crazy purple dinosaur.

An orange mouse

With yellow cheese.

A big black dog

With brown fleas.

A tall blue house, a small green door,

And four white windows.

Something more?

Silver raindrops. Golden sun

This week we:

• Completed and displayed our self portraits with details about what makes us unique. Additionally, we discussed what attributes we believe we have that make us the people we are today.  

• Continued our discussion about Puerto Rico.  We watched how Vejigante masks are made (Paper, wood and coconut) and what they are traditionally used for on the island.  I brought to school my own vejigante (pronounced veh-hay-gan-tay) mask in order to show the children the intricate detail that goes into these masks.  We will begin to make our own masks next week.  We are sure they will be amazing. Also, we discussed flags, their significance as well as looked at a variety of flags from around the world.  The children will create Puerto Rican flags using paint.

• Continued our family discussions and what makes a family, "a family".  This discussion will lead into a family unit whereby parents will be asked to come to our class to talk about what it was like the day your child joined the family. Was it a sunny day?  Snowy? A heat wave?  How did you get to the hospital?  Who was at the hospital and who was home awaiting their arrival? Next week, we will discuss questions words (who, what, where, why, how etc) with the kids to prepare them for your visit.  Your visit should take about 15-20 minutes in total.  Feel free to bring in pictures.  We look forward to hearing all about their arrival!!!!! 

• We read the book Chrysanthemum, and counted, charted and compared the letters of our name.

• Worked on completing dot-to-dot work.

• Continue to grow as a PreK Team!

• Enjoyed Buddy Time with our second grade buddies!!  The children have been paired with one (or two) buddies.  Take a moment to look at some of the pictures of this gathering.

Next week we:

• Will continue to discuss the significance of flags

• Each child will create hand printed Puerto Rican flag in their journal. 

• Students will decide on the shape of their masks (circle, rectangle, triangle or square).  

• Begin our October paintings.

• Discuss our next Science Unit for October - "Seeds and Plants."

• Discuss the Fall season and complete some Apple counting activities

Important Dates:

• Wednesday, October 2nd: No After School

• Thursday, October 3rd and Friday, October 4th: Rosh Hashanah (School Closed)

• Thursday, October 10th: PreK & K Parent Social @ 7pm

• Monday, October 14th: Indigenous People's Day, School Closed

• Tuesday, October 15th: Professional Day, School Closed

• Friday, October 18th: Crazy Sock Day

• Satuday, October 19th: Homecoming

• Friday, October 25th: Conference Sign-Ups

• Saturday, October 26th: Haunted House

• Thursday, October 31st: Dress Up Day & Parade

Gently Falling Leaves

Little leaves fall gently down,

Red and yellow, orange and brown.

Whirling, whirling round and round,

Quietly without a sound,

Falling softly to the ground,

Down…….and down……and down……..and down.

Recently we:

•  Created hand printed Puerto Rican flags. They look amazing!

• Discussed the reasons why countries have flags.  Additionally, after reading the book, Areli Is A Dreamer we had an amazing discussion regarding what it means to be an immigrant.  We shared that Ms. Gomez did not speak English upon entering school, and had to learn how to communicate with friends.  Ms. Gomez then instructed the children to wash hands and head to the table for lunch,  IN SPANISH!!!  We discussed how it felt to not understand the instruction, and yet be expected to follow what needed to be done.  Quite interesting.

• Began to create our Vejigante (pronounced: Vee/Hay/gan/tay) masks. They are looking amazing!

• Continued to practice our "Coqui" song.

• Discussed the music of Joan Baez and began to learn the words to the song, "De Colores" (All the colors) in English, as we listened to her sing the song in Spanish.

• Began our October paintings.

• Discussed our October Science Unit - SEEDS/PLANTS

• Discussed the autumn season and the changes that occur in our world.

• Began individual assessments in order to learn every child’s start spot and unique learning needs. 

• Discussed the intricacies of an election by voting (behind a privacy board) what to choose to eat for lunch on our trip to the Museum of the American Indian. We discussed that they needed to make their OWN choice based on their own likes and dislikes.  Additionally, we discussed that although more names appeared on one side than the other, there wasn't a “loser”, and that the choice was a personal preference. We also instructed the kids to NOT be influenced by a friend sitting nearby, because this was a “real” vote!!!!!  They will be served the lunch they chose on the day of our trip.  Talk about accountability!!!!!!!!   

• Enjoyed "Buddy Time" on Friday with our second grade friends!

• Thank you to the Rathborne and Williams family for their Family Share!

Next week we:

• Will Introduce shaving cream as a sensory material that will help build their fine motor skills and coordination.

• Introduce number rhymes. This will help the children learn number formation beginning with “0” and “1”.  When we reach the number rhyme for 5, we will share the rhymes with you to practice at home.

• Begin our “Who Is In Your Family" activity.

• Continue our discussion about the election and voting. 

• Learn more about seeds and germination.

• Continue assessments.

Important Dates:

• Friday, October 11th: No After School (Yom Kippur)

• Monday, October 14th: Indigenous People's Day, School Closed

• Tuesday, October 15th: Professional Day, School Closed

• Friday, October 18th: Crazy Sock Day

• Satuday, October 19th: Homecoming

• Friday, October 25th: Conference Sign-Ups

• Saturday, October 26th: Haunted House

• Thursday, October 31st: Dress Up Day & Parade

FALL LEAVES

One is orange,

Two are brown.

Three look yellow,

On the ground.

Three are green,

Two bright red.

One just fell upon my head.

THIS WEEK WE:

• Took a walk to 7th ave to choose our “just right” pumpkin.  By popular demand, we are going to VOTE on a name for the pumpkin….

• Discussed, observed and used our sense of touch to describe our pumpkin. 

• Practiced the number rhyme and formation for the numbers 0 and 1.

• In Science, we cut off the tops and placed scallion roots in water. The children observed the scallions grow VERY QUICKLY!!! WOW!!!!!! We discovered that not all plant needs soil to grow.  

• Watched an incredible performance by "Bombazo Dance Group" as our Hispanic Heritage/El Mes De Herencia came to an end. The children watched, and later joined the group in a traditional Bomba dance. Watching the children get up and dance was simply heartwarming.     

• Opened our light table for play!!  The children have enjoyed playing with Magna tiles and translucent dominoes on the light table.  

• We had an animal expert from "Animal Embassy" share some of his animals and facts.  We were able to pet and observe animals such as lizards and chinchillas.  Quick fact:  A turtle’s shell is made of bone!!!!

• Went to BBG on one of the most beautiful days of the week. Witnessed the lovely colors of Autumn leaves, visited the habitat houses and spent some time in the Japanese Garden (a personal favorite).

NEXT WEEK WE:

• Will carve our pumpkin and count the seeds inside. Any predictions??? Afterwards, we will VOTE on what our Jack-O'Lantern would look like.  Will it be scary? Excited?  Decisions, decisions……

• Prepare for our Hallloween parade on Thursday, October 31st!!!  

• Learn the rhyme and formation for numbers 2 and 3.

• Begin to create our "Who Is In Our Family" collage.

Important Dates:

• Friday, October 25th: Conference Sign-Ups

• Saturday, October 26th: Haunted House

• Thursday, October 31st: Dress Up Day & Parade

                                                                                NOVEMBER

November is the month

When days are growing short.

We say we are thankful,

And watch our favorite sport.

We celebrate the harvest

With turkeys that say “gobble”,

We feast on Thanksgiving day,

And eat until we wobble.

Hello Families,

LET THE FESTIVITIES BEGIN!!!!! We have begun discussions surrounding topics such as solidarity, thankfulness, habitats and Native Americans. November and December are always a busy time of year!

PLEASE FIND IN YOUR CHILD’S BACKPACK A MANILLA FOLDER WITH A WEEKEND “HOMEWORK.”  After reading the book 'Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving By Dave Pilkey, we would like the children to "disguise" the turkey in the folder.  The directions are stapled to the front. Who will your turkey be????

THIS WEEK WE:

• Began to discuss habitats (Science unit)

• Took a trip to the National Museum of The American Indian.  Observed many patterns found in the homes, and clothing of the American Indian.  We began to create a thanksgiving quilt (made of cardstock).  Each child had a square to illustrate what they were thankful for.  

• Made a Fall Leaves book...ask your child to read it to you!

•  Began our pattern work. The children were offered the opportunity to create their own pattern or follow a pattern already in existence. 

• Visited the Upper school and took an amazing ALL SCHOOL picture to observe solidarity week!  

• Learned the number ryhmes for "2" and "3".

NEXT WEEK WE:

• Continue our pattern work and begin to learn how to label the pattern (AB, ABA,AAB, ABB etc,.)

• Review our number rhymes

• Finish our November paintings

• Will complete our “Thankful Quilt”.

• Learn the number rhyme for "4". 

• Prepare for our Friendsgiving celebration on Friday, November 22nd. 

• Will go on a pattern walk around the neighborhood.  Let’s see how many patterns can be found on buildings, cars, windows etc. Please be sure to point out patterns in your daily adventures.

• Practiced forming and reciting the rhymes for numbers 0-4 on dry erase boards. 

DATES TO REMEMBER:

• November 25th: December Toy Drive begins

• November 26th: No After School

• November 27th-29th: No School (Thanksgiving Break)

• December 4th: Make Up & Sibling Pictures

• December 6th: Crazy Hat Day

• December 13th: December Drive Ends; Snapshots Posted in Portal

• December 18th: PreK Celebration of Learning; Lost & Found Recovery Day

• December 20th: 12pm Dismissal (No After School)

• December 23rd: Winter Break Begins

• January 6, 2025: Classes Resume

                                                                                                         THANKSGIVING

The year has turned its circle,

The seasons come and go.

The harvest is all gathered in

And the chilly north winds blow.

                       Orchards have share their treasures,

The fields, their yellow grain.

So open wide the doorway-

Thanksgiving comes again!

Hello Families,

We enjoyed a wonderful Friendsgiving feast with our  PreK A friends! Thank you to all the families who contributed!

THIS WEEK WE:

• Reviewed our number rhymes for 1-3 and learned the rhymes for 4 and 5.

• Made cornbread muffins.

• Finished our November paintings.

• Introduced patterns and began to learn how to label the pattern (AB, ABA,AABB, ABC etc,.)

• Complete our “Thankful Quilt” which hangs outside our classroom.

• Enjoyed our Friendsgiving Feast with our PreK A classmates!

• Practiced forming and reciting the rhymes for numbers 0-5 on dry erase boards. 

• Created a "We Are Thankful" mural with PreK A.

• Made "Thankful" crowns to wear during our feast. 

• Played alphabet and number Bingo as a full class.  This is a good game to play at home as well.   So much fun!

NEXT WEEK WE:

• Will continue our pattern work. 

•  Take a pattern walk around the neighborhood.  Let’s see how many patterns can be found on buildings, cars, windows etc. Please be sure to point out patterns in your daily adventures!

• In math, we will discuss "part/part/whole" concept and activities 

• Learn the rhyme for the number 6.

• In Science, we will continue to discuss the weather and clouds in particular. 

DATES TO REMEMBER:

• November 25th: December Toy Drive begins

• November 26th: No After School

• November 27th-29th: No School (Thanksgiving Break)

• December 4th: Make Up & Sibling Pictures

• December 6th: Crazy Hat Day

• December 13th: December Drive Ends; Snapshots Posted in Portal

• December 18th: PreK Celebration of Learning; Lost & Found Recovery Day

• December 20th: 12pm Dismissal (No After School)

• December 23rd: Winter Break Begins

• January 6, 2025: Classes Resume

     In December I will be,

A baubled bangled Christmas tree 

With soup bowls draped

All over me.

Merry once,

Merry twice,

Merry Chicken soup with rice.

-Maurice Sendak; Chicken Soup With Rice

Hello Families!!

We hope you all had an amazing Thanksgiving break. The children shared some memories in their weekly journals and it all looked like so much fun and family time!  Although some children had a “staycation”, many went abroad and returned with amazing stories of family and friendships.  We would also like to take this moment to thank everyone for all the work done on the turkey activity!!!  BRAVO!! The turkeys look AMAZING!!!!!!

THIS WEEK WE:

• Played alphabet and number Bingo as a full class.  This is a good game to play at home as well.   So much fun!

• Feeling festive, we created Holiday (not so ugly) sweaters which will be hanging outside of our classroom soon.  The children used sequins, pom-poms, trees etc., to make each sweater unique.

• Reviewed the rhymes for the numbers 1-5.  

• Enjoyed a performance by The Thunderbirds.  The Thunderbird American Indian Dancers are the oldest resident Native American dance company in New York. The troupe was founded in 1963 by a group of ten Native American men and women, all New Yorkers, who were descended from Mohawk, Hopi, Winnebago and San Blas tribes.

• We have been practicing our holiday songs daily.  Be prepared for an amazing show on December 18th for our Celebration of Learning!!  Additionally, we will have the children write a note to you.  The note will be at their desk spots, and we ask that you write back.  We will provide the “holiday paper” for you, not to worry.

• Introduced our new Science unit - The Weather.  After defining the word "squall", the children actually experienced one firsthand as the wind began to blow in the afternoon, accompanied by a sudden burst of snow.  Talk about a teachable moment!!!

NEXT WEEK WE:

• Will discuss the Festival of Lights and the importance of light in many cultures, religions and celebrations.

• In math, we will discuss the part/part/whole concept and activities. 

• Learn the rhymes for numbers 6 and 7. 

• Will continue to practice our holiday songs in preparation for the Celebration of Learning.

• Will begin to discuss holiday gifts that the children will make to give to their grownups this holiday.   

• In Science, we will continue to discuss the weather and clouds in particular. 

 DATES TO REMEMBER:

• December 13th: December Drive Ends; Snapshots Posted in Portal

• December 18th: PreK Celebration of Learning; Lost & Found Recovery Day

• December 20th: 12pm Dismissal (No After School)

• December 23rd: Winter Break Begins

• January 6, 2025: Classes Resume

Winter Winter

Winter, winter

cold and ice.

A mug of hot chocolate would be nice.

Winter, winter

long dark nights.

Kids bundle up

for snowball fights.

THIS WEEK WE:

•  Read a book to introduce the math concept,  "part/part/whole". Children then used manipulatives to practice what they learned. 

• Put the finishing touches on our singing abilities…..  We hope you love your child’s performance at our Celebration of Lerning.

• Discussed the Festivals of Lights and the importance of light in many cultures, religions and celebrations. 

• Learned the rhymes for numbers 6 and 7. 

• We continued to practice our holiday songs in preparation for the Celebration of Learning.

• Began to discuss holiday gifts that the children will make to give to their grownups this holiday.   

• In Science, we continued our discuss about the weather and clouds. 

• This Friday, December 13th we celebrated the Festival of Lights by participating in a parranda. A parranda is a Puerto Rican music tradition that takes place around the December holidays, similar to caroling. Folks gather and go door to door singing to friends and family. Jennifer and Stephen have done a phenomenal job teaching our students festive songs to share with the greater community. They will also lead the children around the school.

NEXT WEEK WE:

• The children will write letters to all parents in their journal.  The letter will welcome parents to the class and state their favorite area of the classroom.  Please be prepared to write back at the celebration.  We will provide holiday papers for your response back to your child.

• Will hope for some flurries so the children can create their snowy scenes.

• Prepare for our long winter break by writing in their journals what they believe they will be doing over the break.

• Learn the rhyme for the numbers 8.

DATES TO REMEMBER:

• December 18th: PreK Celebration of Learning; Lost & Found Recovery Day

• December 20th: 12pm Dismissal (No After School)

• December 23rd: Winter Break Begins

• January 6, 2025: Classes Resume

JANUARY

January now is here, 

a fine new start for a

Whole new year.

The snow comes down 

In the dark of night.

When we awake the

The world is white.

In January when 

There is snow,

We get our sleds,

And away we go!

-Unknown

THIS WEEK WE:

• Recited the  rhymes for numbers 1-7, and introduced the rhyme for the number 8.  Also, we began to create a "Pre-K B Counting Book". 

• We began to discuss the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  We read one of my favorite books titled, The Other Side, written by Jacqueline Woodson whereby a fence designed to separate, actually did the opposite and brought two little girls together in friendship. We were so proud that the children understood the significance of that fence and how through friendship and love, change is possible (tearing down the fence).  

• We began to discuss story elements by reading the first version of The Mitten by Jan Brett.  The children illustrated the characters, setting, problem and solution in the Jan Brett version of this Ukranian folk tale. We will read and compare two more versions of this wonderful winter story next week.  Although there are similarities that exist within the three versions, there are interesting differences as well.

• We introduced our literacy program, Fundations. This program focuses on teaching the alphabetic principle of letter-sound correspondence with the whole class.  Students will practice:

1. Recognition of the alphabetical order of letters a-z                                     

2. Letter name, keyword, and sound for the 26 letters of the alphabet 

3. (Letter-Sound Correspondence) Visual connection between the letter name, its sound, and its grapheme (or written representation).

• As part of our Fundations learning, the children will brainstorm words that begin with a particular letter followed by illustrating items that begin with said letter. As we introduce these letters, the children will collaboratively create a "Pre B Alphabet Book".

•  Began our new Science unit for the month of January - Ocean habitat. We began to discuss the importance of water and oceans as well as discuss how the planet is made up of mostly ocean (two-thirds).  

• Additionally, we discussed migration and hibernation.

NEXT WEEK WE:

• We will read the book, We Are Water Protectors to  support our ARRA (Anti Racist Read Aloud) learning about the importance of water conservation and protection especially among marginalized communities. The story describes the negative impact the Dakota Access Pipeline has on the indigenous people who live there. 

• Continue working in our number book. We will learn the rhyme for 9, and begin to discuss teen numbers as well as what a tens frame is and how we use it in our class. 

• Discussed the concept of opposites and will prepare to create an "Opposite Book". The children will be paired with a friend, decide what opposite they want to work on and agree to complete the task in detail.  Collaboration!!!!!!

• Illustrate and brainstorm words that begin with the letter Bb.

• Continue our Science unit - Ocean.  We will begin to discuss the different layers that exist in the oceans.   

• Will read Fridays Are Special to begin our celebration of Jewish Heritage Month.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

• Friday, January 10th- Poly Pep Day & Oasis Night

• Monday, January 20th- MLK Jr Day (No School)

• Tuesday, January 21st- Professional Development (No School) 

• Monday, January 27th to Friday, January 31st- Used Book Sale

• Monday, January 27th- Food Drive begins

• Tuesday, january 28th- Poly Skating Party 6:30pm (No After School)

• Wednesday, January 29th- Lunar New Year (No School)

Winter Time Poem 

Icy fingers, icy toes,

Bright red cheeks and bright red nose.

 Watch the snowflakes as they fall,

Try so hard to count them all.

Build a snowman way up high,

See if he can touch the sky.

Snow forts, snowballs, angels, too,

In the snow, so white and new.

Slip and slide and skate so fast.

Wintertime is here at last.

THIS WEEK WE:

• Introduced the concept of opposites by reading books about words that are opposites and brainstorming our own list of opposites in preparation for creating our own "Opposite Book" with a partner. 

• Continue working in our number book. We will learn the rhyme for 9, and begin to discuss teen numbers as well as what a tens frame is and how we use it in our class. 

• Illustrate and brainstorm words that begin with the letter Bb and Cc and practiced writing the three first letters of the alphabet. 

• Continue our Science unit - Ocean.  We will begin to discuss the different layers that exist in the oceans.   

• Had our first PARP time!!!!  It was heartwarming to watch all of the families find a quiet spot on the rug to read to their child.  

• We began to discuss the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  We read one of our favorite books titled, The Other Side, by Jacqueline Woodson, whereby a fence designed to separate, actually did the opposite and brought two little girls together in friendship. We were so proud that the children understood the significance of that fence and how through friendship and love, change is possible; tearing down the fence in both a physical and metaphorical way.  

• Continued our discussion about the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his leadership of the civil rights movement. We read Happy Birthday Martin Luther King by Jean Marzollo to celebrate his birthday on January 15th. 

NEXT WEEK WE:

• Will continue our discussion of opposites and will prepare to create an "Opposite Book". The children will be paired with a friend, decide what opposite they want to work on and agree to complete the task in detail.  Collaboration!!!!!!

• Will introduce the 10 frames and begin discussing teen numbers.

• Will continue our literacy program and introduce the letter Bb.  We will begin our "PreK B Alphabet Book" by illustrating words with the initial sounds and Aa, Bb, Cc, Dd and Ee.  

• We will read Bubbie and Rivka's Best Ever Challah (So Far) by Sarah Lynne Reul to conclude our celebration of Jewish Heritage Month. We will enjoy a special Challah snack on Friday, January 24th to celebrate Shabbat. 

• We will read the book, We Are Water Protectors to  support our ARRA (Anti Racist Read Aloud) learning about the importance of water conservation and protection especially among marginalized communities. The story describes the negative impact the Dakota Access Pipeline has on the indigenous people who live there. 

• Will continue our discussion about Dr. Matin Luther King Jr., as well as introduce other important leaders of the civil rights movement, to begin our celebration of Black History month in February. 

MPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

• Monday, January 20th- MLK Jr Day (No School)

• Tuesday, January 21st- Professional Development (No School) 

• Monday, January 27th to Friday, January 31st- Used Book Sale

• Monday, January 27th- Food Drive begins

• Tuesday, january 28th- Poly Skating Party 6:30pm (No After School)

• Wednesday, January 29th- Lunar New Year (No School)

Fast and slow,

I feel my breath,

But can’t see it go.

When winter arrives

My breath comes alive.

In and out.

Fast and slow,

In the cold winter air

My breath is there to behold!

THIS WEEK WE:

• We read the Alphabet Book created by last year’s PreK children as we begin our own Alphabet book.

• Illustrated and brainstormed words that begin with the letter Dd and Ee. 

• Began to read a class favorite, George and Martha.  We were able to pick up the George and Martha anthology from the used book sale.  (Ask your child what an anthology is!)

• Continue our Science unit - Ocean and Earth.  After learning quite a bit about the Reggio Emilia philosophy during a conference in Italy, we decided to listen closely to what the children discuss as a class and are generally  interested in as part of an all class Science unit. Outer space, stars, planets, stars etc, seem to be discussed daily by the children of Pre K!  This said, the study of habitats will be replaced by outer space this year.  The children as well (as their teachers) seem pretty excited about this change!!

• Purchased books at the Used Book sale.

• Had "Buddy Time" with our second grade buddies on Friday.

• Voted whether we think the groundhog will see its shadow on Sunday, February 2.  What is your prediction?  Stay tuned to your local news and receive up to date forecasting by Puxataney Phil, OR Staten Island Chuck!! 

• Visited the Third Grade Bipgraphy Museum on Thursday. We were so impressed with all the work the third graders did to prepare for this important and special event.  

• Wrap up Jewish Heritage month. We read books discussing jewish traditions and ate challah bread.  Additionally, we introduced the Lunar New Year!!  The children learned that 2025 is the Year of the Snake.  Gung Hay Fat Choy to families who celebrate the New Year.

NEXT WEEK WE:

• Will introduce the letter Ff and Gg, and brainstorm words that begin with these letters.

• Continue our Earth discussions. 

• Continue our discussion about ten frames and teen numbers.

• Will begin to discuss February activities (Valentines Day, President’s Day and Lunar New Year.)  

• REMINDER: If you plan on preparing Valentine's cards for the children, please be sure to include all 18 children.  Please DO NOT put the names of each child on the cards.  

• February is Black History Month.  We will discuss a different African American everyday that has impacted our lives. Stay tuned for weekly spotlights!!

MPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

• Friday, February 7th- Food Drive Ends

• Monday, February 10th- Readathon begins 

• Wednesday, February 12th- Dress Like a Book Character Day

• Friday, February 14th- Valentine's Day

• Monday, February 17th & 18th- School Closed

• Friday, February 21st- Sign up for Parent Teacher Conferences

5 Little Hearts

5 little hearts all in a row.

The first one said, “I love you so.”

The second one said, “Will you be my Valentine?”

The third one said, “I will if you’ll be mine.”

The fourth one said, “I’ll always be your friend.”

The fifth one said, “We’ll all be friends until the end.”

THIS WEEK WE: (FEB 2 - FEB 7)

• Began our discussion and celebration of Black History Month.  Read about an African American and how that person changed the world we live in. We will introduce the kids to African Americans they may never have heard of, but have impacted our lives in some way.  

• Science:  Began reading The Sun and The Moon.  We discussed how far away the moon is from the Earth (250,000 miles away!) We chatted about craters and even watched a SpaceX rocket launch from Cape Canaveral.  This is such an interesting topic chosen by the children to research.  

• Discussed Lunar New Year and traditions that exist within this holiday.  

• Brainstormed words for the letters Ff and Gg.

• We read the third and last version of The Mitten.  The children enjoyed comparing and contrasting all three of these books and creating charts. 

• Practiced number formation. It would be beneficial for your children to continue practicing the number rhymes they have learned at home. It has become evident that many continue to need assistance with the rhymes for numbers 7-9. We will include the rhymes as a PDF in Friday’s email.  Let's work together to assure your children learn this important skill.  TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAMWORK!! We have attached a copy of the number ryhmes to the Friday email.

• Introduced "Hearts of Kindness".  The children earn a heart each time they complete a kind act, help a friend etc., without a teacher's request.  The large purple heart is hanging opposite our classroom.  This activity will continue for the entire month of February.

NEXT WEEK WE: (FEB 10 - FEB 14TH)

• Continue our discussion celebrating Black History Month.  

• This week we will highlight: 

  • Jackie Robinson 

  • Kehinde Wiley 

  • Amy Sherald 

  • Aretha Franklin

  • Kamala Harris 

• We will create individual Kente cloth (ours is made of construction paper) to be joined together to create a lovely mural. 

  and were able to see a few real clothes and the use of shapes and colors. We will discuss the significance and meaning of many of the colors that were used in the cloth.

• We will brainstorm words for Hh and Ii

• Prepare Valentine’s bags for the children to store Valentine cards from their friends.

• Enjoy a special treat and some playtime with our second grade buddies.

MPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

• Monday, February 10th- Readathon begins 

• Wednesday, February 12th- Dress Like a Book Character Day

• Friday, February 13th- Food Drive Ends

• Friday, February 14th- Valentine's Day

• Monday, February 17th & 18th- School Closed

• Friday, February 21st- Sign up for Parent Teacher Conferences

My People

The night is beautiful,

So the faces of my people.

The stars are beautiful,

So the eyes of my people.

Beautiful, also, is the sun.

Beautiful, also, are the souls of my people.

-Langston Hughs

THIS WEEK WE: (FEB 10 - FEB 14TH)

• Continued our discussion celebrating Black History Month.  

We highlighted two important artists:

• Kehinde Wiley

• Amy Sherald

• Science: We continued our Outer Space discussion and read books about the The Big Dipper.

• Celebrated Valentine's day together!! We also created a “Heart of Kindness” board whereby children can earn hearts with their names on it as a celebration of their empathy, sympathy, and helpful personalities.  They can only earn these hearts if they choose these kind acts on their own, without a teacher “watching” them or asking them to do something in particular.  Needless to say, all the children have earned hearts and some children have earned quite a few Acts of Kindness hearts.  

• Worked on our Alphabet and Number books.

• Brainstormed the letter Hh and Ii

• Enjoyed a special Valentine's Day treat with our buddies and exchanged cards. 

NEXT WEEK WE (FEB 17 - 21)

• Science:  Continue our discussion of outer space and constellations

• Brainstorm words for Jj and Kk.

• Math: Introduce measurement: length

• Continue to discuss Black History Month

•    We will create a Kente cloth (ours is made of construction paper) to be joined together to create a lovely mural. We will discuss the significance and meaning of many of the colors that were used in the cloth.

We will highlight: 

• Jackie Robinson 

• Kamala Harris 

• Michelle Obama

MPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

• Monday, February 17th & 18th- School Closed

• Friday, February 28th- Sign up for Parent Teacher Conferences

• Saturday, March 1st- PolyCultura (1-3pm)

• March 3rd to 7th- Pajama Drive

• March 7th- Wear Pajamas to School Day

• March 13th- Conferences begin in afternoon (No After School)

• March 14th- Conferences (No School) Spring Break begins

• March 31st- Classes Resume

WINDS OF MARCH

Winds of March, 

We welcome you.

There is work for you to do.

Work and play

And blow all day,

Blow the winter cold away.

THIS WEEK WE (FEB 24 - 28)

• Continued to discuss Black History Month. We created our own Kente quilt which hangs outside our classroom. We discussed what the colors on the quilt represent. They are as follows: Yellow: Royalty, precious 

Green:Harvest and growth

Red:strong political and spiritual feelings

Purple: Mother earth and feelings

Black: Spirits of the ancestors

• Science:  Continue to discuss outer space, the milky way, Mars Rover way and the planets. We discussed each planet, their distance from the sun and what they look like.

• Brainstorm words for Jj and Kk.

• We were invited to the fourth grade tour of Ancient African civilization. It was an amazing display and the children of Pre K B enjoyed their visit.  

• Completed the George and Martha anthology!!!  

• Ms. Patti Smith, one of our amazing art teachers, introduced clay to the children.  They all loved exploring this amazing natural material and enjoyed using their hands as tools in order to shape and mold the clay.

• Enjoyed a Soca performance in the gym.  Some of the kids were given the opportunity to get up and show some of their dance moves.

• Played number BINGO

• Had a Taylor Swift dance party!! 

NEXT WEEK WE (MARCH 3 -7)

• Begin to discuss Women's History Month.

• This week we will highlight: 

  • Marie Curie

  • Frida Kahlo

  • Malala Yousafsai

• Brainstorm the letters Ll and Mm.

• Continue to discover space facts. 

• Introduce measurement: length.  The children will trace their feet to measure items that were smaller or larger than their feet.

  • Illustrate # 13 in their math books

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

• Friday, February 28th- Sign up for Parent Teacher Conferences

• Saturday, March 1st- PolyCultura (1-3:30pm) Park Slope campus

• March 3rd to 7th- Pajama Drive

• March 7th- Wear Pajamas to School Day

• March 13th- Conferences begin in afternoon (No After School)

• March 14th- Conferences (No School) Spring Break begins

• March 31st- Classes Resume

MARCH

The month of March 

Has just blown in,

To say that Spring will soon begin.

March roars in like a lion,

With a bluster and a slam,

And tiptoes out gently 

Like a quiet little lamb.

THIS WEEK WE (MARCH 3 -7)

• Began to discuss Women's History Month.

• Brainstorm the letters Kk and Ll.

• Continue to discover space facts. 

• The art teacher, Ms. Patti brought in clay again for the children to mold. She also introduced natural materials to use with clay, such as pebbles, shells, moss and twigs. 

• The Pajama Drive was a huge success and the children enjoyed a fun "Pajama Day" on Friday!

• Read the book Encounter by Brittany Luby for our ARRA this month. The book is beautifully written and illustrated and tells the story of a fictional encounter between and Native American fisherman and a European sailer. 

• Continued our discussion about Ramadan and read the book, Night Of The Moon By Hena Khan and discussed important aspects and vocabulary associated with the Muslim holiay. Many students shared their own stories of celebrating this special holiday. 

• To begin our celebration of Women's Heritage Month we read, Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors? The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell By Tanya Lee Stone. 

NEXT WEEK WE: (3/10 - 3/13)

• Continued discussing Women's History Month.

•  We will highlight: 

  • 1. Marie Curie

    2. Frida Kahlo

    3. Malala Yousafsai

    4. Mae Jemison

• Introduce measurement: length.  The children will trace their feet to measure items that were smaller or larger than their feet.

• Brainstorm the letters Mm and Nn

• Enjoy a field trip to the Kimble Theater to see the "Paper Bag Players"

• In math, we will begin to discuss number placement (before and after a given number). Needless to say, we expect that this lesson will need to be repeated to assure children understand the order of numbers.  Additionally, we will introduce tangrams and attempt to follow the steps to create items such as a bat, a bird and a butterfly using only 7 specific tangram pieces.

• Prepare to enjoy a long deserved Spring break!!!!!!!

PLEASE NOTE:

Upon our return to school after spring break, there will NO LONGER be a formal “rest time”!!!  The children will be offered the opportunity to sit with a quiet book on the rug and “reset” if they need it, but rest time blankets and stuffed animals are to be kept at home.  WOW!!!! They are almost kindergarteners!!!  All rest time items will be sent home before spring break.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

• March 13th- Conferences begin in afternoon (No After School)

• March 14th- Conferences (No School) Spring Break begins

• March 31st- Classes Resume

• April 16th- Kindergarten Preview (for current PreK families) @ 12pm

• April 18th- School closed for Good Friday

• April 25th- Grandparents and Special Friends Day

April

The roofs are shining from the rain.
The sparrows twitter as they fly,
And with a windy April grace
The little clouds go by.

-Sara Teasdale

Welcome back Families!!!

The children came back to school excited to share their spring adventures with their friends and teachers!!  From skiing on snowy mountains to swimming in warm waters, the children returned rejuvenated and ready to take on the remainder of our school year in 

PreK B.

THIS WEEK WE:

• Ended rest time!!  In its place, we have introduced board and cooperative games such as Chutes and Ladders, Candyland, Hoot Owl Hoot etc,. The board games are set up as table centers and the children are encouraged to move from one table to the next and try a new game with new friends.  Board games improve children’s communication skills as well as enhance their dexterity and fine motor skills. Children learn to take turns and improve their prediction skills. 

• Our new sign in attendance chart has been a big hit!!!!  The kids understand that marking themselves “present” can be done in a variety of ways.  Our goal for the end of the year is that all students sign their names using both upper and lower case letters.  THEY WILL CERTAINLY ACCEPT OUR CHALLENGE!!! 

• In Science, we began to discuss the many signs of springs we see around us, as well as discuss the importance of bugs and flowers during this season. Please be sure to send your child to school with the proper footwear daily, we take advantage of the park at least once per week. In celebration of the Spring, we placed in our window a lovely bird feeder and are looking forward to some visitors soon.  

• Introduce "Poetry Awareness Month" 

• Brainstormed the words that begin with the letters Nn and Oo.

• In observance of "Women’s History Month", a group of Poly Prep senior girls who are members of a girls affinity group, visited our classroom.  We enjoyed books read aloud by the seniors and made friendship bracelets together. Fun was had by all!

• Introduced "Measurement: Lengnth". The students were paired up and traced each others feet. They then colored in their foot which they will use to measure objects around the classroom.  We discussed "standard" and "non standard" measurement and read How Big Is A Foot?

NEXT WEEK WE:

• Will create a lovely PreK window garden complete with flowers, a picket fence and birds!!   

• Discuss shapes 

• Continue our discussion about Space, astronauts, planets etc.,.  The children are having such a great time sharing what they know about space as well as learning new facts.  

• Discuss what makes a poem and brainstorm poem topics, both as a class and individually.

• Brainstorm words that begin with the letters Pp and Qq.

Below is a message about Carousel Day:

Dear Families,

Our annual Picnic at the Carousel Day for Nursery, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten is upon us! It will take place on Thursday, May 15 at 9:30 AM. It’s a fun morning of a picnic lunch, community building in the grass, and carousel rides for you and your child. For the event you will need personal snacks, filled water bottles, and a blanket. 

For Picnic at the Carousel Day, it is important for your child to arrive at school promptly at our regular arrival time (between 8:15 AM to 8:30 AM) as buses will leave the school at approximately 9:00 AM. Students will take buses to the Seaglass Carousel at Battery Park. Nursery students will need one adult to accompany them on the bus to the carousel and back to school afterward. All other adults should meet us at the entrance of the carousel by 9:45 AM. The entrance is near the intersection of Water Street and State Street in Manhattan.

The school will provide pizza for lunch for all. The first carousel ride will begin at 10:00 AM and the last ride will conclude at 11:30 AM. We will leave the carousel at approximately 11:45 AM.

Each child must have at least one adult joining them at the carousel. To ride the carousel, a child’s adult must be with them.

Please let your child’s teacher know your dismissal plans for the day and update Pickup Patrol accordingly. If you plan to take your child home at the end of the event, you’ll be required to initial our attendance sheet before departing. Children who are staying the full day will return to school on the bus with us. Only one adult per nursery student will be allowed to ride the bus back to school. Pre-K and Kindergarten grownups may not ride the bus.

Nearby Train Stations:

4 / 5 lines: Bowling Green

1 line: South Ferry

2 / 3 lines: Wall Street

R line: Whitehall St/South Ferry

Lastly, please know that we will cancel the trip if it rains. With some good luck and pleasant weather, it should be a fun day for all. As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to me. 

Thank you,

Kimberly Davis Rivizzigno P’35

Director of Family Engagement and Community Life

Dean of Students, Nursery to Kindergarten

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

• April 16th- Kindergarten Preview (for current PreK families) @ 12pm

• April 18th- School closed for Good Friday

• April 25th- Grandparents and Special Friends Day

Singing in the Spring

As I was walking along-long-long,

Singing a scrap of a song-song-song,

A Blackbird perched in a tree-tree-tree

He whistled my song with me-me-me;

He whistled so sweet and high-high-high

His notes tangled up with the sky-sky-sky!

(4/7 - 4/11) THIS WEEK WE:

• Continued creating amazing Spring paintings

• Read amazing poems

• Continue our counting books.  (WOW!! Our Counting Book is almost complete!!).  

• Brainstormed words that began with the letters Oo and Pp.

• Began to discuss Earth Day (April 22, 2024).

• Community time: Women’s History Month Oratory Contest assembly. Congratulations to Elisa Noero (Lucia’s sister) who won first place in the contest.  

• Continued our discussion about outer space and space stations.

• Discussed non standard measurement. We traced, colored and laminated our foot, followed by using our foot to measure a variety of items around the classroom. The children's work is proudly hanging in the hallway outside our classroom.

(4/14 - 4/18) NEXT WEEK WE:

• Will create a list of poem topics, and vote on the topic of our class poem as well.

• create a list of what we could do to protect our Earth.

• Continue working on our number book.

• Discuss shapes

• Begin to create our very own space station.  Additionally, we have an “astronaut applications” each child will complete!!  

• Brainstorm words that  begin with the letters Qq and Rr.

Below is a message about Carousel Day:

Dear Families,

Our annual Picnic at the Carousel Day for Nursery, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten is upon us! It will take place on Thursday, May 15 at 9:30 AM. It’s a fun morning of a picnic lunch, community building in the grass, and carousel rides for you and your child. For the event you will need personal snacks, filled water bottles, and a blanket. 

For Picnic at the Carousel Day, it is important for your child to arrive at school promptly at our regular arrival time (between 8:15 AM to 8:30 AM) as buses will leave the school at approximately 9:00 AM. Students will take buses to the Seaglass Carousel at Battery Park. Nursery students will need one adult to accompany them on the bus to the carousel and back to school afterward. All other adults should meet us at the entrance of the carousel by 9:45 AM. The entrance is near the intersection of Water Street and State Street in Manhattan.

The school will provide pizza for lunch for all. The first carousel ride will begin at 10:00 AM and the last ride will conclude at 11:30 AM. We will leave the carousel at approximately 11:45 AM.

Each child must have at least one adult joining them at the carousel. To ride the carousel, a child’s adult must be with them.

Please let your child’s teacher know your dismissal plans for the day and update Pickup Patrol accordingly. If you plan to take your child home at the end of the event, you’ll be required to initial our attendance sheet before departing. Children who are staying the full day will return to school on the bus with us. Only one adult per nursery student will be allowed to ride the bus back to school. Pre-K and Kindergarten grownups may not ride the bus.

Nearby Train Stations:

4 / 5 lines: Bowling Green

1 line: South Ferry

2 / 3 lines: Wall Street

R line: Whitehall St/South Ferry

Lastly, please know that we will cancel the trip if it rains. With some good luck and pleasant weather, it should be a fun day for all. As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to me. 

Thank you,

Kimberly Davis Rivizzigno P’35

Director of Family Engagement and Community Life

Dean of Students, Nursery to Kindergarten

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

• April 16th- Kindergarten Preview (for current PreK families) @ 12pm

• April 17th- Parents As Reading Partners (8:15-8:45 in the classroom)

• April 18th- School closed for Good Friday

• April 25th- Grandparents and Special Friends Day

• May 8th- P.A.R.P.

• May 15th- Carousel Day

• May 26th- Memorial Day (School Closed)

B For Bearded Dragon

Have you ever met the bearded dragon?

Not a dragon in disguise?

She’s not fiery or ferocious,

She is friendly and quite wise.

If you ever see her basking,

She might bob her head and wave.

She might even change her color if she is feeling sort of brave!

We could learn a little from her - keep on climbing and branch out.

Be rock steady, bask in the sunshine

That's what life is all about..

(4/13-17) THIS WEEK WE:

• Continued to brainstorm ideas about what we will need to completely transform our class into a space station.  The children were also asked what 10 things they would take to space in their own rockets.  The responses were pretty funny!!!  Next, we begin to construct our space station, and planets.  

• Brainstormed words that began with the letters Rr and Ss.  We have almost completed our Alphabet book!!!! Great work Prek B!!!  Each family will receive a copy on our Open School Night on Wednesday, June 4th.

• We completed our counting book!!!!!  YAY!!!! Each family will get a copy. 

• Enjoyed Grandparents/Special Friend Day!!!  The children were asked to draw a picture of their guest, and their guests were asked to do the same.  Afterwards, these amazing illustrations were placed on the tree outside of our classroom with the title…."Strong Roots Grow Beautiful Leaves."  It is just lovely.  Please take a moment to enjoy their illustrations.

• While discussing a variety of shapes, the children created their very own shape pizza.  They added shapes such as squares, rectangles, hexagons etc., to their pizzas.  They also counted and wrote how many of a particular shape was used to “prepare” their pizza.  

(4/20-24) NEXT WEEK WE:

• Will continue to add details to our space station and begin to think about how to best transform areas of our class into an amazing outer space scene.

• Complete and review our Alphabet Book and discuss simple “sight words”.

• Continue learning bearded dragon facts and illustrate what Zoey looks like in our journal as a classroom pet keepsake.

• Discuss spring, and the Life Cycle Of A Butterfly.

• Visit and enjoy the company of the children of the Islamic American school, Al Madinah.  The two Poly Pre K classes will sing and share what their favorite part of our school year has been.

• Will continue to add details to our outer space scenes.

• Brainstorm and illustrate words that begin with the letter Tt and Uu.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

• May 2nd- Snapshots posted to Parent Portal in Veracross

• May 5th- May 9th: Teacher Appreciation Week

• May 8th- P.A.R.P.

• May 15th- Carousel Day at The Seaglass Carousel in Battery Park

• May 17th- Pack Out Day at the Lower School 

• May 19th- Caregiver Day

• May 20th- End of Year Parent Social, 6pm

• May 23rd- Professional Day (School Closed)

• May 26th- Memorial Day (School Closed)

• May 30th- Fan Day

Below is a message about Carousel Day:

Dear Families,

Our annual Picnic at the Carousel Day for Nursery, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten is upon us! It will take place on Thursday, May 15 at 9:30 AM. It’s a fun morning of a picnic lunch, community building in the grass, and carousel rides for you and your child. For the event you will need personal snacks, filled water bottles, and a blanket. 

For Picnic at the Carousel Day, it is important for your child to arrive at school promptly at our regular arrival time (between 8:15 AM to 8:30 AM) as buses will leave the school at approximately 9:00 AM. Students will take buses to the Seaglass Carousel at Battery Park. Nursery students will need one adult to accompany them on the bus to the carousel and back to school afterward. All other adults should meet us at the entrance of the carousel by 9:45 AM. The entrance is near the intersection of Water Street and State Street in Manhattan.

The school will provide pizza for lunch for all. The first carousel ride will begin at 10:00 AM and the last ride will conclude at 11:30 AM. We will leave the carousel at approximately 11:45 AM.

Each child must have at least one adult joining them at the carousel. To ride the carousel, a child’s adult must be with them.

Please let your child’s teacher know your dismissal plans for the day and update Pickup Patrol accordingly. If you plan to take your child home at the end of the event, you’ll be required to initial our attendance sheet before departing. Children who are staying the full day will return to school on the bus with us. Only one adult per nursery student will be allowed to ride the bus back to school. Pre-K and Kindergarten grownups may not ride the bus.

Nearby Train Stations:

4 / 5 lines: Bowling Green

1 line: South Ferry

2 / 3 lines: Wall Street

R line: Whitehall St/South Ferry

Lastly, please know that we will cancel the trip if it rains. With some good luck and pleasant weather, it should be a fun day for all. As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to me. 

Thank you,

Kimberly Davis Rivizzigno P’35

Director of Family Engagement and Community Life

Dean of Students, Nursery to Kindergarten

SPRING

The wind told the grass

And the grass told the trees.

The trees told the bushes

And the bushes told the bees.

The bees told the robin

And the robin sang out clear,

“Wake up!

Wake up!

Spring is here!”

(4/22-26) THIS WEEK WE: 

• Completed our counting book!!!  Each child will receive their own counting book to be taken home the night of our Open House.

• Brainstorm words that begin Ss and Tt.

• We have begun to build our space rocket as well as our space center. Oh boy!!! We have a lot of work to do in order to transform our classroom!!!  We are sure the children are up for the challenge.

• Our butterflies have arrived!!!! The arrival of the butterflies aligned nicely with this month’s warm weather.

• Enjoyed a music performance for the Arab American Heritage month Community time celebration. 

• Visited and played with the children of the Islamic-American, school Al-Madinah.  The children enjoyed spending time with the kids at the school and sang a song for our new friends.

• Went to the Museum of Natural History.  We visited the Plantarium and enjoyed an amazing movie about the universe.

• Enjoyed spending time with our buddy class on Friday.

(4/29 - 5/3) NEXT WEEK WE:

• Continue working on our spaceship, planets etc,. . This week, we will work on the backgrounds needed for 3 different areas of our classroom.  

• Decorate the cover of our counting and alphabet books

• Brainstorm words that begin with Uu and Vv.

• Measure items and compare what is longer and shorter than our own foot. 

• Illustrate in our journal what we see happening in our caterpillar nursery. 

• Complete our very own “Astronaut Application!”

• Welcome in May!!!!

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

• May 2nd- Snapshots posted to Parent Portal in Veracross

• May 5th- May 9th: Teacher Appreciation Week

• May 8th- P.A.R.P.

• May 15th- Carousel Day at The Seaglass Carousel in Battery Park

• May 17th- Pack Out Day at the Lower School 

• May 19th- Caregiver Day

• May 20th- End of Year Parent Social, 6pm

• May 23rd- Professional Day (School Closed)

• May 26th- Memorial Day (School Closed)

• May 30th- Fan Day

WALK WITH ME, MAMA

Walk alongside me, Mama

And hold my little hand.

I have so many things to learn that 

I don’t yet understand.

Teach me things to keep me safe

From the dangers everyday.

Show me how to do my best

At home, at school, at play.

Every child needs a gentle hand

To guide them as they grow.

So walk alongside me, Mama.

We have a long way to go.

THIS WEEK WE: (May 5-9)

• Continued working on our spaceship, planets etc. This week, we worked on the spaceship; complete with boosters!  

• Decorated the cover of our counting and alphabet books.

• Brainstormed words that begin with Uu, Vv and Ww.

• Completed our very own “Astronaut Application!"

• Reviewed writing numbers and our number rhymes.  

• Created gifts for all of our amazing moms!!!!!!!!!!!  Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful moms, grandmothers, aunties, and besties who impact our lives daily!!!!!!

• Our caterpillars have gone into their chrysalis!!  We transferred the chrysalis into their “caterpillar nursery". We have chatted with the students about the amazing thing happening inside the chrysalis.  Ask your child what the word METAMORPHOSIS means.  Now, we wait……. 

• It was a pleasure hosting you in the classroom for our last P.A.R.P. of the year! Thank you for making this monthly event such a huge success!

NEXT WEEK WE: (May 12-16)

• Illustrate in our journal what we see happening in our caterpillar nursery. 

• Brainstorm words that begin with Xx, Yy, and Zz.

• Complete and review all alphabet sounds in connection to the Fundations program we have used.

• Prepare for Carousel Day on Thursday, May 15th!!  A good time will be had by all!! 

• The Science teacher has invited us to her class.  Her class is filled with a variety of creatures such as walking stick bugs, hissing cockroaches as well as quail eggs in an incubator!!!!  The eggs should hatch within the next couple of weeks, and we have been invited to return and witness the arrival of baby quails.  What does a Brooklyn girl do with quail babies you say???  Well, as part of CEED (Center for Environmental Education and Discovery), Mrs. Dreyer will bring the baby quails back to the environmental center where they will be kept until they are ready to be released into the wild.

• Continue our space exploration and illustrations.

REMINDER:  AS THE WEATHER BECOMES WARMER AND THE DAYS BRIGHTER, IT IS TIME TO ASSURE YOUR CHILD HAS SUN PROTECTION.  PLEASE BE SURE TO APPLY SUNSCREEN DAILY AND/OR SEND A SUNSCREEN STICK TO SCHOOL WITH YOUR CHILD

Dear Lower School Families, 

The Lower School Packout Day is coming up on Saturday, May 17, from 10AM-12PM! We will be packing bags of fresh produce to donate to local community fridges. Community fridges are an effective way to provide access to fresh healthy produce for those who are in need. 

Come and pack some bags of produce, and drive or use a rideshare to take the bags to a community fridge! Please RSVP to the event here.

If you would like to help contribute to the event, we will need mesh shopping bags to pack produce! Please order and have them delivered to: 

Sarah Ely

50 Prospect Park West

Brooklyn NY 11215

Thank you so much for your continued support, 

The Service Learning Team

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

• May 15th- Carousel Day at The Seaglass Carousel in Battery Park

• May 17th- Pack Out Day at the Lower School 

• May 19th- Caregiver Day

• May 20th- End of Year Parent Social, 6pm

• May 23rd- Professional Day (School Closed)

• May 26th- Memorial Day (School Closed)

• May 30th- Fan Day

LITTLE DIPPER

Little Dipper in the sky,

Little Dipper, please don’t cry.

Not as bright as all the rest?

Brightness doesn’t make them best.

All the others move around

Always on the roam.

You stay right there in the North

And point the way back home.

Little Dipper in the sky,

Little Dipper, please don’t cry.

Small you are….yet still you stay,

And that is how I find my way.

THIS WEEK WE: (May 12-16)

• Illustrated in our journal what we see happening in our caterpillar nursery; "caterpillar to chrysalis."

• Brainstorm words that begin with Xx, Yy, and Zz. Our alphabet book is complete!

• Reviewed all alphabet sounds in connection to the Fundations program we have used.

• Witnessed and observed our school’s baby quails begin to hatch!! Upon the writing of this newsletter FOUR baby quails have emerged from their eggs!!

• Continue our space exploration and illustrations. Some of the children have come to the class with their own AMAZING space facts from home. WOW!! Good job Pre K. 

• Completed our “Astronaut applications".  Everyone is ready for take-off!!

• Enjoyed Buddy Time.

• Practiced writing our numbers 0-10!

NEXT WEEK WE:  (May 22-26)

• Continue working on our space unit and preparing our class for Open School Night on June 4th!! This event is so much fun for all involved and an opportunity for you to visit kindergarten, the Art room and PreK A. We tell the children to think of this night as a moment when they are museum curators, and proudly showing their work.  Let's dress up a bit for the evening, yes?

• Continue to monitor our school quails.  Read books regarding quails and what they are like when returned back to their habitats.

• Prepare posters for our "Changemaker Day" on Tuesday, June 10th.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

• May 17th- Pack Out Day at the Lower School 

• May 19th- Caregiver Day

• May 20th- End of Year Parent Social, 6pm

• May 23rd- Professional Day (School Closed)

• May 26th- Memorial Day (School Closed)

• May 30th- Fan Day

• June 4th- Open School Night (Noon Dismissal / No Lunch) 

• June 5th- Eid-Al-Adha (School Closed)

• June 6th- Commencement (School Closed)

• June 10th- Changemaker Day (Last Day of After School)

• June 12th- Last Day of School (Noon Dismissal / No Lunch)

• June 14th- Poly marches in the Brooklyn Pride Parade

FIVE LITTLE ASTRONAUTS

Five little astronauts sitting on the stars.

The first one said, “let's go to Mars!”

The second one said, “there are spaceships in the air.”

The third one said, “but we don’t care!”

The fourth one said, “let’s fly up in the sky.”

The fifth one said, “let’s fly, fly, fly.”

Then WHOOSH went the spaceship into the night

And the five little astronauts zoomed out of sight.

THIS WEEK WE:  (May 26- 30) 

• Continued working on our space unit and preparing our class for Open House on June 4th!! The kids helped place stars on all of our window displays. The children have been learning, sharing and illustrating many space facts. Mrs. Mennella and I are so proud of all of their work this semester. We are preparing for a night to remember in Pre K! 

• Continued to monitor our school quails.  

• Read books regarding quails and what they are like when returned back to their habitats.

• Rehearsed songs we would like to sing for our "Protest/ Changemaker Day."   

• Scheduled a time for Pre K to visit and chat with the Kindergarten teachers!  We will share more information regarding this little trip down the hall when we set the date.

• We said goodbye to 38 quails!!!!! (Moment of silence for the quails that didn't quite make it….) A special thank you to Inara and her family for volunteering to drive the quails along with the Science teacher, Ms. Carmen to their forever farm home.

• Began summer birthday celebrations. 

• Enjoyed a drum and dance performance for our AAPI community time. Korean Traditional Dance of Choomnoori (KTDOC) Founded in the U.S. in 2008 by Director Eun Hee Ahn—Korean Traditional Dance of Choomnoori (KTDOC) is a cultural organization composed primarily of 1st and 2nd generation Koreans. Its mission is to share and celebrate Korean culture by showcasing its rich artistic heritage to American audiences.

NEXT WEEK WE:(June 2-4)

• The school prepares for a protest/changemaker walk around the block. Should be a moving moment. We will surely share photos of this special and important event! 

• Review our alphabet letters and sounds as well as our number rhymes.

• Put the final touches on our space station, moon and planets displays.

• Enjoy Open School Night on June 4th!

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

• June 4th- Open School Night (Noon Dismissal / No Lunch) 5-7pm

• June 5th- Eid-Al-Adha (School Closed)

• June 6th- Commencement (School Closed)

• June 10th- Changemaker Day (Last Day of After School)

• June 12th- Last Day of School (Noon Dismissal / No Lunch)

• June 14th- Poly marches in the Brooklyn Pride Parade