Newsletter #05

Dear parents,

Our third and last round of Back to School information will give all of you the opportunity to learn more about the support we provide to our students in the Junior School, either with Academic Support in Literacy or Mathematics, Social-Emotional Support, or the specific support we provide to our English-Language Learners. This Tuesday, October 5 at 7pm, we invite you to a JS Parent Coffee dedicated to this support. It will be hosted by Pascal Vallet, Junior School Principal, Alessandra Camilo, Junior School Assistant Principal, Dr. Dana Marnin, School Psychologist, Alyssa Frost, and Amy Iamundo, Junior School Counselors and two of our wonderful Junior School PA reps, Melissa Hernandez and Jen Fiorese.

If you were not able to join the Junior School Specialist and Language B Teacher Back to School webinar last Wednesday, Septemebr 29, we encourage you to watch the video below. It was our first webinar with such a large group of teachers, but it feels like our faculty have been doing this forever!

We remind our J3 and J4 parents that this Tuesday, October 5, and Wednesday, October 6, we will run our MAP test sessions. In addition to the other summative and formative assessments given by our teachers, the MAP test offers data specific to our students' proficiency in Mathematics and Reading. This data can be useful for teachers, as a  supplement to all the other internal assessments, to better understand where there are needs for remediation or for enrichment. Note that:

• The purpose of any meaningful assessment is to enhance learning, not simply to get data for a report.

• Assessments should measure growth in student learning from one point in time to another, as well as attainment of standards. 

• One or two test results should never be the sole indicators of student growth and achievement.

• Test-taking should not overwhelm a student’s classroom experience, a teacher’s instruction, or a school system’s resources.

The MAP test is not high stakes: it’s a snapshot of learning. It does not directly assess what is currently taught in the class as it is an adaptive test: some students, based on their answers, may have questions aligned with competencies below or above grades. Each student has a different set of questions.

Please help your J3 or J4 child to:

• Eat a healthy breakfast 

• Get a good night’s sleep

• Bring a bottle of water to school

• Stay calm

• Arrive at school on time, no later than 8:20

• Avoid making appointments or checking your child out of school during the testing dates. 

Thanks for your collaboration!

Pascal Vallet, Junior School Principal 

Alessandra Camilo, Junior School Assistant Principal

• • Monday, October 4 | After School Classes Begin

  • Tuesday, October 5 | JS Parent Coffee - Student Support Team 7:00 pm | Parent Coffee Webinar Link (details in this newsletter)

  • Tuesday, October 5 and Wednesday, October 6 | MAP testing for J3 and J4

REMINDER: 

Update School Dismissal Manager (SDM) 

include After School classes & changes in Yellow Bus ridership for the week of October 4

• • Monday, October 11 | No Yellow Bus Service

  • Monday, October 11 | PK - J2 Picture Day with Stomping Ground (details in this newsletter) | Stomping Ground Link

  • Tuesday, October 12 | J3 - J4 Picture Day with Stomping Ground (details in this newsletter) | Stomping Ground Link

  • Friday, October 22 | UN Day Celebrated

  • October 25 - October 29 | October Break - No Classes for Students

  • November 10 - November 12 | Parent Teacher Conferences (details to follow)

  • November 24 - November 26 | Thanksgiving Break - School Closed

  • December 20 - December 31 | Winter Break - No Classes for Students

  • Monday, January 3 | Classes Resume

JS students are expected to arrive at the front gate no later than 8:20 and the gates should be closed no later than 8:30am. 

The late arrival of students in the morning delay our faculty and staff moving back to their positions and disrupts the Morning Meeting in your child's homeroom. A late student loses valuable time and instruction from their teacher. 

Please support the Junior School, and your child, by arriving on time.

This week we will begin distributing iPads to our JA and J1 students. They will be used both at school on a daily basis and at home in case of quarantine. 

We prefer, for now, that J2, J3 and J4 students not bring their Chromebook's home due to the Chromebook's weight vs the iPad weight. 

Please review this important information before the week of October 4 begins:

WHEN WILL THE JA & J1 STUDENTS BRING THEIR IPADS HOME?

• Wednesday, October  6

MY CHILD WILL NOT BE ON CAMPUS ON THE DAY YOU HAND OUT iPADS. WHEN AND HOW CAN MY CHILD RECEIVE HIS/HER DEVICE TO BRING HOME?

• The iPad will be distributed upon the student's return to school.

WHAT WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO JA & J1 STUDENTS?

• An iPad

• An iPad charger

Students will be asked to place their device carefully in their backpack and to give it to their parents at home. The charger can remain at home.

SHOULD MY JA & J1 CHILD BRING THEIR IPAD BACK AND FORTH TO SCHOOL DAILY?

Yes, it is necessary to charge it, and for the JAs and J1s to be prepared in case of a sudden school closure. The iPads will be in use during the school day for appropriate teaching and learning projects, so it is vital that they are brought to school daily.

Message from Dr. Lidana Jalilvand, Director of Special Programs (ljalilvand@unis.org):

This is to inform you that in compliance with Covid-19 constraints, the school policy and safety protocols, only a limited number of spaces were available in the Care Program. At this point, the Care Program is full and the registration closed (including interests in signing up for possible emergency cases).  

The After School 1st Semester starts on Monday, October 4, 2021. The classes run from 3-4PM. Please make sure that the children are picked up promptly at the gate. 

We thank you for your kind cooperation. 

Message from Kim Bruno, Director of Arts (kbruno@unis.org):    

In keeping in line with COVID restrictions, the UNIS Performing and Visual Arts Department has developed a creative alternative to the traditional JS musical. This year we are proud to announce the Junior School arts initiative, "Step into the Spotlight"! In this series of dancing, singing, and acting workshops, J3 and J4 students will have the opportunity to develop the confidence and skills needed to perform on stage. Culminating in a special showcase of musical theatre songs, this after-school program is the perfect place for all future Broadway stars to "step into the spotlight" and shine! 

This program is led by Ms. Maddie McBroom, Ms. Kristin Eley, and Ms. Emily Reineke, and will begin in March. Classes will be held Tuesday-Thursday from 3:00-5:00 PM.  Information on how to register for classes will be announced after the December vacation. We look forward to seeing you there!

Message from Daniel O'Connor, Director of Athletics and Physical Education (doconnor@unis.org): 

JS swim classes have been suspended for fall 2021. The school's main priority is to keep students safe and we hope to be able to return to swimming in the spring of 2022. We will reevaluate closer to the time to see what position we are in and if students can attend the swimming program safely. 

The JS PA is seeking parent input regarding Back to School Night and Arrival/Dismissal. Please use this link below to add your feedback. Thanks!

Please join us on Tuesday, October 5 at 7:00pm

for our 1st JS Parent Coffee Webinar,

hosted by:

Pascal Vallet, Junior School Principal

Alessandra Camilo, Junior School Assistant Principal

Dr. Dana Marnin, School Psychologist

Alyssa Frost and Amy Iamundo, Junior School Counselors

JS Parent Coffee Webinar Link

The first JS Parent Coffee Webinar this year will be devoted to the work of our full JS Student Support Team:

• JS Psychologist: Dr. Dana Marnin (also PK & JA Counselor)

• Counselors: Amy Iamundo (J1 & J3) and Alyssa Frost (J2 & J4)

• ELL Teacher: Sidney Maas and Janine Pelegano

• Learning Support Teachers: Karen Ager and Carmen Escobar

This evening will be an opportunity to learn more about the work that the team does with our Junior School students and to ask questions.

Sustainability Corner is all about informing the UNIS community about what goes on with sustainability in the Junior School. 

We are very happy to inform you that the Sustainability Program in JS is up and running smoothly. 

Phase one of the program is mainly about educating and bringing awareness to the teachers and students in our community around the need for and the urgency to have a better world.

Our first goal is to launch a recycling education initiative. 

How is this going to be achieved in JS? 

By having: 

• In-class recycling lessons for the students and teachers.

• Follow up with a short documentary that supports the lesson.

• Inviting guest speakers.

You will find a photo of our Sustainability Wall below. Students and I will be posting photos supporting sustainable actions both at home and school. It’s becoming a big hit when the students see their community members, friends, and family members in action as they walk past the wall.

You are welcome to submit photos of your child or family that highlight sustainable actions that you are taking. You can email them to me at rfico@unis.org

Rose Fico 

JS Sustainability Coordinator

In Junior School we ask that students not wear an Apple watch when they are on campus. In addition to the possibility of loss, or of damage to a watch on the playground or during PE, there is the potential for interference with learning in the classroom.

If a JS student does arrive at school wearing an Apple watch, they will be asked to turn it off and place it in their backpack until they leaves campus. The policy is the same for a smartphone.

When Your Child is Sick

When your child is sick with stomach ache, fever, headache, etc. there is no expectation from the school that they should attempt to learn remotely. If your child has symptoms that would normally have kept them at home prior to COVID-19, parents should not request to join classes remotely. We hope that time will be taken for your child to rest and recover as the school believes that children recover more quickly when they are permitted to disconnect and rest.

Learning Model Consistency

The expectation is that Junior School students attend school consistently, through the end of this marking period, in accordance with the learning model the family has opted for at this time (either fully in person or fully remote). Inconsistent in person attendance is disruptive for the class as a whole and for the individual student. The school believes that a consistent schedule reinforces learning and appropriate classroom behavior, and reduces anxiety.

Dismissal for Parents and Guardians

At dismissal please stay in motion, circling through the tents as you wait to pick up your children, or wait outside the main gate between pick ups. The school has not relaxed it's policies regarding gatherings. Please do not linger or sit down in the tents to wait for a second child, or gather within the school gates to speak with other parents or teachers. At dismissal our goal is to have as few people on campus for the shortest time possible, and always in motion. Thank you for understanding and support as we work to keep our community safe. 

1. Arrival: To speed arrival for everyone, please have your child take possession of their backpack and lunch before they approach the entry gate in the morning and check to see that their mask is on, fits well, and is covering their nose.

2. Late Arrival: The late arrival of students in the morning delay our faculty and staff moving back to their positions. JS students are expected to arrive no later than 8:20 and the front gates should be closing no later than 8:30. Please ensure that you arrive at the time assigned for your child's grade.

3. Masks: Be sure you have packed 2 or 3 spare masks in a clean bag in your child's backpack, as well as an extra bag to hold used ones. For the safety and peace of mind of all, do not send your child to school in a vented mask. We understand that many of you use vented masks with filters inserted. But our teachers cannot be certain that every vented mask has the filter necessary to keep them safe. Please respect our community and do not send your child to school in a vented mask.

4. Days with Appointments or Travel:

Because parents and caregivers are not permitted inside the school gate, a request for either late arrival or early dismissal for a JS student requires that school personnel leave their work in order to escort your child. 

Please support the school by arranging appointments and travel outside of school hours.

Of course, if your child falls ill during the school day, the nurse's office will coordinate an early pick plan with families.

5. Returning to Campus After Illness:  

We appreciate your cooperation in keeping the community safe!  

Please use the guidance shared by our Nursing Staff in this newsletter in coordination with your physician to address any illness.

For health related questions please email: schoolnurse@unis.org and mrivera@unis.org

6. Social Distancing Outside of UNIS: Exercise caution and, whenever possible, to stay clear of gatherings where social distancing or face masks might not be the norm. We advise students and families to be particularly vigilant on playgrounds and during play dates, keeping in mind the impact they may have on the safety of everyone in our community.

7. COVID Testing: We recommend that students be tested at least ONCE a month, preferably every two weeks. All UNIS Faculty and Staff will be pool-tested regularly on campus.

Thank you for your support.

• • Instruction begins at 8:40 each morning. Remote learners are expected to connect with their homeroom no later than 8:40 to participate in Morning Meeting. Students who try to connect after that time disrupt the class and pull the teacher away from the rest who are already engaged in person or remotely. It is tremendously important that students are ready to join at 8:40. Meanwhile, we recognize that due to technical glitches or late arrivals, not all teachers will always be able to start at 8:40. We thank you for your patience. But, once the class begins, students who join between 8:40 and 9:00 are missing important direction and are inevitably disrupting the class. Let's try our best together!

  • Question related to technology should be addressed by email to tech.support@unis.org and fzammarano@unis.org only. Tech Support will need your child's full name, teacher name and grade in order to assist you quickly. Please do not disrupt your teacher's instruction time to address tech support issues for your family. We understand it can be frustrating sometimes; we recognize it and work hard to address the glitches we face. But we have noticed teachers trying to troubleshoot a system while teaching, a system that really requires technician intervention. They do it out of caring and concern about their students not being able to connect. Please help them by reaching out to our Tech Department for support instead. 

  • All families should check their internet connection. The audio when your child connects from home should never be distorted - it is disruptive to the class when that happens and is likely the result from a poor connection at home. You should have at least 3mbps up and download. A 5mbps up and download will ensure optimal quality. You can check your bandwidth here: fast.com 

Our homeroom teachers follow the instructions entered by parents in School Dismissal Manager (SDM) each day. Please update your SDM account to regularly indicate what the plans are for your child each day of the week. SDM is always mandatory for Dismissal but can easily be used for Attendance as well. 

On days when your child will not engage in classes, either remotely or in person, please use SDM to mark your child "Absent".

SDM is the only way of letting the dismissing teacher know where your child should go at dismissal. In addition to indicating that your child has an After School Activity, you must enter a description of the activity in the box below. If the activity name is not entered in SDM your child may be placed in the Care Program instead.

No student will be placed on a bus at dismissal if their SDM account does not authorize their ridership on that date.  They will be placed in the Care Program instead.