Langston's Letters
January 29- February 2
A Note from the Principal
Attendance Matters!
Dear Langston Hughes Family,
New York City has an average daily attendance rate of 91%. Our school's average daily attendance rate is 90%. Our goal is to outperform the city. We can only do this with your support. You can help by making sure your child comes to school every day, and making sure they are in school on time. The doors of the school open at 7:45am and the day begins at 8:00am. Students in grades 2 through 5 should enter through the main entrance on East 93rd street. When they enter the building they pick up breakfast and go directly to their classroom to eat and chat with their friends until 8:00am.
Students in pre-k through grade one enter through the door in the schoolyard, where they are greeted by Ms. Tanisha. They sit at their assigned table in the cafeteria until their teacher arrives at 8:00am. Breakfast is served and attendance is taken when they reach the classroom. The instructional day begins at 8:15am for all students. Students who are absent or late have to play catch up. Early childhood students miss instruction in the foundational skills of reading. That creates gaps in learning that make it impossible for students to read on grade level. If your child is constantly late, please make the necessary changes that will give your child a chance to be successful in school.
Have great week!
Denean Stephens-Spellman
Home-School Connection
Applying for Pre-k and 3K
The 3K and Pre-k application is now open. You can apply for 3K and Pre-k online by clicking the link below, or calling (718) 935-2009 from 8am-6pm. If you have any questions or require support applying, our Parent Coordinator, Ms. Tanisha Battle is always available to answer questions or help walk you through the process. Ms. Tanisha can be reached at (516) 519-3812 Monday through Friday, between the hours of 7:30am and 3:30pm. Don't wait, seats fill up quickly!
African American History Month
Harlem Renaissance Day
February is the month that highlights the accomplishments and achievements of African Americans. We begin our celebration by honoring Langston Hughes with Harlem Renaissance Day. This year it will be celebrated on February 7. On that day we ask that children dress in the historical clothing that children wore during that era. It is always a fun day!
Spirit of Our Culture Week
Don't forget, Spirit of Our Culture Week will take place February 12-15. Each day, Monday through Thursday, students should dress as a living legend or historic figure, of their choice. Friday will be House Challenge Day #3 and students should wear their House t-shirts. Spirit of Our Culture Week will honor:
- Educators, Politicians, Activists and Abolitionists: Monday, February 12
- Athletes: Tuesday, February 13
- Scientists, Inventors, and Doctors: Wednesday, February 14
- Performing Artists: Thursday, February 15
- House Challenge Day #3: Friday, February 16
Upcoming Field Trips
Learning on the Go!
- 2/6/24 - Superhero Supply Company - 3-375
- 2/8/24 - Queensborough College Performing Arts Center - All fourth and fifth grade classes
- 2/14/24 - Bowl 360 - K-272, 1-282, and 1-280
- 4/19/24 - One World Observatory - grades 2-5
- 6/5/24 - Queensborough College Performing Arts Center - All fourth and fifth grade classes
Calendar of Events
Dates to Remember
February 1: African American History Month begins
February 2: Fifth grade senior picture day
February 2: STEAM Night 5:30pm-7:30pm
February 5: Happy Birthday Langston Hughes/Harlem Renaissance Day
February 11-16: Spirit of Our Culture Week (see above)
February 12: SLT Meeting
February 14: Fifth Grade Science Fair
February 16: House Challenge Day #3
February 19-23: Mid-winter recess--schools closed
February 28: Virtual PTA meeting 6:30pm-7:30pm
February 29: HBCU College Fair/Save for College
March 7: Half-day and Parent-Teacher Conferences
March 11: SLT meeting
March 20: Virtual PTA meeting 6:30pm-7:30pm
March 29: Good Friday--schools closed
April 1: Easter recess--schools closed
April 8: SLT meeting
April 10: Eid al-fitr--schools closed
April11-12: New York State English Language Arts Examination for grades 3-5
April 17: Virtual PTA meeting 6:30pm-7:30pm
April 22-30: Spring recess--schools closed