Family & Student Weekly News
September 16, 2019
Dear Brooklyn Collaborative Families,
We look forward to seeing you on Curriculum Night next Thursday, September 26th, from 5:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
On Curriculum Night you will have an opportunity to meet your child’s teachers, learn more about the curriculum, after school program, internship program, Crew program, supporting your middle schooler, transitioning your 8th grader to 9th grade, the path to your child graduating on time, Mastery Passage PBATs, Pupil Path, IXL, the college application process, building relationships with your teenage child, resources available to support your child, and so much more!
Learn more about the engaging projects that your child is doing in class. See photos below.
During the evening you will also be able to speak to BCS PTA Co-presidents Juanita Joseph and Gillianne Roberts-Atkinson and learn about the exciting things that the PTA Executive Board has planned for the school year. If you have a child in the Lower Grades, we encourage you to speak to Janet, Program Director and Obie, Assistant Program Director of the YWCA Lower Grades After School Program, and learn about their offerings including STEM, Robotics, cooking, dance, art, and theater. Students will be provided with a nutritional snack and scheduled time for homework help. The program is free. Pick up and application and enroll your child. Spaces are limited.
Our ENL teacher Melissa McClure will conduct our ELL Parent Orientation for newly enrolled English Language Learners. The orientation describes the identification and assessment process and outlines the available program options to English language learners, including English as a New Language and the various Bilingual Education program models. Translation will be provided.
Our College Counselor Karlette Fuchs will facilitate for seniors and their families a College Night 101 workshop with guest speaker Kari McMenamin from (HESC) New York State Higher Education Services Corporation. Kari will provide an overview of the college process with a focus on the application and affordability.
Our senior activities coordinator Helene Giacona will host an information session for senior families on senior dues, senior trip, prom, class rings, photos, fundraising and other senior activities.
Our school counselor Deb Rothenberg will conduct a session for 8th grade families on the High School articulation process.
Our art teacher Jill Mee invites you to stop by Room 514 for the Black Light Art Show & Gallery Fundraiser.
See you next Thursday!
In partnership,
Scill and Imani (BCS School Leaders)
Tracey Pinkard (Parent Coordinator)
UPCOMING DATES
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
- 9/23-9/26 - BCS/BNS Fall Book Fair
- 9/26- Curriculum Night (5:15 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.)
- 9/30 & 10/1 - No School (Rosh Hashanah)
- 10/3 - Lower Grades Expeditionary Thursday (ET)
- 10/4 - New Families Fall Potluck
- 10/8 - PTA Executive Board Meeting (6:00 - 6:30 p.m.)
- 10/8 - PTA General Meeting (6:30 - 8:00 p.m.)
- 10/9 - No School (Yom Kippur)
- 10/10 - Upper Grades Expeditionary Thursday (ET)
- 10/11: BCS Family Night: Movie Under the Stars/Film Shorts Under the Stars (5:30 -7:30 p.m.)
- 10/14 - No School (Columbus Day)
- 10/15 - SLT Meeting (4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.)
- 10/17 - Lower Grades Expeditionary Thursday (ET)
- 10/19 - BCS/BNS Apple Fest
- 10/24 - Upper Grades Expeditionary Thursday (ET)
Check this link for weekly highlights: https://www.bcs448.org/2019/09/15/9-9-13-highlights-of-the-week/ of what's going at the school, in the classroom, in after school clubs, an at sports events.
Check this link for important dates: http://www.bcs448.org/monthly-calendar/
Contact Information: To sign up for our parent mailing list, please email scill@bcs448.org with your name, your child’s name and grade level. Note: if you are receiving this email, you are already on our parent mailing list.
If you have any additional questions, please email imani@bcs448.org and tracey@bcs448.org.
STUDENT CORNER: RESOURCES, EVENTS, & OPPORTUNITIES
Come to the BCS Club Expo: Tuesday, September 17th from 3:15 - 4:00 p.m.
- WHAT: BCS will host a Club Fair for teachers to showcase the clubs they are offering, including Robotics, Chorus, Akwaaba Association, Arabic Calligraphy, Reel Works Filmmaking, LGBTQ & BLM, Debate, Chess, Real Talk, Real Life Creative Writing, Fabric Arts, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Art, Walk-for-Change, Street Photography, BCS School Newspaper, Green Earth, Global Voices, Fiber Arts, Piano, Pickup Soccer, Math, Logic, and Origami, Book Club, Anime, and so much more!!
- WHEN: Tuesday, September 17th
- TIME: 3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- WHERE: Visit the classroom(s) of the clubs that you are interested in joining.
- START YOUR OWN CLUB, if you do not find a club offered that you wish to join.
- PICK UP AN APPLICATION from Imani in room 516.
- Join a club, get involved, make new friends, try something new, gain experience, challenge yourself, and build your resume for college!
SPORTS CORNER
Boys Varsity Soccer Wins Season Opener vs. Adams Street
- Congratulations to our Boys Varsity Soccer Team for securing their home opener vs. Adams Street Academy on 9/14.
- They defeated Adams Street 3-1.
- Senior Augustin Tapia had 5 shots on goal with 2 goals scored.
- Junior Jose Alvarado had one shot on goal, scoring the 3rd goal.
- Shout out to Aldo Merino for 4 saves on goals.
GO BCS WOLVES!!
Basketball Tryouts for Boys and Girls Teams
Saturday 10/12/19
- Boys: 9am to 12pm
- Girls: 12pm to 3pm
Monday 10/14/19 (Columbus Day)
- Boys: 9am to 12pm
- Girls: 12pm to 3pm
Tuesday 10/15/19
- Boys: 4:30pm to 5:45pm
- Girls: 3:15pm to 4:30pm
- Please make sure you have the NEW completed PSAL medical form as well as a signed and initialed parental consent form.
- You will not be allowed to tryout without the correct paperwork.
- Links to all paperwork are below.
- http://www.psal.org/PDF/Miscellaneous/2019_New%20New%20New%20Medical%20FY%2020.pdf
- http://www.psal.org/PDF/Official/2012_PSAL%20Interscholastic%20Athletics%20Parental%20Consent%20Form%200812.pdf
BCS/BNS UNITY
BCS/BNS Apple Fest: Saturday, Oct. 19th from 11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
- WHAT: A joint BCS + BNS Fall Festival Fundraised/Community Builder with great food for sale, arts + crafts, a flea market, basketball tournament, Zombie fashion show, apple pressing, games, music, and so much more! Plan on an afternoon of fun! Bring family and friends.
- WHY: All the proceeds will benefit BCS & BNS students. Be sure to wear your BCS shirts to show our presence in full force. Look forward to seeing you at Apple Fest.
- WHEN: Saturday, October 19th
- TIME: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Guidelines on Gender Inclusion
The DOE has released new guidelines on gender inclusion.
Click here to see both sets of guidelines. (From there you can access the Guidelines on Gender Inclusion, as well as Guidelines to Support Transgender and Gender Expansive Students.
The new change is that students with parent permission can request for the name and gender that corresponds to the student’s gender identity that they assert at school to be updated in DOE databases including STARS and ATS. This is a huge game changer in supporting transgender and gender expansive students at school! See Name and Gender Change Request form.
BCS New Families Fall Potluck: Friday, October 4th @ 5:30 p.m.
- WHAT: New Families Fall Potluck--a fun and festive way to settle into the new school year! Bring a favorite main dish, side dish or salad, and/or a delicious dessert that tickles your appetite! Bring enough to share with at least 5-6 people. Paper goods and plastic ware will be provided.
- WHY: A wonderful informal opportunity to meet other new families and build a community over the coming years in middle and high school! The Fall Potluck is for all families with a new student entering Brooklyn Collaborative AND any current BCS families who wish to welcome our new families.
- WHEN: Friday, October 4th
- TIME: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
- WHERE: BCS/BNS Cafeteria
- PLEASE RSVP OR FOR MORE INFORMATION: Imani at imani@bcs448.org or Tracey at tracey@bcs448.org
Attendance Matters: DOE Attendance Policy
- The DOE identifies students who are absent two (2) days a month to be "chronically absent," even if the absence is excused. This means they have less than 90% attendance.
- Please make sure your child is present and on time every day and avoid scheduling appointments and vacations during the school year.
- Any absence that your child has needs to be accompanied by an excuse note from the parent and/or doctor. Lower Grades students (Grades 6-8) should give their notes to their crew leader, and Upper Grades students (Grades 9-12) should show their notes to their teachers each period and then submit the note to Office 507.
- Statistically, students who are identified as "chronically absent" are less likely to have grade-level academic performance and to be on pace for promotion and on-time graduation.
BCS Packet of Forms: Return to Your Child’s Crew Leader ASAP
- All students received a packet of forms about school detailing expectations and important policies.
- Please review carefully and make sure you have completed the entire packet of forms and returned to your child's crew leader as soon as possible.
- For more information: Contact Tracey at Tracey@bcs448.org or 718-923-4700 X4102
Important Vaccination Info 2019-2020
- All students entering the 6th grade must have a TDAP vaccine on or after the age 11.
- All students entering the 7th grade are required to have a Meningitis vaccine prior to the start of school.
- To learn more about required vaccinations for school, please go to this link: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/health-and-wellness/immunizations
What Happens if your Child is Missing Required Vaccines
- If your child has not received the required vaccinations by the specified date, they will be excluded from attending school.
- For your child to return to school, you have to show proof to the school that they have received the required vaccinations.
We Need You: Please Fill Out Your Lunch Form ASAP & Support Student Programs
- WE NEED ALL FAMILIES TO FILL OUT YOUR SCHOOL LUNCH FORM ONLINE (https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application)using our school name (Brooklyn Collaborative Studies 15K448).
- Breakfast and lunch are free to every student every day, regardless of income. Even if your child does not eat school lunch, please complete the school lunch form. Your income information is confidential.
- Your school lunch form helps our school to qualify for Title I funding. Last year, we received almost $500,000 in Title I funding to support student programs, teacher salaries, afterschool programs, and much more.
- If you have any questions or need assistance filling out the form, please contact Parent Coordinator Tracey Pinkard (tracey@bcs448.org )or 718-923-4700 x4103). Thank you very much for your support!
September School Menu: Free Lunch (and Breakfast) for All Students!
- Where can you have your child have lunch for free that includes a deliciously diverse menu such as teriyaki Chicken Sliders, garlic knots, spicy chicken sandwich, New York Hot pretzel, mozzarella sticks, turkey burgers, beef/cheese burger, tacos, vegetable egg roll and roasted zucchini, sweet potato flies, fresh green salad with chick peas, broccoli, cauliflower, and sooooo much more?
- Encourage your child to eat lunch daily in the cafeteria and enjoy our new lunch menu that provides meals that meet the needs of students who enjoy meat as well as those who identify as vegetarians, pescatarians, ovo-lacto vegetarian, and vegans!
- The salad bar will still be available to students as well as seasonal fresh fruit.
- If a student does not wish to eat a warm entree dish, the menu includes entree alternatives: peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, cheese sandwiches, grab and go salads, humus gram & go, and assorted deli sandwiches.
- Please encourage your child to take advantage of the free lunches available to ALL CHILDREN. There is now something available to meet everyone's taste buds!!
- Check out the menu below.
- http://www.schoolfoodnyc.org/public/PDF_Handler.ashx?t=m&id=5408&name=High+School+Lunch+Menu
SUNY Downstate Medical Center School Based Health Clinic: At 610 Henry Street
- WHAT: We are privileged to have a SUNY Downstate School Based Health Clinic right at 610 Henry Street. Services include: Physical Exams ("checkups"), Immunizations (such as influenza, Tetanus/Pertussis & Meningococcal), Screening for vision, hearing, dental, and asthma, Asthma and diabetes management, Prescriptions, Urgent care, Mental health services, Health education and counseling, First aid, and Age appropriate reproductive health care.
- You can register your child for the clinic so they can receive quality healthcare during the school day.
- Please see this link including registration forms.
For more information: Contact Alley Claycomb, Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, from the School Based Health Center at (718) 923 – 4750 x 2091
AFTER SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES
YWCA @ BCS After School Program
Brooklyn Collaborative has partnered with the YWCA of Greater New York to provide an exciting after school program for our lower grades students (Grades 6-8).
Parents and/or students are welcome to pick up an application (in English and Spanish) in Room 405 during the week of 9/9.
Space is limited!
Our after school program is offered at no cost to our families in Grades 6-8.
Students will be provided with a nutritional snack and scheduled time for homework help.
Students will have a choice of engaging educational and enrichment classes from which to select, including literacy & civic engagement, cookings, robotics, STEM engineering, leadership development, visual & performing arts. Students will also participate in a range of wonderful field trips throughout the year.
During the first two weeks, the students will complete an orientation and have a modified schedule of team building activities and special workshops.
For more info, please contact the Program Director (Janet Cooper) at 646-710-1642 or Jcooper@YWCAnyc.org
SCHOOL POLICY REMINDERS
BCS Cellphone & Electronics Policy
- During instructional time, students must put cell phones and headphones in bookbags or lockers everyday, including on fieldwork.
- During lunch, students may use cell phones to play a game on their device quietly, read an electronic book or listen to music with headphones.
- .We expect families to message that electronics are to be invisible at school. Families should not contact their children during school and expect a response. If a student is not responsible with their device during school hours, we encourage parents to contract with their child, confiscate the device, turn off particular apps/features on their child’s device, and/or work with the cellular carrier to limit internet/data access during school hours
Out-to-Lunch Pass Contract
6th-8th Grade Out to Lunch Pass Contract
- Lower Grade students will have to earn an out to lunch pass based on their overall attendance in their classes and their positive expression of our core values.They cannot go out to lunch until after their first semester grades.
- Here is the Lower Grades: Out to Lunch Pass Contract
9th Grade Out to Lunch Pass Contract
9th graders will have to earn an out to lunch pass based on their 7th period lateness and their first quarter grades. They cannot go out to lunch until after first quarter grades.
Here is the Grade 9: Out to Lunch Pass Contract
FUNDRAISING CORNER
Brooklyn Collaborative Wish List
- We greatly appreciate you taking a look at our wish list and supporting us in whatever ways you can.
- Link: http://a.co/bb5yXoj
Box Tops for Education
- BCS participates in the Box Tops for Education program. This program provides schools with a way to raise funds by turning in cut-out box tops from specially marked General Mills products.
- Each collected box top can be redeemed for ten cents.
- Please collect your box tops and submit them to Tracey in Rm 410 when school begins.