Banyan Bulletin

Principal's Pen

Next Monday is BCBA Appreciation Day! Please express your thanks to Ms. Eileen for the great work she does at Banyan every day!

Tuesday is also World Down Syndrome Day. Feel free to celebrate by wearing blue and yellow on that day (the official colors.)

I'd like to welcome Pat Dickman to our staff. She has been working as a substitute teacher for a couple of weeks, and comes with many years of experience working in public schools. She will be taking over our art classes. Please feel free to reach out to her if you have any questions at pdickman@banyanschool.org.

This afternoon, we will be doing some St. Patricks Day activities to end the week with some fun for the students. Older students will be reading to younger students, in addition to a craft activity and trivia contest.

Throughout the next several days, I will be going into all reading classes to share a book called, Carla's Sandwich. At the end of next week, Ms. Mary and Ms. Nancy will be leading two assemblies with our students to relate the content of this book to some larger activities regarding respecting each individual and treating others with kindness.

I wanted to thank of all you for remembering to have your children dress up for the different spirit days this week. Since we missed the Disney Dress up day on Tuesday because of the snow day, we will have it next Friday. Some of our friends were really excited about this day during March Madness Spirit Week.

I'm looking forward to our Talent Show next week - it should be a fun event!

I had sent out a separate email with parents to share their plans for their child in participation in ESY this summer. The letter is below and here is the link to the Google form for a response. Parents have also been asking for information about our extended day program for ESY. Here is the link for this program, which will run during the weeks of ESY from Monday - Thursday. A copy of this letter is also listed below. Please make sure to fill out this information as soon as possible in order to assist us in planning.

Parent Trainings at Banyan Elementary

Come join the Banyan speech department, counselors, and BCBA to learn more about social pragmatic language and parenting strategies. THIS PRESENTATION WAS RESCHEDULED DUE TO WEATHER ISSUES!

Monday, April 3rd from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm

6:00-6:45 "Understanding Your Child's Behavior and Implementing Positive Parenting Strategies"

6:45-7:00 Break

7:00-7:45 "Social Thinking Training"

Link to the parent presentation form: https://forms.gle/L7L6hvqZVg9NUcih7

Banyan PTO

Re-scheduled March 20 at 8 p.m.: Meeting for 7th Grade families to support the 8th Grade Lock-in - Really this time!

I AM SO SORRY - from Jen Hughes! We sent information about a planning meeting and I totally missed it on my calendar! Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/rxk-pjna-ung

March 22 at 8 p.m. - Meeting for 8th Grade Families for Lock-in Planning

click here for minutes

Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/evp-yyee-kgw

April 1: Regular PTO Meeting @ Banyan during Saturday Social at 9:30 a.m.

April 29: Decorate for Teacher Appreciation Week @ Banyan during Saturday Social at 9:30 a.m.

May 6: Regular PTO Meeting @ Banyan during Saturday Social at 9:30 a.m.

June 3: End of year celebration @ Banyan during Saturday Social at 9:30 a.m.

Click here for a summary of the PTO financials

Fashion Show Information

As you know, our 18th Annual Banyan School Fashion Show & Auction is on Wednesday, May 10th at The Hanover Manor in East Hanover. This is always a very fun event for the students and families! Please plan on attending.

I have attached our Fashion Show Invitation - beautifully designed by our very own ES teacher, Kristina Zaturoska! You can pay for your reservations by check (payable to Banyan School) or online at:

https://banyanschool.org/banyan-school-spring-fling-fashion-show-auction

Things to remember:

Please use the Student Modeling Form to sign up your adorable supermodel. (See attached link)
Please consider taking a Sponsorship. After all, the Fashion Show is a fun-filled, fundraiser!
Please place an ad in the ad journal. This is a great way to congratulate your children on all of their accomplishments. It's also a wonderful opportunity to thank your favorite teachers.
Please donate to the tricky tray. The more donations, the more baskets, the more chances to win, the more excitement! (See attached letter)

Feel free to reach out to Linda (lmccabe@banyanschool.org) or Karen (kholtzman@banyanschool.org) with any questions. As always, thanks for your support!