Upper Nyack Elementary School SCOOP

Prevention of Sexual Harassment Policy Review

We have received a number of questions regarding the district’s Prevention of Sexual Harassment policy. In response to those questions, I have invited Dr. Montesano and Title IX Coordinator, Lizzette Ruiz Giovinazzi, to provide a brief overview of the policy with me. This will be followed by an informal Q&A for parents.

Please join us THIS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2 in the ALL PURPOSE ROOM at 5PM for more information.

Scholastic Book Fair - March 13-17

Get ready! This year's Book Fair is going to be epic! UNES is joining Nyack Middle School, Liberty, and Valley Cottage in hosting a Scholastic book fair March 13-17, 2023.

We've turned up the volume with more fun, more choices, and more excitement—so kids will arrive curious and leave bolder, prouder, and stronger than ever before. Here's what you need to know about our upcoming Fair:

Every dollar you spend will benefit our school directly
You can sign up for Book Fair eWallet—a convenient digital payment account, so your child can shop the Fair cash-free. Grandparents, friends, and others can contribute to the eWallet to help build your home library. Shoppers can set up and manage funds in their eWallet between these dates:
February 20 - March 17

Save these dates and view our school’s Fair site:

Fair Dates: March 13-17

Book Fair Homepage: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/uppernyackelementaryschool

If we surpass our goal of 400 books (approximately one book per student), Principal Dreves will organize a special way to celebrate the moment. We can’t wait to see your child at the Fair!

*Volunteers are needed so if you can help out in any way please contact Patti Hill fortheloveofdesign@gmail.com to be added to the list. There will be a sign up sheet with classroom times closer to the book fair to sign up in shifts.

CLICK HERE FOR THE BOOKFAIR LETTER FROM PRINCIPAL DREVES

World Read Aloud Day - February 1, 2023

We will be celebrating WORLD READ ALOUD DAY (WRAD) on THIS Wednesday, February 1, 2023.

We have a total of 16 authors who will conduct virtual read alouds for our students over the course of the day. Then, they will spend time talking to students about the process and craft that goes into writing a book. It's a magical experience for students, and I hope that you will speak to your children about their experience that evening.

CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF AUTHORS AND BOOKS THAT OUR KIDS WILL BE EXPERIENCING!

Kofi - African Drumming Celebration - February 3, 2023

As we begin to celebrate Black History Month, we will be enjoying a West African Drumming Assembly this Friday, February 3. Led by Kofi Donkor, Sankofa Drum Circle will take students on a journey through the rhythmic and oral tradition of West African drumming and culture. Sankofa means “going back to the roots” in the Twi language from Ghana. The spirit of Sankofa is to promote personal and community awareness through this art form steeped in West African cultural values and tradition.

PTA / IDEA NEXT MEETING - WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2023

The next meeting is of the PTA will be next Wednesday, February 8 at 6:30 pm in the Global Learning Commons at UNES. The IDEA committee will meet immediately after that meeting in the same space.

Spirit Week - February 13-17

Thanks to our building PBIS committee and our 5th grade Spirit Committee, we have developed a Spirit Week schedule for February 13-17.

During this week, we're looking to highlight Unity / Culture, Black History Month and Valentine's Day. Please help spread the word.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SPIRIT WEEK SCHEDULE

Rockland Read In - February 17

The Rockland Read In is scheduled for Friday, February 17.

The Rockland Read In is a one-day reading competition in which schools compete for the most minutes read in a single day. Schools with the most minutes read are awarded first, second and third place in the contest. Certificates will be sent to participating schools. CLICK HERE for the flyer.

If we win first, second or third place in this competition, Principal Dreves will allow 2 class representatives from each class to PIE HIM IN THE FACE. We'll then broadcast it for the entire school to watch!

Virtual Parent Coffee with Principal Dreves

Please be reminded that I hold a virtual parent coffee for any interested parents to join me from 9:30-10:00 on the third Friday of each month. Our next Virtual Coffee is FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2023.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SCHEDULE AND THE LINK

Youth Equity Strategists - YES

Youth Equity Strategists from fourth and fifth grade have been invited to join a meeting with Dr. Connally and Principal Dreves on Monday, February 27.

There are a total of 37 students who will be participating in this meeting. All students who returned a permission slip were accepted to participate in this important opportunity. I'm hopeful that this can be the beginning of something that occurs more often as we look to gather STUDENT VOICE in our efforts for more equitable outcomes!

Penguin Plunge - Sunday, March 5

Principal Dreves, Mrs. Maddalena (speech and language teacher) and Ms. Nikocevic (UNES Social Worker) will all be participating in the NYACK PENGUIN PLUNGE on Sunday, March 5. The Penguin Plunge is scheduled between 12 & 2pm at Memorial Park in Nyack. This fundraiser raises money for local children (including a Nyack MS student) who are facing difficult health challenges.

We invite anyone interested to support this incredible cause and/or come out to watch (or join) the fun! Principal Dreves will be plunging in full principal gear! Guaranteed for some laughs!

CLICK HERE FOR THE WEBSITE AND MORE INFORMATION.

CAREER DAY IS COMING

During the month of March, each of the elementary schools will be hosting virtual Career presentations. Students will have the opportunity to learn about different careers by viewing videos created by parents, community members and local businesses. We will be collecting videos from members of our community who are interested in showcasing their profession. These videos can be recorded on iMovie or screencast. Videos can be however long or short you wish and however creative you would like. Once collected they will be uploaded to a platform for student viewing.

We are reaching out to you, the members of our community and would love for you to participate! Do you have an exciting career or job that you would like to share with our students? Are you an entrepreneur? Did you start your own business? No career or job is too small or too large - the goal of this program is to expose our students to the wide variety of ways that they can be productive and self-sufficient.

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR THE LETTER REGARDING CAREER DAY

ARCHIVES ON OUR WEBSITE

There are archives of my community newsletter on the UNES WEBSITE - CLICK HERE, as well as on the UNESPTA Website (coming soon). If you can't find the old newsletters and are looking for info - you can find that info in these two places.

Mark Your Calendars!

Wednesday, February 1 - WORLD READ ALOUD DAY
Thursday, February 2 - Prevention of Sexual Harassment Policy Review
Friday, February 3 - Kofi African Drumming Assembly
Wednesday, February 8 - PTA/IDEA Meeting @ 6:30pm
Friday, February 17 - Rockland Read In Competition
Friday, February 17 - Virtual Parent Coffee with Principal Dreves
February 13-17 - Spirit Week
February 20-24 - WINTER RECESS (No School)
Sunday, March 5 - Penguin Plunge @ Memorial Park in Nyack.