Family Weekly News
October 8, 2018
Dear Brooklyn Collaborative Families,
Come join us at 610 Henry Street on Saturday afternoon, October 27th, from 12 - 4p.m. for AppleFest--- the BCS and BNS annual fall, family-fun, fundraising community-builder.
We look forward to seeing BCS and BNS families and friends come out in record numbers enjoying the live music, play games like basketball and soccer shootout, pressing apples,face painting, doing the freeze dance, sliding down the bouncy slide, indulging your palate in sumptuous waffles, 5-alarm chili, hamburgers, gourmet sandwiches, apples, catching up on how the school year is going, and so much more!
All the proceeds will benefit BCS and BNS students.
We also want to give a big thank you to the newest members of the Brooklyn Collaborative families who attended our second annual New Families Fall Potluck and made this event a community success! See some of the photos below.
We had a veritable feast of amazingly delicious appetizers, main dishes, and desserts which indulged our palettes and left us wanting the recipes for every dish.
We want to give a shout out to PTA Executive Member Lucia Edwards (member-at-large) for coming out to meet everyone. We also want to give a super huge thank you to Student Ambassadors Sierra Edwards (12th grade) and Ethan Yeung (12th grade) for helping to set up, serve, and engage students in the lower grades and their families. Last, but certainly not least, we want to share a heartfelt thank you to Kia, Obie, and Helene for coming out, supporting, and spreading loads of cheer with our families!!
Some families made their home at BCS last Friday! In addition to breaking bread and building community at our New Families Fall Potluck, they also joined us Friday morning for a light breakfast to kick off our Family Breakfast Series with a discussion on mastery based grading at BCS.
We look forward to seeing more families attend our community events as part of our Pledge4Family Engagement campaign.
In partnership,
Scill, Amanda, Imani (BCS School Leaders)
Tracey (BCS Parent Coordinator)
UPCOMING DATES
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
- 10/8 - No school (Columbus Day)
- 10/10 - Upper Grades Admissions Tour & Info Session (BCS 8th Grade Families Only)
- 10/11 - Upper Grades Expeditionary Thursday (Social Studies)
- 10/18 - Lower Grades ET
- 10/21 - BCS Walking for Change: Making Strides at Brooklyn (Coney Island Boardwalk MCU Park)
- 10/25 - Upper Grades ET (Science)
- 10/27 - BCS/BNS Apple Fest
- 11/1 - Lower Grades ET
- 11/2 - Family Breakfast Series (8:15 - 9:00 a.m.)
- 11/8 - Upper Grades ET (ELA)
- 11/6 - No school for students (Election Day/Chancellor's Conference Day for Staff Development
- 11/12 - No school (Veterans Day)
- 11/13 - SLT Meeting (4:30 - 6:00 p.m.)
- 11/13 - PTA Executive Board Meeting (6:00 - 6:30 p.m.)
- 11/13 - PTA General Meeting (6:30 - 8:00 p.m.)
- 11/15 - Lower Grades ET
- 11/16 - BCS Potluck Community Feast: A Circle of Thanks
- 11/22 -11/23 - No school (Thanksgiving Recess)
- 11/29 - Student Led Conferences (evening)
- 11/30 - Student Led Conferences (afternoon)
Check this link for weekly highlights:http://www.bcs448.org/2018/10/08/10-1-5-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
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Brooklyn Collaborative Earns Bronze Best High Schools Badge!
- US News & World Report released their 2018 Best High Schools rankings and Brooklyn Collaborative is a winner!
- Brooklyn Collaborative was among the elite schools that scored high enough to earn a Bronze Best High Schools “badge.” The badge is posted on our website.
- New York City has 113 of the country's best public high schools, according to the latest release. In New York City, 20 high schools were recognized with a gold medal, 43 schools with silver and 50 with bronze.
- The 2018 rankings evaluated over 20,500 public high schools. U.S. News identified schools that best serve all students and assessed how prepared students are for college-level work.
- Less than 30% of the schools nationwide earned the right to display a badge and to be called Best High Schools. U.S. News badges are widely recognized as symbols of excellence in education.
- Here is the updated information published about our school, including details about the award status: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/new-york/districts/new-york-city-public-schools/brooklyn-secondary-school-for-collaborative-studie-13291
SUNY Downstate Medical Center School Based Health Clinic: Here 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
BCS set to roll out PupilPath--our online student information program
- During the week of 10/22, we will be mailing home your login information for PupilPath, our new online student information program that is replacing Engrade Pro.
- Students will receive their login information the week of 10/22 from their crew leaders. Families will be mailed their logins. We will also email out a PowerPoint presentation that explains how to login. We will also post the directions on our website. On parent evenings like Student-Led Conferences, we will also have staff in our computer lab ready to help you log in if you needsupport.
- PupilPath provides information about student attendance and mastery levels. For upper grades students, PupilPath also provides historical transcripts and tracks progress towards graduation. We are confident that you will find PupilPath user-friendly. Stay tuned for more updates about PupilPath!
Join us for Apple Fest: We need you!
WHAT IS IT?
- AppleFest is a GIANT BLOCK PARTY held at the school. It's a joint BCS/BNS Fall Fundraiser/Community Builder. This year the BCS focus is "Our Kids." We're going to have BCS student performances, games for middle school and high school students, and as much parent support as we can. Plan for an afternoon of fun, frivolity, and fabulous food!! Join us for arts + crafts, a flea market, basketball tournament, fashion show, apple pressing, games, homemade apple pie, chili, live music, cheerleading performances, and so much more! Bring family and friends.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
- All the proceeds will benefit BCS & BNS students. It helps us fund college tours, camping trips and more! Be sure to wear your BCS shirts to show our presence in full force.
QUESTIONS? Interested in helping from afar? Have an idea for the event?
- Email Cathleen BcsPtaSecretary@gmail.com (BCS) or AnnMarie:amatava@gmail.com (BNS)
SPORTS CORNER
BCS Girls & Boys Varsity Basketball Tryouts (High School Students)
- WHAT: Girls & Boys Varsity Basketball Tryouts
- WHO: Grades 9 - 12
- WHEN: Girls Varsity on Friday, October 19th from 3:15 - 5:15 p.m. & Saturday, October 20th from 12:15 to 2:00 p.m.
- WHEN: Boys Varsity on Friday October 19th from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. & Saturday October 20th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- REQUIREMENTS: To try out, students must have a completely signed and initialed permission slip. The student's medical form must also be completely filled out with an official doctor's stamp. NO EXCEPTIONS.
- LINKS TO FORMS: http://www.psal.org/PDF/Official/2012_PSAL%20Interscholastic%20Athletics%20Parental%20Consent%20Form%200812.pdf
- http://www.psal.org/PDF/Miscellaneous/2018_Interscholastic%20Sports%20Examination%20form%20changed%209-25-2018%20without%20watermark.pdf
CLUB CORNER: LUNCH TIME & AFTER SCHOOL
Join the BCS Middle School RoboSharks Robotics Team
- WHAT: Are you a middle school student who is interested in designing, building, programming, and operating robots to play a floor game in an alliance format? Join BCS Middle School RoboShark Robotics team and participant in US FIRST® Tech Challenge ROVER RUCKUS!
- WHEN: Every Wednesday & Thursday
- TIME: 3:15PM to 4:30PM
- WHERE: Room 423
- ATTEND ORIENTATION: Wednesday, October 17th
- FOR MORE INFORMATION: See Thomas D. or email him at thomas@bcs448.org
Join the Debate Club! ALL STUDENTS Welcomed! No Experience Necessary!
- WHAT: This is our 3rd year participating in the NYC Urban Debate League. Learn the basics of researching and preparing an argument, predicting your opponent's arguments, and working together to build the strongest case you can. Tournaments are typically on Saturdays, every other month, at other NYC public schools.
- WHY: Students who join speech and debate hone their critical thinking skills, sharpen their writing and reading skills, learn how to speak publicly, master several academic areas, and show academic achievement
- WHO: 6-12th graders (ALL STUDENTS)
- WHEN: 3:15 - 4:30 Wednesdays and Thursdays: (Every other Wednesday when Adam has after-school meetings. Next meeting is Wednesday, October 10)
- WHERE: Room 411
- Questions? E-mail adamc@bcs448.org
Lunchtime Study: Computer Lab in 511 Open to UG Students
- WHAT: Computer Lab in 511 is open for UG students
- WHEN: Monday, Wednesday, & Friday during lunch!
- TIME: 1240 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
AFTER SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES
YWCA @ BCS After School Program: Grades 6 - 8
- This week the YWCA @ BCS After-School Program facilitated Art inspired by some of our students’ favorite books.
- We also celebrated one of our 7th grader's birthday this past Tuesday! Nathalie Nieves turned the big 13 this week and was beyond happy to celebrate her special day with her after school friends!
- To learn more about our after-school program, please contact Program Director, Janet Cooper at Jcooper@ywcanyc.org.
STUDENT CORNER: RESOURCES, EVENTS, & OPPORTUNITIES
Teen Apprenticeships at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
- WHAT: 2019 Garden Apprentice Program (GAP) at Brooklyn Botanic Garden. GAP is a great way for teens to learn about urban agriculture, science, and the environment while working in one of the most exciting public gardens in the world! Apprentices can work their way up the four-tier program, potentially earning a paid position as a Tier 4 Apprentice. BBG Garden Apprentices: Work with children, behind the scenes with staff, and with Garden visitors; learn about botany and environmentalism; grow, harvest, and cook their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs in the Children’s Garden; and explore Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s plant collections and greenhousesDevelop job skills, including teamwork, communication, and responsibility.
- WHO: Grades 8–11
- FOR MORE INFORMATION & APPLICATION: Contact Eric Au and Ruth Ballenzweig at 718-623-7328. Visit bbg.org/gap for applications, photos, and frequently asked questions or attend the Info Session on Saturday, November 3rd at 2:00 p.m.
- RESERVE SPOT @ INFO SESSION: Email gap@bbg.org, call 718-623-7252, or visit Facebook page/RSVP for the Info Session
- APPLICATIONS: Due Wednesday, November 28th.
FAMILY CORNER: RESOURCES, EVENTS, & OPPORTUNITIES
Free English Classes in NYCDOE District 15
- WHAT: Free English Classes in NYCDOE District 15
- WHEN: Began September 20th
- WHERE: Sunset Park/Kensington/Gowanus & Neighboring Areas: Sunset Park High School; Sunset Park Senior Center; PS 230 Doris L. Cohen; PS 94 The Henry Longfellow
- FOR MORE INFORMATION: Cal 718-240-2770
LIBRARY CORNER
BCS Librarians rave about The Hate U Give
- BCS Librarians Susan and Amanda Clarke went last week to a screening of the film The Hate U Give and gave it 5 stars--- calling it “a beautiful representation of a ground-breaking and important book.”
- The Hate U Give was the BCS/BNS Library’s most highly circulated teen book last year.
- Our 9th graders are currently reading the novel in their ELA class.
- BCS/BNS's new "Teen Corner' is a comfy place that our 7th graders enjoyed last week!
CLASSROOM, COLLABORATION, & CURRICULUM SPOTLIGHT
EL Education Beginning of Year (BOY) Meeting
- Annual EL Education Beginning of Year (BOY) meeting took place last Tuesday, 10/2, with teacher-leaders, student representatives, administration, parents, and NYC Outward Bound staff.
- This meeting helps us get a baseline on our school goals as outlined in our work plan/CEP.
- Everyone looked at the available data sources and collaborated on next steps to help BCS make progress toward benchmarks.
BCS College Office Preps for College Application Week
- In preparation for College Application Week, the College Office arranged for a special assembly for the Class of 2019 with our CUNY Representative.
- Students had the opportunity to hear first hand about the application process and the wonderful opportunities at the City University of New York.
BCS partners for 3rd Year with NYC Council Program Generation Citizen
- Baruch College student, Chokey Tenzin, leads a discussion about political involvement and change as part of Brooklyn Collaborative’s 3rd year with NYC Council program Generation Citizen. Our partnership teachers are Stephen and Tamika.
US History 2nd Annual Premiere Night: An Evening to Remember!!
- Shout out to all the 11th grade students and teachers John, Chrissy, and Seana for an engaging US History Premiere Night last Thursday, October 4th from 5-7pm in the Auditorium.
- We were soooooooo proud of our students and teachers who spent the first few weeks of school critically examining different narratives of the Columbus encounter with the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean. They were then tasked with coming up with their own narratives to tell the story!
- 11th graders demonstrated persistence and responsibility as they put in tons of time after school prepping for their trailer premieres. We had about 50 students come for after school help for US History leading up to premiere night! They packed the 511 Computer Lab! We had 2 experts in, Cecelia and Ashish, who helped students edit and give feedback.
- This expedition highlights the importance and power of authorship when constructing historical narratives - who is left out, who is included, and what are the impacts of these choices?
- Students chose to tell their stories in a myriad of genres--demonstrating their firm grasp of story telling and film techniques. Check out some of the trailers here!
- Below are each period's winners!
- Period 1: “The Columbus Playhouse” -Michael Morales, Katherine Obando, Jalen Knight, Samuel Harney, Joseline Gausin
- Period 2: “The Mean Colonists” - Diana Mateo, Maria Flores, Hunter Murphy, David Santos, Jonathan Ramirez
- Period 4: “The Haunted Legacy” - Gabriel Rivera, Angela Jiang, Kayla Rosa
- Period 7/8 ALSO WON THE GOLDEN TEXTBOOK!!!! - “The Chrisco Killer” - Marselys Williams, Ulises Mendez, Rosalie Mendez, Chasiti Reed
- Best Actors: Maria Flores & Gabriel Rivera
- Most Collaborative - Chrystal Roman
- Check out some of the trailers here: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPwQ_EggdyIaPDVPR6gydy20tR7OLiQ2De3MDUkpK6RlYYFZLwDv0y0-2CNj_4Nsg?key=U0Z1LTNkdEhfMmxocnZpRFlHX25ONXQzc2lWSHlB
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
School Lunch Form: Please Complete As Soon As Possible
- Please complete your lunch form online at https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application as soon as possible.
- In applying online, you will avoid the hassle of submitting a paper form. You can apply online using any computer, tablet, or smartphone with an internet connection. When asked to find your child's school during the application, on the drop down menu, please find 15K448 - Brooklyn School for Collaborative Studies.
- Reminder that successful completion of the forms by all BCS families brings additional money to the school for student programs and designates your child as eligible for potential financial scholarships
Important Vaccination Info 2018-2019
What vaccinations should my child have?
- 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.
FUNDRAISING CORNER
Brooklyn Collaborative Wish List 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 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 41