This Week
Fahari's Weekly Staff Memo: 12/17/2015 - 12/23/2015
A Message from Fahari's Principal: Stephanie Clagnaz, Ed.D.
Winter Wishes
2015 was a wonderful year for our family. We’ve had many celebratory moments and have been able to focus on things that are truly important: we’ve given and received love without reservation; we all have jobs; we have a roof over our heads; and have enough eat. The year was not without struggles, both at home and at work, but we have one another and because of that, we persevered.
We’ve had a good year at Fahari as well. Welcoming new students and staff has been a pleasure. New ideas have been brought to the table; teams have been able to incorporate fresh thoughts; our children continue to achieve and to show promise. As with my family, the year was not without struggles. However, we made it through by working together in the teams that collaborate in our community. Many, many people have taken on leadership roles, supporting one another on our journey and helping our students and their families to continue to grow.
Fahari could never be the place that it is without the dedication, hard work and love that members of our Fahari family consistently demonstrate. Every day, I witness the selflessness of so many...putting the needs of others ahead of our own. Whether we lend a helpful ear to a colleague in need of a new idea, share a suggestion with our team, support a family that is struggling, collaborate with community services so a child has a better chance to grow...we put the needs of others ahead of our own. This is the heart of Fahari; this is what makes our school different and truly special. And this only happens because of you.
Thank you. Thank you to our children, their families, our staff, our Board, our leaders, and to our beautiful teachers. Thank you for coming to school each day and giving it your all. Thank you for being where you need to be all the time. Thank you for your heart and for your mind. Thank you for your presence, be it actual or in your thoughts. Thank you for your sincerity; for your unabashed love and service to others. Thank you for failing, as when you do, you come back at it with more vigor and passion. Thank you for trying new things and for keeping the old stand-bys that work. Thank you for your acceptance of old friends and new ones. Thank you for your welcoming, generous spirit. And when you count up all of these thank yous, add some more.
As we embark on winter break, I encourage you to make time for family and friends, but also to make time for yourself. Endulge. Relax. Reflect. Be refreshed as you spend some well-deserved time away. I wish each of you a happy holiday season and a joyful, peaceful new year; one that is filled with all of the things that you graciously bring to our school each day. I know that your life will be better because of all that you do for Fahari.
Happy Holidays!
On Culture with Jared Roebuck - Assistant Principal
The close of the calendar year always creates an opportunity for reflection. Looking back on the past year at Fahari, I’m so proud of the progress we have made as a community. Despite the many challenges this community has faced--challenges that are extraordinary and uncommon in almost any other school--we have endured.
How have we done this?
A mentor of mine always reminds me to always choose “love over fear”. I believe we’ve made the progress we have because of our collective love for the work we have created together. Patricia Carini offers us the idea of the school as a work. She tells us that the school-- its curriculum, culture, teaching, and relationships-- are not dissimilar from the poems you write, your unpublished novel, or your favorite macaroni recipe. All of these are the products of the making and doing of people.
Like all things that are products of the making and doing of people, Carini tells that schools are “ever in the making”, meaning that we’re never quite done. I’m always trying to make the perfect brisket, or improve my craft as a writer.
Fahari is our collective work. It is a work that is truly "ever in the making". When I look at where we are in the process of "making and doing" school-- in creating something special for children--I feel nothing but pride in this community. Each of our gifts and talents is a thread in the tapestry that makes this place what it is. Over the last year, all of us have brought something special to this beautiful work-- and made a difference in the lives of children and families in East Flatbush.
As Carini says, “when there is abundant opportunity for making to happen, what one [person] makes, inspires others—that work build[s] on [others] work.” In 2016 I'm looking forward to continuing to be inspired by your work and the threads that we each bring to Fahari. Let's continue to do the "making and doing" of a little school in East Flatbush that has had the heart to do what's right for children, no matter the odds.
Culture Time with Edwin Santiago Jr. – Director of School Culture
Greetings Fahari Family,
As we come to the end of 2015, we reflect on what this year has brought us and wonder what 2016 will bring? Let’s take a moment to remember all the good each one of us has done to improve the lives of our students and families. It may be the warm greeting at the door to checking in with our students just to see how they are doing, the rapport we have built with them to help establish a sense of belonging or even the times we have asked a student for their P.R.I.D.E. Card to acknowledge something great that they have done. These moments; as small as they may seem to us, are life changing for our students. How many of us can still recall that moment when a teacher made a difference in our lives? It wasn’t a grand gesture but a small moment that made all the difference. That is how our students will remember us in the future.
Family Engagement Updates
Colleagues,
Happy Holidays to ALL!!!! It’s that wonderful time of the year for reflection, celebration and rejuvenation!
As we reflect on this past year with our families and loved ones, let’s also take time to reflect on the shared experiences that have strengthened our school community. It is through DETERMINATION that we continue to push forward, make adjustments and provide our students with the quality education they deserve!
As we celebrate with our families and loved ones, we should also celebrate the many accomplishments of our students, families and staff. It is these small wins and victories that collectively push us in the direction towards EXCELLENCE!
As we rejuvenate ourselves with a fresh start in the new year, let’s remember to nourish and RESPECT our own minds, bodies and souls so we can return with a renewed sense of energy and commitment towards servicing our students and families.
On behalf of the families and students at Fahari Academy, THANK YOU for the transformative work that you do with our children each and every day.
Wishing you ALL Happy Holidays and prosperous NEW YEAR!!!!!!
~Ms. Clarke, Director of Family Engagement
Ops Updates
NYS Compliance - BEDS Staff Snapshot
Returning Teachers:
Last year you filled out a BEDS survey in order for the NYS Board of Education to complete our Staff Snapshot. In order to complete this survey you were issued a PIN number that was sent to you via email. You are required to complete the same survey for this year with the same PIN number you used last year. If you do not remember or have access to your PIN number, please request a duplicate by contacting NYCCharterData@esboces.org.
New Teachers:
The state is sending your PIN numbers, you should receive them shortly.
Angie will let all teachers know when the portal is open to begin the survey. Once the portal is open if you need assistance, please reach out to Angie.
Report Cards - End of Quarter 2 is January 29th
I received feedback from a few teachers that it would be better if grades were due before comments because grades drive the comments. After hearing the logic it made complete sense to me. Moving forward, starting with MP2 grades will be due before comments.
Grades Due - Monday, February 1st
Comments Due - Wednesday, February 3rd (Comment template will be available on or before Monday, January 25th)
As always if you have any questions and/or feedback please reach out to me.
Transit Check Payroll Deductions
Your Transit Visa cards are on the way! This month you, will see the full deduction on your December 31st paycheck. Moving forward your deduction will be split 50/50 between both pay periods for the month.
Example:
If you allocated a $100 monthly deduction for your metro card, on December 31st you will see a payroll deduction for the first month that is close to $80-$90. Keep in mind the transit check deduction is pre-tax, so there is a small savings.
If you allocated a $100 monthly deduction for your metro card, starting January you will see a deduction each pay period - You will see a $40-45 payroll deduction on the 15th of each month and $40 - $45 on the 31st of the month.
If you choose to cancel this benefit, please let Angie know so we can discontinue your deductions. Any balance left on your card will remain on the card until the balance is exhausted or the card expires.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to my Fahari Family!!!!!! I look forward to celebrating with everyone at our ALL Staff Holiday event on Friday, January 15, 2016!
~ Beverly Parsons, Director of Operations
Upcoming Events
Thursday, December 24th, 2015
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MS. MILLER!!
Thursday, December 24th, 2015 to Sunday, January 3rd, 2016
Winter Recess
No School for Students or Staff - School Building Closed
Wednesday, January 6th, 2016
Parent Teacher Conferences
@ Fahari Academy from 2:30 - 5:30 PM
Thursday, January 14th, 2016
PGC Outreach 4
Thursday, January 14th, 2016
Winter Ball
@ Fahari Academy from 3:00 - 6:00 PM
Friday, January 15th, 2016
Annual All Staff Holiday Party
Monday, January 18th, 2016
Holiday - Martin Luther King Jr Day
No School for Students or Staff - School Building Closed