The Chronicle
Educating Learners Today... Building Global Leaders Tomorrow
Mother Goose Learns a Lesson from Pre-K
Today Clear Stream Pre-K put on their very first play ever in the history of the school. The play entitled “Nursery Rhymes Make Me Happy” was well attended by students and parents alike. Students recited nursery rhymes that they memorized for the crowd and all were amazed. These young children have learned so much since September. Students also sang songs that highlighted their love of nursery rhymes and love of learning. Big shout out to Mrs. Aragona and Mrs. Rodriguez- Cortez for all of their hard work preparing our children for their Broadway debut. Big thanks to Mrs. Cooke for teaching songs to our children. Thank you to Ms. Reser for playing Mother Goose and finally, please join me in thanking our aides Mrs. Fortiz, Mrs. Singh, Mr Smith, Mrs. Persaud and Mrs. Ingram for assisting with the play.
Parent Teacher Conferences
As a parent, you are your child’s first and most important teacher. You have something in common with your child’s school. You both want your child to learn and do well. On March 29th and April 4th parent- teacher conferences will give you an opportunity to share important information about your child’s talents and needs. Hopefully you will learn something new about your child and learn how to assist them with their education. As parent-teacher conferences will be in person again this year, here are some ways that you can make the most of parent-teacher conferences so everyone wins, especially your child.
Like all good conversations, parent–teacher conferences are best when both people talk and listen. The conference is a time for you to learn about your child’s progress in school. Ask to see data about your child’s attendance, grades, and test scores. Find out whether your child is meeting school expectations and academic standards. This is also a time for the teacher to learn about what your
child is like at home. When you tell the teacher about your child’s skills, interests, needs, and dreams, the teacher can help your child more. Good parent–teacher conferences focus on how well the child is doing in school and their social-emotional well-being. In addition to progress, discussions should include pathways toward improvement. To prepare for the conversation, look at your child’s homework, tests, and notices before the conference. Just like you, teachers want your child to succeed. You will probably hear positive feedback about your child’s progress and areas for improvement. Be prepared by thinking about your child’s strengths and challenges beforehand. Be ready to ask questions about ways you and the teacher can help your child succeed.
What should you talk to the teacher about?
Progress: Find out how your child is doing by asking questions like: Is my child performing at grade level? How is he or she doing compared to the rest of the class? What do you see as his or her strengths? How could he or she improve?
Assignments and assessments: Ask to see examples of your child’s work and examinations. Your thoughts about your child. Be sure to share your thoughts and feelings about your child. Tell the teacher what you think your child is good at. Explain what he or she needs more help with.
Support learning at home: Ask what you can do at home to help your child learn. Ask if the teacher if they know of other programs or services in the community that could also help your child. Support learning at school: Find out what services are available at the school to help your child. Ask how the teacher will both challenge your child as well as support your child when he or she needs it.
Information gathered from the Harvard Family Research Project, October 2020
Taste Of Service
On Tuesday, March 21st Valley Stream District 30 will have its third annual Taste of Service. Shaw Avenue is proud to host this year’s family fair! On March 21st, from 6:00pm-8:00pm the Shaw Avenue doors will swing open because IT’S SHOWTIME and everyone is invited!
This district-wide event is dedicated to providing our families an inside look at the amazing learning experiences our kids encounter each and every day. Throughout the evening our guests will learn more about a variety of offerings at District 30 including: Pre-K - 5 core curriculums, technology platforms, enrichment/STEAM activities, reading and math multi-tiered supports and games, SEL strategies, speech and language techniques, special education mandates, mindfulness, physical & mental health awareness and so much more. Lookout for the distribution of family fliers. The night will be magical as several teachers will have orientations and workshops to inform the community about our services and clubs. These presentations will be visually inviting and will afford our families an up-close and detailed explanation of many of the amazing techniques and programs we offer the children in VS 30. We are fortunate to have a knowledgeable and expert staff that places student learning first. Hope to see you there. Taste of Service begins at 6:00 pm.
Author Adriana Devers
Reading is Fundamental
New Author
Authors Visit and Young Authors
6th Grade students received a visit from children’s book author, Adriana Devers. Mrs. Dever who is an author of several children's books and poetry is a champion of cultural diversity. Mrs. Devers, who was born and raised in the Dominican Republic, takes a multicultural approach when making art, including writing books. “My Little One in Full Moon” is one of her bilingual children’s books that features both English and Spanish content, and her other books and poems feature the Spanish-language as well. The author engaged with students by sharing parts of her book with sixth graders, helping them learn Spanish words while she expressed the importance of family.
While Mrs. Devers conveyed her love of reading and writing, she also showcased her multicultural background. Students stood up and salsa danced to Latin music alongside their peers, creating a sense of pride and homage to her heritage. The visit showed students ways to explore the richness of artistic expression, and that they should feel pride in their cultural backgrounds and our diverse community. (VS 30 Website)
While the 6th grade learned about reading and writing from an accomplished author, our k students became published authors. Students in Kindergarten class wrote books that highlighted their favorite thing or activity. Students took turns to reading their books to the class, and receiving applause from their peers. Clear Stream is dedicated to instilling the love of reading in all children.
Send in the Drones!
Drones were abuzz at Shaw Avenue Elementary School’s gymnasium as students from within Valley Stream District 30 raced to complete a variety of challenging tasks in the district’s first annual DroneBlock Championship.
Teams of 4th and 5th grade students from Clear Stream Avenue, Forest Road, and Shaw Avenue assembled on Feb. 11 to face-off. An obstacle course with several stages presented multiple challenges for the teams to navigate their drones to complete the “mission.” First, writing a series of codes on the spot, participants launched their drones and had them land inside different rings assigned point scores. Second, as one student manually piloted the drone, other team members directed them through several hoops before making a clean landing on a desk. Next, they took careful measurements and assembled code to prompt the drone up, over and in between two chairs. The competition concluded with an exciting event that mimicked real-life rescue operations. With a magnet attached to the drone via a string, the teams picked up paper clips and carried them to safety.
After the points were tallied, the Forest Road team came out on top with Clear Stream following in second place and Shaw Avenue in third place. Big shout out to Mr. Winston and the Clear Stream players Tristan Grey, Lucas Mata, and Christopher Lawrence. (VS 30 Website)
March Madness
March Madness Fitness Fest at Clear Stream is now a tradition. Every year, prior to State exams, the faculty and staff engage the students in healthy eating habits and physical fitness. This year's kickoff was a school-wide exercise station event. Students participated in a series of 10 stations in the hallway. Pre-k through 2 students did modified stations. Older students followed the stations to the best of their ability as listed. Children throughout the month will make healthy choices and earn prizes.
Ski Jumps
Squats
Workout and wellness
OTHER DISTRICT NEWSLETTERS
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