Mount Sinai Elementary Update
November 2023
A Message from Principal Catlin
Happy November! The most common question I get from students these days is “How did you get down from the wall?” I fell on my feet and I’m OK! The students have run the gamut from being worried about my health to asking when they can tape me to the wall again! Thank you to SEPTO and the Harlem Wizards for organizing a fundraiser that raised money for a good cause while also spreading a lot of laughs throughout the building during the month of October.
November is a strange month because we have Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and the half days for parent/teacher conferences. It flies by! Before you know it we will be in December and the holidays will be here. A reminder that the report cards come out three times a year so they will not be finished by your parent/teacher conference during November. The teacher should, however, be able to give you a general idea of how your son or daughter is doing and the report card should not come as a surprise after your conference.
A few things that have come up recently have been the use of Apple Watches (or in general smart watches) during the school day. I understand that parents may have a need for their children to have a device such as this in their backpack but they should not come out during the day for any reason and especially not for communication. With cell phones and communication devices that students need for afterschool transport or activities they should remain silent and stored in a backpack during the school day.
Also a reminder to please avoid double parking in the main parking lot and during the Pre-K drop-off in the morning. The drop-off lane is for quick drop-offs only and the students should get in and out quickly. If parents need to park or take more time with their children for any reason please find a parking spot in the lot (or on the grass) and officially park. Double parking creates a danger for students, at worst, and an inconvenience in the best case scenario for all involved.
I look forward to seeing all of you when you come in for your conferences. If for some reason I don’t have the chance to see you I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families.
Third Grade Trip to Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
Third graders attended the Outdoor Learning Lab at Caleb Smith State Park. Students visited with the naturalist at the Caleb Smith Lab Site, hiked in the woods and adopted a tree as part of their outdoor learning experience.
Cross-Grade Level Buddies
Mrs. Morris’ 1st graders and Mrs. Matz’s 4th graders met up for the first time this year as “buddies.” Each group of buddies introduced themselves, got to know one another, and then painted pumpkins together outside in the courtyard! Lots of smiles, laughs and hugs were shared! Everyone is looking forward to continuing this partnership throughout various learning opportunities and celebrations.
Enjoy this beautiful Autumn Read
In November by Cynthia Rylant is a story of Autumn. In this read, the air grows cold and the earth and all of its creatures prepare for winter. Click here to share this read with your family, perhaps while enjoying a cup of hot cocoa.
MSES Students Serving Others in Need
The MSES Student Council organized a food drive to benefit Long Island Cares and Trinity Church. MSES collected and sent 5 pallets of food to those in need!
Mustangs with Character
Every month we celebrate students displaying notable character traits that help make our school a great place to be! Congratulations to these students for being positive role models in our school for the month of October.
MSES Students of the Month
Everett Abdel-Misih
Artist of the Month
Emily Connors and Kennedy Cossack
Musicians of the Month
Caleb Belliard
Reader of the Month, Kindergarten
Adria Sacco
Reader of the Month, 1st Grade
Ava Jalayer
Reader of the Month, 2nd Grade
Kyle Kasten
Reader of the Month, 3rd Grade
Jack Jones
Reader of the Month, 4th Grade
Finn McCabe
Writer of the Month, Kindergarten
Olivia Giangola
Writer of the Month, 1st Grade
Sienna Malizia
Writer of the Month, 2nd Grade
Isabella Torio
Writer of the Month, 3rd Grade
Joseph Randazzo
Writer of the month, 4th Grade
Our Halloween Parade Celebration
Lions and Tigers and Bears...Oh my!
Fun was had by all for our Annual Halloween Parade.
Thank you to the parents for coming out and helping to make it special.
Reminders from the MSES Health Office
As the weather continues to get colder, we encourage all parents to see that their children are dressed appropriately for the weather. All children continue to go outdoors for Recess and Physical Education. Please label all coats, hats, mittens and gloves.
Additionally, please keep the Emergency Blue Cards updated with phone numbers of emergency contact people. This includes the case of if you will be away and someone is watching your child. Your child will only be released to the people who are on the Emergency Blue Card. To make any changes to the Emergency Blue Card, please email Mrs. Pantino at kpantino@mtsinai.k12.ny.us.
Lastly, please ensure that your voicemail on your cell phone is not full and able to accept messages in the case we need to contact you.
Important MSES Dates
- November 17th, 20th and 21st Parent Teacher Conferences. Please contact your teacher if you do not have a conference scheduled. Dismissal is at 11:15 am on each of those dates (11/17/ 23; 11/20/ 23; 11/ 21/ 23). As a reminder, please note that report cards are issued on a trimester basis, beginning in mid-December. Although, you will not be issued a report card at the upcoming Parent Teacher Conference, it is a wonderful opportunity to learn about your child's progress.
- November 22nd- 24th: No School; Thanksgiving Break