June Updates & Information
Information for Families
Parent Information
This will be our last newsletter for the school year.
In the past few weeks, several conversations with parents and community members have been had throughout the district regarding the events here in the city as well as across the country. Embracing other cultures is an effective way to help fight systemic bias. That's why it's important to explain to your child that differences are what makes each of us special, not flawed. But how do we do this in an effective manner?
Teach your children to not ignore other people's differences, but to celebrate them. Teach children to love others and base their relationships on the content of the person and not what they look like. Laying the groundwork for a better world where people better empathize with one another and try to work together towards a common ground and solutions.
We want to be honest with our children about the very real inequalities and prejudices they may encounter, experience, and/or witness, but we also don't want to overwhelm our kids before they are developmentally ready to comprehend these situations, nor do we want to terrify them. It’s not time for parents to be silent. We want to encourage positive parenting by helping our children to identify meaningful and helpful ways to make a difference. It is helpful to have healthy conversations around what happened and also talk about ways to cope when you witness social injustice.
The protests we are seeing now will eventually die down and come to a close, however, the conversations must continue. That is why it is imperative that our parents talk about the issues making it easier to have these discussions together. Being open and honest with our children is the best way to answer questions, and teach children about this complicated, painful, and historic issue.
Considering all that we have been through, we truly appreciate your help and assistance through this time. Our students are lucky to have you. Makowski is lucky to have you too!
I want to thank you for all that you do with our children.
Please stay safe and healthy. Should you have any questions throughout the summer, please reach out.
Enjoy the summer!! Stay safe!!
Principal DiNatale
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End of School Information for Parents
On June 15th, 16th and 17th, from 8:30 to 3:30, you will be able to come to the building to pick up any materials and personal items left at the building by your student. You will also have the opportunity to hand in any work that your students have completed at home. This will also be the time to turn in textbooks.
Fourth grade students will also be receiving their Moving Up signs at this time as well. Please come and pick one up to display at your residence for your fourth grade child.
Students who have an iPad will keep their device through the summer. It is not being collected.
Virtual Summer school will be available this summer for students in grades Pk-6 who need extra support this summer. Families will be getting information soon regarding this program and if your child has bee recommended.
Please check with your child's teacher if you have questions.
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Fourth Grade Moving Up Ceremony
Please join us on June 17th for the virtual Moving Up ceremony.
We will host the ceremony at 11am and details will be sent out through the teacher pages regarding the website and access to watch the video.
Check the teacher pages for additional details and links for the ceremony.
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Virtual End of Year Celebration Information
Pre K and Kindergarten Celebrations on June 15th
More information and times can be found on each teacher's web page.
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SAVE THE DATE!!! Virtual Field Day!!!
Please join us June 16th for the Makowski Virtual Field Day.
We will have a variety of events throughout the day for you to participate in with your families. There will be a dance party, Pictionary, scavenger hunt, Simon Says and many more!!
Final details and time will follow so please watch more information to be coming your way!!
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Free Educational Websites for Home
Sometimes screen time is a necessity if we have children at home and work we need to do. Here are three apps that make screen time a learning time:
- CodeMonkey: a game-based education program that teaches children to code. It comes with a membership fee, but there's a free 14-day trial that doesn't require a credit card.
- BrainPop: Online learning across subject areas for children in kindergarten through middle school and ELL learning for all age groups. Free.
- Khan Academy: Online learning in math, science, and literacy for all age groups. Standards-aligned. Free.
- BrainPop: Fun, interactive educational activities for all ages and all subject areas
- Scholastic Learn at Home: Interactive learning journeys for all ages.
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Updates for Families
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are monitoring the coronavirus situation carefully and following all guidelines set by our District and and State Health Department. The purpose of this newsletter is to share facts and information, and to give you some suggestions of great websites for children.
For important updates, we will notify you through the district and school web pages.
Please don't hesitate to be in touch with questions or concerns.
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Facts about Coronavirus
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Stanley Makowski IB World School #99
Email: jlmohorter@buffaloschools.org
Website: https://www.buffaloschools.org/PS99
Location: 1095 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo, NY, USA
Phone: 7168164180
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MakowskiIBWorldschool/