Family & Student Weekly News
September 9, 2019
Dear Brooklyn Collaborative Famiilies,
What a wonderfully supportive and exciting beginning to the 2019-2020 school year! Thank you new and returning families for making the opening days a positive and joyful experience from your kind words to your classroom donations.
610 Henry Street is once again pulsating with the creative energy of your children. Our classrooms buzzed with laughter, excitement, and anticipation familiar to opening days. We came together for the Beginning of the Year Kick Off Town Hall Meetings--one Lower Grades and one Upper Grades, which culminated in a nail-biting Staff vs. Students Musical Chairs Challenge!
Students also met in their Crews, engaged in trust-building icebreakers, participated in circles and team-building initiatives, reviewed school policies, expectations, and Core Values, met new staff and students as well as reconnected over with returning staff and students over a breakfast of assorted bagels and fruit, shared summer stories and experiences, visited local parks, received their new class schedules and reviewed classroom norms, set academic goals, and so much more, as they enthusiastically looked ahead to the new year.
We are grateful to the PTA Executive Board for their back to school bake sale. Their welcoming smiles and tasty breakfast treats were the perfect kickoff!
It was a delight to see over 110+ families attend our annual Incoming New Families Welcome and Info Session. We look forward to seeing many more families at Curriculum Night on Thursday, September 26th---another avenue for you to be actively engaged in your child’s school life.
At Curriculum Night you will be able to meet your child’s teachers, learn more about the BCS curricula, special programs, activities, and so much more. Come with your energy, enthusiasm, questions, ongoing commitment to be involved!! Our goal is 100% turnout.
We encourage you to become a familiar face at BCS. We value your support and involvement at BCS and count on your active presence and participation. Families who are involved in their child’s education have children who are more likely to experience higher levels of academic success.
Thank you for being part of the BCS family, partnering with us, and trusting us with your children. We are humbled and honored to teach and learn from and with such special and incredible young people. We recognize that their success requires a strong home and school connection---support from each of us. Our strong partnership will make a significant difference in your child’s academic and social life.
In partnership,
Scill and Imani (BCS School Leaders)
Tracey Pinkard (Parent Coordinator)
UPCOMING DATES
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
- 9/9 - Academic classes begin
- 9/10 - PTA Executive Board Meeting (6:00 - 6:30 p.m.)
- 9/10 - PTA General Meeting (6:30 - 8:00 p.m.)
- 9/1 1- YWCA @ BCS Lower Grades After School begins
- 9/23-9/26 - BCS/BNS Fall Book Fair
- 9/26- Curriculum Night (5:15 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.)
- 9/30 & 10/1 - No School (Rosh Hashanah)
- 10/3 - Lower Grades Expeditionary Thursday (ET)
- 10/4 - New Families Fall Potluck
- 10/8 - SLT Meeting (4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.)
- 10/8 - PTA Executive Board Meeting (6:00 - 6:30 p.m.)
- 10/8 - PTA General Meeting (6:30 - 8:00 p.m.)
- 10/9 - No School (Yom Kippur)
- 10/10 - Upper Grades Expeditionary Thursday (ET)
- 10/11: BCS Family Night: Movie Under the Stars/Film Shorts Under the Stars (5:30 -7:30 p.m.)
- 10/14 - No School (Columbus Day)
- 10/19 - BCS/BNS Apple Fest
Check this link for weekly highlights: https://www.bcs448.org/2019/09/08/9-3-6-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.
PTA CORNER
BCS PTA Kickoff Meeting: Tuesday, September 10th @ 6:30 p.m.
- Who: You! All of us!
- What: First PTA (Parent Teacher Association) Meeting
- When: Tuesday, Sept 10, 6:30 PM
- Where: BCS Cafeteria (ground floor) - Pizza provided! Kids welcome play or do homework.
- Why:
> To be CREW not PASSENGERS
Let's show the kids what that looks like.
>To meet each other
Celebrate our DIVERSITY as we build our COMMUNITY.
> To stay up-to-date
At PTA meetings we hear directly from the source: Principal Scill Chan and our AP Imani Matthews give reports every time..
> To make a difference
Help plan and organize the important fundraisers that support the extras (ETs, camping trips, college tours and supplies, supplies, supplies) - what makes our school special. We need every pair of hands to make it happen!
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
BCS New Families Fall Potluck: Friday, October 4th @ 5:30 p.m.
- WHAT: New Families Fall Potluck--a fun and festive way to settle into the new school year! Bring a favorite main dish, side dish or salad, and/or a delicious dessert that tickles your appetite! Bring enough to share with at least 5-6 people. Paper goods and plastic ware will be provided.
- WHY: A wonderful informal opportunity to meet other new families and build a community over the coming years in middle and high school! The Fall Potluck is for all families with a new student entering Brooklyn Collaborative AND any current BCS families who wish to welcome our new families.
- WHEN: Friday, October 4th
- TIME: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
- WHERE: BCS/BNS Cafeteria
- PLEASE RSVP OR FOR MORE INFORMATION: Imani at imani@bcs448.org or Tracey at tracey@bcs448.org
Attendance Matters
- The DOE considers students who are absent about two (2) days a month to be "chronically absent." This means they have less than 90% attendance.
- At the end of the year, a student under 90% attendance has around 18 days of absence, or the equivalent of approximately two absences per month.
- As such, we encourage your child to be present each day in school and to always bring in doctors notes to excuse absences when sick. .
- We also encourage your to schedule vacations/appointments outside of school hours/days whenever possible.
We Need You: Please Fill Out Your Lunch Form ASAP & Support Student Programs
- WE NEED ALL FAMILIES TO FILL OUT YOUR SCHOOL LUNCH FORM ONLINE (https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application) using our school name (Brooklyn Collaborative Studies 15K448).
- Breakfast and lunch are free to every student every day, regardless of income. Even if your child does not eat school lunch, please complete the school lunch form. Your income information is confidential.
- Your school lunch form helps our school to qualify for Title I funding. Last year, we received almost $500,000 in Title I funding to support student programs, teacher salaries, afterschool programs, and much more.
- If you have any questions or need assistance filling out the form, please contact Parent Coordinator Tracey Pinkard (tracey@bcs448.org )or 718-923-4700 x4103). Thank you very much for your support!
September School Menu: Free Lunch (and Breakfast) for All Students!
- Where can you have your child have lunch for free that includes a deliciously diverse menu such as teriyaki Chicken Sliders, garlic knots, spicy chicken sandwich, New York Hot pretzel, mozzarella sticks, turkey burgers, beef/cheese burger, tacos, vegetable egg roll and roasted zucchini, sweet potato flies, fresh green salad with chick peas, broccoli, cauliflower, and sooooo much more?
- Encourage your child to eat lunch daily in the cafeteria and enjoy our new lunch menu that provides meals that meet the needs of students who enjoy meat as well as those who identify as vegetarians, pescatarians, ovo-lacto vegetarian, and vegans!
- The salad bar will still be available to students as well as seasonal fresh fruit.
- If a student does not wish to eat a warm entree dish, the menu includes entree alternatives: peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, cheese sandwiches, grab and go salads, humus gram & go, and assorted deli sandwiches.
- Please encourage your child to take advantage of the free lunches available to ALL CHILDREN. There is now something available to meet everyone's taste buds!!
- Check out the menu below.
- http://www.schoolfoodnyc.org/public/PDF_Handler.ashx?t=m&id=5408&name=High+School+Lunch+Menu
BCS Packet of Forms: Return to Your Child’s Crew Leader ASAP
- All students received a packet of forms about school detailing expectations and important policies.
- Please review carefully and make sure you have completed the entire packet of forms and returned to your child's crew leader as soon as possible.
- For more information: Contact Tracey at Tracey@bcs448.org or 718-923-4700 X4102
Important Vaccination Info 2019-2020
- 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.
SUNY Downstate Medical Center School Based Health Clinic: 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
Curriculum Night: Thursday, September 26th @ 5:15pm
We hope to have 100% family turnout for this event
Take the opportunity to meet your child’s teacher, learn more about our curriculum, and sign up for engaging workshops on a range of topics.
- Learn more about our Restorative Practices approach, our internship program, our Crew program and crew camping trips; PBATs; Lower Grades After School Program; the college application process, resources available to support your child, including IXL educational website, and so much more. We’ll see you at Curriculum Night!
SPORTS CORNER
Family Sports Night: Friday, September 13th - Learn About High School Sports Program
- Join us for our high school family sports night in our school's auditorium. Two sessions will be offered on Friday September 13th from 4:30 to 5:30pm and again from 5:45pm to 6:45pm.
- Please choose a time slot that best works with your schedule. We are offering 2 different times each evening to be flexible for parents and their schedules.
- If you're interested in your child playing a high school sport, please join us for an informative evening to discover which interscholastic sports we offer at BCS.
- Learn specific academic and attendance eligibility standards required for your child to participate and stay active throughout the season and school year. We will review medical clearance as well as parental consent. I look forward to seeing you and your family at a session.
- Light refreshments will be available. GO WOLVES!!
STUDENT CORNER: RESOURCES, EVENTS, & OPPORTUNITIES
BCS Club Expo: Tuesday, September 17th from 3:15 - 4:00 p.m.
- On Tuesday, September 17th, BCS will host a Club Expo after school from 3:15 - 4:00 p.m. where teachers will showcase the clubs they are offering, including Robotics, LGBTQ & BLM, Debate, Crochet & Jewelry Making Club, Walk-for-Change Community Service, Chorus, BCS School Newspaper, Dissection Club, Anime, and so much more!!
- Start your own club, if you do not find a club offered that you wish to join.
- Pick up an application from Imani in room 516.
CUE Teen Collective Applications are Open
- WHAT: The CUE Teen Collective is a free, year-long after-school program designed for NYC high school students who are passionate about visual culture and interested in exploring careers in the fine arts.
- WHEN: Participants meet on Wednesday afternoons from October through May to investigate the contemporary art world, develop professional skills, and produce artwork for a group exhibition in CUE Art Foundation’s gallery space in Manhattan.
- WHO: All NYC high school students in grades 10 and 11 with a demonstrated interest will be considered, but space is limited.
- APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 20, 2019. Interviews of successful applicants will be held on September 25, 2019, and classes begin on October 2, 2019.
- MORE INFORMATION: Contact Josephine Heston at josephine@cueartfoundation.org
AFTER SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES
YWCA @ BCS Lower Grades After School Program begins on Wednesday, Sept. 11th at 3:05 p.m.
Brooklyn Collaborative has partnered with the YWCA of Greater New York to provide an exciting after school program for our lower grades students (Grades 6-8).
Parents and/or students are welcome to pick up an application (in English and Spanish) in Room 405 during the week of 9/9.
Space is limited!
Our after school program is offered at no cost to our families in Grades 6-8.
Students will be provided with a nutritional snack and scheduled time for homework help.
Students will have a choice of engaging educational and enrichment classes from which to select, including literacy & civic engagement, cookings, robotics, STEM engineering, leadership development, visual & performing arts. Students will also participate in a range of wonderful field trips throughout the year.
During the first two weeks, the students will complete an orientation and have a modified schedule of team building activities and special workshops.
For more info, please contact the Program Director (Janet Cooper) at 646-710-1642 or Jcooper@YWCAnyc.org
SCHOOL POLICY REMINDERS
BCS Cellphone & Electronics Policy
- During instructional time, students must put cell phones and headphones in bookbags or lockers everyday, including on fieldwork.
- During lunch, students may use cell phones to play a game on their device quietly, read an electronic book or listen to music with headphones.
- .We expect families to message that electronics are to be invisible at school. Families should not contact their children during school and expect a response. If a student is not responsible with their device during school hours, we encourage parents to contract with their child, confiscate the device, turn off particular apps/features on their child’s device, and/or work with the cellular carrier to limit internet/data access during school hours.
Out-to-Lunch Pass Contract
6th-8th Grade Out to Lunch Pass Contract
- Lower Grade students will have to earn an out to lunch pass based on their overall attendance in their classes and their positive expression of our core values.They cannot go out to lunch until after their first semester grades.
- Here is the Lower Grades: Out to Lunch Pass Contract
9th Grade Out to Lunch Pass Contract
9th graders will have to earn an out to lunch pass based on their 7th period lateness and their first quarter grades. They cannot go out to lunch until after first quarter grades.
Here is the Grade 9: Out to Lunch Pass Contract
READERS’ CORNER
FUNDRAISING CORNER
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
- 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 410 when school begins.