February Newsletter
February 2024
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Greetings Caregivers,
We hope this message finds you well and thriving as we step into the month of February. As we navigate through the winter season, our school community continues to thrive with enthusiasm and dedication.
This February, we commemorate Black History Month, a time to honor the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history. Our educators will incorporate lessons and activities that highlight the rich cultural heritage and significant impact of Black individuals in shaping our world. We invite you to engage in conversations with your children about the importance of diversity and inclusion.
Our school thrives when families are actively involved. We encourage you to participate in our upcoming virtual and in-person events. Your input is invaluable and we appreciate your commitment to creating a vibrant and supportive school community.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to a month filled with growth, learning, and celebration.
Warm regards,
Dr. Wiggan
ACADEMIC HIGHLIGHTS
Humanities Update
Classes 6-8th grade ELA department have been wrapping up their current novels
6th - Phineas Gage and nonfiction science.
7th - The Last Cuentista and Mexican folklore.
8th - March and Civil Rights.
Teachers are using new close reading strategies to support as they finish and move onto Test Prep. East Harlem Scholars Academies encourages all scholars to red at least 30 minutes each day outside of the school required readings. Students have history work to complete in class and have been graded on those tasks. Please remind your scholars to put their names on the work.
Math Update
In Math class, students are currently receiving state test tutoring during Math Stories, utilizing the Edvista program to integrate technology into their lessons. We believe that this approach not only enhances their learning experience but also prepares them for the upcoming challenges.
Key Dates:
February 27 and 28: Students will be taking their second Math IA on computers. This exercise is designed to gear up our students, providing them with valuable experience and confidence ahead of the Math State Test.
Parental Support: To further assist your child in achieving success, we kindly request that you encourage them to engage in reading and math activities for approximately an hour each day over the weekends. This practice will help reinforce the concepts they are learning in school and bridge any potential gaps.
If you require additional resources or have any questions, please feel free to reach out to your child's primary teachers. They are here to provide the necessary assistance and support.
Contact Information:
Mr. Jarvis and Mr. Regalado: 6th Grade Math
Jjarvis@eastharlemscholars.org
Rregalado@eastharlemscholars.org
Mr. TW and Mr. Hosier: 7th Grade Math
dThompson-Williams@eastharlemscholars.org
ahosier@eastharlemscholars.org
Ms. Adanri and Ms. K: 8th Grade Math
Inclusive Learning
Shout out to all classroom teachers.
This semester teachers are focusing on increased opportunities to incorporate Universal Design for Learning and Differentiation.
What are the UDL guidelines?
The UDL guidelines are a tool used in the implementation of Universal Design for Learning. The guidelines offer a set of concrete suggestions that can be applied to any discipline or domain to ensure that all learners can access and participate in meaningful, challenging learning opportunities. UDL is based on three principles that focus on providing multiple and varied approaches to learning.
Principles
Provide multiple means of Engagement
Scholars differ in the ways in which they can be engaged and motivated to learn. There are many factors that can influence individual variation in affect including neurology, culture , personal relevance, subjectivity, and background knowledge etc. There is not one means of engagement that will be optimal for all learners in all contexts; providing multiple options for engagement is essential.
Provide multiple means of Representation
Scholars differ in the ways that they perceive and comprehend information that is presented to them. Learners require different ways of approaching content depending on their specific need(s) and learning styles. There is not one means of representation that will be optimal for all learners; providing multiple options for representation is essential.
Provide Multiple means of Action & Expression
Learners differ in the ways that they can navigate a learning environment and express what they know. Scholars approach learning tasks differently based on their needs and abilities. There is not one means of action and expression that will be optimal for all learners; providing multiple options for action and expression is essential.
Tips for supporting your scholar at home:
Communicate with their teachers. Supporting your child’s learning at home starts with knowing what they are doing in school. Talk to their teacher about their Individual Education Plan (IEP) and what you can be doing to help your child reach their goals. Meet with their teachers and school therapists regularly to understand your child’s progress.
Spend time together. While helping your child meet academic standards is important, their emotional upbringing should be a top priority. Carve out time to have fun, relax, and make outings together. School can be stressful for students, so nurture them with family time.
Focus on their victories. Learning disabilities could be framed negatively, highlighting your child’s shortcomings. Turn this around by focusing on what your child is doing well. Have a conversation every day about what they are learning in school and what they are enjoying. Be sure to celebrate new accomplishments, such as moving forward a reading level.
Be open and listen. Your child might have questions or concerns about their needs or about life in general. When they speak up about something, be sure to listen. If they ask questions about their learning disability, be open and positive in your response. Try to see the situation from their perspective.
Show your full support. When your child comes to you with challenges they may experience, show your full support and take appropriate action. Communicate, communicate, communicate with their teachers and the school leadership team.
Raising a child with a learning disability comes with a unique responsibility. While your child is being nurtured at school, it is your job as a parent to extend this nurturing environment into the home. This will give your child all the tools they need to develop and succeed.
SOCIAL EMOTION AT SMID
Social work corner
Wellness Wednesday Family Event (February 28th)
The SW team at Scholar Elementary and Scholars Middle School are excited to invite you to our third Wellness Wednesday family event! Wellness Wednesday explores how families can identify and care for their mental and emotional health, communicate with fairness and respect amongst each other, and build strong relationships. Refreshments will be provided, and family resources will be shared! The event details can be found below:
Wellness Wednesday Event
Who: SELEM and SMID Families
What: Wellness Wednesday
Where: 2050 2nd Avenue
When: Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, 4:30-5:30 pm
The NYC Department of Health has launched NYC TeenSpace, a free online therapy program for students ages 13-17. Teens can be connected to a licensed therapist for ongoing support and/or can access online mental health exercises to complete independently. If your child, or another teen you know, is experiencing anxiety, depression, sadness, or other mental health struggles, please use this valuable and free resource.
Our SW Team has also compiled a Resource Guide for parents and caregivers to support conversations surrounding substance use with scholars.
988 is here 24/7 if you or someone you know needs emotional support. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat for free and confidential support.
Our team is here to support in any way that we can this year!
Middle School Social Work Team
Hailey Nelson, LMSW M: (646) 628-2649 E: hnelson@eastharlemscholar.org
Zuleyka Ayala, MSW M: (929) 536-3113 E: zayala@eastharlemscholars.org
Lead Social Worker
Natalie Francis, LCSW M: (332) 733-3334 E: nfrancis@eastharlemscholars.org
Culture corner
Throughout the month, we will engage students in various activities and discussions to honor the rich and diverse contributions of African Americans to our history and culture. From classroom lessons to assemblies and special projects, we aim to foster understanding, appreciation, and celebration of the accomplishments and struggles of Black individuals throughout history. We encourage you to join us in supporting these efforts and engaging with your children in conversations about the significance of Black History Month. Together, let's make this a meaningful and educational experience for all our students.
Upcoming events:
BHM bulletin board contest - February 9th
Valentine's Candy Grams Fundraiser
Spirit Week - February 12th - 16th
February School Events
Candy Gram is a Fundraiser
Candy gram is a fundraiser created by Scholars Academy Elementary School and Scholars Academy Middle School to raise money for classroom resources, end of year events, recess resources and more. It's an opportunity for scholars and families to spread kindness amongst their peers for valentines day.
100th Day of School
We will celebrate the 100th Day of School on Tuesday, February 6th, and we want this to be an exciting occasion for scholars and staff!! We will celebrate the 100th day of school from a mathematical point of view. We ask that staff and scholars not wear attire that is associated with the age of 100. Staff and scholars are welcome to wear a festive t-shirt that incorporates mathematics such as 100 tally marks, 100 stickers, 100 buttons, or other items that represent the number 100. This is a great opportunity for you and our scholars to let originality shine! Below are some pictures of creative 100th day t-shirts you can show students as ideas ! If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out.
"Spirit of Love" Spirit Week
This year we are celebrating love and kindness by having a " Spirit of Love" spirit week from February 12th to February 16th. We encourage all staff to participate and get scholars excited. Please see the flyer below for more details.
Family Workshop
Please join us to Learn All About Individual Education Programs (IEPs)!
- When: Monday, February 12th
- Where: 2050 2nd Avenue, 3rd floor Cafeteria
- Time: 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Check out the attached flyer for details.
Important Dates
On the Horizon
- Friday, February 9th - Progress Reports will be sent home with your scholar
- Monday, February 19th- Friday, February 23rd - NO SCHOOL (Mid-Winter break)
- Tuesday, February 27th & Wednesday, February 28th - Math Interim Assessment (Grades6-8)
- Monday, March 4th & Tuesday, March 5th -ELA Interim Assessment (Grades 6-8)
FAMILY REMINDERS
Personal Belongings & Cell phone policy
If you choose to send your student to school with a cell phone, it must remain in their lockers at all times. If you need to relay a message to your student during the day, please call the school directly. You can reach the main office by calling the following Operations staff: Ms. Ashley Anglero Operations Associate -Aanglero@eastharlemscholars.org / (646)983-5062
Students should ensure that any personal belongings they bring with them to school do not pose any type of distraction or physical or emotional risk to themselves or others. Students are not permitted to bring toys, cards, games, and electronics not specifically authorized by the teacher. If these materials are brought, they will be confiscated and returned only to the parent/guardian. Finally, please note that the school does not take responsibility for any personal belongings of value brought to school.
Attendance
Our school-wide attendance goal is 90% and you can help us continue maintaining a strong scholar attendance by continuing to make sure that your scholar(s) arrive on time, every day and communicating with our Ops team for excused absences. Thank you for supporting our increased efforts for timeliness, so we can maximize learning time.
Late arrival and Early Pick up protocol
All families are able to pick their scholars up early if that is what you choose to do. We must remind you that scholars who are picked up early will miss out on instruction and time to socialize with peers, however it is still completely your decision.
When picking up your scholar, you must contact one of the staff members below. Please be advised we do not release scholars for early dismissal after 3:15pm on Monday through Thursday and 1:10pm on Fridays as it is too close to the dismissal time. Please be sure to pick up your scholar/s up before the time stamps listed if interested in early dismissal.
Ashley Anglero /Operations Associate - Aanglero@eastharlemscholars.org/(646)983-5062
Kiara Torres /Operations Manager - ktorres2@eastharlemscholars.org/(917) 459-7251
Barbara Hanna/Director of Operations -Bhannah@eastharlemscholars.org/(646) 483-6708
Up to date contact information
We want to make sure that you are fully connected to us. Please make sure our Ops team has the correct email and most updated phone numbers for you. We want to make sure that you receive all the texts and memos throughout the month. For some of you, it may be that your email settings block our messages and for others, it may be that we do not have accurate information. If your phone number changes, please send an email to the Operations team at 2050Operations@eastharlemscholars.org
Visiting the Building
All families/visitors are welcome to stop by the main office to get answers to questions and retrieve information pertaining to their scholar/s. Prior to entering the main office, ALL families/visitors must first sign in with School safety and they will provide assistance. ALL visitors Must have identification issued by the government to enter the building.
Scheduling Meetings
Families are welcome to make appointments to meet with staff during the year. Kindly email 2050operations@eastharlemscholars.org or send an email directly to the staff with whom you want to schedule a meeting. All meetings must be scheduled in advance, and please allow 24-48 hours for meeting times to be confirmed.
Uniforms
All students must come to school in their uniform each school day. We have a required school uniform for several very important reasons:
Uniforms unite our community.
Uniforms reduce distractions and clothing competition.
Uniforms help uphold our scholarly atmosphere.
Elementary (Prek-5th)
Blue Short or Long-Sleeved Polo from Flynn O’Hara (www.flynnohara.com)
Khaki pants from the vendor of choice (Cookies, Rainbow, Old Navy, etc.)
Mostly Black close-toed shoe/sneakers from vendor of choice
Families can purchase uniforms in-person at:
FlynnO’Hara Uniforms 49 W 116th Street New York, NY 10026 (212) 328-4019
Store Hours : Monday 10am-7pm, Tuesday/Wednesday 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am-5pm
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Do I Contact?
For general information and logistical questions (e.g., enrollment letters questions, school procedures, meal menus, bus services/transportation, etc.):
- Ms. Ashley Anglero Operations Associate -Aanglero@eastharlemscholars.org / (646)983-5062
- Ms. Barbara Hannah, Director of Operations - bhannah@eastharlemscholars.org/(646) 483-6708
For questions about curriculum and instruction - contact the classroom teachers, or feel free to reach out to:
- Ms. Melinda Myrie, Assistant Principal - Mmyrie@eastharlemscholars.org/(332) 268-2622
For questions about Inclusive Learning, IEPs, and other Related Services:
- Ms. Anisa Phillip, Director of Inclusive Learning - Aphillip@eastharlemscholars.org/(646)841-2670
For questions about what's happening in culturally within your scholar's school:
- Mr. Larson Bodden, Director of School Culture - Lbodden@eastharlemscholars.org
You will also find helpful information in our Student and Family Handbook.
What do I do if I need to drop off medical forms or medication for my child?
You can email forms to the Ops team at 2050operations@eastharlemscholars.org or send forms and medication in with your child to be dropped off at the main office.
I need information regarding transportation
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Students are eligible for a Yellow School Bus if:
The student is in grades K-6
The student lives in the same borough as the school (MANHATTAN)
A bus stop within the student’s grade/distance eligibility exists.
Scholar has an IEP that has a bussing mandate.
Note: Students using this type of transportation are assigned to a safe predetermined bus stop at an intersection. Students use the same stop both in the morning and the afternoon.
Students are eligible for Metro Cards if:
The student is in grades K-8
Yellow bus service was not available therefore a MetroCard can be issued upon request
IF YOUR SCHOLAR MEETS THE ABOVE REQUIREMENTS, or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Operations Associate, Ms. Anglero at Aanglero@eastharlemscholars.org/(646)983-5062
School Calendar
With gratitude,
Dr. Falyn Wiggan, Principal
Melinda Myrie, Assistant Principal
Barbara Hannah, Director of Operations
Anisa Phillip, Director of Inclusive Learning
Larson Bodden, Director of School Culture & Family Engagement