The Kids are Home... Now What?
What are we doing with our Makowski Bees?
Making the most of school closure
Dear Parents and Families,
Last Friday, Governor Cuomo closed schools for the remainder of this academic year. As you may have felt, this news came to us with mixed emotions. While we are saddened we will not be able to come together to end our year with our usual celebrations, we also recognize the need to keep our students, staff and families safe by continuing our social distancing practices.
The Makowski community understands the stress of educating your child from home and the challenges we all face balancing our responsibilities during this time. Please know that our teachers and staff will continue to be here to assist you with any educational, social and emotional supports for you, your child and your family.
Be comforted in knowing we are beginning to plan for the reopening of schools in the Fall. This will include helping students adjust to the school environment and their academic needs to reach grade level standards. We will be working to ensure the buildings are clean and sanitized for the protection of your student as well.
Thank you for helping your child complete assignments. Thank you for submitting work pictures. Thank you for answering our calls and for participating in video conferences. Please continue to partner with us during this time apart so that we can be together soon.
Be well. Be Safe.
Dawn Marie DiNatale, Principal
Stanley M. Makowski
An IB World School
Updates on the Grading Policy for Buffalo Schools
Grades were "frozen" as of March 13. All of the work turned in up to that point will count towards the final average. Marking period 3, will now count for 50% of the final grade and there will not be any quarter 4.
Any work handed in after March 13th will now count as additional points.
Teachers will continue working on posting assignments online and conducting online meetings with students as well.
Should you have any further questions please contact your child's teacher.
iPad and Technology Help
Sites for Computer Support
BPS will be offering walk-in technical support for students with BPS take home devices with login issues or with physical issue with the device (not instructional support) at the following locations on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 11:00-1:00
You can also call tech support 816-3510
#206 South Park High
150 Southside Parkway
Buffalo, NY 14220
#309 East Community High
820 Northampton Street
Buffalo, NY 14211
#200 Bennent Campus
2885 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14214
#207 Lafayette International High
370 Lafayette Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14213
Updates on 4th Grade Moving Up
We have not forgotten about our 4th grade students and how important it is to celebrate all of their hard work this year. It is important to us to showcase this journey from elementary to middle school so we are preparing to hold a virtual moving up ceremony.
The fourth grade team will be working on a plan on how we will conduct a ceremony for students, parents and families. Details have not been finalized yet, however we will be in contact with you once everything has been decided.
Should you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to contact your child's teacher.
A Sample Day with Ideas to Help Fill the Time
*disclaimer: what follows is a pretty packed day with a lot of transitions. The purpose here is not to impose a structure but to offer ideas for how to break up the time. Think of it as a menu of options; pick and choose what works for your children and your family.
8:00 Make breakfast together
9:00 30 min of schoolwork
9:30 DIY Science project, or craft at home
10:30 Exercise! Here are some Indoor suggestions
11:00 Cool down, take a break
11:30 Creative lunch-making, make lunch with your mom or dad!!
12:30 30-60 min of schoolwork
1:00 Round 2 of physical activity - we all need it...
1:30 Healthy snack & DIY Crafts project
2:00 Read together-have mom or dad read to you, or read to your parents!
6:00 Prepare, eat, and clean up dinner; everyone helps.
8:00 Board Games/showers/read aloud before bed
9:00 Bed time!!
Do you have a new address or phone number??
Please also contact us if/when you relocate as well.
I will be sure to update the information for you.
Thank you for keeping your contact information up to date so we can communicate with you.
How Do We Talk to Our Kids about Corona?
Please feel free to reach out to our couselors and social workers at Makowski too.
Cynthia McGriff, cfmcgriff@buffaloschools.org
Jessica Korkomaz, jmkorkomaz@buffaloschools.org
Keilke Salsbury, ksalsbury@buffaloschools.org
Nadine Wiliamson, Kalieda Health, njensen@kaleidahealth.org
Linda Morgan Say Yes, linda.morgan@cfsbny.org
The following are reputable resources you may use to help talk to your kids during this time.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/17/parenting/coronavirus-kids-talk.html
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/coronavirus-how-talk-child.html
https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-coronavirus
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/talking-with-children.html
Ms. Mohorter Assistant Principal
Email: jlmohorter@buffaloschools.org
Website: https://www.buffaloschools.org/PS99
Location: 1095 Jefferson Ave, Buffalo, NY, USA
Phone: 7168614143
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MakowskiIBWorldschool/