October Family Newsletter 2023-2024
P.S 219 The Kennedy-King School
Greetings Kennedy King Families!
Welcome to October. October is a time for newness, change and anticipation. We welcome the change in seasons, and the shift from getting settled in and being back in school to deep diving into rigorous instruction during our learning .
The first few weeks of school are complete and we are off to a good start. Teachers and scholars have spent this time cultivating authentic home places, learning the flow of the curriculum and working collaboratively and respectfully while making new friends. We have been focusing heavily on building our school & classroom culture and community around these three beliefs: We HONOR each other by creating an environment that is intellectually, emotionally, and socially safe for learning, We HONOR our students by knowing and validating each student's identity, experience(s) and stories, and We HONOR our families by viewing the student, family, and teacher relationship as a partnership and connecting in order to continue growing. By now, everyone is settling in well to their new classrooms, their new routines, have started forging friendships with new and old friends, and getting down to the business of learning!
As always, we are grateful for your patience as we made necessary shifts over these past several weeks based on your feedback. We continue to value and welcome your voices in order to ensure that our scholars are set up to receive the best teaching, learning and care to become their best selves.
Together In Partnership,
Mrs.Williams, Proud Principal
929-202-3293
Home-School Partners
In order for families to stay in the loop with their scholars' progress, we are asking that all families/caregivers download the Class Dojo app and create an account using the classroom code from your child's teacher. You will then be able to verify your email address, set a password, and log in. When you set up your account, you'll receive notifications on the following:
- How your scholar's day is going
- Notes from the staff regarding your scholar's day
- What classroom points they earned and why
- School-wide updates
If you need assistance or have any questions, please feel free to contact your child's teacher, myself or Mr. Gordon! Happy ClassDojoing! :-)
In order to further support our ongoing home-to-school partnership, we'll also be sending home i-Ready diagnostic reports. In addition, all teachers are going to continue to send home daily homework. Please feel free to reach out to your scholar's teacher with any questions, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate with you!
IMPORTANT DATES
- Oct 9th: NO SCHOOL in honor of Indigenous Peoples' Day
- 219-Kennedy King Homecoming Spirit Week:
- 10/10- School Pride Day (Wear your school colors or any 219 gear)
- 10/11- College T-Shirt Day (Wear a college T-Shirt, Sweater, etc)
- 10/12- Jersey Day (Rep your favorite team)
- 10/13- Dress For Success Day + Dads Bring Your Child To School Day
- October 31: Storybook Character Day (wear a costume that celebrates your favorite book, school appropriate costumes - no gore, nothing scary, etc.)
Bully Prevention & Awareness
Bullying can occur in many different ways - verbal, emotional, physical, and as we have seen an increase with remote/hybrid learning - cyberbullying. Engage in conversations and activities with your kiddos to help them lift up peers, stand up for others, and be kind.
Questions you can ask your child:
What does the word “bullying” mean to you?
What can bullying look like? (including cyberbullying and the importance of digital citizenship)
Who can you talk to if you see or experience bullying?
What do you think teachers can do to help stop bullying?
Resources for engaging in conversation around bullying:
Resources from StopBullying.gov
Elementary Age Activities designed to engage students through conversation, activities, art and music to build their understanding of how to handle bullying situations
The power of engaging in Read-Alouds: National Bullying Prevention Center has books grouped by grades/ages
Celebrating Latinx Heritage Month (Sept. 15th - Oct. 15th)
We have been celebrating histories and cultures of Americans who have roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America! We honor and empower our Hispanic and Latinx families, and uplift Hispanic and Latinx voices and contributions both this month and every month!
Some resources for families:
Go on a Virtual Visit to some exhibitions featuring Latin American artists
Learn and be inspired!
Learn about LatinX scientists
Great video intro for Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor
More Latinx and Hispanic women who have taken charge this year!
Play games like Maya Math Game
Visit the Smithsonian Latino Center (Here is the virtual museum to explore)
Our school has some beautiful additions, we want to thank EMG Prints for providing professional printing services of our new banners, signs and door decals. EMG Prints is located at 325 east 98th 11212. Please support this business for your professional printing needs and tell them P.S 219 sent you 💜
