Medical Supplies Relief Drive at the Roosevelt Island School (P.S./I.S. 217)

P.S./I.S. 217 is conducting a Medical Supplies Emergency Relief Drive in conjunction with RIOC (Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation).  Starting Monday, February 1st, you can bring following supplies to Ms. Lauraine in the main office:

Surgical Tape

Sliver Nitrate sticks

Band Aids

Crutches and Splintz

Betadine

Sterile Water

Peroxide and Alcohol

Sterile Strips and Gauze

Suture Kit

Stockings and Blankets

Syringes and Needles

Wipes and Gloves

An Update From The Roosevelt Island School PTA

"Roosevelt Island School (P.S./I.S. 217) QUALITY REVIEW NEXT WEEK IS CANCELED. The PTA has just found out today that the Department of Education canceled our review for next week. They will reschedule at their convenience and give the school up to 2 weeks notice for the new dates. Fortunately, this gives us some more time to prepare. It is disappointing after all the preparations we started for their arrival next week but now we have more time to accomplish more!

TIME SENSITIVE FOR PARENTS: TEACHER APPRECIATION LUNCH AND BREAKFAST POSTPONED. Because the lunch and breakfast were to happen during the quality review, we will reschedule when we know the new dates. Please let your families know ASAP (some families may be planning to pick up items this weekend) the event has been postponed and we will contact them again about
bringing in food/drink donations for this event in the future.  For now, we have removed the sign-up sheets. Those who already signed up to bring an item, please consider volunteering again when the teacher appreciation is rescheduled. Thank you for your donation offer!!

CLASS BLOG TUTORIAL DATE: Is tentatively scheduled for the second week of February. The PTA is considering a few suggestions to see what works best for the majority of people.

VOLUNTEER FAIR: Remember the PTA has a table set up for parents to volunteer for different upcoming events. If you can help man the table or want to sign up for an event, please stop by. We will be there Monday - Wednesday in the morning and afternoon. Events include: Family Literacy Night; Go Green Night; Art Show and Silent Auction; International Festival.

Thank you all for your dedication.  Have a great weekend.

Kristi T.
1st VP PTA"

Teacher Appreciation Event at The Roosevelt Island School (P.S./I.S. 217)

The Roosevelt Island School PTA will be hosting a very special event at our school next week, the first part of February. Administration from the Department of Education (DoE) will be holding their annual building review, which is a time where the school receives part of our overall "School Grade" from the DoE.  This is the time to have P.S./I.S. 217 really shine!

It is a very important and busy time for administration, teachers, and staff of our school.  They are dedicated to our children and the school, and to make their week easier, the PTA is holding P.S./I.S. 217 Teacher Appreciation Event Wednesday, February 3rd - Friday, February 5th.  We have around 50 staff members that we hope you'll join with us to say a big "THANK YOU" for all they do!  How can you help to say Thank you?  We're glad you asked!

The PTA is hosting a Luncheon on Wednesday and Breakfast on Friday for ALL staff members at the school.  We would appreciate and we need your help to bring in food, drinks, and supplies for this event.  IT's one of the ways we can show appreciation for the love, care and instruction given to our children!  Please look for sign-ups at the classrooms (Pre-K and Kindergarten) by Thursday (1/28), and notes home or calls from your class parents by the weekend.  Sign-ups will also be at the PTA "Volunteer Fair" starting THIS Friday (1/29), and continuing through Wednesday (2/3).  The Fair will take place before and after school in the main lobby - more information will be sent home regarding the Fair and volunteering on Thursday.... check your child's backpack!

After signing up for a Luncheon or Breakfast item, please bring the food at these times:
- Non-perishable items may be dropped off in the main office or at Movie Night this Friday, January 29th.
- Refrigerated items should be dropped off at the "Volunteer Fair" table in the main lobby - during pick-up and drop-off Monday-Wednesday of next week.
- ALL items MUST be sent to us no later than 9 am on Wednesday, February 3rd!
- Please try to use containers that we can throw out, or clearly label your container, and they will be placed in the main lobby on Thursday and Friday for you to pick up.  After that they will be donated.

We also need volunteers to help set up and serve at the Luncheon (Wednesday) and Breakfast (Friday).  Please email psis217info@gmail.com to let us know we can count on you!  Thank you for your help in showing our teachers support!

The New York State English Language Arts Standards

Below are English Language Arts Standards according to the New York State Department of Education website.  As we had already noticed, for class K003 at the Roosevelt Island School G&T acceleration is provided through differentiating teaching for advanced learners, where some kindergarteners become first/second-grade-level readers and writers. Complete Language Arts core curriculum for Kindergarten and first grade is available online.

Standard 1: Students will read, write, listen and speak for information and understanding: As listeners and readers, students will collect data, facts, and ideas; discover relationships, concepts, and generalizations; and use knowledge generated from oral, written, and electronically produced texts. As speakers and writers, they will use oral and written language that follows the accepted conventions of the English language to acquire, interpret, apply, and transmit information.
Standard 2: Students will read, write, listen and speak for literary response and expression: Students will read and listen to oral, written, and electronically produced texts and performances from American and world literature; relate texts and performances to their own lives; and develop an understanding of the diverse
social, historical, and cultural dimensions the texts and performances represent. As speakers and writers, students will use oral and written language that follows the accepted conventions of the English language for self-expression and artistic creation.
Standard 3: Students will read, write, listen and speak for critical analysis and evaluation: As listeners and readers, students will analyze experiences, ideas, information, and issues presented by others using a variety of established criteria. As speakers and writers, they will present, in oral and written language and from a variety of perspectives, their opinions and judgments on experiences, ideas, information and issues.
Standard 4: Students will read, write, listen and speak for social interaction: Students will use oral and written language that follows the accepted conventions of the English language for effective social communication with a wide variety of people. As readers and listeners, they will use the social communications of others to enrich their understanding of people and their views.

Student of the Month January Assembly at the Roosevelt Island School (P.S./I.S. 217)

Students of the month in K003 G&T class are David and Sophia.  Congratulations!  You can find photos from January 2010 "Student of the Month" Assembly along with other Roosevelt Island School (P.S./I.S. 217) pictures here.

This Week's Highlights at the Roosevelt Island School Gifted and Talented

- Monday, January 25th @9:15 am - Student of the Month Assemblies - David and Sophia will receive the awards this month.
- Tuesday, January 26th @10 am - 12:30 pm - Learning Leaders teaching session 

- Wednesday, January 27th @1:30 pm - January Birthday Lunch with the Principal
- Thursday, January 28th @10 am - 12:30 pm - Learning Leaders teaching session
- Friday, January 29th before and after school - PTA Volunteer Fair
- Friday, January 29th @6:30 pm - Family Movie Night - students K through 5th grade, their parents and siblings are invited to watch "Bolt" at the school cafeteria.

- This week's sight words are: day, book, now, good, looked - please practice these words daily with your child in addition to their assigned homework. Children will have a sight word test on Friday.
- Weekly lunch menu

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
25 Crispy Chicken Tenders Served W/ Dipping Sauce Toasted Cheese Sandwich Vegetable Normandy	26 Roasted Chicken W/ Guisado Sauce Cuban Roast Pork SchoolFood Plus Tumeric Herb Scented Rice Sweet Plantains	27 Mozzarella Sticks Served W/ Tomato Sauce SchoolFood Plus Steamed Broccoli W/Toasted Garlic	28 TEX - MEX Southwest Seasoned Chicken Patty Mexican Baked Beans & Melted Cheese Baked Tortilla Chips SchoolFood Plus Hot Confetti Corn Salad French Cut Green Beans	29 "PIZZA FRIDAYS" French Bread Pizza SchoolFood Plus Very Vegetable Salad

Family Movie Night at The Roosevelt Island School (P.S./I.S. 217) Featuring "Bolt"

PS/IS 217 Family Movie Night Friday, January 29th @6:30 pm Featuring "BOLT" to take place in the school cafeteria.

- Children K through 5th grade, parents and siblings are welcome. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

- Admission fee is $5 per person, or $20 per family.

- Free popcorn and movie theater treats are provided for the children. Drinks will be available for the adults, please bring an appetizer, snack or desert to share.

- Bring your lawn or beach chairs and blankets to be extra comfortable.

Sponsored by the PTA.  Please RSVP to psis217info@gmail.com

Updated "Mystery Reader" List for The Roosevelt Island School G&T Class

Here is our renewed list of Mystery Readers:

Feb. 26th : Steven (Elijah's dad)
Mar. 12th : Olga (Sophia's mom)
Mar. 26th : Peter (David's brother)
Apr. 16th : Yuriy (Sophia's dad)
Apr. 30th : Cathy (Samantha's mom)
May 14th  : Colette or Jawad (Zara's mom or dad)
May 28th  : Micka (Shai's mom)
Jun. 11th : Sha (Renee's mom)

Thank you very much for your support!

Sha.

Box Tops Competition at The Roosevelt Island School (P.S./I.S. 217)

Have you noticed the pink BOX TOPS collection box is missing from the entry way at school? This new year of 2010 the Roosevelt Island School PTA is starting a BOX TOPS Class Competition! Continue to clip and save your BOX TOPS - the competition will begin the 1st of February! Be sure to ask family members, friends, coworkers, neighbors or anyone else you know to help collect BOX TOPS. Expect more information on our competition by the end of this week!

The BOX TOPS Collection Program is a simple way to help our school. To participate you simply clip and save labels and box tops from the food items you already are using - Cheerios, Ziploc, Juicy Juice, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Avery, Hefty and many more. Each BOX TOP is worth $.10 (ten cents) to our school - and that adds up fast! You can help earn cash for our school every time you shop for groceries! When clipping BOX TOPS, please make sure the expiration date is visible and current and clip around the dotted line on each Box Top.

3 WAYS TO HELP NOW:

1) CLIP and SAVE your BOX TOPS. In February, your child will bring them to their classroom. More details to come!
2) Visit http://www.btfe.com/ for more information, sweepstakes to earn BIG Box Tops or CASH for our school and coupons for your grocery shopping!
3) The PTA is in need of CLEAR containers that will be used in the classroom to catch all the BOX TOPS coming in! Please send in any CLEAR containers. Ex. nuts, pretzels, and other snack food containers from Costco - don't worry if there is a label, we will cover it with a BOX TOPS label. A bin will be in the foyer of the school this week, for you to drop the container into!

Thank you for helping P.S./I.S. 217 to earn this FREE and easy money!

The Roosevelt Island School (P.S./I.S. 217) PTA Foreign Language Program Survey Results

The Roosevelt Island School (P.S./I.S. 217) PTA has successfully conducted a survey of the lower grade parents about the upcoming Foreign Language Program.  This information will be used to start the FLP for grades K through 3 next month (February 2010).  More information about the program will be available during the Parent Breakfast with the Principal on Wednesday, January 20th @8 am.

This Week's Highlights at the Roosevelt Island School Gifted and Talented

- Monday, January 18th - Martin Luther King Jr. Day - NO SCHOOL
- Tuesday, January 19th @10 am - 12:30 pm - Learning Leaders teaching session
- Wednesday, January 20th @8 am - Parent Breakfast with the Principal - in the Library. Children can be dropped off at the cafeteria. 
- Thursday, January 21st - Picture Retake Day
- Thursday, January 21st @10 am - 12:30 pm - Learning Leaders teaching session
- Friday, January 22nd @12:30 pm - Mystery Reader - Janine (Olivia's mom) will come to class and read to the students.
- This week's sight words are: WHY, FRIEND, BECAUSE, AREN'T, WE'RE. Please practice these words daily with your child in addition to their assigned homework. Children will have a sight word test on Friday.
- Weekly lunch menu

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
18 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.DAY NO SCHOOL	19 Traditional Meatballs Over Pasta Choice Crispy Chicken Nuggets Served W/ Dipping Sauce **NY State Bean Trio	20 "BACKYARD BBQ" BBQ Roasted Chicken / Corn Bread SchoolFood Plus Lemon Roasted Carrots Choose One: Rice Choice OR SchoolFood Plus Oven Roasted Potatoes	21 Hamburger / Cheeseburger On A Small Whole Wheat Bun Turkey Sandwich W/ Lettuce, Tomato On Sliced Whole Wheat Bread Straight Cut Potatoes Steamed Spinach	22 "PIZZA FRIDAYS" New York Pizza Slice Optional Toppings: Mushrooms, Ham & Pineapple, Fresh Tomato & Garlic SchoolFood Green Salad

Beggining Addition Games Math Workshop for Parents at The Roosevelt Island School G&T Class

It was great seeing most of the parents during the “Begining Addition Games” Parent Math Workshop at The Roosevelt Island School G&T Class this morning (January 14th, 2010). AUSSIE mathematics coach Nicola G. gave a brief presentation on developing math skills K to 2nd grade. She described various developmental stages of Addition and Subtraction Continuum. To avoid frustration that discourages children from learning math, the coach suggested using appropriate activities for the stage that your child is currently at, instead of pushing the student ahead of him/herself. Practice builds confidence that motivates the child, allowing better progress. The school Principal, who also attended the workshop, noted the importance of articulating the strategy that have lead child to the answer: student has to be able to put his or her reasoning in words.

During the second part of the workshop Ms.C. demonstrated various games with dice that are helpful for learning beginning addition. Using regular dice, numeric dice, their combination or bright oversized dice helps keep students with different learning levels interested.  Although the competitive part is important, the teacher suggested to avoid placing emphasis on “winning”. Children play these games in class both in larger groups, and in pairs – based on their math skills.

At the end of the workshop parents played some addition games with their children in class, which got the little students very excited! You can find a copy of the presentation and print-outs of the games boards in the paper brochure sent home via backpacks. Please practice playing them at home with your children.

Letter Writing Station at The Roosevelt Island School G&T Class

Have you noticed a mailbox by the classroom door? Did you child bring home letters from the classmates? Or perhaps your child surprised you by using “P.S.” when writing notes at home. Children in K003 at The Roosevelt Island School have been writing friendly letters in class. Ms.C. set up a special letter writing station for them, and if anyone would like to donate stationary, blank note cards or envelopes to the class it would be greatly appreciated!

This Week's Highlights at the Roosevelt Island School Gifted and Talented

- Thursday, January 14th @8:00 am - "Begining Addition Games" Parent Workshop - in our classroom (Room 119)
- Thursday, January 14th @8:30 pm - Silent Auction & International Festival PTA Fundraising Commitee meeting (contact PTA if you want to participate)
- Friday, January 15th @7:30 am - School Leadership Team meeting - in the conference room
- This week's sight words are: THERE, OUR, AWAY, SLEEP, NICE. Please practice these words daily with your child in addition to their assigned homework. Children will have a sight word test on Friday.
- Weekly lunch menu

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
11 Zesty Italian Meat Topping / Pasta Choice Breaded Chicken Patty On A Small Whole Wheat Bun Steamed Spinach	12 Hamburger/Cheeseburger On Small Whole Wheat Bun Mozzarella Sticks Served W/ Tomato Sauce Capri Blend Vegetables Wedge Cut Potatoes	13 Crispy Chicken Tenders Served With Dipping Sauce SchoolFood Plus Broccoli & Cauliflower Medley	14 Roasted Chicken Served W/ Choice Of Dipping Sauce Garlic Italian Bread Veggie Patty W/Cheese On A Small Whole Wheat Bun French Cut Green Beans	15 "PIZZA FRIDAYS" Corner Style Pizza SchoolFood Plus Zucchini, Corn, Tomato & Basil Salad

Reminders: Learning Leaders training for elementary school volunteers starts next week. You can sign up for these classes with Ms. Lauraine (parent coordinator) at the school main office.
There is NO SCHOOL next Monday, January 18th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Mystery Reader List Update

It was great to have so many of you come and read to the children last semester.  Mystery Reader parent initiative at the Roosevelt Island School G&T class proved to be very successful.  Kids loved it, and parents seemed to enjoy reading to the class.  It's time to renew our "mystery reader" list, Ms. C. gave us the dates for this activity in 2010. They are all Fridays @12:30 pm.
February 26th (already taken)
March 12th, March 26th
April 16th, April 30th
May 14th, May 28th
June 11th

Sha, our class parent, noted that Ms.C. has not planned all of the Spring field trips yet, so there is a slight possibility that some of these dates may change. Please feel free to pick up the date that is good for you to read in the class and email Sha your preference.  Thank you for your continued contributions to our class!

The Roosevelt Island School (P.S./I.S. 217) January 2010 PTA Newsletter

 

Math Workshop for Parents at The Roosevelt Island School K003 G&T Class

Math Workshop for Parents on beginning addition games at The Roosevelt Island School K003 G&T class will be held @8:00 am next Thursday (January 14th, 2010) in our classroom (Room 119).  It will be hosted by our teacher Ms.C. and a Math consultant from AUSSIE, company that provides Professional Develoment services for P.S. 217 teachers.  Please make every effort to attend!  Sign and return the attendance form that was sent home via backpacks.

"Dear K003 Families,

On Thursday, January 14th, 2010 we will be hosting a Math Workshop for parents on beginning addition games.  The Workshop will be held in our classroom (Room 119) and start promplty at 8:00 am.  Students are welcome to come to school at 8:00 am and will be escorted to the cafeteria for breakfast.  The workshop will be preceded by game practice in the classroom with the students at 8:30.

We will be discussing the different stages children go through as they develop addition skills and what you can to do help at home.  We will also be teaching several Math games that the students have learend in class.  We hope to see you there!

Jennifer C & Nicola G (Math AUSSIE)"

"Winter Holidays Around the World" Social Studies Workshop at The Roosevelt Island School G&T Class: Three Kings Day

Students at K003 G&T class at The Roosevelt Island School learned about Dia de Reyes (Three Kings Day) this week.  Luckily we have families from so many different backgrounds in the class!  


Children wrote their letter to the Three Kings and did coloring activities.  Our little students got very excited when "Three Kings" put little treats in the old shoes that they left at the school! We thank Talia (Xavier's mom) for introducing the students to this Mexican holiday.  

The Roosevelt Island School (P.S./I.S. 217) K003 G&T Class Schedule

The Roosevelt Island School  K003 Room 119   2009/2010 Schedule

Periods	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Time
0					X	7:52-8:30
1						8:30-9:16
2						9:16-10:02
3						10:02-10:48
4	L	U	N	C	H	10:48-11:38
5			Art Room 170	Computer Lab Room 404	Art Room 170	11:38-12:28
6		Physical Education Gym				12:28-1:18
7	Library Room 260	Music Room 207				1:18-2:04
8	Music Room 207					2:04-2:50
After School PTA Foreign Language Program	Spanish Group 1	X	Spanish Group 2	X	X	3:00-4:00

This Week's Highlights at the Roosevelt Island School Gifted and Talented

- Monday, January 4th @8:30 am - School Reopens
- Tuesday, January 5th @2 pm - Winter holidays presentations "Dia de Reyes" (Three Kings Day): Talia (Xavier's mom) will come to class to talk about this Mexican holiday! In the tradition, children leave a shoe by their bed or outside their room and the next day they find candy and a small gift in it.  Please have your child bring an old shoe tomorrow to leave at the school for the "Three Kings" to place something in it for him/her, which the children will find when they get to school on Wednesday.
- Friday, January 8th @12:30 pm - Mystery Reader: Colette (Zara's mom) will read to the students.
- Friday, January 8th - permission slips and money for upcoming school trips in February due.
- This week's sight words are: SAY, THEIR, PEOPLE, HOME, COULD. Please practice these words daily with your child in addition to their assigned homework. Children will have a sight word test on Friday.
- Weekly lunch menu

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
4 Cheesy Lasagna Roll-Up Served W/ Tomato Sauce Crispy Chicken Nuggets W/ Dipping Sauce French Cut Green Beans	5 BBQ Roasted Chicken Golden Fish & Cheese Harvest Rice Medley **Pride Of NY Sweet Pea & Carrot Blend	6 TACO IN A TUB W/ Assorted Fixings Steamed Corn	7 Hamburger / Cheeseburger On A Small Whole Wheat Bun Crunchy Fish Sticks Served W/Tartar Sauce Straight Cut Potatoes	8 "PIZZA FRIDAYS" New York Pizza Slice SchoolFood Green Salad

New York City Kindergarten Social Studies Scope & Sequence

Below is the NYC Kindergarten Social Studies Scope & Sequence for the months January, February, and March provided by the Department of Education.  Gifted and Talented acceleration will be provided in The Roosevelt Island School K003 class through curriculum compacting and differentiation of instruction to maximize learning for advanced students.  As part of this module students in K003 class will continue "Winter Holidays Around the World" Social Studies Workshops, where parents from different backgrounds share their culture's and families' traditions.
January-March
UNIT 3
FAMILIES
Essential Question:  Why are families important?
The family structure:
- Families are important
- Families are made up of members
- Families can have a variety of structures (immediate and extended family)
- Families are diverse
- Families have divers cultures and customs
- Families share customs and beliefs (religion)
- Families celebrate in different ways
- Families celebrate important days together (birthdays, Mother's Day, etc.)