FOSS Kits for Science Classes

Some parents asked what type of science kits do the students at P.S./I.S. 217 use during their science period.  Mrs.Z (Class 103 teacher) clarified:

"We use the FOSS kits at 217. We stagger them so 1 month (or so) it is Social Studies and the next it's Science. We will be starting a science unit on animals/insects around 10/17. We had to order the bugs and that takes at least 3 weeks. Other units include properties of matter and weather and seasons. All include observations and experiments that are hands on. So we are just waiting for the bugs to be sent."

FOSS website has a useful section, which parents can use to study with their child at home. Click on "Teacher/Parent Info" and then "Home/School Connection":

Letter to Parents

Each FOSS module includes a letter to parents to tell you what your child will be doing in the investigations at school and to share ways that you can develop their scientific interests at home.

Home/School Connections

There are many ways to extend your child's science experiences at home and have fun together. We have developed a Home/School Connection for each of the five investigations in the Insects Module. These require little or no materials from home. Young children will need a parent, grandparent, or a big brother or sister to help read the directions and play along. Check them out!

Investigation 1: Mealworms—Write a news flash to tell about your new insect!

Investigation 2: Waxworms—Write a news flash to describe your insect changes!

News from the Gym

According to coach Corey Luce, in October students in K003 and 103 classes continue working on complex movements during their gym period.  Complex physical movements, such as sports, martial arts or dancing, require a lot of practice to become automatic, because they need to be learned consciously.

K003 students practicing their "crab crawl" at the gym last week.

 

Moving Up Ceremony at P.S./I.S. 217 (Roosevelt Island School) Kindergarten

G&T Program at P.S./I.S. 217 Is Saved!

Roosevelt Islander blog reports on the future of G&T Program at P.S./I.S. 217 (Roosevelt Island School):
UPDATE 7:40 PM - Received the following joint statement from Assembly Member Micah Kellner and NYC Council Member Jessica Lappin:

“It is with great joy that we are able to announce that the Roosevelt Island gifted and talented program has been saved. Two weeks ago, the Department of Education unilaterally announced that the program would not be accepting a class of kindergarteners for next year. This was the wrong decision and our offices immediately began working with parents and school officials to make it right. At a meeting with us and parents on June 11, the DOE committed to maintaining the program if at least 18 students could be found who were interested in attending. Our offices worked with parents from Manhattan, Queens, and Roosevelt Island to spread the word and recruit families for this program."

"We are pleased to say that as of today, there are 18 students enrolled in the program. There will definitely by a new G&T kindergarten class on Roosevelt Island next fall."

“This is a huge victory for parents who worked so hard and who refused to take no for an answer. More than that, this is a victory for the families who will now have a first-rate gifted and talented program for their children this fall.

"We’d especially like to commend PTA President Nikki Leopold, Principal Mandana Beckman, and Elizabeth Rose of the DOE for their efforts to preserve the G&T program on Roosevelt Island. This is excellent news and we look forward to continuing to watch the G&T program on the Island grow and thrive in the years to come.”

Assembly Member Kellner adds:

"Now that next year’s kindergarten class has been secured, we will seek to expand the program to make it citywide — bringing some of New York City’s brightest students to Roosevelt Island and securing the Island’s gifted and talented program for the long term."

And another update from P.S./I.S. 217 PTA president:

I am happy to announce that PS/IS 217 has 19 families who are ready to enroll in our Kindergarten G&T program for the 2010/11 school year. This is a major victory for our school, made possible by the strong support and advocacy of Council Member Lappin, Assembly Member Kellner and our dedicated parent body made up of families from Roosevelt Island, Queens and Manhattan.

The G&T program has been a wonderful and welcome addition to our school. We look forward to the growth of the program, as a component to the existing elements that make our school so unique.

Comment by Nikki Leopold — June 24, 2010 @ 11:59 pm

Kindergarten Class Is To Open This Fall

According to P.S./I.S. 217 Principal Ms. Beckman, as of today, June 23rd there are 18 kindergarteners who registered for G&T class - so the DOE will officially open this class.  Parents are expected to enroll their children officially by this Friday.  Congratulations to school administration, community members, and the PTA who worked hard to make this happen!

Another school tour for prospective parents is scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, June 24th @8:45 am.

An email update from the PTA president:

You might have already heard, but the DOE confirmed that there are 18 families who are ready to register for the PS/IS 217 G&T program.  This is a monumental accomplishment given the time frame that we were working with and the obstacles that we had to overcome.  The breakdown includes 7 Roosevelt Island, 5 Jackson Heights (District 30) and 6 Manhattan (District 2) families.  The role of parent advocacy in this effort cannot be overstated.  Thank you to those who worked tirelessly on outreach and recruitment.  I will send out more information tomorrow, but wanted to let you know the good news.

One more tour tomorrow so we may see a further increase.

Last Day of Spanish Program 2010 at the Roosevelt Island School (P.S./I.S. 217)

 P.S./I.S. 217 (Roosevelt Island School) students from grades K through 3 had their last session of Spanish this Wednesday, June 16th, 2010.  The first year was a huge success for this new PTA sponsored Spanish after-school program "Explorando Español", established through a partnership with El Taller Latino Americano.  Each student received a folder with multiple art projects s/he completed during the semester, and a CD with songs and vocabulary words that the classes recorded earlier this year.

Insideschools.Org Reports on P.S./I.S. 217 G&T Program Enrollment

Insideschools.org blog reports on P.S./I.S. 217 G&T program enrollment.

Keep P.S. 217 G&T for District 30 is on Facebook

Keep P.S. 217 G&T for District 30 is on Facebook:

Due to a few not well-thought out issues on behalf of the DOE, P.S. 217's G&T Kindergarten was canceled for Sept. 2010. Fortunately, following a June 11th meeting with the DOE and various politicians, that decision was reversed provided there are enough children to come. So if you want P.S. 217 as a place for your soon to be kindergartner, I urge you to call the DOE and let them know, and call 217 to let them know.

Update from "LINKS" (P.S./I.S. 217 The Roosevelt Island School Newsletter)

"We have had an incredible year in K003.  It seems like yesterday was the first day of school.  The class has made phenomenal progress in reading, writing, and math.  We had so much fun with our tree study, our nonfiction endangered animals project and our geometry unit... just to name a few.

"I like learning about symmetrical things." (Xavier P.)
"My favorite trip was Harold and the Purple Crayon.  I liked seeing Harold's pictures come to life like magic." (Lilli)
"I really enjoyed math games like the money cube game." (David)

Thank you to all the K003 parents for you continued support throughout the year... chaperoning trips, class projects and being "mystery readers."  You all helped make this a memorable year.

This month we are continuing to study time and money in math and animals in science.  We are looking forward to our upcoming field day, and our in class moving up celebration.

In addition here are some recommended series books for your child.  Keep reading!
Level F - Biscuit
Level I - Froggy
Level J - Poppleton
Level K - Franklin
Level M - Junie B. Jones"

An Article About Roosevelt Island School G&T in the Wall Street Journal

To clarify, the G&T Program in the Roosevelt Island School will be offered as an alternative for the students coming next year (2011/12), and current Kindergarten class is continuing on to the 1st Grade (and according to DOE is expected to grow by three students).  There will be a G&T program meeting to discuss the fate of the students who chose PS/IS 217 this year.  If you are interested in this program, please join us tomorrow, Friday, June 11th at 9 am in the Roosevelt Island School auditorium (2nd floor).

Gifted Classes Are Hot Point By JOY RESMOVITS

A Roosevelt Island public school won't offer its gifted-and-talented program for incoming kindergartners, prompting parental gripes and threats to move to the suburbs.

Families point to the Department of Education's discontinuation of the class at P.S./I.S. 217 as ironic amid overcrowding and a scramble for kindergarten seats.

View Full Image

Michael Rubenstein for The Wall Street Journal
Cari Bak, left, and her husband, Jakob, inside P.S. 217 with their daughters Elke, 11 months, Bronwyn, 3, and Lillian, 6.

"I'm devastated," said Cari Bak, a mother of two who moved to Roosevelt Island recently. One of her daughters, 6-year-old Lillian, can distinguish rivers from tidal estuaries. According to Ms. Bak, Lillian benefits from the 14-student gifted-and-talented classroom.

But now, Ms. Bak is nervous. If her 3-year-old daughter, Bronwyn, qualifies for the accelerated program but can't attend school on Roosevelt Island, Ms. Bak said she would move to the suburbs.

School officials said its decision was driven by a lack of demand. "Two students this year listed P.S. 217 as their first choice—far below the 25 needed to fill a classroom," said education department spokesman Matt Mittenthal. "These students will be assigned to seats nearby."

But the school PTA President Nikki Leopold said she knew of at least five families that ranked the school first. Children must score above a 90% on an admissions exam to qualify; families often rank several schools in order of preference and children are placed according to how high they scored on the exam.

An Update about G&T Program at the Roosevelt Island School (P.S./I.S 217)

To answer some of the questions we received from interested parents, a quote from an email update from the Council member Lappin's office regarding the status of the Roosevelt Island School (P.S./I.S. 217) G&T Program :

"They [The DOE - Department of Education] have promised us that they remain committed to the program and will include it among the choices next year.  They will also work to devise strategies to increase enrollment at the program.  This year’s kindergarten class will be able to continue in the G&T program in first grade next year (and, in fact, is expected to grow by three students).  <...> Even with the hopeful note about the DOE remaining committed to the program in the future, <...> transportation from off the Island is likely going to be a determinative factor in the program’s success."

More information will be available at the G&T Program meeting this Friday, June 11th at 9 am in the Roosevelt Island School auditorium (2nd floor).

Field Day Activities at the Roosevelt Island School (P.S./I.S. 217)

On Wednesday, June 16th Kindergarten classes of the Roosevelt Island School (P.S./I.S. 217) are having a field day.  This will be a fun-filled morning of activities at the filed across from the school from 9 to 11 am.  The teachers need as many parent volunteers as possible to assist with this field day (setup activities, run an activity station, move teams to different stations, bathroom runners).  Please return the sign up form sent home via backpacks if you are able to volunteer.  Volunteers should be at school at 8:30 am to start setup.

Please send your child to school wearing sneakers and comfortable clothing.  A sheet for the color each child should wear on this day was sent back home - children will be split into six teams.  The children will be having a water event.  If you would like, you can send a change of clothing in your child's backpack.

Roosevelt Island School (P.S./I.S. 217) G&T Program Meeting this Friday, June 11th

G&T Program Emergency Meeting this Friday, June 11th @9:00 am in the Roosevelt Island School (P.S./I.S. 217) Auditorium (2nd Floor).  Everyone, interested in the future of the G&T Program on the island, is invited.  Offices of Council Member Lappin and Assembly Member Kellner confirmed they will be there.   Please make every effort to attend!

Roosevelt Island School (P.S./I.S. 217) Spanish Program Recording

Lower grades students at P.S./I.S. 217 (Roosevelt Island School) recorded a CD with some songs that they have studied in their PTA sponsored Spanish After-school Program during this semester on Wednesday, June 2.

Moving-Up Ceremony at the Roosevelt Island School (P.S./I.S. 217)

What: "Kindergarten Moving-Up Ceremony" followed by breakfast party

Where: In your child's classroom

When: Friday, June 25th at 9 am

Why:  We are so proud of all the student's accomplishments and would like to celebrate all their hard work!

A sign-up sheet for party items is outside your child's classroom.  Since this is a classroom celebration, it will be limited to just parents/guardians.  Your are welcome to take. you child home after the celebration.  However, please note that Monday, June 28th is the official last day of school.  It is a half-day and student report cards will be distributed.

Field Day Activities at the Roosevelt Island School (P.S./I.S. 217)

A note from The Roosevelt Island School principal Ms. Beckman: "As the summer approaches PS/IS 217, many classes have scheduled Field Day Activities.  Please remember that only students that have demonstrated positive behaviors and have no outstanding school lunch bills will participate.  You will find out more information from your child's teacher regarding what food to bring and the number of chaperons needed.  Please speak with your child's teacher with any question you might have.  Have a wonderful summer."  K003 (G&T) class will have their field day on Wednesday, June 16th 9:00 to 11:00 am.

Roosevelt Island School (P.S./I.S. 217) K003 Poem Book

Students in Roosevelt Island School (P.S./I.S. 217) K003 class published their first poetry book in May 2010.  See some of the poems below.

Elephants
I like elephants
Ask me why
    Because they have long trunks
    Because they have tusks
    Because they are gray
    Because they eat lots of grass
    Because
    Because
    Because, that's why
I like elephants

Monster
I have a pet monster
He's really a lobster
He sweeps the floor
And dusts the door
He's really obnoxious

Children think they're very wild
High in the trees
I think they're the best
My sister likes them too
Playing on the vines
A very nice animal
No ordinary monkey
Zoos keep them safe
Excellent climbers
Extraordinary animals
See them if you can!

Update from "LINKS" (P.S./I.S. 217 The Roosevelt Island School Newsletter)

Last week the students in the Roosevelt Island School (P.S./I.S. 217) G&T K003 class published their very first non-fiction books.  Each student researched and wrote about an endangered animal of their choice.  Included in the books were facts about each animal's appearance, habitat, diet, and why they are endangered.  The students even researched ways that they can help their animals.  The publishing celebration was a big hit!  Thank you parents for coming and showing your support.

As many of you know, April is poetry month.  The class has been reading and writing many different kinds of poems including free verse, acrostic and diamante poems.

In math, they have been playing many math games to strengthen their fact fluency and they will be beginning a unit on Money.

In Science, the students have been exploring wood and paper.  They are enjoying conducting scientific experiments with the wood and paper.  They are looking forward to their upcoming field trip to The Queens Zoo later this month.

Publishing Party at the Roosevelt Island School (P.S./I.S. 217) G&T Class

It was great to see all the parents (along with some grand parents) from the Roosevelt Island School (P.S. 217) G&T K003 class at the Publishing Party on Thursday, April 22nd!  Children put so much work in researching topics for their non-fiction publications about  endangered animals.  Pandas, sea turtles, rhinos, elephants, gorillas, leopards, and wolves were among the animals whose appearance, diet, habitat, and threats were described by the young researchers.  Assistant Principal Ms. Bartolino joined the class for this publishing celebration.  The books and comment papers will be on display next to the classroom for the next few weeks.

More photos from this event at the photoblog.

Publishing Party for the Roosevelt Island School (P.S./I.S 217) K003 Class

The students in K003 have been working very hard these past few weeks researching and writing nonfiction books.  Now it is time to celebrate their accomplishments.  Join us on Thursday, April 22nd (Earth Day) as we publish our endangered animal books.  The celebration will take place in the classroom at 8:30 am.

If you are unable to attend, the books will be on display after Thursday in the hallway.