The PTA weekly newsletter is here! TNS_Newsletter_12_2_19.pdf

Dear Families,

This Friday is a TNS half-day for professional development.  During the afternoon, we will participate in a process called descriptive reviews.  The descriptive process begins with immersion – observing a child or space or activity.  It has a focus or focusing question that the presenting teacher or administrator works out thoughtfully ahead of time and that gives the participants a sense of how to listen and respond to the review. The process is always collaborative. It has rules and roles necessary for making the inquiry process democratic and inclusive, and for guaranteeing respect and privacy for the individuals involved.  A review typically takes about two hours. Descriptive reviews are a powerful way of opening up one’s practice and learning from each other. Additionally, in a time of high stakes testing, accountability and enforced standardization, we must ensure that education starts and builds from the strengths of children and teachers and values human capacity; descriptive reviews do just that.  

This Week at TNS:

• The Diversity Committee meets Tuesday after drop-off in the small cafeteria.

• Wednesday, December 4 at 8:35 AM:  Amanda, our Speech-Language Pathologist will lead an informational session on “Sounds in Motion”, the literacy program implemented in our early childhood classrooms that promote phonemic awareness and early literacy skills.

• The School Leadership Team meets Thursday from 8 - 9:30 AM in Room 314.

• Lice Busters (http://www.licebustersnyc.com/) will do lice checks Thursday morning.

• The ECO Committee meets Friday morning after drop-off in the small cafeteria.

• Friday, December 6 is a TNS Half-Day.  Dismissal is at 11:45 AM.  

Looking Ahead:

• Dyanthe’s Morning Hour is Wednesday, December 11 after drop-off.  Join me for a discussion about the work our staff and students have been doing around gender this year and why it is crucial to our community.

• The TNS Book Fair is December 12 - 15.

• We have our first school ice skating trip for Dara, Shaquawn & Dianne, Caroline & Grace, Matt, Tiffany, and Joanne & Sofia’s classes on Friday, December 13.

• The Holiday Fair is Sunday, December 15th from 11 AM - 5 PM. 

School Lunch Options for December:

• Week of December 2:  Alternative Menu Entrees

• Week of December 9:  Classic Menu Entrees (12/9:  veggie tacos will also be served)

• Week of December 16:  Alternative Menu Entrees

Have a great week,

Dyanthe

Dear Families,

TNS has a long-standing partnership with Hudson Guild, a Community Based Organization that provides mental health services for our students.  Working alongside our staff, an on-site therapist develops relationships with students and families and provides individual counseling to children in the school. The on-site therapy fosters children’s growth, provides support to families and helps our school function more efficiently and effectively.  We have been waiting all this Fall for a new social worker and I am very happy to share that Ashleigh Hertzig is joining our community this week! Ashleigh is legally blind and has a guide dog named Yuri. Over the next few weeks, Ashleigh and Yuri will visit classrooms to introduce themselves and answer students’ questions.  Please read her letter below.

Dear Students and Families,

null

My name is Ashleigh Hertzig and I am so excited to join The Neighborhood School community as the new Clinical Social Worker! I am looking forward to the opportunity to meet and work with each of you this year. 

null

I am a Licensed Master Social Worker with experience working with children, families, and individuals who have diverse needs and backgrounds as an agent of support and guidance. I’m committed to providing a safe and welcoming space where, together, we can strengthen each child’s educational experience and achievements, and ensure that every family in The Neighborhood School has the tools they need to succeed.

I would also like to take a moment to introduce you to my Guide Dog, Yuri. As an individual who is legally blind, Yuri acts as my eyes. Yuri’s job is to guide me around any obstacles in our path and alert me to changes in elevation. It is a lot of work, but he gets plenty of rewards in the form of treats and belly rubs when he does a good job! When he is wearing his harness he knows he is “on duty” and when I remove the harness he knows he is free to be a regular, goofy dog and gets plenty of time to play, chase his tail, and get loved by others. Together, we have traveled all over the country.

Yuri and I cannot wait to meet you! Please feel free to reach out or stop by with any questions or to say hi!

Sincerely,

Ashleigh Hertzig, LMSW 

This Week at TNS…

• We will have a pie bake sale on Tuesday and Wednesday morning in the lobby.  Baking not your thing?  The Bake Sale crew has your back… or better yet, your pies!  All proceeds fund the PTA.

• There is no school on Thursday and Friday.

Looking Ahead…

• Wednesday, December 4 at 8:35 AM:  Amanda, our Speech-Language Pathologist will lead an informational session on “Sounds in Motion”, the literacy program implemented in our early childhood classrooms that promote phonemic awareness and early literacy skills.

• Friday, December 6 is a TNS Half-Day.  Dismissal is at 11:45 AM.

Whatever family traditions you honor this weekend, enjoy the long and very well deserved break with your children.  I hope that it feels restful and rejuvenating.  

Warmly,

Dyanthe

It’s a short week but don’t miss the awesome Spotlight on Teddy, TNS Gym Teacher! TNS_Newsletter_11_25_19.pdf

Hot off the presses -- read the PTA weekly newsletter to find the weekly menu, information on Arts and Eco committees, an upcoming CEC-sponsored event on dyslexia, how to nominate teachers for Big Apple awards, and more!