Dear Neighborhood School Families,

I am sending out my weekly letter a little early because it looks like we are in store for some very chilly weather this weekend.  It always strikes me as odd that we emphasize how children learn best through first-hand experiences and then we don’t let them play outside in winter weather.  Last year, on those fews days when there was snow on the ground, my 10-year-old daughter grumbled, “I guess that Neighborhood School kids get to go outside; no fair!”  She was right.  Winter weather allows children to imagine the outdoors differently, to be creative and play in different ways.  Plus, how can we expect kids to know how to play “safely” in the snow and ice unless they practice!  So, before you make plans to keep your children indoors this weekend (and for those cold weather recess naysayers), please read the article Bundle Up and Get Outside:Why Kids Should Play Outdoors in Winter.  It considers all of the benefits that cold weather has when it comes to children’s health, development, and well-being (and your sanity, too!).  

I’m including a couple of pictures from our lower grade recess today for inspiration!

Mark Your Calendars:

• The Grants Committee will meet Tuesday morning at drop-off in the small cafeteria.

• Please join us for our Prospective Parents’ Night at Eastwood (200 Clinton Street @ East Broadway) Tuesday at 6 p.m.  This event is a ‘mix and mingle’, not a school fundraiser. I hope to see you there and feel free to invite other families who you think may be interested in learning more about The Neighborhood School.

• The Advocacy Committee will meet Wednesday morning at drop-off in the small cafeteria.  

• The PTA Executive Meeting is Thursday at 8:30 a.m. in the PTA Room.  All are welcome.

• There is no school Monday, January 16th in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Warmly,

Dyanthe

Happy New Year Neighborhood School Families!

It looks like we may be in store for some wintry temperatures later this week.  Just a reminder: cold weather does not keep our students inside at recess.  Our Pre-K - 2nd graders play outside for 50 minutes and our 3rd - 5th graders are outside for 25 minutes.  It is very important that children come to school dressed for the weather.  Please make sure your child has all the necessary accessories (hat, scarf, mittens and snow pants) to stay warm and active!

At TNS, we look at children and measure their development on an individual continuum.  Teachers use techniques of assessment such as anecdotal notes, running records and writing and math samples to analyze individual student’s progress.  If you are interested in learning more about the ways in which TNS teachers assess student learning, I encourage you to come to our discussion on Thursday, January 26th at 8:40 a.m. in the auditorium.  Teachers, from Pre-K/K to 5th grade will share the ways they “measure” student growth and make decisions about class instruction, and the place state testing plays in instruction and curriculum.  Please join us!

I hope that you had a wonderful break and were able to enjoy some downtime with friends, family and by yourself! : )  

Welcome Back,

Dyanthe

Dear Neighborhood School Families,

Keeping it short and sweet:  I hope that you have a wonderful and well-deserved break with plenty of opportunities to laugh, play and relax with family and friends.  We will see you Tuesday, January 3, 2017!

Mark Your Calendars:

• The Wellness Committee will meet this morning (Monday) at drop-off in the small cafeteria.

• Original Works orders are in!  Diana will be distributing them in the lobby during drop-off on Tuesday and during drop-off and pick-up on Wednesday.

• The Diversity Committee will meet on Tuesday at drop-off in the small cafeteria.

• Please join us for SING this Wednesday at 8:45 a.m. in the auditorium.  We will also have a bake sale beforehand, so please bring your appetite!

Much Love,

Dyanthe

We are looking for parents and teachers that can come and speak to prospective parents on  This is a great opportunity to speak to new families with any questions they may have.  Remember going through that PreK or Kindergarten process?  This really helps out new families and helps eases them through this process.  If you can make it, please let me know.

There will be an orientation for Camp Ashokan this Thursday morning from 8:25am to 9:05am.  This will give parents an opportunity on what they need to know for this amazing camping experience for your 4th or 5th grader.  

Hannah’s 4th and 5th grade class will be hosting a bake sale this Friday morning to raise funds for Camp Ashokan.  Please buy some baked goods in the morning or after school.  If you’re not at drop off or pick up, please make sure your child has some extra few dollars so your child could purchase a bake or breakfast treat.