Dear Families,

Last Thursday, our staff came together to share ideas and suggestions about decisions we need to make for September. One thing we agreed to continue is the Teddy Bear curriculum. It has been a powerful way to support children’s social and emotional needs this year. Many of our students still carry their bears to and from school each day! Teddy bears help teachers address unresolved emotional issues that hinder children’s socialization and learning processes. They can help children connect to their feelings and express them in constructive ways, establishing a safe and supportive learning environment for students. Please hold onto and take of your child’s teddy bear this summer so that it can return with your child in the fall.

We are in the process of making classes for next year. This is a thoughtful process, and we carefully consider the makeup of each class. There are a few changes in configurations next year. We will have two Integrated Co-teaching or ICT classes (these are classes with two teachers) and one general education class (a class with one teacher) in our 2nd/3rd grades. All of our 4th/5th grade classes with be ICT. As we plan the classes and spaces for September, we need to know who will or might be leaving. Please complete this survey to let us know if your child is NOT returning next year. Thank you.

With Love,

Dyanthe

Dear Families,

We always appreciate your input and feedback throughout the year. Each year, we ask for more detailed feedback from the entire community to continue to make the Neighborhood School experience better. Our School Leadership Team uses DoE survey responses to inform planning for our school, so it’s essential that we get one from every family. The survey gathers information about your overall satisfaction with our school, and results are published on the DOE’s public website. Completion rates are also crucial as they reflect the level of parent involvement in the DOE.

You’ll need your child’s nine-digit Student Identification (OSIS) Number to access the survey. You will have to fill out a survey for each of your children. Families can find their child’s OSIS number in your New York City Schools Account (NYCSA). Visit the link below and when it asks for your access code, first enter a lowercase “f” and then your OSIS number. Contact Parent Coordinator Denise Soltren at denise@tnsny.org if you need help with your student’s OSIS number or logging in.  Fill out the survey here.

Our last day of school will be remote for all students. Teachers will meet with students to have a closing meeting in the morning and assign asynchronous work the rest of the day. Teachers will also email next year’s class placements and classmates’ contact information (for socially distanced summer playdates) on the last day of school.

Have a wonderful week.

With Love,

Dyanthe

Dear Families,

The Chancellor has finally shared some information about what school will look like next fall. Most importantly, we will return to full-time, in-person learning in September. I have attached her letter with additional information for you.

We are beginning to make classes for next year. This is a thoughtful process, and we carefully consider the makeup of each class. We strive to have well-balanced classes and consider gender, ethnicity, friendships, academics, and the social and emotional dynamics of the group. Whenever possible, we uphold one of the school’s founding principles that children remain with the same teacher(s) and the same grade cohort for two years. Our goal to have children and families be known well to their teachers and each other remains a critical standard.

I invite you to let me or your current teacher know if there is anything you’d like us to consider in making your child’s placement for next year by completing this form. You can also email your child’s teacher directly. Please know that we do not accept requests for specific teachers. Our goal is to make well-balanced classes all around. We carefully consider your input and information from teachers and other school staff, but please understand that we may not be able to honor every request. As we plan the classes and spaces for September, we also need to know who will or might be leaving. Please complete this survey and let us know if your child is not returning next year. Thank you.

With Love,

Dyanthe

Dear Families,

The weather is turning warm, and we are heading into the last six weeks of the school year.  The end of the school year can elicit complicated feelings in children. What looks like “spring fever” maybe children beginning to feel the loss of their classroom community as the last weeks of school approach.  Children react to transitions and regression during this time normal.  Thinking about ending the year and saying, “Goodbye,” as well as considering beginning a new grade with new teachers and new peer groups can bring up a lot of anxiety for children - especially in a year where we have had to adjust to so many unknowns.  Children who have had a significant loss in their lives may have a particularly hard time these last weeks of school.  Teachers will use various ways to address end-of-year issues in the classroom (be it remote or in-person).   We ask that you also support your children during this time by keeping schedules and routines as normal as possible for as long as possible and trying to keep your anxieties about the summer and next school year at bay (this may feel particularly challenging this year).  Please check in with your child’s teacher if you notice your child is struggling during this time.  

Last week I wrote asking that you let us know if you are sure your child is NOT returning to TNS in the fall.  This information helps when we make next year’s classes.  It helps us figure out if we can accept new students.  It also helps us forecast our budget because funding from student enrollment enables us to run our school. Please complete this survey and let us know the school your child will be attending next year.  Thank you.

With Love,

Dyanthe

Dear Families,

During this unprecedented year, our community has remained true to working and learning together. I know that as families move forward with us, we will continue supporting one another. Of course, there are also families that, for whatever reason, are leaving TNS, and we wish them well! Around this time each year, we send a letter to families asking about their plans for the following year. We do so for many reasons. This information helps when we make next year’s classes. It helps us figure out if we can accept new students. It also helps us forecast our budget because funding from student enrollment enables us to run our school.

I am writing to ask that you let us know if you are sure your child is NOT returning to TNS in the fall. Please complete this form and let us know the school your child will be attending next year. Thank you!

With Love,

Dyanthe