Happy New Year!

Just a reminder: winter weather does not keep our students inside at recess.  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 outside!

Mark your calendars:

• The School Leadership Teams meets Thursday at 8 AM in Room 313.  

• The Garden Committee meets Friday at drop-off in the small cafeteria.

• We have Popcorn Friday this week!

Please note, especially if you pick-up, classes are back upstairs (Room 417) for Physical Education this month.  Our students will be climbing the wall (literally).

Welcome Back,

Dyanthe

Dear Families,

A HUGE thank you to the organizers, volunteers and families who supported our Holiday Fair!   As always, I was overwhelmed by the generosity of those who donated their time, food, talents and positive energy to make this event so successful.  I was especially impressed with this year’s maze (see pics)- a Winter Palace; the lines were long, but from what I heard, well worth it! Thank you!

The BioBus is coming to TNS this week!  Students in our ⅔ and ⅘ classes will discover the excitement of hands-on science aboard their Mobile Labs.  Students will work side-by-side with BioBus scientists and use the same advanced research microscopes found aboard their mobile labs.  Our 2nd and 3rd graders will explore the inner workings of Daphnia, a shrimp-like animal found in ponds and puddles across NYC and the country.  Observing Daphnia, our 4th and 5th grade students will discover how skin, muscle, nerve, and blood cells have evolved from these single-celled organisms to work together inside the ecosystem a living animal, and how Daphnia interacts with the microscopic elements of its freshwater ecosystem.

Mark Your Calendars:

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

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

• SING is Wednesday at 8:45AM in the auditorium.  Please also join us for the bake sale in the lobby beforehand (also, this is a call for donated baked goods).

• Parent’s of Unique Kids Support Group meets Thursday after drop-off  This is a support group for parents and caretakers to share experiences, defeats, and strategies with each other.  Our K/1 teacher, Diane will facilitate.

• Our 2nd - 5th grade classes will share what they have learned in their West African Dance residency Friday morning:

• 8:30-9:15: 2nd & 3rd Grade

• 10-10:45: 4th & 5th Grade

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 again Wednesday, January 2, 2019!

Warmly,

Dyanthe

Dear Families,

My next morning hour is Wednesday after drop-off in the PTA Room.  We will have a discussion about literacy instruction at TNS.  In preparation, I ask that you read the article, “Conversation about the Reading Wars, Sparked by a New Documentary about Literacy Instruction: Q&A with Elizabeth Moje, Dean of the University of Michigan School of Education.”  I look forward to our discussion.

Mark Your Calendars:

• The PTA Executive Committee meets Monday at drop-off in the PTA Room.  All are welcome.

• The Grants Committee meets Tuesday at drop-off in the small cafeteria.

• Pre-K social worker, Alice will facilitate a workshop for Pre-k to 1st grade families about supporting children’s big feelings and challenging behavior.  They will meet Thursday at drop-off in Room 306.

• We have our November PTA meeting Thursday from 6 - 7PM in the PTA Room.  Child care will be provided.

• The TNS Book Fair will be open Thursday and Friday from 8 - 10AM & 2 - 4PM and Sunday during the Holiday Fair.  

• Friday is a PD half-day.  Dismissal is at 11:45 AM.

• The Holiday Fair and Artisan Fest is Sunday, December 16th from 11AM - 5PM.  Please look out for opportunities to volunteer... to set up, work a booth the day of, or clean-up.  This is a wonderful community event for the whole family and friends. I hope to see you all there.

Warmly,

Dyanthe

Dear Families,

One of our most festive fundraisers of the year, the Holiday Fair is quickly approaching.  It is an event for the whole family and makes a great playdate!  There are many ways to participate and support our school. Please look for opportunities to volunteer... to set up, work a booth the day of, or clean-up.  And of course, I hope you will join in the fun, too.  This year’s Holiday Fair is Sunday, December 16th!

Join our coat drive!  You can “leave a coat, take a coat,” as needed.  Starting Monday, bring your gently used (but clean) coats -  on hangers, if possible - and drop them off on the coat rack near the sign-in desk.  We are asking for coats for men, women, children and teens! Other winter gear will also be accepted - especially snow pants.  Thank you!

Mark Your Calendars:

• SING is Wednesday at 8:45 AM in the auditorium.  Please also join us for the bake sale in the lobby beforehand (also, this is a call for donated baked goods).

• Thursday is Picture Day for Sibs, retakes and make-ups.

• Parents of Unique Kids Support Group meets Thursday at 4:30 PM.  This is a support group for parents and caretakers; it is an opportunity to share experiences, challenges and strategies with each other.

• Friday is the deadline for submitting Middle School Applications to Noemi.  

Have a wonderful week,

Dyanthe

Dear Families,

Fall Family Celebration is one of my favorite TNS traditions because it always reminds me how warm and caring our community is, and the importance of food in bringing people together.  I am very thankful to be a part of TNS.

Mark Your Calendars:

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

• There is no school Thursday and Friday this week.

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