Dear Families, While all of our classes start the year exploring their identities and the identities of the classroom members, each class’s work looks distinct. Identity consists of the various characteristics we use to categorize and define ourselves and the various characteristics that are constructed by those around us. Classes explore aspects of their identity […]
Dear Families, Family conferences are next week. We hold family conferences twice each year, in November and March. Family conferences at TNS are different than at most schools. It is an opportunity for teachers and the child to talk with the adults in each child’s family about the child’s work and progress in school. Children […]
Dear Families All NYC public schools are required to practice the protocols they will follow for different kinds of emergencies throughout the school year. The first is a building evacuation, or “fire drill.” We practice this drill several times throughout the year; it’s the one your children are most familiar with. Different scenarios would call […]
Dear Families, Our hearts go out to the staff and families affected by the violence and the outbreak of war in the Middle East. Yesterday, a new kindergarten parent approached Dyanthe at dismissal to ask how we discussed awful world events with our kids. She explained that teachers take the lead from the kids. They […]
Dear Families, Monday, October 9th, is Indigenous Peoples’ Day — a holiday highlighting Indigenous peoples’ cultures and suppressed histories. Indigenous Peoples’ Day emerged as a direct challenge to the narratives that undergird Columbus Day — the federal holiday used to celebrate Christopher Columbus’ purported “discovery of America.” Teachers are having conversations with students about the […]
Dear Families, On the last Friday of each month, we sing together as a whole school. This is a long-standing TNS tradition. Singing is a social glue. It creates a feeling of family and nurtures respect, joy, and community. Some SINGs are for the entire community, and some are only for staff and children. Community […]
Dear Families, All of our classes engage in a practice called Guided Discovery, a teaching strategy used to introduce materials in the classroom. The primary goal of Guided Discovery is to generate interest and excitement about classroom resources and help children explore their possible uses. Guided Discovery also provides opportunities to introduce vocabulary, assess children’s […]
Dear Families, What a first week! It’s only been four days, but we’ve jumped right back into the groove. Classes were starting to get to know one another and getting introduced to routines that may be old or new for some. New students are also meeting their bears! Please make sure your child brings in […]
Dear Families, I hope you and your family are doing well and enjoying cooler temperatures this week! I am happy to share that Oli has left TNS and is joining PS 75 Emily Dickinson to be their librarian in the fall. Oli started at TNS 9 years ago, just out of school. Most of you […]
Dear Families, During the month of June, teachers are hard at work in the evenings and on the weekends writing end-of-year progress reports. Progress reports tell the story of a child as a learner over the year; they reveal a child’s interests, strengths, and areas for growth. Reports go home Friday, June 23. Please join […]