Summer 2010

 

Dear P.S. 321 Families,

 

I hope you are having a wonderful summer!  Our new school garden, named "Plantville" based on a vote by the children,  is really growing this summer!  I want to thank the classes that planted in the spring and the families who are helping to water and harvest over the summer.  I had a salad from the garden last week and it was delicious! 

 

This summer is kind of quiet at PS 321.  We have some camp programs in the mini-school, but no PS 321 programs.  Marge Raphaelson, the parent coordinator, and I are in most of the summer planning for next year, and our building manager and custodial staff are hard at work doing a thorough cleaning of the building.   Our teachers are busy as well, planning, meeting with colleagues, reading, and attending professional development.  And, of course, relaxing and recharging for the new school year! 

 

Many of you have probably been reading about the change in the way in which New York State is measuring proficiency on the state tests.  Although citywide children did about the same on the tests in 2010 as they did in 2009, because the cut-off for what constitutes "proficiency" was changed rather significantly, there was a large drop citywide (over 20%) in the percentage of children getting 3s and 4s.  At PS 321 the drop was smaller (5% in ELA and 8% in math), and a more detailed letter about this will be posted on the web site.  I think that the main lesson here is one we have been aware of at PS 321 for a long time--it is essential that we judge student performance and progress by multiple measures, not only by test scores.  We are very committed to doing this! 

 

Although I am definitely enjoying the summer-- the slower pace, time to plan and think and read, and some vacation time--I am also looking forward to the new school year.   School begins for students on September 8.  There is a half day for Kindergarten students on that day--8:50-12:00.  Letters with kindergarten class assignments will be mailed the first week in August.  Prekindergarten has a phase-in for the first few days of school. 

 

All children in grades 1-5 have a full day (8:40-3:00) beginning on Wednesday, September 8.  CHILDREN IN GRADES 3, 4, AND 5 LINE UP IN THE BACK YARD AT 8:35.  First and second graders come in the front door (or in the case of 2nd grades in the minischool, the minischool doors).  For the first three days of school, parents of first and second graders may accompany them to their classroom.

 

Enjoy the rest of the summer!

 

Fondly,

 

Liz Phillips