HLA school leadership regularly send out "e-newsletters" to parents and other members of the HLA community. Posted here are archived copies of e-newsletters from the 2009-2010 school year. If you would like to subscribe to the e-newsletter, please email Sheryl Connelly with the subject line "Add me to the HLA e-newsletter listserv!"
Dear Parent:
1. Automated Dialing System Implemented. In response to concerns raised by Parents with regard to the timeliness of mass phone calls in connection with events like school closings or bus issues, HLA is happy to announce that we have engaged with a company called "One Call Now." This company provides services for many schools in the New York area and allows us to reach the entire parent body (as well as staff members) with one pre-recorded call. HLA's entire school roster can be contacted within five minutes! Our first use of this system was in connection with the snow day closing last week, and went very well. If you find that there are any issues with receiving the calls, please notify the Main Office and changes can be made to your contact information for this purpose.
2. New Hire - Hebrew Studies Teacher in the Blue Room. Natalie Zadok will be starting as the Hebrew Studies Teacher in the Blue Room, on Monday, March 8th. Welcome to the HLA family!
3. Hebrew Names Project - Reminder. Please remember to complete the "Hebrew Names Project" Survey Form and return to your child's teacher as soon as possible. We have been reaching out to Parents who have not yet returned this form, to ensure that all of our students are afforded a chance to participate in this important Project. Thanks to all those who have already responded!
4. Projected Register Form - Reminder. This form was distributed to all students via backpack. Please ensure that the form is completed and returned to your child's teacher as soon as possible. This form is needed to project the student register and project the availability of seats for the 2010-2011 school year at HLA.
5. 2010 NYC Department of Education Learning Environment Survey - Reminder. This Survey gives all parents, teachers and students in NYC Public Schools the opportunity to give feedback about the learning environment of their schools. We will distribute a hard copy of the Survey to you, our parents, as well as our teachers. The Survey helps school leaders understand what key members of our school community have to say about the learning environment at HLA. The Surveys are targeted for arrival during the week of March 8th. You have the option to complete a hard copy of this Survey, or complete a Survey online. The deadline for completing the survey is April 23rd. This year's slogan is "Your School, Your Voice!" We encourage you to participate in the NYC Survey effort next month.
6. Addition of Director of Instruction Role - Reminder. HLA will be enriching our professional team with the addition of a newly-created position, the Director of Instruction. This role will enhance the coordination of our consultants; our instructional program; and the delivery of instruction in the classroom, with the goal of improving student achievement. We are excited about the development of our school as a professional family!
7. Upcoming Parent Organization General Membership Meeting - Reminder. The next General Membership meeting of the Parent Organization is scheduled for Tuesday, March 9th at 6.30pm. Please be sure to attend if you can.
8. Student Recruiting - Reminder. Our student recruiting process for the next academic year is well under way. Realizing that word-of-mouth is the best recommendation, please continue to spread the word about the success and growth of our children at HLA. Encourage friends, relatives and neighbors to visit the HLA website and complete an application if they have children who are of age to attend our school. Important dates to remember are: April 1 (deadline to receive applications); and April 15 (lottery at HLA). There are 75 seats available for Kindergarten and a limited number of seats for first and second grade as well. A hard copy of our brochure will be distributed to all current HLA students' families. You are encouraged to share with friends, neighbors or co-workers. All are welcome!!
9. School Calendar. As a reminder, the next recess for HLA students will be from Monday, March 29th through Tuesday, April 6th. Classes will resume on Wednesday, April 7th.
10. Bus Safety. We encourage you to speak with your child about the importance of safety on the school bus. Please speak to your child about keeping on his/her seat belt at all times. It has been brought to our attention that some students are using inappropriate language on the bus. Please speak with your child about appropriate language to use in public. In this way, we can encourage our children to follow safety rules of conduct on the bus as partners. Your cooperation in this matter is appreciated.
Thanks to all of you for your continued dedication to the success of our children.
Sincerely,
Maureen Campbell
Principal
Welcome back to all parents and students!!
NEW ITEMS OF NOTE:
1. 2010 NYC Department of Education Learning Environment Survey. This Survey gives all parents, teachers and students in NYC Public Schools the opportunity to give feedback about the learning environment of their schools. We will distribute a hard copy of the Survey to you, our parents, as well as our teachers. The Survey helps school leaders understand what key members of our school community have to say about the learning environment at HLA. The Surveys are targeted for arrival during the week of March 8th. You have the option to complete a hard copy of this Survey, or complete a Survey online. The deadline for completing the survey is April 23rd. This year's slogan is "Your School, Your Voice!" We encourage you to participate in the NYC Survey effort next month.
2. Makeup Picture Day. The makeup date for the student photographs is this coming Wednesday, the 24th of February. This makeup date is for individual photos that were not satisfactory. If you would like your child to take another photo, please be sure to send the unsatisfactory individual photos ONLY (do not include the group photo), back to your child's teacher with a note to please return to Lifetouch. There is no additional charge for taking the makeup photos.
3. Addition of Director of Instruction Role. HLA will be enriching our professional team with the addition of a newly-created position, the Director of Instruction. This role will enhance the coordination of our consultants; our instructional program; and the delivery of instruction in the classroom, with the goal of improving student achievement. We are excited about the development of our school as a professional family!
4. Upcoming Parent Organization General Membership Meeting. The next General Membership meeting of the Parent Organization is scheduled for Tuesday, February 23rd at 6.30pm. Please be sure to attend if you can.
5. Student Recruiting. Our student recruiting process for the next academic year is well under way. Realizing that word-of-mouth is the best recommendation, please continue to spread the word about the success and growth of our children at HLA. Encourage friends, relatives and neighbors to visit the HLA website and complete an application if they have children who are of age to attend our school. Important dates to remember are: April 1 (deadline to receive applications); and April 15 (lottery at HLA). There are 75 seats available for Kindergarten and a limited number of seats for first and second grade as well. A hard copy of our brochure will be distributed to all current HLA students' families. You are encouraged to share with friends, neighbors or co-workers. All are welcome!!
Thanks to all of you for your continued dedication to the success of our children.
Sincerely,
Maureen Campbell
Principal
Dear Parent:
Due to anticipated inclement weather conditions, we will have a SCHOOL CLOSING TOMORROW, FEBRUARY 10, 2010, based on the decision of the New York City Department of Education. We are making this decision today to give parents as much time as possible to make alternative plans for tomorrow. As a new school, it is valuable for you to be informed of our procedures for school closings or school delays. Please see the information below for your convenience.
What is a school closing? A school closing means students, faculty, and staff should NOT come to school.
What is a school delay? A school delay means the school will open two (2) hours later than the regularly scheduled time.
- HLA regular school day hours are 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., therefore for an HLA-authorized delayed school opening, the hours will be 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
How do I get the news about a school closing or a school delay? By 6:00 a.m., the decision is announced on:
- the 311 Information Line
- the Department of Education website Home Page at http://schools.nyc.gov/calendar
On the following radio stations in the city: WINS (1010 AM); WCBS (880 AM); WABC (770 AM); WLIB (1190 AM); WADO (1280 AM); WBLS (107.5 FM); WNYE (91.5 FM).
On the following television stations: WCBS (Channel 2); WNBC (Channel 4); WNYW (Fox Channel 5); WABC (Channel 7); WNYE (Channel 25).
Once again, there is NO SCHOOL on WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 10, 2010 due to inclement weather.
Sincerely,
Maureen Campbell
Principal
Dear Parent:
Thank you for your support of our fundraiser. Ms. Campbell and her staff have provided a schedule for our students to purchase items for Valentine Day, if you would like them to do so. Here is the schedule:
Tuesday: Red room; Yellow room; Blue room.
Thursday: Orange room; Green room; White room.
Please seal any money that you are sending with your child in an envelope, printed with your child's name and class on it.
Please remember to check your child's knapsack for purchased items.
Due to overwhelming response we regret to inform you that the Antlers are no longer available.
Supplies of other items are limited.
FINALLY, PLEASE REMEMBER TO SEND BACK THE SLIPS FOR THE HEBREW NAMES PROJECT AND THE PROJECTED REGISTER, TO YOUR CHILD'S TEACHERS.
Thank you,
The Parent Organization
Dear Parent:
NEW ITEMS OF NOTE:
1. Morning Lineup now takes place in the Auditorium. Following HLA's ability to begin using the Auditorium, our morning lineup now takes place in the Auditorium instead of in the hallways outside the classrooms. As a reminder, our school day begins promptly at 8.00am. Please drop your child off early enough for them to participate in the communal activity of morning lineup and the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance with their peers.
2. Hebrew Names Project. As partners, we have developed a dynamic Hebrew Studies program where our children are valued and engaged in learning through the home-school partnership. We are excited to introduce a new component to our program. This will connect your child to the Hebrew language in a personal way. Your support and cooperation in this exciting project is needed and encouraged. Please review and complete the "Hebrew Names Project" Survey Form and return to your child's teacher as soon as possible.
3. Upcoming Board Meeting. The next HLA Board Meeting is scheduled for February 3rd at 6.00pm, in the Auditorium. Please be sure to attend if you can.
4. Upcoming Parent Organization General Membership Meeting. The next General Membership meeting of the Parent Organization is scheduled for February 9th at 6.00pm, in the Auditorium. Please be sure to attend if you can.
5. UPDATE - Scholastic Book Fair. The first HLA Scholastic Book Fair was held during the week of January 19th following the break for Martin Luther King Day. The Book Fair was a huge success! Thank you to all of those who participated.
6. UPDATE - Parent Teacher Conferences. Parent-Teacher conferences were held January 21st. Thanks to all of those parents who were able to attend. If for some reason you were not able to make your scheduled time but would still like to meet with the teachers, please call the main office and leave a message for your child's teachers to schedule a makeup meeting time.
7. Holiday Recess Dates. As a reminder, the next school closing will be the week of February 15-19 in observance of President's Week. Regular sessions will resume on Monday February 22nd.
8. Parent Volunteers. We welcome Parent Volunteers to work in the main office. Please contact the main office and let us know if you are available to work and what your preferred time frame is and we will be sure to utilize your skills and abilities. A form will be sent home with the children via backpack, which should be completed in order to volunteer in the main office. If you are interested in volunteering in the class rooms, this would involve direct contact with the children and would therefore require potential Volunteers to be fingerprinted. Please contact the Parent Organization to get further information on the fingerprinting process and next steps to Volunteer in this capacity.
9. REMINDER - Student Recruiting for 2010-2011. We have begun our student recruitment process for the next academic year. Realizing that word-of-mouth is the best recommendation, please continue to spread the word about the success and growth of our children at HLA. Encourage friends, relatives and neighbors to visit the HLA website and complete an application if they have children who are of age to attend our school. For those who do not have web access, hard copies of applications are available in the main office. Weekly tours are given each Monday at 9.00am and again at 5.00pm.
10. HLA's Peanut-Free Policy. Thank you for your support in creating a "PEANUT-FREE" environment at HLA. This policy is needed as we have children with severe allergies. We very much rely on, and always appreciate, your sensitivity in this regard. THANK YOU!! YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!
ONGOING REMINDERS:
1. Bus service. As a reminder, HLA's Administrative Assistant, Michelle Galeotti, is responsible for the coordination of the busing. Please follow up with her to let her know of any serious delays or issues with busing, so that she can report any incidents to the Office of Pupil Transportation. PARENTS PLEASE NOTE: you will also be required to call the OPT line directly at 718-392-8855 to report and track your incident. The complaint should be recorded as coming from the school as well as the parents.
2. Lost and Found. Please remember that the Lost and Found is in the Main Office and should be checked whenever your child loses something. If you are unable to come to the school, please send a note with your child describing the article of clothing your child misplaced. We will gladly look through the Lost and Found for you and send the article of clothing back with your child, if found.
3. Parent Organization Bulletin Board. Half of the large bulletin board at the ramp entrance to HLA has been dedicated to announcements and postings by the Parent Organization. Be sure to check it out whenever you visit the school.
4. Reminder re Early Pick Up Rules. As a reminder, the latest time for "early release" is 3.30pm. Please be certain that if there are any changes in your child's routine (for example, a relative will be picking up your child instead of sending them on the bus), please be sure to call the main office by NO LATER THAN 3.15PM so that the change can be made. We thank you again for your help with keeping dismissal as organized and safe for our children as possible.
Thanks to all of you for your continued dedication to the success of our children.
Sincerely,
Maureen Campbell
Principal
Dear Parent:
Shalom! Following are updates for the first week of October.
Parent Organization. We will be holding our inaugural Parent Organization (“PO”) meetings Tuesday, October 6, 2009 in two sessions, from 8.30am – 9.00am and again from 6.00pm – 6.30pm, to accommodate working parents’ schedules.
In connection with these meetings, attached please find the following documents:
Parent Handbook. Each HLA household will receive a copy of the HLA Parent Handbook. The Handbook is critical to your child’s career with HLA and outlines rules, responsibilities, best practices and guidelines for our partnership. The purpose of having this essential document in a binder format is to facilitate the easy updating of the binder to include any written notices you receive from the school, report cards, correspondence, memos, etc.
For parents who are not able to attend the PO meetings on the 6th of October, a copy of the Parent Handbook will be sent home in your child’s backpack on October 7th. The Handbook will be accompanied by a Parent Handbook Receipt. Please sign and date the Receipt and send back to your child’s teacher the following day.
Lunch forms. Your child received a state-mandated Lunch Form which should be completed and sent back to your child’s teacher, addressed to the attention of Ms. Connelly in the main office. Please ensure that this form is sent back no later than Friday the 9th of October so that HLA is in compliance with the state’s requirements. A copy of this Form is attached to this email.
The Lunch Form is used to determine the dollar amounts for which HLA is eligible for reimbursement from the state for the meals and snacks provided to the children each day. If you feel as though you are NOT eligible for free or reduced lunches and would therefore like to “opt out” of completing the forms, please send a note indicating as such so that you are not continually contacted in connection with the missing form for your child. PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOU OPT OUT OF COMPLETING THIS FORM, YOU WILL BE CHARGED A NOMINAL FEE FOR THE FOOD THAT YOUR CHILD IS PROVIDED EACH DAY. Each family will be invoiced on a monthly basis.
Halloween. In the best interest of safety and nutrition, HLA will not host any Halloween celebrations. Therefore please take this into consideration and kindly do not send your child in costume nor send them with any candy for distribution or consumption.
Early pickups. It is important to note that dismissal for bus children begins at 3.40pm. Once dismissal begins for the children who ride the bus home in the afternoon, it becomes a hazard to have parents coming and going from the building, and creates confusion for both the children as well as the monitors responsible for escorting the children to the buses.
A cutoff period for parent pickups has therefore been instituted, whereby parents or guardians can come to pick up the children for early release until 3.30pm. After 3.30pm, parents or guardians will be required to wait until 4.00pm to pick up their children. In the event of an emergency or a change in schedule for your child, please contact Michelle Galeotti in the main office before 3.00pm to notify us that your child will be picked up early. In this way, we can prepare the child to leave class without disrupting the rest of the class and the dismissal process for the other children.
Permission Slips for Walking Trips. As a reminder, there are Permission Slips for Walking Trips that the children will be taking with their classes. Please complete the Permission Slip if you have not already completed one, so that your child is not left behind when his classmates go on these trips. If you have already completed and returned this Slip to your child’s teacher, you do NOT need to complete another one.
Second Meeting - Chat with the Board Chair. Sara Berman has scheduled another “Chat with the Board Chair” on Tuesday, October 6th from 6.30pm – 7.30pm and will immediately follow the Parent Organization evening session. Refreshments will be served. The previous Breakfast Chat was a huge success. Feedback from the Parents in attendance was instrumental in enhancements to HLA’s program. Please try to attend this session as this provides our Parents with an intimate forum to discuss feedback, comments and concerns in connection with your child’s education at HLA.
Yours sincerely,
Maureen Campbell
Principal
Dear Parent:
Congratulations on a successful first day of school!
The phones went out for a while (as some of you may have discovered) but now they are working again. In addition , the office internet connections crashed during the day but quickly bounced back. Most important, our children loved every minute of their day exploring new teachers, new settings, and new best friends.
A few key administrative items to take note of are noted below.
The buses used to transport the children back and forth to HLA are provided by the Department of Education in the Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT). While we tried our best to ensure that everything flowed as smoothly as possible, HLA is unfortunately NOT in control of bus service. That said, we want to work with you (to the extent possible) on matters related to busing that are indeed within our control:
It is CRITICAL that HLA have the most recent, updated information on your child's Emergency Card at all times. If you move or if a cell phone number is changed, we will not have any way to access you in the event of an emergency. In addition, your child will not be released to any individual NOT listed on the child's Emergency Card. All updates to Emergency Card information should be sent in writing to the attention of Sheryl Connelly, in our office. Ms. Connelly will then update the card and ensure that the most recent information is reflected.
We are looking forward to a wonderful year with your children.
Sincerely,
Maureen Campbell
HLA Principal