Administration's Corner

Dear Parents,

February marks the beginning of African American History Month, an annual celebration that has existed since 1926! During this month both in school and at home, we encourage you to have these courageous conversations about our important Black Figures who helped shape our country. Your child’s class will be participating in many activities scheduled that will help them to develop a firm knowledge and understanding of African American History. Your participation and support of the programs available at your public library and museums will help our children to remember the important figures of the past!

Academic Alert Letters: Academic letters are currently being distributed and mailed to the homes of all students who are in danger of not meeting the promotional standards by June 2023. If you receive this letter, it is very important that you schedule an appointment to meet with your child’s teacher as soon as possible. Parent / Teacher academic alert conferences are designed to enable parents to readily identify ways of assisting their children to meet promotional standards. Remember: Your child’s success is dependent upon a strong partnership between the home and school. Progress Reports for all students will be distributed on February 17^th. Please ensure to review your child’s progress with them.

Health Updates: Please be advised that medications are not to be carried by your child to school. Please ensure all medical forms necessary for medication administration are submitted to the nurse ASAP. If your

child has a medical condition that requires medication, please have your child’s doctor complete a medication administration form and return it to the school nurse without delay. The School Nurse and Staff Members cannot aid any child in need of medication if this form has not been completed and on file at the school.

Midwinter Recess: Please be advised that all NYC public schools will be closed on Monday, February 20^th through Friday, February 24th for the Midwinter Recess. During this vacation period all students will be provided with grade appropriate packets so that their academic stamina will be maintained. Kindly ensure that your child’s schoolwork is properly completed and returned to school on Monday, February 27, 2023.

Test Readiness: You can help your child prepare for the upcoming statewide examination in the following ways:

• Ensure that your child participates in a grade/age-appropriate silent reading activity daily to build reading stamina.
• Review math facts for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
• Ensure that your child’s homework is neat and
• Build your child’s confidence for test taking activities by speaking positively about the test taking

experience.

As this school year unfolds, parents are encouraged to maintain ongoing contact with their child’s teacher throughout the school year. You can maintain contact with your child’s teachers through our BLOOMZ parent communication App or simply leaving a message in the main office. If you require a more convenient appointment time, please do not hesitate to notify your child’s teacher of your scheduling needs in writing or by contacting Mrs. Hawkins, Parent Coordinator at (347) 563-4350.

Educationally yours,

Dex J. Baptiste

Dear Parents/Guardians,

I am very honored and excited to be joining the Ralph Bunche School as the new Interim Acting Assistant Principal. This will be my 22nd year in education. I graduated from City College with a master’s degree in Literacy Acquisition from Birth to Grade 2. In addition, I received my second masters in School Building Leadership from Mercy College. As a New York native, I have always had the desire to fulfill a school building leadership role in the field of education in this diverse city I have always called home. I am fortunate to have this opportunity to pursue a leadership role at such an amazing school where students are learning and continuing to grow as leaders. As a former Educational Administrator with District 27, I am proud to bring with me 7 years of leadership experience and knowledge to begin my new journey at The Ralph Bunche School.

I look forward to learning more about you and your child/children as we work together to continue providing a positive, engaging, and rigorous learning environment for all students. I will uphold the vision of the school, “to offer students an equitable learning environment where we can empower students to acquire, demonstrate, articulate, and value knowledge and skills that will support them as life-long learners.”

As the new Assistant Principal, I will work to support students academically, socially, and emotionally. I believe in the potential of every student, and that together we must prepare them to be world class citizens by continuing to provide experiences that are relevant, challenging, and meets the needs of each individual student. I strongly believe in open communication and a home/ school connection. Please feel free to contact me anytime if you have any questions or concerns. As we take on new challenges and continue to meet new goals, together, we will accomplish our shared vision that every child succeeds at The Ralph Bunche School.

Educationally yours,

Ms. Lakeesha Elliott

Assistant Principal