Principal's Corner

Dear Parents,

           March is Women’s History Month! We take this time to celebrate all the achievements, milestones, and
contributions of women not only in history but in present day society. Our students are surrounded by strong
Women both at home and at school! As a school community we honor all the Women who play a major role in the
development of our students. Please utilize library resources and resources made available via your child’s Google
Classroom to broaden your child’s knowledge of women’s history.

NYC SCHOOLS CHANCELLOR – Our current NYC Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza will be resigning in the next
two weeks from the Department of Education. The Department of Education, and the mayor, announced Carranza
will be replaced by Bronx Executive Superintendent Meisha Porter. Mrs. Porter will take over the job starting on
March 15. She is a New York City public school graduate, a 20-year veteran employee, who has led at every level in
the system and will be the first Black woman to serve in the role. A perfect start to Women’s History Month!

REPORT CARDS / PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES – CONFERENCES AND REPORT CARDS: Parent Teacher
conferences are scheduled for Wednesday, March 3
rd from 11:30am-1:30pm and 4:00-6:30pm. This conference
will be virtual, and we ask that you make appointments with your child’s teacher. The attendance of an adult
family member or guardian is mandatory and increases accountability to help your child understand the
importance of education. Report Cards will also be distributed electronically. Your cooperation and support are
encouraged. To better facilitate the afternoon Parent / Teacher conferences all students will work asynchronously
from home except Group C: Essential Worker Students. We will also have a PBIS Celebration for all students at
12pm via Zoom to reward their hard work so far.

VIRTUAL AFTER SCHOOL ACADEMIES – If your child has been invited to or is a member of an after-school club or academy, please encourage your child to attend all sessions. We want our students to take full advantage of all
after school programs being offered. Grades 3-5 will focus on Test Preparation. Grades K-2 will focus on Guided
Reading and Math Fluency.

NEW YORK STATE TESTING- As of right now the NYS ELA and Math Test is still scheduled for students this school
year. The 2021 NYS ELA Test will be on April 20
th and 21
st for Grades 3-5 both virtual and in person. The 2021 NYS
Math Test will be on May 4th and 5th for Grades 3-5 both virtual and in person.

NYSCA ACCOUNTS- Please ensure that you have set up a NYSCA Account for your child. All students must have an
active account on file. NYC Schools account provides you a new way of accessing key information about your
child’s progress. With your NYC Schools account, you will be able to view your child's information in one of ten
languages on a computer, phone, or tablet. Please reach out to your child’s teacher or Ms. Belton for individual
account creation codes.

COVID / FLU SEASON ALERT – The COVID / flu season is upon us. Consequently, to safeguard the health of all
students please seek medical attention before sending your child to school under the following conditions: (COVID
19 Symptoms, Fever, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Redness, Swelling, Discharge from Eyes, Rash of unknown origin, Severe
Coughing and Nasal Congestion or just not feeling normal.)

SPRING BREAK: Please be advised that all NYC public schools will be closed on Monday, March 29th thru Friday,
April 2nd for Spring Break. 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, April 5, 2021.

Educationally yours,

Dex Baptiste