PCA Meeting 3/28/18
Attendance:
Natasha Gordon
Amelia Hecker
Sarah Regan
Jordan Loftus
Claudia Ames
Laura Ryniker
Maren Cardillo
Tannaz Balooch
Courtney Chambers
Maria Mosca
Kristie Leigh
Lisa Colacioppo
Lisa Cashman
Jessica Accetta
Maria Mango
Lige Zhaomu
Sara Jones
Yuko Giannalcis
Welcome:
Open PCA Positions for next year include:
Co-president
Co-treasurer
Co-merchandising
Co-events
Secretary
If anyone is interested, please email Natasha & Amelia for detailed descriptions and more information.
PCA Enrichment- Laura Ryniker & Maren Cardillo
– there are still several spots open in many of the new classes…Yoga, Crossfit, Crafted, Transformation Creations, Gardening. Some of these spots will now be offered to 2nd Grade (Crafted/Gardening).
– if you cannot get your child enrolled into a certain class because it is full, please email the enrichment program to be added to the wait-list. There is always a good chance that a spot will open up. Also, this gives us a good idea of how popular a class will be in the future.
– there will be new security plans in place, this time around. Students will now meet in the Auditorium after dismissal. Parent volunteers MUST arrive no later than 2.30pm and wait for the children at this location. They will then escort them to their respective classrooms. When signing children out at the end of class, there will be a separate sign-out sheet for After Care drop-off. These children must all be escorted to the cafeteria together.
Events- Sara Regan
– a special thank you to Amie Sanborn and all the parent volunteers who helped out with this year’s play, Cry Wolf. It was a huge success and very well organized!
– also, thank you to Vanessa Marks and Alison Camardella for taking over the Jamboree- once again a thoroughly enjoyable event for everyone involved!
Upcoming Events:
4/19: Poker Night at the Sea Cliff Fire House- we will be sending out flyers with more info.
4/20: International Night -we are still looking for volunteers to be table-runners, i.e go from table-to-table to give parents a chance to look at other tables. More international food dishes are also needed (Claudia Ames)
4/27: Piano Recital (Pooja Vira)
5/04: PCA Fundraiser at Sea Cliff Manor (Lisa Cashman & Vanessa Marks)
5/24: Family Game Night (Courtney Chambers & Tammy White)
Fundraising- Lisa Cashman
We are currently looking for more ideas to reach parents about upcoming events, other than email. Possible ideas include flyers/mailers, more use of graphic design (not just words), more Facebook presence, word of mouth etc.
We also still need many more donations for the auction on 5/04.
*Special Presentations from Mr.Schultz (Mandarin) and Ms.Robles (Spanish)*
Once students reach 3rd Grade they will be required to chose between continuing Mandarin, or beginning Spanish. Both teachers gave presentations on the benefits of each language.
Mandarin:
New York has one of the largest Chinese populations outside of China, and Mandarin has been listed as one of the most critical languages to learn in today’s society. There are currently 1.5
billion mandarin speakers in the world. Mr.Schultz stressed how unique our Mandarin program is, and how it stimulates the brain unlike most Western languages. It is excellent for cognitive growth and musical understanding, while the word characters help visual learners.
The fundamental goal of Mr.Schultz’s program is to encourage children to enjoy learning the language and most of all, to have fun. He values his relationship with his students and wants to create a fun, relaxed atmosphere in his classroom, whilst striving to make kids passionate about the subject. Multiple studies have shown that the elementary age is the best time to start learning a new language, and in today’s Global Marketplace there is a huge emphasis on China’s growing presence and the importance of Mandarin. Many college scholarships are now available for Mandarin programs.
Mandarin is currently offered 1 hour a week at school. Next year, Mr.Schultz will be hosting a Friday afternoon Mandarin Club.
Spanish:
Spanish is the second most commonly spoken language in the world after English. Once children start learning Spanish there is also an easy transition to other languages such as Italian and French.
Ms.Robles prefers to take the “Immersion Approach” in regards to her teaching style. This means that only Spanish is spoken in the classroom. All research shows that immersion is the best way for a child to learn a language. These children need multiple exposures to reach a goal. Emphasis on listening and comprehension is done by using songs, chants, rhythms and repetition. Students work in pairs and smaller groups whilst in the classroom. Ms.Robles also likes to incorporate many visuals along with arts and painting. Once the children reach 4th & 5th grade, more focus is given to writing and projects.
The school library also has a new Spanish section which all children are encouraged to enjoy, and Ms.Robles currently runs a Spanish recess club.
Ms.Zeidel Report:
K
Kindergarten just finished our How to writing unit and building our Super Powers in reading as most of the students are now expected to be reading at a Level B. The students are very excited as we begin to explore the world of Non-Fiction and they begin to write All About books teaching readers about topics they are “experts” in such as Minecraft, the playground, Play-Doh, Barbies,etc…) In math we are practicing counting by 2’s and 5’s (up to 20) and counting by 10’s up to 100. We are also comparing sets of numbers from 0-20. We are just finishing our Winter Unit where we focused primarily on what happens to trees/plants and animals in winter.
1st:
In first grade we are starting our poetry writing unit. In math we are working on graphing and understanding different kinds of graph. We are studying light and sound in science.
2nd:
Second grade is working learning about matter in science,
measurement in math,
characters in reading,
writing gripping fictional stories in writing
and having a long ago video conference in library.
3rd:
Third graders are learning about life in China. We are exploring topics like food, clothing, shelter, celebrations, jobs, arts etc. We are reading Because of Winn Dixie. We are looking at character traits for the main character and how the character changes throughout the story. We are focusing on using evidence from the text when making a claim about a character. In math, we are focusing on fractions and area.
4th
4th grade is just finishing up their Interdisciplinary unit on The American Revolution. They are currently publishing their informational books and sharing them with their classmates.
In math, 4th graders are exploring area and perimeter of squares and rectangles.
The 4th graders are getting ready for spring, where we will be heading into their historical fiction reading and writing unit. Through this unit, students will explore many historical events through different perspectives.
5th grade has written informational and argument essays, and is participating in debates in library. They are working on geometry and measurement in math. Just starting our work for the science fair with Mrs. Krupin.
Music:
The Sea Cliff Singers performance at the Barclays Center is coming up on March 22nd.
The NYSSMA solo festival is coming up on March 14th and 15th at Glen Cove High School. Students that registered will be receiving their performance permits from their child’s music teacher within the next week or so.
Forms for the Piano NYSSMA festival are available through Mrs. Hassett-Bordes, or from the email Dr. Z sent out before the February break. This festival is taking place at CW Post and is May 14th and 15th
PE:
We just completed hoops and jump rope for heart and raised over $7,000 for the American heart association. We kept our hearts strong and healthy by competing in various jumping and basketball stations. We had our 5th grade basketball shoot-out where students participated in lay-ups and free throws. The top 5 boys and top 5 girls from SC, GH and GWL participated in the district shoot-out right before the break. In PE, we are starting foot skills, continuing with health and moving on to our SC scooterville unit.
Spanish:
In 3rd grade students have begun the unit on School supplies. Students have learned to ask each other and say what is in your backpack. As mini project they will create their own backpack and put pictures of school supplies and practice asking each other what school supplies they have.
In 4th grade students have started the unit on winter sports. They can ask and say what winter sports they like and dislike. As a final project they will create a skit with a partner and exchange basic information as well as talk about what winter sports they like to play.
In 5th grade students are working in the food unit. They are creating a skit with their partner and playing the role of a waiter and a client. Students what to ask for the menu, order food and drinks at a restaurant.
Art:
Each grade level is exploring tools and materials in the art room. Kindergarten just learned how to create an abstract self portrait. First graders are learning about warm and cool colors. Third graders are working on metal and creating mandalas. Fourth graders are learning about artist Frida Kahlo and using symbols in their artwork. Fifth graders are currently working on monochromatic paintings. I have already spoke to the PCA about having each class create a canvas painting of a place/landmark in SC.
Library:
In 5th grade we are preparing for our debates on current events issues. In 4th, we are analyzing/singing lyrics from the show Hamilton in support of the American Revolution study. In K-3, we are focusing on Women’s History/Civil Rights.
SEPTA:
NS SEPTA is a parent organization that provides information, support, and resources to help parents and teachers address the learning needs of ALL students in our district.
Next meeting:
Parent Information Exchange – a roundtable discussion for all parents to ask questions and share information about children’s learning challenges, any new issues raised at parent-teacher conferences, etc.
When: April 10 at 7:30pm
Where: High School Library
Upcoming:
Parent Member Training – If you are looking to learn more about the CSE (Committee on Special Education) process to help other parents understand and participate in the process for their children with special ed needs, and to educate yourself, please come to this special training session.
When: April 16 from 10:00am-12:30pm
Where: Victorian House at NS HS
Presentation: Reading: Why is my Child Struggling?!
When: April 18th at 7:30pm Where: High School Library Presented by: Faith Borkowsky, High Five Literacy
BOE- Sara Jones:
– this Thursday 29th is the vote on the final budget number. Information is available on the website. The district is currently facing some big challenges, and security audits are on-going. A strategic plan is being developed for the next 3-5 years, and substance abuse is still one of their main priorities. The Littleworth Ln closing is still under consideration with no current end date, or resolution in sight. The local Sea Cliff election slowed things down a little. The district is also still currently involved in the American Water litigation.
-we are looking for families to host “Budget Coffees” at their homes to meet Superintendent Dr.Giarrizzo, and learn more about the budget. These are really great informative sessions and a good way to get to know your fellow parents and Superintendent. This encourages more people to vote.
– May 15th is the budget vote at the High School 7AM-10PM.
SECURITY MEETING
Natasha and Amelia attending the Security Meeting held on the 26th and gave a brief summary. Amelia touched on the fact that our schools are located in geographically unique positions. If an incident happens, roads will have to be blocked to prevent panicked traffic congestion (i.e. parents trying to drive and park at the schools). In the event of a lock-down, it is also advisable to try and NOT call your child. Cell phones ring and alert intruders, giving away a student’s location. Schools are trying to come up with a “panic button” app, and implementing the use of walkie talkies.
Meeting ended 10.05am.
Sea Cliff School Parent Community Association 