EVCS Weekly March 30 – April 3

Posted on March 27, 2020 by parents

Penny for your thoughts Screen Shot 2019-05-23 at 1.00.46 PM

Dear Parents and Guardians,

It is Friday, March 27.
I heard someone say “by now we might all realize this remote learning is becoming a marathon.” EVCS completed the first lap and from our end you are all looking great. Keep it up, you got this. This has been a doozy for many to say the least. Way to go parents, students, heroic teachers, & admin for pulling it together – it is remarkable and everyone deserves a big reward.

Before we all collapse into the weekend…

There are a few updates and new resources to note below…

New York State Tests for ELA and MATH
Exams are Suspended for grades 3-8 due to COVID-19

School Food
FREE meals for all kids under 18!
View the list here to find the nearest pick up location. Hrs: 7:30 a.m. – 1:30.p.m.
Kids may pick up from any participating school location on the list. Check for the closest open school near you. All kids can pick up 3 bags each day. If you need help finding additional food resources in the community, please reach out to James.

Tips that might help in setting your child up for success:
Try to create a dedicated workspace for each of you sharing the home. Everyone needs a space they can call their own work area. Keep it organized and comfy, everyone will work better if they feel comfortable and tools are in order. Provide privacy if possible. It may never be “ideal” at home so do the best you can. Support and motivate, think about setting up a gallery area to feature any work they produce. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out and we will do our best to support you.

The kids’ “start time” is 9:30 a.m.

Go easy on yourselves and do what you can. Adjusting to this new norm is different for every family – remember how hard it could be to get out of the house, it might be even tougher some days staying in the house and redirecting the focus. Try to create a regular schedule – kids thrive more often than not with a routine in place. If you need support coming up with a schedule, reach out. Posting the schedule where everyone can see it will go a long way. You can refer to it when you need to get back on track.

NYC School Survey
Our response rate is very low at 19% for EVCS.
We know there is a lot going on but it only takes a few minutes.
Only one survey per family is needed. PLEASE do let your voices be heard and fill out the survey today! Thank you in advance!
Take the Parent Survey (available in Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, English, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Russian, and Spanish – click here to select your language. )

Attendance
Remote attendance may look and feel a bit different than when we all met at school. With remote learning we encourage all students to participate and engage with the materials, lessons and information presented in google classroom and by the teacher(s). We also understand the juggle that is happening at home and that it looks different for everyone. Our hope and expectation is that you do your best and let us know where the struggles are. We are here to support you 100%.

The Virtual Yard
Thinking about a class hang out? Ask your teacher to help set something up. The upper grade levels encourage regular hang out time using Google Hangouts. Practicing with protocols like “keeping your microphone on mute” and allowing each one to speak and hear one another. Kids miss each other, and this is one way perhaps everyone can share and connect.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

If you are a first responder, health care provider, or transit worker
whose child is a NYC resident and you have no other child care option, complete this FORM to begin the enrollment process for the city childcare & enrichment centers

Devices and Wifi Connections.
If you or some you know is still in need of a device to connect your child to Google Classroom, fill out this form for a device, on loan, from the Department of Education: https://coronavirus.schools.nyc/RemoteLearningDevices
Your student ID is required, reach out to teachers or me if you need it.
EVCS is located under The East Village Community School.
If your device is not working please reach out to Liz first to decide if we need to request another device – liz@evcs.me.

Continue reading →

EVCS Weekly March 23-27

Posted on March 20, 2020 by parents

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The past days have been very different (to say the least!), as we weather some major changes to our daily routines. I hope everyone is staying safe and calm, while finding a little joy in the midst of it all. Teachers are actively preparing for the resumption of school, albeit of the online variety.

A few things to note below…

https://coronavirus.schools.nyc/RemoteLearningDevices
Your student ID is required, reach out to teachers or me if you need it.
EVCS is located under The East Village Community School.

If you are not set up yet, don’t worry, we will take it one day at a time…

Continue reading →

Posted on March 17, 2020 by parents

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We need everyone to set up their NYC Schools Account (NYCSA).

This is a web-based application that lets you see your child’s academic and biographic information on any computer, phone, or tablet. The application is translated into nine languages other than English. In the account, you can see a child’s attendance, grades, test scores, Fitnessgram results, enrollment history, and schedule.

Start Your Account Now!
You can sign up for an account by entering a few basic details:

https://mystudent.nyc/

This will allow you to begin receiving notifications from the DOE.
It only takes five minutes, and it is the first step in getting a full account.

It is important for ALL families to create an account.

• Already have an account– please be sure you know how to log in.
• Need to set up an account please follow the link below.
• Forgot your password, no worries, follow the link below to reset it.

If you need help, please reach out to me and we will resolve any issues.

I am thinking of all of you and hoping everyone is managing,
please give you kiddos a hug for me. Stay healthy and let’s flatten this curve.

Warm Regards,
James

EVCS Weekly, Monday, March 16

Posted on March 13, 2020 by parents

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Surviving the time change was an easy hurdle compared to conquering our preoccupation with news & this coronavirus. We are aware this is heavy on many minds and affecting your daily routines and decisions. We hope that everyone is doing what they can and need to, to stay healthy, feel safe and stay calm. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is a great resource here.

We will continue to share information as we get it. You can also get the most current information and recent letters that have come from the DOE about Coronavirus here. Please continue to lookout for regular updates from the Chancellor’s office that we receive.

As of Now, School will be Open Monday.
The bus will be running as usual.
Families who choose to keep their children at home, we ask that you send an email to attendance@evcs.me with your child’s name, teacher and reason for staying home. If your child stays home for any Coronavirus-related reasons, please tell us this in the mesasge and the absence will be excused.

In light of all that is happening the Multicultural Share will be postponed.
We are will let you know what the rescheduled date is once things settle down.

A huge thanks to our recycling volunteers who came in this week: Camila
Nina, Paola, Jesse , Nyurca, Shannon, Olympia, Angelica, Cristina, and Sakinah for taking time out of their day to join us at lunch. Home lunch packers are very close to being ZERO waste and with a few small steps every packer could be 100% waste-free!See images below for more inspiration on how to eliminate baggies, or remind kids to bring them home to reuse them.

Let’s take a look at next week and keep in mind that information on the school calendar may be updated as we move through this pandemic.

Next Week

Monday, March 16
Deadline to apply to Pre-K for all children born in 2016!
Apply Online Questions? Email ESEnrollment@schools.nyc.gov

Please bring book donations to the yard for the book exchange/sale table.

NY School Survey

We are going for 100% Parent/Guardian Participation! Due 3/31.

For information about the survey click here.

______________________________________________________________

FREE PICNIC Tee-SHIRT – We need to know your child’s size!
In preparation for the school-wide picnic on June 19th,
please tell us your child’s tee shirt size HERE!

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EVCS 2020 Reading Olympics

Keep reading!! The forms are due back Monday, March 30!
Bring Books Monday, March 16 to the “Book Exchange” table in the yard.
Donations and swapping will continue through the month of March on Mondays. For more information about books or the Reading Olympics, please kindly reach out to Ariel at arieldeva@gmail.com.

ATTENDANCE

Reminder:
Please be sure to reach out with details to your teacher(s) and the EVCS attendance team NEW! attendance@evcs.me to let them know when & why your child will not be at school. (No need to email Freddy, Sharon, or others individually anymore!) We value your children and believe their time at school is important! We also need to know where all of our students are every day. Thank you in advance for your continued support.

Check Your Child’s NYC DOE School Account Today!

Your child’s Student ID (also known as an OSIS Number) can be found on the letter from Bradley you received as part of your child’s MidYear Report.

NYC SCHOOLS ACCOUNT

March Menus

Breakfast / Lunch

SchoolFood Menu Apps: OS or Android

DRINK MORE WATER EVERY DAY. Please be sure to remind your kids, as a daily habit, to fill up their bottles at lunch using the refill bottle station in the cafeteria. (Write your child’s name and EVCS on the water bottles too!)

HOME LUNCHERS • Try going for ZERO waste, you are nearly there!

Family Resources & Events

Congratulations to the EVCS Family Band for bringing home the D1 Battle of the Family Bands trophy! Way to rock the house and win the battle! It was less than a week ago, but seems like forever. Simpler times…
D1 Battle of the Family Bands – Live Recording!

Interesting for kids (and also adults stuck at home)

Social Action

Public Food Scrap Drop-off Site Near School
Located on the southeast corner of 12th Street and Avenue B.
Find More Drop off locations here.
NYC Compost Project Brochure

Best Practices & Resources

Video: Wash your hands. No, like this! Worthwhile watch with your kids.

virus spawns viral Tik Tok dance about washing your hands watch here

Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks

Social Action

Remember to follow us and share your news!

EVCS Core Values

Social Action • Kindness • Joy of Learning • Self Awareness • Inclusion

Continue to practice good hygiene, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, I know it is not easy.

Stay informed with facts, and try to make it a restful weekend.
Be safe and stay sane.

As always,
James

James Bromberg, Parent Coordinator
JamesPC@evcs.me / 212 982 0682 Ext 2053
Website/School Calendar: evcsnyc.org

EVCS Weekly March 9 – 13

Posted on March 6, 2020 by parents

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Monday was a magical day for all of us with special guest Tom Chapin at School Wide Morning Meeting! It doesn’t get much better than that!
If you missed it or have been wishing for a replay, check out the videos here!
A huge thanks to Bonnie, Ivan’s mom for providing the link and again to Sierra, Ceci’s mom for helping make the connection happen.

We are bookin’ it with the March Reading Olympics! Please check your child’s backpack for sponsor sheets & information also linked here. See details below.

Reminder!
This Sunday is (not only Battle of the Family Bands) also Daylight Saving Time 2020! In New York it will begin at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 8.
Remember to set your clocks one hour ahead Saturday night!

THIS WEEKEND

Don’t miss this one of a kind event!
Sunday, March 8
3rd Annual District 1 Battle of the Bands • Bowery Ballroom

Tickets Online here or at the door!
Prepare for an incredible show! Hope to see you there!

NY School Survey

We are going for 100% Parent/Guardian Participation! Due 3/31.

For information about the survey click here.

Continue reading →

EVCS Weekly March 2 – 6

Posted on February 28, 2020 by parents

Dear Parents and Guardians,

It was great to see some of you out at the PA meeting and the book discussion. If you missed it, not to worry the conversation will continue and the PA meets monthly! We have an exciting month ahead.
Please check your child’s backpack for their report cards!

Rainy Day Reminder
Parents, please remember to use the yard and the door at the ramp as our point of entry to the building on rainy days & during any inclement weather. Please avoid the school lobby during arrival, regardless of the weather.

We’re kicking off our annual Reading Olympics Monday!
Please look in your child’s backpack next week for sponsor sheets & information also linked here. Remember, all students who read books and hand in a reading log, whether or not donations are collected, will get a prize for their wonderful efforts! Each Monday in March a “Book Exchange” will be hosted in the yard. Please feel free to bring book donations for swapping or contributing to the table! For more information about Books or Reading Olympics please kindly reach out to Ariel at arieldeva@gmail.com.
_____________________________________________________________________

The PICNIC is in June
In preparation for the school-wide picnic on June 19th,
please tell us your child’s tee shirt size HERE!
_____________________________________________________________________

Let’s see what we have to look forward to …

Next Week

Monday, March 2
SWMM – recycling, composting and sustainability
with special guest, Tom Chapin!
8:50-9:30 a.m. in the auditorium

Bake Sale hosted by 4th Grade
Book Exchange Table to kick off Reading Olympics 2020!
8:00-8:45 a.m. in the school yard

Battle of the Family Band Tickets will be on sale $20
8:00-8:45 a.m. in the school yard

Monday, March 2 – 6
Parent-Teacher Conference Week
Make the Most of Your Parent-Teacher Conference
If you have not done so already, please be sure to schedule an appointment with your teachers for your conference.

Thursday, March 5
Half-Day for all Students • Early dismissal is at 11:30 a.m.
Please be sure to make arrangements to meet your child and reach out to your regularly scheduled after school programs.

Free Literacy Workshop on Comprehension
Universal Literacy Coaches will present ideas & answer questions
8:30 – 9:30 a.m. • 1166 Essex Street, PS 20 Room 340 • Info Flyer here
Please Join us • RSVP

Applications for The Multicultural Share are due Thursday, March 5!
Please fill out the talent survey form if you have not done so already.
Please RSVP for the potluck dinner here! Hope to see you there.

Sunday, March 8
District 1 Battle of the Bands • Bowery Ballroom
Tickets are on sale in the schoolyard, EVCS office & online.
Prepare for an incredible show! Hope to see you there!

ATTENDANCE

Reminder:
Please be sure to reach out with details to your teacher(s) and the EVCS attendance team NEW! (attendance@evcs.me) to let them know when & why your child will not be at school. We value your children and believe their time at school is important! We also need to know where all of our students are every day. Thank you in advance for your continued support.

Save the Dates

Monday, March 16
Deadline to apply to Pre-K for all children born in 2016!
Apply Online Questions? Email ESEnrollment@schools.nyc.gov

Friday, March 20
Multicultural Potluck Sign Up HERE to bring your favorite dish & volunteer!

Wednesday & Thursday, March 25 – 26
New York State ELA Testing

Friday, March 27
Movie Night – Support the 5th Grade Camping Trip.
Kids stay in while you go out!
INFO/RSVP for tickets! Seating is limited, reserve today & join the fun!

Continue reading →

EVCS Weekly Feb 24-28th

Posted on February 14, 2020 by parents

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Happy 100th Day of school!
Thanks to Yvonne Ruiz, Raffa & Matias’s mom, for the beautiful artwork above!

Before we take a break let us all be reminded of how important getting to school is! Please be sure to reach out with details to your teacher(s) and the EVCS attendance team NEW! (attendanceEVCS@googlegroups.com) to let them know when & why your child will not be at school. We value your children and believe their time at school is important! We also need to know where all of our students are every day.
Thank you in advance for your continued support.

Next Week

MID-WINTER BREAK
February 17 – 21, 2020
President’s Day/Midwinter Recess – Schools Closed

What is coming up after mid-winter break?

Continue reading →

EVCS Weekly Feb 10 – 14

Posted on February 7, 2020 by parents

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Thank you all for your support this week around Black Lives Matter at Schools Week of Action. It was wonderful having parents come in and read to the students. There were many discussions on relevant topics including structural racism, black identities, black history, and anti-racist movements. Our volunteer readers did a great job – thank you!!!

Please read our updated Birthday and Holiday Celebration policies HERE.

And check out the EVCS Podcast if you haven’t heard it yet! It is getting rave reviews… https://soundcloud.com/user-863581297/evcs-podcast-january
A big shout out to Coach Eric! Bravo!

STAY HEALTHY

Reminders from the DOE health & wellness: “Stay Home When Sick”
If your child has shown signs of feeling ill the evening before school or if they have a fever please keep them home. Rest can help you and your child get better sooner, and it helps prevent the spread of germs. Wash hands often to help stay healthy.

Help us Stop the Spread of Germs See Flyer Here

Simple Steps

Next Week

Monday, February 10
How to Grow A Reader – A FREE parent workshop!
8:30 – 9:30 a.m. in the Art Room (413)
Learn strategies for supporting your child as a reader at home. This workshop, hosted by Liz, will focus on ways to encourage reading and the love of books.

Wednesday, February 12
5:30 – 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium
A Parent Talk About Testing
Childcare will be provided, details to follow.

MID-WINTER BREAK
February 17 – 21, 2020
President’s Day/Midwinter Recess – Schools Closed

Continue reading →

EVCS Weekly Dec 9 -13

Posted on December 6, 2019 by parents

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Be sure to mark your calendars for the next big school event. We invite all families to join us for our annual Festival of Lights (FOL) music performance coming up in less than two weeks on Wednesday, December 18. Again it will be held at the East Side Community High School Auditorium from 9:00 – 10:45 a.m. – located at 420 East 12th Street, Guests will ENTER on 11th Street between Ave A and 1st Avenue – It will be a regular drop off for kids between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. in the yard. Parents and guests will be walking over to the 11th Street Entrance at East Side after drop-off.

Our Parent Association is gearing up with spirit items and will be needing volunteers to help set up and sell merchandise at this off-site event. If you can offer time to help set up or prepare items ahead of time, please reach out to parents@evcsnyc.org and let them know you are available to help out.

Let’s see what is coming up:

NEXT WEEK

Monday, December 9
School-Wide Morning Meeting, hosted by PreK.
8:50 a.m. in the auditorium. All parents and guardians welcome.
Bake Sale hosted by 1st Grade in the yard at 8:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, December 11
Free Early Literacy Workshop on “Phonics”
Meet Universal K-2 Literacy Reading Coaches
8:30 – 9:30 a.m. PS 20 Essex Street In Room 304
Please join us for an overview of foundation skills, tips & activities to help support your young reader. Please RSVP to Celsa at CPacheco5@schools.nyc.gov
Click here for more information!

Friday, December 13
Lion King Kids Performance
Please join us as Child’s Play NY & EVCS Present
The Lion King Experience!
EVCS Auditorium Doors Open at 5:00p.m.

The entrance is Free! We hope to see you there!

SAVE THE DATES

Monday, December 16
Dyslexia and Struggling Readers
Please join us for a discussion with reading specialist Mary Beth Crosby Carroll.
Hosted at The Neighborhood School & PS63 The Star Academy
8:45 a.m. • 121 East 3rd Street • See the flyer for more details.

Wednesday, December 18
Festival of Lights • 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Held at East Side Community High School – 420 East 12th Street
in the Auditorium – Regular drop off for kids at 8:30 in the yard.

5th Grade Bake & Gift Sale Fundraiser
In the yard 8:00 a.m. – 8:40 a.m. Have a coffee and pick up a gift before walking over to the FOL! All proceeds support the EVCS 5th Grade Camping Trip! _
Thank you in advance for your support, The 5th Grade Families_

Evening General Parent Association Meeting
5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Please join us for updates and get involved in committee work.

Saturday, December 21 – Wednesday, January 1
No School for Winter Break
Please plan to return for Thursday, January 2nd as school resumes!

Theatre Arts Opportunity at EVCS for After School on Fridays

Willy Wonka Kids with Child’s Play NY
Improvisation and theater games help stoke creativity, create an ensemble and develop the spirit of play as students rehearse a play in a semester. A great session for kids to increase confidence, craft, and their ability to work as part of an ensemble. Kids learn how to create a character from a place of instinct and play. They also amass skills in singing, dance, speech, and improvisation taught by master teachers and performers at the top of their field. The class culminates in a final performance for the community.

The delicious adventures experienced by Charlie Bucket on his visit to Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory light up the stage in this captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale. Featuring the enchanting songs from the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder, in addition to a host of fun new songs, Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Kids is a scrumdiddlyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone’s sweet tooth.

The students involved will put on a production of Willy Wonka Kids!
Space is limited and spots will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Fridays from 2:50p-4:45p
January 10 – May 1
$455 for the semester
Register here! *Payment installments are available at checkout.
Contact emily@childsplayny.com or call 347-759-6313 with any questions.
Space is Limited.

Staying Healthy All Year Long

A few simple actions can help us avoid the spread of illness:
• Teach your child to cover their coughs, sneezes, don’t have a tissue?, sneeze or cough into your sleeve, not your hands.
• Stay home when sick and get rest.
• Wash hands often with soap and water.

December Menus

Breakfast / Lunch

Please be sure to remind your kids to DRINK MORE WATER as a daily habit and to fill up your bottles at lunch using the refill bottle station in the cafeteria. Write your child’s name and EVCS on the water bottles.

Family Events

December 5 – December 15
The Trojan Women Project Festival
Celebrating 5 years of The Trojan Women Project, 45 years of La MaMa’s The Trojan Women and 100th birthday of La MaMa founder Ellen Stewart.
The International and local artists from The Trojan Women Project will offer a theatre-making workshop for kids.

Sunday, December 8, at 12:00 p.m
Theatre-making workshop for kids!
Age: 6-11, Price: $11.00 for kids; Free for adults!
Ellen Stewart Theatre
66 East 4th Street (between Bowery & 2nd Ave)

EVCS Core Values

Social Action • Kindness • Joy of Learning • Self Awareness • Inclusion

Have a great weekend. See you in the yard on Monday!

All best wishes,
James

James Bromberg, Parent Coordinator
JamesPC@evcs.me / 212 982 0682 Ext 2053
Website/School Calendar: evcsnyc.org

EVCS Weekly Dec 2 – 6

Posted on November 27, 2019 by parents

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Thank you, parents!
We collected nearly 1500 cans this year! Thank you to all of our parent volunteers, to Georga for leading us in song, to Reiko and Camilla for the wonderful banner and 3D fruits and veggies, the family band and to Terry and the EVCS Drumline who helped set the tempo and led everyone to the soup kitchen in time!

A shout out and thanks to Nina, Hadar, Trinidad, Lara, Jen, Nicole, Louis, Choresh, Dorit, Kate, Emily, Scott and Shahar for helping schlep the cans – and to all of you who showed up on the scene to lend a hand, thank you! Our Core Values were in full gear today.

Thank you to everyone for participating this year with your donations and taking action that benefits our community – that is what it’s all about.

Let’s see what December has in store:

NEXT WEEK

Monday, December 2
School Resumes
Middle School Application Deadline

Thursday, December 5
Parent Workshop: Siblings of Children with Special Needs
Time: 9:30 am – 11:00 am
Fee-Based Workshop: $35 / online pre-registration is required
Location: Ackerman Institute for the Family
936 Broadway, 3rd Fl. New York, NY 10011
Register: https://www.ackerman.org/parent-workshops/parent-workshop-siblings-of-children-with-special-needs/

Green Initiative
Making Classroom Recycling Lids!
Thursday 12/5/19 in the afternoon:
3:30-5:30 in room 413 (Art Room)
Small personal actions may feel trivial, but if we all collectively make sustainable choices, the cumulative effect is powerful. To that end, we want to improve classroom recycling through a simple “bin lid making” initiative. Parents with their kids are invited to help make the lids! This is not a drop-off project. The goal is to use copy paper lids. We’ll cut holes corresponding to paper (a narrow rectangle) and glass/metal (a medium circle) to help students/teachers pause a moment and recycle properly. RSVP Be part of the solution!

Continue reading →