Category Archives: Announcements

Grading Policy Release APRIL 28, 2020

Grading Policy Release

Dear Families,

I am pleased to announce that today, the City has released the grading policy that will be in place for the remainder of this school year. Please see attached letter from the Chancellor that outlines this policy.

This citywide grading policy attempts to address our school’s effort to balance flexibility and student’s academic engagement without penalizing any child for the challenges or trauma they may be experiencing. In summary, teachers will determine students’ final grades based on a holistic review of student progress (both before and after we started remote learning). Attendance is not a factor in students’ grades, though students should continue to report their daily attendance so that our student engagement team can do appropriate outreach and align supports for students in need. No student will receive a failing final grade.

•K-5th Grade: Students receive final grades of either “Meets Standards” or “Needs Improvement”

•6th-8th Grade: Students receive final grades of “Meets Standards”, Needs Improvement, or “Course in Progress”, if additional time is needed to complete the course

Please review the Chancellor’s attached letter for the full information available at this time, including a link to a FAQ. Translated versions of this letter will also be available on the DOE’s website: www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/health-and-wellness/coronavirus-update.

We will discuss this policy at tomorrow’s PTA meeting so please bring any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Bryanna Velazquez

Note from Ms Velazquez APRIL 17, 2020

Dear PS/MS 278 Families,

While at a distance, you and our students’ health and well-being continue to be at the forefront of our minds this week:

— To our graduating students, our staff are continuing to think about you and plans are in the works to honor and celebrate you during this important milestone. Ms. Sanchez, Mr. Irizarry, and I look forward to joining the 8th grad classes next week. We understand the loss you are feeling and planning for you is one of our highest priorities!

— To our parents, parenting is never easy but we’re all facing new challenges ourselves. If your children are acting out, it’s entirely normal! Their feelings of stress, anxiety, and loss are just as real as ours, though may manifest itself in very different ways (e.g. refusing to eat anything but macaroni and cheese or fighting with siblings). Child Mind Institute is offering parenting workshops tailored to COVID 19 through Facebook live. The topics range from self-care, to supporting with remote learning, to behavior management. They have recorded webinars as well as workshops every day at 10am and then 4:30pm: www.facebook.com/ChildMindInstitute/live/.

–To any families needing support connecting to any social services, please continue to reach out to us! Attached is an excellent resource for accessing support for a wide range of topics including affordable housing, domestic violence, food banks, health care, immigration services, and utilities.

— Starting Monday, we’ll kick off our 278 Spirit Week with “Morale Monday.” Show us how you are supporting and shouting out our first responders, healthcare, and other service workers! To participate and get directions, join our “#We Love 278 Self-Care” Google Classrooms.” Here is a reminder of the Google classroom links:

•Students in Grades K-2: hh3lano
•Students in Grades 3-5: kpqcdw6
•Students in Grades 6-8: cff375a

Additionally, I wanted to provide you with an overview of how our remote learning has evolved and next steps we are taking to be responsive to feedback from students, staff, and families. Our vision for teaching and learning via remote learning aligns with an asynchronous teaching model, meaning teachers post recorded lessons and assignments that students complete at different times. This structure flexibly allows all of our students to access teaching & learning at a time that meets their family’s needs. Thus far, our work has been focused creating a Google Classroom for each class/teacher, improving the organization of the classrooms for easier access to learning materials, and expanding our staff’s electronic “toolkit” to provide recorded instruction to support student’s ability to complete aligned tasks. The next critical phase to this work is to ensure all classes also have “live” teaching and learning experiences as a supplement to the asynchronous model. These live experiences include teacher office hours and opportunities for targeted small group or individual instruction, as needed.

In closing, you must know that we really miss you. We miss seeing the “spark”, when the lightbulb clicks on and one of our kids understands something they’ve been struggling with. We miss the laughter in our hallways and the messy fun that is recess. And we miss being able to share a quick hug, high-five, or smile of encouragement. We continue to look for ways to replicate these experiences during the school closure and are grateful for your continued partnership!

Be well,

Bryanna Velazquez

New NYC DOE Survey

Please complete by Friday, March 20, 2020

Remote Learning Device Request

To help students stay connected during emergencies, the DOE is lending internet-enabled iPads to support remote learning for students.
The DOE will use the contact information you provide to get in touch with you to discuss when and where you can pick up a device.
Please, complete the survey (link below) by TODAY FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2020.

coronavirus.schools.nyc/RemoteLearningDevices

or call 718 – 935 -5100 and choose option 5.

Remote Learning UPDATE

Dear PS/MS 278 Community,

Thank you for your support of our students and the school community at large. I write to share with you plans that are presently tentative, but will soon be solidified to provide you direction in supporting your children as we begin remote learning on Monday, March 23, 2020.

Here is a quick update on what we are working on thus far:

1. Our staff has already begun working diligently on setting up instructional plans for remote learning. Please keep in mind all communication will be sent through Jupiter Ed, Google Classroom, or Shutterfly depending on your child’s teachers.

2. Teachers will send assignments and suggested activities for your child to complete on a weekly basis starting Monday. Additionally, teachers and staff will be available by email/ Jupiter messages during school hours to answer student’s questions as well as give feedback to assignments. Teacher’s will directly communicate with families about next steps.

3. A survey was sent to parents to determine if technology is available at home for students to use.. The Department of Education is expected to provide laptops or iPads to students who are in need. –

-Technology was distributed according to the survey results on Thursday March 19.
-If you still need assistance accessing technology, please contact Ms. Gonzalez on Jupiter. Remaining resources will be distributed on a need based first come first served basis.
-If you need assistance troubleshooting and navigating access to Jupiter, please email Ms. Demiri (snezaj@schools.nyc.gov)

4. For students with Special Needs with upcoming IEP meetings, teachers and service providers will be in touch regarding scheduling conferences.
– If you have questions regarding your child’s IEP please email Ms. McManus (emcmanus2@schools.nyc.gov)

5. Grab & Go Meals continue to be available at the front entrance from 7:30am – 1:30pm for the remainder of this week.
-After Friday March 20, food will continue to be available to all students in need throughout the district.

6. We continue to encourage everyone to continue to utilize proper sanitary practices. We must all do our parts to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus, and to ensure that our children will have consistent opportunities to excel during these challenging times.
– If you have questions regarding COVID19, visit schools.nyc.gov/coronavirus for all up-to-date information regarding schools and learning during this time.
– If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Irizarry on Jupiter.

We are committed to supporting all families throughout these next few weeks. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to staff members if you have further questions- email and Jupiter messaging will be the best mode of contact.

Thank you all for your continued support.

Respectfully,
Ms. Sanchez

School Closed for the remainder of 2019-20 school year

Remote learning through the end of the school year

Free Meals and Instruction Update

Dear PS/MS 278 Families,

As you are aware, the mayor’s announced key changes for how our school will be operating during the time of the coronavirus pandemic. While specific policies and guidelines will be evolving from the Chancellor’s Office in the coming days, I wish to communicate several things of large importance to our PS/MS 278 community.

First, grab and go will be available from 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM at our main entrance for any student who needs breakfast and lunch.

Secondly, school buildings are now projected to remain closed through the end of the school years. Updates related to this timeline will be communicated from the mayor and will be available on the DOE website.

In addition, the DOE, as a system, is moving towards a new remote learning model for all school days missed during this time. For one week (Tuesday, March 17 – Thursday, March 19), teachers and support staff will be engaging in professional development and prepare to provide this instruction remotely to students.

Finally, the DOE will also be supporting us to ensure students who need it, will be able to have access to technology necessary or remote learning. More guidelines to families and schools from the central office will be sent this week.

In the meantime, the DOE has already begun posting ​learning resources for students in grades Pre-K through 12; they are currently available online at schools.nyc.gov/learnathome. These are supplementary learning resources to help you encourage student learning while they are at home this week and for any past absences. More information about remote learning, meals, and other core services will be made available for families at schools.nyc.gov.

Please know that we will remain in contact with you as we receive updates through this process. Tomorrow, I will also be releasing contact information for key staff members where you can direct your individual questions. We are grateful for all of your support as we navigate these unprecedented transitions.

Take care,

Bryanna Velazquez

Mulch-O-Mania 2019

Thank you parents, students and alums who helped unloading and spreading mulch on Saturday morning, November 23. Beautiful, healthy and fresh mulch was dropped off by the New York Restoration Project and we set down a healthy bed of compost and wood chips for our trees out front and out back of the school. Many hands made light work! 

The PTA of PSMS 278 Needs YOU!

parents of 278

We are back to school and it is terrific to see our children so excited to see their teachers and friends and continue with their love of learning at 278. Did you know that as a parent, guardian or teacher at 278, you are automatically a member of our PTA?

The PTA of PSMS 278 is dedicated to ensuring the education of the whole child so all our children can reach their full potential. Keep an eye out for our Be Thankful Fall Membership drive.

This year, we have committed to spending more than $60,000 in support of our children’s academic, arts, and athletic activities. We will also be hosting a variety of community building events. Our suggested donation for the year is only $10 per student. But of course, every dollar is important, so please consider giving a monthly recurring donation of $10 per month!

PSMS 278 is known for its incredibly active and involved PTA and parent community and we look to each incoming parent body to replace (and exceed) the generosity of our outgoing parents.

Ways to Give:

  • Send cash or check (payable to the PTA of PSMS278) in an envelope marked “PTA Giving” to school with your student.
  • Go to the DONATE page and click the “Paylite” or “Zelle” for electronic giving options which allow you to make a one-time contribution or schedule a recurring donation ($10/month)

Did you know that the more active parents are in their children’s schools and education, the better their kids do in school?

The PTA of PSMS278 Inc. is a 501c3 organization (EIN #27-2675233) so your gift is tax deductible! If your company matches gifts, please email psms278treasurer@gmail.com to talk about those options!

Situation Project

https://www.situationproject.org/experiences

“Situation Project is on a mission to stimulate and expand the imaginations of students in local communities by increasing their access to arts & culture experiences.” 278 is partnering with this incredible organization so that our middle school students can experience Broadway shows for free!

“Situation Project raises awareness about the many benefits of an arts-rich education for the leaders of tomorrow and increases their access to cultural experiences. They work with New York City public schools, leading arts & culture institutions, and corporate partners to provide immersive and educational programming. Their partners have included Disney Theatricals, Cirque Du Soleil, Google, and more. We also provide organizations with information on how to increase awareness for the arts in their communities.”

Calling all 6th and 7th Grade Parents! High School Information Attached!

Here is the link for parents to register for the NYC DOE HS Information session http://sgiz.mobi/s3/HS-Admissions-Workshops.  This session is a great way for 7th parents to get a head start on the HS process and for 6th grade parents to know what to expect for 7th grade.

 

In this link https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-grade-by-grade/high-school  parents can scroll down to the google calendar where they can see that some schools (limited) who have started to have their open houses for current 7th graders.

 

High School

www.schools.nyc.gov

Apply to Round 1 of high school admissions during the fall of a student’s eighth or (first-time) ninth grade year. There is also a Round 2 of admissions in the spring, but there are fewer options. You can enroll in high school anytime during the year at a Family Welcome Center.

Raffle Prize Baskets by Grade

This year we are collecting contributions by grade and theme to create prize baskets for the Spring Fair Raffle. Held on June 8. Please get you doantions in by 5/31.

 

PLEASE READ: DOUBLE PARKED CARS WILL BE TICKED AND/OR TOWED

traffic letters double park concerns.docx

April 17, 2019

Dear Parents,

I am writing to address a safety concern affecting our school community. During morning and afternoon drop-off and pick-up W219th and W220th Streets become extremely congested. While we are a zoned school, the peculiarity of our location at the edge of our zones means that we have a substantial number of students who come by bus or car in addition to heavy pedestrian traffic. This combination is jeopardized by the presence of double parked cars.

Double parked cars to drop-off or pickup students impede on the safety of many. Traffic going around the standing cars blocks oncoming traffic in the other direction, which may also be trying to navigate around standing vehicles. Stand-offs ensue until one party yields. Adding school buses to the mix brings traffic to a complete standstill on these blocks during these periods, even after the bus has finished unloading or loading due to oncoming double-parked traffic now blocking its route. Although a school zone, honking often ensues and traffic backs up into Broadway. Additionally, often when drivers see the stopped school bus or any kind of temporary traffic jam ahead, they often perform three point turns on the street to reverse direction. This is hazardous to those walking on the sidewalks or crossing the streets.

I have consulted with our Borough Safety Director Frank Jordan regarding this matter. He has informed me that starting Monday April 29, 2019 the New York Police Department will begin enforcing violations towards double parked and unauthorized parked cars on W219th and W220th Streets. Violating cars will be ticketed and possibly towed.

I know we all want what is best for our children and recognize the priority of safety above all others. I hope I can count on you to do your part to address this concern. Thank you in advance for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Lillian Reyes

Principal

DOUBLE PARKED CARS AND TRAFFIC ISSUES

MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents,

I am writing to address a safety concern affecting our school community. During morning and afternoon drop-off and pick-up W219th and W220th Streets become extremely congested. While we are a zoned school, the peculiarity of our location at the edge of our zones means that we have a substantial number of students who come by bus or car in addition to heavy pedestrian traffic. This combination is jeopardized by the presence of double parked cars.

Double parked cars to drop-off or pickup students impede on the safety of many. Traffic going around the standing cars blocks oncoming traffic in the other direction, which may also be trying to navigate around standing vehicles. Stand-offs ensue until one party yields. Adding school buses to the mix brings traffic to a complete standstill on these blocks during these periods, even after the bus has finished unloading or loading due to oncoming double-parked traffic now blocking its route. Although a school zone, honking often ensues and traffic backs up into Broadway. Additionally, often when drivers see the stopped school bus or any kind of temporary traffic jam ahead, they often perform three point turns on the street to reverse direction. This is hazardous to those walking on the sidewalks or crossing the streets.

I have consulted with our Borough Safety Director Frank Jordan regarding this matter. He has informed me that starting Monday April 29, 2019 the New York Police Department will begin enforcing violations towards double parked and unauthorized parked cars on W219th and W220th Streets. Violating cars will be ticketed and possibly towed.

I know we all want what is best for our children and recognize the priority of safety above all others. I hope I can count on you to do your part to address this concern. Thank you in advance for your continued support.

 

Sincerely,

Lillian Reyes

Principal

 

17 de abril de 2019

 

Queridos padres,

Estoy escribiendo para informales de una preocupación de seguridad que afecta a nuestra comunidad escolar. Durante la mañana y la tarde, las paradas W 219 y W 220 se vuelven extremadamente congestionadas. Ya que  somos una escuela zonal, la peculiaridad de nuestra ubicación en el borde de nuestras zonas significa que tenemos un número considerable de estudiantes que vienen en autobús o en automóvil, además del tráfico peatonal. Esta combinación se ve comprometida por la presencia de carros  doble estacionado.

Los autos estacionados en doble fila para dejar o recoger estudiantes impiden la seguridad de muchos.  Los carros que giran alrededor de los autos estacionados bloquea el tráfico que viene en la otra dirección, los que también puede estar tratando de navegar alrededor de los vehículos estacionados. Los enfrentamientos se producen hasta que una de las partes cede. Agregar los autobuses escolares a la mezcla hace que el tráfico se detenga por completo en estos bloques durante estos períodos. Incluso después de que el autobús haya terminado de descargarse o cargarse debido a que el tráfico de doble estacionamiento que se aproxima ahora está bloqueando su ruta. Aunque se trata de una zona escolar, a menudo se produce un toque de bocina y el tráfico llega hasta  Broadway. Además, a menudo, cuando los conductores ven el autobús escolar detenido o cualquier tipo de atraso de tráfico temporal por delante, realizan giros de tres puntos en la calle para cambiar de dirección. Esto es peligroso para quienes caminan en las acera o cruzan las calles.

He consultado con nuestro Director de Seguridad del Condado, Frank Jordan, sobre este asunto. Me informó que a partir del lunes 29 de abril de 2019, el Departamento de Policía de Nueva York comenzará a imponer violaciones  contra los autos que estén estacionados  en doublé fila y no estén autorizados, en las calles W219th y W220th. Los carros violando las reglas se les darán una multa  y posiblemente serán remolcados.

Sé que todos queremos lo mejor para nuestros niños y reconocemos la prioridad de la seguridad por encima de todos los demás. Espero poder contar con ustedes y trabajar juntos en este asunto y  preocupación.

Gracias de antemano por su continuo apoyo.

 

Sinceramente,

Lillian Reyes

Directora

 

 

Thank You Chefs and Volunteers!

278 Small Bites Community Dinner

Thursday, March 14, 2019

Thank you Chefs and Volunteers!

The PTA wants to thank all those who volunteered, donated or contributed to the Small Bites effort during Parent Teacher Conferences this week. The event went well and we appreciate your help and support!

High School Process Resources/Update!

Below are a couple links to videos that explain certain aspects of the high school process.  Also, the school will be in touch soon regarding 278’s Annual High School Fair as well as two other training/informational sessions regarding the high school process.

Remember to check Jupiter often for messages and announcements!

Dr. Mateo and the 278 Staff are dedicated to helping us and our children through this process!  Feel free to reach out to Dr. Mateo if you have any questions.  Her e-mail address is:  Mateo Amina (06M278)” <AMateo4@schools.nyc.gov>, but she loves phone calls as well.  The number is:  917-521-2060.  Call and set up an appointment!

1)    How Students Get Offers to New York City Public Schools

https://vimeo.com/288796889

2)      Middle and High School Admissions: How Students Get Offers to Screened Schools

https://vimeo.com/288797789

Wellness Council and Saturday Workshops

The School Wellness Council meets monthly and is open to all. Please drop in at any point, learn what is going on and  become part of the team!

Saturday workshops 9-11:00!!!  Please come to learn and discuss child development, puberty from experts.  We all need guidance and support.

For more information contact Sarah Townley at 917-674-2830

School Wellness Council.  Come help us continue to plan and support health and wellness in our school.  All are welcome, Parents, teachers, students.

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