Principal's Message

Winter 2021/2022 Newsletter

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Oh how we love winter! Winter brings all things warm and cozy. It whispers secrets of snow days, hot cocoa, sledding, and snowmen. It also brings many exciting things happening here at P.S. 32.

Monthly Parent Support Group Meetings

Please join us for our monthly Parent Support Group meetings. These meetings will be presented by our school

Psychologist Dr. Tracy Poon, Parent Coordinator Michele Mancuso, and the occasional guest speaker. These sessions will provide you with resources and helpful tips on how to help your child deal with anxiety, homework, peer pressure, etc. We will meet once a month according to the schedule below. Flyers will go out before each session with more information. I’m looking forward to seeing you there!

January 12 9:30 am

February 16 9:30 am

March 16 9:30 am

Breakfast with Ms. Spataro

Breakfast with Ms. Spataro will begin again in March. The schedule will be sent home shortly. Please be assured that all health and safety guidelines will be implemented.

Crafting Workshops

You are cordially invited to join Ms. Spataro and Mrs. Mancuso for Parent Activity Sessions. These sessions are for Parents/Guardians. We will meet once a month on Fridays at 9:30 am. Flyers will go out before each session with more information. We look forward to seeing you there. Please see the tentative schedule below:

January 14 February 18

March 18

Physical Education and SEL/Mindfulness/Yoga with Mr. Hahn

Mr. Hahn will continue to implement the daily Social Emotional Learning, Mindfulness and Yoga activities school-wide. He will be surveying students bi-weekly to see if they are using the strategies and techniques taught in his daily lessons. The responses will allow him to shape future lessons, giving the students more resources to use. Lessons/videos are uploaded daily in his Google classroom for SEL/Mindfulness/Yoga.

With the winter months upon us, please remember to dress in warm clothing and bring gloves and hats when necessary, as we will have Physical Education classes outside when weather permits.

Be well and keep moving!

Awards

Throughout the 2021-2022 school year, there will be an awards presentation in your child’s classroom.

The first awards presentation was held during the week of December 20, 2021. Ms. Spataro and Ms. Schultz will go

into every classroom to acknowledge those students who have earned an Excellence or Progress award in Reading, Writing and/or Math.

The above criteria for the above mentioned awards is subject to change for the next awards assembly in March/April 2022. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher at 718-984-1688.

School Website

Please remember to check our website, www.ps32statenisland.com, for up to date information about our school.

Translated Services

Michele Mancuso, Parent Coordinator, sends out a weekly Robo call highlighting scheduled events. Parents will receive the calls in their preferred language. If you require a translator or have any questions or concerns, please contact Ms. Mancuso at (718) 984-1688 x2191.

Student Support

If your child is in need of any additional support, socially/emotionally, please contact your child’s teacher so that we can provide additional support early on to address his/her needs. If you have any questions or concerns you can also call Mrs. Rosenberg, Assistant Principal, at 718 984 1688 or e-mail her directly at [email protected].

Renovations and projects

We are excited to share that we have many wonderful projects in the works, inside and outside of the building. We are planning to update the bathrooms, as well as updating the auditorium with much needed audio-visual/lighting upgrades and artistic renovations.

In addition, we are happy to announce that we are receiving grants from Councilman Borelli and Boro President Oddo for new technology equipment in our computer room and classrooms. We are also receiving an allocation from Councilman Borelli for the early childhood playground on Elverton Avenue and a portion of the large school yard on the same street. The exterior projects will be implemented over the next few years after the roof work is complete.

At Risk Services

To support our students in their educational success, we have hired several teachers to reduce class size this year. Additionally, many of our teachers who were not trained in Orton Guillingham and Fundations are now being trained in those areas. We continue to implement our AIS push in program school wide and will be expanding our before and after school academic recovery programs to students in general education who are in need, in grades two through five, beginning in January. A letter will be sent to the parents of students who will participate shortly.

Top 10 Family Reading and Writing Ideas for the Winter Holidays

(excertps from Reading Rockets

The winter holidays are a great time to create low-key learning opportunities centered around books, storytelling, writing, and family adventures.

Creating Learning Traditions During the holiday season, consider adding some new traditions for your family that will make meaningful memories and strengthen foundations for reading and learning success. (In English and Spanish)
Children, Start Your Letter Writing It's the time of year when many children sit down to write an important letter addressed to the North Pole. Other children pen thank you notes and party invitations during this busy time of the year. Some say letter writing is a lost art, but it doesn't have to be!
Outdoor Explorations Stepping outside is a simple way to set foot into nature's laboratory. Backyards and neighborhood walks can lead to interesting conversations that contain new vocabulary words. You'll also be helping your child developing important scientific skills such as observing, predicting, and investigating. (In English and Spanish)
Reading Adventure Pack: The Snowy Day Go on a "snowy day" reading adventure! Our reading adventure packs encourage hands-on fun and learning centered around snow-themed fiction and nonfiction books.
Putting Your Family Calendar to Work Calendars help young children learn the basics of the days of the week and the months of the year. Your family calendar offers opportunities for other learning as well, including vocabulary, sequencing, and math. (In English and Spanish)
Reading Adventure Pack: Go on a "cooking" reading adventure! Our reading adventure packs encourage hands-on fun and learning centered around cooking-themed fiction and nonfiction books.
Start with a Book Explore dinosaurs, bugs, birds, planes, music, sports, superheroes, inventors, art, the night sky, the ocean, and more — 24 themes in all. You'll find dozens of fiction and nonfiction books, ideas for hands-on activities, writing prompts, websites for kids, and interactive apps.
103 Things to Do Before/During/After Reading Dive into this collection of interactive activities that build reading, writing, oral language, and creative thinking skills.
The Night Before the Museum Day trips, vacations and special outings create special memories and great learning opportunities for families.

Learning That’s Hands-On Holiday Fun (Pre-K)

(excerpts from Reading Rockets Reading Rockets (2007)

Focus on reading readiness and enjoy winter holidays at the same time with these simple activities you can incorporate into your preschooler's daily routine.

Winter's chill offers a different medium for writing and drawing. Let your children "write" on frosted windows or in the snow.
On short trips to the store or holiday vacations to visit family or friends, play this game to help your preschooler recognize different sounds. Say "We're going to the store. What sound do you hear in the beginning of the word store? It's the /s/ sound. What else starts with /s/ that we can get at the store?" (or, "What are we bringing to grandma's house that starts with /g/?")
In conversation about holiday celebrations, introduce interesting and new words to your preschooler. For example, "Dad got a plethora of ties last year. Since he has so many ties, let's get him a different gift." or "I like our family tradition of baking cookies together. It is something we do every year that I really enjoy."
Let your preschooler have a hand in holiday list-making. Even if it is just sitting with you as you write a shopping list, your preschooler will benefit from exposure to the power and practicality of literacy.
Set aside time just for reading. Curl up on the couch together and read aloud an old favorite or check out books about another culture's winter celebrations.

We will continue to work together so that our students can strive for excellence.

Nancy Spataro

Principal

Spring Newsletter 2022

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Spring is upon us, it’s in the air, birds are chirping, bees are humming, leaves on trees, flowers grow, longer days, and sunny rays.

There are many exciting events happening at P.S. 32 this month. Below you will find a snapshot of the upcoming
tentative events in date order.

April 2022
April 15, 2022 – April 22, 2022 – Spring Recess
April 26, 2022 – April 27, 2022 – Grades 3-5 NYS Math Test (Make Ups 4/28/22 – 5/9/22)

May 2022
May 2, 2022 – School Closed in Observance of Eid-al-Fitr
May 3, 2022 – 1st Grade Mother’s Day Tea
May 4, 2022 – Rain Date for 1st Grade Mother’s Day Tea
May 5, 2022 – Kindergarten Mother’s Day Tea (Schoolyard)
May 5, 2022 – Pre-Kindergarten Mother’s Day Tea (Front of School)
May 6, 2022 – Rain Date for Kindergarten Mother’s Day Tea (Schoolyard)

May 6, 2022 – Rain Date for Pre-Kindergarten Mother’s Day Tea (Front of School)
May 9, 2022 – 5th Grade Magician Show
May 10, 2022 – Grades 3-5 Dance Festival Rehearsal
May 11, 2022 – 4th Grade Field Day
May 12, 2022 – Grades PreK3-2 Dance Festival Rehearsal
May 13, 2022 – Rain Date for 4th Grade Field Day
May 16, 2022 – Grades 3-5 Dance Festival
May 17, 2022 – Grades PreK3-2 Dance Festival
May 18, 2022 – 5th Grade Field Day
May 19, 2022 – Rain Date for Grades PreK3-5 Dance Festival
May 20, 2022 – Rain Date for 5th Grade Field Day
May 24, 2022 – June 3, 2022 - 4th Grade Science Performance Test
May 27, 2022 – Carnival
May 30, 2022 – School Closed in Observance of Memorial Day
May 31, 2022 – Rain Date for the Carnival

June2022
June 1, 2022 – June 3, 2022 – 4th Grade Science Performance Test
June 2, 2022 – 5th Grade Trip to Turtle Back Zoo
June 6, 2022 – 4th Grade Science Written Test (Make ups 6/7/22 – 6/10/22)
June 7, 2022 – Clerical Day - No Students in Attendance
June 8, 2022 – 5th Grade Kickball Game vs. Staff (PM – Schoolyard)
June 9, 2022 – Chancellors PD Day – No Students in Attendance
June 10, 2022 – 5th Grade Graduation (Schoolyard)
June 13, 2022 – Rain Date for 5th Grade Graduation (Schoolyard)
June 14, 2022 – Kindergarten Moving Up Ceremony (Schoolyard)
June 15, 2021 – Rain Date for Kindergarten Moving Up Ceremony (Schoolyard)
June 16, 2022 – Pre-Kindergarten Moving Up Ceremony (AM - Schoolyard)
June 16, 2022 – 1st Grade Father’s Day Celebration (PM – Schoolyard)
June 17, 2022 – Rain Date for Pre-Kindergarten Moving Up Ceremony (Schoolyard)
June 17, 2021 – Kindergarten Father’s Day Celebration (PM – Schoolyard/Front of School) J
June 17, 2022 – Rain Date for the 1st Grade Father’s Day Celebration (PM – Schoolyard)
June 20, 2022 – School Closed in Observance of Juneteenth
June 21, 2021 – Show with Danielle Zee (Schoolyard)
June 21, 2021 – Rain Date for Kindergarten Father’s Day Celebration (PM - Schoolyard/Front of Building)
June 22, 2022 – Pre-Kindergarten Father’s Day Celebration (Front of Building)
June 22, 2022 – 5th Grade Breakfast (8:15am) & 5th Grade Signing Party with DJ (9:00 – 11:00 in the Schoolyard)
June 23, 2022 – Rain Date for Pre-Kindergarten Father’s Day Celebration (Front of Building)
June 23, 2022 – Show with Danielle Zee
June 24, 2022 – Rain Date for 5th Grade Breakfast (8:15am) & 5th Grade Signing Party with DJ (9:00 – 11:00 Schoolyard)
June 27, 2022 – Rain Date for Show with Danielle Zee
June 27, 2022 – Last Day of School for Students
June 28, 2022 – Staff PD Day (Last Day of School for Staff)

We are looking forward to our upcoming arts events. In May we will have our school wide Annual Dance Festival. In June we will have our annual musical, The Wizard of Oz, with first and fifth grade.
Physical Education and SEL/Mindfulness/Yoga with Mr. Hahn As we head into Spring and the warmer weather, our students will be continuing with their Physical Education curriculum, as well as daily SEL/Mindfulness/Yoga lessons. We will also have 4th Grade Field Day, 5th Grade Field Day and the 5th Grade vs Faculty/Staff Kickball game in the schoolyard. More information will become available as the dates approach. Be well and keep moving!
Monthly

Physical Education and SEL/Mindfulness/Yoga with Mr. Hahn As we head into Spring and the warmer weather, our students will be continuing with their Physical Education curriculum, as well as daily SEL/Mindfulness/Yoga lessons. We will also have 4th Grade Field Day, 5th Grade Field Day and the 5th Grade vs Faculty/Staff Kickball game in the schoolyard. More information will become available as the dates approach. Be well and keep moving!

Monthly Parent Support Group Meetings
During January’s meeting Mrs. Mahoney presented strategies to improve math skills using household items such as baking sheets, pasta and cereals. For example, you can use baking sheets to show students how to make a 10 or 12. Using pasta to add or subtract as manipulatives. For further information regarding these strategies please click on the link below.
https://www.weareteachers.com/at-home-math-manipulatives/
During February’s meeting Ms. Pisano discussed tips to prepare students for the ELA State Exam. Resources regarding format of the exams was discussed and reviewed. For further information regarding the State exams please click on the link below.
https://www.engageny.org/3-8
Please join us for our upcoming monthly Parent Support Group meetings. These meetings are presented by our school
Psychologist Dr. Tracy Poon, Parent Coordinator Michele Mancuso, and the occasional guest speaker. These sessions will provide you with resources and helpful tips on how to help your child deal with anxiety, homework, peer pressure, etc. Flyers will go out before each session with more information. I look forward to seeing you there! Please see the schedule below for the dates of the next meetings:
April 6 at 10:00
May 11 at 10:00

Crafting Workshops

You are cordially invited to join Ms. Spataro and Mrs. Mancuso for Parent Activity Sessions. These sessions are for Parents/Guardians. We will meet once a month at 9:15 am and the dates are listed below. Flyers will go out before each session with more information. We look forward to seeing you there. Please see the schedule below:

April 8 at 9:15 am
May 13 at 9:15 am

Student Support
If your child is in need of any additional support, socially/emotionally, please contact your child’s teacher so that we can provide additional support early on to address his/her needs. If you have any questions or concerns you can also call Mrs. Rosenberg, Assistant Principal, at 718 984 1688 or e-mail her directly at [email protected]

Translated Services

Michele Mancuso, Parent Coordinator, sends out a weekly robo call highlighting scheduled events. Parents will receive the calls in their preferred language. If you require a translator or have any questions or concerns, please contact Ms. Mancuso at (718) 984-1688 x2191.

Appropriate Attire
We would like to remind parents to please follow these guidelines as the weather gets warmer:
Students should not wear tank tops or short shorts to school
Students should wear shoes that will allow them to run in the schoolyard and the gym (no high heels, flip flops, open sandals, etc)
We will continue to work together so that our students can strive for excellence.
All the best.
Nancy Spataro
Principal

Please see the below educational article from Reading Rockets-

Supporting your child’s reading and writing at home (An excerpt from Reading Rockets) Reading 101: A Guide for Parents Welcome, parents! One of the most important gifts we can give our children is to help them learn to read and write so that they can succeed in school and beyond. Confident, active readers are able to use their reading skills to follow their passions and curiosity about the world. We all read for a purpose: to be entertained, to take a journey of the imagination, to connect with others, to figure out how to do something, and to learn about history, science, the arts, and everything else. Learning to read is complex. Children don't learn one reading-related skill and then move on to the next in a step-by-step process. Instead, they are learning to do many things at the same time: decoding, reading with comfortable fluency, absorbing new vocabulary, understanding what the text says, and discovering that reading is pleasurable and builds knowledge about the world. We hope this guide will give you a better understanding of what it takes to learn to read (and write) and how you can help your children grow as readers, writers, and learners!

What is reading?

It's not an easy thing, learning to read. Our brains are naturally wired to speak, but they are not naturally wired to read and write. We need to be taught how to read. Most children learn to read at about age 5 or 6 and continue developing more sophisticated language and comprehension skills throughout their schooling. Reading is making meaning from print. It requires that we do these three things, all at the same time:

 Identify the words in print — a process called decoding and word recognition  Construct an understanding from words in print — a process called comprehension

 Coordinate identifying words and making meaning so that reading is automatic and accurate — an achievement called fluency Reading in its fullest sense involves weaving together word recognition and comprehension in a fluent manner. These three processes are complex, and each is important. How complex? Let's find out ... To develop word recognition, children need to learn:

 How to break apart and manipulate the sounds in words — this is phonemic awareness. Example: feet has three sounds: /f/, /e/, and /t/  Certain letters are used to represent certain sounds — this is the alphabetic principle. Example: s and h make the /sh/ sound

 How to apply their knowledge of letter-sound relationships to sound out words that are new to them – this is decoding. Example: ssssspppoooon — spoon!  How to analyze words and spelling patterns in order to become more efficient at reading words — this is word study. Example: Bookworm has two words I know: book and worm.

 To expand the number of words they can identify automatically, called their sight vocabulary. Example: Oh, I know that word — the! To develop comprehension, children need to develop:

 Background knowledge about many topics. Example: "This book is about zoos — that's where lots of animals live."  Extensive oral and print vocabularies. Example: "Look at my trucks — I have a tractor, and a fire engine, and a bulldozer."

 Understanding how the English language works. Example: "We say she ate her dinner, not she ated her dinner."  Understanding how print works. Example: "Reading in English goes from left to right."  Knowledge of various kinds of texts. Example: "I bet they live happily ever after."

 Various purposes for reading. Example: "I want to know what ladybugs eat."

 Strategies for making meaning from text, and for problem solving when meaning breaks down. Example: "This isn't making sense. Let me go back and reread it." To develop fluency, children need to:

 Develop a high level of accuracy in word recognition  Maintain Maintain a rate of reading brisk enough to support comprehension

Use phrasing and expression so that oral reading sounds like speech

 Transform deliberate strategies for word recognition and comprehension into automatic skills Reading motivation matters, too If reading isn't pleasurable or fulfilling, children won't choose to read, and they won't get the practice they need to become fluent readers. So reading also means developing and maintaining the motivation to read. To do that, children need to:

 Appreciate the pleasures of reading.

 View reading as a social act, to be shared with others.

 See reading as an opportunity to explore their interests.

 Read widely for a variety of purposes, from enjoyment to gathering information.  Become comfortable with a variety of different written forms and genres