The New American Academy Empowers Learners and Inspires Leaders to Create a Better World

P.S. 770 Parent 2017- Handboo k 2018

P.S. 770-The New American Academy 60 E. 94th Street Brooklyn, NY 11212 718-221-5837 www.ps770.org https://www.face book.com/PS770/ @PS770 on Twitter 2017-2018 Staff Position/Title Team Contact Information

Jessica Saratovsky Principal [email protected]

718-221-5837 X1077

718-221-5942 (direct line)

646-369-6656 (cell)

Candace Bolden- Payroll Secretary [email protected] Miller

Deneice LaForest Parent Coordinator [email protected]

718-221-5837 X1076

William Bishop Community Assistant [email protected]

Celenia Delgado Guidance Counselor Cluster [email protected]

[email protected]

718-221-5837 X 1075

Iman Elhalim Speech Teacher Cluster [email protected]

Kathryn Graham Music Teacher Cluster [email protected]

Matthew Almes Physical Education Cluster [email protected]

Camille Ellis Master Teacher Mae Jemison [email protected]

Darlene Thomas Teacher Mae Jemison [email protected]

Jamie Ganzhorn Master Teacher Benjamin [email protected] Banneker Kindergarten

Sophia Charles Teacher Benjamin [email protected] Banneker Kindergarten

Nora Crisci Teacher Benjamin [email protected] Banneker

Kindergarten

Dominique Grello Teacher Benjamin [email protected] Banneker

Kindergarten

Yanik Breving Master Teacher Samuel Battle [email protected]

First Grade Danielle Bianculli Teacher Samuel Battle [email protected]

First Grade

Audilia Deandrade Teacher Samuel Battle [email protected]

First Grade

Susannah De La Master Teacher Rosa Parks [email protected] Houssaye Second Grade

Kylie Sickler Teacher Rosa Parks [email protected]

Second Grade

Stephanie Bryant Teacher Rosa Parks [email protected]

Second Grade

Samantha Master Teacher Bessie Coleman [email protected] Ellerbeck Third Grade

Lorraine Vargas Teacher Bessie Coleman [email protected]

Third Grade

Julia McKenna Teacher Bessie Coleman [email protected]

Third Grade

Michelle Williams Master Teacher Ruby Bridges [email protected]

Fourth Grade/Jackie Robinson Fifth Grade

Michael Ramirez Teacher Ruby Bridges [email protected]

Lilliana Guerrero Teacher Ruby Bridges [email protected]

Katherine Orellana Teacher Ruby Bridges [email protected]

Fourth Grade/Jackie Robinson Fifth Grade Kerine Paraprofessional [email protected] Vanrassanlallie

Constance Savory Paraprofessional [email protected]

Marlene Rodriguez Paraprofessional [email protected]

Tajah Shepard Paraprofessional [email protected]

Nancy Vasquez Paraprofessional [email protected]

Eula Grant Paraprofessional [email protected]

Shihan Johnny Paraprofessional [email protected] Madrid

About Us

Mission The New American Academy empowers learners and inspires leaders to create a better world. Vision We need to prepare citizens for our republic who can innovate and look out for number two instead of number one. Our History The New American Academy (TNAA) is an innovative schooling model created in partnership with the United Federation of Teachers, the New York City Department of Education, and the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Launched as a unionized public school in 2010, TNAA at Lincoln Terrace Park is a choice school within the NYC Department of Education.

When seeking a building with large open spaces suited for the TNAA model, founding Headmaster, Mr. Waronker, was surprised to find a building that fit all of the qualifications in his own neighborhood of Crown Heights. We don’t believe it is a coincidence that The New American Academy is located at Lincoln Terrace Park – named after our sixteenth president. Just as Lincoln fought for freedom for all, The New American Academy aspires to empower those who remain disenfranchised. Only knowledge and education can break the cycles of poverty and violence that plague our nation.

TNAA completed its seventh year in June of 2017. Like all learning communities, the school is growing and changing as we continue to reflect and improve our practice. At our flagship school, the goal is not only to perfect one school, but also to generate the innovations that will transform education nationwide. The New American Academy expanded in the 2013-2014 school year. The New American Academy Charter School opened in Brooklyn, NY at the Tilden Campus. Additionally, a third school opened in the Bronx, PS 274- The New American Academy at Roberto Clemente State Park. We have also recently expanded into Queens and Hempstead, Long Island.

Collaboration Teachers are always under the supervision of a Master Teacher. This gives them the opportunity to work with and learn from the best. Never again will students or teachers suffer from a lack of experience.

Collaboration between students and teachers is also a key component of class time. Students should see their teachers not only as instructors but also as co-learners.

Teacher teams meet every Monday for 80 minutes and Tuesday for 75 minutes to analyze data, look at student work, engage in instructional rounds, and vet their lesson plans. In addition to this, each teacher team holds every Thursday from 8:45 AM-9:15 AM for parent engagement time.

Relationships Looping cycles allow for the development of trust and meaningful relationships between students, parents, and their teaching team, and have been proven to improve student learning both nationally and internationally. The relationships developed encourage greater parent involvement, student-to-student interdependence, and allows for targeted and differentiated teaching. Looping allows the teacher/s on a team to inform new teacher members of students’ learning profiles so that instruction can begin on the first day of school without having to spend weeks to get to know students and acculturate them into the classroom.

Our teachers will cycle through 3 year loops; Kindergarten through 2nd grade or 3rd through 5th grade.

Differentiation With three or four teachers and multiple learning centers in each classroom, students can be grouped with an unprecedented degree of differentiation. This level of targeted instruction ensures that every child maximizes his or her potential.

Collaborative Learning Our students learn from an early age to explore the world around them through collaborative inquiry and an interdisciplinary curriculum, which emphasizes small group activity and peer-to- peer learning. By problem solving as a team, students learn the value of confidence, voice, critical thinking, self-awareness, and communication. This gives them the skills they need to succeed in the world—and change it. Our Values We believe that all learners and leaders have HEARTS – an acronym that stands for Humility, Empowerment, Aspiration, Responsibility, Teamwork and Scholarship. We expect all of our students’ actions and words to reflect these values. Ms. Saratovsky leads Town Hall on Thursdays, where the entire school community comes together to celebrate students who receive HEARTS awards. Through HEARTS, the goal is to teach the students values and skills needed to be a successful citizen of our school community as well society.

Below are the values we expect our students to internalize—please review them with your child!

Humility:

I genuinely value others

I am open minded

I acknowledge when I am wrong

I can withhold judgment

I have the ability to listen to others

I actively listen and empathize with the speaker

I show flexibility in my thinking

Empowerment I have the ability to help others do things for themselves I encourage, motivate, and teach others I believe that I and others can succeed I believe in my own performance potential I persevere through any given task I show courage by showing the ability to do something even when frightened

Aspiration I am curious and have the desire to understand something fully I have ambition and the hope of achieving something I have a vision for success and set actionable goals I am generous and considerate

Responsibility I am self-aware of my emotions, personal traits, and how I am perceived I have the ability to manage emotions constructively and set and achieve goals I am aware of others’ emotions and perspectives and can consider them appropriately I follow through on a task to its conclusion I show integrity by finding coherence between what I believe and what others believe

Teamwork I collaborate I have the ability to build relationships and work with others to achieve shared goals I have the ability to resolve interpersonal conflicts in constructive ways

Scholarship I show an interest in seeking out multiple viewpoints and makes sense of them I stay on topic while speaking I weigh multiple perspectives and values in order to make a sound decision

Academics & Instruction Our Curriculum The New American Academy curriculum was created with the input of our faculty and planning team. It has been designed to empower students to achieve their full potential, while staying on pace with or ahead of the Common Core Learning Standards. Subjects covered in all classrooms include English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Technology, Arts, and Health.

There are four interdisciplinary thematic units that make up our year. The interdisciplinary units combine the content areas with our HEARTS values and school mission statement: 1. Community: Communicating our HEARTS Values, 2. Scientific Inquiry, 3.Natural Resources and Living Things: the Engineering Process, and 4. Social Justice and Community Activism. Conferences There are four parent/teacher conferences during the year. The conferences in September and May are designed to discuss curriculum and expectations with the teachers. Report cards will be issued at the conferences in November and March to discuss each student’s progress. Final report cards will be sent home on the last day of school in June.

Grading Scale Level 1: Below Standard; Student performance does not demonstrate an understanding of the content. Level 2: Approaching Standard; Student performance demonstrates a partial understanding of the content expected at this grade level. Level 3: Meets Proficiency Standard; Student performance demonstrates an understanding of the content expected at this grade level. Level 4: Exceeds Proficiency Standard; Student performance demonstrates a thorough understanding of the content expected at this grade level. Homework/Enrichment

The New American Academy has a no homework policy. We believe that an intense, guided school day provides the necessary intellectual rigor that our students need.

Studies have shown a lack of correlation between hours spent doing homework and academic success. We do urge you to take advantage of your afternoons and evenings with your child, spending time with them, reading, playing games, and nurturing their interests.

While there is no formal homework assignment each night, the expectation is that children read or be read to daily. Your child’s teachers will make available enrichment ideas and opportunities for areas in which your child has particular interest, or is struggling. The weekly newsletter will highlight the learning that took place in the classroom during the week and ways to help at home. If you would like additional information on how to best support your child at home, please contact your child’s teachers. Our Expectations Behavior We expect all students and parents to exhibit behavior in conjunction with our HEARTS values and the Chancellor Regulation’s Discipline Code. In addition we follow the RULER method for social and emotional intelligence. Our classroom rules are created in collaboration with the teachers and students to create a HEARTS Charter. All members of the community are expected to uphold the charter. We will be following the method of Love and Logic (https://www.loveandlogic.com/) to support our classroom communities to be positive and safe spaces. Individual behavior plans will be created as needed

The NYC Discipline Code has infractions ranging from a Level 1 to a Level 5. Depending on the level, actions can result in a parent conference, removal from an extracurricular activity or class trip, classroom removal, or suspension. For more information, you can view the full PDF version of the discipline code at http://schools.nyc.gov/RulesPolicies/DisciplineCode/default.htm Attendance Regular attendance is critical to a successful school year. Please check the school calendar so that you can plan your family vacations for times when school is not in session. Taking your child out of school for family trips is against New York City regulations, and also disrupts your child’s learning, especially in a curriculum such as ours. When possible, visits to the doctor and other appointments should be made for outside the school hours. Attendance records are kept in the main office and can also be viewed on your NYC Parent Account.

Absences If your child is ill and needs to miss a day, please contact the main office at 718-221-5837 X1076 and email your Master Teacher to let us know. After three consecutive days’ absence, a doctor’s note is required. It cannot be stressed enough how important regular attendance is to your child’s education. However, if your child is sick, please keep him or her out of school. When your child is absent a phone call will be made home by the school to inquire about the reason why.

Lateness Children arriving at school after 8:55 AM are considered late. After 8:55 AM, you must bring your child to the main office and receive a late pass. Your child needs time to transition into a busy school day. We suggest that you plan to arrive early enough so that your child does not feel rushed when saying goodbye and has time to talk with friends and classmates before the day starts. This will also help your child to develop a lifelong habit of being on time that will serve him or her well.

Uniforms The New American Academy school uniforms are required during the entire school year, without exception.

Summer Uniform (September, April, May, June) white short-sleeve button down with red tie or PS 770 polo shirt (white or gray), navy blue knee length shorts, skirt, jumper, or pants, white socks, black shoes/sneakers (no sandals). No Jeans. (shorts must be worn under skirts and jumpers) Winter Uniform (October-March) white button down with red tie or PS 770 polo shirt(gray or white), navy blue pants, skirt, or jumper solid navy blue or black sweater(no hoods) or PS 770 sweatshirt, white socks, black shoes/sneakers. No Jeans. (black, white, or navy blue tights ONLY are worn under skirts and jumpers)

*Please make note, if your child is not wearing a PS 770 polo shirt, they MUST have on a red tie*

The School Day

The daily schedule within the classroom is determined by the teaching teams. However, arrival, exercise, lunch, and dismissal are as follows:

Grade Arrival Breakfast Town Hall PE/Music Lunch/Recess Dismissal

Mae Jemison Pre K 8:15 8:30-8:50 N/A 8:45-9:35 12:25-1:15 3:00 PM AM 8:30 up to Outdoor Play classrooms

Benjamin Banneker 8:15 8:15-8:45 Thursdays 10:35-11:25 Recess: 3:00 PM K 9:00-9:30 12:25-12:45

12:50-1:15

Samuel Battle 8:15 8:15-8:45 Thursdays 2:15-3:05 Recess: 3:00 PM

First Grade 9:00-9:30 12:25-12:45

12:50-1:15

Rosa Parks 8:15 8:15-8:45 Thursdays 1:20-2:10 Recess: 3:00 PM

Second Grade 9:00-9:30 12:25-12:45

12:50-1:15

Bessie Coleman 8:15 8:15-8:45 Thursdays 9:40-10:30 Lunch: 3:00 PM

Third Grade 9:00-9:30 AM 12:25-12:45

Recess:

12:50-1:15

Ruby Bridges/ 8:15 8:15-8:45 Thursdays 11:30-12:20 Lunch: 3:00 PM

Jackie Robinson 9:00-9:30 12:25-12:45

Fourth/ Recess:

Fifth Grade 12:50-1:15

Physical Education and Recess All children participate in 45 minutes of structured physical education and 25 minutes of recess daily.

Exercise is a critical part of your child’s day. Studies have shown that ADD and ADHD are exacerbated by lack of exercise, as well as obesity and the health risks associated with it. Daily exercise will help our children develop both cognitively and physically. Exercise will take place indoors and/or outdoors. Participation in physical education/exercise is mandatory and your child’s report card grade for physical education will reflect their participation.

Recess will take place outdoors except in inclement weather (rain or freezing temperatures). All children will go out for recess with no exceptions. Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather.

If your child has medical restrictions, you must give a doctor’s note to the office and notify your child’s Master Teacher. If it is due to temperature, the doctor’s note must state a temperature on it. Breakfast Program From the DOE’s School Food parent information brochure: Children who eat a healthy breakfast pay more attention in school, improving their capacity to learn throughout the school day. They also have better standardized test scores and lower rates of tardiness and absenteeism. To encourage students to take advantage of these benefits, breakfast in school is free for all New York City students. Breakfast is served from 8:15 AM-8:40 AM. Students who arrive after 8:40 AM will take a grab and go breakfast and eat in the classroom

Lunch TNAA school policy states that no students may leave the school for lunch. Students eat lunch in the cafeteria with their classmates under the supervision of teachers and school staff. Children may bring their lunch or choose from the lunch options provided in the school cafeteria. If you choose to send your child with lunch, please be sure to include a fruit and vegetable. Sugary foods and soda are not permitted in school (with the exception of birthday and class parties).

Dismissal and Pickup

Entering and Exiting the Building

New American Academy students and families will use the back entrance for morning drop- off and afternoon pick-up. The building is being shared with PS 398 so it is important to follow these procedures to avoid potential confusion among our students and families.

During drop-off and dismissal, The New American Academy will use the entrance located on East 94th Street. Enter the playground/courtyard area and use the doors. Staff will greet and supervise your child upon arrival. Each morning students will line up outside of the cafeteria starting at 8:15 AM for breakfast. Each afternoon, students who are not in the after school program will dismiss at 3:00 pm in the playground/courtyard. Each grade has an assigned dismissal area and all parents/guardians are required to go to the designated area to pick up their child. Parents/Guardians who arrive after 3:05 pm will need to go to the front entrance of the building and show photo identification to the security guard. You will not be able to proceed to the main office until you have shown a photo ID and received a visitor pass. According to Chancellor’s Regulations, children who are not picked up on time will be escorted to the nearest police precinct. A pattern of late pick-up can be considered educational neglect and reported to Children’s Services (ACS). In the case of inclement weather, dismissal will be downstairs in the gym. Early dismissal (sickness, appointments, etc.): We strongly prefer that you make every effort to avoid circumstances in which you need to pick your child up before the end of the school day. During regular school hours, the side entrance will not be in use for parents. Enter at the front entrance and sign-in with the security guard. You must provide a PHOTO ID and get a visitor pass before proceeding to our main office. You will come to the main office to sign out your child. Remember, we are only permitted to release students to adults whose names are written on your child’s Blue Emergency Contact Form.

Playdate Dismissal If your child is going home with a classmate for a playdate, you must call the main office so that we may release your child. Only children scheduled for a specific yellow bus are allowed to ride that bus. Your child may not accompany a classmate home for a playdate on a bus he or she does not regularly ride due to insurance regulations.

School Buses Student transportation by yellow bus is a service offered by the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE). If your child is eligible for yellow bus service, you will automatically be assigned to a bus stop. Routes will be added during the first few weeks of school by the Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT) if there is sufficient demand according to the OPT regulations. Transportation may be an issue for some families while bus routes are finalized, particularly for Kindergarten students and other students entering the NYCDOE for the first time. If you have any questions about the bus route, please call OPT at 718-392-8855. If they are unable to help you, they may direct you to contact the school office. Note that most bus problems can only be handled by OPT.

For complete information about OPT policies and student eligibility, please visit the OPT website at http://schools.nyc.gov/Offices/Transportation/default.htm.

Bus Dismissal If your child takes a school bus and for any reason they are not to take the bus on a particular day, you MUST notify the school. We will not take a child’s word. You can e-mail Ms. Deneice or call the main office. All notifications must be made no later than 2:00 PM. If you do not notify the school, we will put your child on the bus.

In addition to Ms. Deneice and the main office, please notify your child’s Master Teacher of any dismissal changes. Meeting Yellow Bus Students If your child rides the yellow bus home, he or she must be met at the assigned bus stop by one of the adults authorized to pick up your child. No child will be allowed off a yellow bus if there is no adult waiting to meet him or her. Bus drivers are provided with contact numbers for each child; if nobody is waiting at the stop, the driver will attempt to contact a child’s parent by phone number. If the driver is not able to reach a child’s caregiver, that child will remain on the bus and will be taken back to the school where a parent or caregiver may collect him or her.

After-School Students The New American Academy’s after school program includes martial arts instruction, art, and academic enrichment from 3:05 to 6:00 pm daily. There are costs associated with the program to cover materials, supplies, and instructors. Please visit: https://campscui.active.com/orgs/TrailBlazers#/selectSessions/2041102/filter/location=1027903 for more information. Visiting The New American Academy Visit Policy and Building Security For reasons of security, all visitors to the New American Academy campus must sign in at the front desk, then immediately report to the main office. In order to proceed to any classroom, you must take a bright yellow visitor’s pass from the PS 770 main office. This is in addition to the visitor sticker from security. No parent will be allowed in a classroom without a yellow visitor’s pass with the exception of curriculum celebrations and parent/teacher conferences.

During the hours of 8:15-8:45 AM, the TNAA entrance will be open for entering and exiting. After 8:45 AM, the doors will be shut. When these doors are shut, you MUST enter and exit from the front of the school by the security desk.

Visiting the Classroom The New American Academy has an “open door” classroom policy for parents and caregivers. Simply notify your child’s Master Teacher which days you would like to come into the classroom. Parents are asked to be active helpers in the classroom and not just observers. Cell Phones and conversations during instructional time are not permitted in the classroom, as they are disruptive to learning. Upon entering the classroom, please report to the Master Teacher who will let you know how you can be of assistance in the classroom. Note that teachers are unavailable for conversation or meetings during class time. If you would like to schedule a meeting, please contact your Master Teacher.

Expectations for parents who come into school during breakfast: 1) Parents and caregivers can assist staff with breakfast trays, breakfast clean up, coats and backpacks. 2) Allow staff members to be the voice to which children listen to in order to maintain established routines and order. If you see something that requires attention, inform a staff member immediately. Do not take action. (Threatening, punishing or raising one’s voice at our students or staff is not allowed.) 3) Do not be an observer, be a helper.

Expectations for parents who come into the classroom during instructional time (you must have a yellow pass): 1) Upon arrival wait until the Master Teacher is available and then speak with her about ways that you can be of assistance in the classroom. The Master Teacher will advise you as to ways you can be of help on that day. 2) Conversation within the classroom is disruptive to teachers and staff who are working with children at that time and should be avoided. If you need to speak with a teacher, please make an appointment outside of instructional time. 3) The use of cameras, cell phones, and video equipment is prohibited. 4) Do not be an observer, be a helper.

Health and Safety

Illnesses and Accidents If your child has a fever or other concrete symptoms of illness, the nurse will contact you at the number provided on your emergency contact card to arrange to have your child picked up. A child with a fever should not return to school until fever-free for 24 hours.

If your child is injured in the classroom or on the playground, the school nurse will provide immediate treatment and will contact you by telephone or by note. For more serious injuries, a phone call will be made to apprise you of the situation and to make any further arrangements that may be necessary.

Medicine If your child needs to have medicine, including both prescription and nonprescription drugs, administered during the school day (e.g. to clear up any ear infection), you will need a written order from a doctor or other licensed prescriber as well as a signed and stamped medication form for the school nurse. Medication form 504 can be requested from the nurse.

No medication may be brought to the school without the knowledge of the nurse.

If your child has been diagnosed with a chronic health condition, please notify the school nurse. Chronic conditions include asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, severe allergies, heart problems, celiac disease, and other food intolerances. If your child requires prescription medication for a chronic condition during the school day, please contact the school nurse to establish procedures.

Fire Drills/Lockdown Drills Mandated fire/lockdown drills occur 12 times during the school year. Students receive explanations and instructions about drills before the first drill. There will be 8 fire drills and 4 lockdown drills throughout the school year. General Information

Digital Communication In order to ensure timely and effective communication, we use email as much as possible. Our website, www.PS770.org and Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/PS770/, will be updated with photos, information, upcoming events, and messages about inclement weather. Please check our website regularly. Additionally, the office and Master Teachers send out newsletters, flyers, and notices through e-mail. Please make sure your child’s Master Teacher and the PTA have an email address. If you need help setting up an email account (Gmail, yahoo, Hotmail are all free) or your NYC Parent Account please contact Ms. Deneice. All parents will be required to set up a SchoolCNXT account.

Parent-Teacher Communication If you would like to schedule a meeting with a particular teacher, or your child’s entire teaching team, please contact your Master Teacher. Master Teachers’ e-mail addresses are available in this packet. E-mail is the best way to contact your Master Teacher. If you need to get in contact with a teacher or your student during class time, please call the school office.

Field Trips A permission slip will always be sent home for any trip outside the school. No field trip is mandatory, but we believe that experiences outside the school and neighborhood are crucial for building a well-rounded education. We encourage you to accompany your child on field trips that we take, if possible! According to Chancellor’s regulations, siblings of students whose parents are accompanying them on a class trip are not permitted to take part in the trip.

Lost and Found Please make sure to put your child’s name on everything he or she brings to school, including bags, jackets, shoes and any clothing layers that are likely to be removed. Since many children do not recognize their belongings out of context, parents are encouraged to check the Lost and Found regularly for missing items belonging to their children.

Personal Items PS 770 prohibits any electronic devices in school; if found, we will confiscate items such as cell phones, PDAs, iPods, and portable video game devices. Items confiscated from students will be returned to parents only. We also ask that students do not bring personal items such as toys, trading cards, or pocket money to school. Only students with special permission granted will be allowed with these devices.

Birthdays at School Your child’s birthday is an important milestone! Parents often want to provide supplies for an in- class birthday celebration. Arrangements for such celebrations must be made through your child’s master teacher. Celebrations will take place once a month, on the designated birthday celebration day, in the cafeteria during the lunch period. Birthday treats need to include the entire grade. Cupcakes and juice boxes are preferred. Because of allergy restrictions, no home- baked goods can be served. Please note that invitations to private birthday parties may not be distributed in the classroom unless prepared at home and every child is invited.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The PTA meets once a month on Thursdays at 6:00 pm. The PTA helps parents become involved in their children’s education, share ideas, and enrich our school community. They conduct outreach to get other parents involved in school life, fundraise, and support school activities like Parent-Teacher Conferences, open houses, and special programs throughout the school year.

School PTA 2017-2018 President: LaFleur Cumberbatch

Vice President: Amanda Brokaw

Secretary: Tyeast Fullerton

Assistant Secretary: TBD Fall 2017

Treasurer: Brent O’Connor

Assistant Treasurer: TBD Fall 2017

School Leadership Team Six parents, in conjunction with the faculty of the school, will serve on The New American Academy’s School Leadership Team, which meets monthly. Elections for these positions, which have one-year terms, will be held at the first PTA meeting on September 28, 2017.

PS 770 School Calendar 2017-2018

School Day: Breakfast: 8:15-8:45 AM (doors close at 8:45 AM) School Day: 8:45 AM-3:05 PM Dismissal: 3:00 PM-3:05 PM (doors close at 3:05 PM) Afterschool: 3:05 PM-5:45 PM

September 7 Thursday SCHOOL SESSIONS BEGIN FOR ALL STUDENTS Half day for kindergarten students (11:30 AM dismissal) Partial day for pre-kindergarten students (11:30 AM dismissal) Full day for Grades 1-5 (3:05 PM Dismissal) September 8 Friday Full day for kindergarten students Partial day for pre-kindergarten students (11:30 dismissal) September 11 Monday First full day for pre-kindergarten

September 13 Wednesday Back to School Night 5:00 PM OR 6:15 PM September 21 Thursday Rosh Hashanah (school closed)

September 22 Friday Rosh Hashanah (school closed)

October 9 Monday Columbus Day (school closed)

November 7 Tuesday Election Day (school closed)

November 16 Thursday Parent/Teacher Conferences 1:00 PM-3:05 PM, 5:00 PM-7:30 PM Half Day-11:30 Dismissal Students in grades 3-5 are required to attend their conference November 22 Wednesday Curriculum Celebration-10:00 AM

November 23, 24 Thursday and Thanksgiving Recess (school closed) Friday

December 22 Friday School Wide Holiday Show (10:00 AM OR 1:30 PM)

December 25 – Monday through Winter Recess (including Christmas and New Year’s Day) (school closed) the following Students return to school on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 January 1 Monday

January 15 Monday Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (school closed)

January 24 Wednesday PS 770 Science Fair-5:30 PM

February 2 Friday Curriculum Celebration-2:00 PM

February 16 Friday Lunar New Year (school closed)

February 19-23 Monday - Friday Midwinter Recess (school closed)

March 2 Friday PS 770 Reading Day March 15 Thursday Parent/Teacher Conferences 1:00 PM-3:05 PM, 5:00 PM-7:30 PM Half Day-11:30 Dismissal Students in grades 3-5 are required to attend their conference Students in grades 2-5 are highly encouraged to attend their conference March/ 30-6 Friday through Spring Break (school closed) April the following School resumes on Monday, April 9 Friday

April 11-13 Wednesday State ELA Exams-Grades 3-5 through Friday The state passed a law that the exams will only be 2 days. The 2 days are TBD. April 27 Friday Curriculum Celebration-2:00 PM

May 1-3 Tuesday through State Math Exams-Grades 3-5 Thursday The state passed a law that the exams will only be 2 days. The 2 days are TBD. May 11 Friday End of Year Show (10:00 AM or 1:30 PM)

May 23 Wednesday Looking forward to next year 5:00 PM OR 6:15 PM May 28 Monday Memorial Day Observed (school closed)

June 4 Monday 4th Grade Written Science Exam

June 7 Thursday Chancellor’s Conference Day (school closed)

June 8 Friday PS 770 Field Day

June 11 Monday June Clerical Day (school closed)

June 14 Thursday Curriculum Celebration-10:00 AM

June 15 Friday Eid al-Fitr (school closed)

June 19 Tuesday 5th Grade Graduation-10:00 AM

June 22 Friday Pre K Graduation-10:00 AM

June 26 Tuesday Last Day of School Half Day (11:30 AM dismissal)

*In addition, each Friday is Parent Forum from 8:45-10:00 AM. Breakfast is served*