Category: Title 1

Thanks parents, Ms. Ortiz, Ms. Pate, guest speakers Judy Zangwill, Matthew Wallace and Ms. Mirelys for attending Thursday morning’s meeting. Many passionate topics were covered, but first, congratulations to Beatrice, Rebecca, and Sean to their elected position of President, Secretary and Treasurer respectively.

The meeting’s review is as follows:

*) The Treasurer’s Report praised the efforts of the “Box Tops 4 Education” campaign for raising a record amount of three-hundred-twenty-nine dollars. Also, last-minute contributions for the “Read-A-Thon” set the profit at over one thousand percent, bringing in over six-thousand dollars. Cheers to the outstanding readers and their supporters that made this happen! The Spring Carnival is expected to break even. We’ve heard a number of suggestions, complaints and cheers through the grapevine about it. Future prospects for this event will be open for discussion at a later meeting. Stay tuned.

*) The vote for having June 25th and 26th as non-attendance days for “Professional Development” was unanimous in favor. Detailed information, including your choice to “opt out” will be sent home. While the inconvenience for working parents and the untimeliness of having two days off before the last half-day of school are understood, remember that these DOE suggested dates are crucially needed time for teachers to prepare next year’s curriculum.

*) City wide budget cuts are threatening our After School Programs again. As always, our “Knight in shining armour,” Jimmy Van Bramer has promised to fight for restoration. Sunnyside Community Center’s Executive Director, Judy Zangwill as well as Ms. Mirelys with the support of Councilman Van Bramer’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Matthew Wallace – urged the parents and the community to voice out. Currently, Councilman Van Bramer is faced with losing seven out of nine After School programs – your help is urgently needed. Regardless of whether or not your child attends after-school, having these programs intact ensures the safety of all children in our community. The presence of a stable after school program enriches development, nurtures interest and instills accountability in those that would otherwise be left to their own devices. Please take action and keep our community safe. For details on how you can help, please click here.

*) Title One funds have successfully educated parents in technology with computer classes conducted by Mr. Espinoza. In light of that success, future workshops are being considered to cultivate parents in proper nutrition. Providing a balanced diet is critical to your child’s success in school – it affects their performance physically and mentally. It has been noted that students are packing soda, chips and other junk food for lunch. While these snacks may be affordable and conveniently non-perishable, they do not provide the needed nutrients to sustain them through a school day. Guidance of practical nutrition that is informative and convenient would be a great benefit. In the meantime, please be conscious of supplying your child with nutritious lunches and snacks.

*) School Leadership Team (SLT) will be sending periodic reminders about the school’s dress code. While uniforms are no longer a requirement, a respectful dress code is – short-shorts, spaghetti straps, open mid-riffs and graphic tees are not allowed.

The meeting concluded with the New Business election of Beatrice Gomez for PTA President, Sean O’Connell for PTA Treasurer and Rebecca Wilkins for PTA Secretary.

The next PTA Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 14th at 08:30 am. Please check the school calendar as it will be updated periodically. In addition, bookmark the NYC DOE calendar for future events and important dates concerning all public schools.