AND to vote!
Title I Meeting: Tues. Oct. 22nd – 8:15am (Main)
AND to vote!
AND to vote!
Title I Meeting November 20th
Please attend the Title I meeting right before the International dinner on Thursday, November 20th.
Math Workshops for Parents
Latest Update: The Math Workshops will be conducted by Mr. Lilakos,
the math coach who conducted the previous workshops on State Tests.
Do you need help giving help in math? Two special workshops for parents of 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th graders are scheduled to guide you through the math curriculum.
Thursday, March 27th from 4:30 – 5:30 for 3rd grade math – Main Building
Friday, March 28th from 4:30 – 5:30 for 4th, 5th, 6th grade math – Main Building
The workshops are made possible through Title I funds. Please take advantage of this opportunity to benefit and enhance your child’s education.
Title I Parent Meeting
Topic
What is Title I?
- The schools participation in Title I
- What are the Requirements of Title I?
- The schools Title I Program
- How to be involved?
October 7, 2013 6 p.m.
PS 150Q Main Building
May 25th PTA Meeting Review
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.
April 19th’s PTA Meeting Review
At the PTA meeting held on Thursday, April 19th, the following topics were covered.
- Spring Carnival is scheduled for Saturday, May 19th. Ticket prices are anticipated to be at $12.00 per person. Children will enjoy games, bouncy rides, a petting zoo and refreshments – details on the activities that are included with admission will be announced. Volunteers are wanted and welcome to assist with the attractions, concession stands and maintaining general order. Please call (718) 784-2252 ext. 1551 or email ps150Qpta@gmail.com.
- PS 150Q is among many schools in New York City facing crippling budget cuts. This year funds to secure substitute teachers have already depleted. An agreement with the PTA secured funds for the remainder of the school year through June. Principal Ms. Parache has vowed that the funds will not be used unless strictly necessary but it is to avoid having to disperse students to other classes should their teacher call out sick.
- The budget cut crisis sparked attention to be active in protesting them and demanding accountability of funds that are spent. Please stay tuned for further developments.
- Oumih Francis, our dedicated, responsible and kind hearted Secretary for the PTA, had announced her resignation from the position. We would like to express our gratitude and appreciation for her efforts and commend her for her time. Following her tenure, Rebecca Wilkins has been nominated for the Secretary position. Beatrice Gomez and Shawn O’Connell will be running to maintain their positions as Vice President and Treasurer respectively.
- In the Treasurer’s Report, we were pleasantly surprised to learn a few last minute envelopes were submitted for the Read-A-Thon. The total books read is at approximately 2,500 books. Great job everyone!
- The Title One report stated the remainder of its budget has been used to purchase two more computers, which will be available for parents to use.
- Guest Speaker, Sharon Smith from Sunnyside Community Center presented an opportunity for training as a “Homecare Worker.” Once certified, Home Health Aides are eligible for wages, health insurance and other attractive benefits. You are invited to attend their Open House, scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. For more information, please contact Sharon Smith at 718-784-6160 extension 345.
SES Tutoring Applications Due Feb. 17
A reminder that SES Tutoring applications are due this Friday, February 17th. If you have any questions or require assistance with the form, please visit the main building in the morning until 9:30 am or the afternoon until 3:30 pm. A BiNet Representative will be able to answer any questions you may have.
Please Be Aware – solicitors for tutoring agencies outside on the school grounds are not endorsed by the school. If you choose an agency other than BiNet, please be sure you are confident in your choice as you will NOT be able to change providers.
If you have any questions, please contact the Parent-Teacher Coordinator, Ms. Pate at 718-784-2252 Ext. 1611
Feb. 09 PTA Meeting Review
Thanks to all the parents who joined the PTA meeting with Ms. Parache, Ms. Pate, Mr. Espinoza and guest speaker, Calvet Liburd of Playworks. Events and workshops are in process of registration – please don’t delay in signing up.
The meeting review is as follows:
- PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Spring Carnival volunteers are wanted! Volunteers to help with the concession stands, rides and supervision are requested to contact the PTA office at ps150Qpta@gmail.com or call (718) 784-2252 extension 1551. Also, if you reside on 41st Street or have friends and neighbors who do, please be notified that the school is applying for the street’s closure for additional room.
- Treasurer’s Report: Explained funds used for the drama production and the Science department. Tri-fold boards and stickers will remain on sale through next week – prices are $5 for the board and $3 for the labels.
- State Testing Standards: Due to overwhelming response, P.S.150Q’s PTA is currently researching the most effective way to petition for changes to the State testing standards. We are exploring all avenues from a petition, to letter blitzes and polls. Please stay tuned for updates.
- Computer Workshop for Parents: Through Title 1 funding, P.S. 150Q is offering eight weeks of computer training, taught by Mr. Espinoza. The Beginner workshops starts February 14th, so PLEASE REGISTER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Contact Ms. Pate at 718-784-2252 ext. 1611 or register at http://tiny.cc/techworkshop or https://sites.google.com/site/parenttechworkshop – a flyer with the workshop dates was sent home with every student.
- Principal’s Report: Ms. Parache conveyed welcoming news of P.S. 150Q’s quality review. On a scale level of 1 to 4, the school was graded at Level 3, as proficient and well developed. Ms. Parache also reiterated the importance of building your child’s reading stamina and introducing them to news articles. State tests have included articles published by the New York Times, Newsweek or Time magazine to gauge a student’s comprehension; it pays to be prepared.
- Recess Committee: Guest speaker, Calvet Liburd from Playworks explained the half-day workshop and the full-year technical support programs offered by the organization. Mr. Liburd presented examples of indoor activities that the students could easily participate in during recess in the auditorium and discussed costs as well as options available. Please visit www.playworks.org for more information.
- Box Tops 4 Education: Accumulated Box Tops coupons will be submitted on March 1st. You may send your coupons in with your child to the school or drop them off in an envelope at the PTA office in the main building. Any coupons submitted after March 1st will be kept for the next redemption cycle.
- The Annex needs volunteers for the Book Fair during the last week of February. We are looking for volunteers to assist our Pre-K and Kindergarten students during their shopping visits. If you can spare an hour or more, please contact the PTA at ps150Qpta@gmail.com or call (718) 784-2252 extension 1551.
- Q & A: An inquiry was made regarding the gauging of our proceeds thus far for the Read-A-Thon. Currently, we have placed a poll on our website for parents to select their progress as of February 10. Please visit our Read-A-Thon Poll to make your vote count.
January 19 PTA Meeting Review
Thank you parents, guest speakers, Ms. Pate and Principal Ms. Parache for making the January 19th PTA meeting. The meeting commenced with the President’s report and delved into issues that touched on tardiness, state assessment standards and Title One SES tutoring to name a few. The summary is as follows:
- President’s report: Winter Carnival is cancelled. A “Movie/Game Night” is currently an idea being considered to replace the event.
- Read-A-Thon document packages have been distributed. You can download and print the Read-A-Thon documents with the exclusion of a collection envelope. You may use a standard letter envelope. Please state the student’s name and class on the front.
- Tardiness procedures are revised to address the large number of late students. Parents are responsible for promptness. If arrival exceeds the five-minute grace period – after 8:10 am, the parent/guardian must accompany the child to sign in the late arrival log. Please, be considerate – be punctual.
- Recess Committee explored the idea of Play-Well TEKnologies program for creative development during recess. For information on the organization, please visit http://play-well.org/
- Treasurer Report disclosed the profit margin from “Holiday Boutiqe” sales and detailed expenses for the drama production. The Holiday Boutique sales were greater than expected, however, the amount which the PTA keeps is only a percentage of it. Whereas the funds raised from the Read-A-Thon is almost entirely our profit. So please, Support the Read-A-Thon!
- Principal’s Report: At the last PTA meeting, Principal Ms. Parache addressed our school’s assessment rank with the city and state. While our position reverberates concern, Ms. Parache strongly believes our students are well on track and the school’s curriculum strives to progress beyond expected standards. Still, many parents and teachers are frustrated, perturbed and generally confused with the state and city’s assessment tests that evaluate our students and school. You can speak out. Write to the NYSED Board of Regents at http://www.regents.nysed.gov/members/.
- Group Tutoring is coming to P.S. 150Q: A package will be sent home with each student to apply for after-school tutoring at P.S. 150Q. Please submit the application, whether or not you feel your child requires it. The DOE office determines eligibility and selects those students that will most benefit from the program. Mr. Wimmer of BiNet, the elected tutoring agency, spoke at the meeting and advised two available opportunities. Group tutoring at the school, approximately two days a week at two hours and private tutoring for hire at home, through a selection of BiNet affiliates.
- Q&A session addressed an inquiry on collecting Boxtops 4 Education coupons. Some classrooms have been set up with containers for students to drop in their coupons. But parents are welcome to drop off coupons in an envelope at the PTA Office in the main building. Separately, an inquiry was made about anonymous sponsorship for the Read-A-Thon. Our underlying goal to promote reading should be encouraged for every student, even those with less advantage. If you’d like to sponsor a student, please e-mail the PTA at ps150Qpta@gmail.com with your pledge. Thank you!
