Hello TSMS Families!
We hope you all enjoyed winter storm Jonas! There is nothing like a little snow storm to slow down the city that never sleeps and force us to revel in the glorious beauty around us! And also the open reservations at our best restaurants! Unfortunately, the aftermath isn't so glamorous! Anyway, check out what's been going on at TSMS while our tireless city employes have been digging us out of the snow!
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FEBRUARY 3 AND 4 • 7TH GRADE TO COURT
Our annual trip to the courts in Brooklyn happened today and will happen tomorrow for the other half of our 7th graders! Don't be alarmed, no one is in trouble! Students have been working on their debating skills and argument writing in order to stand with Students for Peace or the NYPD. They will be getting to the courthouse by 12pm.
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FEBRUARY 5 • VALENTINE'S DAY DANCE 5:30-8 PM
Students will gather for some fun, music, dancing and refreshments to celebrate this day of love and appreciation! Though it's a little early, fun will still ensue! Tickets are being sold before both lunch periods for $3, or you can buy them at the door for $5.
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BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
We're in the final stretch for our basketball season! 3 more games left!
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9 @ Home vs. Lyons
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10 @ Home vs. Quest
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11 @ IS 89
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FEBRUARY 8 • NO SCHOOL
Happy Chinese New Year! No school today in honor of the Lunar New Year. This year brings the year of the Fire Monkey. It's meant to be decisive and confident,a year of adventure and resolve. This is the year to act,innovate, and take matters into our own hands.
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FEBRUARY 9 • SLT (5-6pm) and PTA (6-7pm)
We will hold our SLT and PTA meetings next Tuesday from 5-7pm. If you're interested in hearing about hot topics in our school or want to get involved, please come! All are welcome. On the agenda this month is parent communication and transparency.
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FEBRUARY 11 • 6TH GRADE VISITS THE BIO BUS
Teams Empathy and Balance will be visiting the BioBus next Thursday! Diversity and Insight will get their chance March 31. No action required, just ask your kids what it was all about!
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FEBRUARY 12 • ICE SKATING
The entire school will be out celebrating winter by ice skating in various locations. 6th and 8th grade will be together in Long Island City and 7th grade is heading to Prospect Park. Make sure to send kids to school dressed for the weather. And, if you have skates, bring 'em along!
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FEBRUARY 12 • REPORT CARDS MAILED HOME
Report cards will be mailed home on February 12. Keep an eyeout for your update on your child's progress for Module 2. 7th grade families, please also keep an eye out for your mid-year transcripts which will be included in this mailing.
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FEBRUARY 15-19 • MID-WINTER BREAK
Enjoy the week off and get some rest! NYC Public Schools are closed for the week. We will be back to school February 22.
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FEBRUARY 24 • EARLY DISMISSAL DAY
Wednesday, February 24 will be our Early Dismissal day this month for professional development. Students are dismissed at 12 or 12:50 after a bag lunch depending on how you filled out your permission slip. If you'd like your child to stay until our regular dismissal time at 2:35, please e-mail Shirley or give her a call at 347-563-5303.
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FEBRUARY 26 • 8TH GRADE MUSEUM TRIP
On Friday, February 26, our 8th grade will be taking a trip to the Jewish Heritage Museum to supplement their study of the Holocaust and World War II. Keep an eye out for more information on that in the coming weeks.
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MARCH 10 AND 11 • OTHELLO AT CCS
8th Grade students will get the awesome opportunity to see some live theatre at the Classic Stage Company right here in the East Village! We'll be heading there on Thursday and Friday, March 10 and 11. The cost of the play is $15. Please get your permission slips and admission cost in as soon as you can. Contact Bryce at bcahn@tsmsonline.org with any questions.
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MARCH 24 • TALENT SHOW!
Calling all talented students and parents! Look out for details about upcoming volunteer opportunities and information for kids about auditions and rehearsals. Stay tuned!
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FROM A TEACHER'S PERSPECTIVE...
Why Independent Reading?
As a TSMS parent, you are probably familiar with the value that TSMS teachers place on Independent Reading. You have probably marveled at the collection of Young Adult (YA) literature within the Humanities classrooms and hopefully, you have marveled at your own child’s appetite for these books! However, even if you have witnessed your child’s transformation from reluctant reader to book gobbler, you may wonder about the rationale for Independent Reading. How and why does it work?
Here at TSMS, our commitment to Independent Reading is grounded in a broad research base that shows that for children to progress as readers, they must read every day for 35-45 minutes, and they must read with a high level of comprehension. At school, we provide students with. Independent Reading time, because there are no shortcuts when it comes to reading proficiency. To put it simply, kids need to read a lot of texts in order to get better at reading.
Independent Reading in Humanities class also allows teachers to assess students’ levels and progress and monitor the students’ book choices and reading habits. At home, parents can support Independent Reading by carving out a quiet time for reading and asking children about the books they are reading. Try a general question like, “What kind of problems does the character have?” or “What is your favorite part of the story, so far?” Finally, it is a golden age for the genre of YA literature, and for every adolescent reader who is obsessed with Katniss Everdeen and Percy Jackson, there is an adult who is equally enthralled. Ask your child to recommend a favorite book or series today!
Stacey Fell
7th Grade Humanities
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8TH GRADE SCIENCE NEEDS SUPPLIES!
Our 8th Grade Science classes are in need of Clorox Wipe donations. If you can help us out at all, please send in your donations with your kids. We're sure you know that with exploration comes a mess!
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6TH GRADERS TO THE MET!
6th graders used their vast knowledge of Ancient Egypt on their trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art last month. A great time was had by all!
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POPCORN FUNDRAISER DUE FEBRUARY 23
Students should be coming home with fundraiser packets to buy popcorn! The money raised for this fundraiser goes to help supplement the cost of our field trips. Any little bit can help! We do our best to get out of the building and learn through experience, so get your friends, family and coworkers to buy some popcorn! I hear it's quite yummy! All sales need to complete by Tuesday, February 23. Any questions can be directed to Shirley.
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FROM THE GUIDANCE OFFICE
Spring is coming, at least according to our local groundhog! While we wait, these wintery months tend to drag on. What do you have planned with your family? What are you doing to take care of yourself? How are your resolutions going? The upcoming winter break is a great time to refresh, get out, enjoy the city and one another!
Make time to let your child teach you what they have learned! Our students have been studying everything from Ancient Egypt to World War II! The 7th grade has even had their debut in court! Visit a local museum and have your child be the tour guide. This is a great way for kids to review their learning, build confidence and maybe teach you a thing or two!
Do you recycle? Our students are now well versed in the ins and outs of recycling, perhaps you can create your own recycling space in your home and put your kids in charge! Like to be creative? Head to the local art store and see what projects they have. Here’s to more conversation, fun and adventures in our own city!
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THE NILE TIMES IS PUBLISHED!
Teams Insight and Empathy published The Nile Times. Follow this link to check out their work! Or click the picture of Hatshepsut!
Students have been reading and discussing short stories in book clubs and are already embarking on their second round of literary essay.
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URBAN ADVANTAGE FREE VOUCHERS
Looking for exciting and educational activities to do over break? This Mid-Winter Break would be a great time to use Urban Advantage Student and Family Vouchers. Each voucher is good for free admission to any of the 8 Urban Advantage science partner institutions (see vouchers or this link for more information) for students and up to 3 guests or family members. 6th grade students should have already received vouchers. 7th and 8th grade students will receive theirs this week!
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That's all for now! Next newsletter is set to publish February 24. Until then, keep asking your kids what's going on at school, so much happens everyday! Now that we are settling into Module 3, and half the year is behind us, let's think forward and start fresh. New beginnings bring great opportunity. We encourage everyone in our community to shoot for the moon!
Best,
TSMS Community
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