Welcome to the 2021-2022 school year! While we are looking forward to starting a new term, we have lots to share with you before school starts.
First, we hope you will join Dr. Elster for herSummer Update Meetingon Tuesday, August 31st at 7:30pm. At long last, there is news from the DOE on the protocols for the coming year. On Tuesday evening, Dr. Elster will discuss the implications for Booker T. and some of our plans for keeping students healthy and safe, while providing them as much of a "normal" school year as possible.
Please also attend Dr. Vijayeta Sinh's talk about resilient parenting during a pandemicon September 2nd at 7:30pm. This talk will teach you how to help your child successfully adapt to school, and learn how to cope with the uncertainty and adversity of the coming year.
We also hope to see you at one of our upcoming summer family fun activities, such as our Kickball + Arts Corner in Central Park on Wednesday, September 1st at 6pm (with Dr. Elster and Anne Pejovich making appearances) or the Biking for Bubble Tea, also in Central Park, on Sunday, September 12th at 4:30pm
Other community initiatives include our Backpack + School Supplies Drive (see details on the Wellness Committee page) and our Commuter Connection Pod initiative where we put families in touch who want to go to school together (e-mail lee@btw54.org with any questions and to sign up!).
And if you really want to get into the Booker T. school spirit of things, our MS54 hoodies, tees, and masks are now on sale at our school store. All orders will be ready for pick-up some time in September.
As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we need your support to continue all of the wonderful MS54 educational opportunities and activities. There are so many ways to contribute! Please run for one of our open positions on the PTA board! Elections are in October, and we have several positions available. Or, make a contribution to ourAnnual Appeal—our biggest fundraiser of the school year!
BACKPACK & SUPPLIES DRIVE
Here's how to participate:
1) Please let Anne McIntosh Pejovich at amcintosh6@schools.nyc.gov know if you are interested in purchasing a backpack for a student in need.
2) Then go to this link to purchase a backpack filled with supplies for one of our students, Please purchase all of the items on the list and have them sent to your home.
3) Fill up the backpack with the supplies and bring it to school on one of the following days, 8am to 3pm: 8/30, 8/31, 9/1, 9/2, 9/7, 9/8, 9/9. Use the West 108th Street entrance. The Security Team will greet you.
NEW STUDENT FORM
Please help us spread the word to have families fill out the New Student Form. This way, folks won't miss out on MS54 news.
THE PTA NEEDS YOU!
If you like connecting with others and helping to make our school run, then join us on the PTA team! Open positions include: Co-Treasurer, Co-Assistant Treasurer, Co-VP of Fundraising, Co-Recording Secretary, 6th Grade Rep, and 7th Grade Rep. If you have any questions: co-presidents@ms54pta.org.
HELP THE MS54 PTA WHILE GETTING VACCINATED
If you, or someone you know, get a vaccination shot from an NYC-run site and mention "MS54 Booker T. PTA," the city will donate $100 to the PTA. This is a low-effort way to help the PTA at no extra cost to you. Applicable for scheduled or walk-in appointments. To find a site, visit: https://vax4nyc.nyc.gov/patient/s/.
SPECIAL YANKEE TICKETS FOR MS54 FAMILIES September 3 - October 3, 2021 LINK
The Yankees are offering free backpacks and hot dogs with these tickets, starting at $40. You can select from several games (September 3rd to October 3rd), and the offer expires August 31st. We do not receive any proceeds from this, but when the Fundraising Team found out about it, we just had to share it.
INCOMING STUDENT ASSESSMENT (MAKE-UP) September 1, 2021 @ 8:45am
Make-up date for those incoming students who were unable to take the June 3, 2021 assessment. Instructions were sent to applicable families and are available at the New Incoming Family Information page.
KICKBALL + ARTS CORNER September 1, 2021 @ 6pm RSVP
Bring your picnic blanket, food and smile to connect with other MS54 families — and Dr. Elster. She'll be there! All grades are welcome — as are siblings! Questions: activities@ms54pta.org. Details will be sent once you RSVP.
PARENT WELLNESS WORKSHOP September 2, 2021 @ 7:30pm REGISTER
Join the MS54 School community for a virtual community care event on parenting with strength and courage. We’ll be joined by Clinical Psychologist Dr. Vijayeta Sinh who sees well-being as the foundation for all growth, creativity and resilience. This talk will teach you how to help your child successfully adapt to school, and learn how to cope with the uncertainty and adversity of the coming year.
BIKING FOR BUBBLE TEA IN CENTRAL PARK September 12, 2021 @ 4:30pm REGISTER
Let's take over Central Park and ride for bubble tea! Helmets are required. All grades are welcome — as are siblings! Questions: activities@ms54pta.org. Details will be sent once you RSVP.
VIRTUAL PTA GENERAL MEETING September 21, 2021 @ 7pm REGISTER
Please join us as we host the first PTA general meeting of the year. We'll have time after the official end time to linger and socialize, so please tell a fellow family to come, too!
VIRTUAL COFFEE WITH DR. ELSTER September 23, 2021 @ 8am REGISTER
Bring your coffee — and get your questions answered at the first Coffee with Dr. Elster of the year!
Back to School Bash for Harlem Students August 28, 2021 @ 12 – 4pm 370 West 120th Street
COOL Kids is proud to participate in the 4th annual Give 8/28 Day by hosting a Back to School Bash for Harlem students. On August 28th, 150 children ages 5-14 will enjoy a video game truck, ice cream, games, and free school supplies. Additionally, mental health, financial literacy, scholarship, and career resources will be available for community members of all ages.
STEM Institute at the City College of New York Deadline: September 15, 2021 Program Dates: October 4 - December 17, 2021 Register for free, fully-remote classes for 6-8th graders, exclusively for District 6 partners and scholars. Offered twice a week from 4 - 6pm, including:
