Principal's Letter

Dear Parents, 

Yesterday, I welcomed the faculty back to school. It was wonderful to have a full house, to “wake up the building,” and to introduce our new members to the returning staff. Over the last two days, we have ramped up our preparations for Monday and have put the final details in place. We are all excited to welcome your children back to the building on Monday. 

I apologize profusely for the technological issues that prevented me from sharing the presentation with you at the orientation last night. Here is the executive summary.

School Day       

• Monday – Friday:  8:40AM- 3:00PM       

Early Academy (Open Office Hours with Teachers) 

• Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday:  8:00AM-8:40AM  
• Students do not need to sign up in advance, but they must arrive by 8:25AM if they plan to come in.
• Coming any later does not provide students or teachers with sufficient time. 

Food 

• Breakfast bags will be at the flagpole 15 minutes before the start of the day (7:45AM on Early Academy days and again at 8:25AM on all days) 
• Students will eat lunch outside (weather permitting). In the event of inclement weather, they will be divided between the auditorium and the cafeteria. 
• Lunch will be provided. Students may also bring their own. 
• Until we can find a safe solution to eating in the classroom, students will not be able to have a snack in the classroom. (If you have suggestions, email me.) 

Lunch 

• After finishing their lunch in the courtyard, students will be able to go to the field for the remainder of the lunch period.
• At some later point, students may also use the library at lunch.

Transportation 

• Students will get Student MetroCards during the first week of school.
• On the first two days, please be sure your children bring a MetroCard.
• Empty M11 buses stop in front of the school at 3PM.

Arrival and Dismissal 

• Students will line up in the flagpole area by homeroom. 
• During the first days of school, they should look for their homeroom sign (which will be held by their teacher) so they know where to line up.
• They will line up at the same spot each day.
• The teachers will walk them up to ensure that they get where they are supposed to be.
• Students must have their health screener visible so the teacher can check it before proceeding upstairs.
• If you need a thermometer to keep at home, please ask your child to pick one up at school.
• It is advisable to have students complete the screener before leaving home.
• All sixth graders will be dismissed into the courtyard.
• All other grades will be dismissed through the door closest to their classroom.

Class Assignments 

• Class assignments were emailed today.
• Students will get their schedule, elective assignments, and language assignments on the first day of school.
• Class assignments are set.

Safety Precautions 

• Students and parents will be responsible for ensuring that the health screener is completed with fidelity.
• Hand sanitizer is available throughout the building, as are extra masks, wipes, and soap/water.
• Students must wear masks throughout the day. This includes play at lunch.
• Students will be spaced three feet apart in the classroom, yet they will travel to their classes.

Materials          

• Students will need a device for use at home. This device will not be needed in school for the time being.
• Students should leave this at home. Please complete this form so we know your child’s technological needs.
• Please refer to the supply list if you have not already purchased your child’s school supplies.
• Make sure you student has completed their summer assignments.
• All students will receive a planner in which they will be expected to write their homework and keep track of their assignments.

Forms 
Students will bring home the following forms on the first day of school. Please complete them Monday evening so that your child can return them on Tuesday morning.

• Blue Emergency Card 
• Ryan Health Form (also available on the MS54 website) 
• Income Verification Form  

Jupiter

• Please be on the lookout for the email regarding Jupiter.
• If you have any issues, contact Erica Williams at williams@ms54.org.

Parent Orientation Part 2

• Monday evening’s orientation is geared to parents.
• It focuses on supporting students academically and socially as they transition back to school. I look forward to seeing you then.

This information is also posted on the Planning for 2021-2022 page of the MS54 website. Also posted is the 2021-2022 Parent/Student Handbook. I look forward to a great start.

Elana Elster

Fall After-School Registration Is Open!

After-School programming will be IN PERSON this fall! Traditional favorites are back PLUS awesome new offerings like:

• Audition Boot Camps - we'll help eighth graders get ready for HS auditions across art, music, and drama.
• Mirrors - an artistic collaboration with a rural middle school in Kentucky. 
• Soccer - whether we can play against other schools or not is still up in the air, but we are optimistic there will be soccer of some kind happening on our field this fall!
• Video Game Design Club - design your next favorite video game! No coding experience necessary.
• Volleyball - open to boys + girls in all grades who want to learn to play or build their skills.

Check out all the amazing art, STEM, fitness, music, crafting and other options in the fall brochure HERE. Classes will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis, but students almost always get all their choices.

Programs will begin the week of September 27th, and run through the week of December 13th. 

REGISTRATION DETAILS:
Students may choose up to four programs; register your child ranking the sessions in order of preference. Confirmation emails will be sent by Anne Pejovich the week of September 20th. Register HERE. Registration runs through September 20th.

Payment for the Fall Session is due prior to the first class via our payment portal HERE. Free or reduced-price options are available for qualifying families. Please reach out to Anne McIntosh Pejovich for details.

KEY DATES:
September 20th: Last day to register for Fall Session
Week of September 20th: Confirmation details sent to families
Week of September 27th: First week of after-school sessions
Week of December 13th: Last week of sessions

Please reach out to Anne Pejovich with any questions at: AMcIntosh6@schools.nyc.gov.

• academic enrichment in math & science
• SAT prep, academic/career counseling
• career development
• college preparatory workshops
• college tours

• ms54.org
• MS54 PTA @ Facebook
• MS54 @ Instagram
• The Well at 54