Vaccinations are on their way to 108th Street! On Tuesday, November 9th, from 7-11am, we will have a POP-UP VACCINATION SITE right here at school. You need to complete a consent form to have your child vaccinated on that day. For further important information to know before receiving the vaccine, please visit the DOE's Schools Vaccine Sites page.
You have two options, either a parent/guardian must be present or you can designate an alternative person to be with your child as they get their vaccination. If you choose the latter, the vaccine provider will have to either get verbal consent from the parent/guardian by phone at the time of vaccination, or be given the completed consent form by the adult designee. This means that even if you cannot come, your child can still be vaccinated! A member of my administrative team will be happy to hold your child's hand — I will, too!
Please consider getting your child vaccinated here on that day or as soon as possible. This week we have our second classroom closure. Students who are fully vaccinated do not have to quarantine as long as they do not have any symptoms. Protect your child, your family, and our school community.
COVID-19 VACCINE AT RYAN HEALTH CLINIC
Beginning on November 15th, all students (10-11 year-olds and 12+) will also be able to get their COVID-19 vaccine at the Ryan Health Clinic.
The Ryan Health Clinic is waiting for confirmation as to whether or not a parent must be present for the vaccination. We will let you know what the answer to this is as soon as they hear back. If you are not available on the 9th, but want your child vaccinated, please contact the Ryan Health Center at 212-678-2861 ext. 1345 so they can schedule an appointment.
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent-Teacher Conferences are on Wednesday, November 17th from 5-8pm and on Thursday, November 18th from 1-3pm. Dismissal for students on November 18th will be at 12pm. Lunch will be available for the 8th graders and for any 6th and 7th graders who wish to eat before going home.
Conferences are virtual (on Zoom). You will receive instructions early next week for signing up for a meeting time.
Please note, that unlike elementary school, you may not be able to meet with all of your child’s teachers. The teachers teach far more students than they have conference appointments. BEFORE signing up, consider which teachers you really NEED to meet with. Prioritize. Teachers do their best to meet with parents, but the average teacher teaches 120 students.
FIRST MARKING PERIOD
The First Marking Period ends on Wednesday, November 23rd. You can expect that report cards will come out around December 8th.
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
The faculty spent Tuesday completing several different emergency trainings. These include Epi-Pen, Auvi-Q, Glucagon, de-escalation, and evacuation training. In addition, we spent time discussing using the MAP Assessment results in order to target specific skills and areas of weakness.
Teachers also received training on conducting the DESSA Assessment and on suicide prevention and detention strategies. Thank you for the delicious PTA-sponsored faculty lunch!
I am grateful to the PTA for funding a year-long professional development workshop for me on teacher observations and feedback. One of my professional goals for the year is to spend more time in the classrooms coaching, supporting, and providing actionable feedback.
Elana Elster
Virtual Turkey Trot 2021
Have you signed up forBooker T.'s 2nd Annual Turkey Trot, yet?! There is still time to sign up for this fun event that helps raise funds for our school! So far, we have about 150 people joining in!
The Turkey Trot is a virtual 5K taking place between November 13th - 30th — run, jog, stroll or roll that distance from any place on your own time at your own pace. The suggested fee to register is $20 for adults; participants under 18 are free! In order to encourage as many participants as possible, there is also a "Pay as You Wish" option. Come join the fun!
For those of you with shirts on order, they are in the works and on track for delivery in mid-November to your kid's homeroom.
Equity Team
DIWALI: This week, Diwali, or Deepavali, is celebrated worldwide by people of South Asian descent including Hindus, some Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists. Both a secular and religious holiday, it marks the triumph of light over darkness and is celebrated by the lighting of candles, exchange of gifts and enjoying meals together. Learn more about Diwali.
NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH: November is National Native American Heritage Month. Manhattan, the ancestral home of the Lenape tribe, is derived from the Lenape language and is loosely translated as “place of many hills”.
The Equity Team is inviting families for a meetup at the National Museum of the American Indian on Thursday, November 11th (Veterans Day) at 11am. All families are welcome and there is no cost to participate. All participants 12 years and older are required to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to visit the museum. Space is limited — Please RSVP by Tuesday, November 9th for further details.
If you can’t make it to the meet-up, there are many online resources and activities available to help you celebrate and learn more about Native Americans. Read the work of our current and first Native American U.S. Poet Laureate, Joy Harjo.
Celebrate the best of Native cinema with the Smithsonian’s Native Cinema Showcase running November 12th-18th. Featuring the cultures and perspective of thirty-nine Native communities in the Western Hemisphere, this online showcase includes full length features, shorts, and filmmaker panel discussions available on demand.
STUDENT ASIAN AMERICAN ASSOCIATION: AAPI (Asian American/Pacific Islander) students kick off this school year with two events. See the activities of MS54's Student Affinity Groups.
A3 Club Meeting, November 8, 2021 @ 8am, Room 218. We'll connect, plan activities for the year, and meet new friends. We will meet every Monday. Please complete interest form. For info and questions, contact Ms. Zipkin.
A3 Club's Bubble Tea Social, November 24, 2021 @ 3:15pm. RSVP with the names of those who will be attending to zipkin@ms54.org. We'll talk about issues and upcoming events as we go for bubble tea near the school at Gong Cha (on Amsterdam) before returning to the building. Please bring money for tea and dress for the weather as this is a walking trip. For bubble tea scholarships and other questions, e-mail Ms. Zipkin. All are welcome.
PANEL DISCUSSION How Can We Help Our Children Take Care of Themselves Socially, Emotionally, and Physically November 3, 2021 PANEL SLIDES MS54 panelists Social Worker Nicole Miller, Physical Education Instructor Frank DiPasquale, Parent Coordinator Anne McIntosh Pejovich, and Family Healing Ambassador and Wellness Lead Alison Gardy discussed a topic of importance to all of us.
MS54 GIRLS SOCCER TEAM
The girls soccer team had a very successful season with a 6-1 record. They also made it through two rounds of playoff games this week. Thank you so much, Ms. Mersits and Ms. Cohen! Go Booker T.!
COLUMBIA VS HARVARD FOOTBALL GAME November 6, 2021 @ 1pm
West 218th Street (short walk from the 215th Street #1 subway station) BUY TICKETS
Columbia University is giving us a special rate of $7/ticket for ages 2yrs+. Each student will receive a FREE lunch cooler; we’ll get our school name on the video board; and kids may be able to get on the dance or fam cam! We’ll be in Section C, around the 30-40 yard line. Questions + Ticket Scholarships + Going Together: activities@ms54pta.org. 12yrs+ must show proof of vaccination; masks required for ages 5+. Rain or shine.
MS54 CHEERS ON NYC MARATHONERS November 7, 2021 @ 1:30pm
Park Avenue and East 138th Street, Bronx RSVP: activities@ms54pta.org
Let's cheer on our city's marathon runners in the loneliest spot of the route — and hand out that extra Halloween candy to help them avoid bonking before crossing back into Manhattan for that final stretch of the race! Paper towels, candy, Vaseline (with sticks), and water are useful items. Cow bells and signs are also amazing add-ons! Questions + RSVPS: activities@ms54pta.org. (If you're running, let us know that, too!)
FIRST SUNDAY WELLNESS WALKS November 7, December 5, 2021 and January 2, February 6, March 6, 2022 @ 3pm Start Place: Community Garden on the Riverside Park Promenade, about 200 feet inside the park from the entrance at West 91st Street and Riverside Drive
Join Family Healing Ambassador and Wellness Lead Alison Gardy on the first Sunday of every month during Daylight Savings Time for a walk in Riverside Park. Let's wellness-walk our way through winter into the start of spring!
MS54 PIE SALE Order deadline extended through November 8, 2021 BUY NOW!
Yes, you get another bite at the apple... pie! Our annual Thanksgiving fundraiser, the fabulous MS54 Pie Sale is still on but only through MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8th! With five flavors, you're sure to find something for everyone: Apple Crumb, Brandied Pumpkin, Brownie, Southern Bourbon Pecan, and Strawberry Rhubarb. Pies can be donated in honor of a teacher or staff member, as well as sent directly to Ascension Church Food Pantry. You can shop online or envelope payment to Room 144. You or your Booker T. scholar must pick-up your purchase in person on Tuesday, November 23rd from 3 – 6:30pm. Any pies not picked up during that time will be donated.
SCHOOL PICTURE DAYS November 8 and 12, 2021 PHOTO SCHEDULE
Get that smile ready for School Picture Day! Irvin Photographers will photograph the students Monday and Friday of next week. Check out when your class is scheduled for your photos!
MS54 PTA GENERAL MEETING November 9, 2021 @ 7pm REGISTER
Come join us to avoid FOMO and to find out about the latest happenings at MS54 during the PTA’s General meeting. Teachers and staff are always welcome, too. See meeting agenda.
WELLNESS WORKSHOP WITH DR. VIJAYETA SINH! How to Take Care of Yourself While Taking Care of Your Family November 10, 2021 @ 8pm REGISTER
Too often we think we don't have the time or money to take care of ourselves. But if our own energy is depleted, how can we show up for our children? Psychologist and Booker T. parent alum Dr. Sinh will show us that self-care does not have to depend on time or money, but can be as easy as committing to a few simple strategies. Questions for Dr. Sinh? Contact wellness@ms54pta.org.
NO SCHOOL - VETERAN'S DAY November 11, 2021
Reminder that there's no school on Thursday, November 11th in honor of Veteran's Day.
SCHOOL LEADERSHIP TEAM REMOTE MEETING November 12, 2021 @ 7:20am
Any member of the MS54 community who wishes to observe the SLT meeting may email slt-cochairs@ms54pta.org in advance for the Zoom link.
FUNDRAISING TEAM MEETING November 12, 2021 @ 9am REGISTER
Have a great idea to support the school? Want to join a fun crew and find out about all the events we’re planning this year? Or, just stop by to meet other friendly Booker T. folks. All are welcome.
THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE
If your family is willing to donate a complete bag of Thanksgiving items to MS54 families in need, you can:
Buy a bag of groceries and drop them off (before November 17th) at the MS54 West 108th Street entrance, Monday - Friday, between 7:30am and 4pm. Thanksgiving Grocery List (please purchase a full bag of the following items): cranberry sauce, canned gravy, canned pumpkin, chicken broth, flour, sugar, vegetable oil, wild rice, instant mashed potatoes, canned yams, cornbread mix, canned string beans, canned onion rings.
8TH GRADE FAMILIES: SHSAT REGISTRATION Deadline is November 15, 2021 REGISTER
Register for the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) by November 15, 2021. Register for the SHSATif you are interested in applying to any/all of the eight testing Specialized High Schools: taking the SHSAT is how students apply to these schools.
CHARLESTON WRAP FUNDRAISER Ends November 15, 2021
We are now halfway through our fundraiser with Charleston Wrap! You only have until November 15th to shop online for wrapping paper, home goods, and gifts all while supporting Booker T. — and you can invite your friends and family to shop to support our school as well! Either register yourself today at www.registercw.com with our Organization Code: 21508 to shop and share, or SHOP NOW with our PTA. Questions: fundraising@ms54pta.org.
VIRTUAL COFFEE HOUR WITH DR. ELSTER November 18, 2021 @ 8am REGISTER
Bring your coffee — and get your questions answered!
8TH GRADE TURKEY TROT MEETUP November 20, 2021 @ 1pm Central Park Reservoir; meet at theTennis Center RSVP
8th grade families: Please join us at the Central Park Reservoir to exercise and help raise money for Booker T. by participating in our annualTurkey Trot!You don’t have to pay to participate. RSVP by Wednesday, November 17th. The homeroom with the most participants wins a bouquet of flowers for their teacher. Weather permitting, we’ll also bring blankets and food to picnic. Email 8thgraderep@ms54pta.org with suggestions and any questions.
EQUITY TEAM MEETING November 23, 2021 @ 7pm REGISTER
We will continue our discussion and assessment of practices to build a welcoming and affirming school environment.
MS54 TOUR FOR CURRENT PARENTS November 23, 2021 @ 5pm REGISTER
Dr. Elster is offering an off-hours, parents-only tour for current families. ONE parent per student; registration required; first-come, first-served. Questions: co-presidents@ms54pta.org.
MS54 IN-PERSON TURKEY TROT WALK OR RUN November 27, 2021 @ 10am
Central Park, West 85th Street RSVP
Want to do the MS54 Turkey Trot in-person with others who are still in town? Join in the fun for a relaxed walk-or-run 5K in Central Park, and yes, we'll have a timer running for you serious weekend warriors. Free hot chocolate will be served afterward. For more info: activities@ms54pta.org.
SLOTS ARE FILLING UP! GET YOUR FAMILY PORTRAIT + SUPPORT MS54 BOOK NOW!
Our fabulous team of MS54 photographers are offering ten-minute, outdoor sessions in Central Park for one family portrait (JPG, color, edited) to be used any way you like. You’ll receive your digital print via email within five days and 100% of the proceeds go to Booker T.! You can also buy a session for another MS54 family. Once you’ve booked your session, we’ll send you a scheduling link and you won't have to worry about selfie-arm in this year's portrait!
Questions: fundraising@ms54pta.org.
HELP THE MS54 PTA & YOURSELF 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. New York City is extending its $100 vaccine incentive to young children getting vaccinated at school sites or city-run clinics.
ANNUAL APPEAL Check if your employer matches charitable donations, and double your impact! Thank you to all of you who have donated to support our school! To donate, please mail checks payable to "PTA of MS 54, Inc." to:
PTA of MS 54, Booker T. Washington
103 West 107th Street
New York, NY 10025
Questions? Contact Rachel Polimeni, PTA Annual Appeal chair / Co-Assistant Treasurer
P-EBT Food Benefits
P-EBT food benefits are being provided to NYC public school families to help cover the cost of meals that children would have received at school if not for reduced in-person learning due to the pandemic. The first payment was issued in June 2021 and included P-EBT food benefits for each month between September 2020 and March 2021. The second payment has now been issued (on the same P-EBT Food Benefit card) and includes P-EBT food benefits for each month between April and June 2021. See FAQs for more info about P-EBT food benefits.
Action for Happiness: New Ways November
This month, Action for Happiness is exploring new ways forward. Getting absorbed in a new activity is a great way to boost your well-being. Trying out new things also brings challenge and fulfillment — and can help us make new friends, too. The New Ways November calendar is full of ideas to help you try new things or take new approaches to things you do already. Why not share it with a friend?
Virtual Teen Job Hunt Talk November 8, 2021 @ 4pm REGISTER
High school students, need help looking for work? This presentation will cover everything you need to know to start that job hunt. Teens can learn how to prepare a resume, find job listings and apply for jobs online, in person, and more. Advanced registration is required.
Virtual Teen Comics Chat November 18, 2021 @ 3pm REGISTER
Join us as three librarians talk about some of our personal favorite comics that we hope you'll check out! This month, we will be discussing graphic novels for autumn, Native American Heritage Month and New York stories. Advanced registration is required. Advanced registration is required.
