11/7/22 News+Center

Congratulations to all of our community members who ran the NYC Marathon! We are proud of you!

As a reminder, tomorrow is Election Day. Election Day is an asynchronous remote day for students. Should you have any questions about voting, you can visit https://vote.nyc/

Upcoming Events

Community Coffee in the Courtyard – Our December date will be finalized shortly. Stay tuned. We will host the coffee in the courtyard after drop-off.

Thank you for joining us last week for our November coffee!

Guest Speaker following our November PTA Meeting

Dr. Ron Taffel will be joining us via Zoom following the PTA meeting on Monday, November 14th. 

Dr. Ron Taffel Bio:

Dr. Ron Taffel is one of the country’s few experts equally sought after by both parent and professional audiences. He has done over one thousand consultations and workshops in 25 states across the country. Dr. Ron Taffel is considered one of the most electric and practical child-rearing experts in the country – and one of the most sought-after public speakers by both professional and parent groups nationwide. He has been called “a genius addressing all the issues of family life”.

Dr. Taffel is the author of five popular and two professional books translated into a half dozen languages. His most recent book Childhood Unbound: Saving Our Kids’ Best Selves has been critically acclaimed for parents, educators, and mental health professionals alike as a guide to new approaches dealing with 21st century kids, families and schools.

In particular, Ron is known for his uniquely engaging ‘information and inspiration’ message on getting today’s children of all ages to listen to responsible adults, talk more about what really matters, develop genuine self-esteem and healthy passion in our coarse, technologically driven and pop culture world. Through his writing and public speaking Ron helps parents and child professionals move beyond outdated ideas to the cutting-edge of ‘what we now know,’ to draw on our natural strengths and hopes — to bring out the best in our kids and in ourselves.

What’s Happening at Center School

Halloween Candy Donation:

We are still collecting any extra Halloween candy you may have to send to military personnel overseas. The collection location is in the main office. Look for the wheelie shopping cart or check with Ms. Lopez. 

Thanksgiving:

Thanksgiving is almost here!  That means it’s time for pie!

We are hosting a Pop-Up Thanksgiving Pie Sale Fundraiser.  Order this week through Sunday, November 13th!!

The pies are all handmade, at the cost of $25.00 each. The choices are as follows:

Apple, Apple Crumb, Pumpkin, Pecan, Strawberry Rhubarb, Blueberry, Cherry and Brownie

Pie pickup will be Monday, 11/21 at dismissal.  Pies can also be sent home Monday with your child.

Please send payment in cash or check via your child, make checks out to “The Center School”.  Click on the link to submit your order –  Pie Order Form 

Looking for Volunteers:

The PTA is looking for a graphic designer to help with a few small design projects. Interested? Please contact Maria or Lisa at centerschoolpta@gmail.com

We are also looking for a location to host our annual Chamber Music Night in the spring. If you are interested in hosting, have a location recommendation or any questions, please contact Rita Mullaney. 

Things you can do to help the school & PTA:

Pledge Drive Update!  We are at 27% of our goal. Since we launched the Pledge Drive, we have raised $16,000 – what a great start! Our goal is $60,000. Tacey, Friedman and Finkelstein lead in our advisory competition (which Advisory can have the highest participation rate!)

Just a reminder, our Pledge Drive is one of our largest fundraising events.

Each year, the PTA spends over $500 per child to support Center School’s programming, including but not limited to:

  • Computer Teacher/Specialist
  • Urban Fellows Program (paying for two of our fabulous teachers each year)
  • Additional lockers so all students have access to one 
  • New Computers for all teachers
  • Dues and supplies for student programs, like Debate club and TACS performances

The Center School relies on our donations to fund essential programs that the Department of Education budget does not. State and city budgets only meet the bare minimum of a public school’s needs, covering the salaries of teachers, staff and administration.

We are asking ALL families to make a donation to our annual pledge drive. All donations in any amount are greatly appreciated and make a positive impact on our children’s educational experience. Every donation makes a difference – our goal is 100% participation! 

Recognizing Outstanding Teachers

Nominate an outstanding teacher for a $25,000 FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence. FLAG recognizes one teacher from each borough with a $25,000 prize, plus their school is awarded an additional $10,000. Students, parents of students, colleagues and school administrators are encouraged to nominate teachers here by the deadline of 12/2. Awards will be announced in June 2023.

Mark Your Calendar – Important Dates:

  • November 8 – Election Day: NO School
  • November 11 – Veterans Day: NO School
  • November 14 @ 6:30 pm: PTA Meeting (Guest Speaker: Dr. Ron Taffel to follow meeting)
  • November 24 & 25 – Thanksgiving Recess: NO School
  • December 15: PTA Meeting & TACS Show
  • January 23: PTA Meeting
  • February 13: PTA Meeting
  • March 16: PTA Meeting & TACS Show
  • April 24: PTA Meeting
  • May 22: PTA Meeting
  • June 12: PTA Meeting

Kindly,

Sarah Courtemanche & Joshua Weinberger
Parent Volunteers on behalf of The Center School

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