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Elysian Charter School
Weekly Newsletter
A Positively Different Public School
October 11, 2016 Vol. 12 Issue 5
Please note that the school newsletter is sent out on Mondays. When there is a holiday, the newsletter is sent the following day. Please send news to lynne.shapiro@ecsnj.org by 1:00 PM on Mondays.
The weekly newsletter is archived on Elysian's website, www.ecsnj.org, so that you can always access both the most recent newsletter as well as all previous ones.
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| Harry's Corner Facts about Cell Phone Usage in School From Buzzle.com
Usage of cell phones in school is a topic that has been debated over and over for many years now. While there are some schools that allow cell phone usage, there are some which are imposing a complete ban on the same. This article will take you through some interesting facts about cell phone usage in school and more.
The issue as to whether cell phones should be allowed in school premises or banned completely, has become highly debatable, especially after the 9/11 attack in the United States! On one hand wherein the school authorities have been raising a concern regarding the misuse of cell phones in the school, parents are worried about the fact that a ban on cell phone usage in schools will prevent them from keeping a track in terms of where their children are, and therefore, raise a concern regarding their safety. The dilemma between the pros and cons of cell phones in schools still remains, which is why, some states in America have completely banned cell phones within the school premises; while some have restricted the use of cell phone during classes only. Nevertheless, if you go through the facts that are listed below, you will understand as to why the authorities and the parents haven't been able to come to a mutual conclusion about the same.
Statistics on Cell Phone Usage in School
Mentioned below is a mix of both positive and negative statistical data that can throw some light on the current usage of cell phones in school-going teens. Study reveals a lot of facts. On one hand where teens use cell phones for cheating and capturing inappropriate videos and pictures, they also use cell phones to inquire about classes and school work. Study also reveals that as compared to boys, girls are more active in using cell phones for texting and calling. Not only this, having a cell phone is considered to be the second most important status symbol among teens, their clothing being the first one. With cell phones becoming more of a necessity to maintain social status than a communication device, it is very difficult to convince the students to stop using them in schools completely. A report revealed that most of the students carry their cell phones within the school premises by breaking them in parts, that is, separating the battery from the body and so on. Have a look at some more interesting facts about cell phone usage.
✏ Talk about banning the usage of cell phones in schools! Studies reveal that almost 65% of the teenagers that have cell phones, use it in their school premises..., schools that have completely banned cell phone usage!
✏ Talk about misusing cell phones in school! It has been found out that almost 35% of the students admit using their cell phone for cheating purposes. On the other hand, 66% of the students agree that other students use their cell phones for cheating!
✏ What was more amusing to read was that 23% of teens using cell phones in school, do not consider 'texting questions' to their friends as cheating. And what was more funny, was that 19% of the cell phone owning students didn't consider 'surfing the internet to find answers' as cheating! Well, there was a positive news... 48% of the teens have used their cell phones to warn their friends against pop up quizzes, I guess this is the only part that I "don't" consider inappropriate!
✏ Remember me mentioning earlier that girls use more cell phones than boys? Statistics also reveal that almost 76% of the girls use cell phones to text about school work, while this figure reduces to 64% when speaking of boys.
✏ Now let's see what statistics reveal about the parents point of view about banning cell phones in school. Research states that almost 48% of parents use cell phones to keep a track on their child's location, most of them include parents of teenage girls.
✏ According to a poll conducted by AceComm, 95% of the parents in the United States of America prefer them taking control of their kid's cell phone rather than the school. Research also states that 64% of the parents keep a regular track on the content of their child's phone. Also, 52% of the parents limit the number of hours as to when their kids can use the cell phone. 62% parents also report to have taken away the cell phone from their kid as a form of punishment.
✏ This fact makes me wonder about the mannerism in teenagers these days. 64% of the teens have admitted that they have sent and received texts while in the class when cell phones are completely banned. 25% of the students have also received or made a call while in the class. So, are the students too smart to get caught, or are the teachers so easy to fool?
Although most of the schools have banned, or limited the usage of cell phones in schools, these statistics reveal that the use has still been going on, even though many restrictions regarding the same have been imposed. Although metal detectors have been installed in various schools, some students still manage to sneak them inside the premises. If technology can prove to be a threat to studies in terms of cheating and distractions, it can also be a blessing to a worried parent who wishes to know if his/her child is safe. Nevertheless, this topic still continues to be debatable with its pros and cons. So, what is your opinion regarding the same?
Cell Phones At Elysian - During the school day, cell phones must be turned off and kept in either the student’s backpack or locker.
- Teachers may give permission for students to take out their cell phones. This is done for instructional purposes—currently there are a plethora of apps and websites that enhance instruction.
- Middle schoolers with privilege may take their cell phones with them to use to check time and in case of emergency.
- Consequences for misusing a cell phone include the phone being taken away for a short period of time or for the entire day. Students who persistently misuse the phone or who use the phone seriously inappropriately will have the phone held until a parent comes in to pick it up.
The Parents’ Role - Parents are asked not to text or email their child during the school day. Any necessary communication should go through the school office at 201-876-0102.
- All cyber security experts agree that it is important for parents to check the child’s phone. It is important to ask questions if you see pictures or messages that were taken or sent during the school day. One condition of giving a child a phone should be that the parents will check the phone.
It is important to remember that cell phones are part of the world in which our children are growing up. The role of cell phones has changed since the time that we first got our phones. It becomes our role to ensure that our children learn to use them, and all new technologies, responsibly.
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Friends of Elysian Meeting:
Monday, October 17 @ 5:30 pm
* Childcare provided! *
The Friends of Elysian, the school’s parent-led fundraising group, would like to invite you to a meeting and open house next week, on Monday, October 17 @ 5:30 pm in the school building in room 232, Melissa’s room by the stairwell. (If you can’t make it exactly at 5:30 PM, please still feel free to stop by a little later!) Childcare will be provided.
We’ll be giving a quick recap of last year, discussing plans for this year as well as listening to your ideas and feedback. There are lots of different ways to get involved if you’re interested (beyond just the “asking for money” part). As a matter of fact, if last year was any indication, the biggest part of Friends activities was all the brainstorming, event planning, organizing and everyone-chipping-in-on stuff.
At this annual meeting, we will also be confirming and adding new members and voting on our board and slate of officers. We will review these opportunities at the meeting, but if you think you might be interested in getting more involved and want to understand these roles before the meeting, feel free to also email us at friends@ecsnj.org.
It’s important that the Friends represent the interests of the entire Elysian community, so we hope you can join us.
Everyone is welcome!
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We’d also like to thank the following donors for the generous gifts to the Campaign For Elysian:
Josephine Howell
Kristen and Chuck Jordan
Lindsay Loyd and Adam Berkowitz
Pamela and Robert Strell
Company Matches
American Express (via Lindsay Loyd)
Moody's (via Maria Muller)
SMBC Global Foundation Inc. (via Jim Weinstein)
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| Good News Congratulations to Aram and his family on the birth of Vida Angel Rubenstein-Gillis, born 9:45 PM on October 6th, weighing 7 lbs.
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| PTSO CORNER BOOK FAIR SECOND CHANCE!! For those who weren’t able to visit the fair or would like to buy additional books, please visit our online book fair at http://www.scholastic.com/bf/elysian. You may purchase books until Wednesday, Oct. 12th. The books will be delivered to school for free and distributed at the end of our online fair.
SCHOOL PICTURE DAY is Friday, October 14! ALL STUDENTS AND STAFF WILL BE PHOTOGRAPHED!! NEW THIS YEAR – ONLINE VIEWING AND ORDERING! No forms needed in advance – just get ready for your photo shoot on Friday. About 3 weeks after picture day, we will distribute a proof sheet at school to take home. You will use the provided student code to go online (by computer, phone or tablet) and view the images – you will see 2 different poses with 2 options each to choose from, as well as more than 40 different backgrounds! One pose is allowed for each package. If you would like to order a 2nd pose, you may order another package and/or any add-ons with a different pose and/or background! All orders placed online will ship directly to the home address provided during ordering at no additional cost. Phone and mail-in orders also accepted at 1-800-540-4701. If you have any questions, please email elysianptso@gmail.com.
CITY RUNNING TOURS is proud to partner with Elysian Charter School to provide an opportunity to sweat, sightsee and drink for a good cause on the 1st Annual Elysian Charter City Running Tour! Join us for a 3.5 mile guided running tour on Sunday, October 23 meeting at 10:45 am at Pilsener Haus & Biergarten (1422 Grand St. in Hoboken). Experience Hoboken in a unique way to learn about the history, culture and urban myths of this great city. At the end of the running tour, City Running Tours will treat you to one of the Pilsener Haus' finest refreshments! Cost is $50 per participant. Please go to www.cityrunningtours.com/elysianrunningtour to sign up and for more information.
ELYSIAN HALLOWEEN PARTY this year will be held on Friday, October 28 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm in the school gym. This is a free event for all Elysian families. Watch your email for more details/volunteer opportunities.
NO BRAINER MONEYMAKERS You can help earn money for Elysian Charter at no extra cost to you! If you take a few minutes to register or shop through a specific link below, you can be helping our school just by doing your normal routine!! Please get started today!! If you have any questions, please email elysianptso@gmail.com.
- iGive - Especially with the close of the Target RedCard for Education Program, please consider signing up for the iGive button at www.igive.com/eSGfZk8, where you can earn money for Elysian Charter just by shopping as you normally do online at a variety of stores. Use the link to register, choose Elysian and next time you shop online, you may see a banner letting you know you are supporting our school! IT DOES NOT COST YOU ANYTHING!! And, if you sign up by October 15 and simply visit any iGive store by October 31, Elysian will earn an extra $1, no purchase necessary.
- Smile Amazon - Click on www.smile.amazon.com/ch/22-3510684 to support Elysian. Bookmark this address. Shop as usual. Please forward this link to friends and family!
- Shutterfly/TinyPrints - Click on www.elysiancharter.shutterflystorefront.com. Shop as usual. Please forward this website to friends and family. No need to sign up, just use this link.
- Register your Shoprite card at www.shoprite.com/shoprite-for-my-school.
- Boxtops for Education – Clip and collect and turn into the main office.
PTSO DUES: Did your children enjoy the pizza and babysitting during Back to School Night? PTSO dues covered those expenses. It is not too late to pay your PTSO dues! We are at 65% participation!! To help fund the PTSO, we are suggesting all families contribute $25 per child in dues. You may leave cash or a check made out to Elysian PTSO in the main office
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| The Elysian Charter School Rugby Club
The Elysian Charter School Rugby Club is accepting registration forms for the fall 2016 season. Registration is open to all Elysian students in grades 4-8. Fifth grader teacher, John Rutledge, will once again be leading the Club!
The Club will meet for weekly practice on Thursdays from 3:00 - 3:45 PM at 1600 Park. Practice will begin on Thursday, October 6th and run the following dates (weather permitting) – 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, 11/3 and 11/10. Please have students dress appropriately for outdoor practices and bring a water bottle. With the field so close, I am able to walk the Club members to practice. We’ll meet outside at dismissal. Pick-up is promptly at 3:45. After-school students will be escorted back to school or to the park after practice.
The fall season will focus on the fundamentals of flag rugby. We’ll review rules, participate in drills and have practice scrimmages. The fall season will also serve as a try-out for the upcoming spring season. Once the spring season rolls around, we will field two teams with a maximum total of 24 players. There will be an elementary team (grades 4-5) and a middle school team (grades 6-8) each with a maximum of 12 players each. In the spring, we’ll have weekly practices, participate in scrimmages with other clubs and take part in the NYC Ruby Cup tournament in June. Complete the attached registration form and return to your classroom teacher. In order to participate in practices and games you need to have a Registration Form on file as well as updated medical information on file in the office.
ELYSIAN CHARTER SCHOOL RUGBY FALL 2016 REGISTRATION FORM
Student Name ____________________________ Age ________ D.O.B. ___________ Grade/Teacher _________ Parent/Guardian #1: __________________________ Cell# ____________________ E-mail address: _______________________________ Parent/Guardian #2: __________________________ Cell# ____________________ E-mail address: _______________________________
After practice, my child has permission to: ___ Self-Dismiss ___ Picked-Up by: ____________________________
___ After-Care
Does your son/daughter have any medical problems or allergies that we should know about?
__________________________________________________________________________
If yes, please describe the type of medication, dosage, frequency, and administration; as well as authorized to administer. ______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________
I GIVE PERMISSION FOR MY CHILD ________________ TO PARTICIPATE IN ELYSIAN CHARTER SCHOOL’S RUGBY PROGRAM. HE/SHE IS PHYSICALLY CAPABLE OF PERFORMING IN THIS SPORT. ALSO, MY CHILD’S MEDICAL PAPERWORK IS UP TO DATE WITH THE SCHOOL.
____________________________________________ _________________
SIGNATURE OF PARENT/GUARDIAN DATE
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For Parents of Basketball Players
Basketball season is just around the corner. We have many students who are excited to play this year and we are hoping that the city will allow us to have more than one team at some grade levels.
Please make certain that you send in school form and that you sign up online with the city as soon as possible so that the city knows how many players we will have this year.
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AFTER SCHOOL CLUB SCHEDULE
Tuesday, Oct. 11 - NO AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS
Wed, Oct. 12 - No School
Thur, Oct. 13 - Regular Club Schedule
Fri, Oct. 14 - Regular Club Schedule
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| This Thursday, SCREENAGERS: GROWING UP IN THE DIGITAL AGE
October 13th at 7:00 PM
The Hudson School Theatre
601 Park Avenue
Hoboken, NJ 07030
Stevens Cooperative is thrilled to present SCREENAGERS: Growing Up in the Digital Age, a documentary about the biggest parenting issue of our time. Are you watching kids scroll through life, with their rapid-fire thumbs and a six-second attention span? Physician and filmmaker Delaney Ruston saw that happening with her own kids and began a quest to uncover how it might impact their development. with her other two award-winning documentaries on mental health, Ruston takes a deeply personal approach as she probes into the vulnerable corners of family life, including her own, to explore struggles over social media, video games, academics and internet addiction. Through poignant, and unexpectedly funny stories, along with surprising insights from authors, psychologists, and brain scientists, SCREENAGERS reveals how tech time impacts kids’ development and also offers solutions on how adults can empower their kids to best navigate the digital world to find balance.Tickets must be purchased in advance. (As seen on Good Morning America/ Watch the Movie Trailer: www.screenagersmovie.com)
WHEN: THURSDAY, October 13, 3:45pm
WHERE: Stevens Cooperative School (enter on 3rd between Bloomfield & Garden) 301 Garden Street Hoboken, NJ 07030
RSVP: See below. Questions? Email event organizers directly.
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| Halloween Costume & Coat Drive at Elysian The York Street Project is a facility in Jersey City that houes, educates, and nurtures homeless women and children in Hudson County. Hoboken's Girl Scout Troop 12001 is collecting gently used children's costumes and winter coats for adult women, children, and teens October 6 - 21. Please find the drop off box in our school. The Hudson School, Hola and Hoboken Catholic Academy are also participating in this drive.
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| Elysian Collects Box Tops and LABELS for Education: Look for the container near Deb's desk in the office! Thank you!
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| As per state law, we no longer publish the exact location of trips for security reasons.
Please read the calendar weekly, as changes are updated regularly. OCTOBER CALENDAR
Wednesday, October 12- Elysian closed, Yom Kippur
- Last day to shop Elysian's Book Fair, see above for website.
Thursday, October 13- 2nd grade trip - Melissa's class
- 3:00 - 3:45 Rugby Practice
- Ashley's Third Grade and Amanda's First Grade Back to School Night
Friday, October 14- Elysian picture day
- 2nd grade trip - Abra's class
Monday, October 17- The Friends of Elysian Meeting and Open House, 5:30 PM, Melissa's 2nd grade classroom, Room 232. (See above.)
Wednesday, October 19- Half Day of School for Staff Development
- 7th and 8th grade overnight trip
Thursday, October 20- Joanna's class trip
- 3:00 - 3:45 Rugby Practice
Friday, October 21- 7th and 8th grade return from overnight trip
- Last day of Girl Scout Troop 12001 Halloween Costume & Coat Drive.
Monday, October 24- 7:00 PM Board of Trustees Meeting
Wednesday, October 26- 5th, 7th and 8th grades on a trip
- 2nd grade trip
- Amanda's first grade trip
- Middle School Night, 6:00 PM
Thursday, October 27- 4th grade trip
- 3:00 - 3:45 Rugby Practice
Friday, October 28- Community Meeting'
- 2nd grade trip
- Halloween Party. 6:30 - 8:30 PM
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301 Garden Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Harry Laub, Ph.D.,
Director | harry.laub@ecsnj.org | Phone:201.876.0102 | Fax:201.876.9576 |
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