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Elysian Charter School
Weekly Newsletter
A Positively Different Public School
December 18, 2017 Vol. 13 Issue 15
The school newsletter is sent out on Mondays. When there is a holiday, the newsletter is sent the following day.
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Harry's Corner
This column was written for the March 4, 2013 Newsletter. While it is 4 ½ years old, the ideas are fresh for every age. We need to help our children grow up, give them the skills they need and then let them spread their wings and fly.
Letting Go
I don’t usually admit this…but I do not know how to ride a bicycle. I cannot tell you how much embarrassment this caused me in my upper elementary and middle school years (actually I am a little embarrassed as I write this). I can’t ride a bicycle because my parents never let me learn. They grew up in a small city in Europe where not only there were bicycle lanes, but these lanes were curbed off from the automobile roadway. When my parents saw other children riding bicycles on the street in our neighborhood, without any real protection from cars, they felt it was too dangerous.
Had I learned to ride when I was ten or eleven, I would have had a lifetime of bicycle related activities. Sometimes, as our children grow up, we need to take a deep breath and let them do age appropriate activities. Recently the Kindergarten got tickets to the New Victory Theater in New York City. Some of the parents were nervous about letting their children travel into the city as a school group on public transportation. This was compounded by the fact that it was raining on the day of the trip. Ultimately the children had a wonderful experience. Not only did they see a play in a Broadway theater, the actors will come into their classrooms to discuss the performance.
Trips are an important part of the Elysian experience. Children go to the New Vic every year that they attend Elysian. Just this week a group of 7th and 8th graders went to see a production of As You Like It. Some of trips have a pure academic focus—the 6th grade just visited the Liberty Science Center and watched a live brain surgery over a video link which also allowed a discussion with the doctor as he was performing the operation. The fourth grade visited the Hudson River Museum where they studied the ecology of the Hudson, while the second grade visited the Meadowlands with a similar goal—in addition the children had an author visit from a Hoboken-based writer who wrote about the Meadowlands. Sometimes the trips have a dual agenda. Our overnights to Camp Mason, for example, provide an outdoor nature study, but also provide an opportunity for team building activities which profoundly develops the relationship amongst the students and between the students and teachers.
It never ceases to amaze me how the nature of the time at home changes whenever the children are on an overnight trip. Certainly it is quieter, but there seems to be something missing. When the children come back, however, they are full of stories and excitement, wanting to share their adventures and insights…generally they talk a blue streak, but are then so tired they go to bed early. So often parents have commented to me that they see the growth of their children as they go through these experiences.
As children grow up, they are forever moving towards more independence. They will want to cross the street alone, they will want to stay in the park after school, they will want to walk home alone or stay out on a Saturday night. They grow up. We need to be sure that they are ready for each of these steps and then we have let them grow up.
Right now I am facing one of those moments; my younger son just got his driver’s license. Although he is a far better driver than I was when at this point in my driving career, I jump every time the phone rings when he has the car. I can’t tell you how nerve wracking it is!
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KUUMBA 2017 Dear Elysian community,
I hope everyone has “recovered” from KUUMBA Day 2017 and had a lovely weekend with their families. My heart is so full after watching all of our kids participate in this awesome Elysian tradition. As a former dancer, I am always amazed at how the kids learn all of the choreography and the stamina that it takes to perform African dance! CONGRATS to all of the kids who danced their hearts out Saturday! Can’t wait to see them dance again at the next community meeting!
I want to say THANK YOU to Lynne Shapiro and YaYa for keeping this beautiful tradition alive over the past 20 years! YaYa I don’t know how you do it! You are amazing! THANK YOU to our wonderful 3rd grade teachers who assisted the kids in rehearsals and helped calm their nerves leading up to KUUMBA Day. Last but not least, a big THANK YOU to all of the volunteers who helped pull this day off! There are far too many names to name. So many parents helped make this day a very special day for all of our 3rd graders and no matter how big or small your job was, it is truly appreciated. Part of the KUUMBA tradition is coming together as a community and we definitely did just that!!!
I have created a Shutterfly share site so feel free to upload any of your pictures or videos here!
Thanks again!
Carrie Campbell- Proud mom of Charlie
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This Week's Basketball Practices
Grade 3: Tuesdays: 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Grade 4: Green Team: Wednesdays: 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Grade 4: White Team: Friday: 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM (This week only, 1/2 day schedule)
Grade 5: Friday: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM (This week only, 1/2 day schedule)
Grade 6: Mondays: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (Including Intramural Game)
Grade 7: Thursdays: 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Grade 8: Thursdays: 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Girls 6-8: Wednesday: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Notes:
1. Because we have been given only one grade 6 team, with a large number of students, this team will have a practice weekly followed by an intramural game.
2. Children waiting for a practice to begin will be able to attend Aftercare at no cost. Any child attending Aftercare must start right at the end of the school day. Children may not leave the school building and then return.
3. Practices are closed sessions with no spectators.
4. At the recommendation of the coaching staff, there will be no volunteer assistant coaches.
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After School Enrichment Clubs
Here are the end dates for the fall session of clubs:
Monday: Slime Club - Dec. 18
Double Dutch Club - Dec. 18
Wednesday: Chess - continues through Jan. 31 (14 week club)
Karate Club - Dec. 20
Thursday: Crazy Chemistry - Dec. 21
Friday: Dance with Derrick - No club this week.
There will be one final class the week we return from break. Club members will be contaced by email.
Thanks to everyone who took part in our Fall After-School Enrichment Clubs... I hope all the kids enjoyed their clubs (and even learned a few things!).
Our Winter session will begin in late January -- sign up forms will go out shortly after we return from the break.
Have a wonderful holiday and a happy & healthy New Year!!!
Movie Making Club
Please click on the link to see the newest project from the Movie Making Club Members.
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All Sibling Applications For Next Year's Kindergarteners Due Now
Please hand deliver application to the office. Please do NOT submit online.
Forms can be found in the office or at ecsnj.org. Look under enrollment.
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Thinking of Elysian During the Holiday Season…
As we’re rushing around this month, we would like to ask you, in the spirit of the holiday season, to consider a year-end gift to the Friends of Elysian. No doubt, it’s a gesture that will be very much appreciated long after it’s been received. (And it certainly doesn’t hurt that a donation before December 31st will be helpful in other ways come April 15th.)
We realize that different families have different financial capabilities, but all contributions make a difference (especially when it comes to our school’s participation levels). Everything helps Elysian provide a “positively different” education to our children.
And, you may be able to double your giving. A number of companies match employee giving, particularly at year-end, so be sure to check whether your company will match your donation.
If you’d like to contribute a year-end gift, please click this url for links to either donate online or to download a pledge form to pay by check:
http://www.ecsnj.org/support-ecs/donate/
Thank you so much for your support!
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PTSO News Chili Cook-Off - Sign up this week! The Chili Cook-Offis the first weekend of the New Year! It is earlier this year than ever before, so sign up now to volunteer time, chili, or desserts! Get your taste buds ready and your chili pots shined, because the 11th Annual Elysian Chili Cook-Off is just around the corner! Come one, come all, and invite your friends to the Hoboken Elk’s Club at 5 pm on January 6th to compete or just to relax and enjoy great chili. Amenities include a supervised kid's room, live musical entertainment, a wine and beer cash bar for adults, and of course all the chili you can eat. We need YOU to sign up as:
1. A Chili Chef
2. A Baker of Sweet Treats
3. Volunteer at the event – set up crew, front table or bartender!
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Tiny Prints and Shutterfly Discount Codes Available For all of your holiday needs, the PTSO has available 40% off and FREE shipping for Tiny Prints and $10 off an order of $50 or more and FREE shipping from Shutterfly! Send an email to elysianptso@gmail.com to get your code(s)! Elysian will also get 13% of your purchase as a donation from both Tiny Prints and Shutterfly when you shop through our exclusive storefront: ElysianCharter.ShutterflyStorefront.com.
Codes expire December 31, 2017
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We Have Tickets! Wednesday - Afterschool Performance, New Victory Theater: Jason Bishop: Believe in Magic
Wednesday, December 20, 4:30 PM Performance
Returning with even more tricks (and wry one-liners) up his sleeve – and new acts designed especially for New Victory audiences – Jason Bishop will convert any skeptics in this marvelous, mind-blowing magic show.
Please note: The After School Program will NOT be taking children on this trip. We do have plenty of tickets for parents who accompany their own children! Take advantage of Elysian's partnership with The New Victory Theater!
06600 Ticket Info: - Please contact lynne.shapiro@ecsnj.org. and let her know the number of number of student tickets ($2) and adult tickets ($5). Then, send a check or cash to her attention.
- There are no actual tickets so your name will be on an entry list.
Show is 60 minutes/no intermission. Suggested for 3rd grade and up.
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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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Lost and Found
Please write your child's name or initials in their outerwear so if it ends up in the Lost and Found we can return it. We have many items (jackets and sweatshirts/hoodies) that need to find their way back home. Please come and take a look in the Main Office.
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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. DECEMBER CALENDAR Monday, December 18 - Enrichment Slime Club
- Enrichment Double Dutch
- 6th Grade Basketball Practice. 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Including Intramural Game)
- Board Meeting, 7:00 PM
Tuesday, December 19 - Play Practice, 3:00 PM - 4:15 PM
- 3rd Grade Basketball Practice, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday, December 20 - Enrichment - Chess - continues through January 31 (14 week club)
- New Vic Performance, 4:30 PM
- 4th Grade Green Team Basketball Practice, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Girls 6th to 8th Grades Basketball Practice, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Thursday, December 21 - 3rd Grade Trip
- 7th Grade Basketball Practice, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- 8th Grade Basketball Practice, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Friday, December 22 - 1/2 Day of School
- Grade 5 Basketball Practice, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM (1/2 Day Schedule)
- Grade 4 White Team Basketball Practice, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM (1/2 Day Schedule)
- Aftercare until 3:00 PM
Monday, December 25 - Monday, January 1, 2018 - Winter Break, Elysian Closed
JANUARY CALENDAR Tuesday, January 2, 2018 - Play Practice, 3:00 PM - 4:15 PM
- Grade 3 Basketball Practice, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday, January 3 - Grade 4 Green Team Basketball Practice, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Girls' 6-8 Grades Basketball Practice, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Thursday, January 4 - Grade 7 Basketball Practice, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Grade 8 Basketball Practice, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Friday, January 5 - Grade 5 Basketball Practice, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Grade 4 White Team Basketball Practice, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, January 6 - Open House, 10:00 AM
- Chili Dinner, Elks Club, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Monday, January 8 - Play Rehearsal
- Grade 6 Basketball Practice, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Including Intermural Game)
Tuesday, January 9 - Middle School Play
- Grade 3 Basketball Practice, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday, January 10 - Grade 4 Green Team Basketball Practice, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Girls' 6-8 Grades Basketball Practice, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Thursday, January 11 - Grade 7 Basketball Pracitce, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Grade 8 Basketball Practice, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Friday, January 12 - Community Meeting
- Grade 5 Basketball Practice, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Grade 4 White Team Basketball Practice, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Monday, January 15 - Elysian Closed for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Wednesday, January 17 - 1/2 Day of School - Staff Development
- Lottery, 1:30 PM
- Middle School Night
Monday, January 22
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1460 Garden Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Harry Laub, Ph.D., Director
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harry.laub@ecsnj.org
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Phone:201.876.0102
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Fax:201.876.9576
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