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Elysian Charter School
Weekly Newsletter
A Positively Different Public School
April 16, 2018 Vol. 13 Issue 29
The school newsletter is sent out on Mondays. When there is a holiday, the newsletter is sent the following day.
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What makes Elysian a positively different public school? (Part 2) I was speaking with some prospective parents the other day and was trying to define some of the characteristics that make us unique. I pointed to the tables at which the 8th graders sit. Most schools have the upper elementary and older children sitting at individual desks. Children sitting at tables encourage interaction. Because the children learn to work together from the moment they enter Elysian, it is natural for them to discuss academics and to problem-solve together. If we think about the skills that are needed beyond Elysian—in college and in the workplace—the ability to work with peers is key. In so many colleges students form study groups where they share information and study together. In the workplace many companies are organized into teams, where each team must work together to produce. If you have ever been on an effective team, you know that the most meaningful ideas develop collaboratively, with each person contributing to the final product. If one person had the task of developing these plans, they would look much different. The ability to communicate with peers about work related topics is key to success. In schools where children are at individual desks, this workplace collaborative skill is often underdeveloped. So how does this look in the classroom? Some examples include - In a fifth-grade class where the children were researching the various states for the States Project, I watched a group of children interact. Although the work was individual, Sally noticed that the population of children in her state had gone down. She pointed this out to John sitting next to her; they then compared their states and speculated on why this would happen in Sally’s state but not John’s. Jack, also sitting at the table, joined in, looking at his state’s statistics suggested several possible reasons for this difference.
- In a first-grade room the children were studying different types of communities—rural, suburban and urban. The children were divided into groups where the task was to develop reasons that supported the environment they wanted to study. Before sending the children to work in their groups, the teacher discussed group dynamics and how to ensure that all participants had a voice. Each group was to develop arguments for their choice. The children discussed various arguments to support their point of view. In one group I overheard one of the children say, “does everyone agree.” The decisions of each group were shared with the rest of the class.
- In an 8th grade math class the students were learning the effect of manipulating one variable upon other variables. Students used a computer graphing program that helped them to visualize the changes. As they observed the effects of adjusting one variable on the others, they discussed the changes, using mathematical terminology and looking for patterns in these changes and predicting what other manipulations may cause.
In each of these examples, the student conversations expanded the thinking of each member of the group, piqued curiosity and motivated the students use higher order thinking skills of analysis and synthesis.
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This Week's Homework Help and Enrichment ClubsMonday Homework Help - Cancelled due to Parent/Teacher Conferences Wednesday is 1/2 day
Chess -12:45 - 2:15 PM - End date June 6 (14 week club) Thursday
Homework Help - Cancelled due to Parent/Teacher Conferences **Homework Help with Samantha will still meet this week.**
The Spring Session of Clubs will begin the week of April 23.
Welcome letters informing students know what clubs they are in will be sent out this week.
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Elysian Rugby Club Forms Due ASAP The Elementary (grades 4-5) and Middle School (grades 6-8) Elysian Rugby teams are accepting registration forms for the spring 2018 season. Registration is open to all Elysian students in grades 4-8.
While all students are welcome to participate in weekly practices, please note that we are only able to field 12 players for each team for each of the tournaments. In order to be a part of one of the spring tournaments, you must first and foremost demonstrate good sportsmanship and be a team-oriented player. In addition, you must be able to play rugby at a competitive level.
The Club will meet for weekly practice on Tuesdays from 3:00-3:45 PM at 1600 Park. The first practice will be Tuesday, April 24th and run the following dates (weather permitting) – 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29 and 6/5. 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. Pick-up at 1600 Park is promptly at 3:45 PM
Elementary Schedule Middle School Schedule Tournament #1 Tournament #1
Sunday, May 6th 12pm-2pm Date and location TBD
Chelsea Waterside Park Tournament #2 Tournament #2
Sunday, May 20th 12pm-2pm Date and location TBD
Chelsea Waterside Park NYC Rugby Cup NYC Rugby Cup
Saturday, June 9th 8:30am–3pm Saturday, June 9th 8:30am–3pm
Randall’s Island, NYC Randall’s Island, NYC
Complete the attached registration form and return to your classroom teacher ASAP...
It promises to be an incredible spring rugby season and I look forward to seeing you on the pitch! Coach John Rutledge
John.Rutledge@ecsnj.org
**Please be aware that all school medical forms must be up to date for your child to participate. All medical forms and information may be found under the "Forms and Information" tab at www.ecsnj.org. Please contact Diane DeSombre with any questions regarding these forms.
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ELYSIAN CHARTER SCHOOL RUGBY
SPRING 2018 REGISTRATION FORM
Please Print Student Name ____________________________
Age ________ D.O.B. _____________ Grade/Teacher _________________
Parent/Guardian #1: __________________________ Cell# _____________________________
E-mail address: _______________________________
Parent/Guardian #2: __________________________ Cell# _____________________________
E-mail address: _______________________________
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After practice, my child has permission to:
___ Self-Dismiss ___ Picked-Up by:_____________________________________
___ After-Care
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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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This Week at the Hoboken Public Library -- FREE On Tuesday, April 17, bring your phone or tablet (or use ours) to paint and draw in a free app called Sketchbook. Learn to use photo reference and manipulate your drawings, change brushes and colors. An adult's email is required for software sign-ups.
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Volunteer Mentors Needed, we need more...
Several years ago, Elysian established a mentoring system, where seasoned Elysian parents are paired with new families to offer insights into the everyday workings of our community. (How do you order lunch? Where can you order school t shirts? I'm invited to the annual picnic - where is it and what should I bring? How can I get involved with the school? Is there anyone living near my neighborhood to share rides? ... You get the picture!)
If you don't know the answer, you most likely will know where to direct them to find out the information they need.
It is not a heavy time commitment, but we do ask that your first connection be personable and by phone. After that first meeting, you can decide between yourselves the best way of communicating with each other.
We like to invite all new families to the Annual Picnic, so that might be a good time to meet each other and introduce them to other families.
This year, we will have over 20 new families in kindergarten alone, so we hope to have lots of volunteers! We will also need mentors in higher grades, usually during the summer, when some transitions are occurring. We hope to have our K mentors in place in time for the Kindergarten Orientation, which takes place on May 17th.
If you are able to mentor more than one family - that would be great too! While we don't necessarily match up grade to grade, it is helpful for the volunteer to have experience in the grade they will be mentoring. We have had really good feedback from this program, one that really shows off our vision of what community is all about!
Mark Spear, dad of George - 1A and Libby - KA, has generously offered to coordinate this effort. If anyone would be able to help him, please let him know!
Here is how you sign up:
Mark will need to know 3 things:
- How many families you are willing to mentor
- The grade range you are familiar with
- Your contact information.
If you have difficulty reaching Mark during the day, you can also contact Susan Gilbertson at susan.gilbertson@ecsnj.org or call the school: 201-876-0102.
Thanks in advance!
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PTSO News Elysian Picnic Chairperson Wanted - We are urgently looking for someone who loves the Annual Picnic and is eager to plan it for this year. If you are interested, please email elysianptso@gmail.com.
PTSO Officers Wanted - We are looking for some interesting and interested parents to join the PTSO board for next year! If that sounds like you, please email elysianptso@gmail.com. We are looking for some interesting and interested parents to join the PTSO board for next year! If that sounds like you, please email elysianptso@gmail.com
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Spectacular Sign-ups! (Spots are still available for the Pilates Happy Hour this Friday, April 13, at 7PM)
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In case you didn't attend the 2018 Annual Party & Auction, or simply missed the opportunity to sign up while the party was going on, there are still spots available for the Pilates Happy Hour (Friday, April 13) and the family kickball and basketball events. These are wonderful events to spend time with family and friends, gather with the Elysian community, and support the school all at once!
APRIL: ECS GOES POSITIVELY PILATES
Join Elysian mom and owner of Positively Pilates, Carrie Campbell, for a Pilates Happy Hour on Friday, April 13, from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. It will be a 45 minutes Pilates Sculpt class (all levels welcome), followed by a reception catered by Cheese + Wine Shop.
- BYOM (Bring your own Mat!)
- Donated by Carrie Campbell of Positively Pilates, and Cheese + Wine Shop
MAY: BASKETBALL TOURNEY
Join other Elysian Charter School families for a basketball shoot-out and charity basketball tournament. There will also be some special guest stars including current and former Elysian staff! The date is still to-be-determined, but we are targeting a Friday or Saturday in May. Includes pizza and beverages, to keep that energy up!
JUNE: KICKBALL/DODGEBALL III (PARENTS VS. KIDS)
Grab the kids and join Elysian Charter School families for a night of games on Friday June 1, at 7:00 p.m. It’s parents vs. kids! Includes pizza and drinks, and a lot of laughs!
- Donated by John Rutledge (referee supreme!)
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| Hurry and secure your spot. We have limited spaces available, especially week 1.
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Notes From The Nurse's Office Please be sure that you or your emergency contact may be reached during the day in case your child gets sick at school. We have had several children with a fever and we were unable to reach anyone. If your child has a fever, or if you think that your child may be getting a fever, please keep your child home. It is uncomfortable for the child to be in school if he/she is not feeling well. It also spreads germs to other children and staff. Please be sure to call the school if your child is absent. You may leave a message on our answering machine at any time. Our number is 201-876-0102. If you would like to speak with me, I am available. Call the school phone number 201-876-0102 or email me at nurse@ecsnj.org. Diane DeSombre, RN
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Reminder: Elysian has a nut-free policy Any lunches, snacks, classroom treats, etc. must be a nut-free product.
Please call Diane DeSombre, RN with any questions. Thank you
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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. APRIL/MAY CALENDAR Monday April 16 - Friday April 20 - Parent/Teacher Conferences
Wednesday April 18 - 1/2 Day, 12:30 PM dismissal, Aftercare until 6:00 PM
- Chess Club - 12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
Monday, April 23
Monday, April 23 - Friday, April 27 - 4th and 6th Grades PARCC testing
Tuesday, April 24 - Rugby practice, 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM, 1600 Park
Monday, April 30 - Friday, May 4 - 3rd and 5th Grades PARCC testing
Tuesday, May 1 - Rugby Practice, 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM. 1600 Park
Friday, May 4 Sunday, May 6 - Game -Rugby Elementary, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, Chelsea Waterside Park, NYC
Monday, May 7 - Friday, May 11 - 7th and 8th Grades PARCC tesiting
Tuesday, May 8 - Rugby practice, 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM, 1600 Park
Tuesday, May 15 - Rugby practice, 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM. 1600 Park
Wednesday, May 16 - Field Day
- 1/2 Day, 12:30 PM dismissal, Aftercare until 6:00 PM
Thursday, May 17 - Kindergarten Orientation, 8:45 AM
Sunday, May 20 - Elysian 20year Homecoming, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Game - Rugby Elementary, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, Chelsea Waterside Park, NYC
Monday, May 21 - Dress Rehearsal for Mary Poppins
- Board Meeting, 7:00 PM
Tuesday, May 22 - Performance of Mary Poppins
- Rugby practice, 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM, 1600 Park
Wednesday, May 23 - Performance of Mary Poppins
Friday, May 25 - 1/2 Day, 12:30 PM dismissal
Monday, May 28 - Memorial Day, School Closed
Tuesday, May 29 - Rugby practice, 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM, 1600 Park
Wednesday, May 30 - 5th and 8th Grade Science Exam
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Upcoming Events
Friday, June 8, 3rd, 4th, 5th Grade Spring Concert, GYM at 9:00 AM Calendar Update - Because we have exceeded the number of built in snow days, we are required to extend the school year. The last day of school, as of now (i.e. if we have no more snow days), will be Wednesday, June 27th. The regulation is that we must have completed 180 school days prior to June 30th of the school year.
- June 25, 26 and 27 will have 12:30 dismissals
- 8th grade graduation has been moved to Thursday, June 21st.
Every year we build two or three days into the calendar to account for possible snow days. We also designate a number of days after the scheduled end of the school year as “snow day makeups.” This is designed to let everyone know, up front, of the possibilities. A note about attendance: The New Jersey State Law is very specific about school attendance. By law, children are expected to be in school every day unless they are ill. There is no room in the law or regulations to excuse any children who have prior plans. We must mark all children absent who are not in attendance.
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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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