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Elysian Charter School
Weekly Newsletter
A Positively Different Public School
April 9, 2018 Vol. 13 Issue 28
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?
There are so many things—small class size, relationship between the teachers and children, sense of community and the focus on child development just to name a few.
One of the unique facets of the school is our focus on the arts. Every year, each child in the school has an opportunity to visit the New Vic Theater in Manhattan. This is a Broadway based non-profit theater with the mission of bringing arts to the children and their families. Not only do children attend these Broadway performances, the theater often provides teaching artists who come prior to the performance to prepare the children and return after the show to help the children understand the show at a deeper level.
We also have Aram, who is our artist in residence. Aram has motivated all of our students to find the joy in music. Do you remember All In? This was a song he wrote that received national attention for its anti-bullying message. It was available in a variety of formats, including YouTube (click here). It also made it onto several news broadcasts and was picked up by the National Bully Project (click here for Aram’s interview).
Aram is also an expert in making and teaching about video. Through the years most of our younger children have participated in making a fun video based on a theme. Clips from these are put together to make an 8th grade graduation video. These usually play to an audience of tears and laughter as the parents and children watch these vignettes taped through the years.
For the older children, Aram teaches video production. Each year teams of our students create current events related news videos, where students select personally important themes, interview experts in the field (sometimes in person, sometimes on Skype) and create an argument to present a particular point of view. The best of these videos are submitted to a C-Span contest, where we have a strong record of making it into the winning categories. As part of one of the seminars, each year, the students make a video, also shown at graduation, in which they interview each other, reflecting on their time at Elysian. The students respond with humor and serious thoughts about growing up and what this school has meant to them. It should be noted that all of the videos are conceived of, filmed, edited and brought to production by the students.
We also have the more traditional music and art programs, those designed to build core understandings of art and music and to meet New Jersey State Standards. In music the children learn about rhythm patterns, note reading, movement and learn to play the Orff. By 6th grade the children are composing their own music, as was evidenced in the recent Community Meeting.
In art the students learn to use a variety of media and study different techniques—e.g. how to draw something in the background or how to show something that fits into something else (e.g. fruit in a bowl). For each technique, the children study various paintings and artists that show these actual strategies in use. This builds the background of the students while teaching specific skills.
Why the arts? In a recent blog post, www.Artz.org provided 20 reasons for teaching the arts:
- Art stimulates both sides of the brain.
- 33% of kids are visual [or kinesthetic] learners.
- There are studies that show that kids, who make art, read better and get better grades in science and mathematics.
- The kids learn by using their senses and art is ideal in this process
- The kids need a place to express themselves at school.
- Art promotes self esteem
- Art encourages kids to give more attention to the physical space that surround them.
- Art develops hand and eye coordination.
- Art stimulates perception.
- Art teaches them to think openly. It represents a culture of questioners more than a culture of responders.
- Art teaches that there is more than one solution for a problem.
- Art teaches kids to think creatively to solve problems.
- Kids can share and reflect on their work of art and learn something about the world they live in.
- When art is integrated with the other subjects in the curriculum, kids commit more to the learning process.
- In the process of doing art, the child is exposed to different possibilities, to discover and to freedom, this way they avoid falling into the control and the predictability of the conventional education in the United States of today.
- Art nourishes the human soul. One feels good doing it.
- Art brings the cultural resources of the community into the class.
- Art involves parents and tutors in the school, inviting them to participate as volunteers in diverse activities.
- Art provides a common ground across racial stereotypes, barriers and prejudices.
- Art is valuable all by itself.
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This Week's Homework Help and Enrichment ClubsMondays
Homework Help - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Dancing with Derrick - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM - End date April 9
Tuesdays
Dancing with Derrick - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM - End date April 10
Wednesdays
Karate - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM - End date April 11
Movie Club - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM - End date April 11
Lego Bricks - 3:00 - 4:00 PM - End date April 11
Chess - 3:00 - 4:30 PM - End date June 6 (14 week club)
Thursdays
Homework Help - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Next week's Homework Help (Monday, April 16 and Thursday, April 19) will be cancelled because of Parent/Teacher Conferences. Homework Help with Samantha will still meet next week.
The Spring Session of Clubs will begin mid to late April.
Sign up forms will be sent home following the Spring Break.
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Elysian Rugby Club 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 by Friday, April 13th.
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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Fine Art on your iPad at the Hoboken Public Library 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 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
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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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Notes From The Nurses 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 Tuesday, April 10 Wednesday, April 11 - The Wildlife Conservation Center visits Abra's 2nd grade
Friday, April 13 - 6th Grade Spring Concert, Gym, 9:00 AM
Monday April 16 - Friday April 20 - Parent/Teacher Conferences
Wednesday April 18 - 1/2 Day, 12:30 PM dismissal, Aftercare until 6:00 PM
Monday, April 23
Tuesday, April 24 - Rugby practice, 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM, 1600 Park
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
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
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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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