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Elysian Charter School
Weekly Newsletter
A Positively Different Public School
May 16, 2016 Vol. 11 Issue 34
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
How Do Children Learn?
I was in a classroom on Friday and saw a science lesson in which the children had been observing the metamorphosis of butterflies. The students were already able to discuss the four stages of change—egg, larva, chrysalis, butterfly—and the characteristics of each stage. The teacher had a jar which contained the butterflies so that the children could observe closely without harming their growth. Also in the jar were “mystery creatures.” The children also observed their growth and were predicting what they thought these creatures might be. As they observed, the children had a rich discussion about their observations and compared the observations of the butterfly stages to their observations of the mystery creatures’. In order to develop a basis in fact for their prediction, the students researched various possibilities in a small library of books that the teacher provided. The task for the children was to write their predictions and provide the reasons for each prediction.
Certainly this was a complex task. It involved students observing closely, remembering ideas and facts from previous lessons, putting seemingly disparate information together, conducting research and then developing an argument in written form so that others could be convinced of the writer’s opinion.
So in what grade were these children? This was a first grade class! As the children were researching, Charlie called me over to his table and said, “At first I thought the mystery creature would be a beetle. Now, I think it is a ladybug beetle.” He then proceeded to show me the pictures and text and explained how he came to that conclusion.
This kind of teaching is a far cry from the instruction with which most of us grew up. First grade was all about drills and worksheets, sounding out words, often in stories with little interest and drills on addition and subtraction. In this class children were learning and discovering facts, putting ideas together in order to create more complex ideas, and using oral language and literacy to research and then report out.
So what are some of the key learning characteristics in this lesson?
- Students were highly engaged.
- Students pooled their information through discussion, both as a class when the teacher asked questions, and in pairs as children pointed out characteristics of the chrysalis stage as they peered closely.
- Teacher questions that focused the children on previously learned material, helping them to connect these ideas to the new observations. Throughout the teacher fostered thinking by having students connect ideas.
- Students doing individual research, each using appropriate material based upon developmental level.
- Students integrating this science lesson with literacy skills.
- Each student encouraged to report out at individual developmental level, allowing for students to compose using writing or drawing pictures (and labeling them).
The bottom line…children thinking, observing, discussing and sharing for the purpose of understanding science and utilizing literacy skills.
Thanks to Joanna for allowing me to observe and write about this lesson.
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| You Must Sign In
Once morning drop-off is over, all visitors to the school must sign in at the second floor security desk in order to get a visitor’s pass. They then must proceed to the main office. This is an important security measure for all of our safety.
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Don't Miss Elysian's School Play - We Are In a Show
Tuesday, May 24th
We Are In A Show, starring 3-5 graders, will be performed at Mile Square Theater: 9:30 AM, 1:15 PM and 6:30 PM.
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| New Mile Square Theater Presents "The Ballad of Janis Matthews and the Dodo Scouts" - for children 6 and up May 20 at 7:00 PM May 21 at 2:00 and 7:00 PM May 22 at 2:00 PM
MST Education presents "The Ballad of Janis Matthews and the Dodo Scouts", performed by their Teen Company with a live band, at its new theater on the corner of 14th and Clinton Streets in Hoboken. This new musical, with a folk-inspired score, is set in 1968, where a young girl named Janis Matthews, whose parents recently divorced, finds her life uprooted when she and her mother move to Denver, Colorado. Janis finds herself stuck with one thing left to her name--her identity as a Dodo Scout. When she gets her Scout Troop lost in the woods, her ability to connect and lead other people is pushed to its limits.
Directed by Don Brewer and Chase Leyner, with Musical Direction by Scott Pearson and Stage Managed by Arielle Legere, Janis Matthews and the Dodo Scouts is great for ages 6 through adults.
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| MENTORS FOR NEW FAMILIES NEEDED!Volunteer to be a welcoming presence for all new families coming into Elysian
This is NOT a time consuming job and it can be done on your own time
Can you make or receive a phone call? Then you can be a mentor! YES! I want to be a family mentor! (We need before May 18, Kindergarten orientation day.) NAME: ____________________________________ EMAIL: _____________________________________ BEST CONTACT NUMBER: ___________________________________________ CHILD/CHILDRENS NAMES & GRADES: ______________________________________ How many families would you like to sponsor? (Please circle) 1 2 as needed Return to the office or email this information to: Susan Gilbertson – susan.gilbertson@ecsnj.org (Carter Craft will be assisting in compiling this information. )
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★ ★ Ben & Jerry’s School Spirit Night | Thursday May 19! ★★
We have 4 scoopers from Elysian who will be scooping ice cream between 7:00 and 7:30 PM on May 19. They are: Abra Kessler & Melissa Landera, 2nd grade teachers, and Paul Ballantyne & Ashley DePascale-Lore, board members will be there. Stop in and see them and get some ice cream - there's a chance you will help win an ice cream party for our entire school!
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Join The “6th Annual Swing Fore The Schools”
Golf Outing and Fundraiser Do you love playing golf?
(Or know someone that loves playing golf?)
Then your game can help support Elysian! On Thursday, June 2, 2016, golfers of all skill levels can help out Elysian and five other Hoboken schools by registering for the “6th Annual Swing Fore The Schools” Golf Outing and Fundraiser. Last year, Elysian received more than $10,000 from the event. And this year, you can make a difference by spending a day on the award-winning golf courses at Crystal Springs Resort in Hardyston, NJ. By joining together for one golf fundraiser, we hope to maximize community involvement, camaraderie and fun! MORE ABOUT THE EVENT:
• 1:30 pm Shotgun Start! Registration opens @ 11 am. Lunch available @ 12 pm • 36 Holes (Wild Turkey & Crystal Springs courses)
• Exciting contests, prizes and giveaways, including “Hole-in-One,” Closest to the Pin” and “Longest Drive” competitions
• Lunch and dinner included!
• Amazing Prize Raffle & 50/50 Cash Raffle
• Bus transportation available TO REGISTER TO PLAY:
• Individual Golfer - $250
• Two Golfers - $500
• Three Golfers - $750
• Foursome - $950 - Best Value!
Then select “ECS” under “school affiliation.” SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES:
If you own a business, don’t miss out on this incredible promotion opportunity while supporting the diverse educational opportunities in our area! We hope that you join us in sponsoring what will surely be a spectacular event and a great way to help schoolsserving over 1,500 students. For all the details, go to www.swingforetheschools.com and click on "Sponsorships."
Thank you for your support.
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| Elysian’s First Ever eBay Store The Elysian eBay Store has a dedicated email address to contact directly the “student team”: ebay@ecsnj.org when you have item/s in mind to donate. We will first ask you to submit a photo and a description of your donated item/s to sell so we can evaluate the item/s to make sure they will sell well for us. A “drop off”and also “pick up” arrangements will be provided. Please consider that the articles you wish to donate are not too heavy or large for us to ship. Keep us in mind! You might just have $$$ sitting there that we can sell for you and your children at ECS. Proceeds from sales will also benefit Friends of Elysian Charter School (the school’s 501c(3)) so it is a win-win for all! More information will follow shortly. If you have any questions and/or already have items/s that you wish to donate, please contact the team right away at ebay@ecsnj.org Give your items away … to Elysian eBay/ Let us make money $$ for our School Friends of Elysian Charter School is recognized as a tax-exempt public charity under Section 501(c) (3) of the internal Revenue Code. Contributions are deductible to the extent allowed by law.
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After School Enrichment Clubs:
PARENTS!! We request that you ONLY pick up your children on the 2nd floor lobby following after school clubs. It is for their safety so that the staff knows who is being dismissed and when. We ask that you do not go directly to their club room for pick up. Thank you for your cooperation.
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| ARE YOU RETURNING? Form is past due. If you haven't turned it in, please do so NOW
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ARE YOU RETURNING TO ELYSIAN IN THE FALL OF 2016-2017?
My child/children (please print name/names clearly): ONE FORM PER FAMILY ________________________________________ name current teacher ________________________________________ name current teacher ________________________________________ name current teacher _____ Will be attending Elysian for the 2016 - 17 school year. _____ Will not be returning to Elysian for the 2016 - 17 school year. _____ I am not sure of my plans for the 2016 - 17 school year. Save my place… I'll be sure to let you know as soon as we decide! Parent Signature _____________________________________Date_____________________
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Calling All ECS Middle Schoolers...GET READY TO GLOW IN THE DARK!
The annual Elysian Middle School Spring Fling, sponsored by the PTSO, will be held this Friday, May 20, 2016 at Room 84 on Washington Street from 6-9PM.
This event is open to all Elysian middle schoolers (grades 6-8) and includes a DJ, dancing, games, snacks and even a red carpet arrival! Come dress to impress, but remember Elysian’s dress code policies (no short-shorts, revealing clothing, exposed undergarments, droopy pants, hats/bandanas or offensive tee shirts) will be in effect. Dressier shoes, flip flops and sandals are permitted, but remember the kids will be dancing, so sturdy shoes are suggested.
Permission slips (with $10 payment) are due back by this Wednesday (5/18).
We still need a handful of volunteers to help with preparations and on-site supervision. 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade parents, this is a good opportunity to get a glimpse into middle school while helping out at an important event!
Thanks to everyone who has already volunteered. Please watch your email boxes for logistics and details for Friday night. Please contact Kim Demopoulos at kimdemo@icloud.com if you are willing to pitch in with this important event for our middle schoolers or if you have any questions.
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| PTSO Corner Shop At Little City Books this week! Get ready for a “mini” book fair to gear up for summer reading, help build teachers’ libraries and support local business. For the week of May 16th, people can shop at Little City Books (or online), mention Elysian, and our school receives a portion of the proceeds. You may shop for your kids, for yourself and/or for your teacher. NO BRAINER MONEY MAKERS All year long we have been advertising the No Brainer Money Makers. These regularly bring in money to the PTSO from places such as Amazon Smile and our box tops collection. The money collected goes back into the school. This year, for example, we purchased an additional 72 Chromebooks that were distributed through the grades. What a nice surprise when we opened our mail one morning last week and found a $5,000 check from Box Tops for Education. In conjunction with Shoprite, they give us money back for all of our community members who have registered with them and they also run a sweepstakes. We won two of the drawings for that sweepstakes, for a $5,000 total plus an additional $245 based upon our box tops collection.
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After-School Homework Help - Last Sessions After-School Homework Help will be extended as follows: - Grades 3 through 6 will meet on Thursdays, May 19.
- Grades 7 and 8 will meet on Thursdays May 19 and 26.
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ELYSIAN RUGBY CLUB
The Club will meet for weekly practice on Tuesdays from 3:00-3:45pm at 1600 Park. The first practice will be Tuesday, April 19th and run the following dates (weather permitting) – 5/17, 5/24, 5/31 and 6/7. 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. Elementary Schedule Middle School Schedule
Sunday, May 22nd Time TBD
Location TBD Saturday, June 4th Time TBD
Randall’s Island, NYC Saturday, June 11th 8:30am–3pm Saturday, June 11th 8:30am–3pm
Randall’s Island, NYC Randall’s Island, NYC 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. Please contact Diane DeSombre with any questions regarding these forms.
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| Spring Track Info
- Track practices will take place at 1600 Park ave. in Hoboken, N.J. from 3:00 - 4: 00 PM on the following Wednesdays: (May 25th, June 1st)
- Students may be walked over to practice by an aftercare staff member or Coach Jason.
- Students who self dismiss from school may walk there on their own.
- Dismissal procedures from track practice will be based upon the registration form (indicated by the parent/ guardian). Students returning to aftercare will be walked back to the building by an aftercare staff member or the coach.
*** The track in Jersey City is currently under going renovations therefore, track meet dates are still to be determined.***
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Information About Class Trips/ORGS ONLINE
Effective immediately, class trips that incur a fee of $25 or less can only be paid for BY CASH OR CHECK (payable to Elysian Charter School). We will NOT be posting trips with fees of $25.00 or under on ORGS ONLINE any longer. Many of you have expressed concern over the $4.00 surcharge when paying for trips online, so this will no longer be a factor when paying for those less costly trips. It will also make it easier for teachers to track trip payments and be less of a burden on parents to remember to log on to pay. When returning a permission slip to your child's teacher, please remember to attach the cash or check payment. Thank you.
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| Lost and Found
Please check out the large pile downstairs by our entrance.
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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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| MAY Calendar Tuesday, May 17
- Rugby, 3 - 3:45, 1600 Park
Wednesday, May 18 - Half Day of School for staff development, 12:30 PM dismissal. After School program available as usual
- Today's after school clubs meet from 12:45-1:45 due to the 1/2 day.
- Permission slips for Spring Fling are due!
- New Kindergarten Orientation
Thursday, May 19
- Ben and Jerry's School Spirit Event, 405 Washington Street, 3:00 - 9:00 PM. Buy your favorite flavor and win a chance for a free ice cream party for our ENTIRE SCHOOOL
Friday, May 20
- Community Meeting starring Elysian's Rock Band
- Spring Fling Dance (6-8th grades), Room 84
Tuesday, May 24
- 3rd - 5th grade school play
- Rugby, 3 - 3:45, 1600 Park
Wednesday, May 25
- Track Practice 3:00 - 4:00 PM
- NJ ASK Science Test, grades 4 and 8
Friday, May 27
- Half Day of school, 12:30 dismissal. After school program available as usual
Monday, May 30
- Elysian closed for Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 31
- Rugby, 3 - 3:45, 1600 Park
Wednesday, June 1
- Track Practice, June 1, 3:00 - 4:00 PM
- NJ ASK grades 4 and 8 Science Make up Test
Friday, June 3
- 3rd/4th/5th Grade Spring Concert, 9:00 AM in the Elysian Gym
Wednesday, June 8 - Elysian Annual Picnic, Save the date, more info to follow
Friday, June 10 - Community Meeting in the Elysian Gym, 8:45 AM
Monday, June 13 - Board of Trustees Meeting, 7:00 PM
Thursday, June 16 Monday, June 20 - Field Day
- Half day of school, 12:30 dismissal
Tuesday, June 21 - Graduation, save the date, more info to follow
- Half day of school, 12:30 dismissal
Wednesday, June 22 - Last day of school, half day, 12:30 dismissal. No afterschool program today.
- Report Card Distribution. Report cards not picked up at dismissal will be mailed home.
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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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