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Elysian Charter School Weekly Newsletter
A Positively Different Public School
May 6, 2019 Vol. 14 Issue 32
The school newsletter is sent out on Mondays. When there is a holiday, the newsletter is sent the following day.
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This Week at a Glance Teacher Appreciation Week This week Rugby Practice moved to Friday, May 10th, 3:00pm - 3:45pm Tuesday May 7th - Friday May 10th - 7th and 8th Grade State Tests Summer Camp - 4 weeks of summer fun!! Registration now available on ecsnj.org. Enrollment is first come, first served. Limited spots in all weeks
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It’s Teacher Appreciation Week! The staff at Elysian - that includes Nurse Diane, teachers, recess and lunch aides, special teachers ( music, art, PE, Spanish), Bob, office staff - impacts the lives of students well beyond the classroom walls. All of our Elysian staff go the extra mile for our students on a daily basis and I’m proud to work alongside them.
The staff at Elysian helps shape future generations of thinkers who will lead the way in the future. This week a note of gratitude and appreciation goes a long way to recognize the staff member who has positively impacted your child’s school year. Join us as we celebrate all of our STAFF at Elysian for all that they do!
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Are You Returning To Elysian Next Year? - "Are You Returning Next Year to Elysian?" forms went out last week.
- Please fill out and return to the office or your child's teacher as soon as possible.
- If you are unsure, please know that you can retain your spot until you are certain of your plans.
- It is helpful for us to plan ahead, so that we keep our school fully enrolled.
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Dear Elysian Families, We are in the midst of planning for the next school year and need to know your plans. All Elysian students are guaranteed a spot next year, as are siblings (space permitting). If you tell us there’s a chance you might not return, we’ll hold your child’s place until you make a final decision. This information enables us to encourage wait-listed families to “hang on” since there's a chance a space might open up. In this way, you help us achieve full enrollment for the next school year. We appreciate your answering in an honest and timely fashion. • If you have more than one child, please fill out one form only but include information about both children.. • Please include any in-coming siblings on the form as well. It is helpful to let us know now if you will have an incoming kindergartner for the 2020-2021 school year.
ARE YOU RETURNING TO ELYSIAN IN THE FALL? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------My child/children (please print name/names clearly): __________________________________ Sibling for 2020-2021: ____________ name current teacher __________________________________ name current teacher __________________________________ name current teacher
_____ Will be attending Elysian for the 2019-20 school year.
_____ Will not be returning to Elysian for the 2019-20 school year.
_____ I am not sure of my plans for the 2019-20 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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We are seeking volunteers to act as mentors to the new families who will be joining the Elysian community in September 2019. Mentors will primarily be for kindergarten families along with a few families joining in other grades. Mark Spear, parent of George (2nd grade) and Libby (1st grade), has volunteered to be the chair of this group. Each new family will be assigned a mentor to help acquaint them with Elysian. If you wish to volunteer, please e-mail Mark at markspear312@gmail.com no later than this Thursday, May 10th, and provide your phone number, the number of families you can mentor, and the grade your child(ren) will be entering in September. We have had many positive comments from families who loved the Elysian "welcome to the community," so please join us in continuing this tradition. Thank you!
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Lunch News!
As you may have realized over the weekend, Red Rabbit has changed the menu considerably for this week. We are very disappointed by this turn of events.
Since they work on a weekly basis, we are unsure if there will be more changes in the days to come. We apologize for any inconvenience.
I have been doing food service for 20 years now, and the food from Red Rabbit is the tastiest, freshest, healthiest food we have ever served. All meals are made daily, from scratch. Nothing is frozen or processed. We felt that this was what our parents and students wanted. However, our lunch order numbers do not reflect that and we are serving fewer lunches than we did last year. Because of this, we are considering returning to our previous vendor.
So, we would like some feedback - would you like us to stay with Red Rabbit? return to our previous vendor? or do you not care? Just email me at: susan.gilbertson@ecsnj.org with only two words -
RED RABBIT or
PREVIOUS VENDOR or
DON'T CARE.
Thank you all for your patience and understanding.
Sincerely,
Susan Gilbertson
Elysian Food Service
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‘Zine Scene’ Zine on Sale, Friday May 10th, After School
Middle School students from the Zine Seminar have created Elysian’s first ‘Zine.
Volume #1, “The Bread Issue” will be on sale this Friday for $2. The students will be selling downstairs from the times 2:45pm-3:15pm. The first ten purchases will be a limited edition copy signed by ‘Zine staff and including bread and ‘Zine Scene stickers. This ‘Zine contains funny stories, poems, screenplays, drawings, photographs and activities all about Bread/Bred/$$$$$.
The seminar students have explored the concept of ‘zines and created their own. The student were divided into four teams, in order to brainstorm and experience publishing first hand. This allowed them to learn about responsibility while at the same time creating a fun and colorful ‘Zine.
What are Zines? Zines are self-published, small circulation papers or websites.They often deal with topics too niche for main stream media. Presented in an unpolished layout and unusual design, everyone and anyone can be an author (and also an editor, artist or publisher) of a ‘Zine and that’s what makes them so awesome.
Our next issue, Volume #2, “The Throwback Issue” will be on sale before the end of the school year. When that issue is on sale, you will also be able to purchase “The Bread Issue” if you miss the May 10th sale.
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May is Better Speech and Hearing Month
“Talking vs. Tech time”
Dear Elysian Families, May is Better Hearing & Speech Month—a time to prioritize communication.
Here are some tips for parents and caregivers on how to manage kids’ technology use to keep communication at the forefront.
The average child age 8 and under in the United States uses more than three personal tech devices—such as a tablet, smartphone, or video game console—at home, according to a new poll of parents conducted by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). With even the youngest kids now “connected” via such technology, it is important to remember to manage tech time so it doesn’t overtake time for talking with children.
Talking to children in their first years of life sets them up for future academic success. The easiest and most effective way that children learn is simply by talking. Studies have proven the link between the number and variety of words a child hears and later academic achievement.
1. Create tech-free times. Find at least one or two opportunities during the day—at the dinner table, for example—for everyone to disconnect. Mealtime is a prime opportunity for conversation. Make a commitment and have everyone check their devices at the kitchen door. 2. Resist over-reliance on technology to pacify boredom. Fifty-five percent of parents worry that they rely on technology too much to keep their child entertained, according to the ASHA poll. Roughly half of parents say that they are using technology as a means to keep kids age 0–3 entertained. Remember that the best opportunities for conversation and learning are often found in situations that may be viewed as boring, such as while running errands or on a long car trip—particularly for the youngest children. While it may be tempting, try to resist the urge to immediately turn to these devices as a source of entertainment. 3. Don't overestimate the value of educational apps. Children learn best simply through talking, conversing, and reading. Technology is not the best way to teach, though it can reinforce and allow practice of skills under development. 4. Make tech use a group activity. While it is most often used on an individual basis, tech use can be turned into a group activity, such as while playing an online game. Talk about what you’re doing! 5. Consider whether young kids really need their own devices. It is not uncommon for kids to have their own tablets or mp3 players. Many are designed and marketed specifically for kids. This may lead to more time spent alone with technology throughout the day. On the other hand, devices designed for kids often offer additional features that appeal to parents, such as limited (kid-appropriate) content and extra security options, so this is a balance for parents to consider. 6. Set daily time limits. Certain devices can be programmed by parents to shut off after a certain amount of time, but you can also make a child aware of the time limit and keep track yourself. 7. Be consistent in enforcing the parameters you set for tech use. ASHA’s poll found a majority of parents report setting limitations on their children’s tech use. However, the reality of their children’s tech use often doesn’t line up with the set restrictions, by parents’ own accounts. Moreover, adherence often seems to break down at ages 7 or 8 despite the rules parents say they set. 8. Always practice safe listening, especially when using ear buds or headphones. Misuse of this technology can lead to noise-induced hearing loss. Even minor hearing loss takes a significant toll academically, socially, vocationally, and in other ways, so prevent the preventable. Teach kids to keep the volume down (a good guide is half volume) and take listening breaks. 9. Model the tech habits you want your kids to adopt. Practice what you preach when it comes to tech time and safe-listening habits.
Look for signs and posters around the school this month to highlight important tips for better communication skills. If you have any questions about your child’s speech, language, or hearing development, please contact me at school or through your child’s classroom teacher.
Sincerely, Gail Prusslin, M.S., M.Ed., CCC
Speech-Language Specialist
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| Friends of Elysian - Parents Night Out - THIS FRIDAY!!
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MAY
- THIS FRIDAY! Parents Night Out hosted by Angela and Josie:
Friday, May 10, 6:00 - 8:00 PMDoes your child ever say they wish they could go back to Kindergarten? We all know why, and it comes down to two words: "Angela" and "Josie"! Evening pizza and pajama party at school with these two? Dream come true! For two hours, Elysian All-stars A & J will entertain the kids, while you enjoy a nice evening out! DETAILS: $100. Open to incoming kindergartners through 2nd graders, Elysian students only. - Basketball Tourney: Thursday, May 23, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
ALL-YEAR
- Chromebooks for the Classroom: Help expand Elysian's ability to equip every student with a Chromebook.
A quick link for more information, or to register, can be found HERE. Thank you for your support!
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PTSO Corner MIDDLE SCHOOL SPRING FLING THANK YOUS!
The Elysian Middle School Spring Fling dance was a rousing success! Thank you so much to Shana Lee for EVERYTHING; Monika Nemeth for helping with set-up and dismissal; Jenifer Semenza, Sara Goldberg, Eduardo Gonzalez, Derrick Ladson, and Quan Ferguson for chaperoning; Nina Blake, Jerry Lore, Michele Linder, Brittany Vogel, and Jennifer Giattino for help with the scrum at dismissal; Diane Murray, Ashley Shirazi, Leah Oppenzato, MaryBridget Maxwell, Megan DeSombre, Hillary Quist, and Regan Michaels (our amazing middle school teachers!) for all of their support; the terrific middle schoolers on the Spring Fling Committee; Deb Rosner for helping hand out and hang up flyers; and all of our wonderful middle school parents for help with fundraising (special shout out to 7th grade parents who went above and beyond!!). TAKE NOTE
The Elysian Block Party, scheduled for Saturday, May 19, has been RESCHEDULED to September due to the change of a different, city-wide event!
Details to come! SAVE THE DATES
So many fun PTSO-sponsored events coming up! Save the dates for Field Day (May 29) and the End of Year Picnic (June 5). DUES NEWS!
Now there are TWO ways to pay your PTSO dues (it's not too late!!)! We are making it easier than ever to contribute before the end of the year. We still have so many great events planned: Spring Fling, the Elysian Block Party, Field Day, the Annual Picnic, and Teacher Appreciation Week!
If you've been waiting for online payment options, here you go! You can now pay dues via VENMO and ZELLE. Our Venmo account is @Elysian-Ptso-1460 or log onto your personal bank's app or website and click on the Zelle money transfer option (not all banks have Zelle), then direct your $25 per child in dues to elysianptso@gmail.com. Payments can also still be made the old-fashioned way, in an envelope to the office with "PTSO Dues" and your contact information on the outside. Checks can be made out to Elysian PTSO.
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Enrichment Updates
Monday Clubs
--Crazy Chemistry - To make up for the missed class on April 8, the following classes will be extended to 1 1/2 hours each: May 13th and June 10th.
--Dance With Derrick - To make up for the missed class on April 8th, the following classes will be extended to 1 1/2 hours each: June 3rd and June 10th.
Wednesday Club
--Chopped Jr. - There will be NO class on May 15th. The make up class will be held on May 29th.
Thursday Club
--Recycling Club - To make up for the missed class on April 11th, an additional class will be held on June 13th.
Friday Clubs
Due to the school closing on Friday, May 24th (before the Memorial Day weekend), we will need to extend some of the Friday classes to 1 1/2 hour each, to ensure that all clubs have a total of 8 hours. The schedule will be as follows:
--Rock Climbing - Classes on June 7 and June 14th will run for 1 1/2 hours each.
--Healthy Minds in Active Bodies - Classes on June 7 and June 14 will run 1 1/2 hours each.
--Intro to Modern Art - There will be NO club on May 17th, Classes on May 10, May 31, June 7 and June 14 will all run 1 1/2 hour each.
--Anime & Cartooning - TBD (an email to parents of club members will be sent once make up classes are determined).
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Spring Sessions of Enrichment Clubs This Week MONDAY - Dance with Derrick - 3:00pm - 4:00pm
- Yoga Workshop - 3:00pm - 4:00pm
- Debate Club - 3:00pm - 4:00pm
- Crazy Chemistry - 3:00pm - 4:00pm
TUESDAY - Back to Basic Board Games - 3:00pm - 4:00pm
- Fitness Fun - 3:00pm - 4:00pm
WEDNESDAY - Chess - 3:00pm - 4:30pm
- Chopped Jr. - 3:00pm - 4:30pm
- Introduction to Karate - 3:00pm - 4:00pm
THURSDAY - Debate Club - 3:00pm - 4:00pm
- Airplane Explorations - 3:00pm - 4:00pm
- Lego Architecture - 3:00pm- 4:00pm
- Let's go Green-Recycling Craft - 3:00pm - 4:00pm
FRIDAY - Rock Climbing - 3:00pm - 4:00pm
- Introduction to Modern Art - 3:00pm - 4:00pm
- Health Minds in Active Bodies - 3:00pm - 4:00pm
- Cartooning & Comic Book Drawing - 3:00pm - 4:00pm
If you have any questions about the club schedule, please email pam.gorode@ecsnj.org
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Lost and Found Please write your child's name in their outerwear/sweaters and label their water bottle so if it is lost we can return it to them.
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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. May Calendar Monday, May 6 Tuesday, May 7 - 1st Grade Trip
- 7th & 8th Grade NJSLA Testing
Wednesday, May 8 - 7th & 8th Grade NJSLA Testing
Thursday, May 9 - 7th & 8th Grade NJSLA Testing
- Track Practice - 3:00pm - 3:45pm - 1600 Park
Friday, May 10 - Rugby Practice - 3:00pm - 3:45pm - 1600 Park
- 7th & 8th Grade NJSLA Testing
- Friends Fundraiser - Parents Night Out hosted by Angela and Josie, - 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Monday, May 13
Tuesday, May 14 - 4th Grade Trip
- 5th & 8th Grade Science Testing
Wednesday, May 15 - 5th & 8th Grade Science Testing
Thursday, May 16 - Rugby Practice- 3:00pm - 3:45pm - 1600 Park
- Track Practice - 3:00pm - 3:45pm - 1600 Park
Friday, May 17 Monday, May 20 Tuesday, May 21 - Incoming Kindergarten Orientation
- 3rd Grade Trip
- 4th Grade Trip
Thursday, May 23 - Rugby Practice -3:00pm - 3:45pm - 1600 Park
- Track Practice - 3:00pm - 3:45pm - 1600 Park
- Friends Fundraiser - Basketball Tournament - 6:00pm - 8:00pm - Gym
Friday, May 24 and Monday, May 27 - Elysian Closed - Memorial Day
Wednesday, May 29 - Field Day- Raindate June 11
Thursday, May 30 - Rugby Practice -3:00pm - 3:45pm - 1600 Park
- Track Practice - 3:00pm - 3:45pm - 1600 Park
Friday, May 31 - 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade Spring Concert - 9:00am - Gym
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| 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
Susan Grierson, Director | Susan.Grierson@ecsnj.org | Phone:201.876.0102 | Fax:201.876.9576 |
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