Principal’s Memo
Dear P.S. 120 Families,
As we count down the final days of 2020, I will lead the P.S. 120 staff in a “state of the school” data presentation to determine our students’ strengths and challenges, and to set instructional goals for 2021. Together we are concentrating on the Priority Learning Standards to ensure that each grade is focusing on the most crucial academic content, and is on pace to cover this content thoroughly by June. Although many students nationwide are experiencing “learning loss” due to the COVID-19 pandemic, at P.S. 120 we are doing our best to prioritize English Language Arts and Mathematics instruction to help your child reach his/her fullest potential.
When school resumes on January 4th, students in our Blended Learning (in-person) cohort will no longer follow the alternating A/B schedule for in-person instruction; instead, Blended Learning students will now come to school 5-days-a-week. Our Fully Remote cohort will continue learning from home 5-days-a-week. With this shift, it is possible that some classes/classrooms and teachers will be changed as we program our staff to best serve all P.S. 120 students. As I wrote to you last week, you will be contacted personally if your child will be changing classes, and all of the sending/receiving teachers will be collaborating closely to support your child.
As we look forward to Winter Recess in just a few short days, I would like to wish you and your family a restful, relaxing break and a happy, healthy New Year!
Sincerely,
Robert Marino
PrincipalAnnouncements
January 2021 Calendar: Please find our tentative January 2021 calendar here.
Blended Learning Parent Town Hall: Thank you to those Blended Learning families who attended a special Parent Town Hall on 12/16 regarding the upcoming shift to 5-day-a-week instruction. If you were unable to attend, please view the presentation here. If you have any questions about 5-day-a-week instruction, please contact the main office (718) 359-3390 or your child’s teacher.
Parent Chat: Last week, P.S. 120 held our first Parent Chat, a small focus group in which parents can share their experiences and give feedback on school initiatives. We want to thank those who participated, and encourage others to sign up for future Parent Chats. If you are interested in participating in an upcoming Parent Chat, please fill out this survey.
Kindergarten Application Window: Beginning Thursday, December 10th, children born in 2016 can apply to kindergarten for the 2021-22 school year.
The application deadline is Tuesday, January 19, 2021. All families who apply by the deadline will receive a kindergarten offer in April.
All families should participate in kindergarten admissions, including children currently attending pre-K, students with disabilities, English Language Learners, and students with accessibility needs. Families must apply to secure a seat in Kindergarten for the 2021-22 school year..
MySchools.nyc includes an online directory tool that allows families to explore program choices, save programs of interest and submit their application, all on the same site.
Families can apply to Kindergarten in two ways, online at MySchools and over the phone by calling 718-935-2009.
If you have questions about applying to Kindergarten at P.S. 120, please contact the main office (718) 359-3390 or email Ms. Zanata (szanata@schools.nyc.gov).
NYC Schools Account: All P.S. 120 parents/guardians are encouraged to sign up for a NYC Schools Account to view important data and documents about your child’s progress. Please visit this website to learn more. If you would like to set up your child’s NYCSA account, please contact the main office (718) 359-3390 or email Susan Zanata (szanata@schools.nyc.gov) to receive your child’s unique account creation code.
Reminder- NYCDOE Parent University: Parent University seeks to educate and empower all families from early childhood through adulthood, with free courses, resources, events, and activities. Parents can register for free trainings on a wide range of topics, including adult education, student social-emotional learning, and special education.
SEL Corner
Announcements:
Please use this form to make referral for students that you feel could benefit from counseling services/additional support.
The deadline for families to apply to Kindergarten is January 19, 2021.
Middle School announcement for 5th grade students:
Middle School Application will open the week of January 11th, 2021.
Welcome Letters should have been mailed to all current fifth grade families. Welcome letters provide families with instructions on how to set up a MySchools account and add their child to it using their unique account creation code. If a parent/student has not received a Welcome Letter, please email Mr. Woodburn at rwoodburn@schools.nyc.gov.
SEL Resources:
Mindfulness decorations! Click to decorate your own winter fun!
Click for Winter Wonderland activities.
Brain Power Wellness
As you know, we strive to enrich our minds, bodies and hearts each day at P.S.120! We have been using Brain Power Wellness activities to provide virtual “brain breaks” while we engage in in-person and remote learning.
To spread Brain Power throughout our P.S. 120 community, please try some individual activities with your children on Mr. Manzione’s YouTube channel! This week, you can look for:
Smile & Breathe
Harmony Claps
In addition to Mr. Manzione’s YouTube page, please check out and share the Brain Power YouTube Page and Brain Power I.G. Live pages with your family!
Celebrations
Winter Recess: There is NO SCHOOL from December 24th through January 1st. We hope you enjoy this time to relax and recharge with your family. School resumes January 4th.
Christmas: Merry Christmas to all who celebrate Christmas Eve (December 24th) and Christmas (December 25th).
New Year’s: Enjoy counting down the final moments of 2020 on New Year’s Eve, December 31st. We wish everyone a happy, healthy new year as 2021 kicks off on New Year’s Day, January 1st!