Epiphany Connections: Winter 2017 Edition

THE EPIPHANY SCHOOL DECEMBER 2017 - WINTER EDITION

CONNECT WITH US

We hope you enjoy our latest issue of Connections, a quarterly newsletter brought to you by the Epiphany School Foundation. We thank you for reading and welcome your feedback and suggestions by emailing [email protected] .

A MESSAGE FROM KEVIN GREANEY

Chairman, Foundation Board of Trustees

Dear Families and Friends:

Merry Christmas! I hope to see all parents and staff at our annual Classic Christmas party on Thursday, December 14th from 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm in Parish Hall. We have made some exciting updates to the event this year, including additional prizes if you're attending that night. Have you purchased your Car Raffle ticket yet? Click HERE to buy yours today. Only 1,000 tickets will be sold and the drawing will take place during the party around 9:00 pm. The Foundation is currently looking for volunteers to help decorate. Click HERE to sign up to deck the halls. Thank you to my fellow trustees, Donna Doscher and Allison Hemming, for organizing this year's festivities.

I also want to thank our Annual Fund Chair, Al Muzaurieta, for spearheading our 2017-18 Annual Giving campaign. You all received a message from Al in the mail recently highlighting why it's so important to give back to the school by supporting The Foundation. Save the date for our Day of Giving: January 30, 2018, which will feature a special video from our students! Please remember, all gifts to the Annual Fund are fully tax-deductible. Our online giving form now enables you to check and see if your gift is eligible to be matched by your employer. Click HERE to take a look!

Our Spring Auction Chairs, Jennifer Dowd and Jennifer Turetsky, are already hard at work preparing for our greatest fundraiser of the year on March 21st at Guastavino's. We're hoping to have at least 200 quality items donated for bidding to benefit the school. Click HERE to download our auction donation form and help us secure great items over the winter break!

If you're on social media, I encourage you to follow us for the latest Epiphany updates. We are on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram . Thank you for your support and I look forward to celebrating the holidays with you on the 14th in Parish Hall!

Kevin G. Greaney, KM

Chairman, Foundation Board of Trustees

NEWS FROM 22ND STREET

Mary Jane Higgins '80, Vice Principal

Dear Parents,

During this beautiful season of Advent, the students and teachers at the Lower School have been busy preparing for Christmas, always mindful of the true meaning of this holiday. The students love to share gifts with others through Epiphany's Adopt-A-Family Program. Each grade has been practicing for the Christmas Show that will be held on Thursday, December 21st at 10:45 am in the Parish Hall.

The Kindergarteners are enjoying their study of holidays around the world and learning how different countries celebrate Christmas and other winter holidays. The students even designed mini-passports to get ready to "travel" to different countries.

The First Graders continue to work on crafting their writing skills while learning the conventions of punctuation and capitalization. Under the guidance of Mr. Klotzbach in Science Lab, they designed underwater habitats. The students cannot wait to share their traditional Nativity performance.

The Second Graders completed reindeer applications. The students all have many talents and skills to share with Santa and his elves, and they loved working on their persuasive applications. They have also been learning the Act of Contrition in preparation for the sacrament of Reconciliation.

The Third Graders have been studying animal habitats and creating models of these. Students have started studying ancient Egypt and are looking forward to a trip to the Museum of Natural History.

NYC Kids Project, a social justice arts organization, is visiting all Lower School classes for an in-school field trip. Through their use of theatrical puppets and storytelling, these talented performers address character development and anti-bullying issues. Following the performances, Epiphany students examine attitudes about disabilities and commit to practicing tolerance.

The students all participated in their second WITS Lab during which Chef Gisselle taught the nutritional value of beans, and the children made delicious hummus.

Thank you to all Epiphany families for your support, kindness, and generosity. I wish you all a blessed and happy Christmas season.

Mary Jane Higgins '80

22nd Street Vice Principal

The Epiphany School

WITS December Newsletter

Chef Gisselle Madariaga, Coach Deshaun Jefferson & Coach Sarah Merck

Closing Out the Fall

We hope that you all had a fantastic fall! As your Wellness In The Schools Chef and Coaches, we would like to take a few moments to share an update of our work in the community through your school's newsletter. We'll alert you about upcoming events and provide opportunities where we can partner to encourage and support wellness in The Epiphany School.

During this school year, Chef Gisselle will engage the students in four cooking classes ("WITS Labs"), focusing on fruits and vegetables that are in season. This past October, we showcased apples. The students were excited to learn about the value of apples, and even more thrilled to prepare and taste their own applesauce. The WITS Labs are a fantastic way for Chef Gisselle to get to know your children better and familiarize them with the healthier lunch options now being served in the cafeteria.

Chef Gisselle also visited classrooms to teach nutrition lessons ("WITS BITS"). Fourth graders learned the importance of eating unprocessed local foods, third graders learned how to construct a balanced meal, and kindergarteners learned how to assemble a salad bowl in the cafeteria.

In the recess yard, Coach Sarah and Coach Deshaun have been incorporating new games that students love. At the Epiphany Lower School, students are loving the game " Castles" and they are learning how to work as a team. " Helicopter" is also a favorite among the students on rainy days when we have recess indoors. In October, the Lower School offered a jump rope competition among the second graders. One student, Vanessa, had the highest score of 116. In December, Coach Sarah is planning on hosting another jump rope competition, so get ready!

At the Epiphany Upper School, Coach Deshaun has the students play their favorite games. One of the favorite games the students love to play is " Dragon Tales". Also, a game that the girls introduced to Coach Deshaun and love to play is " Bonanza", a competitive basketball game that helps them work on their shooting ability. Lastly, football is the most popular sport played in recess by the boys. Competitive games like these are a must watch! Later this month, Coach Deshaun will host friendly challenges between the grades in different sports.

Over the next few months, we will continue our WITS Labs, hands-on nutrition lessons, as well as organized theme "Café Days" in the cafeteria for everyone to enjoy. Interested in health and wellness? Have ideas for specific wellness-themed activities you would like to see at Epiphany like parent classes or Family Fitness Fun Night? Contact Chef Gisselle, Coach Sarah, Coach Deshaun or the Wellness Committee. We look forward to a productive, collaborative year and welcome any questions or comments that you have have about WITS.

All the best,

Coach Sarah, Coach Deshaun and Chef Gisselle

Kids' Quotes

"When is our next lab?" - Lexie, 7th grade

"Please tell me we are playing kickball today!" - All of the 3rd grade boys

WHAT'S NEXT?

Hummus Lab, Tastings, and Lunch Hall of Fame will continue to happen in the cafeteria.
A suggestion box for students at the Epiphany Lower School. Coach Sarah would like to know what games students would like to try. Make sure to look for the suggestion box this month!
Flags have been ordered for Epiphany Upper School so that we could begin to play flag football.

Want to keep up to date? Follow the Epiphany School on Instagram!

NEWS FROM 28TH STREET

Kiernan LaGuardia, 28th Street English Language Arts

We are well on our way into the second quarter and the season of Advent is here at the Upper School!

It has been all about learning inside and outside the classroom for the fourth graders. Field trips to the National Museum of Mathematics, The Guggenheim and The Museum of the Moving Image have really helped the fourth graders understand that learning takes place everywhere and is not restricted to the four walls of the classroom!

The fifth grade will be journeying outside the classroom as well to see a production of A Christmas Carol at The Players Theater. In English language arts class, Ms. Capuano read aloud an abridged version of the classic novella to her classes. The fifth graders really enjoyed the story and learned about life in England in the 1800s as well. Don't be surprised if they want to bake a "twelfth-cake" for Christmas dessert!

Speaking of the holidays, you might want to take some of our sixth graders along with you as you shop. In math class, sixth graders are learning all about percents, fractions and decimals. After mastering those skills, they are quite the savvy shoppers and know a really good holiday deal when they see one!

Seventh graders are not looking for the best Christmas bargains, but they are researching how different Spanish speaking countries celebrate Christmas! In Spanish class, the students are creating multimedia presentations to share the ways different cultures celebrate Christmas!

Our eighth graders are just days away from their performance in Epiphany's Christmas concert. They have the esteemed pleasure of performing as the concert's handbell choir. They have practiced to perform with passion and precision and we know their performance will not disappoint!

Finally, the students of the Upper School have also come together as a school community to celebrate the season of Advent by attending Mass on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and participating in an upcoming Advent prayer service. We are also uniting as a school community to participate in the Adopt-A-Family program, where we try to spread a little Christmas cheer to those in need.

Wishing you all a blessed Christmas and every happiness in the new year!

Kiernan LaGuardia

28th Street English Language Arts

The Epiphany School

Q & A WITH KATHLEEN CRIMMINS

Connections Spotlight

By Courtney Huang, Communications Chair,

Board of Trustees

Nursery school is such a formative year at the Epiphany School---not only for our three-year-olds but for us as parents. We get to see our children grow as individuals through classroom learning and socialization by way of counting, ABCs, Show and Tell and Imaginary Play to name a few ways. For over the last 10 years, our children's development has been enabled through the loving and nurturing environment created by Mrs. Crimmins, Epiphany School's head Nursery teacher. Mrs. Crimmins has been part of the Epiphany community for over 17 years--most recently taking on the additional responsibilities of leading the Religious Education program for the Church of the Epiphany. Originally from New Jersey, Mrs. Crimmins attended Providence College where she met her husband, Kevin. Married for 27 years, Mrs. Crimmins and her husband have three children, all who are Epiphany alumni: Tara (age 26), a teacher at Cristo Rey High School in Brooklyn; Emily (age 23), an assistant Kindergarten teacher at Epiphany; and Kevin (age 21), a junior at the University of Delaware. I recently connected with Mrs. Crimmins as she shared her perspective on the value of a faith-based education as well as the joy of having one of her daughters now part of the Epiphany teaching community.

Q: How do you think a faith-based school adds to early childhood education?

A: I love my job working with the young children at Epiphany. Their openness to learning and curiosity about the world around them leads easily into religion. We pray everyday in class. We give thanks to God and our families for all we are blessed to have. It's wonderful to teach the children their first prayer, the Sign of the Cross. As Coordinator of Religious Education at Epiphany, I am lucky to be part of their continued faith formation. A faith-based school allows us to keep religion in the holidays we celebrate.

Q: What is a favorite memory during your time at the Epiphany school?

A: I have so many fond memories at Epiphany. I especially love all of the ensemble events such as the school plays and Christmas shows. These events bring the school together. The Christmas Eve family mass is one of my favorite nights of the year. Seeing all the Epiphany children together at mass reminds me that our school and parish are so united.

Q: We are lucky to have both you and your daughter teaching at Epiphany now. What made your daughter choose Epiphany to begin her career in education?

A: I think it was a natural fit that Emily wanted to teach at Epiphany. My brother is a Catholic elementary school teacher outside of Boston and my daughter, Tara, teaches high school at Christo Rey in Brooklyn. Emily has been a catechist in our Religious Education program for the past 3 years and has loved the process of working with young children. She and her siblings are alumni of the Epiphany school and they loved their time spent here. It's fun to now see her working along side some of the teachers who taught her!

Q: How can we in the Epiphany community help support you?

A: The families at the Epiphany school are wonderful. They have always been very supportive of our efforts in the classroom. The one thing that always remains a constant is the need for open lines of communication. I feel it is a joint process between parents and teachers in educating your children. This is especially true in their early years when they cannot always communicate how they feel to us.

2017 HALL OF FAME

Congrats to our Honorees

Over 200 guests came together at The Yale Club for the fifth annual Hall of Fame Induction and Cocktail Reception on November 4, 2017. Honorees included alumnus and former parent, Richard A. Capuano '71, former parent, Ray Curley, and past parent and faculty member, Claire S. Rennell. Epiphany's Assistant Librarians, Helen and Peggy O'Dea, were presented with the first Joe Falzon Spirit of Volunteerism Award. This commemorative event, chaired by Regan Murphy '99, raised over $39,000 for the children of the Epiphany School.

NEWS FROM 29TH STREET

Eileen McLoughlin, Early Childhood Administrator

Early Childhood Center News

By Gabriella Fried (Gr. 5), Edward Maher (Gr. 5), Caitlin Murray (Gr. 5) & Elizabeth Ravin (Gr. 5)

Staff Members of the Epiphany Times School Newspaper

It is Christmas Time in the Early Childhood Center! Amazing Christmas decorations created by our students brighten our spirits. You can hear their playful laughter and holiday cheer everywhere you go! We look forward to the boys' and girls' annual Christmas performance on December 21st.

Our Toddlers have settled into school and are learning their prayers and the letters W, I, and G! The little angels created their own angel crafts with halos that are just like theirs. Students have been taking turns being "Star of the Week," but they are all stars in our eyes. Finally, we are on the edge of our seats in anticipation of their rounding rendition of Jingle Bells at the annual show.

A visit to our Nursery class shows students hard at work on their Advent wreaths with candles representing hope, joy, peace and love. Christmas music fills the air as students practice for the upcoming show.

Pre-K students are learning about Advent, Christmas and holidays around the world.

In math class, they will make reindeer triangles. In science, they will discover dancing jingle bells and are even making their own snow! Best of all, they are overjoyed in anticipation of Polar Express Day ! Children will wear pajamas to school, drink hot cocoa, and listen to a very special reading of the book by Principal McHugh.

From Santa to nursery rhymes, the Early Childhood Center is the place to be this and every Christmas! We wish everyone a very merry Christmas, a relaxing winter break, and a Happy New Year!

Eileen McLoughlin

Early Childhood Administrator

The Epiphany School

NEWS FROM THE EFA

Updates from our Family Association

Dear Epiphany Community,

Thanks to you, our school year is off to a great start! We've had so much fun with you this fall, with highlights including our Uniform Exchange, Parents' Night Out, the Ragamuffin Parade, a Halloween mad scientist chemistry show, Crazy Hat and Hair Day, and our Halloween Party and Haunted House, for which we had nearly 200 families join us. And we were delighted that so many of you could join us to ring in the Christmas season at our annual Breakfast with Santa this past weekend.

None of these events would be possible without your support, and we very much appreciate all of the time, talents, donations, and resources that so many of you have so generously shared with us this year. And, as a result of your generosity, we had a tremendously successful holiday fundraiser, which will allow us to continue to plan great events for our Epiphany community.

Looking ahead, please mark your calendars for these upcoming events:

EFA STAFF CHRISTMAS FUND COLLECTION - December 2017

It's time for the EFA's annual staff Christmas collection! Participation in this fund is completely voluntary and is a way to say thank you to our wonderful Epiphany staff through a Christmas bonus that is divided amongst the school's full-time faculty, administration, and support staff to ensure no one is forgotten. If you choose to contribute, please send in the red envelope that was backpacked home on December 7th and is already labeled with your eldest child's name and class. Thank you!!

UPPER SCHOOL ICE SKATING GRADES 4-8 - December 20, 2017 at City Ice Pavilion

Sharpen those blades and lace up those skates because the annual Upper School ice skating trip will be here before you know it! Permission slips were backpacked home on December 7th and were also sent via email by class representatives. Epiphany parent and NHL scout Danny O'Brien will be on the ice to give pointers to new skaters. Tickets are only $15 each and include figure skate rental and hot chocolate.

7TH & 8TH GRADE DANCE - January 26, 2018 in Parish Hall

The EFA will be hosting our annual dance for the senior class members of Epiphany! Join us for a night of dancing and fun with your classmates.

RADIO BINGO - February 9, 2018 in Parish Hall

What do you get when you mix Name That Tune and Bingo? An evening of music and friendly competition at Radio Bingo! Show off your music knowledge, listen to some good tunes, and who knows, you may be the lucky winner of one of our fabulous prizes!