February 12, 2021
Dear YGS Family,
This week we were lucky enough to have author and consultant Maria Walther collaborate with our teachers on literacy & growing readers! Her book, "Ramped up Read Aloud" is used at YGS as a guide for incorporating the best books into the classroom. Professional learning is a big piece of our school culture. Just this year, we have teachers finishing Master programs, mentoring student teachers and high school interns, and presenting at online conferences. Last August, I began the Doctoral of Education journey at University of St. Francis. Through these shared experiences, we not only grow our team, ourselves, but model this love for learning for our students.
100 Day Recap:
Recently our team recapped this special day. We realize though that it's difficult to know from afar the planning that went into adhering to guidelines while also allowing for celebration & unity.
Our school improvement team made the decision to highlight this as our special event. Every school makes this unique choice. Last year our big events were kicked off with Ethan Bell kaleidoscope concert & welcomed the NYC anti-bullying performers.
This year our teacher team felt strongly that 100 day mattered. Why? We recognize reopening schools and offering three learning models without pivoting is complex. We wanted to celebrate the ways its brought us closer and capture this joy for students.
So from there, we planned a day while factoring in our limitations. We decorated hallways with paper chains, paper walls, and decorated doors. Students shared excitement and loved their surprise 100 book: "Ruby's Worry" courtesy of our library.
We couldn't have a school wide assembly. The assembly was streamed via webinar which more than 75 families attended. During the assembly, classes rotated into the gym to sing a song. Guidelines suggest 6 feet, when possible. However, when this isn't easy, to ensure masking and reduction of time (less than 15 minutes). Therefore, we picked a song that was 4 minutes or less. Meanwhile, the rest of the school remained inside their classrooms and watched via Zoom. Classes also took a moment for a brief picture in the hallway.
We look forward to other moments such as a spring outdoor learning day. Yet, we're still living through a pandemic. Our children's safety, health, and happiness remain the focus. As a parent myself, we want to be sure to share our school happenings. However, we look forward to the days we can open our doors to welcome you inside.
Thank you for supporting us & feel free to reach out anytime.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Lech & The YGS Team
**A friendly reminder that we have no school on Monday due to President's Day. **
