Dear S2 Supporters,

After a brief break in July we have been hard at work planning for year 4 and beyond. There is so much to communicate - I offer some “headlines”:

  • Our test scores again showed strong growth. Aside from further outperforming our local district, other highlights were the results from our first 8th grade cohort whose collective proficiency more than tripled during their time at S2. Additionally, the results demonstrate our commitment to serving all kids as we had significant movement on both ends of the spectrum; supporting our most struggling performers while also identifying and providing opportunity for those who are ready to soar. Email me if you want to know more.

  • As this is our first year not adding a grade, we were able to spend the summer understanding what a full student body entails. Based on that understanding, we upgraded our physical plant and deepened our organizational structures. We invite you to come visit during the school day. It is the best way to have a strong sense of the school’s vitality. 

  • We have changed the date of our Back to School Showcase, we apologize for the confusion. You should have received a save the date card. Please join us on Dec 3rd. I promise it will be an inspiring and engaging evening.

I’ll report on the opening of school in a forthcoming newsletter. I devote the balance of this newsletter to share some images and a short video from our summer program. More school isn't always better and we have tried to craft a set of experiences which truly support our kids growth in many ways while still harnessing the beauty of summer.

The opening of school reminds me what a happy and caring place S2 is. We are now poised to grow our impact. More on that when you are here. Please know we never lose sight of what important partners you have collectively been. We simply cannot say often enough how much we appreciate your support. 

We are excited to host you on Dec 3rd or any other date which works for your schedule.

Humbly,
Summer in the Square
What are you doing for the summer? For many of our families and students who did not have an answer, S2's Summer in the Square provided dynamic learning environments and new experiences that left an incredible impression. With the same vigor that S2 approaches adolescent education throughout the academic year, we are committed to making the words Engage, Educate, Empower , extend through the summer break.

Summer in the Square also ensured that students sustain the progress they made during the academic year to prevent the "summer slide," the well documented phenomenon of falling back academically during the summer break. From July 22 - August 9, 2019, over 60 students participated in our 3-week STEM and literacy focused summer camp. Making their own inventions, robots, learning yoga and reading new books- important learning and fun was had by all.

"What we are doing over the summer at S2 has an impact on us teachers as well as students. " - Nikki Hertz, Reading Specialist

"I really loved being at camp. I'm able to do things I wouldn't be if I was at home." Dontaye, S2 student.

"I'm grateful for the Summer in the Square program as it gave my child new wonderful experiences and provided him an option for learning that I would not have been able to afford for the summer break." - Maria, S2 Parent
Connecting with the Outdoors
A new 2-week extension program at Camp Twelve Trails with local partner, The Y of Washington Heights, provided forty S2 students the opportunity to explore nature, team build and enjoy the outdoors. While only 20 miles away, Camp Twelve Trails, located in Pearl River New York, was a world away from the bustle of Washington Heights. Our students enjoyed every moment!

"Everyday we were able to try something new. We had nature walks, sports like gaga, of course swimming was my favorite. Our camp counselors showed us a lot of great things too." Yaris, S2 student

"It was really important for me to have my daughter spend time outside. She loved it and I thank [S2] very much. " Zugeiry, S2 Parent
" If it wasn't for the S2 summer program, I would be at home playing video games. This was a great break from the city, it led me to new experiences like archery, gardening and many more. All kids should be able to do this. "
- Jade, S2 Student
Raudy Almonte - Future Inventor
Rising 8th grader, Raudy didn't miss a day during our 5-week S ummer in the Square camp. In fact he was often the first camper to arrive, volunteering to help set up.

A recent immigrant from the Dominican Republic, Raudy did not speak, write or understand English when he first entered S2 as a 6th grader. He has grown from "emergent" (basic) to "commanding" taking him one step closer to placing out of English Language Learner classification. Raudy’s father was so impressed and inspired by his son’s growth that he enrolled in our parents English class in the evenings to also improve his English.

During the S2 3-week STEM Camp, Raudy created a "Light Maker," (pictured above) a battery powered light source. Reflecting on how often electricity goes out in his grandmother's town in Dominican Republic, Raudy wanted to make something useful for his family to be able to cook or study when the power is out.

Below Raudy shares some additional thoughts regarding his S2 camp experience.

"Summer in the Square taught us how to work together to build things, as a team and also as individuals for the best projects... Coming to camp was a way to free our minds from stressful home life, instead of being home and watching a screen.  I found many ways of living without my cell phone! Having the opportunity to go to Camp 12 Trails also taught me the many ways to interact with nature, we learned to build a fire, plants that cure and new games. I really enjoyed going to camp."
Please Save the Date for our S2 Gallery Gala.
Tuesday, December 3, 2019