P.S. 242- The Young Diplomats Magnet Academy

November is an important time for us to reflect on the many blessings bestowed upon us. I am certainly thankful for the many blessings in my life, including working with the amazing scholars, parents/caregivers, teachers, and support staff at Young Diplomats Magnet Academy.

Every Election Day, my husband and I try to take our granddaughters with us to vote so that we can instill the importance of their civic duty. We remind them about a time when people of color or women were denied this right. Our hope is that they embrace their civic and social responsibilities, which will help make our world a better place. As educators, we work toward ensuring that our students are college and career ready with the ability to think critically. The classroom is where children learn how to participate in the democratic process. Through critical thinking, problem solving, respectful debate, and exposure to diverse opinions, children become informed citizens who learn how to ask important questions, and take action on global issues. Opportunities like turn and talk, peer feedback, and other group interactions teach our students that active participation is the most effective means for change. We want our students to consider themselves as stewards of this amazing democracy.

As an International Baccalaureate School, our students are encouraged to be open-minded towards acquiring a global perspective. We have always put this into action through our

transdisciplinary curriculum, our Italian language program and our studies of world cultures. This year we are also very fortunate to have welcomed many new students and families from around the world. This has given our students and community an opportunity to demonstrate how our students truly are young diplomats as we welcome our newest New Yorkers. Students and staff are modeling many of our IB attributes throughout the day. They are risk takers, reaching out to new friends and building bridges. They are reflective and thoughtful communicators, putting into practice what it truly means to be IB scholars. The world is facing many challenges and as global citizens we can have a positive impact by continuing to emphasize the skills needed to become socially responsible members of a diverse society.

Parent/Caregiver Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Thursday, November 2 from 1:00pm – 2:30pm and 4:30pm – 7:30pm. Be sure to sign up with your child’s teacher for a Zoom meeting. Please note that dismissal will be at 11:45am. It is very important that you take part in this conversation with your child’s teacher because we are a partnership. Our students must see us both as a team working together toward their success.

Thank you to all of the families that have joined Class Dojo and sent their emergency contact forms along with the medical forms, which must be updated every school year. Just a reminder that all students mus5 have a completed medical form by December 23. All of us believe in effective communication and we have found

Dojo to be a useful tool for posting announcements, events, trip, and information about your child’s progress.

Research has found that regular attendance and arriving to school on time is crucial to a child’s success. Even a minimal number of absences or lateness during the school year can have a serious impact on a scholar’s ability to achieve. If you have any questions or need any assistance please contact our parent coordinator, Ms. Diaz or Mr. Gomez, Guidance Counselor at (212) 678-2908.

We are looking forward to the many opportunities that lie ahead this month for us to continue this important work together!

Upcoming Events:

• Thursday, November 2: Parent Teacher Conferences
• Tuesday, November 7: Election Day: No School for Students
• Wednesday, November 8: PTA Meeting in Person 8:30am
• Thursday, November 16: Coffee and Tea with Ms. D and Ms. Ellman 8:45am in person
• Topic: Harmony Program, Making Home/School Connections
• Friday, November 17: Spirit Day: Twin Day
• Friday, November 17: Harvest Feast
• Tuesday, November 22: Awards Assembly 8:45am via zoom
• Town Hall with Ms. D and Ms. Ellman 5:30pm via zoom
• Thursday, November 30: Native American Presentation by Fourth Grade 8:45am via zoom