Family Pathfinder Week of 12/15/24

"Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best."

— Bob Talbert

"Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it."

— Marian Wright Edelman

December 15, 2024,

Dear I.S. 254 Families,

As we enter the final week of school for 2024, I hope you’re as excited as we are to celebrate all that we’ve accomplished together this year. This week is filled with joy, reflection, and opportunities to connect as a community. Spirit Week is here, and we can’t wait to see everyone join in the fun as we embrace the holiday season and our Pathfinders pride!

Highlights from Last Week

We’ve had a phenomenal week at I.S. 254! Here are just a few of the many memorable moments:

• During the LDC Rigor Walk, our visitors praised the high standards evident in our curriculum, instructional practices, and student work—truly a reflection of the incredible efforts of our students and staff.
• The Instructional Share Fair showcased the power of collaboration and professional growth. The energy and dedication in the room were inspiring!
• Our Parent Association hosted a mindfulness session with BrainPower, equipping families with tools for well-being while distributing fresh produce to take home.
• The launch of our after-school program was a resounding success, providing enrichment opportunities, academic support, and fun clubs for our students.

These events, combined with countless small acts of kindness and care throughout our community, are what make I.S. 254 such a special place.

Spirit Week Schedule

Let’s show our school spirit this week by dressing up and spreading holiday cheer!

• Monday, December 16: Pajama Day
• Tuesday, December 17: Candy Cane Lane
  • Grade Colors: 6th - Green, 7th - White, 8th - Red
  • 8th Grade Picture Day
  • School Leadership Team Meeting
• Wednesday, December 18: Wintery Wednesday (Favorite hat and socks)
• Thursday, December 19: Dress to Impress
  • 6th & 7th Grade Picture Day
• Friday, December 20: Ugly Sweater Day
  • 8th Grade Winter Dance

Permission slips for the 8th Grade Winter Dance have been sent home, so please ensure they’re returned to allow your child to participate in this festive event!

Nurturing Our Community

As we celebrate the season, we remain mindful that for some students, the holidays can bring mixed emotions or uncertainty. School is a safe, stable space for many of our students, and the anticipation of a long break can sometimes result in behavioral changes.

Families, your partnership is essential during this time. If you notice your child feeling anxious or withdrawn, please reach out to our guidance team for support. Together, we can ensure every student feels valued, supported, and excited about their continued growth.

Looking Ahead

As we close out 2024, we are filled with gratitude for your ongoing support and commitment to our school community. Your engagement and collaboration make I.S. 254 a place where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Thank you for partnering with us to build a strong and united school community. Let’s finish this week strong and celebrate the incredible achievements of our students and staff.

With gratitude,

Javier Ocampo, Principal

Shout-Outs to Our Amazing I.S. 254 Staff!

Our school thrives because of the dedication, collaboration, and passion of our incredible staff. This week, we’re excited to highlight and celebrate their many contributions:

Professional Learning Presenters

• A huge thank-you to all the teachers who shared their expertise during Professional Learning last Monday. Your thoughtful contributions created a meaningful and engaging session for everyone.

LDC Rigor Walk Hosts

• Shoutout to the incredible teachers who welcomed visitors into their classrooms during Tuesday’s LDC Rigor Walk. The high standards you uphold in your instruction were celebrated and recognized—thank you for showcasing the excellence at I.S. 254!

Parent Association & Ms. Dominguez

• A heartfelt thank-you for organizing a wonderful Parent Association meeting on Friday. Your leadership, collaboration, and care continue to strengthen our connection with families.

Supportive Team Members

• Dr. Rodriguez: Your willingness to lend a helping hand whenever needed is deeply appreciated.
• Ms. Trinidad: Thank you for stepping up to support wherever needed—your flexibility and dedication are invaluable!
• All Staff Covering Classes: Your willingness to support colleagues during challenging times embodies the spirit of teamwork.

After-School Program Heroes

• After-School Program Teachers: Thank you for going above and beyond to support student learning after hours.
• Ms. Tobin and Ms. Guillen: Your leadership in supervising after-school programs ensures a safe and engaging environment for our students.
• Ms. Dominguez, Ms. Payano, and Ms. Beltre: Your efforts to pick up students and ensure safe dismissals are deeply appreciated.
• Mr. Kenneth and Ms. Montanez: Your reliability in transitions, snack distributions, and organization helps keep everything running smoothly.

8th Grade Dance Supporters

• Mr. Facey, Mr. Sang, and Staff Volunteers: Thank you for managing permission slips and chaperoning the 8th-grade dance—your involvement makes a big difference!

Team Leaders and Visionaries

• Ms. Maldonado: Your passion for Civics for All creates meaningful learning opportunities for students.
• Ms. Bueti: Thank you for facilitating the ELA department meeting and fostering collaboration and growth.
• ENL Team: Your engagement in reflective practice through the Tuning Protocol ensures students’ work remains at the center of instruction.

Instructional Innovators

• Ms. Saragaglia: Your lessons inspire students to see themselves as agents of change through real-world problem-solving.
• Mr. Peña: Thank you for fostering a classroom culture of responsibility and ownership.
• Mr. Martinez: Your efforts to engage students in mathematical thinking before the day begins are truly appreciated.
• Ms. Martinez and Ms. Cruz: Your integration of LDC planning into the Spanish Department lays a strong foundation for student success.

Dedicated Student Supporters

• Ms. Rosario: Your thoughtful support during parent meetings and events does not go unnoticed.
• Ms. Clarke: Thank you for your patience and care, creating a positive environment for students.
• Ms. Aiken: Your energy and dedication to coaching the ENL Debate Team are inspiring!

Professional Development Leaders

• Mr. Gannon: Thank you for facilitating Professional Learning for paraprofessionals, equipping them to better support students.

Thank you to every member of the I.S. 254 family for your continued dedication and care for our students and community. You make our school a beacon of excellence!

This week's fit: Spirit Week

Monday: Pajama Day

Tuesday: Candy Cane Lane (Colors by grade: 6th - Green, 7th - White, 8th - Red)

Wednesday: Wintery Wednesday (Favorite hat and socks)

Thursday: Dress to Impress

Friday: Ugly Sweater Day

• December 17th:
• 8th Grade Picture day
• School Leadership Team Meeting @3pm in the Library
• December 19th: 6th & 7th Grade Picture Day
  
• December 19th: 8th Grade winter dance
  
• 🚨📅 December 23–January 1: Winter Recess, schools closed
  
• March 13, 2025:
• Students not in attendance.
• Half-Day IN-PERSON Staff Professional Development.
  
• 8:25 am - 12:00 pm
  
• Remote Parent-Teacher Conferences
  
• Afternoon (12:45 pm - 2:45 pm)
  
• Evening (4:45 pm - 7:45 pm)
• May 8, 2025: Evening, In-Person Parent Conference

Parent Conferences 2024-2025

• March 13, 2025: Afternoon & Evening, Remote Conferences; Morning, In-Person Professional Development
  

• May 8, 2025: Evening, In-Person Parent Conference

Exciting Picture Day Announcement!

Dear I.S. 254 Families,

We’re thrilled to announce Picture Day for our students! This is a wonderful opportunity to capture your child’s memories and celebrate their school journey.

• 8th Graders: Picture Day is scheduled for Tuesday, December 17th.
• 6th and 7th Graders: Picture Day will take place on Thursday, December 19th.

Senior Pictures:
All 8th graders will receive a free photo package at no cost. The package includes:

• 1 (8x10) photo
• 1 (5x7) photo
• 2 photo magnets
• 1 free photo certificate

Additional Photos:
If you’d like to purchase additional copies of your child’s pictures, please complete the attached order form and return it to Ms. Yira Dominguez, our Parent Coordinator. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Ms. Dominguez at ydominguez4@schools.nyc.gov or by calling the main office.

Important ACDP Updates

• ACDP Holiday Celebration:

  • Date: Wednesday, December 18th
  • Dismissal Time: 4:30 PM

• No ACDP Program:

  • Dates: Thursday, December 19th & Friday, December 20th
  • Dismissal Time for All Students: 2:45 PM

Please make arrangements for early pick-ups on December 19th and 20th. Thank you for your cooperation and support in ensuring a smooth transition during these schedule adjustments!

BPW Weekly Self-Care

and Q&A Sessions

Weekly on Wednesdays

@6:00 - 6:30pm EDT

Zoom Link HERE

Meeting ID: 885 4014 4085 Passcode: 274960

We are excited to share our fun and engaging SEL activity packet! Please share it with your students, so they'll have it over winter break. We recommend, if possible, that you print it out for them. Otherwise, you can email them THIS LINK, so that they can ask their parents/caretakers to print it out.