Panther Press

It's official! Our winner is....

Meghan Pastore

From her colleague:

Meaghan goes out of her way to support not just the students on her caseload but anyone who needs help. She’s built strong, genuine relationships with students, and they know they can rely on her. She’s approachable, consistent, and always willing to listen. What really stands out about Meaghan is that she’s completely focused on the work, not the credit. Whether it’s jumping in to support a colleague or helping a student, she’s always ready to do what’s needed. Her actions show how much she truly cares about the school community!

Congratulations Meghan! Come see me for your gift card.

We Teach NYC

The Asian American Education Project

Mid Year SANDI

• IEP Flags: Ensure that all students have one IEP flag set for each of the following categories: reading, writing, math, communication, social-emotional, and transition education. It is important that no IEP flags are missing, and each student should have only one flag per category. This step is essential for setting up the testing range for each student’s SANDI assessments.

• To complete testing, find the IEP flag and then go minimally -/+ 10 from the IEP flag for the reading, writing, and math subtests. Complete -/+ 5 for communication, social emotional, and transition education. Please do not start at number 1. This is not efficient and not best practice.

Testing Order (First SANDI, Then MAPs):

• Students need to complete SANDI first. If they meet the qualifying scores, they will then take MAPS.

• Once the SANDI assessment is complete, I will be able to determine if your student qualifies for MAPS. The report will not be available in the system until SANDI is completed. However, you can manually check on the home page to see if your students qualify.

• Qualifying scores: 370 or higher in reading, or 350 or higher in math.

Deadlines and Testing Updates:

• Both SANDI and MAPS are due by January 31st. Please ensure to enter scores as you complete each subtest. It’s important not to wait until the last minute. If you input scores as you go, it will help to ensure everything is done on time.

• If a student has been absent during the testing window, please email Kat M their name so she can mark them as exempt.

• If a student returns after the exemption is applied but before the end of the make-up period (February 14th), you will need to complete their SANDI.

Student Privacy Training

Please make sure you have completed Student Privacy Training- check for your name on the spreadsheet below:

• In column C, if the box is checked off and green, you have completed the training and sent me the proof of completion.

• If it’s red and the box is unchecked, you still need to send me your proof of completion.

• Link to student privacy training spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13Yn_S7IgxbEW9rBL9EmyQXG3yAq-0poQeWoPnJSlk_s/edit?usp=sharing

Troubleshooting

• If you're having trouble with access to the student privacy training on the We Learn NYC website, please contact the We Learn NYC helpdesk.

Hello everyone...........

We would like to have a BTC Book Club, for staff, this Women's History Month. There's nothing like curling up with a good book, a warm blanket, and a cup of tea in wintertime. If all goes well and people enjoy it, we can do it again in the future. All staff members are invited to participate. This idea is still in its preliminary planning phases. For sure though, members will choose one of five books to read:

1. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
2. Snowflower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
3. Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
4. The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
5. The Fifth Season, (Book One of The Broken Earth)

Because I need to know how many books to order, please let Jeannine Gomez know which book you would like to read. Choose one of the above and send me an email. Please do not reply all. We will read on our own personal time, but I will speak to Courtney about when we can meet in groups, by book and have a Book Club (maybe 20-30 minutes on Monday afternoons?). I think it will be fun!

Please let me know.

Here's an article for your review:

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/jul/09/why-do-so-few-men-read-books-by-women

Thanks to Mr. Moline who gives us a traditional Argentinian recipe!

Ms. Pasquetti recognizes that in Susan Sontag's words: "any situation between people, when they are really human with each other, produces intelligence.” She consistently prioritizes student well-being, gently and politely abjures any obstacles to their intellectual, spiritual, and character development. For her colleagues, she's a supportive presence, always ready with a smile and a collaborative spirit, even when navigating life's absurdities. I am incredibly grateful for her guidance and support.

Mr. Horosky

Oh my God, where to I begin to thank the circle of staff I am so proud to work with.

Let me start off with Ms. Haque and Ms. Melissa. It's been a true honor to work with such strong and devoted females in a classroom. Thank you both for the teamwork and the commitment. You are both truly appreciated in my part.

My ladies in the Cookshop:

Ms. Hamilton, Ms. Lola and Ms. Kay. Thank you ladies for focusing on allll students, but also alllll staff. Thank you for ensuring that our tummies are full and we are hydrated along with a yummy snack.

Crisis Team:

Mr. Slater, Mr. Jo and Mr. Mike, Gentleman, on behalf of Y11, we salute you and thank you for all your hard work. I don't think people see enough of what you men encounter on a daily. Thank you for being the front line of our hardest moments.

Shakeira:

Girllllll, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. You have saved us more than you know just by ensuring that we have a male paraprofessional to help with our 6 boys.

Ms. Fenton,

What an honor it is to work hand in hand with you. You are such an amazing individual.

Ms. Rattenbury and Ms. Jeanine,

YOU LADIES are the true MVP to Y11. Y11 wants to sincerely thank you for the many times we have requested assistance on the spot and you ladies didn't hesitate.

Buena Vida:

Ms. Hilario and Ms. Grisanny, Thank you ladies for your consistent dedication to the student at Buena Vida. You ladies are appreciated.

Mr. Rodney,

Thank you for all your hard work and support in all areas that you are needed with the students. Y11 appreciates you.

Ms. Jay

As this week began, I really wanted to post songs about the end of the world. I still do, but the beauty of David Bowie is that he still makes you feel the feels, even when you only have five years.

He sings: "I never thought I'd need so many people...."

Look around- lots of people here to help, support, and sustain during trying times.