Announcements
May 11, 2020
May 1, 2020
Principal Letter - Friday, May 1, 2020
Dear MSTA families,
I hope this letter finds you and your family well in good health. This week we held our virtual grade level assemblies and they were an outstanding success! Our students loved participating in these virtual community building events and we look forward to hold further student and parent assemblies in the future.
Next week from Monday, May 4, 2020 to Friday, May 8, 2020, is Teacher Appreciation Week! Please join me in thanking our MSTA teachers who continuously work hard for our students. Some ways to thank your child’s teacher are by:
Updated MSTA Grading Policy
In response to remote learning, Chancellor Carranza has issued guidance for grading students during the academic 2020 school year. MSTA students will receive a numerical grade for Marking Period 4 using our existing grading scale (a 65 or higher is a passing grade). The final grades for the 2019-2020 school year will follow the updated grading policy below as per NYCDOE regulations.
- “Meets Standards (MT)” will be for students who earned a 65 or higher for the entire school year.
- “Needs Improvement (N)” will be for students who earned between a 64 and 56 for the entire school year.
- Students who earned a 55 and below for the school year will receive a “Course in Progress (NX).” This includes students who have not submitted enough work to calculate a final grade.
Reminder: Report Cards
Marking Period 3 Report cards are now available on your NYC Schools account. We will not be able to mail report cards to student’s homes. If you do not have a NYC Schools please contact your child’s grade coordinator (6th grade, Dr. Shelton, 7th grade, Mr. Ludwin and 8th grade, Ms. Senerchia) or our parent coordinator, Mr. Medina at nmedina12@schools.nyc.gov
As always, we are here to support you in any way we can. Be safe!
Warm regards,
Suleika Dotel
Principal
April 28, 2020
Chancellor Carranza and Chief Academic Officer Linda Chen Announce the Grading Policy for Remote Learning
Dear Families,
This unprecedented time of COVID-19 has presented difficulty and struggles for all New Yorkers, and we recognize that supporting your children in their continued learning in the midst of this crisis has been no small feat. We are amazed by the resilience and resolve that all of you—the families of our 1.1 million students—have shown as we transformed our entire system to remote learning. We are grateful for all that you are doing to support the success of your child as we finish the 2019-2020 school year in remote learning.
This transition would be a challenge at any time, but in the midst of the anxiety and trauma so many of our communities are experiencing due to the pandemic, it could have been insurmountable. Still, you have done it, being there for your children in every way you can to support their learning despite not necessarily knowing where the next meal will be coming from, or dealing with illness or loss in your family or community, or any other number of insecurities this time has brought.
That is why we have continually evolved our policies to meet this moment, developing and in some cases entirely reinventing them to support all of you—our students and families. These policies run the gamut from attendance to class scheduling to technology usage and beyond. Today, we are writing with another important policy update, concerning student grading
Grades are important for understanding a student’s progress toward meeting learning standards, but they are just one way our educators are measuring and discerning how a student is engaging with schoolwork and making progress. We must ensure that support for our students includes not just academics, but social-emotional learning, health and safety, and physical and mental wellness, and there are relationships in place that affirm and empower our students and families. We are giving our educators the tools and skills they need to understand and support our students socially and emotionally. We will continue to create resources for students and families that elevate these supports within the context of COVID-19. Implementation of the policy by school leaders will be considerate of students who have experienced emotional loss, death, mental health issues, or didn’t have access to a device or connectivity right away. We know that just as you are our partners in learning, we are yours in the emotional support your children may need during this time.
We have heard from students, parents, teachers, school leaders, and many others across the City to inform our revised grading policy. We see you, we hear you, and we believe that the final policy we are issuing emphasizes flexibility and patience for students in these unprecedented times, while also keeping students engaged without penalty for the trauma they may be experiencing. It maintains clear expectations that acknowledge each individual student’s experience, and creates a consistent, equitable system across all schools. The policy seeks to minimize stress on families and students, while still providing next year’s teachers with the information they need about an individual student’s progress toward achieving standards.
What You Need to Know
The grading policy outlined below is in effect for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year only. Teachers will base students’ final grades on a holistic review of their progress before and after we started remote learning. Attendance will not be a factor in students’ grades. No student will receive a failing final grade.
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Grade(s)
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Grading Policy Summary
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3K & Pre-K
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No change because students do not receive report cards or grades.
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K - 5th
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Students receive final grades of either “Meets Standards” (MT) or “Needs Improvement” (N).
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6th-8th
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Students receive final grades of “Meets Standards” (MT), “Needs Improvement” (N), or “Course in Progress” (NX).
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9th – 12th
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Your school’s existing grading scale applies, but no failing grade will be issued. A “Course in Progress” (NX) will be issued instead. After final grades have been issued, students and families have the option to convert any or all passing Spring Semester 2020 final grades to pass (CR will be the symbol used in this case). Any CR grade will not be factored into a students’ GPA.
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The DOE is continuing to develop plans for programming and supports over the summer months. More information about summer school will be made available by your school and shared in the upcoming weeks.
If You Have Questions
For elementary and middle schools, principals will generally serve as primary points to answer questions regarding the grading policy for families.
For high schools, school counselors and college counselors will generally serve as primary points to answer questions regarding the grading policy for students and families, along with principals. If you need help identifying the school counselor or college counselor, please contact your principal.
Please also see our Frequently Asked Questions document for additional information. We are committed not only to supporting students in their continued learning through June and beyond, but to supporting you as our primary partner in your child’s education. We know you have had a lot of questions and faced a lot of challenges in this transition; you have had to take on essential, invaluable new roles to keep your child’s education going and become indispensable partners to teachers. There are many resources available on this website, and your student’s school is also standing by to support you.
We always say that New York City has the best students, staff, and families in the world, and nothing will ever change that. You continue to prove this true each and every day. Thank you.
4/21/2020
Letter from the Principal
April 20, 2020
Dear MSTA families,
I hope this letter finds you and your family well. Let me start by thanking all of you for your support as we have worked through the challenges that have come with the closure of the school building. We are continually amazed by the large numbers of students who are engaging in remote learning on a daily basis. Our teachers and students have quickly adapted to this new way of learning.
UPDATED STUDENT REMOTE LEARNING SCHEDULE
As I mentioned last week, MSTA has updated our student schedule. For your reference, I have attached a copy of the updated student schedule to this letter.
MARKING PERIOD 3 GRADES AND GRADE PROMOTIONS
Students whose teachers assigned projects and work over the past three weeks will apply those grades to the 3rd marking period of the 2019-2020 school year. Students will complete promotional portfolios for all subjects in May and June to ensure we have the evidence we need to make accurate promotion decisions for all students. These tasks will be completed in addition to any work assigned daily by students’ classroom teachers. This week, teachers will enter grades for marking period 3 and grades will be available via nycschools accounts beginning on Wednesday, April 29, 2020.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
- NYC-Well: Provides mental health support and will connect you with someone who will listen and help 24/7 Text "WELL" to 65173, call 1-888-NYC-WELL (692-9355)
- New York Psychotherapy and Counseling Center Bronx Child and Family Mental Center 579 Courtlandt Avenue, Bronx, NY 10451 Tel: (718) 485-2100 NY 10451 Tel: (718) 485-2100
FOOD RESOURES
- NYC Dept of Education is providing 3 meals a day at the local schools from 7:30am to 1:30 PM Monday through Friday.
- NYC.gov/GetFood-NYC Food Delivery Assistance for those who cannot access food themselves COVID-19 Food Assistance Resources
- Bronxworks: every other Saturday starting April 25, provides can goods from 9:00-11:30 AM, ID and bring your own bags/cart. 1130 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY 10456
EDUCATIONAL AND FUN ACTIVITIES
Thank you for what you do. Stay safe and stay inside as much as possible.
Warm regards,
Suleika Dotel
Principal
4/16/2020
MSTA Podcast is now up and running please click the link and check it out. The Link is also accessible in the parents app section for future references.
-----> MSTA Sound Cloud Podcast <------ click me!!
April 10, 2020
Dear MSTA families,
I hope that you are doing well. Next week is MSTA’S recalibration period for educational equity.During this time, no new classwork will be posted. Instead, all faculty will support our students in ensuring that they are making up any work that is missing. Any assignments from marking period 3 can be submitted during the spring break week.
The first three weeks have been a trying transition for all of us, and many families are just beginning to understand the expectations for each class and develop daily routines. To make the transition easier, we are adjusting our student schedules in order to provide enhanced teacher supports. In addition, we are asking all students and families to complete a daily check in survey in order to ensure that we are supporting you through this time.
The link to this survey is found below:
Survey Link Please Click On Me
Thank you for what you do. Stay safe and stay inside as much as possible.
Warm regards,
Suleika Dotel
Principal
UPDATED MSTA REMOTE LEARNING STUDENT SCHEDULE
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GRADE 6
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MONDAY
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TUESDAY
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WEDNESDAY
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THURSDAY
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FRIDAY
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9:00am – 9:40am
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ELA
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ELA
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ELA
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ELA
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MYON READING
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9:40am – 10:20am
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MATH
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MATH
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MATH
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MATH
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I READY ELA
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10:20am – 11:00am
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SOCIAL STUDIES
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SOCIAL STUDIES
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SOCIAL STUDIES
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SOCIAL STUDIES
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I READY MATH
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11:00am – 11:40pm
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SCIENCE
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SCIENCE
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SCIENCE
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SCIENCE
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HEALTH
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11:40pm - 12:20pm
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PHYSICAL EDUCATION
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I READY ELA
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MUSIC
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I READY MATH
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12:20pm – 1:00pm
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LUNCH
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LUNCH
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LUNCH
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LUNCH
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1:00pm – 1:40pm
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MYON READING
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MYON READING
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MYON READING
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MYON READING
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1:40PM – 2:20PM
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INDEPENDENT STUDY
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INDEPENDENT STUDY
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INDEPENDENT STUDY
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INDEPENDENT STUDY
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GRADE 7
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MONDAY
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TUESDAY
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WEDNESDAY
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THURSDAY
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FRIDAY
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9:00am – 9:40am
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SCIENCE
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SCIENCE
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SCIENCE
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SCIENCE
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MYON READING
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9:40am – 10:20am
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SOCIAL STUDIES
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SOCIAL STUDIES
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SOCIAL STUDIES
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SOCIAL STUDIES
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I READY ELA
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10:20am – 11:00am
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MATH
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MATH
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MATH
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MATH
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I READY MATH
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11:00am – 11:40pm
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ELA
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ELA
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ELA
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ELA
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HEALTH
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11:40pm - 12:20pm
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Independent Study
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I READY ELA
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MYON READING
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I READY MATH
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MUSIC
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12:20pm – 1:00pm
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LUNCH
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LUNCH
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LUNCH
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LUNCH
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1:00pm – 1:40pm
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MYON READING
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MYON READING
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MYON READING
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1:40PM – 2:20PM
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INDEPENDENT STUDY
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INDEPENDENT STUDY
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INDEPENDENT STUDY
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INDEPENDENT STUDY
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GRADE 8
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MONDAY
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TUESDAY
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WEDNESDAY
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THURSDAY
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FRIDAY
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9:00am – 9:40am
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MATH
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MATH
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MATH
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MATH
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MYON READING
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9:40am – 10:20am
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ELA
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ELA
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ELA
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ELA
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I READY ELA
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10:20am – 11:00am
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SOCIAL STUDIES
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SOCIAL STUDIES
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SOCIAL STUDIES
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SOCIAL STUDIES
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I READY MATH
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11:00am – 11:40pm
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SCIENCE
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SCIENCE
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SCIENCE
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SCIENCE
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HEALTH
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11:40pm - 12:20pm
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MUSIC
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I READY ELA
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MYON READING
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I READY MATH
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Physical Education
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12:20pm – 1:00pm
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LUNCH
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LUNCH
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LUNCH
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LUNCH
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1:00pm – 1:40pm
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MYON READING
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MYON READING
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INDEPENDENT STUDY
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MYON READING
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1:40PM – 2:20PM
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INDEPENDENT STUDY
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INDEPENDENT STUDY
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INDEPENDENT STUDY
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4/6/2020
Dear MSTA families,
First and foremost, I hope that you are doing well. I understand that these are challenging and unprecedented times and want you to know that we are here to support you in any way that we can. This week, Governor Cuomo announced that the Spring Break scheduled from April 9 through April 17 is cancelled due to city’s ongoing fight against the Corona virus. While this change may not be popular for students and parents who were hoping to take advantage of a scheduled break from learning, the Governor’s Office believes consistency for our school children with regard to instruction and food is a priority and should continue unabated.
Please ensure that your students log in to their classes daily in order to ensure that their attendance is recorded. In order to support our students and families with remote learning, we will be making some changes to the remote learning schedule beginning the week of April 13, 2020. More information on this will be forthcoming.
In addition, we are looking to providing our students with opportunities to continue with the following enrichment programs provided by our community partners:
* Music production and podcasting courses through Fyre Zone
* College Access for All for 7th grader’s
* Tutoring and student supports via Practice Makes Perfect in ELA
and Mathematics
Again, I would like to thank all of our families for their incredible hard work in ensuring that remote learning is occurring and that our students are receiving uninterrupted instruction. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need anything at all. I miss our students and hope to see them soon! Be safe.
3/27/2020
Principal’s message 03/27/2020
Dear MSTA families,
We have successfully completed Week one of MSTA Google Classroom! We know that there were many challenges but appreciate everyone’s patience as we move to this new type of learning. Our teachers and students have handled this transition well and we know we’ll continue to improve as we gain more experience and access to needed technology. Please review our website at www.msta318.org for daily updates and resources.
Remember, it is vital that students “attend” school (starting at 9:00 am) according to their schedule and complete assignments on-time. This will help ensure we have enough evidence of learning for promotion decisions. Teachers are taking attendance based on students’ being online during class and members of the MSTA staff are following up with the families of students who are not online to provide support.
Families that do not have a PupilPath account should download the app and register for an account to receive important information from MSTA and monitor your child’s academic performance. You do not need a special code anymore but you will need your child’s OSIS number (Student ID). Please note: MSTA is listed as IS 318 – School of Math, Science and Math Technology through Art.
Here are some tips to help you with the transition to online learning:
The New York Public Library is offering online tutoring to students from 2:00 pm - 11:00 pm.
New York Public Library Online Tutoring
Here is some additional information from NYC Department of Education:
Meals: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/food/free-meals
Technology: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learn-at-home/ipad-distribution
State tests: http://www.nysed.gov/news/2020/statement-board-regents-chancellor-betty-rosa-and- interim-state-education-commissioner-2
Please continue to monitor the e-mail account you used to register for PupilPath as well as the DOE's website to stay informed.
Warm regards,
Suleika Dotel
Principal
3/24/2020
3/20/2020
Student Email Passwords were changed to student ID numbers
Remote Learning Device Request Form - To help students stay connected during emergencies, the DOE is lending internet-enabled iPads to support remote learning for students. If you would like to request a device for a NYC student in your family, please fill out the Request form. The DOE will use the contact information you provide to get in touch with you to discuss when and where you can pick up a device. Priority will be given to students most in need, and all devices are granted on a temporary basis and will later need to be returned. There is a limit of one device per student. click the link---> Remote Learning Request for Device
Message from Principal Dotel:
Dear MSTA families,
Keeping our students and families safe, healthy, and informed as the situation surrounding the COVID-19 virus evolves is our priority. We understand that this transition to remote learning will have a significant impact on our students, families, and community stakeholders. We want to acknowledge the very real feelings surrounding this, support one another by checking in, and, to the greatest degree possible, create community in our remote learning spaces.
Over the coming weeks MSTA, will be transitioning to instruction mainly through the Google Classroom interface. Starting this upcoming Monday, March 23, all classes will be posting daily classwork by 8:15am. Each class will have a daily classwork participation assignment due by the end of the day, to the extent possible. The assignment will count as participation. Additionally, students will have longer weekly assignments that will be due at each teacher’s discretion.
To the extent possible, we ask that all students and families are proactive and display a willingness to take changes and learn. To the best of their ability, students should complete daily participation activities in all of their classes no later than 3:00pm. We expect that all students participate in check-ins with their prospective teachers and google classroom discussions.
We also ask that families continue to support students in being successful by establishing routines and habits that support their success in remote learning. Examples of this can be:
• Designating a “workstation”
• Creating a daily schedule
• Notifying teachers and administrators of any questions or concerns.
Although we are going remote, we still expect our students to adhere to the school rules and conduct for appropriate behavior. We recognize that this is a difficult and ever-changing situation and will do our best to keep you all as up to date as possible. Please go to our website www.msta318.org for the latest websites and information along with the New York City Department of Education at www.schools.nyc.gov
Please understand that as teachers, administrators, and parents we are in uncharted territory and this situation is new to us all. As we progress with this process we ask for your patience as our teachers and students adjust to our remote learning process.
In Solidarity,
Suleika Dotel
Principal, I.A.
– – – – – – –
Estimadas familias de MSTA:
Mantener a nuestros estudiantes y familias seguros, saludables e informados a medida que evoluciona la situación que rodea al virus COVID-19 es nuestra prioridad. Entendemos que esta transición al aprendizaje remoto tendrá un impacto significativo en nuestros estudiantes, familias y partes interesadas de la comunidad. Queremos reconocer los sentimientos muy reales que rodean esto, apoyarse mutuamente al registrarse y, en el mayor grado posible, crear comunidad en nuestros espacios de aprendizaje remotos.
En las próximas semanas, MSTA hará la transición a la instrucción principalmente a través de la interfaz de Google en el aula. A partir del próximo lunes 23 de marzo, todas las clases publicarán el trabajo de clase diario a las 8:15 a.m. Cada clase tendrá una asignación diaria de participación en el trabajo de clase al final del día, en la medida de lo posible. La tarea contará como participación y además los estudiantes tendrán tareas semanales más largas que se entregarán a discreción de cada maestro.
En la medida de lo posible, pedimos que todos los estudiantes y sus familias sean proactivos y muestren una disposición a aceptar cambios y aprender. Lo mejor que puedan, los estudiantes deben completar las actividades de participación diaria en todas sus clases a más tardar a las 3:00 p.m. Esperamos que todos los estudiantes participen en los registros con sus maestros en perspectiva y las discusiones en el aula de Google.
También pedimos que las familias continúen apoyando a los estudiantes para que tengan éxito estableciendo rutinas y hábitos que respalden su éxito en el aprendizaje remoto. Ejemplos de esto pueden ser:
• Designación de una "estación de trabajo"
• Crear un horario diario
• Notificar a los maestros y administradores de cualquier pregunta o inquietud.
Aunque nos estamos volviendo remotos, aún esperamos que nuestros estudiantes se adhieran a las reglas y conductas de la escuela para un comportamiento apropiado. Reconocemos que esta es una situación difícil y en constante cambio y haremos todo lo posible para mantenerlos a todos lo más actualizados posible. Visite nuestro sitio web www.msta318.org para obtener los últimos sitios web e información junto con el Departamento de Educación de la Ciudad de Nueva York en www.schools.nyc.gov
Por favor, comprenda que, como maestros, administradores y padres, estamos en un territorio desconocido y esta situación es nueva para todos nosotros. A medida que avanzamos con este proceso, le pedimos paciencia mientras nuestros maestros y estudiantes se adaptan a nuestro proceso de aprendizaje remoto.
En solidaridad,
Suleika Dotel
Director, I.A.
3/18/2020
Families can come to MSTA to sign out a laptop for at-home instruction on Wednesday, March 18th and Thursday, March 19th. Parents or guardians indicated on the student's blue card must be present to sign out a laptop. Please see the time slots below.
6th Grade Pick Up Time Slot: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM.
7th Grade Pick Up Time Slot: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM.
8th Grade Pick Up Time Slot: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
3/17/2020
Breakfast and lunch are being served for students in the MSTA cafeteria every Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Even though schools are closed, students are invited to stop in to receive free meals.
3/15/2020
All NYC public schools will be closed until April 20, 2020. We will be providing digital learning beginning on March 23, 2020.
For the most up to date information regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/health-and-wellness/coronavirus-update
3/12/2020
Please be advised we are postponing the Saturday Academy program. This also includes the Saturday Academy field trip to the Broadway Theater this Saturday 3/14/2020. We will provide more information on when programs will commence again.
3/12/2020
Please be advised we are postponing the after school programs listed below. We will provide more information on when programs will commence again.
· Math Regents Prep
· Living Environment Prep
· Band Practice
3/12/2020
Dear MSTA Families,
We were recently informed that the Chancellor has made the decision to cancel all NYC DOE in person (face to face) student conferences scheduled for the month of March. This means that conferences tomorrow will no longer take place with your child and teacher in school. Instead, your child's classroom teachers will reach out via phone tomorrow Friday, March 13, 2020 to conduct a modified conference with you during the times listed below. We will distribute report cards to students tomorrow, Friday, March 13, 2020. Please remember to check your student’s backpack.
Afternoon Session 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Evening session 4:30pm to 7:00pm
Please do not come to the school. Grade teams will reach out to families via telephone during the times above. Once again, in an effort to stay safe and cautious, conferences will be held remotely and no longer in person tomorrow. Students will still follow a half day schedule and will be dismissed at 11:30am. There are no after school activities scheduled on this day. As is normally the case, parents who are unable to connect with teachers during parent-teacher conferences tomorrow may contact the school to schedule conferences during the weekly Parent Engagement time every Tuesday from 2:30pm to 3:35pm.