Administration's Corner

Dear Parents and Families,

Thank you for your support, cooperation, and participation in helping our 300+ students' transition back to school this year! Teachers have so enjoyed beginning to get to know their students during the month of September by completing SEL (Social Emotional Learning) activities and Beginning of Year Diagnostic Assessments to know where each child is academically. This strategic testing will allow teachers to address the needs of students on an individual level and identify their current proficiency level.

Lost Items: Many children misplace personal belongings within the scope of the school day. To ensure that lost items are returned to your child in a timely manner, please make sure that personal items are properly labeled. Writing your child's name and class on the inside labels of clothing will increase the likelihood that the personal item will be returned. Thank you in advance for your cooperation with this matter.

PARENT COMMUNICATION: Our school community thrives when we can cooperate with one another, and problem solve in productive and child focused ways. As this school year unfolds, parents are encouraged to maintain ongoing contact with their child's teacher throughout the school year. You can maintain contact with your child's teachers through our BLOOMZ parent communication App or simply leaving a message in the main office. If you require a more convenient appointment time, please do not hesitate to notify your child's teacher of your scheduling needs in writing, or by contacting Ms. Hawkins Parent Coordinator at (347) 594 - 9378.

LUNCH APPLICATIONS- While school lunches are now free for all NYCDOE students regardless of income eligibility status, school families are still required to complete a school lunch form. The data collected from school lunch forms will help eligible schools to obtain Title I funding. Title I funding helps schools to get the needed resources and funding for school programs. Consequently, families are urged to submit a new School Meals Application immediately. Please visit the following website to complete the online application process: http://www.schoolfoodnyc.org/publicl

PROJECT EMPOWER AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM: will begin for grades Kindergarten through fifth grade on October 7th

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PREPARATION AT HOME: Remember you are your child's first teacher. Children take their signals of what is important directly from you. Consequently, parents who strive to role model a love for reading will also instill this behavior in their children. Parents are encouraged to provide a variety of reading materials in your home for all members of the family and set an example by making sure your child sees you reading every day. With strong support from home, our teachers will have well-motivated children in the classroom who will have the potential to excel far beyond expectations.

HOMEWORK: Homework is assigned daily and reinforces the instruction that is currently taking place within your child's classroom. Parents are strongly encouraged to check the completion of their child's homework regularly. A parent's signature will denote that your child's homework is neat and complete. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.

UNIFORM SCHOOL: Student must be in uniform daily! (White Shirt, Blue Pants PreK-2) (White Shirt, Khaki Pants 3-5). Thank you in advance for your cooperation and look forward to a productive year working with you and your scholar.

Educationally yours,

Dex J. Baptiste

Principal

Dear Parents/Guardians,

I am very honored and excited to be joining the Ralph Bunche School as the new Interim Acting Assistant Principal. This will be my 22nd year in education. I graduated from City College with a master’s degree in Literacy Acquisition from Birth to Grade 2. In addition, I received my second masters in School Building Leadership from Mercy College. As a New York native, I have always had the desire to fulfill a school building leadership role in the field of education in this diverse city I have always called home. I am fortunate to have this opportunity to pursue a leadership role at such an amazing school where students are learning and continuing to grow as leaders. As a former Educational Administrator with District 27, I am proud to bring with me 7 years of leadership experience and knowledge to begin my new journey at The Ralph Bunche School.

I look forward to learning more about you and your child/children as we work together to continue providing a positive, engaging, and rigorous learning environment for all students. I will uphold the vision of the school, “to offer students an equitable learning environment where we can empower students to acquire, demonstrate, articulate, and value knowledge and skills that will support them as life-long learners.”

As the new Assistant Principal, I will work to support students academically, socially, and emotionally. I believe in the potential of every student, and that together we must prepare them to be world class citizens by continuing to provide experiences that are relevant, challenging, and meets the needs of each individual student. I strongly believe in open communication and a home/ school connection. Please feel free to contact me anytime if you have any questions or concerns. As we take on new challenges and continue to meet new goals, together, we will accomplish our shared vision that every child succeeds at The Ralph Bunche School.

Educationally yours,

Ms. Lakeesha Elliott

Assistant Principal