Family Pathfinder Week of 11/24/24
Family Pathfinder Week of November 24th
"We must protect the forests for our children, grandchildren and children yet to be born. We must protect the forests for those who can't speak for themselves such as the birds, animals, fish and trees."
— Qwatsinas (Hereditary Chief Edward Moody), Nuxalk Nation
"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members."
— Coretta Scott King
November 24, 2024,
Good afternoon I.S. 254 families,
I hope this message finds you well as we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday. This time of year reminds us of the importance of gratitude, and at I.S. 254, we are thankful every day for the opportunity to work with your children and to partner with you in their success.
Reflecting on Student and Family Insights
Last week, during the deputy superintendent’s visit, we engaged in meaningful conversations with students and families. Students shared that they feel safe and supported in our school community, which is always a top priority. They also expressed interest in more hands-on and experiential learning opportunities—something we’ll continue to explore together. Families voiced their appreciation for the support they receive from the school, while also emphasizing a desire for increased communication and more in-person events. These insights are invaluable as we strive to strengthen our partnership with you.
Thanksgiving: A Time for Gratitude
As we head into this shorter week, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you. At I.S. 254, we believe that gratitude is not just reserved for one day—it’s something we practice daily in our work, our relationships, and our commitment to one another.
While Thanksgiving is a celebratory time for many, we also recognize that it can be a challenging season for members of our community who are reminded of loved ones they’ve lost or face other hardships. Let us approach this time with empathy, compassion, and a commitment to supporting one another. Together, we continue to create a school environment that uplifts and encourages every student and family.
Supporting Our Students
As the holiday season approaches, we remain mindful of the unique needs of our students. For many, school is more than a place of learning—it’s a safe, consistent, and nurturing environment where they feel a sense of belonging. We are committed to ensuring that every child continues to experience that sense of safety and care, especially during this time of year.
Upcoming Events
Here’s what’s ahead:
- Thanksgiving Break: No school Thursday, November 28th, and Friday, November 29th.
- Winter Arts Showcase: Join us on the afternoon of December 20th for our Winter Arts Showcase, sponsored by ACDP. This special event will celebrate our students’ creativity and talents, and we look forward to seeing you there!
Stay Connected
Communication is key to building a strong partnership between home and school. If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback, please do not hesitate to reach out. For general inquiries, our Parent Coordinator, Ms. Dominguez, is here to assist you. You can contact her at (718) 220-8700 or via email at ydominguez4@schools.nyc.gov.
Additionally, stay informed and connected by downloading the I.S. 254 App:
The app provides real-time updates, access to student data, event reminders, and more. It’s a great way to stay engaged in your child’s education and connected to our school community.
Thank you for all you do to support your child’s success and to make I.S. 254 a thriving community. Wishing you and your family a peaceful and gratitude-filled Thanksgiving holiday.
Warm regards,
Javier Ocampo, Principal
EXERCISE CHALLENGE
As Thanksgiving Day, the nation’s official (albeit certainly not exclusive) day for expressing gratitude nears, our entire BPW staff would like to express its gratitude for all members of its school communities. We are thankful to have you partnering with us as we grow and as we share wellness in its myriad forms, throughout the world. Thank you for believing in
our vision, our tools, and our devoted staff!
We invite you to take a few minutes to meditate on gratitude - by yourself, with your students, with your family and loved ones!
Here’s our suggestion for how to do this:
- Sit comfortably with your spine straight and close your eyes (or just lower them if preferred).
- Become aware of your breath: breathe deeply but gently in through your nose, filling your belly and then your chest with oxygen… then slowly exhale out through your mouth.
- Think about who and what in your life you are grateful for and why. You can reflect upon family members, close friends, or teachers, yourself, your body and organs, animals, nature, an event or opportunity that is coming up that excites or inspires you… the options are endless!
- Consider journaling or sharing aloud with someone your reflections on gratitude. Writing and speaking aloud words of gratitude can be a powerful way to amplify the gratitude you generated during your meditation!
Try focusing upon this feeling of gratitude throughout your day today. Practice showing your gratitude for the people, animals, nature, and environment around you.
To see the Gratitude Meditation activity video, CLICK HERE
