From the Principal's Pen

Dear Families,

I hope this message finds you and your family well and healthy. It is hard to believe but we are about to begin week 7 of distance learning. We still have not heard what will happen on May 20th but I believe the Governor is going to make an announcement next week. Thank you for your partnership during this time. I believe we have created a new definition of the meaning of our partnership. It has never been as important as the present time. Parents have provided positive feedback regarding teachers connecting with their students through email, phone calls, Google Classroom, SeeSaw, Flip Grid, and small group check-ins. I hope your child(ren) is feeling connected to their teachers and their classmates. If not, please reach out to your child’s teacher and let them know.

As you are aware all school activities including the spring concert are canceled. We are in the process of making plans for some of our traditional fun events such as the Talent Show and Grandparents Day. Stay tuned for upcoming information on these events.

School Spirit Activities

We find that school spirit activities are helping many of our families cope and have some fun! We have planned some new and simple activities for this week. I encourage you to post on twitter and tag me (@JCSPrincipal) and/or Mrs. Brush (@JCSEaglesAP) or send me a picture trish_mcguire@greenwich.k12.ct.us and I will post on Twitter. We also LOVE to see our students on our JC Community Flip Grid.

Week of April 27th:

• Maker Monday - Make something that represents your JC spirit!
• "Toes"day Tuesday - Wear your crazy socks and show them off!
• Wellness Wednesday- Tell us about a favorite healthy snack you are enjoying while you are home!
• Thoughtful Thursday - Do something thoughtful for a family member or friend and tell us about it!
• Fun Friday - Show off your JC spirit wear!

Office Hours

During the typical school year, students frequently stop in the office to touch base with me and/or Mrs. Brush. They come to talk, ask for help, suggest new ideas, or show off their great work. We miss those interactions. Therefore, beginning next week we will be holding open office hours for our students to stop in and meet with us for any reason at all. We will begin with one day a week and expand it if need be!

Office hours for students will be every Tuesday from 9:00 - 10:00 am. Simply click this link to be connected to us in a Google hangout.

https://meet.google.com/dge-nyug-pdx

Estimadas Familias,

Espero por medio de este mensaje que usted y su familia se encuentren bien y saludables. Es duro creerlo pero ya estamos entrando a la semana 7 de Aprendizaje en Distancia. Todavía no hemos escuchado que va a pasar después del 20 de mayo, pero creemos que el gobernador hará un anunció la próxima semana. Gracias por su asociación durante este tiempo. Creo que hemos creado una nueva definición del significado de asociación. Nunca ha sido tan importante en este tiempo presente. Los padres han proveído sus reacciones positivas respecto a los maestros en cuanto la manera de conexión con los estudiantes a través de correos electrónicos, llamadas telefónicas, Google Classroom, SeeSaw, Flip Grid y la supervisión de grupos pequeños. Espero que sus hijos estén conectados a sus maestros y compañeros de clase. Si no es asi, favor de comunicarse con los maestros de sus hijos y dejenle saber.

Como es de su conocimiento ya todas las actividades escolares están canceladas incluyendo el Concierto De Primavera. Estamos en el proceso de planificación para algunos de nuestros eventos tradicionales tales como la Presentación de Talento y Dia de los Abuelos. Estén pendientes a más información respecto a estos eventos.

Encontramos que las actividades escolares de espíritu están ayudando a muchas de nuestras familias a cómo adaptarse y divertirse. Hemos planificado algunas actividades nuevas y simples para esta semana. Le animamos a que la publiquen en Twitter y me buscan en @JCSPrincipal o la Sra. Brush @JCSEaglesAP o me pueden enviar una foto a trish_mcguire@greenwich.k12.ct.us y las publicó en Twitter. También nos gusta ver a nuestros estudiantes en en JC Community Grid.

Semana del 27 de abril

Lunes de Hacer- haz algo que represente tu espíritu en JC

Martes Dia de los Dedos- Usen sus calcetines locos.

Miércoles de Salud y Bienestar- háblanos de tu merienda saludable que disfrutas mientras estás en la casa.

Jueves Pensativo- haz algo pensativo que puedes hacer con un familiar o amigo

Viernes de Diversión- póngase la ropa de espíritu de JC.

Durante el año escolar típico, los estudiantes vienen donde mí o la Sra. Brush. Vienen a hablar, buscar ayuda, sugerir nuevas ideas o enseñar sus trabajos grandiosos. Extrañamos mucho estas interacciones. Por lo tanto, la semana que viene estaremos ofreciendo horarios de oficina para que nuestros estudiantes puedan parar en la oficina y vernos para cualquier razón que tengan. Comenzamos con un dia en la semana y se expandirá si se necesitan más días !

Horario de oficina para nuestros estudiantes- martes de 9-10 am. Simplemente oprima el enlace para conectarse con nosotros en Google Hangout.

https://meet.google.com/dge-nyug-pdx

Julian Curtiss School and North Mianus School Art Teacher Ms. Le Ann Hinkle was recently awarded the 2020 Connecticut Outstanding Art Educator of the Year by the Connecticut Art Education Association, in recognition for her significant contributions to the field of art education.

Greenwich Public School District Coordinator for the Arts and Music Ms. Laura Newell shared, “We are so proud that Le Ann was selected for this prestigious award. Our schools have such dedicated and passionate arts teachers, instilling a love of learning in our students and helping them to grow and develop their artistic abilities. Le Ann always goes above and beyond for her students, and it is great to see her recognized for her continuous contributions.”

Award Recipient Ms. Hinkle shared, “It is an honor to have the opportunity to represent Connecticut art educators and advocate for visual arts education. I am incredibly blessed to be in a district that continues to support my work with art educators across the country. My students are the brightest stars, always my inspiration for seeking out new solutions and innovative practices to best meet their needs.”

Congratulations, Ms. Hinkle! We are so fortunate to have you at Julian Curtiss!

Dear Parents,

Although we are in a time of crisis it is important for us to look ahead and begin to make plans for the next school year. Our teachers will soon begin the class placement process for the 2020-21 school year. We make class placement decisions based on the best interest of all children in the class and ask you to continue to trust our professional judgment in determining class placements. Our teachers see the full picture of learning styles, needs, and personalities when they are developing class make-up. Having said this, we do value input from parents as you are aware of the various teaching styles in your child’s academic career. As always, we will be following the Board of Education procedure regarding class placement:

In accordance with Board of Education procedure E040.17, The building principal will have the responsibility and the authority for the assignment of each student to his or her class and, therefore, his or her teacher with the best interests of the child in mind. The principals will not take requests to place children with particular teachers. The parent(s) will have the opportunity to inform the principal or designee in the spring prior to classroom assignments concerning the child's learning style, specialties and difficulties, and particular needs, personal or educational. The parent(s) is/are also encouraged to discuss with the principal the child's progress in the fall once classes are underway. However, the principal will make the final determination in placing all children.

To assist us in making this process easier during this time we have created an electronic survey with some questions for you to answer. If there is something imperative you feel would benefit our staff in the placement process, please provide us this information in the comments. Please click on the link below this letter to complete the survey. We ask for surveys to be completed by May 1st. Please remember your letter should not contain a request for a specific teacher.

As it stands now, Julian Curtiss is slated to have 14 sections for the 20-21 school year.

We are planning on 3 kindergartens, 3 fifth grades and 2 sections at grades 1-4. This is subject to change as our enrollment numbers may continue to change. Teacher assignments are not official and are subject to change so it is important that you speak to your child’s learning needs rather than your choice for a specific teacher.

Additionally, placement with a teacher that an older sibling had will not be automatic. All children have different needs and it is not a foregone conclusion that having a student placed with the same teacher as a sibling will be the best possible placement. We take each child’s academic and social-emotional needs into account when determining placement, therefore having a teacher you are familiar with may or may not be in the child’s best interest. It is important to note, teachers will reference these letters during the placement process, and I ask you to refrain from writing any negative comments about a particular teacher. Similarly, while there are occasions when it is necessary to ensure particular students not be placed together, we ask you to keep your peer requests to a minimum. It is vital for children to continue to develop new friendships at the elementary level.

Should you hear of new families moving into your neighborhood, please encourage them to contact Lisa Maniscalco (lisa_maniscalco@greenwich.k12.ct.us) or Chris Oca (chris_oca@greenwich.k12.ct.us) to register their children as soon as possible to ensure we have accurate enrollment projections.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and support. All surveys must be received by Friday, May 1, 2020. Formulating class lists is a lengthy process, therefore any requests coming in after this date will not be considered.

Sincerely,

Trish McGuire

Julian Curtiss Class Placement Survey 2020-2021

Estimados Padres,

Aunque estamos en un tiempo de crisis es importante para nosotros el mirar hacia adelante y comenzar hacer planes para el año escolar 2020-21. Nuestros maestros comenzarán a preparar las listas de clases para el año escolar 2020-21. Nosotros hacemos las decisiones de las listas de clases basado en el mejor interés de todos los niños en la clase y le pedimos que sigan confiando en nuestro juicio profesional para determinar la colocación de estudiantes en las listas para el próximo año. Nuestros maestros ven el cuadro completo de los estilos de aprendizaje, necesidades y personalidades cuando están desarrollando las listas. Dicho esto, nosotros sí valoramos su opinión ya que tienen conocimiento de los varios estilos de enseñanza en la carrera académicas de sus hijos. Como siempre, estaremos siguiendo los procedimientos de la Junta de Educación respecto a este asunto:

De acuerdo al procedimiento de la Junta de Educación E040.17, la directora escolar tiene la responsabilidad y autoridad para asignar a los estudiantes a la clase correspondiente el próximo año escolar, y, por lo tanto a su maestro(a) con el mejor interés del estudiante en mente. La directora no aceptará pedidos para ubicar a estudiantes con maestros particulares. Los padres tendrán la oportunidad de informar al director(a) en la primavera antes de la ubicación del estudiante respecto el estilo de aprendizaje, especialidades y dificultades, necesidades particulares, personales o educacional. Los padres están alentados a discutir con la directora el progreso del niño(a) en la primavera durante el trayecto de clases. Sin embargo, la directora tendrá la determinación final en la ubicación de los niños.

Para que nos asistan en hacer este proceso eficiente durante este tiempo, hemos creado un cuestionario electrónico con algunas preguntas a ser contestadas. Si hay algo imperativo que usted cree que beneficiará al personal en el proceso de colocación, favor de escribirlo en los comentarios. Le pedimos que esté completado y sometido para el 1ro. de mayo. Recuerde que en los comentarios no puede solicitar un maestro en específico.

Hasta el momento, Julian Curtiss tendrá 14 secciones para el próximo año escolar 20-21. Tendremos 3 secciones en kindergarten, tres secciones en quinto grado y dos secciones en los grados 1-4.Esto está sujeto a cambios si los números de colocación continúan cambiando. La asignación de maestros está sujeta a cambios tambien. Favor de hablar con sus hijos de sus necesidades de aprendizaje antes de fijarse en un maestro en específico.

Adicionalmente, la colocación con un maestro de un hermano(a) no sera automatica. Todos los estudiantes tienen diferentes necesidades y no será la conclusión de que los hermanos estuvieron con un maestro específico para la colocación. Nosotros tenemos en cuenta las necesidades socio-emocionales cuando hacemos las colocaciones. Favor de no escribir comentarios negativos respecto a un maestro. Tratamos de no colocar algunos estudiantes juntos. Así que le pedimos que sus pedidos sean mínimos. Es vital que los estudiantes desarrollen nuevas amistades al nivel elemental.

Si escuchan de familias nuevas en su vecindario, favor de decirles que se comuniquen con Lisa Maniscalco (lisa_maniscalco@greenwich.k12.ct.us) o Chris Oca (chris_oca@greenwich.k12.ct.us) para registrar a sus hijos lo más pronto posible para asegurar la proyección de colocación.

Gracias por su continua cooperación y apoyo. Todos los cuestionarios deben de ser recibidos en o antes del 1ro. de mayo de 2020. Preparando las listas consume mucho tiempo, las cartas recibidas después de esta fecha no serán consideradas.

Sinceramente,

Trish McGuire

Formulario para padres - Listas para clases 2020-2021

Be on the lookout for more information about our upcoming VIRTUAL talent show!!

Mrs. McGuire, Mrs. Brush, and many members of our JC Staff are doing read-alouds from home! Some of our students are even joining in. Please click on the link below to enjoy some wonderful stories!

JC Reads Together

Sign Up for Next Week's Virtual Programs!

Registration is now open for next week's virtual sessions of some of our most popular educational programs! Students, families, and individuals are welcome to take part in these live-streaming virtual programs. All programs require advance reservations to receive the needed link.

Monday, April 27

Fish Tales (Toddler - Kindergarten) at 10 a.m.

Life Between The Tides (Grades 3-5) at 2 p.m.

Shark Safari (Kindergarten - Grade 2) at 4 p.m.

Tuesday, April 28

Similarities & Differences (Kindergarten - Grade 2) at 2 p.m.

All About Seals (All Ages) at 4 p.m.

Wednesday, April 29

Fish Tales (Toddler - Kindergarten) at 2 p.m.

Citizen Science (Grades 6-12) at 4 p.m.

Thursday, April 30

Shark Safari (Kindergarten - Grade 2) at 2 p.m.

NEW! Your Coast & Climate Change (Grades 6-12) at 4 p.m.

Friday, May 1

Fish Tales (Toddler - Kindergarten) at 1 p.m.

All About Seals (All Ages) at 4 p.m.

Register by visiting https://www.maritimeaquarium.org/virtual-programs

There is a live osprey cam in Cos Cob Harbor! This live video provides a unique, genuine, and close-up view of Osprey, a migratory bird that breeds in Connecticut in the spring and summer. During the breeding season, you will have a chance to observe nature in action through the daily lives of the Osprey occupying this platform as they build their nest, feed, incubate their eggs, and care for their young. There are currently two eggs in the nest and they are expected to hatch by the end of May/middle of June. You can access the camera and learn more about ospreys through the webpage for Audubon Connecticut by clicking the link below.

https://ct.audubon.org/act-osprey-cam

Wishing our families who celebrate Ramadan Mubarak. May you and your families experience, joy, harmony, and good health!

Julian Curtiss Magnet School of World Languages

Email: trish_mcguire@greenwich.k12.ct.us
Website: www.greenwichschools.org/jcs
Location: 180 East Elm Street, Greenwich, CT, USA
Phone: (203) 869-1896
Twitter: @jcsprincipal