Parent and Family News

August 28, 2023 marked 60 years since Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic speech “I Have a Dream”. We often indeed remember him for his "I Have a Dream", but his impact on education was equally profound; leaving a strong legacy in the field of education that to this day continues to inspire educators and policymakers, making quality and inclusive education a priority.

MLK and Title VI: the primary law that protects students from discrimination in educational programs or activities

Dr. King was a civil rights leader and a firm supporter of education. He believed that education was the key to breaking the chains of discrimination and creating a fairer world. His vision was simple yet powerful: every person, regardless of their background, should have access to quality education. He acknowledged that unequal access to education leads to a cycle of poverty and inequality, and identified education as a game-changer, a pathway to a better life. Dr. King believed that education was key to unlocking the full potential of all individuals and that it was essential for all people to have access to high-quality educational opportunities.

Back in the 1960s, Dr. King fought against the injustice of segregated schools. His dedication and determination played a significant role in the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a crucial step toward making education more equitable. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 states:

“No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

Still to this day, Title VI is the primary education law that protects students from discrimination in educational programs or activities, becoming one of the most important tools in desegregating public schools in the United States.

Fast forward to today, Dr. King's legacy continues to shape the pursuit of racial justice and equality in education, not only in the United States but in the whole world. His words and actions serve as a powerful reminder that education is not just a basic right, but also a powerful tool for social change. He showed us that education is about empowerment, by providing opportunities to all students equally.

Inclusive Education in the European Education Area

Dr. King's message is especially relevant today. As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of his iconic speech, we're reminded that the dream isn't fully realized yet. There's still work to be done to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have access to the education they deserve.

Within the framework of the European Education Area, the European Union promotes cooperation among Member States to enhance the resilience and inclusiveness of national education and training systems. While challenges persist, efforts have been made to create a more equitable education landscape.

In the Renewed EU agenda for higher education - adopted by the European Commission in 2017, which aims to provide a set of initiatives to support the modernization of higher education - Building inclusive and connected higher education systems is identified as one of the four challenges corresponding to priorities for action.

“Higher education must play its part in facing up to Europe’s social and democratic challenges. This means ensuring that higher education is inclusive, open to talent from all backgrounds (...) Systematic cooperation between HEIs, schools and VET providers is needed to prepare and guide students based on their talents, not their background, and provide flexible pathways between the different types of education and training (...) Making higher education systems inclusive also requires the right conditions for students of different backgrounds to succeed. This goes beyond the question of financial support for disadvantaged groups, although this is vital for those from low-income backgrounds. To promote successful completion of studies, higher education providers should take a holistic look at how teaching and assessment are organised, put measures in place to mentor students and provide academic and non-academic support. HEI campuses should be safe places for all students, free from gender-based violence and discrimination”

Source: Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, The Council, The European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on a renewed EU agenda for higher education.

In commemorating the 60th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, we find ourselves not only reflecting on a historic moment but also recognizing the enduring impact of his ideals, particularly in the realm of education. While he is celebrated for his powerful words and his pursuit of civil rights, his influence on education equality remains just as significant today. We must recognize that the dream he shared 60 years ago is still unfolding and that this shared aspiration for education that knows no bounds brings us closer to the realization of his dream. It reaffirms the idea that education shall not be a privilege but a catalyst for transformative change, breaking barriers, and fostering unity.

Written by: Gloria Quarantani, August 28th, 2023

Next week students will be taking their iReady Math Winter diagnostic assessments to measure their growth since September. i-Ready Diagnostic & Instruction helps teachers to effectively assess their students and then provide individualized instruction based on each student’s unique needs. i-Ready Math Diagnostic & Instruction assesses and teaches the following skill areas:

• Number and Operations

• Algebra and Algebraic Thinking

• Measurement and Data

• Geometry

Just like the Reading assessment students took last week, this is an an adaptive assessment, which s a test that automatically adjusts the difficulty of the questions according to each student’s performance in order to determine their abilities in reading or math. Before your child begins the assessment, it’s important to set appropriate expectations. i-Ready is a very different kind of test that presents students with questions that can be both too easy and too hard. It is designed to do this until the assessment finds exactly the level at which the student is performing. Therefore, your child will certainly see some items above his or her level. Encourage your child to complete the test to the best of their ability, and know that it is okay to get questions wrong. Each time a student gets an item incorrect, they will be presented with a simpler question until the diagnostic finds the grade level at which the student is performing. The assessment efficiently assesses students across multiple grade levels, allowing for identification of root causes of students’ struggles or for identification of areas where a student is ready for further challenge. This information will then provide the teacher with a “road map” to instructional remediation. Once your child completes the test, their online instruction is adjusted for their newest level to support their progress in mastering each skill. The online instruction is designed to be both challenging and engaging. i-Ready delivers instruction using engaging, contemporary animation; the lessons are also interactive. These lessons are proven to help students grow academically. In addition, i-Ready Diagnostic & Instruction supports the teachers and administrators at school. The program provides a series of comprehensive reports designed to make classroom instruction more effective. These reports include data about student performance as well as detailed teaching suggestions. They help educators make informed decisions about the instruction that is right for your child. Please help your children by asking them about these assessment, how they did and encourage them to do their best and take the assessments seriously.

Jan. 17 - Parent Meeting Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83916198881?pwd=zWbVVcE8MQ4XJDSjNIrZLmtb9NJjzZ.1

Jan. 18 - Steam Night

Jan. 22-25 - I-Ready Math Assessment

Jan. 24 - Tax Workshop 5:00-6:30 pm

Jan. 29 - Home Basketball Game

Feb. 2 - Lockdown Drill

Feb. 8 - 1st Grade Field Trip

Feb. 9 - Black History Showcase

Feb. 12-Feb. 16 - Spirit Week, Flyer Coming Soon

Feb. 19- Feb. 23 - No School Feburary Break

We have been talking about the importance of attendance since the summer. Please remember NYS Education Department has defined any student who misses 10% or more school days, as Chronically Absent. Both excused and non-excused absences count towards student being considered Chronically Absent. Non-excused absents, which includes all absences we do not receive a written excuse for as well as those, such as vacation or transportation that NYS does not consider excused. Missing just two days a month of school―for any reason― can be a problem for kids in a number of ways. Children who are chronically absent in kindergarten and first grade are less likely to read on grade level by the third grade. For older students, being chronically absent is strongly associated with failing at school―even more than low grades or test scores. When absences add up, these students are more likely to be suspended and drop out of high school. Chronic absenteeism is also linked with teen substance use, as well as poor health as adults.

Please help support your scholars educational success by having them at school, all day, everyday.