
Halloween Message to Families
IEY Castle News Oct. 25, 2024 🎃 Growing Minds of All Kinds
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Principal's Message
Dear IEYMS Families,
Halloween is quickly approaching. During this time of the year, students are eager to know if they can wear costumes to school for Halloween. While we allow students to dress up, there are guidelines that students must follow.
COSTUME GUIDELINES
- Students may not wear anything with messages, hate speech, props, accessories, or clothing that violates any component of the Code of Conduct.
- Students may not wear any type of mask or face covering that obscures or covers the entire face. We must be able to identify who you are.
- Full face masks are not allowed.
- Costumes cannot drag the floor or be a tripping hazard.
- Costumes must be single-person costumes and cannot require multiple persons.
- No toys, props, or accessories that mimic weapons or represent danger or inappropriate acts.
- Costumes may not expel smoke, scents, water, or other potentially harmful chemicals or anything that may cause an allergic reaction.
- Keep it fun! Costumes that represent violence and gruesome acts may not be worn to school.
- Costumes must be physical education-friendly. Students who have PE are required to participate in physical education activities.
Students who want to participate but do not want to wear a costume may choose to wear wacky wigs, crazy hats, colorful socks, or large sunglasses. Please remind your child that while Halloween is a fun evening, it is still a school day, and the expectations of school are still required. Finally, it is perfectly okay for students to wear regular school clothes.
Dates to Remember
October 28-Nov 1: Red Ribbon Spirit Week
October 30: ABA and Life Skills Stuarts Farm Apple Picking
October 31: Halloween
November 3: Clocks Fall Back Daylight Savings Time Ends
November 5: Schools Closed Superintendents Conference Day
November 6: SEPTA Meeting
November 7: Board of Education Meeting
November 11: Schools Closed Veterans Day
November 12: End of 1st Marking Period
November 13: IEYMS Food Pantry
November 15: America Recycles Day
November 18-22: 8th Grade Trip to Ellis Island
November 21: National Parents Involvement Day
November 25: Students Against Destructive Decisions 8th grade Assembly (SADD)
November 23: New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence Pancake Breakfast 8:00 am
November 23: New Rochelle Thanksgiving Parade 10:00 a.m.
November 27: Half Day All Schools
November 28-29: Schools Closed Happy Thanksgiving
- Dr. Robinson👻
Chromebooks
At IEYMS, we stress the importance of being responsible. It is a student's responsibility to be ready to learn and have all their supplies which include a charged Chromebook. Chromebooks must be charged and ready for use each day. Students without a Chromebook may borrow a loaner. Loaner devices must be turned into the library by 3:00 pm each day. Loaners may not be taken home. We have a limited number of loaners available for student use. The Acceptable Use Policy applies to all devices including loaners.
8th Grade News
Staying on Track for Success
This is an important year for students in grade 8. The first marking period ends on November 12. The high school has already hosted one Open House Night for rising ninth-grade students and the counselors are preparing to begin high school transition activities. Your child's time in middle school is quickly ending. There are fun and special events planned throughout the year for grade 8 students. However, events like the prom, Holiday Hills, ice skating, and other activities are recognition celebrations for those students who successfully meet the requirements of eighth grade.
Students must be in good academic and behavioral standing to participate in eighth-grade activities. This includes the end-of-the-year prom, Holiday Hills, and the Moving Up Ceremony. Students who fail two or more academic subjects cannot participate in the Moving Up Ceremony. Children who have demonstrated discipline problems, those who have a history of violating the Code of Conduct, those who engage in egregious behavior, and those who are considered chronically absent from school (non-medical) are not allowed to participate in end-of-the-year activities inclusive of the Moving Up Ceremony.
We want all our eighth graders' last year of middle school to be joyous and memorable. For this to happen, they must put in the work and do their part. Teachers are available for extra help a minimum of two days per week. Counselors and support staff are available to work with students who are struggling in school. If you have concerns about your child's academic and behavioral success, please reach out to the school counselor for assistance.
6th Grade News
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with an Author’s Visit with Mr. Pablo Cartaya
Organized by the Isaac E. Young Middle School Humanities Department, on October 11th, internationally acclaimed author, screenwriter, speaker, and educator Pablo Cartaya spent the day visiting with IEYMS students through a variety of literacy-driven activities.
Aspiring authors participated in writer’s workshop sessions where students developed manuscript-like writing for their own graphic novel concepts. In addition to facilitating writing exercises, Mr. Cartaya led in-depth text-based discussions with students where author's craft, universal themes, and character development were analyzed in his books titled, The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora, Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish, Each Spark, The Last Beekeeper, and his new graphic novel Curveball. Students formed personal connections to universal themes such as embracing cultural identity, using writing as a tool for advocacy, and gaining insight into diverse life experiences through reading.
The visit not only sparked their creative inspiration but also encouraged them to see literature as a powerful vehicle for personal expression and a platform to address social issues that are important to them. There will be more opportunities for our students to engage with professional writers, artists, and others who exist in creative spaces.
Students enjoyed attending their first trip to the Bronx Zoo on October 25th. They look forward to their next trip to the movies in December. Academically students are covering NYS Learning Standards. In ELA they will work in small book clubs to explore character traits and themes. In Math, students must become proficient in adding subtracting, multiplying, and dividing multi-digit decimals using a standard algorithm for each operation. In Science students will explore engineering and the scientific process by learning to conduct experiments. In Social Studies, students will continue learning about Mesopotamia and begin their study of Ancient Egypt.
Winter Sports Registration
Athletics registration is now open for the winter 2024-2025 season. Please register online at Arbiter Sports here: https://students.arbitersports.com/organizations/8088/programs
Registration for New Rochelle High School, Isaac Young Middle School, and Albert Leonard Middle School athletics began Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 8:00 AM and will continue until Saturday, November 16, 2024, until 8:00 PM. Winter season for Middle School Athletics will begin on Monday, November 25, 2024, for students in 7th and 8th grade ONLY. 6th-grade students are not eligible for middle school athletics.
For more information about athletics visit the New Rochelle City School District Athletics Department webpage. https://students.arbitersports.com/organizations/city-school-district-of-new-rochelle-athletics-department
October is Substance Abuse Prevention Month
Talking to Your Children About Substance Abuse
October is Substance Abuse Prevention Month, a time dedicated to highlighting the importance of preventing substance abuse and raising awareness about the risks associated with alcohol and drug use. Education and activities throughout this month focus on preventing initial substance use, reducing harm, and stopping further use. The IEYMS Y2Y club collaborates with the Student Council to plan a year-long campaign to bring awareness to the benefits of living a drug-free lifestyle. Here are some resources parents/guardians can use to talk with their children about substance prevention and use. If you have additional questions or believe your child may be engaging in substance use, contact Mr. Ryan Leak, our Student Assistance Counselor at 914-576-4360 ext.21693.
Parents,
Remember to wear red on Monday, October 28, in unity with IEYMS as we encourage healthy choices and a drug-free lifestyle. Take a picture with your child wearing red. Your child may be able to submit the picture for our next newsletter.
College and Career Readiness
Iona College offers afterschool, weekend, and summer programs for middle school students. While registration for the 2024-2025 after-school program is currently closed, please reach out to learn more about their summer program options. Their program seats fill quickly so the more you know, the quicker you can get your child signed up. Stay in the loop and get on their mailing list.