ICAHN CHARTER SCHOOLS
Monthly E-Newsletter - December 2024
Message from Superintendent, Lawford Cunningham
Happy Holidays Icahn Families,
As the end of the calendar year approaches, I want to thank you for your ongoing support in our School Community. Thus far, and I hope it continues, the collaboration between students, families, and staff has made the school year a memorable and successful one. I look forward to our continued growth throughout the upcoming months.
During this Holiday Season, I hope you find the time to enjoy your family and friends. Always remember to take time to reflect on what you have!
As always, thank you for being an essential piece to our School Community. We all look forward to our continued collaboration in the year ahead.
I hope that the Holiday Season is filled with peace and happiness.
Happy Holidays,
Superintendent Cunningham and the Icahn School Community
Making the Most of Winter Break - Yalitza Vasquez, Deputy Superintendent
Winter break is a time for kids to relax, recharge, and enjoy some quality moments with family. It’s a chance to take a break from school, catch up on rest, and do the things they love. While we hope your family enjoys a peaceful and relaxing holiday season, we also want to make sure students return in January feeling refreshed, focused, and ready to dive back into learning. A little planning can help ensure this break is both restful and productive for your child. Here are some ideas to help:
Create a Winter Break Routine
Too much unstructured time during winter break can leave kids feeling restless or unfocused. To help, consider setting up a simple daily schedule or calendar. Include the assignments provided in your child’s school packet and break them down into smaller, manageable tasks to avoid overwhelming them. Pair these learning moments with fun rewards or games to keep your child engaged and motivated. Kids thrive on structure, and a balanced routine that combines focused activities with time to relax and play can make the holidays and break both enjoyable and productive.
Manage Screen Time
While it’s tempting to relax screen time rules, too much can contribute to developmental delays, anxiety, and mood challenges.
Explore NYC: Free and Low-Cost Family Adventures
Take advantage of New York City’s many free or affordable attractions this winter. From museums and memorials to art-filled spaces, there’s something for everyone. Some venues are always free, while others offer free admission on select days or during certain hours. Explore the city’s cultural gems with your family. Discover free museums in NYC:
https://www.nyctourism.com/articles/free-museums-in-nyc/
and find more low-cost activities here
https://www.nyc.gov/site/childcare/for-families/free-or-low-cost-activities-for-families.page
Discover the Best Books of 2024: Visit Your Local Library
Enrich your child’s winter break with great reads! The New York Public Library’s Best Books of 2024 features top recommendations for all ages, from fiction and nonfiction to poetry and kids’ books in Spanish. Stop by your local library to explore these selections and discover even more resources to inspire your family. Check out the list here:
https://www.nypl.org/books-more/recommendations/best-books/kids?year=2024
By blending rest, exploration, and meaningful activities, you can create a winter break that’s both restorative and memorable for your family.
Thank you to Mrs. Phyllis Steeil and the St. John's Church in Leonia NJ, for gifting EVERY ICAHN STUDENT a holiday gift. These gifts reflected Mrs. Steeil's thoughtfulness and attention to what the Holiday Season is really about. The smiles on the students' faces said it all. They were so appreciative of the gifts they received.
Library Services at the Icahn Charter Schools
At the Pelham Campus, the library is buzzing with excitement this December as students dive into festive activities and meaningful lessons:
- K-2nd Grade: Students will enjoyed the story Olive, the Other Reindeer and made their own magical reindeer food to guide Santa’s sleigh!
- 3rd-4th Grade: Creativity meets research as students crafted ornaments inspired by winter traditions from around the world.
- 5th Grade: Students explored the science of nutrition by learning to identify ultra-processed foods and how to make healthier choices using tools like MyPlate.gov.
Icahn Charter School 1
THIS WEEKS GAME CHOICE BINGO!
During, recess the students are broken up into 2 groups. Gym and Library. To make Library recess a fun tech free environment students engage in some friendly competition. A group of 8th graders gathered for an old-school game of bingo, with a twist! The winner would score the ultimate prize: a delicious chop cheese sandwich! As the game unfolded, the atmosphere was filled with playful banter and friendly competition. With no screens to distract them, the students focused on their cards, eagerly anticipating the next number called. Every “Bingo!” brought cheers and high-fives, while the stakes of the chop cheese fueled the fun. It wasn’t just about winning; it was about camaraderie, laughs, and making the most of the moment- proof that even in a world dominated by technology, sometimes the best games are the ones that bring people together in the simplest of ways.
Icahn Charter School #2
This month, our library at Icahn Charter School #2, transformed into an enchanted forest haunted by an evil witch, thanks to Mr. Rose’s creative escape room experience! Students embarked on a thrilling mission to save the trees by learning about mycorrhizae—the fascinating underground communication network between trees—and the critical roles of roots and decomposers in the forest ecosystem.
As they navigated the “haunted forest,” students worked in teams to solve a series of challenging clues scattered throughout the library. The tasks required them to apply mathematical reasoning, problem-solving strategies, and close reading skills. Each solved clue brought them one step closer to breaking the witch’s curse and restoring harmony to the forest. This engaging activity blended science, critical thinking, and teamwork into a memorable learning experience!
Using Data to Drive Instruction
Participants used their present data points, and personal knowledge of students in their class to explore enhanced software features within the schools applications.
Small Group Instruction
Remediation Skills & Skill Alignment of Wit & Wisdom to:
- Teacher Led Small Groups
- Student Led Small Groups
- Tutoring
- Do Nows
- Homework
ISA & Data Action Plans
The Staff Developers reviewed the 2024 ISA for both ELA and Math. Teachers then analyzed the data to create Data Action Plans that will help to support their student's progress and make academic gains in preparation for the ELA & Math State Tests.
Professional Development - Icahn Charter School Counselors
Professional development for Counselors, is an essential component at the Icahn Charter Schools. It ensures that counselors are equipped with the latest tools, techniques, and knowledge to effectively support students' academic, emotional, and social needs.
Professional development is a vital part of a school counselor's role. By engaging in continuous learning, counselors not only enhance their own skills but also contribute significantly to the well-being and success of their students. Investing in professional development ensures that school counselors remain effective, empathetic, and empowered in their mission to support the diverse needs of all students.
Academic Help and Enrichment
IXL is a personalized learning program designed to support students in mastering skills at their own pace. The platform adapts to each student's level of understanding, providing tailored practice to meet their needs. Families can easily track their child's progress at any time by accessing the "Analytics" section on the website. For convenient, on-the-go practice, the free IXL mobile app is available for download on Apple, Android, and Kindle devices. Simply sign in using the student’s username and password to get started.
Icahn Charter Schools' Parent/Guardian Representatives Dinner
As we continue to navigate the 2024-2025 school year, I wanted to take a moment to shine a light on the ongoing support from our PGA Representatives. The partnership between you and the schools is vital to the success of our students. Whether you're attending school events, helping with homework, or simply encouraging our children to strive for excellence, your involvement makes a world of difference.
Thank you again for your ongoing support,
Lawford Cunningham, Superintendent
Icahn #1 Parent Rep - Lisa Pagan
Icahn #2 Parent Rep - Gladys Lopez
Icahn #3 Parent Rep - Claudia Gomez
Icahn #4 Parent Rep - Yris Rojas
Icahn #5 Parent Rep -Sabrina Fullerton
Icahn #6 Parent Rep - Sherlly Tejeda
Icahn #7 Parent Rep - David Morales
Looking Ahead
- Wednesday, January 1, 2025 - New Year's Day - NO SCHOOL
- Thursday, January 2, 2025 - Staff & Students Return to School
- Saturday, January 4, 2025 - The Start of Saturday Academy Program
- Friday, January 10, 2025 - 12:00 PM Dismissal for Students
- Saturday, January 11, 2025 - Saturday Academy
- Monday, January 20, 2025 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day - NO SCHOOL
- Saturday, January 25, 2025 - Saturday Academy
- Wednesday, January 29, 2025 - Lunar New Year - NO SCHOOL