Pieter B. Family Newsletter

Dear Pieter B Coeymans Elementary School Families,

February is more than just a month on the calendar; it's a time for us to come together, celebrate our likeness and differences, express gratitude, and foster a love for learning. We look forward to embracing these moments with your children and continuing to build a strong and supportive school community.

Our focus on academic achievement remains steadfast. We're diligently working towards our building goals, aiming for all students to perform at or above grade level in both ELA and Math. To achieve this, our dedicated educators have crafted engaging lesson plans, implemented personalized learning approaches, and are providing targeted support to students who may need an extra boost. We believe that with a combination of tailored instruction and a nurturing environment, every student can reach their full potential.

But academic success isn't our sole aim. We're equally dedicated to nurturing a positive school culture. We're actively promoting positive behaviors through our focus on increasing the number of students receiving positive referrals, while reducing students receiving discipline referrals. Recognizing and celebrating students' achievements and positive actions not only reinforces good behavior but also cultivates a supportive and encouraging atmosphere for everyone.

Another crucial aspect is ensuring consistent attendance. We're working diligently to reduce the number of students who are chronically absent from school. Regular attendance is vital for academic progress, and we're here to support families in overcoming any challenges that may hinder students from being present and engaged in their learning journey.

Together, as a united school community of dedicated educators, supportive families, and eager students, we're committed to achieving these goals. Your partnership and involvement play a pivotal role in the success of our students, and we're grateful for your continued support and collaboration.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and commitment to the success of our students.

Warm regards,

Hakim Jones & Victoria DeGouff

Principal & Assistant Principal

Students in grades 4 and 5 took a school survey in the late fall, and I wanted to share how we are moving forward based on the results. The survey asked students about their feelings regarding safety, making friends, and academic experiences. The results were shared with faculty in December and with Student Council, which began discussing ways to improve our school environment.

Our goal is to work collaboratively with students, ensuring they feel heard and supported as we continue to strengthen our school community. I, Mr. Jones, attended the January 8th Student Council meeting, where we discussed two areas listed below. The highlights showed a vast majority of students agreed or strongly agreed the need for ongoing efforts to ensure that every student agrees in the areas below.

Survey highlights:

• I am excited about what I am learning in school – 90% of students agreed.

• I find it easy to make friends at school – 94% of students agreed.

To start, we will continue working together as a staff and with our students to create an environment where everyone feels safe and supported. Updates and any new action plans will be shared with our school community.

Lastly, I encourage you to speak with your child(ren) about how they feel at school. We value your insight and welcome any suggestions you may have.

Best,

Hakim Jones & Victoria DeGouff

Principal & Assistant Principal

Each school year, we develop district and building goals that we strive to meet. This school year we are starting work on four long term goals that align with our district and BOE initiatives. These goals run through the 2029 school year. These goals serve as our compass, guiding us towards providing the best possible education and support for your children. Together, as a united school community, we are committed to ensuring the academic and social-emotional success of each student within our walls.

1.) 100% of students will meet end-of-year grade level reading benchmark by June 2029

2.) 100% of students will meet end-of-year grade level math benchmark by June 2029

3.) 100% of students will receive less than 3 behavioral referrals for the year by June 2025

4.) 100% of students will regularly attend school by June 2029

Please consider joining Pieter B. PTO as our students can greatly benefit from your involvement and contributions to the school’s program and its operations. PTO is seeking volunteers to help with the following activities:

1) Teacher-led instructional support, usually in the classroom

2) School-wide events and activities

3) Student recognition events

4) Outreach and recruitment of parent and community volunteers

2/4 - Staff Development Day HALF DAY (PK -12) 12:30 p.m.

2/5 - Board of Education meeting 6 pm RCS High School

2/13 - Virtually join the meeting click HERE 6:30 pm meeting time

2/17 - President's Day (No School)

2/17 - 2/21 February Recess (No School)

2/26 - Board of Education meeting 6 pm RCS High School

6:30 pm meeting time

September 12 - virtually join the meeting click HERE

October 10 -virtually join the meeting click HERE

November 21 - -virtually join the meeting click HERE

December 12 - virtually join the meeting click HERE

January 9 - virtually join the meeting click HERE

February 13 - virtually join the meeting click HERE

March 13 - virtually join the meeting click HERE

April 10 - virtually join the meeting click HERE

May 8 - virtually join the meeting click HERE

Just a reminder:

Please avoid having your children arrive at school before 9:00 a.m. Supervision is not provided, nor do our doors open prior to that time with the exception of students going to breakfast at 8:50 a.m.

Students report to their classrooms at 9:00 a.m. If you need to contact a teacher, please go to the office for assistance. Please do not go directly to teacher classrooms at any time.

The winter weather has arrived quickly! Just a few reminders:

1. Students go outside for recess when the real feel temperature is 15 degrees and above.

2. We use accu-weather to determine the real feel temperature.

3. If the temperature is close to 15 degrees, please send your students to student with their coat, hat and gloves ( just in case the students are able to go outside)

4. All students should wear a jacket during the winter season (especially on chilly days).

Stay warm,

We have a lost and found table in the front lobby waiting area.

There are numerous water bottles, lunch boxes, clothing etc...

Please check for any lost items, as we will be cleaning it out later this month.

In an effort to control the spread of illness we ask for your cooperation with the following guidelines.

Do not send your child to school….

 If he/she has a temperature of 100 or higher. Please do not send your child to school until he/she is fever-free (under 100) for 24 hours without Tylenol or Ibuprofen.

 If he/she has been vomiting or had diarrhea during the night or early morning hours. They should stay home until they have been free of the episodes for 24 hours.

 If your child is coughing excessively and/or has a very runny nose. A constant cough is very uncomfortable for your child and it is also disruptive to the class.

 If they have a severe rash that has not been seen by a physician. If your child has an open wound, please cover it with a bandage; if it does not appear to be healing, please consult your physician.

 If your physician suspects strep throat or other infections do not send your child to school until the results are known. If the result is positive he/she should have at least 24 hours of antibiotics before returning to school.

 If you suspect your child has pink eye (conjunctivitis), please take them to your physician. If it is a confirmed case, keep them home until they have been treated for 24 hours.

 If your child has Head Lice- unless they have been treated according to the nurse or doctor’s instruction and no longer have live lice or nits (eggs).

Winter is here. We would like to remind families about the protocols that have been established for school closings, delays, and early dismissals, as well as the cancellation of extra-curricular activities.

In the event that weather impacts the school day, we use several information vehicles to communicate with parents and community members. All emergency closure information can be found on our website here.

As always, you will find the latest updates, important school events, and links to newsletters on our official school website, www.rcscsd.org. You are encouraged to sign up for the RCS App and be sure to check your email frequently. We will again practice being environmentally friendly and reduce paper this year. Thus, our Pieter B. Handbook which contains the Code of Conduct, as well as pertinent other forms, resources, and points of reference will be posted on our website. If you do not have internet access, a copy of the handbook will be available in the main office.

Hakim Jones & Tori DeGouff

Please remember Pieter B. is a smoke/tobacco free environment

Email: hjones@rcscsd.org
Website: https://www.rcscsd.org/o/pb-coeymans
Location: Coeymans, New York

Phone: (518) 756-5200 ext. 4001

- Zendaya, American actress and singer