PS 354Q Family Handbook

IMPORTANT LINKS

LETTER TO FAMILIES

Dear Parents and Guardians,

It is with great pride and excitement that I write this letter to welcome you to the 2024/2025 school year. All of us at PS 354Q are eager and excited to begin this exciting and promising school year! This year is going to be amazing as we continue to provide academic experiences for our students that are rigorous, relevant, and help them build relationships while making real-world connections. As your principal, it is important to me that everyone who steps through our doors - teachers, students and parents - is excited to be here! This attitude enables us to meet the challenges of academic excellence in a positive, fun, and nurturing environment. This school year, there will be great emphasis on increasing student reading levels, math proficiency, and redesigning as well as redefining STEM at PS 354Q.

Please be advised that we are an e-communication school and use ClassDojo as our schoolwide communication tool. We will communicate to you through this platform as well as through posting notifications on our website (www.ps354q.org),Instagram (@ps354stem) and through email. When you come to our building, our marquee will also have important information posted on it as well.

We will begin the school year on September 5, 2024. Each school day begins at 8 am. Teachers will share your child’s official schedule during the first full week of school. We are registering new students to PS 354Q beginning August 28, 2024. Please note that if your child will be going to 3K, PreK, and/or Kindergarten this school year, you must register if you have not already done so. Please visit our school website for more information.

As with every school year, we need to have up to date information for you in case of emergencies. Please complete the PS 354Q Emergency Contact Form for 2023/2024. By completing this form, you are part of our distribution list to receive school notifications including school newsletter. If you have a child or children that will be in Grades 3 to 5 AND you would like him/her/them to walk home on their own, please complete the PS 354Q Walking Form. Please continue visit the Family Newsletter and School Calendar posted on our website at www.ps354q.org for important events in September including Back to School Night on September 12th at 4:30 pm.

I have an open door policy and always welcome your input! Please feel free to call, email, or message me on ClassDojo to discuss any concerns you might have throughout the school year. I look forward to working with you as a team to help each student at PS 354Q – The Jermaine L. Green STEM Institute of Queens meet their goals and have a successful school year!

Grade 3 to 5 Walking Home Form:
https://forms.gle/GZcxZxYsskRNjZqC7

Please note that this letter was sent to your emails as well.

In collaboration and support,
Dr. Emmanuela Remy
Principal

SCHOOL STAFF

Administrative Team

Dr. Emmanuela Remy, Principal

Wendy Davis, Assistant Principal (Grades 3 to 5)

Leonardo Tabbita, Assistant Principal (Grades 3K to 2)

Kimberley Hamblin, Payroll Secretary

Sabrena Yates-Matthews, Pupil Accounting Secretary

Janell Tomblin, Parent Coordinator

3K Instructional Team

3K1 Ms. Christine Rinaldi

3K2 Ms. Michelle Peralta

Pre-Kindergarten Instructional Team

PK1 Ms. Lisa Graham

PK2 Ms. Regina Andrews

Kindergarten Instructional Team

K01 Ms. Christelle Alexis

K02 Ms. Christina Iervolino

K31 Ms. Christina Nesbitt

Ms. Kanisha Kennedy

K32 Ms. Hortense DiMaggio

Ms. Alyssa Grunfelder

K91 Ms. Bianca Moise

First Grade Instructional Team

101 Ms. Paige Beker

102 Ms. Heidi Anthony

103 Ms. Alejandra Reynoso

131 Ms. Maribeth Krilovitch

Ms. Kristina Georgilis

132 Ms. Reshia Crawford

Ms. Sarah Hangley

191 Ms. Beth Diaz

Second Grade Instructional Team

191 Ms. Beth Diaz

201 Ms. Amanda Clarke

202 Ms. Kristen Villano

231 Ms. Latoya Richards

Ms. Ruth Medici

232 Ms. Jody-Ann Marsh

Ms. Maya Lashley

Third Grade Instructional Team

301 Ms. Samantha Jodha

302 Ms. Vanessa Ramsingh

331 Ms. Deanna Graham

Ms. Logan Kerley

391 Ms. Johanne Jean

Fourth Grade Instructional Team

391 Ms. Johanne Jean

Reading Ms. Tashawna Praddy (401 Homeroom Teacher)

Writing Ms. Serena Cao (402 Homeroom Teacher)

Math Ms. Jessica Hardie-Canale (431 Homeroom Teacher)

Science Ms. Jeanette Elsner

431 Ms. Sandy DaSilva

491 Mr. Christopher Filomio

Fifth Grade Instructional Team

491 Mr. Christopher Filomio

Reading Mr. Aaron Samaroo (531 Homeroom Teacher)

Writing Ms. Serena Cao

Math Ms. Monique Toliver (501 Homeroom Teacher)

Science Ms. Jeanette Elsner (502 Homeroom Teacher)

531 Ms. Mallory Schwartz

Mr. Christopher Filomio

Enrichment Instructional Team

PE/Health Mr. Joshua Krantz

PE/Health Mr. Justin DeGioia

Grades K to 2 Science Ms. Ayasha Parvinn

Grades 3 to 5 Science Ms. Jeanette Elsner

Grades 3K to 1 Visual Arts Ms. Erin Stanton

Grades 2 to 3 STEM Ms. Ashley McCall

ENL Ms. Magdalena Samuels

NEST Ms. Courtney Schlesinger-Toomey

Majors Team

Natural Disasters Ms. Jeanette Elsner

Engineering Ms. Erin Stanton

Coding Ms. Ashley McCall

Fashion Design Ms. Bianca Jennings

Financial Literacy Ms. Courtney Schlesinger-Toomey

Student Support Team

Ms. Amy Coyle, Guidance Counselor

Ms. Bianca Jennings, IEP Teacher and NEST Coordinator

Ms. Michele McKinnie, Family Worker

Ms. Karen Muzio, School Psychologist

Ms. Monique Parham, SBST SocWorker

Ms. Sophonie Excellent, Social Worker

Ms. Michelle Batalla, PT

Ms. Dawn Shikarides, Speech

Mr. Jeryn Koshy, OT

Ms. Dana Sharabi, Speech

Ms. Alberitta Rodriguez, School Aide

Ms. Audrea Walker, School Aide

Ms. Iyana Paulino, School Aide

Ms. Olga Mira, School Aide

Mr. Darius Tomblin, School Aide

Paraprofessionals

3K1 Winsome Rowe

3K2 Sayeda Roksana

PK1 Albana Daci

PK2 Melissa Dixon

K91 Yanick Beckwith

Tamika Culver

K31 Christopher West

191 Vanessa Cruz

Elayshobey Currey

202 Silicia Collins

391 Adeline Maxineau

Kimberly Adams

Marvin Hazel

491 Jose Lago

Jackny Salomon

531 Jameelah Henry

School Nurse

Ms. Kirah Rochford

SCHOOL INFORMATION

School Hours

Full Day: 8:00 AM – 2:20 PM

Address:

PS 354Q - The Jermaine L. Green STEM Institute of Queens

126-10 Bedell Street

Jamaica, Queens 11434

Telephone: 718-276-1348

Fax: 718-276-2498

Instagram:

@ps354stem

MISSION AND CORE VALUES

Mission

The PS 354Q school community seeks to provide academic and social emotional support to our students, families, and community both virtually and in person. Students are challenged to think critically, independently and collaborate with each other in a supported and risk-free environment. Students engage in hands-on and inquiry-based tasks, cross-curricular and STEM-based activities, and exploratory lessons to support student agency, student advocacy and conceptual understanding. Student voices are amplified to empower decision-making through critical thinking and problem solving. We use data to support individualized learning and to be responsive to the evolving needs of students and families so that all learners will be ready and able to contribute to the society of their time.

Core Values

Secure within self: We empower our students to be confident in their thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Teamwork: We encourage our students to work collaboratively to discuss various approaches to a task.

Resilience: We encourage and celebrate our students in reaching their goals and overcome obstacles/barriers to achieve them.

Inquiry: We have our students engage in peer questioning and discussions to reach new understandings.

Dedication: We teach our students to continuously challenge themselves and stay the course in the face of adversity.

Empathy: We care about others and strive to understand and share their feelings.

Self-Control: We teach our students how to express their feelings, beliefs, and ideas in a positive manner.

We are making S.T.R.I.D.E.S. on the Southside

COMMUNICATING WITH TEACHERS AND STAFF

We encourage open and frequent communication between school and home. There are several ways to communicate with your child’s teacher:

Send a message via Class Dojo to your child’s teacher

Class Dojo is our main communication method . There you are able to receive up to date school information/notices, message your child’s teacher directly, and track your child’s behavior. You can also communicate with administration as well.
Parents are encouraged to download Class Dojo to communicate with their child’s teacher between the hours of 8:00 AM to 2:20 PM. Please allow time for the teacher/staff to respond to you as teachers are instructing out students during the school day. If you need to contact a teacher immediately, please call the main office and they will relay your message.

Send a note in with your child in his or her homework folder

This is the method you should you use if you have something the teacher needs to hear about during the school day, e.g., change in the dismissal plan, as he or she might not check e-mail during the day.

E-mail your child’s teacher

Feel free to e-mail your child’s teacher, using his or her PS 354Q address. E-mail is a useful, paper-free way to ask quick questions, report on routine events and set up meetings. It is not the best forum for lengthy discussions, important topics or sensitive issues.

Set up a meeting

You may set up a meeting with your child’s teacher if you have something you would like to discuss. Teachers are glad to meet with you. Please keep in mind that there are many children in the class and a regular meeting with one family is not possible. Please keep any discussions at dismissal to a minimum, as the teacher is concentrating on getting each child to the correct adult.

Please speak to your child’s teacher about any classroom issues or concerns before bringing them to the principal. The teacher is the best person to address your concerns, as he or she is closest to the issues.

In all cases, our school policy is that the PS 354Q staff will get back to you by the end of the next business day, if not sooner.

Gifts for Teachers

Families often wish to express their appreciation for their child’s teachers by giving a gift. Teachers appreciate the gesture and are generally very touched and grateful. However, there are Department of Education guidelines that govern gift-giving to any school employee and is summarized below.

Families may not be required to give, or contribute, to a gift. Class parents should not pressure families in any way to contribute.
Gifts from individual families should be principally sentimental in nature and of small financial value.
Teachers may not accept cash.
Class gifts may be given, as long as it comes from the whole class and individual contributors are not listed.
Families should not be asked to contribute a large amount.

FAMILY INFORMATION AND ENGAGEMENT

We are committed to creating an inviting, collaborative relationship between the school staff and our students’ families. We have put in place initiatives to involve and inform families.

Open Classrooms

After conversations at our SLT meetings in the 2023/2024 school year, we decided on hosting Open Classrooms periodically throughout the school year. This is to provide families the opportunity to physically come into their child's classroom to see where their child sits and engages everyday.

Real Talk with Dr. Remy

Every Second Thursday of each month, we have this event, where information about the school in regards to programs and data are shared. We also have an open forum section so that you may talk to our principal, Dr. Remy, about any school program currently in place or that you would like to see. At this event, we also celebrate:

PASSION Student of the Month
Perfect Attendance Students
Most Improved Attendance Students
Most Class Dojo Points
Core Value Students

STEM First Fridays

Each first Friday of the month unless other wise stated, teachers invite families into the classroom to be a learner alongside their child in a STEM-based inquiry project. A schedule will be sent out prior so that you are aware.

Publishing Parties

At Publishing Parties, students share their writing with their families and their classmates. These celebrations serve as a culminating activity for a particular unit of study in writing. Teachers will reach out to you with specific dates and times.

School Projects

Parents will also be involved in school-wide activities, projects, and initiatives. Teachers may ask parents to volunteer to help with the projects and plans for celebrations. Teachers may also ask for parent volunteers for other classroom activities, e.g., reading, art projects, or sharing family traditions. Requests for school-wide volunteers will be sent home.

Community Events

We look forward to hosting various events throughout the school year like a potluck, ice cream social, and holiday concerts. Please keep an eye out for notices in your child’s folder.

Family Conferences

You will virtually attend FOUR formal parent conferences a year (September, November, March, and May) with your child’s teacher. Each family will schedule an individual 10-15 minute conference with their child’s teachers. November and March Conferences are scheduled in both the afternoon and in the evening. September and May conferences are only in the evening. During conferences, the teacher describes your child’s progress, explains his or her strengths and challenges, and gives you suggestions about how to help your child at home. Please come with any questions you might have. Your child’s teacher may ask to meet you at other times during the year, and you may request a meeting as well.

Report Cards

You will receive three report cards a year (November, March, June) during your family conference. Report cards can be found on the NYSCA account. Please ensure that you access to your account. Should you need assistance, please contact Ms. Tomblin at jtomblin@ps354.org.

Homework

The purpose of homework is to extend and reinforce classroom learning and to develop in children a sense of self-discipline, responsibility and independent thinking. All homework assignments are purposeful and related to class activities, as well as to individual children’s interests, needs, and abilities. The focus of students’ homework is reading and math. Please see Homework Policy.

CLASS TRIPS

Our students actively engage with the outside community, where field trips connect to our teaching and learning. Trips range from walking and observing around our immediate community, to visiting museums, to taking larger trips with lots of planning involved. Your child’s teacher will notify you well in advance of the trip and ask you to sign a permission slip. Please return the permission slip and any applicable fees in your child’s communication folder. Children who do not have signed permission slips will not be able to go on the trip. Approval must be in writing and may not be given over the phone. This is a Department of Education requirement.

Chaperoning a class trip is a great way for you to be involved with your child’s class. We reach out directly for volunteer chaperones for field trips. When you chaperone a class trip you will be responsible for a small group of children including your own child. You are responsible, along with the teacher, for the safety and security of the children in your group.

Many parents enjoy going on trips with the class. Sometimes the volunteers outnumber the need. If that is the case, we will make sure that those people who cannot go will go on a future trip.

SCHOOL RELATED ORGANIZATIONS

PTA

The PTA is a vital part of our school community. Our active, creative, and engaged PTA works to make all families feel welcome and raises funds to enrich the education of our children.

All parents are welcomed and encouraged to work with the PTA toward improving and enriching the educational resources for our children and promoting good home, school and community relations.

Families are invited to attend monthly PTA meetings to stay informed about the school’s instructional programs, hear updates from our principal, learn about upcoming events, and find out how parents can help the school better serve all students. PTA meeting dates, times, and location will be determined. More information on the PTA is found on our website.

SLT

The School Leadership Team (SLT) is the primary school-based vehicle for parents to work with teachers and the principal to establish school priorities, ensure that the budget is aligned with those priorities, and evaluate our school’s progress.

The SLT is comprised of parents, teachers, the principal, the PTA president and the UFT Chapter Leader. The SLT develops the Comprehensive Education Plan (CEP) that sets annual goals for the school in all areas and sets up systems to measure achievement of those goals. The SLT meets monthly in the principal's office and there is a Zoom link as well for virtual participants. Dates for SLT meetings are posted on the school website and advance notice will be provided on ClassDojo and school website. More information on the SLT is found on our website.

Community Education Council (CEC)

The CEC is designed to be a voice for all parents of students in their district. Each CEC consists of 11 voting members: 9 parents elected from each district by the “Parent Selectors” (PTA/PA President, Treasurer, and Secretary), and 2 members appointed by the Borough President. The twelfth member is a nonvoting high school student. The term for each Council is two years, beginning on July 1st.

The Community Education Council for District 28 conducts at least two meetings every month, which include a Working Business Meeting and a Calendar Meeting. All meetings are open to the public. During Calendar Meetings, time is allotted for the public to address the Council with issues involving the education of the children in District Two. Notice of these meetings will be distributed to the public and all schools in the district.

SAFETY INFORMATION

School Safety Committee

Our School Safety Committee develops the School Safety Plan outlining all the safety procedures in the school. Monthly meetings are held to review and discuss our Safety Plan.

Safety Officers

Our school has full time security staff to maintain the safety and security of our school building. Everyone who enters the building must show photo ID and sign in with the Security Officer. Please always follow the directions of the Security Officer, as he or she is responsible for the safety of our school building and children.

Visitors

When you come to the school, please enter and exit through the front entrance doors. All visitors will be issued a school badge which must be worn during the entirety of your visit. You must go directly to the Main Office. At the end of your visit, please return the badge to the safety officer’s desk.

Deliveries to Students

If you need to bring something to school that your child needs or has forgotten, please come to the security desk. The safety agent will contact the main office to ensure that your child receives the item. If you need to occasionally drop off lunch for your child, you may bring it to the office. However, this should not be done on a regular basis. If sending a lunch from home, please ensure that your child brings it with them to school.

Emergency Contact Cards

Family Emergency Contact Information is required by the New York City Department of Education. In case of an emergency, we MUST have more than one WORKING phone number (other than your home number) and a contact person who can be reached if you are not available. Complete the EMERGENCY CARD immediately and return it with your child. EMERGENCY INFORMATION MUST BE UPDATED REGULARLY TO REFLECT YOUR CURRENT STATUS (e.g. PLEASE NOTIFY THE SCHOOL OF ANY CHANGE IN YOUR HOME ADDRESS, WORK NUMBER, EMERGENCY CONTACT PERSONS, ETC.). PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE SCHOOL WILL RELEASE A CHILD ONLY TO THOSE PERSONS LISTED ON THE CHILD'S EMERGENCY CARD. ALL STUDENTS WILL BE SENT HOME BLUE CARDS.

Evacuation Drills and Shelter Drills

Evacuation (Fire) Drills are practiced throughout the year to help guarantee our students’ safety. Your child’s teachers will explain and practice the procedures with the children in advance of any actual drill, so that they are not startled and will know what to do. Children also practice “Shelter In” and “Lock Down” drills, both of which will be explained in detail to parents at our Family Orientation meeting.

Illness and injury

We appreciate your assistance in helping to prevent the spread of illness in the classroom. If your child exhibits any of the following symptoms or health issues, please keep him or her home for at least 24 hours from the end of the symptom(s) or the beginning of medical treatment: fever, vomiting, diarrhea, conjunctivitis (pink eye), any contagious illness, e.g., chicken pox, flu, strep throat, impetigo.

If a child becomes ill or injured at school and needs to be sent home, the licensed nurse on staff will notify you.

Medication

Medication can be administered to your child only if the school has a current form (called a 504) on file. School staff members, including the school nurse, are not authorized to administer over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol, allergy medicine, cough syrup, or eye drops, unless this information is included on a 504 form. If your child has asthma it is imperative that you complete the form so that nurse can treat your child in school.

Other

Dogs are not permitted in the school
Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the school
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in any DOE school

OTHER INFORMATION

Recess

Children need to play outside. Research and experience show us that kids are more alert and engaged when they have had enough outdoor play time. Students play outside daily, unless there is rain, snow, or temperatures are below freezing. Please make sure that your child brings appropriate outdoor clothing. It is helpful to label gloves, hats, and coats to prevent loss.

Class Placement

We cannot take requests to place your child with a particular teacher, or in class with particular children. There are many factors we take into consideration when making up classes and we need the flexibility to place children where we think they will do best. Although we understand the inclination, we are not able to honor such requests.

Items that should not come to school

We would like school to be a safe, collaborative environment focused on learning. Please do not send your child to school with: toys, games, candy, gum, electronic devices other than DOE-issued i-pads, money, Heelies, open toed shoes, or anything that could be misconstrued as a weapon, e.g., water guns. These items can cause disruption and hurt feelings within the class. In some cases, your child’s teacher may permit some of these items in school for curriculum purposes, to ease separation, or for some other classroom-related reason. They will contact you directly in those instances. A child’s toy, etc. may be confiscated and held in the assistant principal’s office for pick up at the end of the school day.

Consent to Photograph, Film or Video Tape

We love to highlight students as they work, perform, or receive awards. Please sign and return the consent form to your child’s teacher so that we can celebrate their successes and share them with you.

School Closings

In the event of a snowstorm, or other citywide emergency conditions, the Chancellor will announce the decision to close schools throughout the city. The announcement will be broadcast on news services, radio and television stations. An announcement will also appear on the Department of Education website, www.schools.nyc.gov). The same information will posted on the school website and ClassDojo. Teachers will provide students with assignments on Google Classroom and meeting information. (i.e. Zoom/Google Meet link)

Holidays

We learn about a variety of holidays through our social studies curriculum. Families will be invited to share some family traditions with their child’s class. We host holiday-themed community meetings, where families are invited to participate.