UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
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First Steps through 12th Grade
Ms. Carrieann Sipos, Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning
Dr. Brian Alm, Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning
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Dear Families,
We hope this update finds you well and safe. We continue to be challenged by the pandemic, but promises of hope are around the corner with every person who gets vaccinated. Until then, we will all continue to wear our masks, wash our hands, and socially distance ourselves. We look forward to the day when we can see everyone in person together and engage in well needed human interaction.
This month we are sharing some Social and Emotional Learning highlights. We recognize that one way to help our children through these difficult times is to provide them with space to express themselves. We also recognize that we can help them by continuing an uprising of kindness. We must stand together as role models for kindness and compassion for each other. It is what will get us through to brighter days.
You will also see our plans for celebrating Black History Month. Our children will engage in many learning opportunities in recognition of the many achievements of Black Americans. Each building has robust plans for learning, authors, speakers, and assemblies. Be on the lookout for more information.
In addition, you will find some helpful family videos to support home literacy. These videos were created by our friends at Teachers College, Columbia University. They are really nice tips for supporting your children at home.
Warm regards,
Dr. Brian Alm, Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning.
941-7700 Ext. 1320
Ms. Carrieann Sipos, Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning.
941-7700 Ext. 1331
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There is so much planned to celebrate this important month of the year in all of our schools in Ossining. Principals, Teachers and Librarians in each building are sharing resources, learning opportunities, and special events throughout the month. Be on the lookout for information. Some examples include student choice boards, daily read alouds by black authors, celebrations of people who have shined a light on racial injustice and stand as role models for being anti-racist, conducting research, marveling in black inventors, scientists, and historical figures, viewing the film 13th and diving into the 1619 project. In addition, a group of high school students along with our cultural arts Director, Mr. Morrison will be working with our Ossining Historian, Joyce Sharrock Cole to unearth Ossining’s own Black History. This will result in a short film that will be shared. There are guest speakers and assemblies planned as well. Please find some other highlights and information below.
February 12th the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture Meets with Children in Grades 3-5.
The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture has many offerings this month. Please see links to some future events hosted by this important organization.
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Social Emotional Learning |
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Prior to the pandemic, the Ossining School District had a clear vision for social and emotional learning. More than ever we know the importance of taking care of the whole child. In the elementary grades, circles are facilitated by educators almost every day. The purpose of circles is to build a community of care. During these circle times, teachers address the five competencies of social and emotional learning. The five core competencies include self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. Thank you to all our buildings district wide for taking on this important initiative.
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Community Circles
In order to access learning it is essential that our children feel safe and healthy. Circles give children an opportunity to start their day in a positive way.
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Youth to Youth at AMD and OHS
Our Youth to Youth Club is currently working on a One Choice campaign (in collaboration with HS Y2Y) which focuses on each member's reasons for not using substances. We are also playing educational Kahoot games every week to strengthen MS student's knowledge in prevention education. We are also working collaboratively with HS Y2Y in honor of PS I Love You Day. Occasionally, we invite students from our HS Y2Y club to join our MS Y2Y club to provide mentorship as well as work collaboratively on projects.
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SEL at OHS
SEL continues to be a strong focus in OHS this year as well. The following are key highlights:
- 50 High School volunteers are actively tutoring elementary school children.
- 23 Peer-to-peer tutoring/mentoring "matches" have been made within OHS to provide additional support for students.
- The Youth to Youth club is working on a prevention education campaign entitled "One Choice," highlighting teens' decisions to not use substances.
- The Youth to Youth club frequently partners with AMD Y2Y, to provide mentorship and work jointly on projects.
- The Youth to Youth club will be honoring "PS I Love You Day" to honor positive mental health and suicide prevention.
- The clinical team visited ENL newcomers to help bridge connections and provide support.
- Counselors have been offering "Freshmen Fun Fridays," virtual support groups.
- We have been providing an "O-Update" each week with tips on attendance, mental health resources.
- Counselors and administration have put out frequent surveys and "check-ins" to give students an opportunity to share feelings about their experiences in remote/hybrid learning.
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OPRIME is HERE FOR YOU!
OPRIME is our community school resource hub where students and families' needs are met. We have resources, supports and items to distribute. Items include: school supplies, books, masks, hand sanitizers, and much more! Complete this form and someone will reach out to you soon. We have an engaging Parent Virtual Resource Center with various offerings. We also work with our community partners to find ways to engage our students in enriching and various learning opportunities.
All items are donated from our various. This hub would not run without the support of our OHS students and our various community volunteers! We are grateful for each of them! Interested in volunteering? Complete this form.
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Teacher's College Reading and Writing Program |
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We have strong structures for literacy learning in our elementary classrooms. Two structures are called reading and writing workshop. During these times we use the Teacher's College Reading and Writing Program. We also have other structures for phonics, shared reading and interactive writing. Teachers' college provides us with a plethora of supports for families. Here are some excellent ones for your choosing. Click on the picture or title for the video link. We hope you enjoy. |
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Reading
Please see links to each building’s library page. These websites are chock full of resources and opportunities for children to order books. We imagine there are moments of fatigue as the school year marches on, but reading volume is essential to achievement. Please be your child’s cheerleader and encourage them to keep on reading. It will build their background knowledge and enrich their vocabulary, two elements necessary for success in all learning areas. March is Reading month. Our schools have many exciting reading and author events planned. Stay tuned!
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EBooks can be accessed on each building's website. Please encourage your children to visit often. There is a serious connection between the number of books children read and achievement.
Read! Read! Read!
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400 Executive Boulevard,
Ossining, NY 10562
Phone: 914-941-7700 • Fax: 914-941-7291
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