Frankly, It's Friday: FSSA PTA Weekly

Frankly, It's Friday.

The PTA Weekly

November 3, 2023

During these challenging times, please know that the PTA is here to support the FSSA community. Don't hesitate to reach out to us for assistance.

Why do you give to Sinatra?

Why do you give to Sinatra? Because our kids are getting a free conservatory education? Because you can see a Broadway-quality musical for what you'd pay for a latte and a pastry across the street? Because giving makes us all feel connected to our school community?

Maybe it's all of the above!

To date we've raised 15% of our ambitious goal of $96,000 in honor of our founder Tony Bennett's 96 years. Help us get there!

Please help support Tony Bennet's legacy by donating now!

Donate to the Annual Fund!

Get To Know Your Parent Coordinator!

Introducing: Samantha Huggins

Parent Coordinator, Ms. Samantha Huggins, has an eclectic and impressive background in lichenology (the study of lichens- I had to look it up too!), museum sciences, education, and birth work to co-create equitable scaffoldings in our communities. Lucky for us, she has turned these talents to FSSA!

Ms. Sam lives around Forest Park in Queens, in a multi-generational home with her husband, her mother, and her kids, aged 14 and 11, who attend school at Art + Design and the Anthony Pranzo School.

With a passion for building relationships and creating community, Ms. Sam hopes to help everyone at Sinatra feel anchored and heard.

"I want for our FSSA students, and all kids really, to understand their incredible value as people, and the value of people around them," she said. "I want them to know that every one of them is impactful and that's a good thing!"

Email for Ms. Samantha Huggins: shuggins@fssahs.org

Pictured below: Ms. Sam and her beautiful fam

I'm confused about... Cell Phone Policy

"Dear Gretchen, Some teachers seem like they require cell phones in class to turn in assignments, and some don't want them in class at all. I'm confused!" said a parent who signed their email Mr. Telephone Man.

Well Mr. Telephone Man, you are correct. Cell phones, headphones, and other electronics are not to be used or displayed at any time in classrooms unless specifically instructed by the teacher for instructional purposes. In other words, like so many things in life, it depends!

However, school policy absolutely forbids, phone calls, playing music, and taking photos/videos. If a student takes a photo or video of another person without permission, this is considered a violation of the NYC DOE Discipline Code.

So parents, tell your kiddos to keep their cell phones out of reach and turned off during class unless a teacher has a specific request to use phones for an instructional purpose. And before they panic, let them know they are permitted to use cell phones in the cafeteria and atrium.

What are you confused about? Email Gretchen at: pta@fssahs.org