Minutes

The following post is a courtesy announcement. Any questions relating to the event may be directed to the contact information listed below.

The Queens Parent Advisory Board, chaired by Borough President Melinda Katz, will convene on Wednesday, April 25 at 6pm in Queens Borough Hall for a public meeting on the rights of special needs students and the services available to them.

The meeting will help clarify the rights of students who have special needs and examine how parents can ensure that those rights are respected. It will also include a review of the programs and services available to students with special needs, as well as students with individualized education programs (IEP).

GUEST SPEAKERS:

• Ketler Louissaint – Superintendent of School District 75
  Will detail the services and programs available for special needs students within New York City public schools’ District 75.

• Michelle Singleton-Stone – Director of Special Education at Queens South Field Support Center
  Will explain how to obtain an individualized education program (IEP) and the process that follows.

• Kerry Yefet – UFT Liaison to the Office of Specialized Instruction and Student Support
  Will speak on the rights of special needs children and how parents can navigate the education system to ensure that their children’s rights are not violated.

•  Kerbanoo D’Rozario – Regional Coordinator of Parent to Parent of New York State
  Parent to Parent of New York State is a nonprofit which was established to support and connect families of individuals with special needs to services and programs, from newborns to those over the age of 21.

This event is free and open to the public. As space may be limited, participants are asked to RSVP in advance by emailing education@queensbp.org or calling 718-286-2850.

LOCATION:
Queens Borough Hall
120-55 Queens Boulevard Room 213
Kew Gardens, NY 11415

The school will host a presentation/discussion on learning and attention strategies. Topics that will be discussed:

• what are learning and attention issues (& what they are not)
• which skills can be affected by learning and attention issues?
• what helps children to improve their skills?
• discuss how learning and attention issues may result from how the brain processes information
• questions/concerns that family members may have

The presentation/discussion will take place at the Main Building library beginning 8:30am. Light refreshments will be served. Please join us!

We have special guest Meara Beirne, a psychotherapist and PS 99 parent, who will show us tools and techniques kids and parents can use to cope with stress. Please join us for this “de-stress for success” event! The meeting will be held on Thursday, April, 6:00-8:00pm in the Main Building auditorium.

Other topics to be discussed:

• Volunteer for upcoming Scholastic book fair in May (Annex: 5/7-5/9 and Main Building: 5/21-5/23)
• Donate gently used book donations for classroom libraries and book swap
• Join the PA board! (Looking for a few superhero parents to join us next year!) Election date: 5/17

Pizza and refreshments will be provided. Babysitting (for school-aged children) is available for parents who would like to attend. The meeting will be held in the Main Building auditorium. We look forward to seeing you in attendance!

Due to inclement weather, tonight’s general meeting has been canceled. We will inform you of the next general meeting once it has been scheduled. Thank you!

Per Department of Education: Due to expected severe weather conditions, all New York City district schools will be closed Wednesday, March 21, 2018. After-school programs, adult education, YABC programs, and PSAL activities are also cancelled.

Summer in the City is now accepting applications for its free, full-day Summer Academy programs!

Students of all ages can enroll in Summer Academy programs and participate in hands-on-STEM activities, enriching reading and math curriculum, and visits to museums, parks, and other cultural sites! Students will also receive free, healthy breakfast and lunch.

Learn more about Summer in the City and sign up for its exciting Summer Academy programs by visiting schools.nyc.gov/Summer!

*Please note, the Summer in the City programs are run directly by NYC Department of Ed. This post is an announcement. Any questions regarding the programs should be directed to the DOE.  

REMINDER: Due to Parent Teacher Conferences tomorrow, Thursday, March 15th, it will be a half-day for all students. There will be no after school programs.

ALSO: The PA will be hosting a bake sale during the conferences, so bring some change, and buy some goodies! Hot dogs, drinks for kids and grown ups, and a variety of baked goods for sale!

The PA will host a bake sale during Parent-Teacher Conference, and we need your help!

We are seeking donations of nut-free baked goods, individually wrapped snacks, juice boxes, and bottled water.

Store-bought pre-packaged donations can be delivered to either building from now until March 15th at drop off/dismissal. Fresh-baked homemade items can be delivered to either building on March 15th. Due to allergy concerns, if you donate homemade baked goods, please provide a list of ingredients. Please label “PA Bake Sale,” and leave with security. 

We also need parent volunteers for the Bake Sale!

Volunteer shifts are available for both the Main Building and Annex:
1:00-3:00pm
5:00-6:00pm
6:00-7:00pm
7:00-800pm
All Evening

Let us know by Friday, March 9th if you can volunteer! Email us with your preferred shift and location (along with your child’s name, class, and your contact info)! ps99queens.pa@gmail.com

Our children’s success depends on our involvement. See you at the Parent-Teacher Conference!

For the March Parents’ Association meeting, we have special guest Meara Beirne, a psychotherapist and PS 99 parent, who will show us tools and techniques kids and parents can use to cope with stress. Please join us for this “de-stress for success” event! The meeting will be held on Thursday, March 22, 6:00-8:00pm in the Main Building auditorium.

Pizza and refreshments will be provided. Babysitting (for school-aged children) is available for parents who would like to attend. The meeting will be held in the Main Building auditorium. We look forward to seeing you in attendance!