Week of October 28, 2013 Announcements

Cornerstone Student Information System (SIS)
The parent login and passwords were sent sent out Friday afternoon to those parents that had e-mailed the school early. Mr. Guzman was in the office on Sunday from 12:30 PM - 7:00 PM on Sunday to assist parents in their understanding of the new SIS.Those who sent their e-mails late will be sent the information this week. Mr. Woods will be in the school office on Saturday, November 2nd from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM to assist parents if there are problems. Further information will be sent through the IRIS system.
Students in grades 5-8 will also receive their own logins and passwords for the Cornerstone SIS -- since they are older they should accept the responsibilty of their marks and parents would assit their children by making them responsible for their work. It is too late when a child hits high school!

Anti-bullying Curriculum
A letter from Dr. McNiff the Superintendent of Schools has been posted below this blog posting for parent review.

Mathematics Vocabulary
In the next week a list of Mathematics vocabulary that should be known with fluency by grade level will be posted. At last week's workshop on the Common Core Curriculum these words were given to the principals to be distributed to parents with the instruction that fluency means just that - a Kindergarten student should be able to point out a hexagon and be able to state that it is a hexagon because it has 6 sides. There must be visual coorelation along with a known definition. A child in Kindergarten is to know that 6 + ___ = 9 is an equation and that geometry is part of the curriculum beginning in Kindergarten and ending in 12th grade.
Your child's teacher will be reviewing these words as we move forward this year and you the parent are requested to affirm these words with your child at home when possible. Parents should keep abreat of the Common Core changes in education by signing up at Engage New York a New York State Education web site dedicated to the changes occuring becuase of Common Core.

Interim Assessments
Some of the scores for the Interim Assessments have become available. The total school should be available by November 4th. At that time it is hoped that a parent report will have been developed by the company. If not they will be available to parents on the night of report cards in November.

Monday - October 28, 2013 - Feast of Sts. Simon and Jude
Unit II Week II

Tuesday- October 29, 2013
Reminder there are candy bars to assist parents in their fund raising requirements. Please see Mrs. Resto in the tuition office.

Wednesday- October 30, 2013
Math coach will be here to work with students in grades 3, 5, 6 and 7.

Thursday - October 31, 2013 - Halloween
Halloween parade for students in PreK and Kindergarten begins around 8:30 AM - parents are welcome to join in the festivities.
Please check with your child's teacher regarding classroom activities - see blog post.

Friday - November 1, 2013 - Feast of All Saints
Mass at 9:00 AM led by the 7th grade students.
Calendars will be sent home with students today.

Saturday- November 2, 2013 Feast of All Souls
Daylight Savings Time ends - turn back the clock one hour - hooray for more sleep.

Sunday - November 3, 2013
Students are to attend Mass with their parents and hand in attendance card to Fr. Antonio on leaving Mass.
THERE IS NO 1:00 PM MASS; NO Sacramental CLASSES.
Biology Class 3:00 PM

Letter from Superintendent of Schools Office Regarding Anti-Bullying Curriculum

OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK
1011 First Avenue,
New York, New York 10022
Phone: (212) 371-1000 Fax: (212) 317-9236

Dear Parents,
I would like to share with you an enhancement to one of our Archdiocesan programs for the 2013-14 school year - a bullying prevention program. I trust you will agree the safety and well-being of our students is important and requires the assurance that your child feels safe, respected and valued, and that our schools are great places for students to learn.

"Working Together to Prevent Bullying" is a ten lesson, kindergarten through eighth grade, bullying prevention program. It was piloted in all schools at various points during the 2012-2013 school term and this year we will engage in the full roll-out of the program.

The overall goal of this initiative is to create safe school environments and improve relationships among students. The curriculum ensures that all students receive the same message about bullying and they understand that everyone, adults and children alike, must work together to prevent bullying.

This curriculum, which is based on one that originated in Canada as part of a public health initiative, was chosen because it reflects the goals of Catholic education. It emphasizes the development of virtues such as fairness, compassion, tolerance and respect while also teaching students skills needed to communicate effectively and resolve conflict in acceptable ways.

The lessons help teachers set a tone in the classroom that supports a culture of tolerance and caring, and gives them an opportunity to teach students concrete ways to help themselves and each other.

We believe that having a safe school experience is something that all students deserve . Through the implementation of the "Working Together to Prevent Bullying", we are taking a proactive step towards addressing the issue of bullying and ensuring a positive learning environment for all students.
If you have any questions about this program, please contact your principal.

Sincerely,
Timothy J. McNiff
Superintendent of Schools

Student Information System Logins and Passwords

The new Cornerstone Student Information System for the Regional schools requires that all parents must have an e-mail address in order to access the system.

The student information system will allow parents to keep a daily check on their child's progress throughout the school year on daily assessments, weekly quizzes, unit tests and Mid-year exams.
Homework, classwork along with projects if graded will also be placed on the Cornerstone student information system.

In looking over the sytem today we have noticed that only 99 parents have registered e-mail address for the system. The system will automatically send the login and passwords to the parent's e-mail when we are ready to launch the system.

Unfortunately, Mr. Woods will not launch the system until at least 250 parents register their e-mails. Please forward your e-mail address to Mr. Woods as soon possible so that it may be entered on the SIS (Student Information System) by this Friday. You may e-mail Mr. Woods at olqm1@aol.com or come into the office and give the information to Alba.
If it is not received parents will not be able to receive a login and password until after report cards in November.

Week of October 21, 2013 Announcements

Progress Reports
Progress Reports were sent home on Friday October 18th.
Mr. Woods highlighted areas on the Progress Report were the student was failing the subject and wrote that the parent should speak to the teacher.
Please make sure that you the parent follow up with your child's teacher by calling Alba and scheduling an appointment. Please understand that at this time there are usually a lot of appointments and Alba will schedule them as soon as she receives a phone call.

As a reminder due to Mr. Woods' teaching schedule he will only be able to see parents on Saturday evenings from 6:00 PM - 8:00PM; Sundays from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM;
Sundays from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM and any school day from 6:30 AM - 7:30 AM.

Parents wishing to speak to the guidance counselor Ms. Seda should call Alba to also set up an appointment.

SIS Logins and Passwords
The Cornerstone Parent Access was unable to be processed this last week.It is hoped that the problem will be resolved this coming week.
Mr. Woods will then be available next Saturday October 26th to give out parent passwords and logins from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Parents may also e-mail
Mr. Woods at olqm1@aol.com and he will send the information as soon as possible. Anyone who has worked with a new technology tool knows that glitches occur with new programs. Parents will receive an IRIS alert when the Parent Access Tab opens.

Safe Environment Curriculum Week

Dear Parents,
Our Catholic tradition has always affirmed the
dignity of the human person as created in the image
and likeness of God. Every person with whom we come
in contact deserves to be seen by us with the eyes of
God. We know that ministry with children and youth,
in particular, is a sacred trust. We, at Our Lady
Queen of Martyrs School are committed to preserve,
at all times and in all places, this sacred trust
which is rooted in our faith in Jesus Christ.
In 2002, the United States Bishops approved
The Charter for the Protection of Children and
Young People in an effort to protect children
and youth from sexual abuse at ;all levels of
church life and to restore trust in a Church
scarred by the scandal of clergy and sexual
abuse. Article 12 of the charter directs all
dioceses to create programs and processes
to teach children and youth about sexual abuse
and prevention. In the Archdiocese of New York,
this training will be integrated this week.
October 22nd-October 25th into the religious
education program in our school.
We thank you for your support and interest
as we partner to give our children the safest
possible environment to grow in faith, in
our parish, school and in our homes.

Monday - October 21, 2013
Superintendent's Conference Day on Common Core for all teachers and principals in Manhattan.
School Closed

Tuesday - October 22, 2013
Unit I - Writing Exams Grades 1-8

Touring Tuesdays - 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
New parents wishing a tour should stop at the office during that time.

Safe Environment Curriculum covered

Wednesday - October 23, 2013
Unit I Exams in Social Studies and Reading Grades 1-8
Math Coach will work with teachers regarding the new Common Core Standards

Thursday - October 24, 2013 -- United Nations Day
Unit I Exams Science and Mathematics Grades 1-8
Differentiated Learning Coaching

Friday- October 25, 2013
Unit I Exams Religion & ELA - Grades 1-8
Title I Parent Workshop - Reading, Mathematics & Counseling
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM in Title I Reading Room

Saturday- October 26, 2013
SIS (Student Information System)Logins and Passwords
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Sunday - October 27, 2013
Reconciliation Class 12:00 noon
Mass at 1:00 PM

Announcements Week of October 14, 2013

OLQM Teachers e-mail
In addressing parents requests to e-mail teachers the procedure is as follows:
1. All e-mail is to be sent to Mr. Woods e-mail at olqm1@aol.com ---please indicate in that you are the parent of _______________
2. The e-mail will be saved as a PDF file and forwarded to the teacher as requested by parent.
3. The e-mail will also be saved in the teacher's file.
4. The teacher's response will be sent back to Mr. Woods in a PDF format. It should be expected that teachers will not respond for 2 or 3 days.
5. Mr. Woods will then forward the teacher's response to the parent.
This format is being adopted to avoid issues that have occurred between teachers and parents and e-mail at other schools. The PDF format will guarantee that the e-mail will not be changed or distorted.

Mr. Woods' Sunday hours - change
Mr. Woods will only be able to see parents on Sunday from 10:00-11:30 AM and from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM beginning this Sunday October 13th.
Mr. Woods teaches Sacramental classes from 12:00 (noon) till 2:00 PM and then a Regents Biology Class from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM.
Sundays--parents do not need an appointment - Parents may just show up and
parents are free to see Mr. Woods from 6:30 AM - 7:30 AM each morning - please schedule an appointment with Alba.
Parental concerns can be also sent to Mr. Woods by e-mail at olqm1@aol.com

Tuition concerns
Parents with concerns about tuition should see Mrs. Resto in the tuition office on Tuesdays-Fridays from 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM.
Parents may also e-mail Mr. Woods with their concerns - please understand it may take a day or two for Mr. Woods to respond.

Interim Assessment # 1
As mentioned last week the Interim Assessment in Mathematics will be administered on Wednesday, October 16th.
The results will not be available until November.

Progress Reports
Progress Reports will be sent home with ALL students on Friday, October 18th. Progress Reports are an indication of how your child is doing since September.
These are informal reports to parents. Report cards will be distributed on November 21st along with AIS (Academic Intervention Services) reports as required by New York State Education Law.
Parents should make an appointment to see their child's teacher if the child has received less than a 70 in any subject area.

Cornerstone Student Information System logins and passwords
The new regional student information system will be opened to parents on Saturday October 19th from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM.
Parents wishing to access their child's grades should come and see Mr. Woods during those hours.
Parents may also e-mail Mr. Woods with their request and he will e-mail them the information along with instructions.
Mr. Woods will also be in office on Saturday October 26th during the same hours for logins and passwords.

Book Fair - Week of October 28th
The PreK classes will sponsor a Book Fair to assist in raising funds for their graduation ceremonies.
The Book Fair will be in the office area and parents are welcome to browse the area when dropping off their children.

Halloween 2013
As a reminder there will be a Halloween parade from 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM for students in PreK and Kindergarten.
Parents are welcome to join in the days activities.
Parents should check with their child's teacher regarding each specific class.
Students in the upper grades will not be permitted to go to a party in the PreK or Kindergarten.

Monday October 14th - Columbus Day School Closed
CCSS - Common Core State Standards Unit I Week 6

Tuesday October 15th - Feast of St. Teresa of the Jesus
Anti-Bullying curriculum will be covered today.
After School Math Grade 5

Wednesday October 16th-
Interim Assessment # 1 - Mathematics Grades K-8
After School Math Grade 6

Thursday October 17th
Reading Coach will be working with students.
After School Math Grade 8

Friday October 18th - Feast of St. Luke, evangelist
Progress Reports will be sent home with all students today.
Tuition is due to SMART Tuition by October 20th.
After School Math Grade 7

Saturday October 19th - Feast of Sts. John deBrebeuf and Isaac Jogues
Parent Access for Cornerstone Student Information System
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Sunday October 20th
Communion Class 12:00 noon
Mass at 1:00 PM for all students in sacramental program.
Biology Regents Class 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Monday - October 21st - SCHOOL CLOSED Superintendent's Conference Day for Teachers

Week of October 7, 2013 Announcements

Early Dismissal Day
Friday, October 11th
12:00 noon
Parents in need of child care for the afternoon should see
Mr. Marcial in the After School Program.

Fire Safety Week
Fireman Jose Rubio and Fireman Ivan Moreau both graduates of OLQM will speak to students in grades PreK-8 on Tuesday October 8th regarding Fire Safety habits at home.
Parents are welcome to attend.
Grades 5-8 - 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Grades 1-4 - 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Grades PreK, Kindergarten and HeadStart - 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Archdiocesan Interim Assessments #1
In order to address academic concerns regarding the New York State Test results on the Common Core Standards - the Archdiocese of New York along with Catapult Learning will administer three interim tests to determine how students are performing before the 2014 tests are administered in the Spring.
These tests will be in ELA (English Language Arts) and Mathematics. Students in grades Kindergarten, First and second will take the test by paper and pencil. Students therefore should have 3 or 4 number 2 pencils.
Students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8 will take the test online using either an I-pad or a desktop computer in the computer room.
The ELA will be administered on Thursday, October 10th.
This is a change from the monthly calendar.
The Mathematics test will be administered Wednesday October 16th.
Students who may be absent for the test will be administered the test upon their return to school.
There will be no weekly quiz on Friday or next Tuesday so that students may concentrate on the Interim Assessment.

Hispanic Heritage Presentations
In commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month which ends on October 15th all classes will display work completed by the class regarding Hispanic Heritage on its impact on American Society.
The projects will be displayed in the auditorium on
Friday October 11th from 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM.
Parents are welcome to come and browse through the exhibits.

Monday October 7, 2013 Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary

Tuesday October 8, 2013 - Fire Safety Week Presentation
see notes above.

Thursday October 19, 2013
Interim Assessment #1
Grades K-8
ELA - English Language Arts

Friday October 11, 2013----Dismissal at 12:00 noon
Hispanic Heritage Presentations in auditorium
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Map a Month due from September

Sunday - October 13, 2013
Confirmation Class 12:00 noon in Library
1:00 PM - Mass for all students in sacramental program
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM - Regents Biology Class