BSI Newsletter
Issue # 27
Week of April 1, 2024 - April 5, 2024
IMPORTANT INFORMATION & UPDATES
Dear Families,
As we sail through the second half of the academic voyage, our ship of learning is charting new courses! 🚢🌊 Buckle up, because this issue is your treasure map to discoveries, information, and inspiration.
What’s Inside:
- School News: Stay informed with BSI’s latest news and announcements, including the No Place for Hate initiative, and the Class of 2024 Graduation. The Center of Architecture program continues for 2nd graders.
- Reminders: Mark your calendars for important dates and upcoming activities including a Solar Eclipse viewing event! Earth Day is coming soon.
- Arab American Heritage: Let’s delve into cultural richness by shining a spotlight on Arab American Heritage!
- Autism Awareness Month: Acceptance is not just a month-long effort—it’s a mindset we carry throughout the year.
- PTO News: Check out some FREE workshops! Annual Gala date is announced.
- Caring Corner: Meet our first inductee into the Kindness hall of fame!
Whether you’re a parent, a classroom volunteer, or just enjoy reading with your child at home, your involvement makes a difference. Let’s embrace spring’s fresh energy and dive into this edition!
Happy reading!
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SCHOOL NEWS
Bridging Knowledge and Creativity: A Journey with The Center for Architecture
We’re thrilled to announce an exciting 8-week program for our 2nd grade students! This week, The Center for Architecture visits our classrooms to ignite young minds with the wonders of bridge building.
What to Expect:
- Educational Workshops: The experts from The Center for Architecture are engaging our students in interactive sessions, teaching them about the science, engineering, and art behind bridges. From suspension bridges to arches, our little engineers will explore it all!
- Hands-On Building: Each child will have the chance to design and construct their very own mini bridge. They’ll learn firsthand about load bearing, stability, and creativity.
- Brooklyn Bridge Adventure: The grand finale awaits! After weeks of learning and building, our students will embark on a special journey—a walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. They’ll marvel at its majestic towers, feel the breeze from the East River, and appreciate the teamwork that makes bridges possible.
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Graduation 2024 Announcement
We are thrilled to announce that BSI will be celebrating its 2024 Graduation Ceremony!
Date: June 25, 2024
Time: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Claire Tow Theater, Brooklyn College
Mark your calendars and join us as we honor our talented graduates. Stay tuned for more details! Congratulations to the BSI Class of 2024!
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Beam Center @ BSI
Beam Center works with our students on a project that is aligned with their social studies curriculum. Students are hands-on experiential learning and working together throughout this process to produce collaborative projects. Students create while learning skills in fabrication, prototyping, metalwork, physical computing, construction, and design. They use tools and craft to honor the individual voice, celebrate the joy of producing something larger than themselves, and inspire lasting sense of wonder and accomplishment.
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BSI's 6th Annual Talent Show
Auditions will be held on April 3rd-4th, and the actual talent show will be held on May 28-31. April 3nd will be the auditions for K - 4. April 4th will be the auditions for 5 - 8. The maximum time duration per act is 2:30 minutes. Families will attend Show #3 on Friday, May 31 from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm.
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Panel for Education Policy Elections
It is that time of the year again! The Panel for Educational Policy application is posted on the NYCPS website. Parents, we would love if you would apply for this very important position.
About the Position…
The Panel for Educational Policy consists of 23 voting members. Each borough president will appoint one member, 5 members are elected by CEC Presidents (one member from each borough), and 13 members appointed by the Mayor. The parent representatives will serve a one-year term from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.
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No Place for Hate
At BSI, students and staff have come together to champion the No Place for Hate campaign headed by Ms. Ferguson. This initiative aims to create a learning environment that celebrates diversity, combats bias, and promotes empathy. It engages students and staff in dialogue, active learning, and reflection on topics such as bias, bullying and inclusion. BSI rallies its entire community around the No Place for Hate Pledge. Students, teachers, and staff commit to making our school a haven of respect and acceptance. Let’s celebrate the creativity and impact of BSI students through their inspiring posters.
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NYCSA Parent Portal: Report Cards & Academic Screeners
Families can view academic screener outcomes [iReady and Acadience (K-2)] in NYC School Accounts (NYCSA) in the new Reading and Math Progress tile.  Portal: https://www.schoolsaccount.nyc 
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Mr. Havlik’s March PTO Meeting Presentation
March's presentation is packed with beautiful pictures of our students engaged in daily instruction and enrichment programming. March's presentation can be found here.
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Stomping Ground Pictures
Pictures are available to view and purchase: https://iloveschoolpictures.com/bsi/5726 
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Teacher Emails / Contact Info
An updated staff contact sheet: click here
- A reminder to email instead of sending a private msg to staff on Konstella.  Konstella is used to share class-wide updates and news. 
- If a student wishes to contact a teacher via email, she/he should email the teacher from their DOE account to the teacher’s DOE email address. 
- If a parent wishes to contact a teacher via email, she/he should contact the teacher at their DOE email address.  
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NYC Reads & HMH Resources:
Teachhub - Into Reading
- Students and families may use Teachhub to access Into Reading materials.  Teachhub is a portal to support students and teachers. The portal provides quick links to essential applications for remote learning, including:
- iLearnNYC, the NYCDOE Learning Management System
- Student report cards (available in the Student Documents icon)
- Student grades (available in MyDashboard - if published from DOE Grades)
- Multiple educational applications
- G Suite, Microsoft O365, and Zoom (using secure central accounts)
- And more!
Here  is the link to Teachhub.  Students/families can sign in using DOE  student credentials.  Once you enter Teachhub, click on the Into Reading icon and then click on Discover.
Video:Click here 
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Daily Dismissal Changes - If you need to make a change to your child’s dismissal on a given day, please complete the daily dismissal form: click here. (changes need to be made PRIOR to 1 pm) 
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BSI FAQ Directory here.
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REMINDERS: Save the Date
Solar Eclipse - Save the Date
Mark your calendars! On April 8th, we’re hosting an exciting Eclipse Viewing Event right after school. Here are the details:
Time: After school (exact dismissal time)
Location: Seth Low Park
Who’s Invited?: Parents, if possible, please join us at dismissal as children will not be accompanied by teachers to Seth Low Park. Students who leave on their own are also welcome (with parental consent).
Solar Glasses: We’ve ordered 250 pairs of Solar Glasses to share with everyone attending.
Let’s witness this celestial spectacle together!
Remember to bring your curiosity and enthusiasm!
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NYC Reads Ambassador Program
The NYC Reads Ambassador Program is a way for families to support their children as they learn to read. This program will instruct families on how to build literacy skills with their children and will give families the opportunity to prepare for and practice these skill-building activities together with their children. The science-based modules encompass all facets of brain-based reading, the science of reading, and science of reading frameworks.
We have several sessions left and would love to see families from our district attend.
Below is the flyer with all the information and here is the zoom registration link:
https://zoom.us/j/92712617128?pwd=Z2VzcitIWTlTSVJVSTVlVFF0MktmZz09
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English
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Learning the English Language
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Arab American Heritage Month
Celebrating Arab American Heritage Month: Honoring Resilience and Diversity
Greetings, students, parents, and educators!
As April unfolds, we embark on a journey to recognize and celebrate the rich cultural tapestry woven by Arab Americans. National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM) is our time to honor their remarkable contributions, resilience, and diverse heritage.
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Why Arab American Heritage Matters
Arab Americans trace their origins to 22 countries across the Middle East and North Africa. Their stories are as varied as the sands of the Sahara, each contributing to the vibrant mosaic of our nation. From poets to entrepreneurs, scientists to artists, Arab Americans have left an indelible mark on American society.
Our Collective Effort
During NAAHM, cultural institutions, school districts, municipalities, and public servants come together to celebrate this vibrant community. Across the country, proclamations are issued, special events unfold, and hearts open to learn more about Arab American culture and history.
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Autism Acceptance Month
April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time when we come together to raise awareness, promote understanding, and celebrate the unique contributions of individuals on the autism spectrum. The theme for this year’s observance is “Celebrate Differences”, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and embracing the diverse strengths and perspectives of Autistic individuals. Throughout April, we aim to foster inclusivity, connectedness, and acceptance within our school community.
Why Autism Acceptance Matters
Autism is a neurological condition that affects communication, behavior, and sensory processing. By promoting acceptance, we create an environment where everyone, regardless of their neurodiversity, feels valued and understood. It’s about celebrating the remarkable qualities that make each person on the spectrum inimitable and irreplaceable.
Our Commitment
As a school, we are committed to promoting awareness and understanding of autism. We encourage open conversations, dispelling myths, and providing resources to support our students, families, and educators. Together, we can build a more compassionate and inclusive community.
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NYC DOE MESSAGES FOR FAMILIES
- Messages for Families Page Click Here
- Introducing the NYC School Bus App! This app allows families to track their child’s school bus as it travels to and from school. Click here for more details.
- NYC DOE 2023–2024 School Year Calendar Click Here
- Remember to check the calendar for details: https://bsi686.org/calendar/
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PTO NEWS
You must register for this event in advance by clicking HERE so that the BEAM folks bring enough supplies for the workshops based on the number of children expected to attend.
Elections for next year's board will be held at our May PTO meeting!
Click HERE for job descriptions.
We'd love to answer your questions and help you figure out which role is best for you.
We also need parents to be a part of some very important committees in the last few months of THIS school year. Help us plan our biggest fundraiser of the year by joining the Gala & Auction Committee, help review the PTO's financials (Audit Committee), or help coordinate upcoming PTO Board elections (Nominating Committee). Please reach out to execbd@bsipto.org with questions or to express your interest.
The Annual BSI Gala and Auction is scheduled for Saturday, June 1, from 7 – 11 pm, at Baron DeKalb (3000 Emmons Avenue) in South Brooklyn!!
Every spring we come together for a wonderful night of celebration. There's an OPEN BAR, FOOD, LIVE DJ, and a SILENT and LIVE AUCTION. Don't be scared off by the word GALA....it's just a fun party for our community! You'll want to be there!
And, help us make this Gala a real success by reaching out to a local business to request a donation item for our Gala auction! The spreadsheet of businesses to contact, instructions for filling it out, and a sample script to use in reaching out to businesses can all be found on Konstella! Please reach out to execbd@bsipto.org with any questions!
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Caring Corner
Reporting Acts of Kindness
In a delightful encounter that warmed our hearts, 8th-grade student Mariel Artjomova shared a sweet compliment with 2nd-grader Nouri Mirabella. As they passed each other in the hallway, Mariel looked up at Nouri and said, “You have really nice eyes!” Nouri’s face lit up with surprise and joy, and he replied with a shy but grateful smile. It’s moments like these that remind us of the kindness that exists within our school community. Let’s continue to spread positivity and brighten each other’s days!
And guess what? Mariel has won a Kindness Journal for this thoughtful act! Her words made a difference, and we celebrate her kindness. Let’s encourage more students to follow Mariel’s example and create a ripple effect of kindness throughout our school.