Dear Families,

Fourth-grade families are invited to join us for an informational meeting about the middle school admissions process on Thursday, March 26, at 6 PM. We will review how the process works, including how grades are entered, and the application timeline. There will also be time for questions and answers, so families can better understand what to expect in the year ahead. We will record the session for those unable to attend.  Here is the meeting link.

Summer Rising is a free summer program offered through a partnership between New York City Public Schools and the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD).  It runs from July 1 to August 14, from 8 AM - 6 PM.  Families can apply through MySchools. Applications close on March 27.

Another wonderful summer option is the GO Project. GO Project provides free high-quality academic support led by experienced teachers in math, literacy, and social-emotional learning. They run for 5 weeks over the summer and offer small-group and 1:1 support to help students make academic gains.

NY State exams are coming up in April and May. We want to remind you that test prep does not happen during school hours. As a progressive school, we value the authentic learning that takes place in classrooms through rich discussions and deep dives into content that’s relevant to our community. If you are a family that wants your child to take the tests, you can find previously released questions on the NYSED website to guide you as you practice with your child at home.   If you are opting your child out of the NY State tests, you can either email Dyanthe or fill out the opt-out form in the PTA Announcements below.

Friday is a TNS half-day. Dismissal is at 11:45.  Please note that STAR does not have a half-day, so the park will be closed until 2:35 PM.

Warmly,
Dyanthe and Shaquawn

PTA Announcements

• The New York State English Language Arts test from April 14–16 and the New York State Math test from May 5–6.  Families have the right to opt their child out of the New York State exams. Students who opt out are not penalized; they are simply recorded as “opt-outs.” If you would like to opt your child out, please let Dyanthe know by completing this opt-out form.
  
  
• We are under halfway to our Family Contribution Fundraising Goal of 35K for this 25-26 school year. Donate on zeffy or purchase a piece of TNS gear for a teacher or staff member. Thank you SO MUCH to those families who are currently contributing!!!

• You can also use a piece of your child’s artwork and order it printed on a mug, dish towel, magnet, etc via the “Original Works” Fundraiser! Part of the proceeds go to the PTA! Check out the details here and order a gift!

• We are planning our Spring Fling and Auction! Reach out to Malia Baker or Brooke Moreland with suggestions. Join the crew and help out!!! Meetings every Friday after drop off at 8:30AMin the PTA room.
  

• Class parent meeting on Wednesday March 11th after drop off at 8:30 am! Contact Kristen Majewski if you have questions.

• Second March Advocacy Meeting on Thursday March 12th after drop off at 8:30 AM to continue discussion about Principal Succession. 

• Pi Day Pie Bake sale is this Friday March 13th! We only have seven whole pies up for sale so get yours now before it's too late! Pick them up on Friday in the garden where we will be selling slices of heaven in celebration of our favorite number 3.14159265359...Order here

• The 3rd annual TNS Talent Show is March 14th! HUGE shout out to Sarah Halpern and Amanda Fucello for managing this event! This is a great way to show TNS support even if you don’t have a child performing!!
  

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  We are looking for parents to join the PTA Executive Board for the 26-27 School Year! Elections will be held in May. We hope folks will step up to lend their skills, eyes and ears to next year’s board. We already have some eager candidates but need more! Positions open for: Co-President (2); Co-Secretary (2); Co-Class Parent Liaison (2); Co-Treasurer (1); VP Fundraising and Community Building (1)

Upcoming Dates

• Mar 10th PTA Gen Meeting 8:30AM in person

• Mar 11th Class Parent Meeting 8:30AM

• Mar 12th 2nd Advocacy Meeting 8:30AM

• Mar 13th Half Day and Pi Day Bake Sale

• Mar 14th Talent Show!!

Community News

~The Honeysuckle Society’s Summer Program, Honeysuckle Scouts is now open for registration! 10% off if you register for both weeks. https://www.thehoneysucklesociety.com/home-1

~New Honeysuckle Parent-Child Knitting Class in Brooklyn this Spring. Beginner-friendly, experienced knitters welcome too. Open to all TNS families! We are making a scarf. Cost is $45/class. You purchase supplies. Dates 3/22, 4/19, 5/17, 11:30-1pm. Register here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1DauUdMUZgaXk0rfYd6bu5nqYtqLLdePx_2SIgmoPsEQ/viewform

~March 18th at the Earth School: a conversation about raising kids in an uncertain world. 9:15 AM at the Earth School 

~Looking for an art program in a creative, inspiring, and safe space for your child after school? Join Playlab Art in collaboration with The Clemente, where imagination comes to life! ✨ Tuition: $60 per session Includes school pickup at 2:45 pm and all art materials — just bring your creativity! 🕑 Program Hours: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Need more time? Extended pickup is available until 5:30 PM for just $10 extra. 📍 Located at The Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural & Educational Center 107 Suffolk St, 3rd Floor New York, NY Spots are limited — come create, explore, and grow with us at Playlab Art! 🎨

~Art Classes for Women Wednesdays from 6 - 8 pm ✨ Tuition: Sliding scale. $60 suggested per session. Partial financial aid available Materials included. Ceramics, acrylic and watercolor painting, live model drawing, textile art, and more You can bring non-alcoholic drinks, snacks and music suggestions.

~Want to stay connected to the community? Consider filling out the Community Database form, and updating it every year. This way, when you need a service, are curious about how to support a fellow parent or want to stay more connected to other families, you can look with the TNS community first. Also, after you attend a PTA meeting, fill out the attendance column so we can keep track of how participation fluctuates during the year.

If you have community news you’d like shared in the newsletter, email elena.matt@gmail.com or ptapresident@tnsny.org Simple Ways to support TNS

• 	Supply the Little Free Food Pantry with dry and/or canned goods. Watch the video to see how it works. You can supply the cabinet yourself, drop it off or have donations delivered to the school.
  	Shop the TNS selection at Bookshop.org! Check out great deals from Bookshop at this link and the PTA receives 10% of the purchase price. You can also get a gift card at this link.