MS 54 Booker T Washington Middle School

Booker T. Washington * M.S. 54 PTA Email Update
09/09/09

Dear Parents,

School got off to a very smooth start today. I hope that your children had a good day and came home happy. Please do not hesitate to contact us if your child is having a difficult time adjusting or if you have questions or concerns. We are happy to speak with you. The Welcome Folder has a lot of information about the school and contact information for most of the people who can answer your questions. Please return the forms which were in the folder as soon as possible. Homeroom teachers will collect them.

Sixth grade parents - please note that the Sixth Grade Orientation will take place from 8:02am-8:40am beginning on Monday morning. This program has been designed to help your child meet other sixth graders and learn to navigate middle school. I strongly suggest that your children participate. Topics that will be covered include time management, organizational skills, navigating the computer system and library at Booker T., how to study and how to balance homework and your other obligations. The Parent Orientation Program begins Monday as well. Please check your folder for more details.

I look forward to seeing you at the first PTA meeting, next Tuesday, September 15th at 7:00 pm.

Dr. Elana Elster

FIRST GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING - PTA OF M.S. 54
Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 7 pm
Auditorium
Spanish translation and childcare will be available free of charge. Please attend! This is a great way to learn more about our school and help your child in the process. Many of you have not had the opportunity to attend M.S.54 PTA Meetings. You will hear the Principal report on what has been going on at your child's school, as well as discuss the impact decisions made by the Department of Education might have on your child's education. It is also an opportunity to discuss your issues of concern.

This month's meeting will also include a special presentation on "The Transition to Middle School," presented by BTW staff and teachers. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the meeting Tuesday night. The meeting starts at 7:00 sharp and the Principal's Report is early in the meeting. Please be on time.

Tentative Agenda:
I. Welcome/Introduction of Board
II. Announcements
III. Approval of 06/08 Minutes
IV. Principal's Report
V. SLT Election
VI. Fundraising/Community Events
Auction
Fall Barbecue Dinner
Hospitality (need chairs)
Bake Sales
Grant Writing
Pledge Drive/Telethon
VII. Introduction of Community Services
St. Luke's Wellness Clinic
Ryan Center
Diabetes Program" Children's Hospital of NY Presbyterian
VIII. Featured Panel: "Transitioning to Middle School"
IX. District News
X. Old/New Business

2009-2010 Executive/General Membership Meeting Calendar Dates:
Meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month unless there is a conflict on the school calendar. Unless otherwise noted, the Executive Board Meetings are at 5:30 PM and the General Membership Meetings are at 7:00 PM. Dates (subject to change) are as follows:
September 15, 2009, October 13, 2009, November 10, 1009, December 8, 2009, January 12, 2010, February 9, 2010, March 9, 2010, April 13, 2010, May 11, 2010, June 8, 2010

Other Dates:
September 30, 2009 -- BBQ for 6th grade families (6-8 p.m.)
October 1, 2009 – BBQ for 7th and 8th grade families (6-8 p.m.)
November 17, 2009 -- First Parent/Teacher conference
February 25, 2010 -- 2nd Parent/Teacher conference

Tentative Bake Sale Dates:
November 17 at Parent conferences
December (2)
February 25 at Parent conferences
March
May (2)

SPECIALIZED HIGH SCHOOL ADMISSIONS TEST (SHSAT) PREP

There's still time to enroll in The Princeton Review's Specialized High School (SHSAT) Essentials prep course at MS54. The course is slated to begin on September 10th, and will meet on Tuesdays and some Thursdays after school, from 3:15 pm - 5:15 pm. The course includes 18 hours of classroom instruction, three full-length practice exams and a complete set of materials. Tuition is $375. To enroll or for more information, please call 212-925-6447 or 800-2Review.

PARENT VOLUNTEER NEEDED

Need "Man or Woman With Van!" - to pick up 5 donated office chairs! 39th & Broadway, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Please contact Anne Pejovich: apejovich@schools.nyc.gov