October 2010

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We encourage all parents and caregivers to attend Parent­Teacher Conferences to be held Thursday, October 28th in the evening (from 5:30 ­ 8 PM) and Friday, October 29th from 1 to 3 PM. Lower School families will receive information shortly about how to sign up for a time slot to meet with their child’s teacher. Parents of Middle or Upper School students can come at their convenience during Conference hours and then sign up outside the doors of the teachers they wish to visit. Student time­keepers will be on hand to help the conferences move smoothly. Childcare will not be available on premises. Please note that Friday, October 29th is a half­day of school (dismissal is at 11:30 am). 6$""17##)&8$9#&:$"#&,&;<===&8$9#*&
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On Thursday, Oct. 28th, the PTA will hold the ever­popular Halloween Bake Sale. Given the tremendous demand, we need families to bake thousands of creepy cupcakes and frightful cookies! We don’t want to disappoint any young customers, so bake early and bake often! Please drop off your !"#$%&'((%&%()"*+()&"*&*,$&-./&(012$&*,$&3(4)+)'&
of October 28th, or please send your baked goods in 5+*,&6(74&2,+8%&*,"*&3(4)+)'9&:.,$&-./&;012$&2")­
not accept any donations earlier than October 28th). If there are any extras, we will sell them at Parent­
Teacher conferences. Thank you for your support! :./11"6@A&,&B1@+&C3)9&(1&D/$(E%&
6$FF#)3)G&$(&?H:-IJ5&
If you have not already signed up for SchoolHub, please do so NOW! SchoolHub is a secure web­
based program that is used by teachers, administra­
tion and the PTA to disseminate important school in­
formation. By signing up for SchoolHub, you will be kept up­to­date on the latest school events as well as what’s happening in your child’s classroom. Teachers use SchoolHub to post homework assignments and other important classroom information, the PTA uses SchoolHub to get the word out about events happening at the school, and the administration uses SchoolHub for important school­wide messages. To sign up use the following link: http://nestm.ourschoolhub.com/users/signup
If you have any questions or problems signing up for SchoolHub, please contact nestsupport@lab36.com K#L3%#*&C17#+&:./11"&M+#%%&01*#
The School Leadership Team recently revised the Lower School Dress Code such that on days when 3­5 grade students have PE or Dance, they are .POUIMZ/FXT
October 2010
Volume 5, Issue 2
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For the third year in a row, the K-8 DOE Progress Report Grade at
NEST+m is an “A”. Only 25% of schools citywide received an “A”,
and 70% of schools saw their grade drop from last year to this year.
Way to go, NEST+m!
allowed to wear for the whole day any shirt that says NEST+m (e.g. track shirts, school PE shirts, Lands’ End cotton tees with the school logo, cotton tees with the “fun logo” sold by the PTA) and it will not be a violation of the Dress Code. On Dance and PE days, please also remind your children to wear clothing in which they can move easily. C@)./&N1+J%&'+#&K#O@3+#*&12&&
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Whether or not you are applying for free or reduced lunch for your child, the DOE free and reduced lunch form must be completed by every family at the school per the DOE. If you have not yet completed the form, it is available online at www.
nyc.gov/accessnyc (on the right­hand side, click on “Apply Online for School Meals). It is extremely important that all NEST+m families complete a lunch application regardless of whether or not your child purchases lunch at school. Families with more than one child at NEST+m only have to complete one form. You do NOT have to complete the section "<#+)'&0(4&1)")2+"8&+)0(43"*+()&+0&6(7&"4$&)(*&"==86­
ing for free or reduced lunch. If you don’t know your 2,+8%><&?@&)73!$4A&2()*"2*&*,$&B"+)&;012$9&.,$&0(43&
also requires our school number, 539.
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Please note: Open School Week will be held from November 14th – 20th, not in October as posted on the NEST+m PTA Calendar. More information will be provided in the November Newsletter.
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Daedalus is a data management system that integrates DOE databases and provides NEST+m with a unique and dynamic set of information about our students and a powerful tool to communicate with our families. It not only allows for individual and private communication with students and their families, but also for students to select courses, stu­
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Please see Dr. Livanis’ column for more details on Daedalus registration. If you have questions about activation or your password, please contact Marcy Duran at mrios22@schools.nyc.gov. It is critical that all families activate their account if they have not done so already.
Alert! Beware!
Come if you dare...
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t%S0MHB-JWBOJT1SJODJQBM/&45Nt+BSFE3PTPGG"1-PXFS4DIPPMt#SFOEBO"MåFSJ, AP Middle School (Interim Acting)
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t5JOB:V, AP Upper School
/&45N New York City Department of Education, 111 Columbia Street, New York, NY 10002
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NEST+m MONTHLY NEWS
Volume 5, Issue 2
October 2010
-&55&3'30.%S-JWBOJT
From Dr. Livanis, Principal Dear NEST+m Families:
Welcome back! Our school year was off to "&'4$"*&<*"4*&$C$)&!$0(4$&*,$&(012+"8&14<*&%"6&
of school, as over 400 Upper School students traveled to NEST+m on September 1st to pick up textbooks, locker assignments, planners, and programs. We will certainly repeat this event before the start of each new school year! Quick updates and news… Former 1st grade teacher Andy Spinello is now the Lower School Physical Education teacher, replacing Nolia Hill who unexpectedly resigned from the DOE to take a teaching position out of state. We are expecting Lower School guidance counselor Sarah Liogys and Lower School teacher Angela Shamooil to return a little later in this fall term.
Our new Lower School Mandarin Pro­
gram has caught the attention of the Wall Street Journal, which featured one of our Kin­
dergarten Mandarin Classes in its September 27th issue. As you may already know, we currently have two administrative vacancies ­­ one for Assistant Principal of Organization and one for an Assistant Principal for the Middle School. It is my and the School Leadership Team’s (SLT) responsibility to carry out the procedure *(&188&$"2,&(0&*,$<$&C"2")2+$<A&"<&(7*8+)$%&+)&
the Chancellor’s Regulations in Circular 30 (C­30). The result of the C­30 process can be $+*,$4&")&(012+"8&"==(+)*3$)*&(0&"&2")%+%"*$&
vetted via this process, a re­canvassing for more candidates, or a closing of the vacancy. Once I receive the list of applicants from the DOE for each of these vacancies, I select 5 or 6 candidates to undergo the C­30 process for each position. The SLT’s role is to convene as a C­30 Committee, schedule the dates of the C­30 process for each open position, script the questions to be asked of each candidate, assign roles to the members of the Committee for the procedure, and, most importantly, recommend to me their selection. Please note that this pro­
cess is closed to non­Committee members. Our Student Union Book Store is cur­
rently open in the mornings (7:30­8:30am) and afternoons (3:15­4:15pm). The items for sale include NEST+m Physical Education T­shirts, shorts, hooded sweatshirts, sweat­
pants, PE carrying bag, lab manuals, and other items requested by teachers for their Middle and Upper School students. Optional Lower School PE items will arrive most likely at the $)%&(0&*,$&14<*&5$$#&+)&;2*(!$4&")%&+)287%$&*,$&
same items listed above. Financial assistance is supported by the PTA for mandatory items available for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch. If your child has been a recipi­
ent of such items, I ask you to give back to the school by volunteering your time and know­
how for PTA events. This year, NEST+m is offering more Advanced Placement (AP) courses than ever before! All NEST+m students take AP World History in 10th grade instead of Global 10, and this year we also replaced US history with AP US History for all 11th graders. The com­
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includes: Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chinese Language and Culture, English Lan­
guage, English Literature, European History, French Language, German Language, Music Theory, Physics B, Psychology, Spanish Lan­
guage, US History, and World History.
Please assist your child in attaining an “E” for Excellent&+)&*,$+4&H(3$4((3&(4&;012+"8&
Class evaluation (grades 6­12) by returning documents sent home for completion such as Lunch forms, Discipline Code Agreements, Senior Year contracts, Daedalus activation, and more. Take a look at the lower left­hand side of our website’s main page and you will see a list of password­protected quick­links. The most important one for the school is Daedalus. If you haven’t yet activated your account, your personal activation letter should have been given to you as you entered Curriculum Night on September 30th, and if you couldn’t make that event, then you should receive it at the up­
coming Parent­Teacher Conferences. We want all parents, K­12, to activate their accounts. This will enable the faculty and administra­
tion to e­mail one parent, one class of parents, or all the parents in the school at once. Please note that Daedalus account activation letters have already gone home with our 6­8 graders. Students in grades 6­12 will also receive their own account activation letters in Homeroom (4&;012+"8&I8"<<&+0&*,$6&,"C$&)(*&6$*&"2*+C"*$%&
their accounts. All you need to activate your ac­
count is an e­mail address such as gmail.com, yahoo.com, juno.com, or any other. Using this communication tool will allow us to be respect­
ful of our environment and conserve operating costs. Let’s all Go Purple!
I am always happy to see a big turnout at our Coffees, where news is disseminated and you have an opportunity to ask questions and build your parent­to­parent NEST+m network. So please check our web Calendar for the dates of your school’s Coffees, as the dates may have changed from the Orientation hand out.
I encourage you to attend Parent­Teacher Conferences on October 28th in the evening or the 29th in the afternoon. Please note that since we are designated as a high school, our Parent–
Teacher Conferences follow the DOE’s high school schedule.
Please join me in always placing the aca­
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O. Livanis
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NEST+m MONTHLY NEWS
Volume 5, Issue 2
October 2010
61%"5&'30.-PXFS4DIPPM
From Jared Rosoff
Lower School AP
Dear Lower School Parents:
It feels like just days ago I was writing my col­
umn for the School Leadership Team summer news­
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settled into a routine and November is approaching C$46&M7+2#869&&/0*$4&"&C$46&<722$<<078&14<*&3()*,&(0&
school, I am looking forward to what is going to be another great school year. I enjoyed meeting all the Lower School families at the back to school event hosted by the PTA.
One of most exciting things happening at NEST+m this school year is the addition of Mandarin to the students’ schedule. Even though they only N$.@"(P&F+1L3*#*&(/#&21""173)G&*#%.+3F(31)%&12&
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The Me and My Family study is already un­
derway. Kindergartners began the school year by learning about themselves and their surroundings. Students took tours around the school to familiarize themselves with the school environment and met important members of the school community such as the school safety agents and the nurse. Students also learned about health and hygiene by learning the proper steps for hand washing and the food groups of the food pyramid. If you and your child are in­
terested in learning more about the revised nutrition guidelines, visit www.mypyramid.gov/kids.
In Math, the kindergarteners have started solving problems that relate to their daily lives. We have created charts and graphs to depict how many boys and girls are in our class and how we get to school. We have worked on sorting objects as well as creat­
ing and extending patterns. We are looking forward to practicing number formation and counting in the coming weeks. N3+%(&>+$*#
P,"*&"&!7<6&14<*&0$5&5$$#<&5$&,"C$&,"%&+)&14<*&
grade! We have gotten to know each other and our classroom environment. The students have also ex­
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in school that we will be using throughout the year. We have been learning how to use the materials and tools we have in the classroom and re­familiarizing ourselves with the people and places at our school. We have also been working to establish our classroom community through reading and discuss­
ing stories about school, what makes each one of us special, and how to be a good friend. We have had classmate scavenger hunts, interviewed new friends have Mandarin once a week, I have already seen ,(5&=(5$4078&*,"*&()$&28"<<&2")&!$9&?&5+*)$<<$%&14<*&
hand today a 2nd grade class not only speaking the language but learning the culture. It was extremely exciting.
On Thursday, September 30, 2010 NEST+m held its annual Curriculum Night. The purpose of Curriculum Night is to acquaint you with your child’s teacher and the Lower School curriculum. Each Lower School teacher presented for about 45 minutes on their curriculum inside their classroom. After their presentations the teachers took questions from the parents. I hope all your questions were answered and you now feel even more comfortable about what your child is studying as well as the daily routines of the Lower School.
Since there was not time during Curriculum Night for teachers to have private conferences about individual students, I wanted to remind you of the fall Parent­Teacher Conference dates. Individual Parent­Teacher Conferences will take place on Thursday, October 28, 2010 in the evening and on Friday, October 29, 2010 in the afternoon. Please note that Friday, October 29th will be a half day of school and students will be dismissed at 11:30 a.m. The week of November 15th will be Open School Week, when you will have a chance to visit and experience your child’s classroom in real­time. More information about both Parent­Teacher Conferences and Open School Week will be sent out as the time grows closer. I want to remind parents that school begins every morning at 8:20 a.m.; students in grades 3, 4 and 5 go directly to their classrooms, while students in grades K, 1 and 2 line up in the courtyard every morning. Eventually, in preparation for the 3rd grade, the 2nd grade students will go up to the classrooms on their own as well.
Finally, I’d like to mention that we are close to 1)"8+N+)'&$)4+2,3$)*&287<*$4<9&O6&*,$&*+3$&6(7&4$"%&
this, students will be spending their Wednesday afternoons in a cluster of their choice.
I look forward to seeing all the Lower School parents at the Monthly Coffee meeting. If you need *(&2()*"2*&3$A&=8$"<$&0$$8&04$$&*(&2"88&3$&+)&36&(012$&
or email me at jrosoff@schools.nyc.gov.
Sincerely,
Jared Rosoff
in the classroom and written riddles about them. Our Science unit on air and weather is well under way and the students have been enjoying all the experiments!
In Math, we have graphed the number of boys and girls in our classrooms and how we get to school. The students have also been practicing skip count­
ing by 2’s as well as simple addition, so that it can become automatic in the days and weeks to come. learn how to work together, each second grade class worked on community building. The community building consisted of many different activities such as creating a class constitution to be followed by all, an “all about me” envelope, and self portraits. We 5+88&!$'+)&(74&14<*&R(012+"8&<*7%6S&()&I$)*4"8&-"4#&
very shortly. Students have been brainstorming their 14<*&!+'&M7$<*+()A&RP,"*&+<&"&="4#TS&&F(()&*,$6&5+88&
have many answers to this question as well as many different assignments to display. We are very excited for this school year and as always, please do not hesi­
tate to email us with any questions or concerns!
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This year our spectacular second grade students 5+88&$J=$4+$)2$&")&7)0(4'$**"!8$&6$"4&188$%&5+*,&07)A&
laughter, and a rigorous curriculum at NEST+m! As we launch our reader’s workshop, we will be focus­
ing on good reading habits to be practiced at home and at school. Strategies such as identifying the elements of a story and retelling a story across our 1)'$4<&5+88&!$&7<$%&*,4(7',(7*&*,$&6$"4&+)&(4%$4&*(&
strengthen reading comprehension. Starting in Octo­
ber, we will launch an author study where we will be 4$"%+)'&378*+=8$&!((#<&!6&"&<=$2+12&"7*,(49&&/<&0(4&
our writer’s workshop, students have already begun setting up their writer’s notebooks by learning dif­
ferent creative ways to come up with ideas for their writing. Eventually students will use these ideas to produce wonderful narratives. We have begun this year in Math with a review on place value, addition, subtraction, and comparing numbers. It is important for our students to review what they were taught at the end of last year in order to have a smooth transition into the second grade Singapore Math curriculum. Our second grade scientists have been given a quick introduction to the concept of balance where they learned how an object balances and what affects the balance of an object. We will soon begin our <2+$)*+12&$J=8(4"*+()&(0&4(2#<A&<+8*A&")%&=$!!8$<&*,"*&
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In order to introduce ourselves to one another and -/3+*&>+$*#
Welcome to the Third Grade! We are off to a strong start. Students have transitioned smoothly from second grade and are meeting the new expecta­
tions of third grade. Everyone is full of great energy and keenly focused on getting into our schedules and routines within our classroom community. By the end of the month, the students will complete reading assessments which will help guide them with their reading levels and book selections. The third graders have been writing about them­
selves, their summer vacations and even letters to their teachers. In addition, each third grader has written out a few tangible goals that they would like *(&"2,+$C$&*,+<&6$"49&&.,$6&"4$&"8<(&7*+8+N+)'&*,$+4&1C$&
senses, similes and metaphors to bring life to their descriptive writing. In Science, we have begun to learn about the standards of measurement such as meter, centime­
*$4&")%&#+8(3$*$49&F=$2+12"886A&5$&"4$&8$"4)+)'&*(&
make informed estimates rather than measuring the actual length and width of various objects in our classrooms. We will explore other units of measure­
ments such as temperature and weight in the next few weeks. In Math, we have been reviewing and working on numbers up to 10,000 as well as utilizing place 3
NEST+m MONTHLY NEWS
Volume 5, Issue 2
October 2010
61%"5&'30.-PXFS4DIPPM
value charts to help us skip count by tens, hundreds, and thousands. The students also examined number patterns. Lastly, we launched our Native American study on the Iroquois and all the students are eager to learn about this important part of history, especially the names of the tribes who lived in the Northeast area (0&*,$&Z9F9&P$&2")>*&5"+*&*(&'(&()&(74&14<*&1$8%&*4+=&
to Ward Pond Ridge next month! We are looking forward to a successful year ahead!
N1@+(/&>+$*#
September was off to a sizzling and busy start. In just three weeks we have achieved so much! ?)&B"*,&5$&2(C$4$%&=8"2$&C"87$&5+*,&1C$&%+'+*&
numbers (ten thousands), rounding, estimating, factors, multiples and dividing and multiplying four digit numbers. In Science, we discussed how to 3"#$&(!<$4C"*+()<A&,(5&*(&4$2(4%&(74&1)%+)'<&")%&
then we had an opportunity to use these skills while discovering and recording the properties of water. In Social Studies, we discussed European exploration in *,$&10*$$)*,&*,4(7',&<$C$)*$$)*,&2$)*74+$<A&0(27<+)'&
on Henry Hudson. We also discussed how to conduct research and practiced by researching several key explorers of North America.
In Writing Workshop, we started a unit on personal narrative, a form of writing where students can write about their experiences. Fourth graders are encouraged to assume a writer’s life by becoming active observers of their world and transferring their thoughts, memories, feelings and observations to pa­
per. The unit will culminate with a personal narrative piece “published” by each student. In Reading Workshop we discussed various ways to connect with a book and how to craft a deep reading response. In addition, fourth grade teachers continuously model how students comprehend and respond to books while they read aloud their favorite stories. Finally, we are learning about teamwork and how we can work together in small groups to enhance our learning experiences. We look forward to a great year.
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Fifth graders have had a busy and exciting start to the year with a focus on leadership and team building activities, including a grade level trip to Alley Pond Adventure Course in Queens. Students had the op­
portunity to encourage and support one another while taking on the challenges of the park’s low and high ropes courses. F*7%$)*<&"8<(&!$'")&")&$J2+*+)'&10*,&'4"%$&*4"%+­
tion, ballroom dancing. Fifth grade teachers would like to thank Hetty King for organizing this special opportunity for students to have ballroom dance classes twice a week for ten weeks; we are looking forward to an exciting celebration!
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numbers in the millions, estimating and learning the order of operations. Students will be reviewing and exploring fractions and equivalent measures in greater detail over the next few weeks. A strong foundation of place value and automaticity of basic multiplication and division facts up to 15 are crucial in learning this material. 4
?)&U$"%+)'&")%&P4+*+)'&10*,&'4"%$4<&,"C$&!$$)&
focusing on developing their critical thinking skills and understanding the importance of multiple perspectives. Deep discussions on the read aloud text Seedfolks have guided students in developing the writing of their own stories of self.
Fifth graders are excited to be “Diving into Sci­
ence” with Project­Based Inquiry Science (PBIS), a Middle School program which will prepare students 0(4&B+%%8$&F2,((8&!6&%$C$8(=+)'&<2+$)*+12&*,+)#+)'&
and problem­solving skills. ?)&F(2+"8&F*7%+$<&*,+<&6$"4A&<*7%$)*<&+)&10*,&'4"%$&
5+88&0(27<&()&*,$&P$<*$4)&H$3+<=,$4$A&<=$2+12"886&
the U.S., Canada and Central and South America. Students have been reviewing geography, map skills ")%&,+<*(46&5,+2,&5+88&8$"%&*,$&10*,&'4"%$&+)*(&*,$+4&
14<*&7)+*&(0&<*7%6&0(27<+)'&()&P$<*5"4%&EJ=")<+()9&&
Teachers are excited about a year of special traditions, rites of passage and the exploration of new topics and content. '+(
The freshest faces in the Lower School Art Studio create an atmosphere of excitement, exploration and energy every week! Kindergarten Artists are doing a fantastic job learning how to be art table partners and assist in all the fun routines in the studio. During September, Kindergarten Artists thought about where they see lines in their everyday lives such as outside, in school, even on their clothes! We read an Art Stu­
dio favorite, The Straight Line Wonder by Mem Fox and created our own line explorations. We learned lines come in many varieties and move in all differ­
$)*&%+4$2*+()<Q&;74&14<*&3"+)&=4(K$2*&5+88&+)C(8C$&
exploring shapes and textures to create collages of our families! Last fall I picked up a great book called All Kinds of Families! by Mary Ann Hoberman and I can’t wait to share it with the kindergartners.
1st Grade Artists started collages about how they arrive at school. To connect with the upcom­
ing Transportation Study, we will read I’m Your Bus by Marilyn Singer, a lovely gift to the Art Studio from last year. Soon we will become eco­friendly artists using recycled materials from our homes to create recycled transportation sculptures! 2nd Grade Artists were introduced to gesture drawing and had a lot of fun sketching their classmates in dramatic poses! They used the sketches to create small­scale gesture collages. I can’t wait to hang these up in the art room! The exercise is helpful for student artists to draw the human form in movement. Soon we will !$'+)&"&7)+*&()&=4+)*3"#+)'A&<=$2+12"886&2$)*$4$%&()&
their Central Park Study. 3rd Grade Artists have had several discussions on the aspects of landscape and color families. We explored the various applications of oil pastel in order to warm up our drawing skills. We will soon begin drafting a series of sketches for our Native American Landscape inspired paintings!
4th Grade Artists dove straight into charcoal and pastel for an observational drawing unit! We are examining the interior and exterior of objects from nature to create large­scale drawings. 5th Grade Art­
ists are starting the year with paper sculpture explora­
tion and Kelli’s class worked so hard that we were "!8$&*(&,"C$&"&0788&24+*+M7$&+)&*,$&3"+)&8(!!6Q&P$&14<*&
brainstormed how to take a 2D material and thought about how to create it into a 3D form. Every student in grades 1 – 5 created two or *,4$$&R/4*+<*&V("8<&0(4&*,$&6$"4S&%74+)'&*,$+4&14<*&/4*&
class. I look forward to working with the students to accomplish their visions for the year.
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In kindergarten students are learning how to set 7=&*,$&2,$<<&!("4%&")%&3(C$&*,$+4&=+$2$<9&?)&14<*&")%&
second grades students are learning how to counter­
act copycat players, avoid opening disasters, and are learning chess exercises. In grades three, four, and 1C$&<*7%$)*<&"4$&=4"2*+2+)'&*,$+4&*6=+)'&")%&8$"4)+)'&
how the Internet works. For more information visit my class website at https://sites.google.com/site/
chessandtechnologyk5atnestm
M$).#
Kindergarten students are becoming familiar with the Dance room – learning where to put their shoes ")%&4$3$3!$4+)'&*,$+4&L((4&<=(*<9&P$&"4$&5(4#+)'&
*(&%$1)$&*,$&<="2$&(74&!(%+$<&(227=69&@")2$4<&5(4#&
with the image of the “bubble,” to discover how far they can reach all around themselves without breaking their “bubble.” They then explore how to move through the dance space without breaking any (*,$4&R!7!!8$<9S&&.,$&14<*&%")2$&<*7%$)*<&8$"4)&+<&*,$&
“magic hand” dance – a cumulative dance in which each time the music stops the magic hands invite more and more dancers to join in, challenging them *(&#$$=&*,$+4&R!7!!8$<S&"<&*,$&<="2$&188<&5+*,&%")2­
ers. Beginning the week of October 4th kindergarten students will enjoy an eight week residency with W"43"&W+%<&X('"9&-8$"<$&8((#&0(4&"&L6$4&2(3+)'&
home soon in your child’s backpack with information regarding this wonderful residency.
First grade dancers are enjoying reviewing and revisiting all the basic building blocks of dance we learned last year through the use of “movement sto­
ries.” Each story focuses on an aspect of dance, such as directions or tempo and asks the dancers to use their bodies to dance the story. Beginning the second week of October we will welcome Paolo, also known as Instructor 45, to our Dance class. He will share the art of Capoeira with the students for eight lessons culminating in a Capoeira Celebration! Please look for more information regarding this residency com­
ing home to you soon in your child’s back pack.
F$2()%&'4"%$&%")2$4<&,"C$&!$'7)&*,$+4&14<*&7)+*&Y&
a study of Ballet. The students will learn all the basic positions of the arms and legs, have a chance to work at a Ballet barre and build an understanding of the form and etiquette of a Ballet class. They will learn a short lexicon of Ballet terminology and understand these words in both French and English. Students will use the Nutcracker Ballet to explore how dance can tell a story using gesture and action. Finally, each class will write and cast its own Fairy Tale and choreograph and costume its class Ballet.
Third grade has begun its exploration of Folk Dance. Every culture comes together to socialize through dance, to celebrate and connect with music and movement. Through Folk Dance we are discuss­
ing the meaning of community – how a group of people comes to together to accomplish something. Our goal is to dance together in unison – many voices as one. If you or anyone you know, friend or family, knows a folk dance and would be willing to NEST+m MONTHLY NEWS
Volume 5, Issue 2
October 2010
61%"5&'30.-PXFS4DIPPM
come and share it with the students, please let me know. Fourth grade has begun to learn about the “Language of Dance,” a system of dance notation. Students will learn a short vocabulary of symbols allowing them to both read and write their own short dances. Through the Language of Dance students will learn basic stage direction, both choreograph and perform in their own dances and learn to give and receive feedback on their work.
[+0*,&'4"%$&%")2$4<&<*"4*$%&*,+<&6$"4&%$1)+)'&*,$+4&
personal goals for Dance this year. We have begun to discuss and practice some of the basic tools needed 0(4&(74&14<*&%")2$&7)+*&+)&O"884((3&@")2$&Y&=(<*74$A&
rhythm and social etiquette. Beginning in October students will once again participate in a 10­week residency with the American Ballroom Theater’s Dancing Classrooms Program. Please look for more information regarding this residency coming home with your child soon.
C3A+$+P
Lower School students will continue to visit the library during scheduled times with their teachers, during which we will check out books, research our various studies, or settle in for a good story. Need to 4$<$"42,&04(3&,(3$T&&@()>*&0(4'$*&*,"*&6(7&2")&"2­
cess the library catalog and databases at www.library.
nycenet.edu (students should see Ms. Wolk for the database passwords.)
4$)*$+3)
Mandarin is a brand new curriculum offered at NEST+m Lower School this fall. Most of the stu­
dents have no Mandarin learning or speaking experi­
ences but I can feel the children’s excitement about learning about China and the Chinese language. I be­
lieve that the best approach to teaching the children is to start from the basics, and to learn Mandarin is to 8$"4)&"!(7*&*,$&278*74$&14<*9&/8*,(7',&3(<*&/3$4+2")&
students know of the country called “China,” their knowledge about the country, its culture, and its lan­
guages is very limited. Therefore, I feel that I should start off the curriculum with “Getting to know China ")%&B")%"4+)S&%74+)'&*,$&14<*&3()*,&*(&$J=(<$&*,$&
children to the big picture. This is the basic theme for kindergarten through 5th grade classes, and I have 3(%+1$%&*,$&2()*$)*&!"<$%&()&*,$+4&'4"%$&8$C$8<9
Basically, the kindergartners, 1st and 2nd graders 5+88&1)+<,&"88&*,$&5(4#&+)&28"<<A&")%&*,$&\4%A&]*,&")%&
5th graders will be assigned homework to practice every week. I use the “Morning Greeting” to practice how to greet in Chinese with all grades in order to create a Mandarin atmosphere in my class. Kinder­
garten students will learn what China looks like, the names of cities in China, how Chinese characters look, etc. Kindergartners won’t learn Chinese writ­
ing and Pinyin, however, they will notice the differ­
ence between English and Mandarin writing. They will begin to develop their phonetic awareness of the target language while engaging in various activities and games such as “Coloring the Chinese words” and “Map Detective.”
Besides cultural instruction, the 1st and 2nd graders will learn Pinyin and basic Chinese written strokes. As for Pinyin they are going to start with the 1)"8<&")%&*,$&0(74&*()$<9&F*7%$)*<&5+88&!$&"!8$&*(&=4(­
)(7)2$&*,$&14<*&*,4$$&C(5$8&<(7)%&1)"8<&+)&%+00$4$)*&
tones by the end of this month. They will also study three basic strokes: dot, horizon, and verticality, and practice writing them in the Chinese characters within this month. Besides what I mentioned for the lower grades above, the upper graders (3rd­5th graders) will learn more about hieroglyphics in Chinese. They will use the Chinese hieroglyphics to produce pictures in class. Plus they will start saying some simple phrases or sentences according to the instruction content; for example, students will be able to say “ ” (“I would like to visit…“) after they explore the cities of China.
4@%3.
Bookmark my website! I will add news, activi­
ties, and resources to supplement the curriculum each month as our school year progresses: http://www.teacherweb.com/ny/nestm/david
You can also access it by clicking the word “Music” beside my name in the Lower School Fac­
ulty directory on the NEST+m website.
Kindergarten students are playing games and singing songs to feel the steady beat. During Octo­
ber, we will explore opposites in music, such as loud/
soft, fast/slow and high/low.
1st graders are “Musical Explorers,” learning about the three performers who will share their music with us at Carnegie Hall in November. Information about the artists will be added to the “1st Grade” sec­
tion of my website as they are introduced in class.
2nd graders are having fun singing Call and Response songs. Historically popular in Africa and the American South, they were easy songs for both work and play. Each student will compose lyrics to an original song based on the three types we are exploring.
3rd graders are preparing to play the recorder through Carnegie Hall’s Link Up program. This year’s material promises to be fun, varied and chal­
lenging.
4th graders will focus on increasing recorder skills with an emphasis on American patriotic songs. 5th graders will sing and play recorder pieces from several style periods of classical music. I am hoping to add more theory into the curriculum this year, including a basic knowledge of keys, scales and chords.
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I’m really excited to be back at NEST+m for my tenth year, this time in a new teaching role... Lower School Physical Education teacher! The combination of my love of sports and athletics with my passion for teaching has led me to this new position and I couldn’t be more excited about the year ahead. The great thing about this new role is that not only do I get to work with so many familiar faces from my past classes, but now I get a chance to meet and work with so many new faces.
As a reminder, please be aware of your child’s PE day and make sure he/she dresses appropriately. This means sneakers are a requirement, along with comfortable clothing like shorts, sweatpants, and T­
shirts. Grades 3­5 are encouraged (but not required) to put a spin on their usual dress code by picking up a pair of NEST+m PE shorts and/or a NEST+m PE T­shirt from the school store. This alternative to the usual dress code is only permitted on your child’s PE or Dance days. All grades should please avoid jeans, dresses/skirts, and any footwear other than sneakers (i.e. no sandals, Crocs, boots, dress shoes, etc.).
Among my goals for this year for each class are to demonstrate teamwork, make smart and safe choices, and try your best at everything the class is working on. Along the way, we’ll learn how to use our bodies in different ways to get stronger, learn )$5&<=(4*<&<#+88<&")%&<*4$*2,$<A&<*"6&1*&")%&,$"8*,6A&
and, most of all, have fun!
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5
NEST+m MONTHLY NEWS
Volume 5, Issue 2
October 2010
61%"5&'30..JEEMF4DIPPM
From
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Middle School AP
(Interim Acting)
N$.@"(P&F+1L3*#*&(/#&21""173)G&*#%.+3F(31)%&12&&
.@++#)(&.1@+%#71+9T
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Ms. Hopenwasser welcomed new and returning students to another wonderful year in Studio Art. Grade 6 students began the year with a drawing unit that explored a variety of media (oil pastels, drawing pencils, charcoal, etc.) while also studying the “Elements of Design” to build fundamental drawing skills and vocabulary. Grade 7 students reviewed the “Elements and Principles of Design” through a variety of mini­lessons that explored the use of collage in creating interesting, abstract compositions driven by rhythm and repetition. Students can access readings, resources, and assignments on e­board.
H)G"3%/&C$)G@$G#&'+(%
Joanna’s 6th grade ELA class started the year by looking at the Elements of Fiction and discussing the C"4+(7<&'$)4$<&(0&12*+()9&&P$&"8<(&*"8#$%&"!(7*&5"6<&*(&
thoughtfully choose an independent reading book. In the coming weeks we will be thinking about ways to identify, 2"*$'(4+N$A&")%&")"86N$&8+*$4"*74$&")%&*,$&$8$3$)*<&(0&12­
tion ­­ namely setting, character, characterization, plot, and 2()L+2*9&&?)&(4%$4&*(&07886&7)%$4<*")%&,(5&*,$<$&+3=(4*")*&
components of literature manifest themselves, we will be reading a few short stories, including “Seventh Grade” by Gary Soto and “The Dinner Party” by Mona Gardner. 6#$"(/
Students in the 8th grade Health classes will be study­
ing eight different health units: Mental and Emotional Health; Improving Health Behaviors; Nutrition and Physi­
cal Activity; Violence and Injury Prevention; Abstinence and Puberty; Sex Education; HIV/STD and Pregnancy Prevention; and Tobacco, Alcohol, and Other Drug Preven­
tion.
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In 6th grade World History with Mr. Damico, students are learning why we study history and what it tells us about ourselves. Students are also learning about the practical methods historians use to make new discoveries. C3A+$+P
With librarian Jennifer Wolk, Middle School students may use the library during their lunch periods or after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. During these times, the library is often abuzz with students printing homework, doing research, or simply looking for a good book. Need *(&4$<$"42,&04(3&,(3$T&&@()>*&0(4'$*&*,"*&6(7&2")&"22$<<&
the library catalog and databases at www.library.nycenet.
edu (students should see Ms. Wolk for the database passwords). C3(#+$.P
Ms. Fletcher’s 6th grade Literacy students have just 1)+<,$%&"<#+)'&<(3$&!+'&M7$<*+()<&"!(7*&8+*$4"269&&/<&*,$6&
mastered the routines of the classroom, they explored what literacy means in their daily lives as well as its relationship to power within a society. In October, the students will 6
Dear Middle School Families:
Welcome back to NEST+m. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new NEST+m Middle School Assistant Principal (Interim Acting). I am excited and eager to begin the work of leading and supporting the students and faculty over the course of the next academic year. Many of the students and families know me already from my role as the Dean of Students at NEST+m over the past few years, and I am pleased to have met the many new faces of the incoming 6th grade as well. The “PTA MS Welcome Back Event” on Wednesday, September 15, 2010 was a great success. The Middle School faculty and I were delighted to see so many of you at Curriculum Night on September 30th, and before we know it, Parent­Teacher Conferences will be here on the evening of October 28th and the afternoon of the 29th. I continue to make myself available via email at O"81$4i<2,((8<9)629'(C&*(&"+%&B+%%8$&F2,((8&="4$)*<A&
students, and faculty. Best regards,
O4$)%")&/81$4+
begin to explore the connection between memory and identity as they tackle new vocabulary, the use of roots, and what it means to infer. of three tableaux. In designing these tableaux, the students are using their developing critical eye to achieve balance and create dynamic stage pictures through attention to levels, opposition, and tension.
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Students in Mr. Ramsey’s 6th grade Math class are learning this month about different kinds of numbers: from rational and real numbers to negative and positive integers. Z)%$4<*")%+)'&*,$&28"<<+12"*+()&")%&7<"'$&(0&$"2,&(0&*,$<$&
numbers in even the most basic operations is crucial to the knowledge the 6th graders will acquire this year. !/P%3.$"&H*@.$(31)
In Holly Younglove’s 6th­8th grade P.E. classes, the students are learning the basics of speed stacking while preparing for the NYC FITNESSGRAM assessment that will take place in class during October. The students will also learn how to be physically active by following the “Insanity” workout program which promotes cardiovascu­
8"4&1*)$<<9&&EC$46&%"6A&5$&4(2#&(7*&*(&37<+2&5,+8$&8$"4)+)'&
%+00$4$)*&5"6<&*(&!$&1*&0(4&"&8+0$*+3$9
The NYC FITNESSGRAM report summarizes each <*7%$)*><&=$40(43")2$&()&1*)$<<&"<<$<<3$)*<&")%&<7''$<*<&
ways to help them reach the “Healthy Fitness Zone” (health based on their age and gender). Unlike many *4"%+*+()"8&1*)$<<&"<<$<<3$)*<A&<*7%$)*<&5,(&="4*+2+­
pate in NYC FITNESSGRAM are measured based on individual performance and personal improvement, and are not judged against each other or a standardized norm. NYC FITNESSGRAM supports teachers and students in effectively setting and managing personal and collective 1*)$<<&'("8<9&
Check out the NYC DOE website for information on FITNESSGRAM: http://schools.nyc.gov/Academics/
FitnessandHealth/StandardsCurriculum/NYCFITNESS­
GRAM.htm and the SPEED STACKING website: http://
www.speedstacks.com/.
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Mr. Hohl’s 8th grade Social Studies classes are off to an exciting start with an in­class group project. As a group, students are writing their own illustrated allegories of the Civil War, which they will present to the classes this week. Our next unit is Westernization and the rise of big business. Mr. Hohl is also coaching after school in the <$2()%&6$"4&(0&*,$&L"'&0((*!"88&=4('4"3&,$4$&"*&DEF.G39&&
P$&"4$&8((#+)'&0(45"4%&*(&!7+8%+)'&()&(74&^)%&=8"2$&1)+<,&
last year. There are 25 students involved in the program and we are ready to start games this week. Come out and support the Eagles!
-/#$(#+
While Ms. Fletcher’s 6th grade Theater students are focusing on what it takes to work collaboratively to ensure the success of their future ventures, they are also exploring modes of expression without voice. So far they have mas­
tered tableau vivant and gesture. They are looking forward to showcasing their skills through a class project where they present the story of a potent memory through a series !"#$%&'(%)*++,(%-.'##,%/0*+12.(%345.(6&
_&H+',&F2,((8&/4*+278"*+()&D+',*&0(4&`*,&V4"%$&F*7%$)*<&
and Guardians:
When: Tuesday, Oct. 12th, 2010, 5:30pm ­ 7:00pm
Where: NEST+m Auditorium No need to register to attend. We ask all 8th grade stu­
dents and parents/guardians to be present for this important meeting about the high school application process. The presentation will begin promptly at 5:30pm. _&F=$2+"8+N$%&H+',&F2,((8&/%3+<<+()<&.$<*&:FHF/.a&b&
Admissions Tickets for Audition Programs: -8$"<$&2(3$&*(&*,$&B+%%8$&F2,((8&V7+%")2$&;012$&+)&
Room 245 to pick up the registration form for the SHSAT and/or other audition programs. To register for the SHSAT, you must return the completed form NO LATER THAN TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5TH. _&HF&["+4<&")%&?3=(4*")*&@"*$<c I+*65+%$&H+',&F2,((8&["+4c&;2*9&^)%&b&\4%A&de"3&Y&\=3 O(4(7',&H+',&F2,((8&["+4<c&;2*9&df*,&b&dg*,& (11am – 3pm) Bronx – Theodore Roosevelt Educational Campus Queens – Frances Lewis HS Brooklyn – Edward R. Murrow HS Staten Island – New Dorp HS Manhattan – Martin Luther King, Jr. Educational Campus
.(&1)%&(7*&3(4$&+3=(4*")*&%"*$<&0(4&*,$&@;E&,+',&
school admissions process, visit: http://schools.nyc.gov/
ChoicesEnrollment/High/default.htm. _&Hunter College High School Application Process: 6th grade families interested in applying to HCHS should visit their website for application materials: http://
www.hchs.hunter.cuny.edu/index.php/admissions. This year’s HCHS application deadline is November 1st. Entrance to HCHS is by exam only. Students must qualify to take the Entrance Exam by achieving eligible scores on 5th grade NY State exams. The qualifying score changes each year. To qualify for the January 7th, 2011 Entrance Exam, 6th grade students must have achieved a score of 700 on the ELA portion and 714 on the Math portion of the exams. If your child is applying to HCHS, you must email Melissa Chen at mhuangchen@schools.nyc.gov to request ")&(012+"8&2(=6&(0&6(74&2,+8%><&h*,&'4"%$&DX&F*"*$&<2(4$<9&&
This is a mandatory part of the HCHS application. Please kindly submit your request to Melissa via email no later than October 25th. NEST+m MONTHLY NEWS
Volume 5, Issue 2
October 2010
61%"5&'30.6QQFS4DIPPM
Tina Yu, Upper School AP James Longwell­Stevens,
Upper School AP (Interim Acting)
Dear NEST+m Families,
Every new school year brings opportunities for continued growth and this year is no exception. As we mentioned last month, our Upper School Faculty and student population have both grown in size en­
abling us to expand our course offerings as well as offer more diverse options for pubs and clubs. What an exciting time to be a NEST+m student! In addition to the new faculty members intro­
duced in the Summer Newsletter, we are excited to welcome two new Upper School Humanities faculty members, Sue­Jen Hu (World Languages) and Vanessa Snowden (English). We are pleased to see Humanities faculty members taking on new leader­
<,+=&4(8$<&"*&DEF.G3A&5+*,&B49&/81$4+&<$4C+)'&"<&
Middle School Assistant Principal and Ms. Stelzer working with our newest faculty members as New Teacher Mentor. The Upper School also has many new and wonderful course offerings this year. New science courses include AP Biology, Anatomy taught by Mr. Cadornigara, Astronomy taught by Ms. Middle­
ton, Forensics taught by Ms. Alonso, a Topics in Chemistry course taught by both Mr. Papagayo and Ms. McGreogor and a Topics in Chemistry class taught by Ms. Cunnigham. These two Topics classes will assist students with targeted Regents prepara­
tion for their respective examinations. Additionally, a special enrichment course in Physics Applica­
tions and Recitation has been added to supplement the regular freshmen Physics class. We also have wonderful additions to the Humanities curriculum, including Introduction to Digital Media Arts, taught by Ms. Hopenwasser, Introduction to Philosophy, taught by Mr. Longwell­Stevens, and Russian Lan­
guage, taught by Ms. Bunker. New music courses include AP Music Theory, Guitar and Vocals, all of which are taught by Mr. Brown. Ms. Lennon, the Mathematics Chair, has developed a new and interesting Calculus Applications class. New Physical Education offerings include a Team Sport class and Weight Training class, both of which are taught by Mr. Fierro. Additionally, Ms. Kovac is offering Gymnastics for the second year and due to popular demand, Ms. Quintanilla has three sections of Ballroom Dance. Our hope is that these new courses will help to motivate students and afford *,$3&*,$&(==(4*7)+*6&*(&278*+C"*$&+)*$4$<*&+)&<=$2+12&
disciplines. We hope Curriculum Night provided you with more insight into the curricula of these and other courses offered at NEST+m. It was wonderful to see such a high turn­out. Please keep in mind that the next opportunity for you to meet with your child’s teachers will be during Parent Teacher Conferences on the evening of Thursday, October 28th and the afternoon of Friday, October 29th. We would also like to encourage you to attend the monthly US Cof­
fees with Dr. Livanis. The next Coffee is scheduled for Tuesday, October 26th at 5:30pm in the school Dining Hall. One of our goals this year is to continue to im­
prove communication with the parent body. To that end, we highly encourage you to log on to Daedalus to activate your accounts. This will enable you to access important information including report cards, transcripts, programming and attendance informa­
tion. Additionally, your child’s teachers can contact you with ease via email. Letters were distributed at Curriculum Night and will be distributed again at Parent Teacher Conferences. If you would like to access your account information, please feel free to contact either of us for your account log­on information. Another new initiative this year is the Student Accountability/Citizenship grade, which will be +<<7$%&!6&6(74&2,+8%><&;012+"8&I8"<<&:H(3$4((3a&
teacher. Our hope is that this new grade will help to foster a sense of responsibility, community, and citizenship amongst our student body. After all, we are not just teaching facts and equations. The Student Accountability/Citizenship grade will be based upon several factors, including behavior and completion of various responsibilities ranging from 078188+)'&2(337)+*6&<$4C+2$&4$M7+4$3$)*<&*(&4$*74)­
ing various school forms. Please be advised that as of September 23rd, two forms were distributed including the lunch form and the behavior contract. Each marking period, your child will receive a grade of E, S, N or U. For questions about the Com­
munity Service requirement, please contact Upper School Guidance Counselor, Ms. Glasgall. dents see that no assignment was so hard, no situa­
*+()&<(&%+01278*A&)(&4$8"*+()<,+=&<(&047<*4"*+)'&*,"*&
we couldn’t help them work through it. Students heard from a variety of teachers and administrators that all they need to concentrate on is making their best effort to do and be their best. The second assembly emphasized the need to rest one’s analytical mind at times and learn in an interest­based, low­pressure social setting, which we facilitate through our school pubs and clubs. The assembly featured engaged students and teachers who sponsor our many during­ and after­school extracurricular activities, encouraging them to get involved with existing groups, or even seek out classmates and a willing teacher to found a new club at NEST+m.
As parents, you are key partners with us in help­
ing your children stay focused on their work and to continue participating in the extracurricular and social activities we offer to help balance out their busy academic schedules. Please keep abreast of your children’s academic work and opportunities for socializing in alternative learning environments at NEST+m by speaking with them about their time at school and by visiting our school website.
Please make certain to review the Faculty sub­
missions below. They contain important announcements and information from the various departments. If you would like to be added to Tina Yu’s weekly email distribution list or are in need of further assistance, please send an email to tyu@
schools.nyc.gov.
All the best, Tina Yu and James Longwell­Stevens
P+*,&*,$&$)%&(0&*,$&14<*&3"4#+)'&=$4+(%&M7+2#86&
approaching, tutoring sessions in Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics have been arranged. You will be receiving a letter from your child’s teacher if their performance indicates that your child’s atten­
dance at these sessions is mandated, and a permis­
sion slip will be provided. In mathematics, this de­
cision will be based upon their level of mastery on prior Regents as well as their current performance in the class. Please assist us as we work to have your child realize his/her full potential. Together the sky’s the limit! Tutoring dates/times will be listed on the letter and available shortly.
To help set the tone for the year as it unfolds, (74&14<*&*5(&"<<$3!8+$<&,"C$&0(27<$%&()&R@(+)'&
Your Best, Being Your Best” and “Building Another Side to Your Mind with NEST+m’s Pubs and I87!<9S&.,$&14<*A&0(27<+)'&()&<2,((8&<"0$*6A&478$<A&
responsibilities and privileges, emphasized that the entire NEST+m faculty and staff is here to help stu­
7
NEST+m MONTHLY NEWS
Volume 5, Issue 2
October 2010
61%"5&'30.6QQFS4DIPPM
N$.@"(P&F+1L3*#*&(/#&21""173)G&*#%.+3F(31)%&12&
.@++#)(&.1@+%#71+9T
'+(
Ms. Hopenwasser has developed a new course, “Introduction to Digital Media Arts.” This yearlong course is an introduction to digital imaging and computer­based art in both theory and practice that 3"#$<&2())$2*+()<&*(&*,$&1)$&"4*&5(48%9&F*7%$)*<&
survey a variety of digital tools and create commer­
2+"8A&378*+3$%+"&")%&1)$&"4*&=4(K$2*<9&[74*,$43(4$A&
students will explore various paths in visual commu­
nication, self­expression, and critical thinking skills across the disciplines to create cutting edge graphic projects. Among the products students will create for the class are a variety of projects that use Adobe Cre­
ative Suite software in a hands­on Mac computer lab environment where most work will be done. Students will participate in our classroom blog (http://nester­
digitalarts.blogspot.com/) to share work, receive and post assignments and have access to resources and readings that pertain to the course.
'(/"#(3.%&W&!/P%3.$"&H*@.$(31)
_Z==$4&F2,((8&-,6<+2"8&E%72"*+()&28"<<$<&"4$&
currently preparing for the Fitnessgram through "$4(!+2&"2*+C+*6&")%&1*)$<<&"2*+C+*+$<9
_[(4&*,$&<$2()%&6$"4A&DEF.G3&<(=,(3(4$<A&
juniors and seniors were given the opportunity to take a gymnastics elective. No prior experience was needed. What was necessary was a willingness to *46&)$5&<#+88<&")%&")&+)*$4$<*&+)&!7+8%+)'&L$J+!+8+*6&
and strength. Led by Ms. Kovac, the students have already learned one of the most important rules of '63)"<*+2<c&<"0$*6&2(3$<&14<*9&.,(<$&3"*<&"4$&)(*&
as soft as they look! Students are learning to control their bodies and movements. Gymnastics will allow students to increase their core strength and body awareness. The course will include supplemental exercises such as yoga, pilates and conditioning.
_[$)2+)'&+<&"&-F/j&:-7!8+2&F2,((8<&/*,8$*+2&
League) sport that competes against other schools. Practice is every day from 3:30 p.m.­5:30 p.m. in the gymnasium with Coach Cinquegrana. (ccinque­
grana@schools.nyc.gov)
_I4(<<&I(7)*46&I87!&+<&"&2(k$%&287!&*,"*&0(27<$<&
()&$)%74")2$&47))+)'&")%&!$2(3+)'&1*9&B$$*+)'<&
take place on Tuesdays 3:30 p.m.­5:30 p.m. in the gymnasium with Coach Younglove. (hyounglove@
schools.nyc.gov)
_V+48<&m(88$6!"88&I87!&0(27<$<&()&*,$&07)%"3$)­
tals of volleyball and learning the rules of the sport. Volleyball meets on Thursdays from 3:30 p.m.­5 p.m. with Coach Kovac in the gymnasium. (bkovac@
schools.nyc.gov)
_O(6<&O"<#$*!"88&I87!&+<&(=$)&*(&"88&Z==$4&
School male students and will meet Tuesdays 4­5 p.m. in the gymnasium with Coach Hohl. Students will learn the fundamentals and basics of basketball. (chohl@schools.nyc.gov)
Please note that a permission slip is required for participation in all sports clubs and athletic teams. -F/j&<=(4*<&*$"3<&4$M7+4$&"&3$%+2"8&0(43&188$%&(7*&
by a physician as well. If you have any questions about Upper School Sports, contact Athletic Director Sue Lendzian at slendzian@schools.nyc.gov
8
0Q:'V:(@*#)(&>1L#+)J#)(
_B<9&X7&")%&F*7%$)*&V(C$4)3$)*&5(78%&8+#$&*(&
thank the PTA for hosting the Welcome Back Event. A special thank you to PTA Upper School Vice Presi­
dent Claudia Musumeci and all the parent volunteers! A wonderful time was had by all. _F*7%$)*&V(C$4)3$)*&-4$<+%$)*&["!4+2$&I,"48$<A&
Secretary Arkadiy Kusayev and Sophomore Class Representative Karen Tong will be joining the School Leadership Team. _-7!<&")%&I87!<&"4$&7)%$45"69&/88&<*7%$)*<&188$%&
out preference sheets. Current offerings are listed below.
­Animal Rights/Vegetarian Cooking Club ­ Mr. Sullivan
­Art Club­ Ms. Svihla
­The Art of Public Speaking – B49&B+88$4kI"88+,")&b&B<9&U(5$88
kO"884((3&@")2$&Y&B<9&l7+)*")+88"&b&B49&I"!"
­Chemistry Help – Ms. McGregor
­Chess Club – Dr. Fox
­Cinema Club – Ms. Kovac
­Dance Club – Ms. Pirker
­GSA (Gay­Straight Alliance) – B49&I7446kF3+*,<()&b&B<9&P(800
­Green Club – Mr. Cinquegrana
­History/War Movies – Mr. Zucchero
­History of Sports – Mr. Gold
­Key Club – Mr. Papagayo
­Knitting Club – Ms. Lennon
­Student Support/Mentoring – B49&O4(5)&b&B<9&F+8C"
­NEST Cares – Ms. Otte
­Photography – Mr. Swenson
kU7!!$4&F*"3=+)'&b&F7!5"6&B"=<&Y&B49&X$$
­Science Club – Mr. Cadornigara
­Student/Faculty Rock Band – Mr. Zissimopoulos
­Words, Words, Words, Scrabble, F6)$4'6&b&B(4$&Y&B<9&F*$8N$4
_;2*(!$4&d]*,&5+88&!$&"&!7<6&%"6&0(4&<$)+(4<9&I"=&
b&V(5)&3$"<74$3$)*<&5+88&!$&*"#$)&*,"*&%"6&"<&5$88&
as senior ring orders.
_.,$&I8"<<&(0&^edd&'4(7=&=+2*74$&5+88&!$&*"#$)&()&
October 1st at 8:45 a.m. in the courtyard.
_F*7%$)*&V(C$4)3$)*&E8$2*+()<&0(4&D+)*,&V4"%$&
Representatives will be held on October 15th. _.,$&[+4<*&Z==$4&F2,((8&F(2+"8&+<&<2,$%78$%&0(4&
October 15th.
_?)*$4)"*+()"8&.4+=<c
­France and Germany during Winter Break 2011
­Spain and France during Spring Break 2011
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_F$)+(4&U"63()%&E8+"<&+<&"&F$3+k1)"8+<*&+)&*,$&
2011 National Merit Scholarship Competition.
_F$)+(4<&W+4"&P$<*&")%&X(7<<$0&B"3%(7,&,"C$&
been nominated for a scholarship to NYU Abu Dhabi
_?)&F$=*$3!$4A&P$<8$6")&Z)+C$4<+*6A&ZB"<<&/3­
herst and Haverford College visited NEST+m. Please keep your eyes posted to Ms. Yu’s weekly emails for information about future information sessions.
_.,$&I(88$'$&["+4&+<&2744$)*86&<2,$%78$%&0(4&
Wednesday, October 13th from 3­5 p.m. _.(&4$'+<*$4&0(4&F/.<&(4&F/.&??<A&=8$"<$&C+<+*&
www.collegeboard.com
_.(&4$'+<*$4&0(4&*,$&/I.A&=8$"<$&C+<+*&5559"2*9(4'
_F*7%$)*<&2")&(!*"+)&5(4#+)'&="=$4<&04(3&B<9&
Silva in room 322.
_F=$2+"8+N$%&H+',&F2,((8&EJ"3+)"*+()<&"4$&
scheduled for October 6th. Please contact Upper School Guidance Counselor Ms. Silva for more information.
_;2*(!$4&?)0(43"*+()&F$<<+()<
­University of Chicago: period 5
­Yale University: period 4
­Mt. Holyoke College: period 3
­Syracuse University: period 7
_F"C$&*,$&%"*$Q&.,+<&6$"4><&RI(88$'$&[+)")2+"8&
Aid Night” will take place on Thursday, November 4th from 4­6 p.m. Michael Turner from the Higher Education Services Corporation will be the keynote speaker for this event. He’s a great source of infor­
3"*+()&0(4&(74&="4$)*<&5,$)&*,$6&"4$&4$"%6&*(&188&(7*&
the FAFSA. H)G"3%/&C$)G@$G#&'+(%
The English Department has begun a new vocabulary program to help prepare students for the SAT and other standardized tests. The series we have adopted is the highly regarded Wordly Wise 3000.
English teachers are sponsoring two clubs for students during the twice monthly “Clubs and Pubs” periods. Ben Miller­Callihan and Ms. Rowell are sponsoring “The Art of Public Speaking” while Mrs. Stelzer sponsors “Words, Words, Words” which gives students the opportunity to play Scrabble or Synergy, work crossword puzzles, write creatively, or read independently.
9th Grade
Freshman classes began the year getting to know each other and the NEST+m expectations. Selections from Geoffrey Canada’s memoir Fist Stick Knife Gun: A Personal History of Violence in America served as a catalyst as they discussed what makes communities safe and productive. They are reading short stories which explore the idea of community and belonging deeper, such as Sherman Alexie’s R.,$&j()$&U")'$4&")%&.()*(&[+<*1',*&+)&H$"C$)S&
and Kurt Vonnegut’s “Harrison Bergeron.” 10th Grade ­ Meanwhile, sophomore classes are using two works by J.D. Salinger ­­ “A Perfect @"6&0(4&O")")"1<,S&")%&The Catcher in the Rye ­­ to review narrative elements and to write a character analysis. 11th & 12th Grades ­ Juniors are exploring the use of motifs in John Irving’s A Prayer for Owen Meany, while seniors are preparing their college ap­
plication essays. AP English Language students are analyzing a variety of speeches by celebrated orators (among them Presidents Kennedy and Obama, Sojourner Truth and Oscar Wilde) in order to better grasp the rhetorical appeals to Logos, Ethos, and Pathos. AP English Literature and Composition students are using ten previous AP Exam Open Ques­
tion prompts to guide their close reading and analysis of Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison. They are writing individual papers while making group presentations on each of the prompts. Philosophy ­ Students in NEST+m’s newest English elective, Introduction to Philosophy, have begun their exploration of Western Philosophical thought by exploring the nature of reality; students 5+88&*4"2$&<$C$4"8&<+')+12")*&=4(=(<+*+()<&2()2$4)­
ing reality from the Pre­Socratics through to Judith NEST+m MONTHLY NEWS
Volume 5, Issue 2
October 2010
61%"5&'30.6QQFS4DIPPM
Butler before shifting their focus to the reliability of knowledge ­­ tracing this exploration from Socrates through to Jacques Derrida ­­ prior to a thorough in­
vestigation of ethics, as explored by thinkers ranging from Aristotle to Peter Singer.
C3A+$+P
With Librarian Jennifer Wolk, Upper School stu­
dents may use the library during their lunch periods or after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. During these times, the library is often abuzz with students printing homework, doing research, or simply look­
+)'&0(4&"&'((%&!((#9&D$$%&*(&4$<$"42,&04(3&,(3$T&&
Don’t forget that you can access the library catalog and databases at www.library.nycenet.edu (students should see Ms. Wolk for the database passwords).
4$(/#J$(3.%
Ms. Lennon’s Calculus Applications class is bus­
+86&1)%+)'&*,$&%(3"+)<&(0&2(3=(<+*$&07)2*+()<&7<+)'&
algebraic and graphical approaches. This week, they begin using exponential and trigonometric functions to model real­life medical situations. Exponentials 5+88&!$&7*+8+N$%&*(&%$*$43+)$&*,$&<=4$"%&(0&*,$&L7&C+­
rus and sinusoids will predict patient comfort during chemotherapy cycles.
Algebra 2/Trigonometry classes are solving in­
equalities of various types: absolute value, quadratic and rational. Analytic and graphical techniques are used side­by­side and a variety of notations are used to express solutions.
Geometry classes are learning about essential concepts such as points, lines, planes and their cor­
responding symbols. Please keep your eyes open for Mr. Grima’s challenge problem of the week and his current unit project on the “Art of Origami.”
?)*$'4"*$%&/8'$!4"&+<&*,$&14<*&2(74<$&+)&*,$&D$5&
York State sequence of Regents Courses. We started this year with a quick review of basic foundations of algebra: rules regarding signed numbers, evaluating variable expressions and combining like terms. In our next unit, the students will delve right into solving variable equations and inequalities.
Pre­Calculus classes are practicing their opera­
tions with radicals and fractional exponents and solving equations. They will soon begin using sign analysis to solve more complicated rational inequali­
ties. Samples of their work will be on display outside room 361 in October. 4@%3.
:1.3$"&:(@*3#%&
The Vocals (Chorus) class is coming into its own and is excited by the use of Solfege. They are having a great time engaging their bodies through breathing and enunciation exercises. You should see some of the facial expressions!
The Guitar and Piano students are progressing quite well by applying newly acquired music theories to their instruments. The language of the music has empowered them and made their instruments less intimidating! “Everything begins with seesform and grows into an experience!” Mr. Curry­Smithson’s AP European History class is in the midst of a unit on the Renaissance and Reformation. As part of their study, students will take a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art where they will have the chance to directly see the works they are studying in class and to learn more about them from an expert lecturer. Meanwhile in AP US History students are learning about the various colonies of British America and compiling a guide book for prospective travelers/immigrants.
In Mr. Gold’s ninth grade Global Studies class students have been identifying and examining the early stages of human development and the begin­
)+)'<&(0&2+C+8+N"*+()9&F*7%$)*<&,"C$&+%$)*+1$%&*,$&
eight features that are common to all civilizations, and have evaluated the role of the Neolithic Revolu­
tion in making permanent settlements possible. Look­
+)'&",$"%A&<*7%$)*<&5+88&!$&"<<+')$%&*,$+4&14<*&=4(K$2*&
of the year in which they are to design their own civilizations in groups. In completing this assign­
ment, students will consider the role that geography, government, language, belief systems, technology, and economics play in human civilization. Students in Mr. Gold’s Tenth Grade AP Global Studies classes have picked up where they left off in the ninth grade Global Studies curriculum by examining how the developing forces of colonization, mercantilism and religious strife in 16th­centuryEurope lay the founda­
tion for the Age of Absolutism. Looking ahead, in addition to analyzing primary sources relevant to the period, students will be evaluating Absolute Rulers of Europe in the form of a personalized report card. By early October, the curriculum will move into the 2()L+2*&(0&8"*$&$+',*$$)*,k2$)*746&[4")2$&")%&*,$&
French Revolution of 1789.
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Students in Mr. Cadornigara’s Anatomy and Physiology class are learning the basics of anatomy and physiology by establishing a working knowledge of common anatomical terminologies and ascertain­
ing anatomical positions, directions and regions. In this elective class, students are learning the structure, function and relationships between and among the organs in the 11 organ systems of the human body.
Living Environment classes have learned about <2+$)*+12&+)M7+46&")%&*,$&2,"4"2*$4+<*+2<&(0&"&2()­
trolled experiment. With the safety lab under their belt and this newly acquired knowledge, students can look forward to an in­depth inquiry of the world of the cell, its structure and function and the various processes that occur within it, including passive and active transport as well as cellular energetics. Mr. Cadornigara’s Research classes are learning about the basics of conducting science research, including the characteristics, aims and types of research. Towards the end of the marking period, students will be writing a critical analysis of any =7!8+<,$%&<2+$)*+12&"4*+28$9&/*&*,$&$)%&(0&*,$&<$3$<­
ter, they should be ready to write their own research proposal. -,6<+2<&<*7%$)*<&,"C$&K7<*&2(3=8$*$%&*,$&14<*&(0&
10 required laboratory experiments for the semester and are wrapping up their unit on measurement. Next they will be studying motion in one and two dimen­
sions. The end result will be the ability to success­
fully describe the path of a projectile in freefall and make predications about its trajectory. D1+"*&C$)G@$G#%
There are still spots available for the Upper School trip from Paris across Switzerland to Ger­
many, organized and led by Ms. Pirker. The trip will take place during our February Mid­Winter Recess. For more information, please contact Ms. Pirker at mpirker@schools.nyc.gov.
9
NEST+m MONTHLY NEWS
Volume 5, Issue 2
!"#!"#$
October 2010
D#".1J#&(1&$""&)#7&?H:-IJ&2$J3"3#%<&$)*&7#".1J#&A$.9&(1&$""&+#(@+)3)G&
2$J3"3#%5&&D#&$+#&"1193)G&21+7$+*&(1&$)1(/#+&G+#$(&P#$+&$(&?H:-IJ^&D#&
/1F#&(1&%##&P1@&$(&!-'&J##(3)G%&$)*&#L#)(%&(/3%&P#$+<&$)*&7#&#).1@+$G#&
P1@&(1&+#$./&1@(&(1&$)P&12&@%&73(/&$)P&O@#%(31)%<&.1JJ#)(%<&(/1@G/(%&1+&
.1).#+)%^&&:3).#+#"P<&(/#&?H:-IJ&!-'&HZ#.@(3L#&01JJ3((##T
PTA Executive Board: group email, executivecommittee@nestmail.org
Co­Presidentsc&W"*6&F*(#$<&b&F7<")&.(5)$<kP$<*o&
president@nestmail.org
Executive Vice President: Juliana Zinger, execvp@nestmail.org
Treasurer: Katie Sperling, treasurer@nestmail.org
Assistant Treasurer: Ric Trotta, treasurer@nestmail.org
Corresponding Secretary: Sandra Naranjo, corsec@nestmail.org
Co­Recording Secretariesc&F7N"))$&-8(<<8&b&
Bernadette Wholey, recordsec@nestmail.org
VP Grants: Judy Scherzer, grants@nestmail.org
Co­VP Fundraising, Special Events: Yvette Ortiz, vpfundraising@nestmail.org
Co­VP Fundraising, General Fund: Lauren McGrail vpfundraising@nestmail.org
Co­VP Communicationsc&B"4+<"&I(,$)&b&
Sarah Jarkow, vpcommunications@nestmail.org
Co­VP Volunteers, Class Parents and Committees: U())+&F+$'$8&b&E88$)&P,+48$6A vpclassparents@nestmail.org, vpcommittees@nestmail.org
VP Upper School: Claudia Musumeci, vpupper@nestmail.org
VP Middle School: Patricia McGuinness, vpmiddle@nestmail.org
VP Lower School: Jennifer Herman, vplower@nestmail.org
0$""3)G&$""&43**"#&:./11"&0"$%%&!$+#)(%5
name with your suggestion; the person who submits the chosen name will receive two free tickets to Opening Night.
The Drama Club will raise its curtain on January 27th for a four­show run over the following weekend. We hope all those interested in applauding the tremendous efforts of our young thespians will secure their tickets when sales begin January 2, 2011.
If you are interested in being a Class Parent for your MS student’s class, please contact Patricia McGuinness, PTA VP Middle School. Some typical responsibilities of Class Parents include: helping rally volunteers for school wide events; collecting for teacher gifts at the holidays and year end; helping to disseminate PTA communiques and initiatives to your class, including families not on School Hub via hard copy or phone; organizing Class/Grade Pot Lucks if you choose to organize one; assisting with 8th grade graduation and/or recruiting others (especially 7th grade parents) to do the same. This +<&"&'4$"*&1*&0(4&6(7&+0&6(7&"4$&+)*$4$<*$%&+)&!$+)'&+)­
volved but can’t be present at the school. Much of the "0(4$3$)*+()$%&,"==$)<&C+"&$3"+89&?)*$4$<*$%T&-8$"<$&
contact Patricia at vpmiddle@nestmail.org by Thurs­
day, Oct. 7, 2010. Include your child’s name, class and homeroom teacher, your phone #’s and email address. Your consideration is greatly appreciated! 83G&'FF"#&03+.@%&-/@+%*$P<&XXVXX
On Thursday, November 11th the Big Apple Cir­
cus will be in town and the NEST+m PTA has bought 300 tickets for NEST+m friends and families. Order­
ing information will be forthcoming. If you have any questions please email yortiz101@gmail.com.
?H:-IJ&K1A1(3.%&-#$J&01JF#(#%5
Following the successful implementation of Ro­
boFun LEGO Robotics at NEST+m, this year we’ve stepped it up a notch and entered the competitive arena. NEST+m registered three teams of 7 students age 9­14 into the NYC F.I.R.S.T. Robotics Competi­
tion! FIRST means For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. This year’s challenge asks students to explore the cutting­edge world of biomedical engineering. Teams will design, build, and program LEGO NXT Robots to perform various tasks on a 96” x 48” playing surface, using motors, touch­sensors, light­sensors and more. If you think your student might be interested in joining next year, be sure that s/he signs up for RoboFun Robotics 14<*9&&F+)2$&5$&"4$&"&)$5&3$3!$4&(0&[9?9U9F9.9A&*,$&
F.I.R.S.T. Stuyvesant Robotics Team will be provid­
ing us with technical support and mentorship.
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We are thrilled to announce the launch of the LOWER SCHOOL DRAMA CLUB, currently in production of the musical ANNIE! With 42 cast members representing all levels of our Lower School, and a fully professional staff (in­
cluding two Lower School parents), this afterschool program is rehearsing twice a week through January *(&!4+)'&DEF.G3&*,$&14<*&0788k<2"8$&37<+2"8&<*"'$%&
by the Lower School.
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of players can be left in a suggestion box in the PTA (012$9&I()<+%$4"*+()<&<,(78%&+)2(4=(4"*$&*,$"*4+2"8&
references as well as a play on the word “NEST” (ie the Feathered Friends Players). Please include your &
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you want to help serve salad bar items to the kids during lunchtime or sponsor healthy ingredients for the cafeteria, please contact the Health Committee at health@nestmail.org _&H"C$&6(7&)(*+2$%&*,$&P((886&-(2#$*<A&"&C$4*+2"8&
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Vine’s 5th grade class, in collaboration with the Health Committee, has planted cabbage, brussel sprouts and collard greens. (http://www.woollypocket.com/schools/index.php)
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XXVX_
The PTA will be holding its second annual In­
ternational Potluck Dinner on Friday, November 12, from 6­9 PM. We look forward to seeing you there! This potluck dinner, which celebrates the cultural diversity of our entire community, is a school wide event. There is no cost to attend!! Your admission is your favorite family dish, which should be enough to serve twice the number of people who are coming with you. Bring the entire family. Extended family is welcome as well. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet families from all three schools, Lower, Middle and Upper, and to share a wonderful meal. Look for­
ward to some surprise entertainment as well! More details will follow shortly via you child’s backpack, however, should you have any questions, or wish to volunteer to help at this event, please contact Claudia Musumeci at Budgie553@aol.com. NEST+m MONTHLY NEWS
Volume 5, Issue 2
October 2010
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NEST+m MONTHLY NEWS
Volume 5, Issue 2
October 2010
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