April 2023 PA Newsletter
Newsletter April 20, 2023 (issue 15)
Dear MS 51 Community!
As we move into the spring season, we are reminded of the beauty and renewal that comes with this time of year. With the longer days and warmer weather, we can look forward to spending more time outside and enjoying the natural world around us. Spring is also a time for new beginnings, and we are excited to see what opportunities and growth lie ahead for our students and school community. Let us embrace this season of renewal and look towards the future with hope and optimism.
We are thrilled to announce that the PA welcomes the new Assistant Principal, Ms. Goris, and Mr. Hillick as the new vocal teacher at MS51. Ms. Goris brings years of experience in designing curriculum for all levels of learners, and we are excited to work with her to enhance the learning experience of our students. Mr. Hillick's extensive teaching experience and real-world vocal expertise will undoubtedly raise the bar for our vocal talent students.
Principal Chan has also announced several new initiatives that will begin next school year. We are excited about the new flex scheduling program for all grades, which aims to better align student learning while fostering increased socialization among the student population. Homeroom will return to MS51, and students will have 10-15 minutes each day to check-in and gather as a group. Lockers will also return as a function of homeroom, which will help alleviate the burden of large backpacks for younger students.
We are proud to announce that MS51 will become one of the first middle schools to offer advanced language learning (AP). Incoming 6th graders will have the opportunity to take Chinese all three years of middle school and sit for the AP exam in their 8th grade. Principal Chan is also looking to offer Spanish and French in subsequent years.
We understand that there are a lot of changes happening, and we encourage all parents to reach out to MS51's administration if you have any questions or concerns (MS 51 Staff Directory 2022-23). Another great way to stay involved and understand changes with all things MS51 is to join the PA Executive Board or volunteer at the school! See later in the letter for details.
We have an action-packed rest of the school year, and we encourage everyone to check the MS51 Calendar for exciting events coming your way.
As always, the PA is here to support our school and community. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at middleschool51pa@gmail.com.
Important Dates and Event
04/21 - Eid-al-Fitr Schools Closed
04/24 - 4:30pm SLT meeting
04/26 - 3:15pm - DUET is hosting an Eid al-Fitr event
04/27-04/28 - 6pm Visual Arts Showcase
05/02-05/03 - NYS Math Exam
05/06 - 9am - MS51 Beautification Day - Volunteers Needed
05/11 - 9am - Author Visit - Yehudi Mercado
05/11 - 7-10pm - MS51 Spring Social & Auction - Old Stone House
05/16 - 5:30pm - DUET Committee Meeting
05/16 - 6:30pm - “The Talk” with Rachel Lotus - Sex Talk - @ MS51 Auditorium
05/17 - 5pm - In Person High School Admissions Event - @ MS51 Auditorium
05/17-05/19 - Social Studies Fair at MS51
05/18-05/19 - 6pm - Dance Showcase - @ MS 51 Auditorium
05/20 - 9am - noon Parent Volunteer Saturday
05/23 - 3:30pm - 5:30pm - New Student Orientation
05/24-05/25 - 6pm - Instrumental Music Showcase @ MS51 Auditorium
05/29 - School Closed for Memorial Day
06/22 - 10:30am - 12:30pm - 8th Grade Graduation - New Utrecht High School
For a complete view of the important dates, please see the MS 51 Calendar.
We Need You to join MS51 PA Executive Board
Each spring, the MS51 PA community elects new MS51 PA Executive Board members to serve for the following year. When the current school year comes to its end, many of the EB positions will be open. Given that some of the roles have more responsibilities than others, we’ve created a few new positions that offer a little more flexibility.
Simply contact middleschool51pa@gmail.com or for more information!
The head of our Nomination Committee would be more than happy to walk you through the different positions, or further explain the role of the Executive Board. You can even speak to a current member and get their perspective!
MS51 Auction & Spring Social - Tickets on sale NOW!
Dust off your cocktail outfits and join us for our first in person MS51 Auction & Spring Social since 2019!
The ticket price covers a full buffet dinner and beverage (including adult beverages).
What can you expect?
- Intimate event that allows you to connect with school staff and other parents
- Meet other parents in your child’s class, and for our 8th grade parents, talk to other families whose kids might be heading to the same high school.
- Enjoy a good dinner and drinks
- Participate in silent auction
- Celebrate the end of the school year
To purchase tickets or participate in the online auction, click here: https://ourschool.auction/MS51. Tickets are limited so get yours before they all go!
We also need volunteers for the day of the event. Help us make this a successful event!
Our Online Auction will run May 4th - May 11th, 9:30pm, and is open to all to bid !(You don’t need to attend the Spring Social)
We still need your help in soliciting auction items. 100% of the proceeds from the auction benefit our school. The money we raise through the PA of MS 51 supports the talent programs, supplies for students and teachers, technology, and so much more.
The best and most interesting auction items come from YOU, MS 51 families, and those close to you, who adore your children.
Please let us know what you’d like to donate by filling out this form or emailing us at middleschool51pa@gmail.com.
MS 51 PA PRESENTS - “THE TALK: SEX ED 2.0” WITH RACHEL LOTUS - May 16th 6:30PM @ MS51 Auditorium
Tickets are required and are available now. Though tickets are free, we ask that you pay a suggested donation if you are able because it allows us to continue to present events like these to the MS51 community. Ticket Link
Attention: 8th Grade Parents - Seniors Dues
This is a gentle reminder to turn in your 8th Grade Activity Fees to Ms. Julia Castro at Rm 131 before April 28.
Please send cash, check or money order payable to “MS 51” with your child’s name and class on the memo line in an envelope with the signed notice (Please click here for the form)
The TOTAL for all of the senior activities is $325. Families have the option to pay the entire amount or can pay in 3 installments see permission attached form for further information.
Attention: 8th Grade Graduation CHANGES
We apologize for the change in date and venue, but the graduation date has been changed to Thursday, June 22 10:30 am at New Utrecht High School. The ceremony will last about 2 hours. We ask students to arrive by 9:30 so they can be organized and ready for procession at 10:30 am.
NYC High School Admissions - May 17th 5pm - @ MS51 Auditorium
As a reminder, there will be an in-person high school admissions event hosted by the guidance counselors from MS51. They will walk parents through the process of registering, researching, and ultimately selecting high schools for your child. If you cannot make the in-person event, here is the prerecorded online event that MS51 hosted earlier this month (MS51 High School Admissions Video). The PA strongly urges all parents and students to research and understand the NYC High School Admissions process.
EXTENDED: Please Complete The NYC School Survey By April 30
Each year, all families, teachers, and students in grades 6-12 take the NYC School Survey to share feedback about their schools. The NYC School Survey is one of the nation’s largest education surveys. Survey feedback can help improve your child’s learning environment. Hard copies of the survey were sent home with your student(s) before mid-Winter recess.
You can also take the survey online by visiting NYCSchoolSurvey.org. Use a lowercase “f” followed by your student’s identification (OSIS) number which can be found on their report card, student ID card, or NYCSA account. Families can also log in to their NYC Schools Account (NYCSA) to take the survey.
Why should I complete the survey?
Your feedback helps us understand what you think our school does well and how you think we can improve. Survey results allow us to reflect on how well we are achieving our school’s goals and mission.
May General PA Meeting - May 11th - 6pm
Topic: MS51 PA General Meeting
Zoom link to follow
New MS51 Website
Our new website has been launched! It is using the same domain MS51.org, however if you have it saved, you may have to refresh your browser as it is no longer a google site.
Need to contact a teacher or Principal, but don’t know how? Go to the Staff Directory, under About, Contact for a full list of all teachers, subjects taught and email address.
DUET NEWS UPDATE
Parent Volunteer Opportunities - Surveys Coming Soon
Eid al Fitr - we are looking for volunteers to donate food and drink for an Eid al Fitr celebration in late April and to share ideas for our celebration.
Cinco de Mayo - we are looking for volunteers to donate food and drink for a Cinco de Mayo celebration in early May and to share ideas for our celebration
If you are able to volunteer for any of these events, please FILL OUT THIS SURVEY or email christine.poscablo@gmail.com
So many ways to support MS51 PA!
Thank you, thank you, and thank you to many of you who have already generously donated.
We are still around $20,000 short of our annual goal. To help us reach our goal and ensure that teachers, students, and staff have what they need to run the school – our donations fund everything from lab, learning software, sport team fees, and instrumental repairs. It is even more important now than ever, given the significant budget cuts to public schools with the size like ours.
BY PayPal: Please click here to go to PayPal
- Please add note: "Friends of MS51"
BY CHECK: Mail a check to the school
- Address: MS51 Parent Association, 350 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215.
- Please make the check out to "Friends of MS51"
BY CASH:
- Drop off the money with Ms. Julia’s office at Room 131
Consider a company match
Another way you can increase your donation to our PA is through your company’s Matching Gift Program. Please contact your Human Resources Department to see if your company offers matching gifts. We are a registered 501 (c)(3). This is a great way to double your gift!
Warmly,
QUESTIONS or FEEDBACK?
If you have any questions or feedback about our newsletter, please do not hesitate to contact us at middleschool51pa@gmail.com