Many thanks to our main office staff for all the hard work they did handling new registrations, busing, coordinating staff supply distribution, tech setup, and all the other behind-the-scenes activities that go into supporting our kickoff. A special shout out to our custodial staff, who had the building looking beautiful as we welcomed the kids, to Agent Harris who bedazzled the main lobby with her welcome back tree, and a huge shout out to our APs, teachers, paras, and additional staff- who warmly welcomed our kids to a new school year.
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This Thursday will be our first School Spirit Day – Patriots Day. We encourage everyone to wear something patriotic (red, white and blue) to honor the memory of those who lost their lives on 9/11.
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The word of the year is IMPACT, which by definition means, to have a strong effect on someone or something. We will task our students with reflecting on their IMPACT...what is the IMPACT of their decisions or actions on their own character? Then, what is the IMPACT of their character on their school community and those around them? Finally, what IMPACT does this have on their success in striving for excellence? I would encourage you to emphasize this ideal with your kids at home...what is their IMPACT? Our purpose as a school community is to teach our students to become independent thinkers and to be resilient, so they are able to navigate their own ideals, recognize their strengths as well as their challenges, and determine the IMPACT they wish to make. It is our job to create a safe space for children to express their own thoughts and feelings, as well as create opportunities for them to celebrate their own individuality in a safe, supportive, respectful and tolerant environment.
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I am pleased to announce that our school has again received the grant for Project PIVOT to fund our after-school drama program in collaboration with NIA. Last year, our students put on an incredible production of Moana Jr. They are requiring a quicker turnaround of program expectations and student involvement, so we are funded and expected to provide service in 2 sessions, one in the fall and the other in the spring. More information to follow.
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All students will be viewing emergency readiness videos, to prepare them for our evacuation, shelter-in and soft lock down drills. As you know, it is important for everyone to be aware of what to do as a school community in the case of an emergency. Please see the attached parent GRP letter.
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Please make sure to send all necessary documentation back to the school, especially the Emergency Blue Cards. It is imperative that we have the most current information for your child, as well as a list of those who will be permitted to pick your child up in the event of an emergency. It is for their own safety that we follow appropriate guidelines.
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There is an upcoming Fall Family Multilingual Learners Community Chat (see attached). This event is a valuable opportunity for families, educators, and community members to come together, exchange ideas, and strengthen our shared commitment to student success.
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We will be conducting our student government elections later this month for the positions of 8th Grade President, 7th Grade Vice President, and 6th Grade Secretary. Those students will make up our SGO Cabinet. We will also be having elections for a student government class representative for each class.
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I am excited to share that our school will continue using a Mathematics and Reading program called i-Ready.i-Ready is an online program that will help us determine your child’s strengths and areas for growth, personalize their learning, and monitor their progress throughout the school year. To begin, we’ll be administering the i-Ready Diagnostic over the next two weeks. It’s critical that students try their best so we can get accurate data that will help inform our instruction and drive the online lessons students receive.To help prepare your child for the i-Ready Diagnostic, encourage them to try their best on each question, try not to rush, and understand that they will not know the answer to every question. Thank you for your continued support and for being a partner in your child’s learning!
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Families, please complete the school foods lunch forms using the following link: form online, . Just a note, the family income inquiry forms are ONLY used to provide schools with their Title I funding, which is used to support after school programs for our students.
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IMPT>>>You must have a current email address, phone number and home address listed in your child's NYCSA account to be linked to my Parent distribution list.Update or register following this link: https://www.schoolsaccount.nyc/
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Our first virtual PTA meeting will be held tomorrow, September 9th at 5:30 pm. The agenda is attached and you can log in at that time using the zoom link below.D21 21K281PA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.Topic: IS 281 PTA MeetingTime: Sep 9, 2025 05:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)Join Zoom MeetingMeeting ID: 931 4198 8791Passcode: 755035
Academic Vocabulary Word of the Week:
Each week, we will focus on Academic Vocabulary Words that were pulled from State Test Exams. Our teachers incorporate these words into their lessons, conversations and assignment expectations. I will send you the words each week so you can focus on them at home as well.
Morphology Focus of the Week:
Each week, we will focus on a root prefix/suffix to support our students in their understanding of academic vocabulary. This focus will be incorporated into all content areas. I will send you the word parts each week so you can focus on them at home as well.
Social Emotional Focus: Goal Setting
6th Grade – Good Character
7th Grade – Serving Community
8th Grade – Striving for Excellence
Ms. Bender’s Quote of the Week:
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Upcoming Events:
9/8 4:00 - 8:00pm NIA afterschool registration
9/9 3:00 School Leadership Team meeting
5:30 PTA meeting virtual
2:30 - 7:00pm NIA afterschool registration
9/10 6:00pm CEC meeting @IS 303
9/11 School Spirit Day - Patriots Day: wear red, white and blue
Grade Assemblies to kickoff the new school year
6:30 President's Council Meeting
9/12 3:00 - 4:00pm NIA Parent Orientation
9/15 School Spirit Day - Hispanic Heritage Month: wear colors of Hispanic heritage flags or traditional clothing
NIA Begins
9/16 i-ready ELA Diagnostics - whole school
9/17 Jupiter Parent Registration Letters going home
9/18 i-ready Math Diagnostics - whole school
4:30 - 7:30 virtual parent meet n greet
9/19 School Spirit Day - Celebrate World PEACE Day: wear tie-dye
9/22 First day of Autumn
School Spirit Day - Celebrate first day of Autumn: Dress in Autumn colors
9/23 - 9/24 NO SCHOOL - Rosh Hashanah "Shanah Tovah"
9/26 Senior Day
9/30 School Spirit Day - Celebrate September: Dress Down
As mentioned above, this year, we will be centered on the word IMPACT...a reminder of the meaningful, lasting difference we make each day in the lives of students, families, and staff. As a school community, our impact is felt in every classroom, hallway, and conversation. Our educational mindset, integrity, and passion set the tone for our entire school, and I am confident that this year, we will continue to inspire growth, innovation, and joy in our students. We will continue to hold high expectations for our kids, and stand firmly together in our shared mission to serve and support every child at I.S. 281.
I am sincerely looking forward to another great year of teacher success, student success, family success and in turn our success as a school community.
Genuinely,
Ms. Bender
