Family Newsletter - 10-13-26

• Our 6th and 7th graders were inspired last week by the return of author and Paralympian Blake Leeper. (see pics on our InstaCav) After completing the ELA book study of Why Not Me?, students had the unique opportunity to hear Blake share his powerful story of resilience, determination, and perseverance, His message encouraged students to face life’s challenges with courage, confidence, and a positive mindset, reminding them that obstacles do not define what is possible.  Following his presentation, Blake generously spent time with some students by signing autographs, allowing them to hold his prosthetic leg and try on his Paralympic medals. He even joined students in the schoolyard during recess for a quick and friendly game of basketball, creating memories that will last far beyond the school day.
   
• To help keep families informed, please see the DOE October 2026 NYCPS family update backpack letter (available in all NYCPS languages). This month’s letter features important dates on the 2026–27 school year calendar, upcoming admissions information, preparing for remote learning, parent-teacher conferences, the electronic device policy, and vaccination requirements.
   
• As DOE schools participate in NYC Reads, please see the NYC Reads Guidance for Families letter (available in all NYCPS languages). This letter introduces the NYC Reads Curriculum Finder to families; families may use the tool to view their student’s literacy curriculum — including current module, essential questions, and reading lists.
   
• You are encouraged to attend one or more of the upcoming District 21 Superintendent's Town Hall sessions (see attached) hosted by Superintendent Erin Lynch-Reyes. These Town Halls provide an important opportunity for families to learn about district initiatives, ask questions, and engage in meaningful conversations about the future of our schools.
   
• This evening, I.S. 281 will be hosting the monthly Community Education Council (CEC) meeting here at 6pm. Ms. Rubin and her amazing Dance Team will be performing as a special treat. We would love to see additional Cav in attendance to show a strong sense of school community
   
• As per the DOE calendar, Election Day, November 3, is designated as a fully-remote instructional day for the 2026–27 school year. All school staff and students are expected to participate in remote instruction on this day. Our instructional day will follow our regular bell schedule (see attached) from 7:50 - 2:10, and students will follow their Tuesday schedules. Students will be required to log in to Google classroom for each of their classes from pds. 1-8, excluding their designated lunch periods. Teachers will have a link posted for students to log in, record their attendance, and participate in live synchronous instruction, with appropriate lessons and assignments tied in. Families, please ensure that your child has accessed their Google classrooms from home prior to November 3rd. If you have any issues, please contact Ms. DiMatteo in the main office for assistance.

Academic Vocabulary Word of the Week: 

10/13/2026 – Contrast, distinguish

Spanish: Contrastar, distinguir

Chinese:  對比、區分

Russian:  Контраст, Различение

Urdu: تضاد، تمیز

Contrast (v.): to find differences between 2 or more things

     Synonym: differ

Distinguish (v.): to point out a difference

     Synonyms: differentiate, notice