Increase Miller Elementary School

186 Waccabuc Rd., Rt. 138, Goldens Bridge, NY 10526
Principal:	Mrs. Kerry Ford
Phone:	914-763-7100
Fax:	914-763-7173

Announcements

Summer Reading Lists

Letter from the Principal

June 19, 2013

Dear Increase Miller Families,

As the year draws to a close, we would like to recognize the collaborative efforts of our students, families, and educators as the school community working together resulted in the many accomplishments of our students. Educators spent a tremendous amount of time aligning the curriculum with Common Core Learning Standards, implementing the District’s RtI plan, teaching a new science curriculum, and participating on many district and building level committees to revise practices, refine programs, and plan for the future. The PTA and school families enriched instructional programs and experiences by volunteering their time, allocating resources, and organizing school events to help create fond memories. Students engaging in hands-on learning resulted in discoveries, participated in learning activities that were individualized and group oriented, and worked in cooperative groups to problem-solve and make decisions. Our collaborative work is what makes Increase Miller special as we nurture and support them in the learning process.

Prior to your departure, I would like to highlight and communicate some important information as you reflect on the school year and plan for the summer.

Friday, June 21 we will celebrate the last day of school with a school-wide assembly, and as students exit the building bubbles, music, and decorations will be used to wish the students a farewell.

Parent Portal
On Friday, June 21, the Infinite Campus Parent Portal may be accessed to review your child’s progress report for the last trimester. Additionally, special area progress reports will also be posted.

Summer Reading Lists
The district elementary library media specialists worked together to create summer reading lists for our K-5 students. The selected text recommendations reflect the Common Core ELA Standards. Please visit our school website to access this information.

School Supplies
Many of you have picked up your school supplies for September 2013. If you did not order the school supplies via the PTA, the lists will be posted on our website and the PTA website (imespta.org) in the coming weeks.

Operations and Maintenance
Beginning Monday, June 24, the Increase Miller office will be closed due to renovations to the main office. We anticipate the work will be completed by June 30. You may still call the main office at 763-7117 for any questions or concerns. Additionally, Increase Miller’s roof is being replaced this summer. This should not interfere with activities occurring in and around the building.

Extended School Year Program (ESY)
On July 1, the Extended School Year Program will begin at Increase Miller, and the program hours are from 9:00 a.m. – 12 p.m. If your child is attending this program, please have him/her enter the building via the gym entrance where staff will be available to assist them.

I thank everyone for their collaborative efforts, and I wish all of you a happy, healthy, and safe summer with your children.

Sincerely,
Kerry Ford

Speaking With Your Children About the Newtown Tragedy

UPDATED: Dec. 17, 2012

Dear Parents / Guardians -
We are all deeply saddened by the tragic events that took place today in the school shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School, in Newtown Ct.

We also recognize that your child may be confused and frightened by the information they see through the media and may look for guidance from the adults in his/her life. Attached, please find tips and suggestions on how to help your child to deal with these difficult events.

As always, our counseling and mental health staff is available to provide support for your child if needed.

Patricia K. Bragdon PhD., LCSW-R
District Mental Health Coordinator –KLSD

Resources:

Tips for parents and teachers
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/youthdevelopment/DA7413.html
“While there are no easy answers about these kinds of events, children will want an explanation from parents and teachers. A complete explanation will not be easy, it may not even be possible, but we must try. We must strive for a balance between helping a child feel safe and acknowledging the existence of violence, evil and danger in the world.”

Article explaining the role of teams in schools for threat assessment (of students) from Parent Magazine:
http://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/teaching-tolerance/school-shootings-the-conversation-you-need-to-have-with-your-kids/
“Many children will wonder “can this happen at my school” How to respond: “Even if you’re worried about this yourself, there’s no reason to let your kids know that…. Keep your voice very calm and explain that you’re sure his teacher and principal have taken every measure to make sure school is the safest place possible.”

http://www.parents.com/kids/safety/school/helping-children-feel-safe-at-school/
“Older children can handle more information than younger children, and they may need more details in order to satisfy them. But at all ages it is appropriate to inform children what is being done to protect them in their particular school.”

Additional Resources : Updated 12-17-12

How to Talk with Children about the Connecticut School Shootings
http://www.aft.org/yourwork/tools4teachers/together/schonfeld.cfm

Talking with Children about Violence (MHA of Westchester)
http://www.mhawestchester.org/html/school_violence.html

A National Tragedy: Helping Children Cope
http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/terror_general.aspx

Taking the Terror Out of School Shootings
http://www.extension.umn.edu/family/families-with-teens/resources-professionals/violence-in-our-schools/taking-the-terror-out-of-school-shootings/
“While there are no easy answers about these kinds of events, children will want an explanation from parents and teachers. A complete explanation will not be easy, it may not even be possible, but we must try. We must strive for a balance between helping a child feel safe and acknowledging the existence of violence, evil and danger in the world.”

How Children Cope with Trauma and Ongoing Threat
http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/ongoingthreat.aspx

Coping with Crisis—Helping Children With Special Needs
http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/specpop_general.aspx

Death: Dealing with Crisis at School Practical Suggestions for Educators
http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/neat_poland.aspx

UCLA Mental Health Project
http://smhp.psych.ucla.edu/violence prevention and safe schools.pdf

SAMHSA's Coping with Violence & Traumatic Events Website
http://www.samhsa.gov/trauma/?from=carousel&position=1&date=11012012

From Parent Magazine:
http://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/teaching-tolerance/school-shootings-the-conversation-you-need-to-have-with-your-kids/
“Many children will wonder “can this happen at my school” How to respond: “Even if you’re worried about this yourself, there’s no reason to let your kids know that…. Keep your voice very calm and explain http://www.parents.com/kids/safety/school/helping-children-feel-safe-at-school/

In an effort to become more efficient and sustainable Parent Teacher Conference sign-up will only be available online. Additional information regarding this process will be available in September.

Typing Pal Online

http://school.typingpal.com/?KLUFINCR
Log in with your regular school username and six digit password.

IXL Math

https://www.ixl.com/signin/klsd
Example username: John Doe = jdoe. Students who have a symbol or space in their name (ex: D'Angelo, Smith-Redding, Mc Cormick) must remove the symbol or space in their username. The six digit password is the last six digits of the student's Infinite Campus student ID number.