Principals’ Weekly

March 10, 2009

Table of Contents

• Chancellor’s Memo
• Calendar of key dates and deadlines

Which
Description When?
schools?
***REQUIRED/HIGH PRIORITY***
Elem, mid Updates on State Math Test Administration March
All Submit Principal Performance Review Mid-Year Summary By 4/6
Other Administrative Announcements
Middle Specialized High Schools Institute Applications Delivered This week
Elem Extended Phone Interpretation Hours for Parent/Teacher Conferences 3/18
Mid, high Order Regents Exams By 3/23
All Updates on Periodic Assessments FYI
All Updated Special Education Standard Operating Procedures FYI
All Special Education Service Delivery Reports Posted FYI
All Computer Security Updates FYI
All Extended Use Permits Costs for PA/PTA Events FYI
All New Payroll Administration Memo FYI
Reminders (Announced in Previous Issues)
All Apply for Budget Surplus Rollover Program By 3/12
All Submit Summer School Affiliation Online (and Read the First Fact Sheet) By 3/13
All Complete Winter Compliance Checklist By 3/13
Elem Return New Middle School Choice Forms By 3/13
Elem Pre-Kindergarten Admissions FYI
All Core Curriculum Showcase 3/23-24
All Reminders about NCLB/SED Accountability By 3/24
High Order Late-Testing Advanced Placement Exams By 3/31
All Progress Report Feedback Sessions March
All Updated Inquiry Target Tool in ARIS FYI
All Additional ARIS Training Opportunities for Teachers FYI
All CEC Election Process FYI
Grants, Workshops, and Other Opportunities (New)
Mid, high Students Can Enter Contest for Opportunity to Meet Nelson Mandela By 3/27
All Paraprofessionals Can Register for Wilson Training By 3/16
Elem Colloquia for Elementary School Principals and Art Teachers 3/18
All Register for Autism Education Series By 3/18
Middle Middle School Principals Association Meeting 3/18
Elem Teachers Can Register for Workshop on Classroom Management Systems By 3/18

1
Elem Teaching Study Skills to Students with Disabilities and SETSS 3/27
High Register Staff for Health Resource Room Training By 3/27
Mid, high NYC Young Women’s Volunteer Summit 4/4
Middle Apply for Museum of Natural History’s Science Leadership Team Program By 4/24
High Nominate Students for School Art League Medals and Scholarships By 4/30
All Apply to Participate in New York Cares Day By 5/8
Grants, Workshops, and Other Opportunities (Reminders)
All Deadline to Register for Professional Development from Teaching & Learning By 3/18
All Professional Development Across All Content Areas Spring
All External Opportunities, Grants and Resources for Students and Educators FYI
Middle Closing the Achievement Gap Forums 3/18, 24
All Apply for Grant to Start Bilingual Education or Dual Language Program By 3/16
Elem Using Data to Design Effective Reading Instruction for ELLs 3/16
Elem, mid Aligning Native Language Arts with ELA Instruction 3/16-17
Mid, high Free Workshop on New SIFE Diagnostic 3/16
Elem ELL Math for the Early Grades 3/17
All Teachers Can Register for Workshop on Dance Education By 3/18
Elem Register for Schools Attuned Generalist Path Core Course By 3/20
High Demonstration on Best Practices in the Arts for High School Administrators 3/20
High Students Can Apply for Ghetto Film School Fellowship Program By 3/20
All ELL Identification and Parent Information Workshop 3/23
All 2009 Dual Language Symposium 3/25
Middle Blueprint for Middle School Success Professional Development Series Spring
Mid, high QTEL Institutes April
Elem, mid Connecting ELLs to the Moral Choices of Change Makers 4/6
All Participate in Learning Leaders’ Great School Volunteer Week 4/20-24
Elem Workshop on Fundations Levels K and 1 4/23, 24
All Science Symposium for Teachers of ELLs 5/6
All Unlocking the Potential of Mathematics Instruction for ELLs 5/13
All ELL Best Practices Conference 6/4
All Workshops for Administrators on Teacher Development Winter
All Professional Development on Periodic Assessments Winter

Chancellor’s Memo

Dear Colleagues,

Each day, our schools are finding new ways to use technology to support instruction and
streamline administration. Earlier this year, teachers began logging into ARIS, where they
can find all of their students’ information online, gathered in one single place. Last month,
we announced that the Community Education Council election process will take place
entirely online, saving time and reducing waste. We also launched the third annual
Learning Environment Survey, and 486 schools have chosen to participate in online only
survey administration.

As we integrate more new technology into our schools, I encourage you to take a moment to consider the
paperwork tasks that you and your teachers complete, and ask yourself and your school community
which ones are necessary and which ones might be updated or made more efficient. I want to remind you
of the following suggestions, which we identified in partnership with the UFT:

1. Review routine tasks. Identify monthly grade reports, handwritten IEPs, handwritten weekly

2
 updates of students’ strengths, weaknesses, and reading level, voluminous portfolios built for the
sole purpose of Promotion in Doubt, and other documentation that you ask your teachers to
provide. The decision in each case is yours, but consider eliminating tasks that are not critical to
the functioning of your school. Whenever possible, use electronic records, many of which are
already available online.

2. Evaluate the information you gather and reduce redundancy in reporting. Consider whether
information on student and school performance that is now being made available to your school
through ARIS, your Progress Report, Quality Review, Learning Environment Survey, Inquiry Team
Tool (ITT), and your Periodic Assessment reports makes it unnecessary for your school to
continue gathering information in other, more time-consuming and less effective ways.

In particular, consider whether it is effective to print out and assemble binders of assessment
results. In many cases, assessment information is available in ARIS or in other places on the
Internet, and can be more easily accessed and analyzed in an online format. And, as you know,
you need not create any binders or other documents for the sole purpose of preparing for the
Quality Review. Quality Reviewers focus only on data and reports that schools actually use in the
regular course of the day and the school year. For example, you can show reviewers how you
use the “student groups” function in ARIS to track the progress of groups of your students
throughout the year.

3. Examine your school’s goal setting process. Goal setting is a powerful instructional and
improvement strategy, and setting clear goals and monitoring and evaluating progress is a central
element of the inquiry process. As your teachers set goals and track progress towards their goals,
consider how they can use ARIS to support the process, and whether the format and timeline
they’re using are realistic enough to help teachers keep their focus on student progress, not on
paperwork compliance.

4. Consider other ways to reduce paperwork. Another way schools have found to reduce
paperwork is by using the “student group” function in ARIS. This function allows teachers to
create a group of students to which they can return anytime, to track the students’ progress
throughout the year. This group is stored online, and updated with new information at the same
time as it enters the source system, so teachers do not have to hunt down or print out new data.
And, other schools are using ARIS Connect to collaborate on documents and share information—
keeping resources in one place, accessible anytime, from any computer.

As you know, our schools have made great strides in using student data to make informed instructional
decisions. And under your leadership, teachers are using powerful diagnostic tools to advance student
achievement. As we continue to introduce new data and tools to our schools, let’s work together minimize
unnecessary paperwork, and keep our focus where it belongs: on the children.

Sincerely,

Joel I. Klein
Chancellor

Go back to the top

***REQUIRED/HIGH PRIORITY***

3
State Math Test Administration
Elementary and middle schools / Event: March

You should administer the state math test for grades 6-8 on March 10 and 11. Make-up days continue
through March 13 for grades 3-5 and will be March 12-20 for grades 6-8.

Please review assessment memo #8 (available at

http://schools.nyc.gov/Accountability/YearlyTesting/TestAdministration/Test+Memoranda/default.htm) with
your school’s testing team. This memo outlines specific instructions for administering the test. Please also
review the guide to reducing data exceptions (available at
http://schools.nyc.gov/Accountability/YearlyTesting/TestAdministration/default.htm) with your testing team.
You can also access the State Education Department’s 2008 Manual for Administrators and Teachers for
the math test at http://emsc33.nysed.gov/osa/sam/3-8mathsam-09.pdf.

Teacher’s directions for the grades 3-5 tests are available at http://emsc33.nysed.gov/osa/mathei/gr3-5-
td09.pdf, and directions for the grades 6-8 tests are available at http://emsc33.nysed.gov/osa/mathei/gr6-
8-td09.pdf. You can share this information with proctors in advance of the test days.

Multiple choice documents are due to designated ISC offices on March 10 for grades 6-8. For this
assessment, please package the documents in the testing black and white boxes that were delivered to
your school.

For additional information, please contact your assessment implementation director.

Go back to the top

Submit Principal Performance Review Mid-Year Summary

All schools / Deadline: April 6

The “Academic Performance” section of the Principal Performance Review (PPR) requires you to provide
an update on the progress you are making toward meeting your goals and objectives for the year. We
have revised the mid-year PPR summary process and ask that you provide a brief narrative summary on
the progress you have made toward meeting each one of the goals and objectives approved by your
superintendent for the 2008-09 academic school year. You may invite your School Support Organization
representative, senior achievement facilitator, inquiry team, and other relevant advisors to support you in
preparing your summary. Since you may not yet have data for goals that are aligned to student academic
outcomes, please provide your best assessment of the progress you have made toward meeting those
goals and objectives based on the information you do have.

You should e-mail your mid-year PPR summary to your superintendent by April 6.

For additional information and the summary template, please review the guide to the 2008-09 PPR mid-
year summary.

Go back to the top

Other Administrative Announcements

Specialized High Schools Institute Applications Delivered

Middle schools / Event: This week

Public School Applications

4
Pre-populated Specialized High Schools Institute (SHSI) applications for eligible students will be delivered
to schools with 6th grade students this week. Families should submit completed applications to their
schools by March 23.

Please return completed student applications to your local borough enrollment office by March 27.

Non-Public School Applications

The non-public school application is available at http://schools.nyc.gov/ChoicesEnrollment/Middle/SHSI.

Non-public school applications must be completed and mailed directly to 52 Chambers St Room 415, NY,
NY 10007. Non-public school applications require documentation to verify that the applicant meets the
Title I eligibility requirements for “free lunch.”

For more information, read the SHSI memo posted on the Enrollment page of the Principals’ Portal.

If you have questions, e-mail PShapiro2@schools.nyc.gov.

Go back to the top

Extended Phone Interpretation Hours for Parent/Teacher Conferences

Elementary schools / Event: March 18

Over-the-phone interpretation services will be available until 8:30 p.m. for evening elementary school
parent/teacher conferences on Wednesday, March 18. Interpretation is available in more than 150
languages. You can access this service by calling the Translation and Interpretation Unit at (718) 752-
7373, extension 4.

Go back to the top

Order Regents Exams

Middle and high schools / Deadline: March 23

If you have not already done so, please place your order for New York State Regents examinations using
the State Education Department’s online examination request system. The deadline to submit requests
for June secondary-level examinations – including exams for eighth grade students in accelerated
courses – is March 23.

You will receive a confirmation notice via e-mail within two business days of submitting your request
indicating the number of examinations to be shipped to your school. Please carefully check the
confirmation notice for accuracy to ensure that the correct quantities are shipped. Additional information is
available at www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa/08-09memo/jun-aug-09/det500.pdf.

Middle schools with questions about accelerated courses can contact CMSS@schools.nyc.gov.

Go back to the top

Updates on Periodic Assessments

All schools

1. Acuity English and Integrated Algebra April Predictive (High Schools)

The Regents-year predictive administration window for high school students taking the Regents exam in
June is March 30-April 6. For more information on this upcoming administration, please read the high
school predictive pre-administration memo at
http://schools.nyc.gov/Accountability/ResourcesforEducators/PeriodicAssessments.

Materials for this administration will begin arriving March 20. Please check your materials upon arrival. If

5
you need additional materials, please contact the Acuity Helpdesk at (866) NYC-6550 and press 1 for
assistance. The last day for ordering additional materials for this administration is April 2.

2. Acuity 3-8 Math & ELA ITA Window 2

The second instructionally targeted assessment (ITA) administration window for grades 3-8 is March 30-
April 6. For more information on this upcoming administration, please read the pre-administration memo
at http://schools.nyc.gov/Accountability/ResourcesforEducators/PeriodicAssessments.

Materials for this administration will begin arriving March 20. Please check your materials upon arrival. If
you need additional materials, please contact the Acuity Helpdesk at (866) NYC-6550 and press 1 for
assistance. The last day for ordering additional materials for this administration is April 2.

3. Acuity Integrated Algebra & English ITA Window 2 (High Schools)

Results from the high school Integrated Algebra & ELA ITAs are now available in Acuity.

All educators can access the system by using their DOE Outlook username as the username and the last
six digits of their file number as the password. If you are interested in having a DOE staff member conduct
a free workshop at your school about using data from these assessments, visit
http://events.abcsignup.com/nycdoe to select a date and time.

Reminders:

1. English Language Learners Periodic Assessments (Grades 3-12)

The second administration window for the English Language Learner (ELL) periodic assessments is
March 23-30. Materials will be delivered to schools that opted into the assessment by March 19. If your
school did not opt in but you would like to administer the assessment, please contact your assessment
implementation director.

Please see the ELL March Administration Memo for more details regarding the administration of this
assessment.

2. Acuity Item Authoring

Starting in April, all educators will have access to a new item authoring tool in Acuity. This new resource
will allow you to write and publish your own items directly into a shared New York City educator-authored
item bank. You can use the items from this bank to create your own customized assessments in Acuity.

To be able to author their own items before April, educators need to attend the "Item Authoring Pilot"
professional development session. To sign up for a live webinar or view a recorded version, please visit
http://schools.nyc.gov/Accountability/ResourcesforEducators/PeriodicAssessments/Periodic+Assessment
+Professional+Development.htm.

3. Periodic Assessment Feedback Meetings

We invite you to send a representative to a periodic assessment feedback meeting in March to explore
key questions about how we can improve the periodic assessments.

These meetings will be held through March 19 at locations in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, and
Queens. Please visit https://schoolsnyc.webex.com to view the list of sessions and to register. Any
educator with experience in periodic assessments is invited to attend, but participants must register in
advance.

***

6
For more updates and general program information about periodic assessments, please visit
http://schools.nyc.gov/Accountability/ResourcesforEducators/PeriodicAssessments/default.htm.

Go back to the top

Updated Special Education Standard Operating Procedures

All schools

Federal and state regulations relating to the provision of special education services have been amended
to add that parents of students with disabilities may elect to withdraw their consent for IEP special
education services at any time after consenting to special education services. When consent is
withdrawn, it is withdrawn for all IEP special education and related services. Parents cannot withdraw
consent for only a portion of the IEP special education and related services. Once consent is withdrawn,
schools may not continue to provide special education and related services to the student, but must
provide prior written notice to the parent before ceasing the provision of special education and related
services.

We have updated the Special Education Standard Operating Procedures Manual to include the steps
schools should take when a parent revokes consent (see pages 41, 140, 193 and 194). Copies of the new
parent letters relating to withdrawal of consent in all languages are available on the DOE Intranet. In The
Parents Right Notice (Procedural Safeguards Notice) has also been updated.

For additional information, contact your ISC.

Go back to the top

Special Education Service Delivery Reports Posted

All schools

Special education delivery reports for all schools are now posted on their DOE Web sites. The report
provides information on a number of special education issues, including enrollment, timely special
education evaluation, provision of special education services, movement of students to “least restrictive
environment” (i.e., spending the majority of the school day in general education classes), initial referral
rate, and declassification rate. You can find your school’s report by selecting “statistics” on the left side of
your school’s DOE Web site.

For additional information, contact Quin Werthauer at QWertha@schools.nyc.gov.

Go back to the top

Computer Security Updates

All schools

1. Changes to Password Reset Tool

To use the password reset tool, you now need to provide some additional information to confirm that the
e-mail account you are using is, in fact, your e-mail account. This is an important step towards protecting
your identity and improving the quality of the data in our systems. You will only need to validate your
account once.

To validate your account, you will need to enter your last name, the last four digits of your Social Security
number, and your Employee ID number. Your Employee ID number is not your file number; it is the seven-
digit number listed as the “reference number” on your pay stub. The password reset tool will tell you how
to find your Employee ID number, but if you need additional help, call HR Connect at (718) 935-4000.

As part of the validation process, you will also need to review and accept the DOE’s Internet Acceptable
Use Policy.

7
If the tool does not recognize the information you enter, you will be able to automatically create a help
desk ticket, and someone will contact you to help you resolve the issue.

2. Antivirus Software

To guard against computer viruses, we install security software, including Cisco Security Agent and
Symantec Antivirus (or, on newer computers, Symantec Endpoint Protection) on all DOE computers.
Please do not disable or uninstall this software. Doing so can infect your computer or the DOE network
with a virus.

If the security software prevents you from installing another piece of software, please contact your
borough technology manager, who can help you solve the problem.

Go back to the top

Extended Use Permits Costs for PA/PTA Events

All schools

Please note that the Standard Operating Procedures on “Extended Use of School Buildings” has been
revised to conform to Chancellor’s Regulation A-660. Section 3.11.1, regarding extended use permits
costs for PA/PTA sponsored events, now reads:

“PTA’s/PA’s are entitled to free use of school buildings, including school safety or security coverage for
one hundred ten (110) hours per year outside of school hours. These hours apply 12 months a year and
are not transferable. If more than one PA is in the building, each is entitled to the full one hundred ten
hours per year. See Chancellor’s Regulation A-660.”

For additional information, contact your ISC.

Go back to the top

New Payroll Administration Memo

All schools

Please ensure that your payroll secretary has reviewed payroll administration memo #22, which provides
details about the recurring increment payment contractual increase for active DC 37 employees. For
additional information, contact Brian Weekes at (718) 935-2201.

Go back to the top

Reminders (Announced in Previous Issues)

Apply for Budget Surplus Rollover Program

All schools / Deadline: March 12

Schools with surpluses in select tax levy allocation categories can apply to have these funds rolled into
FY 10 by scheduling them into the surplus rollover set aside title in Galaxy. The deadline to apply is 3:30
p.m. on March 12. Please read the program guidelines for more details about the application process and
eligibility criteria.

You can now check your school’s surplus roll eligibility status on the Principals’ Portal. The portal shows
your school’s status as of the morning of Tuesday, March 10 on each of the 15 criteria used to determine
eligibility. This information will not change until after the program is complete. Therefore, it will not reflect
any changes you make to your budget on or after March 10, even though these actions will ultimately
impact your eligibility.

8
Surplus funds will be removed from the 2008-09 budgets of participating schools on March 13. On that
day, we will remove all amounts set aside for the rollover from Galaxy. After the amounts are removed, the
surplus rollover title and items associated with it will be deleted. You may see a negative condition on your
TO between the time the funds are removed and the set aside title is deleted from Galaxy; this condition
is temporary and will not affect your eligibility.

For additional information on the surplus rollover program, contact your ISC/CFN.

Go back to the top

Submit Summer School Affiliation Online (and Read the First Summer School Fact Sheet)
All schools / Deadline: March 13

For summer school 2009, you will continue to have the opportunity to select sites and self-affiliate to
determine the site of your summer program. The site selection and affiliation process began March 3. The
deadline to submit your affiliation online is the close of business on Friday, March 13.

You can access the Summer School 2009 Recommended Site List and the Summer School 2009 Site
Affiliation and Selection Parameters in the “spotlight” section of the Principals’ Portal.

In addition, the first installment of the Summer School 2009 Fact Sheet is available on the Summer
School page on the Principals’ Portal.

For additional information, please contact your SSO summer school liaison.

Go back to the top

Complete Winter Compliance Checklist

All schools / Deadline: March 13

Please note the extended deadline.

Please complete the Winter 2008-09 Compliance Checklist by March 13. You can access the checklist at
http://intranet.nycboe.net/DOEPortal/Principals/LegalServices/GeneralCounsel/default.htm (log in using
your DOE user ID and password). Once you have completed the checklist, be sure to click the “submit”
button.

Before completing the checklist, you may find it helpful to review the “Compliance Data Sources/Helpful
Hints” and “Compliance Guide” document, both available at the link above. For additional information,
contact your compliance officer or e-mail AskCompliance@schools.nyc.gov.

Go back to the top

Return New Middle School Choice Forms

Elementary schools / Deadline: March 13

Please continue to collect completed New Middle School Choice Forms. You should return these forms to
your local borough enrollment office by March 13. New middle school decision letters will be distributed in
May along with the main round middle school choice decision letters.

For more information, please contact your local borough enrollment office or e-mail
MS_Enrollment@schools.nyc.gov.

Go back to the top

Pre-Kindergarten Admissions
Elementary schools

9
Pre-Kindergarten Directories were delivered to elementary schools last week. Please distribute the
directories to families upon request. Translated versions of the directory are available at
http://schools.nyc.gov/ChoicesEnrollment/PreK.

For additional information, e-mail ES_Enrollment@schools.nyc.gov.

Go back to the top

Core Curriculum Showcase

All schools / Event: March 23-24

On March 23 and 24, the DOE will host its annual Core Curriculum Showcase, featuring materials and
components from the various core curriculum programs. This is an opportunity for you and your staff to
explore the materials before placing your core curriculum order in April.

The showcase will be held at the Brooklyn Museum (200 Eastern Parkway). Pre-registration is required
and is now open at www.learningtimes.net/curriculumshowcase.

For additional information about the showcase, visit

http://intranet.nycboe.net/TeachingLearning/Curriculum/.

Go back to the top

Reminders about NCLB/SED Accountability

All schools / Deadline: March 24

1. Enter Secondary Exam Data and Graduation Data (High Schools)

High schools are encouraged to complete their entry of all August 2008 secondary exam data, January
2009 secondary exam data, and all data for January 2009 graduates by Friday, March 20 to ensure that
accurate records are included in the 2009-10 accountability verification reports that will be available later
this year.

2. Review Information in nySTART Reports

The state has released the following reports on nySTART. Release notes, which include important
information about each report, are posted at www.emsc.nysed.gov/irts/nystart/release-notes.shtml.

• The 2008-09 BEDS Day Enrollment Report: You will need to review this report by March 24.
Verification instructions and answers to frequently asked questions about this report are available
on the Principals’ Portal at
http://intranet.nycboe.net/DOEPortal/Principals/Accountability/Evaluation/default.htm.

• The Grades 3-8 ELA Tested/Not Tested Report: This report will include only those students
who were on your register on any day of the official state testing window (January 12-23 for
grades 3-5; January 20-30 for grades 6-8). Testing statuses will be updated only once more, on
March 10.

• Social Studies Grade 5 Tested/Not Tested Report: While we have released the scores for the
grade 5 social studies exam in ATS, we have not yet submitted the scores to SED. Please review
the exam reports in ATS (RMSR) and notify your assessment implementation director of any
discrepancies in test statuses by March 20. The testing statuses for grade 5 social studies are
scheduled to be updated in nySTART by the first week of April.

10
 • Social Studies Grade 8 and Grades 3-8 Mathematics Tested/Not Tested Report: This report
will be updated each Tuesday and indicates the students whom the state has listed on register as
of Tuesday of the previous week. A Frequently Asked Questions document for this report will be
available in the Principals’ Portal within the next few weeks.

Elementary and middle schools are encouraged to compare the BEDS Day Enrollment Report with the
Grades 3-8 ELA Tested/Not Tested Report, since schools will be held accountable for the performance of
students who were enrolled on BEDS day and appear on the tested/not tested report.

For additional information about these reports, visit

http://intranet.nycboe.net/DOEPortal/Principals/Accountability/Evaluation/default.htm.

3. Verification Processes This Spring

In response to feedback from schools, we are working on improving our data verification processes. We
will update you on these improvements throughout the spring. We are anticipating that a substantial
portion of verification activities will be completed by July 17 even if the state’s timeline runs later. We will
publish final timelines later this spring so that you can plan accordingly.

***

For additional updates, please visit

http://intranet.nycboe.net/DOEPortal/Principals/Accountability/Evaluation/default.htm. If you have any
questions or need technical assistance, please contact the nySTART support hotline at (212) 374-5765 or
nySTARTsupport@schools.nyc.gov.

Go back to the top

Order Late-Testing Advanced Placement Exams

High schools / Deadline: March 31

The College Board is waiving the $40 late fee for New York City public schools administering Advanced
Placement exams at later dates. Public schools that would like to order late-testing exams should place
their order on the AP Exam Ordering website and select “AP Services Approved” from the dropdown
menu. The deadline to order these exams is March 31. For more information, visit
http://schools.nycenet.edu/offices/teachlearn/120908waiver.pdf.

Go back to the top

Progress Report Feedback Sessions

All schools / Events: March

Principals can participate in feedback sessions on the Progress Reports in preparation for the release of
this year’s reports. These sessions will give you an opportunity to provide direct feedback on each
component of the Progress Report. If you are interested in attending one of these sessions, please RSVP
to OAServiceDesk@schools.nyc.gov with "Progress Report Review Session RSVP" in the subject.
Space is limited to 25 people per session.

If you cannot attend one of the sessions but would like to provide feedback, please e-mail us directly at
PR_Support@schools.nyc.gov or contact your SAF or Network Leader.

Sessions for elementary/middle/K-8 schools:

• Wednesday, March 11, Manhattan ISC, 333 7th Avenue, 7th Floor Conference Room, 4-6 p.m.
• Thursday, March 12, Queens ISC, 28-11 Queens Plaza North, Room 510, 4-6 p.m. (make-up for
cancelled session on March 2)
• Tuesday, March 17, Brooklyn ISC, 131 Livingston Street, Room 508A, 4-6 p.m.

11
Sessions for high schools:

• Monday, March 16, Manhattan ISC, 333 7th Avenue, 7th Floor Conference Room, 4-6 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 18, Brooklyn ISC, 131 Livingston Street, Room 508A, 4-6 p.m.
• Monday, March 23, Queens ISC, 28-11 Queens Plaza North, Room 510, 4-6 p.m.

Sessions for transfer schools:

• Tuesday, March 24, Bronx ISC, 1 Fordham Plaza, Room 838, 4-6 p.m.
• Thursday, March 26, Manhattan ISC, 333 7th Avenue, 7th Floor Conference Room, 4-6 p.m.
• Monday, March 30, Brooklyn ISC, 131 Livingston St., Room 508A, 4-6 p.m.

Go back to the top

Updated Inquiry Target Tool in ARIS

All schools

Your Inquiry Target Tool (ITT) has been refreshed with updated RESI data as of February 25. You can
access your updated ITT in ARIS. To access the files in ARIS, click on the “Connect” tab, and locate your
school's private community listed under "My Communities" in the left-hand navigation bar. Your ITT and
Progress Report files are located on the “Resources” tab in your school's private community. The private
community for your school is accessible to any members of your staff to which you have granted school-
wide access to student data. For a reminder on how to grant this access in Galaxy, please click here.

If you have any questions about accessing your ITT or Progress Report files in ARIS or experience
difficulty downloading them, please contact the OA Service Desk at (212) 374-6646 or
OAservicedesk@schools.nyc.gov.

Go back to the top

Additional ARIS Training Opportunities for Teachers

All schools

In-Person Training Sessions: You are invited to select two more teachers from your school to attend a
half-day ARIS training session to learn how to use ARIS to view student data and use the new reporting
features that will be available this winter. Your teachers will also learn how to access and contribute to a
library of instructional resources and collaborate with colleagues.

On January 23, you received an e-mail with details about the date and location of the session scheduled
for your school. Please use the link in the e-mail to confirm or change your session, and identify the two
teachers from your school who will attend the training session. You should select educators in your school
who have not yet attended an ARIS training session.

For more information about ARIS training, please visit the Principal's Guide to ARIS Training at
http://schools.nyc.gov/Accountability/SchoolReports/ARIS/principalsguidetoaristraining.htm. If you have
additional questions or need assistance registering, please contact ARIStraining@schools.nyc.gov.

Online Training Sessions: To help teachers at your school learn more about how to use the information
and tools in ARIS, you can invite them to attend an ARIS online training session. Teachers, coaches,
inquiry team members, and other educators are invited to participate. Pre-registration is not required, and
you can log on to the training session from a school or home computer. These sessions are live, with
trainers ready to answer all of your questions.

March online training sessions are now available. For a schedule of training sessions and more
information about how to sign up, you or your staff can visit

12
http://schools.nyc.gov/Teachers/QuickLinks/aristraining.htm.

Go back to the top

CEC Election Process

All schools

Note the extended deadline for nominations.

The Chancellor recently announced changes to the election process for Community and Citywide
Education Councils. For the first time, all parents will be able to cast a "straw vote" in April that will be
considered in the May election by Parent Association and Parent-Teacher Association leaders, whose
votes, according to State law, determine the new council members. The nomination process for
candidates and the election process have been streamlined and moved online (to
www.powertotheparents.org) so that parents can vote from any computer with Internet access.

Please identify a computer with Internet access for use by parents at your school who wish to nominate
themselves and vote.

The CEC election will take place in four stages:

• Parents interested in running for a Council seat will be able to nominate themselves until
Thursday, March 19.

• From March 23 through April 6, the DOE will partner with district parent leaders to host forums for
parents to meet and ask questions to Community and Citywide Education Council candidates.

• Parents will be able to cast an advisory "straw vote" online between April 6 and April 12 using an
identification number that will be mailed home in March. The ID number will be used to provide all
voters with secure online ballots for their district. Parents can also contact their children's schools
to obtain their identification numbers to access the Web site.

• From May 12 through May 14, the president, secretary, and treasurer of each school's PA/PTA
will cast the official vote. While the "straw vote," open to all parents, is not binding, it will provide
important information for selectors to take into consideration.

Starting this week, you will receive posters about the CEC election process in English and Spanish.
Please work with your parent coordinator to remove all older CEC election posters at your school and
replace them with these new election posters. Election materials will be available in nine languages
online. In addition, Chancellor’s Regulations D-140, 150, and 160 have been updated to reflect this new
process and will be available online this week at
http://schools.nyc.gov/RulesPolicies/ChancellorsRegulations/default.htm.

For additional information about the CEC election process, contact the Office for Family Engagement and
Advocacy at (212) 374-2323.

Go back to the top

Grants, Workshops, and Other Opportunities (New)

Students Can Enter Contest for Opportunity to Meet Nelson Mandela

Middle and high schools / Deadline: March 27

13
The Nelson Mandela Foundation and the DOE invite all New York City public school students in grades 6
through 12 to submit original works to qualify for a chance to travel to South Africa to meet Nobel Peace
Prize winner and former South African president Nelson Mandela. This contest will:

• offer a once-in-a-lifetime chance for students to meet a global leader for freedom and change;
• encourage young people to learn about Nelson Mandela’s philosophy of fighting injustice, helping
others, and practicing forgiveness; and
• inspire young people apply Mandela’s legacy to their lives and communities as well as to
problems that face the world – from poverty to disease to violence.

Each submission must:

• demonstrate knowledge of Mandela’s life and understanding of his ideals;

• convey a clear vision of how one person can act to make the world a better place by fighting
injustice, helping others and practicing forgiveness and reconciliation; and
• provide creative ways to apply Mandela’s ideals to one’s day-to-day life and local community, as
well as to the biggest problems they believe face the world today.

Students may submit their entries as essays, photographs, or visual or performance art. All entries must
be submitted electronically. This means visual and performance-based works must be scanned or digitally
recorded.

Teachers or other school officials should visit www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB228WNVWFYMK to

submit their students’ entries. The entry deadline is March 27. The Mandela Foundation will announce the
winners in April.

Go back to the top

Paraprofessionals Can Register for Wilson Training

All schools / Deadline: March 16 / Event: March 20

The DOE is sponsoring a Wilson Reading System training for paraprofessionals. The full-day session will
take place on Friday, March 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the DOE offices at 1780 Ocean Avenue in
Brooklyn.

The workshop is designed for paraprofessionals who are working with teachers currently implementing
the Wilson Program. Workshop participants will be trained to provide individualized support for struggling
readers in grades 2-12. The training will focus on explicit fluency instruction and reading practice to
develop application skills in connected text. Participants will learn assessment procedures and how to
provide phonetic and high-frequency word practice to improve accuracy and automaticity.

The cost of the workshop is $100 per participant. To register, visit http://pd.nycoit.org (Protraxx activity
code 051-09-015-062) and submit your payment on FAMIS (S48010213). Registration is limited to 15
participants. Additionally, you will need to purchase a Wilson Fluency/Basic Kit for $139.82. You can
purchase this item in FAMIS directly from Wilson Language System.

The registration deadline is March 16. For additional information, contact Larry Buckman at
lbuckma@schools.nyc.gov

Go back to the top

Colloquia for Elementary School Principals and Art Teachers

Elementary schools / Event: March 18

The DOE and Studio in a School are presenting a two-part colloquia for principals, APs, and art teachers
on implementing the “Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in Visual Arts” on March 18 and April 2 at PS

14
255K. PS 255 is a model site for school wide visual arts instruction in partnership with Studio in a School.
The visual arts are infused into every subject area to support the objectives of the Blueprint, the overall
goals of the school, and the needs of its students. The two-part colloquia offers participants the
opportunity to observe instruction, participate in gallery walks and assessment sessions, and attend
workshops to develop strategies for strengthening visual arts instruction in their own schools.

For more information and to register, please contact Anne Wright at (212) 459-1455, ext. 235 or
awright@studioinaschool.org.

Go back to the top

Register for Autism Education Series

All schools / Deadline: March 18 / Event: May 13

The DOE is sponsoring a full-day workshop featuring Dr. Brenda Smith Myles, an internationally known
speaker and researcher of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Dr. Myles will provide attendees with an
easy-to-use, comprehensive tool to plan and implement effective educational programs for students with
ASD. A variety of interventions will be offered to participants to address the complex needs of students
with ASD in the academic, behavior, social/emotional, and sensory areas. Emphasis will be placed on
addressing the challenging behaviors exhibited by these students. Teachers and related service providers
who work with students with ASD are encouraged to attend.

The workshop will take place on May 13 in Brooklyn at 131 Livingston St., Room 610, from 8:30 a.m. to
3:00 p.m. The cost of the program is $125 per participant (FAMIS items number S48010218). To register,
visit http://pd.nycoit.org and use activity code 051-09-015-061. For additional information, contact Paula
Magdalena at pmagdal@schools.nyc.gov or Phyllis Weill at pweill@schools.nyc.gov.

Go back to the top

Middle School Principals Association Meeting

Middle schools / Event: March 18

The New York City Middle School Principals Association will hold a special meeting on Wednesday,
March 18 at the Brooklyn Marriott. Lunch will start at 11:00 a.m., followed by the general meeting at noon.
Deputy Chancellor Marcia Lyles will present on the topic of “Grade 8 Promotion” and will answer
questions on this and other topics.

Space is limited, so please RSVP to William Moore at wmoore@schools.nyc.gov.

Go back to the top

Teachers Can Register for Workshop on Classroom Management Systems

Elementary schools / Deadline: March 18 / Events: April 3, May 22

The DOE and the Teachers College Inclusive Classroom Project are offering a one-day workshop
opportunity focused on classroom management. During the workshop, participants will be provided with a
variety of whole classroom management systems that assist in fostering independence through
classroom setup, material placement, and charts. Participants will also examine individualized behavior
plans that are both effective and easy to manage.

This workshop will take place at Teachers College on April 3 and May 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The
cost of the workshop is $200 per teacher and includes all materials and handouts used in the workshop.
Teachers should register for one of the sessions below at http://pd.nycoit.org. Payment and registration
are due by Wednesday, March 18. For additional information, contact Gail S. Korenthal at
gkorent@schools.nyc.gov or (917) 754-5773.

Topic Date and Time Cost per Participant Location Protraxx Activity Code

15
 (FAMIS Item #)
Classroom April 3, 2009 $200 Teachers College, 051-09-015-063
Management 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 (S48010231) Columbia
Systems p.m University
Classroom May 22, 2009 $200 Teachers College, 051-09-015-064
Management 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 (S48010232) Columbia
Systems p.m University

Go back to the top

Teaching Study Skills to Students with Disabilities and SETSS

Elementary school / Event: March 27

The DOE is offering a workshop for teachers working with students with disabilities that will enhance
learning of content area subject matter in ELA, math, science, and social studies in grades K-6. By using
hands-on activities, participants will be able to help students integrate information learned through
sequencing, categorizing, comparing/contrasting, similarities/differences, cause/effect relationships, and
analogies. Participants will receive a toolkit of strategies to meet students' varied educational needs to
improve their study skills.

The workshop will be held March 27, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Barnes and Noble at 1972 Broadway in
Manhattan. The cost of this workshop is $100 per participant (FAMIS # S48010212). Participation is
limited to 25 people. SETSS Academy alumni will receive registration priority. To register, please visit
http://pd.nycoit.org and use activity code 051-09-015-047. For additional information, contact Ann Anesta
at aanesta@schools.nyc.gov or (212) 374-2495.

Go back to the top

Register Staff for Health Resource Room Training

High schools / Deadline: March 27 / Event: April 3

The DOE is offering a full-day health resource room training for teachers and support staff who have not
been previously trained. It is DOE policy that all health resource room staff members attend a full day of
training before making condoms available to their high school students. Health resource room staff must
include both a trained male and trained female staff member. Each high school is invited to send up to
two participants to the training, which will be held Friday, April 3 from 8:50 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at
Manhattan Comprehensive Night & Day High School (240 2nd Ave., Manhattan).

Register your staff by fax by Friday, March 27. Space is limited, and all participants must pre-register to
attend.

For additional information, please contact Amrita Harbajan at aharbajan@schools.nyc.gov.

Go back to the top

NYC Young Women’s Volunteer Summit

Middle and high schools / Event: April 4

Students aged 12-18 are invited to the second annual NYC Young Women’s Volunteer Summit on
Saturday, April 4 at the Renaissance Leadership Academy at 509 West 129th Street in Manhattan.
Spearheaded by the NYC Commission on Women’s Issues, the Mayor’s Volunteer Center of NYC, and
the non-profit organization Children for Children, the summit is designed to offer young people the
opportunity to learn more about the ways they can positively impact others, develop leadership skills, and
transform the world around them.

Participants will learn about women’s issues in their communities through a series of morning workshops
on a range of topics, including health and body image, job readiness, and college prep. Summit attendees
will then engage in hands-on service projects that will benefit women and families throughout the five

16
boroughs of New York City. Visit
www.nyc.gov/html/mvc/html/home/young_womens_volunteer_summit.shtml to register classrooms,
groups, or individuals. For additional information, please contact the Mayor’s Volunteer Center of NYC at
(212) 788-7550.

Go back to the top

Apply for Museum of Natural History’s Science Leadership Team Program

Middle schools / Deadline: April 24

Working with The American Museum of Natural History, 13 middle schools will form Science Leadership
Teams that will develop a long-term plan for improving the teaching and learning of inquiry-based science
in their schools. A series of professional development sessions will help build a common vision for inquiry-
based science education and provide strategies for analyzing data.

Urban Advantage schools have already been selected. Non-Urban Advantage middle schools that are
interested in applying to the program should form a team and together complete the application. Teams
should consist of three science teachers (one each from 6th, 7th and 8th grades), a principal or assistant
principal, and the parent coordinator or a parent volunteer. Save the form electronically with you school’s
name in the filename and e-mail it to Sheldon Young at Syoung14@schools.nyc.gov or fax it to (212) 374-
5901. Applications are due by April 24.

Go back to the top

Nominate Students for School Art League Medals and Scholarships

High schools / Deadline: April 30 / Event: June 5

High school principals can select three students to receive School Art League medals that will be
presented at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Friday, June 5. Schools also may nominate graduating
seniors for School Art League Scholarships.

For additional information and the online application, visit

http://schools.nyc.gov/offices/teachlearn/arts/competitions.html. If you have any questions about the
program, contact Edward Morgano at emorgan3@schools.nyc.gov.

Go back to the top

Apply to Participate in New York Cares Day

All schools / Deadline: May 8 / Event: October 17

The 18th annual New York Cares Day will take place Saturday, October 17. This one-day, citywide serve-
a-thon will utilize thousands of volunteers to revitalize more than 100 public schools throughout New York
City.

We invite your school to apply to be a part of this day. For your school to be considered, you will need to
fill out an application and return it to New York Cares by Friday, May 8. If you have any questions, please
call or email Melissa Bieri at (212) 228-5000 or Melissa_Bieri@nycares.org.

Go back to the top

Grants, Workshops, and Other Opportunities (Reminders)

Deadline to Register for Professional Development from Teaching & Learning

All schools / Deadline: March 18

17
March 18 is the last day to register in Protraxx for all remaining fee-based FY 09 professional
development workshops from the Division of Teaching and Learning (T&L). This includes all professional
development workshops, from now through June 30, from the offices of Arts & Special Projects, Early
Childhood Education, Math and Science, English Language Learners, Intervention, Instructional
Technology, and Special Education. March 20 is the last day to mod funds to object code 998, which is
required to complete payment in FAMIS for fee-based professional development.

There is one exception to this deadline. The deadline to register for professional development from the
Office of ELA, Social Studies, and Gifted & Talented is April 1.

This deadline does not apply to free professional development workshops.

For a complete list of the remaining professional development opportunities remaining from T&L in FY 09
and more information about how to register for them, visit
http://schools.nyc.gov/Offices/TeachLearn/PD/default.htm.

Go back to the top

Professional Development Across All Content Areas

All schools / Events: Spring

The Office of Curriculum and Professional Development is providing professional development to

principals and school teams to support them in improving student achievement across the content areas.
The professional development will take place from March through June at various locations throughout
the city. Due to FAMIS encumbrance deadlines, the last day to register for all for-cost professional
development is March 18.

A few sample offerings are listed below; there are many more. For a full schedule, costs, locations and
registration information, download the OCPD Professional Development Bulletin at
http://schools.nyc.gov/Academics/PD. Some courses begin as early as this week.

Academic Intervention / Support for Struggling Students

• Assessments to Guide Academic Intervention (March 10)

English Language Arts / Literacy

• Phonics, Fluency and Proficient Reading with Dr. Timothy Rasinski (April 3)
• Content Area Reading Comprehension Sharon Taberski (March 26, 27)
• Writing seminars, including Assessment in Writing with Carl Anderson (April 21) and Writing
Organization, Grammar and Mechanics with Janet Angelillo (April 27, 28)

Mathematics

• Multiple seminars on strategies to improve middle school math achievement (various dates
through May)
• Integrated Algebra (April 1, 22; May 12), and Algebra 2/Trigonometry (April 27, May 4) for high
school
• Neurodevelopment and Learning for inquiry teams (March 27, April 6)

Science

• Science Core Curriculum series (various dates through May)

• Best Practices in Lab Instruction (March 6 and 12 for middle schools; March 16 for high schools)
• Genetics and Biotechnology at the Harlem Dolan DNA Lab (ongoing)

Social Studies

18
 • Social Studies Core Curriculum series for Grades 4 and 7 (various dates in March)
• Content Area Reading in Social Studies with Janet Allen (May 11, 12)
• A variety of course on the use of primary source materials
• Many topic-specific seminars on subjects such as the Civil War, the Black Panthers, US History
through a Local Lens, Slavery in New York, and Latina Leaders in New York (various dates
through June)

Fitness and Health Education

• Comprehensive health education trainings for elementary, middle and high school teachers
(including seminars focused on puberty, mental and emotional health, and drugs) (various dates
in March)
• HIV/AIDS Prevention seminar for elementary school (March 12)
• No Gym? No Problem! (March 12)

Go back to the top

External Opportunities, Grants and Resources for Students and Educators

All schools

The DOE regularly learns about exciting opportunities, grants, and resources for New York City students
and educators being offered by various external organizations or educational institutions. You can access
a weekly roundup of these opportunities at http://schools.nyc.gov/Academics/ExternalOpportunities. This
week’s opportunities include summer fellowship and scholarship opportunities for teachers and students;
educational opportunities at the Center for Space Science Education; and free trees for your school in
celebration of Arbor Day.

For more information, contact Anita Cassity at acassity@schools.nyc.gov.

Go back to the top

Closing the Achievement Gap Forums

Middle schools / Event: March 18, 24

Middle school principals and their teams are invited to attend the following March forums in the DOE’s
year-long “Closing the Achievement Gap” series:

Date and Forum Location Registration URL

Time
March 18 How Explicit Attention to
5:00 - Culture Helps us Address
7:30pm the Achievement Gap and
Improve Educational
Opportunity for All
A Conversation with Dr.
Carol D. Lee, Northwestern
University
March 24 Indicators to Assess our
5:00 - Work in Closing the
7:30pm Achievement Gap: A
Conversation with Dr. Robert
Balfanz, Johns Hopkins
University
Francis College http://tinyurl.com/CarolLee
Auditorium
(180 Remsen Street,
Brooklyn)
St. John’s University http://tinyurl.com/Balfanz
Manhattan Campus,
Auditorium
(101 Murray Street,
Manhattan)

Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. For more information, visit

19
http://schools.nyc.gov/Academics/CAG or contact Anita Cassity at acassity@schools.nyc.gov.

Go back to the top

Workshops for Teachers to Launch Middle School Film Festival

Middle schools / Events: March

Which of your students will be the next Steven Spielberg or Ron Howard? Find out by encouraging them
apply for the NYC Middle School Film Festival 2009. This initiative, in collaboration with the DOE and the
New York Film Academy (NYFA), gives middle school students the opportunity to explore their personal
stories, win a summer student film production scholarship from NYFA, make their own short films, and
have their films showcased in NYCMSFF screenings in Fall 2009. Hundreds of film production
scholarships will be awarded. Seventh and eighth graders of all levels, interests, and backgrounds are
encouraged to apply. Students will be asked to submit a film story as part of their application; applications
will be released in early March and will be due in late April.

Interested educators can sign up for a launch workshop to be trained in teaching students how to write a
film story and successfully apply for a summer film production scholarship. The next three-hour
workshops will take place on March 12 and 19, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at various locations
throughout the city. Teacher and student curriculum resources on how to write a film story will be
provided.

Please visit http://schools.nyc.gov/offices/teachlearn/OCPD/MSFF for additional information about the

NYC Middle School Film Festival 2009 and to register for one of the workshops. You can also download a
flyer to share with your staff. For additional information, e-mail NYCMSFF@schools.nyc.gov.

Go back to the top

Apply for Grant to Start Bilingual Education or Dual Language Program

All schools / Deadline: March 16

Schools planning and implementing transitional bilingual education or dual language programs for the
2009-10 school year can apply for up to $20,000 to be used in preparation for the new program by August
28. Grant recipients will be required to attend a series of spring workshops focused on implementing an
effective program.

The grant application is available at

http://schools.nyc.gov/Academics/ELL/EducatorResources/Resources+for+Administrators.htm at the
bottom of the page (in PDF and Word format). The application deadline is March 16. For more
information, contact Martine Santos at msantos7@schools.nyc.gov or (212) 374-6868.

Go back to the top

Using Data to Design Effective Reading Instruction for ELLs

Elementary schools / Event: March 16

Elementary school teachers of English Language Learners can attend a three-day institute entitled “From
Analysis to Achievement: Using Data to Design Effective Learning Instruction for ELLs” and focusing on
developing literacy skills across all content areas and preparing ELLs in grades 3-6 for the state ELA test.
Participants will examine ELL performance data, analyzing the prerequisite skills needed to pass these
tests, the challenges for ELLs, and instructional implications. Teachers will learn effective strategies for
using data to differentiate instruction for ELLs. This institute will be held March 16, April 29, and June 3
in Manhattan and costs $300 per participant (FAMIS # TLELL0028). To register, visit ProTraxx at
http://pd.nycoit.org using activity code 051-09-014-095. For more information, contact Yuqing Hong at
YHong@schools.nyc.gov.

Go back to the top

20
Aligning Native Language Arts with ELA Instruction
Middle and high schools / Event: March 16-17

Teachers can attend a two-day institute entitled “An Inquiry into Aligning Native Language Arts with ELA
Instruction” and designed to strengthen Spanish NLA instruction through inquiry and resource
development. Participants will review content materials, use the target language in a professional context,
and expand their knowledge of state ELA standards-based instruction and assessment by collectively
examining and deconstructing the state ELA exam. This institute will be held March 16-17 at Instituto
Cervantes and costs $200 per participant (FAMIS # TLELL0049). To register, visit ProTraxx at
http://pd.nycoit.org using activity code #051-09-014-049. For more information, contact Odalys Igneri at
oigneri@schools.nyc.gov.

Go back to the top

Free Workshop on New SIFE Diagnostic

Middle and high schools / Event: March 16, 17, 26

The Office of ELLs, in collaboration with the CUNY Graduate Center, has developed a diagnostic tool to
identify Spanish-speaking Students with Interrupted Formal Education (SIFE) called the Academic
Language and Literacy Diagnostic. Technical assistance sessions on this new diagnostic will be held from
8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the dates below. Participants will review components of the assessment and
guidelines for administration while learning to interpret and use data for instructional decision making for
Spanish-speaking SIFE. The institute is free for school-based personnel, but participating schools must
use the ALLD to identify Spanish-speaking SIFE. Register online at http://pd.nycoit.org. For more
information, contact Rachel Hoff at rhoff4@schools.nyc.gov or (212) 374-0295.

Date Locations
Monday, March 16 Office of Informational Technology
Court Square - Room 252
Tuesday, March 17 Bronx ISC
One Fordham Plaza - Room 853
Thursday, March 26 Manhattan ISC
333 7th Avenue

Go back to the top

ELL Math for the Early Grades

Elementary schools / Event: March 17

K-2 teachers of English Language Learners can attend a three-day institute on number sense to develop
content knowledge and the routines and instructional strategies that can strengthen academic language.
The goal is to provide early elementary teachers of ELLs with best practices and research-based
approaches to facilitate students’ access to essential number sense concepts. This institute will be held
March 17, April 7, and May 12 and costs $300 per participant (FAMIS # TLELL0051). To register, visit
ProTraxx at http://pd.nycoit.org using activity code #051-09-014-066. For more information, contact
Dionisio Rodriguez at DRodrig10@schools.nyc.gov.

Go back to the top

Teachers Can Register for Workshop on Dance Education for Diverse Learners
All schools / Deadline: March 18 / Event: May 22

Dance teachers and special education teachers who teach dance and movement can register for “Dance
Education for Diverse Learners: Strategies for Special Needs Students in Your Dance Class,” to be held
Friday, May 22 from 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ailey Studios, Joan Weill Center for Dance. Participants in
the workshop will be introduced to a variety of positive behavior supports useful in teaching dance to both
general and special needs students, engage in role-playing techniques to practice applying the strategies
and explore potential applications for their own instructional practice. The cost for this full-day workshop is

21
$100 per participant to be paid by the school.

Teachers should register at http://pd.nycoit.org by using activity code 051-09-022-007 no later than
Wednesday, March 18. Space is limited. School payment is due by Friday, March 20. For further
information on this workshop, please visit http://schools.nyc.gov/offices/teachlearn/arts/pd_dance.html.

Go back to the top

Register for Schools Attuned Generalist Path Core Course

Elementary schools / Deadline: March 20 / Event: April 3

The Office of Special Education Initiatives will be offering Schools Attuned generalist path core courses.
The course starting on April 3, for elementary schools, focuses on early elementary to early adolescent
developmental challenges across all content areas.

The rationale is to provide educators with knowledge, skills, and strategies to assist struggling students
and create successful learners in the classroom. Using a neurodevelopmental framework, participants will
receive service delivery program to meet the diverse learning needs of students.

The course is six full days plus two follow-up workshops. Participants will receive comprehensive
materials and a certificate of completion from Schools Attuned at the end of the course.

The course will be held at P.S. 76Q (36-36 10th Street, Long Island City) on April 3, April 24, May 1, May
8, May 15 and May 22 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The cost is $750 per participant with a suggested
minimum of two teachers per school (FAMIS # S48010203, Protraxx Activity 051-09-015 – 037). Each
participant should register on Protraxx at http://pd.nycoit.org by Friday, March 20.

The maximum participation for each course is 25 participants. For additional information, e-mail Bill Stone
at wstone@schools.nyc.gov.

Go back to the top

Demonstration on Best Practices in the Arts for High School Administrators

High schools / Event: March 20

High school principals and assistant principals can attend a half-day demonstration at the Bronx High
School for the Visual Arts from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on March 20. The inter-visitation will demonstrate
best administrative and instructional practices in the visual arts and address issues involving budget,
personnel, course sequence and best practices in developing a high school art program. Strategies for
creating partnerships with arts and cultural organizations, arts accountability and the Blueprint for
Teaching and Learning in Visual Arts will be discussed.

Space is limited. Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. RSVP at

www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB228U9BMYM2J.

Go back to the top

Students Can Apply for Ghetto Film School Fellowship Program

High schools / Deadline: March 20

Ghetto Film School is now recruiting for their 2009-10 fellowship program. Participants make their own
short during an 8-week foundations course on the art of filmmaking, meet and learn from prominent
filmmakers and industry professionals during hands-on workshops, travel to an international location for a
thesis project, and participate in a competitive, real-world media industry internship.

Interested students should visit www.ghettofilm.org to apply by March 20.

Go back to the top

22
ELL Identification and Parent Information Workshop
All schools / Events: March 23, May 21

All school staff can register for a three-hour workshop on how to identify ELLs and inform parents of ELL
program choices. This workshop uses an updated ELL Parent Information Case (EPIC), an important
resource to help schools establish strong relationships with ELL parents. The cost is $250 for the EPIC
and three participants from your school (FAMIS # TLELL0038). The institute is scheduled for March 23
(Manhattan), and May 21 (Manhattan). To register, visit ProTraxx at http://pd.nycoit.org. For more
information, contact Lissette Colon at lcolon3@schools.nyc.gov or (212) 374-0265.

Go back to the top

2009 Dual Language Symposium

All schools / Event: March 25

Join the Office of ELLs at the annual Dual Language Symposium for the latest research, best practices
and instructional resources for the expanding dual language community. The symposium will include a
keynote address, workshops, panel discussions, and exhibitions. It will also feature a panel discussion
from seasoned dual language practitioners and an exhibition hall showcasing schools’ best practice
projects and resources from educational publishers and community-based organizations. This event will
be held March 25 and costs $100 per participant (FAMIS # TLELL0055). To register, visit ProTraxx at
http://pd.nycoit.org using activity code #051-09-014-093. For more information, contact Martine Santos at
MSantos7@schools.nyc.gov.

Go back to the top

Blueprint for Middle School Success Professional Development Series

Middle schools / Events: Spring

The DOE is offering a series of professional development opportunities to middle school principals and
school teams to support them in implementing the key elements identified in the Blueprint for Middle
School Success. The workshops address:

• providing rigorous opportunities for all studies, with a focus on acceleration

• effectively managing human capital, through the development of professional learning
communities
• supporting adolescent development (workshops on adolescent development and advisories)
• integrating parent and community Involvement
• creating a supportive school structure, with a focus on strategic scheduling

For more information, including dates, costs, and how to register, download the Blueprint for Middle
School Success Series at http://schools.nyc.gov/Academics/Blueprint. Please note that due to FAMIS
encumbrance deadlines, the last day to register for all for-cost professional development is March 18. For
more information, contact Verone Kennedy at vkenned3@schools.nyc.gov.

Go back to the top

QTEL Institutes
Middle and high schools / Events: April

ELL educators can register for a Bronx-based “Building the Base,” the first series in the Quality Teaching
for English Learners (QTEL) institute. Staff from the Office of ELLs will lead this popular institute designed
to help teachers become better equipped to educate secondary students who are ELLs. This institute is
scheduled for April 1-3 and May 6-7 and costs $500 per participant (FAMIS # TLELL0102). To register,
visit ProTraxx at http://pd.nycoit.org. For more information, contact Rosita Costas at
RCostas@schools.nyc.gov.

23
In addition, ELL educators can register for several QTEL institutes that will be held during spring recess,
April 13-17. Options include content-specific courses in science, math, social studies, and ELA for high
school. More information about these institutes is available at http://pd.nycoit.org. Registrants must have
their schools process payment before registration can be confirmed. Confirmed registrants are required to
attend all sessions and will receive a confirmation e-mail that includes the institute’s location. For more
information, contact Yamaris Vazquez at Yvazquez@schools.nyc.gov or (212) 374-6072.

Go back to the top

Connecting ELLs to the Moral Choices of Change Makers

Middle and high schools / Event: April 6

Middle and high school principals and teachers of ELLs can attend a four-day institute, entitled “Civil
Rights, Justice, and Our Lives Today: Connecting ELLs to the Moral Choices of Change Makers,” offering
multiple ways to connect history to the moral questions inherent in the study of topics like violence,
racism, and the struggle for human and civil rights. Participants deconstruct the Facing History Civil
Rights unit to explore how it can be scaffolded for ELLs using QTEL strategies, with the opportunity
to develop their own lessons and units. This institute will be held April 6 and 7 and May 19 and 20 and
costs $400 per participant (FAMIS # TLELL0024). To register, visit ProTraxx at http://pd.nycoit.org using
activity code #051-09-014-097. For additional information, contact Annamaria
Mule at AMule@schools.nyc.gov.

Go back to the top

Participate in Learning Leaders’ Great School Volunteer Week

All schools / Event: April 20-24

Learning Leaders’ Great School Volunteer Week (April 20-24) is a week-long celebration of 300 events in
300 schools to promote volunteering in the public schools and to recognize schools that have opened
their doors to parent and community volunteers. To register your school to participate, visit
www.learningleaders.org or call (646) 519-8356.

Go back to the top

Workshop on Fundations Levels K and 1

Elementary schools / Events: April 23, 24

The DOE is offering a one-day training in the implementation of Fundations Level K and Level 1. This
training is designed for teachers in grades K and 1 and provides an overview of the Fundations program
and procedures. At each session, teachers will receive practice in grade-specific activities and lesson plan
building in order to facilitate implementation of the program.

Please select a series and register at http://pd.nycoit.org. The cost of the workshop is $100 per
participant. You will need to purchase teacher and student materials separately from Wilson through
FAMIS. For additional information, contact Sharon Grunfeld at sgrunfeld@schools.nyc.gov.

Series Activity Code FAMIS # DATES LOCATION

Level K 051-09-015- S48010220 April 23 PS 48M
048 4360 Broadway,
Room 531
Level 1 051-09-015- S48010221 April 24 PS 48M
049 4360 Broadway,
Room 531

Go back to the top

24
Science Symposium for Teachers of ELLs
All schools / Event: May 6

Principals, administrators, school support organization staff, ESL teachers and science teachers of ELLs
can register for a full-day institute, “Invest in What Works: A Science Symposium for Teachers of ELLs,”
on strategies to increase the academic achievement of ELLs in science. The institute features a keynote
address from Dr. Janet Zadina of Tulane University School of Medicine, an experienced high school and
community college instructor, reading specialist, and neuroscientist. Dr. Zadina’s keynote focuses on how
brain research can be used to enhanced and energize instruction. Workshops focus on brain research,
academic language, Quality Teaching for English Learners (QTEL) strategies, notebooking and
journaling, and best practices from the field. This institute will be held May 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
at the New York Hall of Science (47-01 111th Street, Queens). To register, visit http://pd.nycoit.org. The
cost is $100 per participant (FAMIS# TLELL0022). For additional information, contact Odalys Igneri at
Oigneri@schools.nyc.gov.

Go back to the top

Unlocking the Potential of Mathematics Instruction for English Language Learners

All schools / Event: May 13

All educators and administrators can register for this one-day conference on closing the achievement gap
and raising the overall performance of ELLs through mathematics. Keynote remarks, panels and breakout
sessions by leading experts in the field, local teachers and educational leaders, will provide participants
with a solid theoretical framework, research-proven approaches, and a network of resources to improve
ELL mathematical achievement. The event will be held Wednesday, May 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Registration is on Protraxx at http://pd.nycoit.org. The cost is $100 per participant (FAMIS # TLELL0035).
For more information, contact Dionisio Rodriguez at DRodrig10@schools.nyc.gov.

Go back to the top

ELL Best Practices Conference

All schools / Event: June 4

Language and content-area teachers can register for the Office of ELLs annual best practices
conference Thursday, June 4, at Washington Irving High School in Manhattan from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00
p.m. Featuring two nationally renowned keynote speaker, specialized workshops throughout the day, and
materials from educational publishers, participants can deepen their understanding of the latest research-
based practices that promote academic achievement among ELLs in the classroom. Register is
on Protraxx at http://pd.nycoit.org. The workshop costs $100 per participant (FAMIS # TLELL0021). For
more information, contact Stela Radovanovic at sradova@schools.nyc.gov.

Go back to the top

Workshops for Administrators on Teacher Development

All schools / Events: Winter

The Office of Teacher Development is offering seminars to provide school-based administrators with
strategies for using the Professional Teaching Standards (PTS) and the Continuum of Teacher
Development as frameworks for supporting student achievement through a focus on teacher
development. Topics that will be covered include:

• identifying teaching strengths and areas needing instructional improvement

• collecting specific evidence of instruction
• having evidence-driven conversations which improve teaching practice
• working with teachers to set professional goals
• preparing for the reflection phase of the Quality Review

25
To register for a workshop, visit Protraxx at http://pd.nycoit.org.

Go back to the top

Professional Development on Periodic Assessments

All schools / Events: Winter/Spring

Free Professional Development at Your School

The DOE is now offering free school-based support around using periodic assessment data to inform
instruction. DOE staff members are available to visit individual schools to facilitate sessions on a variety
of topics – at grade-level team or department meetings, Inquiry Team meetings, or according to your
school’s needs. Staff members are also available to present to data specialists or other educators at
network meetings. Visit http://events.abcsignup.com/nycdoe to select a date and session topic.

P-Credit Courses

Your teachers can register for a p-credit course on periodic assessments this semester, “Periodic
Assessment and Data-Driven Instruction." To register, visit http://schools.nyc.gov/teachers/aspdp. For
additional information, e-mail Emily Weiss at eweiss11@schools.nyc.gov.

mClass Pilot Program

New spring professional development opportunities for the mClass program are now available. These
sessions will focus on using benchmark and progress-monitoring data to drive instructional decisions. To
register, please visit www.eventville.com/wireless.

Acuity

You can sign up for live webinars to learn more about Acuity at www.regonline.com/nycacuitywebinars.
Recorded webinars and professional development materials are also available at
http://schools.nyc.gov/Accountability/ResourcesforEducators/PeriodicAssessments.

Performance Series

On-site professional development is available during the 2008-09 school year to help support your
implementation of Performance Series. To register for these sessions, please visit
www.performanceseries.com/nyc .

Go back to the top

26
 Key Dates and Deadlines
March/April 2009
Su M T W Th F S
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Submit State math test State math Last day to Last day for
confirmation (grades 6-8) test (grades 6- apply for state math
form for ELA 8) surplus test make-
test booklets Review rollover ups (grades
(ES/MS) enrollment program 3-5)
projections
Complete
winter
compliance
checklist

Last day to
submit
summer
school
affiliation

15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Evening Afternoon Last day for
parent-teacher parent- state math
conferences teacher test make-
(ES) conferences – ups (grades
early 6-8)
Last day to dismissal
register for (ES)
fee-based T&L
workshops
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Last day to Review BEDS Evening Afternoon
order day report in parent- parent-
Regents nySTART teacher teacher
exams conferences conferences
(HS) – early
dismissal
(HS)

Last day to
order admin.
forms
29 30 31 1 2 3 4
Evening Afternoon
parent- parent-
teacher teacher
conferences conferences –
(D75) early
dismissal
(D75)

Go back to the top

27
 Contact Us

• By email: PrincipalsNewsletter@schools.nyc.gov
• On the web: http://intranet.nycboe.net/DOEPortal/Principals/PrincipalsWeekly/

28