ICE PAC

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MIDDLE SCHOOL FAMILIES!
There is as yet no word as to whether New York State will cancel upcoming math and ELA tests, scheduled to begin March 25. As one NYC teacher tweeted, "Anything that puts pressure on staff and students to show up when they don’t feel 100% is a no go." If the state won't take responsibility, you can; boycott the tests! Last year, 90% of ICE families refused (aka "opted out" of)  the tests for their children. If you would like to refuse for your 6th, 7th, or 8th grader, please fill out this form (or send your own note or email to Pete or Kristen indicating you want to opt your child out). For those of you who are used to signing opt out letters at parent-teacher conferences, please don't wait for that opportunity this time because who knows if they will even happen. 

Need to know more? Be on the lookout for additional info coming in your email from ICE PAC parents from your grade (this opt out campaign is a parent-to-parent initiative, not an official school one) by this weekend. In the meantime, if you are curious about the opt out movement, check out optoutnyc.com or NYC Opt Out on Facebook. 

Letter from Pete 

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Dear ICE Families:

I hope that everyone in your families are healthy and well right now and I know we all are paying close attention to the news coming out about Coronavirus. I wanted to update you and let you know about our discussions and actions here at ICE and pass on requests of NYC families coming from DOE central.

First and foremost - if your child is exhibiting flu-like symptoms they should stay home without question. Please know the DOE has produced attendance codes related to this situation so children are not penalized or accountable for absences during this time. We will make sure that all kids' attendance records reflect this. If you or your child has come into contact with anyone who has tested positive for Covid-19 please keep your child home as well. Please do not send kids to school out of concern for their record. If you choose to keep your children home please let us know and if you have your child tested for covid-19 please let me know as soon as possible.

Each day in our building the custodial staff disinfects all bathroom surfaces and door knobs twice during school hours and once after. We have ample soap and towels for children to wash their hands. Teachers are disinfecting computer keyboards and tables twice a day with wipes or sprays to make sure that we reduce the potential for infection. 

Today in advisory we handed out the NYC health department's essential information about coronavirus so that all ICE kids have basic scientific information about the virus and how to help prevent transmission. We redacted information about telecommuting and other adult-focused info. Here is the link:  Coronavirus Fact Sheet.

On Monday after school we will continue our discussions of contingency plans and finalize arrangements for student learning in the event that ICE is closed for any period of time. At this time there is no indication there will be a large scale closure, but as you all know new information becomes available daily. I will reach out if any related information comes available and I will communicate ICE's plan for learning for any student not attending school. 

I wish everyone some peace as you think this all through. Please let me know if you decide to keep children home from school and please expect more updates from me in the near future.

Take Care

Pete

ICE PAC

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MIDDLE SCHOOL FAMILIES: STATE TESTS ARE COMING!
The New York State math and ELA tests are coming up in less than a month. Schools are required to give them, but your child is not required to take them. Last year, 90% of ICE families refused (aka "opted out" of)  the tests for their children. If you would like to refuse for your 6th, 7th, or 8th grader, please fill out this form. ICE PAC parents* will distribute more info re middle school grade reps in coming weeks, but in the meantime, if you are curious about the opt out movement, check out optoutnyc.com or NYC Opt Out on Facebook. 

*This is a parent initiative, not official school policy.

ATTEND A HEARING ON REGENTS EXAMS
As one of only about only 40 schools in the state that have a waiver from the Regents exams (except ELA), we here at ICE are outliers.The Board of Regents (the body that governs education policy in NY State) is conducting a review of the exams and their role as gatekeepers for high school graduation. Please consider attending one of the meetings that the BOR is hosting around the city to discuss this very important issue. This blog post has a link to a list of meeting dates and locations, as well as a fact sheet, prepared by New York State Allies for Public Education, that makes a compelling case for why exit exams are damaging.

Family Contributions

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Family contributions are the biggest source of income for the ICE Parent Association and provide crucial funding for the project-based education that makes ICE so special. Thanks to the 100+ families that have donated so far this year we have raised about 75% of our family contribution goal. If you have not donated yet it is not too late…PLEASE CLICK HERE TO DONATE TODAY! In order to meet the needs of every child at I.C.E. we need your participation. Every donation makes a difference; no amount is too small.
Your contributions support: 

  • professional development for our teachers

  • special equipment such as an EEG helmet for students conducting neuroscience experiments and the laser cutter and 3D printer that enhance our math curriculum

  • instructors and materials for art, music, and drama electives

  • classroom supplies for hands-on science projects like 6th grade dissections, 7th grade rollercoasters, and 8th grade ecosystems, and the hydroponic garden.

  • financial assistance that enables every child to participate in overnight trips each year

  • support for overseas travel to Nepal and Malaysia for 11th and 12 graders

  • funding for our college office, including financial aid for college application fees and SAT prep for HS students

  • coaching, fees, equipment, and uniforms for our 17 sports teams

  • alumni tutoring programs

  • and MORE!

Can you donate today and help us provide this support? All donations are completely tax deductible. The kids thank you!

We Need Your Help

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We are currently taking donation submissions for this year's annual Spring Fling AND we need your help!

If you would like to help solicit donations, click HERE for our solicitation form. If you have an item that you would like to donate to the auction, please click HERE.

If you have a favorite restaurant, store, workout spot or theater, bring along a donation form the next time you go and ask for a gift certificate. It's great advertising for them and a fun way to learn about new places for our community.
Tickets to the event will be available for purchase on soon! 

Parent Teacher Conferences

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Parent Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Wednesday, March 18th 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm and Friday, March 20th 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm in the 2nd floor cafeterias located on the 16th street side of the building. 

For conferences we use an online Sign-Up to schedule appointments with current teachers on a first come first serve basis. Appointments are 5 minutes long so plan accordingly and leave adequate time to go from one meeting to the next.

Sign-Up begins Tuesday, March 10th at 8:00 PM and will end on Monday, March 16 at 8:00 PM. Expect an email link to signs ups coming soon!

We are also in need of parent volunteers to help the day of conferences.

  • Wed, 3/18 4:30- 6:00pm (2 volunteers need in this high volume time)

  • Wed, 3/18 6:00-7:30pm

  • Fri 3/20 1:00- 2:30pm

  • Fri, 3/20 2:30 - 4:00pm

City Art Lab Spring Semester 2020

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Hello, fellow ICE parents! I'm coordinating this program City College and it's a really great opportunity and I was hoping some of your teens (ages 14-18) would like to apply. It's really more for High School. The info is below -- feel free to email me with any questions!

Best,

Lisa Leighton

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Greetings! CALLING ALL TEENS!

We’re now recruiting high school students for City Art Lab Spring Semester 2020!

WHAT IS CITY ART LAB?
A FREE 12-week after-school art program for teens. Students will:

  • work with art educators from City College of New York

  • build a portfolio

  • exhibit their art in a professional art gallery

WHEN: Wednesdays from 4:00-6:30 p.m. | February 12 - May 13, 2020

WHERE: Art Dept. | City College (Room 303E Shepard Hall) 160 Convent Avenue at 140th St.

GALLERY OPENING: Friday, May 15, 2020 | City Art Lab culminates with a gallery exhibition.  

INSTAGRAM

City Art Lab classes are FREE, and all art supplies are provided. All New York City high school students are welcome to apply. No previous art experience required. Students must be able to attend every session.

*Final artworks will be publicly exhibited in a professional art gallery.

To apply students will:

  • complete the online application: City Art Lab by Saturday, February 8, 2020. 

  • ask one teacher or adult mentor to email a recommendation.

Participants will be notified of the status of their application by February 10, 2020.

Questions? Reply to this email or contact Marit Dewhurst at City College of New York: 212-650-7433. Additional information can be found on our website.

Help Needed: 9th Grade Physics

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Dear ICE Community,

9th Grade Physics classes will spend Cycle 4 designing an electronic device to assist users with accessibility constraints in their daily lives. 

We are seeking speakers who have experience with accessibility concerns to provide insight to our community about common challenges that exist in their lives or in the lives of those they work with. We view this topic as very broad and would like as many perspectives and voices to participate as possible, so do not hesitate to ask if you would like further clarification.

If you or someone you know is interested and available to meet with the 9th grade from late February through mid May, please contact Sammi or have them contact her directly.

Thank you!
-Sammi and Daniel Z

Wellness Corner

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There is a new group beginning through NYU Langone called:  Social Anxiety Group for Transgender and Gender Expansive Teens. Details can be found here.  Contact for more information:  Samantha Busa, PsyD by email or phone 646-754-5071.

The Emotion Regulation Lab at Hunter college is recruiting for two different opportunities. The following information was shared by 12th grade ICE student who is interning in the lab this spring!  The first opportunity is connected to teens and technology. The flyer can be found here. The second opportunity is about teenage anxiety and attention. The flyer can be found here. If you'd like more information on either, you can reach out to the lab coordinator:
Elizabeth Davis (212) 650-3878. Website: (erlab.hunter.edu) is down, but they hope to have it repaired soon.

Both studies include compensation.

ICE PTA Meeting

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR A VERY SPECIAL PTA MEETING
ICE PAC is hosting the Feb 12 PTA Meeting (6 PM, RM 518). If you attended the January PTA meeting, you heard Pete mention that ICE is part of a network of schools known as the "Consortium." We are pleased to announce that Ann Cook, one of the founders of the New York Performance Standards Consortium, will be our special guest at this meeting. Ann is whip smart, a font of knowledge, and very engaging; you'll definitely want to hear her speak and ask her questions. In addition, we will have a couple of ICE teachers on hand and maybe even a student or two to talk about how teaching and learning in a Consortium school helps to cultivate the individual's interest and passion and is a natural way to institute "culturally responsive education." All parents welcome, but middle school parents especially encouraged to attend.

Foods of the World Community Lunch

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The next Community Lunch will be Monday, February 3rd. Once again, the Community Service Club and I.C.E. parents will come together to organize a bountiful and nutritious lunch for as many I.C.E. students as possible. Please help us by sending in your favorite International dish. We want to take advantage of our multi-cultural community and teach our kids that the world is bursting with flavor! The last Community Lunch was extremely popular. We served close to 300 kids! If we are going to repeat this successfully, we will need you to send in food. Please click HERE to sign up. As always, we will provide a salad bar as well as hot dishes. If you have any suggestions or would like to volunteer please email.