Important - IHI AFTER-SCHOOL PARENTS 9/30/11

[IMANI HOUSE]

Dear Parents;

We are hopeful that you have settled into the school routine with your children - enjoying the late night homework and the joys of learning how your child's mind operates.  Hang in there, you will gain much from the time put into working towards your child's success.  Please read the updates and request below.  We are looking forward to a wonderful 2011/12 in spite of the current economic chaos that is overtaking locations all over NY and the country.  We remain optimistic. 

 Thanks for your cooperation, IMANI HOUSE Coordination Team

We would like to WELCOME Ms. Latifa Zaid to our Coordination Team - She comes to us after working as a public school teacher for 20 years. Ms. Zaid brings a wealth of background in creative math, literacy and science instruction; exceptional skills in dealing with classroom management, and a deep commitment and love for our children.   

UPDATES AND REQUEST:  Ms. Hager's Phone - 347 388 0708 / Office phone - 718 638 2059

1. SPECIALIST - We will be bringing in our specialist (music, dance, athletics) by the second week of October
2. ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT -We are putting together an enrichment program that will run alongside the day school curriculum - 
1.  If there are parents who would like to assist please call our office 718 638 2059
2.  Tuesdays and Thursday have been earmarked for this program portion of our program. We will begin in 2 weeks
1.  IMANI HOUSE is working with the State Standards, the school curriculum and teachers at the school to cover areas of Math and Literacy that are covered in the classroom
2. Partial help with homework will continue on these days
3. We will not duplicate the day school however; much of our learning will use other strategies.
3. STAFF CLASSROOM PICKUPS - Please note that pick-up of Pre-K through 1st grade is between 2:45 and 2:50pm.  Children are taken to the cafeteria for diner
4. FREE LUNCH FORMS - Please fill out the free lunch forms for 282.  These forms may be used later this year to determine eligibility for our free OST after-school program
5. EARLY PICK-UP - is still causing chaos for our staff - Please keep in mind that we cannot assign this task to junior staff for obvious reasons.  We are tracking those pickups.  Please check the parent manual to avoid having your child dropped from the free program.  YDP (paid program) parents please be considerate.  ONLY children for whom we have written request will be released on the day and time designated in advance. Haphazard pick-ups are disruptive and will not be allowed
1. If there is a true emergency, please notify our office no later than 11:00am of the same day or sooner - For absence and early pick-ups
2. If there is going to be an absence - Please contact our office at least two days in advance
3. Children in the OST (free program)who have high levels of absences and early pick-ups will be dropped from the program
6. ATTENDING OTHER PROGRAMS - We are sorry, but we cannot allow OST students to attend other programs on a regular basis.  We are trying to accept one day for Chess or Flag football - However if your child is in the free program and they will be out of our program 2 days a week for other activities, we will have to give their seat to a child who needs it.  Please call if you need clarification and speak to Ms. Hager or Ms. Latifa
7. MISSING DOCS:  We gave 2 weeks to complete all documents, major being medical health forms and report cards.  Please bring these documents in this week.
8. T-SHIRTS - The parent's t-shirt committee will be offering T-shirts for sale soon at $12 per shirt. It is required that all children in our program purchase as least one (1) IMANI HOUSE T-Shirt.  These will be used during special occasions and for trips
9. HOLIDAY - The next holiday will be 10/10 - Columbus Day - We will be open to all students from 8am - 5:45pm - PERMISSION SLIPS WILL BE SENT OUT AND MUST BE RETURNED IN ORDER FOR YOUR CHILD TO ATTEND.  
1. No Pre-K - Oct. 6
2. Please check your parent handbook and with Ms. Larkins - There will be NO After-school on regular PS282 Half Days, and certain holidays
3. If we go on trips children will need to bring their lunch and there may be a small entry fee, but we will inform you in advance.
10. HOMEWORK Reminder  - We will only begin a child's homework.  Please help them finish it in the evening. We are basically offering an After-School Program aimed at building children's social and emotional behaviors through performing arts, athletics, and music. This year we will included enrichment activities but this will not take the place of your helping your child complete their homework.  Thanks...
11. PARENT VOLUNTEERS - Thanks for the great response from parents.  We are hopeful of be able to use your time very soon on the committees and in our office.  Things right now with registration, quality staff recruitment, and the online data entry are intense. If you are ready to volunteer please call us at 718 638 2059
12. YDP PAYMENTS - Please make all payments online or at our headquarters with a Money Order.  We can no longer accept payments at the school.  Invoices will be available at the school.  Thanks for your understanding.  We are trying to figure this out and may be able to help in the future.

Thanks.  As always feel free to call me if you cannot resolve any issue.  Keep in mind that the Coordination Team is there to assist you and I should be your last resort.  Looking forward to seeing each of you throughout the school year.

Warm regards,

Mrs. B. Ideraabdullah (Sis. Bisi)

Executive Director

IMANI HOUSE, Inc., IHI

Women of Color Writers'

New York/Liberia

76-A Fifth Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11217

718 638 2059

Fax: 718 789 1094

im...@imanihouse.org

www.imanihouse.org

www.WOCWriters.com

NYCwome...@gmail.com