Hi Students and Parents, Today ends our current schedule of Zoom sessions and Google Classroom posts. Please see below for next week's scheulde. There are a variety of fun, interactive classes planned! Please note:
Monday Creative-Expression Sign-Up A note to parents: During large group activities students may be muted. Students also have the option to turn off their video, so we cannot see what they are doing. While we are watching, we need your help checking in that your child is ok. Today's Fabulous Friday activity will be "Find Your Zen Friday!" There will be a mix of yoga and mindfulness meditation. We hope to see you there! What Have YOU Been Listening to?This week we asked staff members questions about what they’ve been doing while in quarantine! Using her vinyl record player, Magaly (Community Inclusion Assistant) has been listening to Willie McTell. McTell was a blues singer and guitarist who was born blind in one eye and lost his remaining vision by late childhood. Magaly has also been listening to Bob Dylan’s “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan.” Dylan is a singer-songwriter, author, and visual artist. What Have YOU Been Doing to Keep Busy?Kendra (Community Inclusion Assistant) has been keeping busy by enjoying her favorite snacks, and listening to audio books! check out her video here. Ana (Paraprofessional) has been trying out different recipes such as brownies and mango cheesecake! Like Kendra, Ana has been listening to audiobooks and taking daily walks--she’s also been watching crime dramas from around the world. Anyi (Paraprofessional) has been supporting students on Zoom, eating healthy meals, taking walks, drinking lots of water and spending time with her family at home! In the evenings, Anyi may prepare meals for her family or order food for delivery. So great to hear that everyone is keeping safe and staying busy at home! Jacqueline Bediako, Assistant Division Head Voting and Elections This year in ELA classes, students have been discussing the importance of voting and information about the upcoming elections. Students have had discussions about how voting is an opportunity to advocate for themselves and make their voices heard. Activities surrounding the election and voting process in the classroom have included: registering students to vote, reading and discussing different current events issues, education of the candidates in the election system, locating students' nearest voting polls. and allowing students the chance to give their opinions on the election itself. Students have learned that as a community it is our civic responsibility in realizing the importance to vote, and this is something they can carry with them no matter where they are! We wanted to provide some resources below surrounding the voting process that could be beneficial during this time. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. -Ari [email protected] Here is a quote from www.vote.org: All eligible voters can vote absentee as "temporary illness" has been expanded to include the potential to contract COVID-19 for elections through June 23, 2020 by an executive order. HERE is a link to the absentee ballot from www.vote.org. There is also information on https://www.elections.ny.gov/votingabsentee.html that states: If you are a voter with special needs, you may also apply for an accessible absentee ballot using the Accessible Absentee Ballot Application ( 120KB). A Note from Jackie and Katie Hi Students and Families, Earlier this week, Dr Termini shared a message and resources with our Cooke community in response to the death of George Floyd. At SKILLs, we are unified in standing against racism in any form and in teaching our students to treat all people with dignity and respect. We support our diverse students and our faculty. We understand that many families are dealing with different challenges at this time, our intention is to support students and families in the ways that make the most sense. We wish to remain in communication with you as we move forward. This week at SKILLs, our counselors led conversations with students in a safe and supportive space. Counselors built on the foundations of previously learned self advocacy skills, relevant vocabulary and offered support for students that wished to share how they were feeling. This will continue to be an ongoing part of our programming as we work to guide our students to remain safe in their communities. Jackie Bediako, Assistant Division Head and Katie Riordan, Division Head Be InspiredThis week I’ve picked the SKILLs students. All of you inspire the SKILLs staff and wider Cooke community. We thank you for this. Some days are not easy and you have tried your best. We are inspired by you and your hard work despite facing challenges. I am proud of you for speaking up for what you believe in, asking questions and always being willing to learn. Jacqueline Bediako, Assistant Division Head
Click here to watch the Child Mind Institute video. |
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