Parent Weekly Bulletin - Week of 2/24/2025

Principal’s Memo

Dear P.S. 120 Families,

It has been a busy time at P.S. 120 with mock exams, field trips, middle-of-year diagnostic testing, Respect for All Week, Valentines Day… wow! This calls for MIDWINTER RECESS. I hope that you enjoy a fun and restful week with your family. 

While students are home, and your routines may be more relaxed, I do encourage you to remind your children to read daily, complete their iReady MyPath assignments, and any February break homework packets. Please prioritize outdoor play (weather permitting) and quality time with friends and families over an abundance of screen time during the break.

We look forward to seeing you back at school at 8:00 AM on Monday, February 24!

Sincerely,

Robert Marino

Principal

P.S. 120’s Mission

At P.S. 120, we are committed to preparing our different types of learners to compete in the ever-changing 21st Century workforce by guiding them to recognize the importance of finding the balance between doing what they love, and what the world will need them to do. The faculty at PS 120 will:

  • Commit to the use of data-driven instruction and decision-making to provide equity-based instruction in all classrooms. 

  • Provide opportunities for students to take responsibility for their own learning by participating in classroom discussion and be able to predict how they can use what they are learning in their everyday lives and goals

  • Engage students in problem-solving and critical thinking activities

  • Foster leadership opportunities for students in and out of the classroom

  • Expose and engage students in the cultural arts

  • Enable digital literacy by teaching students to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills

  • Empower students to apply their talents to the service of others

As a result, students at P.S. 120: 

  • P.S. Basketball Game: Our P.S. 120 Dragons Basketball team hosted P.S. 21 this week for an intense basketball game! Our student athletes demonstrated perseverance and incredible sportsmanship. We are so proud!

  • Field Trips: 

    • Class 502 enjoyed a day out at the Metropolitan Museum of Art with their ENL/Art teacher, Ms. Marcinkowski. Students explored the Modern Contemporary Art Section while learning about different artists and art forms!

    • K6, K8, 103 and 108 all visited Little Pulp Art studio this week.

    • 2nd grade classes visited Queensborough Community College for a performance!

  • Respect for All Week: Students and staff alike spread kindness and love throughout the week by participating in daily activities organized by School Counselors Mr. Woodburn and Ms. Gao.

Announcements

  • PTA Updates (Sent on behalf of the PTA): 

    • P.S. 120’s PTA is actively seeking a Treasurer for the 2025-2026 school year. The Treasurer is one of the 3 mandatory officers on the PTA’s executive board. Specifically, P.S. 120’s incoming treasurer will be tasked with the responsibility to create a new PTA checking account (must have a Social Security Number). Please see more resources about the Treasurer position here:

  • In-Person Family Workshops for Caregivers of Students with IEPs: NYC Public School Division of Inclusive and Accessible Learning is offering in-person hands-on family workshops over the February Break. They are specifically designed for families of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). These are free workshops where students and their caregivers are welcome to learn together.Please see the schedule below and sign-up for informative sessions!

  • Parent-Teacher Conferences: Parent-Teacher conferences will be held on Thursday, March 6, following a half-day (11:10 AM dismissal). Please remember:

    • Students will be dismissed promptly at 11:10 AM with a bagged lunch. 

    • Parents must inform us in advance of your child’s half-day dismissal plan. We will backpack home a half-day dismissal form which must be completed and returned by Monday, March 3..

    • Parents must sign up for an appointment slot (will be posted on ParentSquare by Thursday, February 13) to meet with your child’s teacher(s). Be sure to request translation if you prefer a language other than English! Conferences are held virtually, by appointment from 12:40-2:40 PM and 4:30-7:30 PM on March 6. Please join us for this important opportunity to discuss your child’s progress!

  • Summer Rising: Families interested in applying to Summer Rising should check this page frequently for resources. Be sure to create a MySchools account, if you don’t have one already, so that you are ready when the application window opens. Important Dates:

    • March 4, 2025: Application opens in MySchools.

    • March 28, 2025: Application closes in MySchools.

    • April 2025: Offer releases will be available in MySchools.

    • July 2, 2025: Summer Rising starts for K-8 students.

    • July 4, 2025: Summer Rising will be closed in observance of Independence Day.

    • August 15, 2025: Summer Rising ends for elementary school students.

  • 5th Grade Graduation Photos: All students in Grade 5 will have cap and gown graduation photos taken on Monday, Monday, March 3, 2025. An order form will be sent home with your child on Monday, February 24.

  • School Meals/Menus: Click the links below to access daily/monthly cafeteria menus:

SEL Corner


  • SEL Resources

    • Back to School Resources

    • Child Mind Institute Family Resource Search Tool, click here

    • Free virtual parent workshops by Marble Health, sign up here:

      • Parenting isn't easy - especially when it comes to managing stress, screens, and school challenges. Join us for free virtual workshops this February to get practical strategies from Dr. Graham, a clinical psychologist at Marble Health.

      • All sessions run at 7 PM ET on Zoom

        • WED, FEB 19 | Help Kids Succeed: Executive Function Strategies

        • WED, FEB 26 | Improve Resilience & Foster Growth Mindsets


  • MindUp/Brain Power Wellness

    • In the next couple of weeks, we will be going over how to understand your child’s temperament and how to support your child.

      • Trait: High activity level

        • Positive aspects: Energetic. Explores their environment. Active even in boring situations.

        • Challenging aspects: Restless. May be impulsive, reckless. Easily distracted.

        • Tips for parents: As with all children, provide a safe environment. Use distraction techniques. Provide time to "burn off" energy with physical activity.

      • Trait: Low activity level

        • Positive aspects: Unlikely to disrupt activities.

        • Challenging aspects: Slow pace in completing tasks. Sometimes labeled "lazy."

        • Tips for parents: Give extra time to finish tasks. Make them realistic within a given time frame. Avoid criticism of child's slow pace.

      • Trait: Irregular activity level

        • Positive aspects: May not be upset by disruptions in daily routines.

        • Challenging aspects: Less predictable patterns of eating, sleeping, using the toilet.

        • Tips for parents: Require child to follow routines of coming to the table or going to bed, but don't force them to eat or sleep.

      • Trait: Initial withdrawal

        • Positive aspects: Shows caution in risky situations.

        • Challenging aspects: Slow to accept change. May reject people, food and new situations. Can be very shy and have separation anxiety.

        • Tips for parents: Introduce new things gradually. Talk about change beforehand. Let the child go at their own pace.

Celebrations

  • New York City Public Schools Calendar 2024-2025: Please bookmark this year’s school calendar, which includes information on school events and vacations throughout the year! Scroll down to view and/or print translations in your preferred language.

    • Please mark your calendar with upcoming holidays and school closures:

      • Monday, February 17-Friday, February 21: Midwinter Recess

        • School will resume at 8:00 AM on Monday, February 24!

Share