Family Connections Workshops Fall Catalog

On behalf of the Valley Stream District 30 Family Connections Team, we are excited to announce that the following workshops will be held from October through December.  Please note that information for each event will be posted via Parent Square and you will need to  RSVP  due to a limited number of spots. Click on the attachments below to view the catalog in English, Spanish and Urdu. We hope that you and your family take advantage of some of these amazing opportunities! Please feel free to reach out to Kelly Nicholson or Christine Herman with any questions you may have.   [Friday, Oct 25 at 3:35 PM]

Friday, Oct 25 2024

DEADLINE EXTENDED!!! Valley Stream UFSD 30 - Student...

​ ​ District Device Insurance Plan Enrollment 24-25 Open enrollment for Insurance Plan on District owned devices ​ ​ ​ ​ Insurance Registration Website ​ ​ ​ ​ Valley Stream 30 - Device Protection Plan Enrollment for 2024-2025 ​ Welcome Valley Stream UFSD 30 Parents! We are excited to partner with you to ensure that your child’s technology is protected throughout the 2024-2025 school year. With the growing importance of devices in daily learning, we understand the need to safeguard your child's Chromebook or Apple device from accidental damage or theft. Enroll in Our Device Protection Plan Today! Coverage Period: July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025 Deadline to Purchase Coverage: October 31, 2024 Why is Device Protection Important? Accidents happen! We offer coverage to protect your child's device from drops, spills, and theft, so they can focus on learning without worrying about costly repairs or replacements. Devices Covered: Chromebook (TBD 4GB BLK): $350.00 Apple MacBook Pro (256GB): $1,900.00 Apple iPad 6th-9th Gen (64GB): $350.00 Apple iPad Pro 5th Gen (128GB): $900.00 Apple MacBook Air (128GB): $1,100.00 Affordable Protection Pricing: Chromebook: $37.00 Apple iPad: $37.00 Apple iPad Pro: $92.00 Apple MacBook Pro: $192.00 Apple MacBook Air: $113.00 What’s Covered: Accidental damage, cracked screens, liquid damage, theft, fire, and flood. What’s NOT Covered: Manufacturer defects, mechanical failures, cosmetic damage, wear & tear, and unexplained loss. How to Enroll: Simply visit https://gpo.worthavegroup.com/valleystream30 to complete your enrollment and protect your child’s device for the upcoming school year. Need Help or Have Questions? Phone: (800) 620-2885 Online Chat: www.worthavegroup.com Customer Service Hours: 8am-5pm M-F CST We look forward to supporting your child’s educational journey with peace of mind, knowing their technology is safe! If you have any question about the Device Protection Plan Enrollment for 2024-2025, you can contact the Technology Department at 516-434-3645.  ​ ​ ​ ​ Insurance Registration Website ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Wednesday, Oct 09 2024

Days of Cultural /Religious Observances| October

STUDENT ATTENDANCE CALENDAR  & DAYS OF CULTURAL/RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES  Valley Stream District 30| the friendly schools value diversity and promote respect for all cultural and religious backgrounds. Our schools are dedicated to academic achievement while creating a safe and inclusive environment for staff, students, and families. They celebrate and embrace all cultural identities in our learning community. The Student Attendance Calendar and Days of Holidays, Cultural, and Religious Observances show the district’s commitment to promoting understanding and appreciation for the traditions of our students and families. Our school leaders and staff strive to create a welcoming and affirming environment for all students by making reasonable accommodations to promote student inclusivity within our school community. 2024-2024 Student Attendance Calendar & Days STUDENTS' ENROLLMENT DEMOGRAPHIC Valley Stream District 30 is home to a diverse student population, and our schools strive to support their academic success while showing respect for their various cultural/religious observances. Working together, district and school leaders will provide a monthly reminder of the cultural/religious observances to promote understanding and appreciation for the unique backgrounds and traditions of our students and families. Additionally, our schools share accommodations provided to foster an inclusive environment that welcomes and supports all members of our community. 33% Black or African American      30% Asian or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander  28% Hispanic      9% Other 6% White  CULTURAL/RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER Rosh Hashana marks the beginning of what are known as the High Holidays, or the Ten Days of Repentance (ʿAseret Yemei Teshuvah) or the Days of Awe (Yamim Noraʾim), which conclude on the 10th day of Tishri, Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement. To Learn More Click Here Yom Kippur,  the Jewish Day of Atonement, is observed on the 10th day of the month of Tishri (falling in September or October). It is the culmination of a 10-day period of penitence and reflection that begins with Rosh Hashana (New Year’s Day). The most solemn of Jewish religious holidays, Yom Kippur is observed with fasting and prayer. To Learn More Click Here Sukkot,  Jewish autumn festival of double thanksgiving that begins on the 15th day of Tishri (in September or October), five days after Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. It is one of the three Pilgrim Festivals of the Hebrew Bible. To Learn More Click Here Simchat Torah , (“Rejoicing of the Torah”), Jewish religious observance held on the last day of Sukkot (“Festival of Booths”), when the yearly cycle of Torah reading is completed and the next cycle is begun. Torah scrolls are removed from the ark and carried through the synagogue seven times in a joyful procession, sometimes followed by children waving flags.  To Learn More Click Here Columbus Day, in the United States, holiday (originally October 12; since 1971 the second Monday in October) to commemorate the landing of Christopher Columbus on October 12, 1492, in the New World. Although his explorations were financed by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain, Columbus was a native of Genoa, Italy, and over the years Italian Americans took up the cause of honoring his achievement. The landing of Columbus also came to be commemorated in Spain and Italy. In many of the Spanish-speaking countries of the Americas, the landing is observed as Día de la Raza (“Day of the Race” or “Day of the People”).  To Learn More Click Here Indigenous Peoples’ Day, holiday in the United States that takes place on the second Monday of October. The day honors the Indigenous peoples of the United States—American Indians, Native Alaskans, and Native Hawaiians. It celebrates the diversity of Indigenous peoples and their contributions to American history and culture.  To Learn More Click Here STUDENTS’ CULTURAL/RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES ACCOMMODATIONS The daily school routine will continue as scheduled, with classroom instruction, lunch, recess, and special programs all at their designated times. District policy Student Attendance #5100 states that students may have an excused absence from school for cultural or religious holidays. Families are required to notify the school's main office of the absence. If a student is absent and misses a test(s)or a major assignment(s), the teacher will provide an opportunity to make it up. Please inform the classroom teacher of any conflicts so accommodations are for your child. Accommodation for Prayer District policy Prayer in School #5040 prevents or denies participation in constitutionally protected prayer in the district's schools, consistent with guidance issued by the United States Secretary of Education and applicable judicial decisions interpreting the religion clauses of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. If your child requires accommodation for prayer, please notify your school principal. School leaders give the same importance when deciding on families' requests, cultural or religious or non-cultural or religious accommodation. Reasonable accommodations are available based on space and supervision, which are often time-limited, making it difficult to provide a separate location for these activities. Accommodation of Prayer During Instructional Time|  School leaders and classroom teachers make reasonable accommodations for students' religious beliefs and practices while considering the impact on other students during instructional time.  Accommodation of Prayer During Non-Instructional Time|  Students can engage in personal religious (i.e., prayer, meditation, etc.) or non-religious practices during non-instructional time in the same setting and under supervision. Accommodation for Fasting School leaders make reasonable lunch accommodations for students fasting by creating "fasting" zones in the cafeteria, similar to already established "peanut-free" zones. Classroom teachers will attempt to make reasonable snack accommodations within the classroom, such as allowing students to engage in non-instructional activities. Teachers are encouraged to avoid scheduling tests or assigning critical assignments due on the day immediately following one of these cultural/religious days of observance, as students may be unable to study or may be affected by fasting or late-night observances. School leaders will ensure and encourage special area teachers such as music, art, library, and physical education to make individual accommodations for students on cultural/religious days of observances to ensure students can participate, as students may be affected by fasting or late-night observances. Other Accommodations  School leaders will avoid scheduling school events on cultural/religious days of observance.  There are times when events or assessments on these days may be necessary and often out of the school's control.  Accommodations Request Notification Please inform your school's principal or your child's classroom teacher if your child will participate in any cultural or religious observances during the academic year. Families must notify school leaders or classroom teachers at least (5) school days before the date of cultural/religious observance . Valley Stream District 30 values open communication and welcomes you to contact us for support regarding specific concerns or needs.

Thursday, Oct 03 2024

Board of Education-Superintendent Focus Goals| 2024-...

BOARD OF EDUCATION-SUPERINTENDENT FOCUS GOALS   2024-2025 PORTRAIT OF A LEARNER The Valley Stream District 30| t he friendly schools  Board of Education is committed to transforming the district into a thriving educational institution where every student and teacher is motivated and flourishing to reach their maximum potential! They achieve this by partnering with the Superintendent of Schools to establish goals that align with the district's Strategic Plan, which holds all involved parties responsible for consistently striving for excellence. The annual goals align with the district's vision. They are monitored throughout the school year to ensure that stakeholders are collectively "educating, inspiring, and celebrating our children to reach their potential in becoming Global Leaders of Tomorrow." The Board of Education expects all stakeholders to hold themselves accountable for adapting to the changing needs of the ever-changing educational landscape and consistently strives for excellence in all aspects to meet the needs of all students. GOAL 1: CORE SUBJECTS &  21st CENTURY THEMES School leaders, teachers, district-wide literacy & math  coach, reading/math teacher's and related services staff (i.e., school psychologists, social workers, school counselor) will: Identify & Monitor  English Language Arts instructional practices  that support a Balanced Literacy Framework. Identify and Monitor Math instructional practices that support a conceptual understanding . Utilize a problem solving process in alignment with the district’s  Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS ). GOAL 2: LIFE SKILLS School leaders, teachers, and related services staff (i.e., school psychologist, social workers, school counselor) will: Sustain, strengthen & monitor the district's systemic S ocial Emotional Learning Multi-Tiered Framework through brain research-based strategies and expansion of mental health professionals. Expand students' access to integrated health supports , including mental health & physical health. GOAL #3: LEARNING SKILLS  aka "THE 4 C’S" School leaders, teachers, enrichment teachers & media specialist will: Implement and monitor a program that aligns enrichment opportunities with the core curriculum for all students in K-6. GOAL 4: DIGITAL LITERACY SKILLS School leaders, teachers, digital literacy coach, library media specialist & media specialist staff will: Provide teachers & staff with differentiated professional learning opportunities to enhance understanding & develop proficiency. Empower Global Leaders of Tomorrow to become digital citizens. Adhere to new NYS Cybersecurity Education Law 2(d) to p rotect the district, staff and student’s Personal Identifiable Information (PII) . GOAL 5: COMMUNICATION District & School leaders, teachers, related services (i.e., school psychologist, social workers, school counselors) will: Restructure of parent engagement experiences  through multiple means of collaborative communication. Expand the student mentorship opportunitie s with the Valley Stream Central High School District.  Develop effective platforms for sharing best practices related to a variety of curriculum and instruction areas. Develop an annual student survey and/ or feedback process to elicit their views and suggestions. Expand  leadership opportunities for students to include their voice in decision making.  Invite students to build self advocacy related to their learning or well being. GOAL 6: CAPITAL District & School leaders will: Monitor & update the Five Year Facilities Plan . Complete a Building Conditions Survey & Conduct visible inspections for NYSED. Propose an annual budget that balances the needs of students with fiscal certainty

Tuesday, Oct 01 2024

CALLING ALL GRADE 6 STUDENTS!!! TEACHERS!!! FAMILIE...

GLOBAL LEADERS OF TOMORROW ADVISORY COUNCIL APPLICATION CALLING GRADE 6 GLOBAL LEADERS OF TOMORROW Dear Grade 6 Students,  Dr. Garcia-France, the Superintendent of Valley Stream School District 30, wants 6th-grade students to join the Global Leaders of Tomorrow Advisory Council. The Advisory Council meets twice a month to discuss important things happening in your school and the community and learn how to empower peers to stay healthy and feel good, which is one of the goals of the United Nations.  Ms. Tiffany Steele Global Leaders of Tomorrow Advisor WHO ARE GLOBAL LEADERS OF TOMORROW? GLOBAL LEADERS OF TOMORROW ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS ARE STUDENTS WHO : Show up on Time & Ready to Engage Monitor their Academic Progress Recognize, Understand, Label, Express & Regulate their Emotions Solution Oriented Lead by Example Take Action THIS YEAR THE GLOBAL LEADERS OF TOMORROW ADVISORY COUNCIL WILL WORK ON A CIVIC PROJECT THAT WILL BRING AWARENESS TO THE UNITED NATIONS SUTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL! WANT TO BECOME A GLOBAL LEADER OF TOMORROW ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBER? STEP 1:  Complete the  Google Form STEP 2:  Create and submit a  5 minute  video presentation sharing what you think are the  3 best ways  to support students’ well-being. You can use iMovie or Canva, etc. Images, Video Clips, etc.    Application and Video due by OCTOBER 7th, 2024 STUDENT INTERVIEWS DURING THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 15-19, 2024 STEP 3:   Upon reviewing your Google Form and video, the team will decide if you will be invited to participate in an interview with the Superintendent and her team. You will know you are invited if you receive a Google Classroom Invitation to participate in a virtual interview. WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM SELECTED? STEP 4:  Students who are chosen to become members of the Global Leaders of Tomorrow Advisory Council are officially inducted by the Board of Education at the Business meeting on October 25, 2024. WHO DO I REACH OUT TO? If you are in need of help with the application process, please contact: Ms. Tiffany Steele Tsteele@VS30.org Global Leaders of Tomorrow Advisor

Friday, Sep 27 2024

Don't Forget to Apply!

GLOBAL LEADERS OF TOMORROW ADVISORY COUNCIL APPLICATION CALLING GRADE 6 GLOBAL LEADERS OF TOMORROW Dear Grade 6 Students,  Dr. Garcia-France, the Superintendent of Valley Stream School District 30, is looking for 6th grade students to join the Global Leaders of Tomorrow Advisory Council which discusses important things happening in school and the community. This year, we will learn about staying healthy and feeling good, which is one of the goals of the United Nations.  Ms. Tiffany Steele Global Leader of Tomorrow Advisor WHO ARE GLOBAL LEADERS OF TOMORROW? GLOBAL LEADERS OF TOMORROW ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS ARE STUDENTS WHO : Show up on Time & Ready to Engage Monitor their Academic Progress Recognize, Understand, Label, Express & Regulate their Emotions Solution Oriented Lead by Example Take Action THIS YEAR THE GLOBAL LEADERS OF TOMORROW ADVISORY COUNCIL WIL WORK ON A CIVIC PROJECT THAT WILL BRING AWARENESS TO THE UNITED NATIONS SUTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL! WANT TO BECOME A GLOBAL LEADER OF TOMORROW ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBER? STEP 1:  Complete the  Google Form STEP 2:  Create and submit a  5 minute  video presentation sharing what you think are the  3 best ways  to support students’ well-being. You can use iMovie or Canva, etc. Images, Video Clips, etc.    Application and Video due by OCTOBER 7th, 2024 STUDENT INTERVIEWS DURING THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 15-19, 2024 STEP 3:   Upon reviewing your Google Form and video, the team will decide if you will be invited to participate in an interview with the Superintendent and her team. You will know you are invited if you receive a Google Classroom Invitation to participate in a virtual interview. WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM SELECTED? STEP 4:  Students who are chosen to become members of the Global Leaders of Tomorrow Advisory Council are officially inducted by the Board of Education at the Business meeting on October 25, 2024. WHO DO I REACH OUT TO? If you are in need of help with the application process, please contact: Ms. Tiffany Steele Tsteele@VS30.org Global Leaders of Tomorrow Advisor

Friday, Sep 27 2024

Parent Technology Support Form

Parent Technology Support Form Dear Parents and Teachers, I hope this message finds you well.  To ensure our students have smooth access to technology and support for their devices, we’ve created a Parent Technology Support Form . This form is for any support your child may need with their district-owned devices. This form is designed to help parents easily request technical assistance when encountering issues with school-issued devices or other technology concerns.   How to access the Parent Technology Support Form: Computer/Internet Browser View Cell Phone View Key details of the form: Student Information: Parents will need to provide the student’s name, ID number, grade level, class, and the school they attend. Technology Issue: There is a section to describe the issue in detail. The more information provided, the faster we can resolve the problem. Contact Information: We ask for the parent or guardian's name, email, and phone number so we can follow up if needed Teachers, please encourage parents to use this form whenever technology support is required, and feel free  to reach out if you have any questions.  Technology office contact at 516-434-3645. The form is accessible on Parent Square and submissions will be managed by our team to ensure timely responses. Thank you for your cooperation in making our technology experience as seamless as possible!   Best regards, Leonard Wright III Director of Technology and Data Valley Stream District 30 HOW TO GET PARENT SQUARE MESSAGES TRANSLATED

Thursday, Sep 26 2024

Family Connections Tip| Instant Stress-Busters

SEPTEMBER 2024 FAMILY CONNECTIONS TIP #4: INSTANT STRESS-BUSTERS Children thrive when families receive support!  This school year, our school leaders, teachers, and staff will focus on connecting, partnering, and supporting our families in helping their children reach their full potential as future global leaders. With the $1.4 million Stronger Connections grant, Valley Stream District 30 will strengthen relationships between families, schools, and the community to improve student achievement. Thanks to this grant, several new positions have been added to the district for the 2024-2025 school year: Community Information Service Assistant District-wide School Counselor Social Workers These professionals will work with school psychologists and nurses in an integrated team approach to support families and promote healthy social-emotional development in children. They will focus on strengthening five key protective factors: building parental resilience, promoting social connections,  providing knowledge of parenting and child development, offering concrete support during difficult times, and fostering social-emotional competence. Furthermore, the grant money will also provide engaging experiences that strengthen family bonds and encourage connections with others in their community. Click Here   to  Listen  Family Connections Tips with   Dr. Garcia-France   

Wednesday, Sep 25 2024

Family Connections| National Attendance Awareness Month

NATIONAL ATTENDANCE AWARENESS MONTH September serves as a reminder of the significance of consistent attendance. Schools nationwide take this opportunity to educate families about the consequences of chronic absences and offer solutions to keep students actively involved in their studies. What is chronic absenteeism?  It is when a  student is absent from school for at least 10% of their enrolled days in an academic year, regardless of the reason, it is considered "chronic absence." As parents, it's important to be aware of how quickly missed days of school can add up and turn into chronic absenteeism. This chart shows the impact of missed days on your child's education and attendance record. We know how valuable every day of learning is for our students, so let's work together to ensure they are present and engaged in their education!  VALLEY STREAM DISTRICT 30 2022-2023  CHRONIC  ABSENTEEISM RATE... VALLEY STREAM DISTRICT 30'S ATTENDANCE COMMITMENT  Valley Stream District 30 is committed to promoting an atmosphere that values and encourages regular attendance through: Welcoming and Affirming Environments: Establishing a safe and inviting environment that encourages children to attend school regularly through positive reinforcement and fostering a sense of belonging within the community. Defining Expectations with Clarity: Communicating and reinforcing attendance policies and expectations so everyone understands their importance. M otivational Incentives & Celebratory Recognition:  Implementing strategies that recognize consistent attendance to motivate student attendance. Promoting Open Communication:  Encouraging open and honest conversations with our families about any challenges or obstacles that may affect attendance and providing support to help students overcome them to ensure regular attendance at school. Strengthening Social Worker Support: Helping identify barriers to attendance faced by students and families and gain access to a wide variety of family supports  Strengthening School Counselor Support : Assisting with parent follow-up to help identify the causes of absenteeism by creating plans to address these issues, monitoring programs, and creating incentive programs. Strengthening School Psychologist Support:  Working with students and their families to support them with school refusal, anxiety, and executive functioning challenges. Also conducting assessments to identify reasons for absences, provided individual and group counseling and mentoring, and assisted with gradual reentry for students in need. FAMILIY ATTENDANCE COMMITMENT   Families can implement these strategies to improve their child's attendance and overall academic success: Communicate with the child: O penly and regularly with your child fosters a sense of value and confidence that can positively impact attendance. Set a routine:  Establishing a consistent bedtime routine and leaving ample time for morning preparations can alleviate stress and promote punctuality. Plan:  Preparing breakfast in advance and having your child select their outfit the night before can help streamline morning routines. Reward positive improvements:  Recognize and compliment your child when they have good attendance and do something to celebrate their effort. Understand why attendance matters:  Educate your child on the importance of attending school everyday, as it sets them up for future success. Get involved:  Family involvement is also essential; active participation from parents leads to more engaged students, more satisfied parents, and less stressed teachers. FAMILY CONNECTIONS

Friday, Sep 20 2024

Valley Stream UFSD 30 - Student Device Protection Pl...

​​ District Device Insurance Plan Enrollment 24-25 Open enrollment for Insurance Plan on District owned devices ​​​​Insurance Registration Website​​​​ Valley Stream 30 - Device Protection Plan Enrollment for 2024-2025 ​ Welcome Valley Stream UFSD 30 Parents! We are excited to partner with you to ensure that your child’s technology is protected throughout the 2024-2025 school year. With the growing importance of devices in daily learning, we understand the need to safeguard your child's Chromebook or Apple device from accidental damage or theft. Enroll in Our Device Protection Plan Today! Coverage Period: July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025 Deadline to Purchase Coverage: September 30, 2024 Why is Device Protection Important? Accidents happen! We offer coverage to protect your child's device from drops, spills, and theft, so they can focus on learning without worrying about costly repairs or replacements. Devices Covered: Chromebook (TBD 4GB BLK): $350.00 Apple MacBook Pro (256GB): $1,900.00 Apple iPad 6th-9th Gen (64GB): $350.00 Apple iPad Pro 5th Gen (128GB): $900.00 Apple MacBook Air (128GB): $1,100.00 Affordable Protection Pricing: Chromebook: $37.00 Apple iPad: $37.00 Apple iPad Pro: $92.00 Apple MacBook Pro: $192.00 Apple MacBook Air: $113.00 What’s Covered: Accidental damage, cracked screens, liquid damage, theft, fire, and flood. What’s NOT Covered: Manufacturer defects, mechanical failures, cosmetic damage, wear & tear, and unexplained loss. How to Enroll: Simply visit https://gpo.worthavegroup.com/valleystream30 to complete your enrollment and protect your child’s device for the upcoming school year. Need Help or Have Questions? Phone: (800) 620-2885 Online Chat: www.worthavegroup.com Customer Service Hours: 8am-5pm M-F CST We look forward to supporting your child’s educational journey with peace of mind, knowing their technology is safe! If you have any question about the Device Protection Plan Enrollment for 2024-2025, you can contact the Technology Department at 516-434-3645.  ​​​​Insurance Registration Website​​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​​ ​​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​ [Monday, Sep 30 at 12:53 PM] DEADLINE EXTENDED!!!!!! The enrollment for the insurance plans for the years 2024-2025 has extended the deadline to October 31st, 2024, due to increased enrollment. Please take advantage of this opportunity, and if you have any questions, please contact the Technology office at 516-434-3645. [Tuesday, Oct 1 at 7:23 PM] DEADLINE EXTENDED!!!!!! The enrollment for the insurance plans for the years 2024-2025 has extended the deadline to October 31st, 2024, due to increased enrollment. Please take advantage of this opportunity, and if you have any questions, please contact the Technology office at 516-434-3645.

Monday, Sep 16 2024