Upcoming Events and Announcements January-March 2012

January 18th, 2012


NEW ROOTS EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS JANUARY-MARCH 2012

* Support Needed for a Member of the New Roots Community - Paula Barry

A member of our New Roots community, Paula Barry, has recently been diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer. Paula is the mother of Gabriel Gaydos, a 9th grade student at New Roots. Their family is in need of financial assistance to help with the costs of transportation, alternative and conventional treatments, and food, among other things. Assistance in any of the following areas will go a long way for their family:
-There is an account at GreenStar (on Seneca and Buffalo) that has been set up to help the family with groceries.  Ask at the Customer Service desk about donating- any amount will help.
-If you want to contribute time for chores, cleaning, transportation, etc. Stephanie Haskins, another New Roots parent (Stephaniehaskins414@yahoo.com) can put folks in touch with the moderator of a Lotsahelping Hands site for the family.
-Stephanie Haskins is working on a fund raising event, as the family needs to raise a very large amount of money up front for treatment. She would appreciate any help with planning a silent auction. Musicians and items are being sought for this auction. (Stephaniehaskins414@yahoo.com)

* Snow Day Announcements

New Roots will always be closed if the Ithaca City School District (ICSD) is closed.   New Roots may also close when the ICSD is open if the majority of the outlying districts are closed due to bad roads, as over half of our students live in these areas.

School closings will be announced on the following radio stations:
WSKG  90.9 FM
WICB  91.7 FM
WHCU  780 AM
WVBR  93.5 FM

Closings or delays will also be posted to our website at newrootsschool.org and on our Facebook page, and an email will be sent to families and staff.

On days when the ICSD is open but outlying districts have delays, we will open our doors at the usual time and get the day underway with students who are able to make it on time. We'll expect that students from districts with delays will be late.  Teachers will coordinate to make sure that all students who missed classes due to snow have an opportunity to receive assignments and any instruction necessary to support their success.

* Official New Roots Facebook Page & "Newt Roots"

The URL for our official facebook page is www.facebook.com/NewRootsCharterSchool. Please make sure that you and your students have "Liked" the correct New Roots page.  If you have not done so already please also send "Newt Roots," our official mascot, a friend request! Newt provides friends with important event invitations and the latest updates from New Roots. You can find Newt's page at www.facebook.com/newt.roots

* Opportunity for Hispanic and Latino/a 11th and 12th graders:

New Roots has been offered the opportunity to send a delegation of Hispanic juniors and seniors for 4 days of training at Onondaga Community College, culminating in a weekend in Albany for a mock legislative session focusing on bills with 200 Hispanic students from around New York State. The all-expenses-paid weekend includes meeting Hispanic "movers and shakers", listening to presentations, a pizza party and dance, as well as the mock session during which each student represents and sits in the seat of a particular state legislator. It can be a life-changing experience. See Ms. Sarah for more info on how to apply. Details can be found at this web site: http://www.ocmboces.org/teacherpage.cfm?teacher=697

* Seeking Scholarships for New Roots Students: As you know, this is the first year that New Roots will have a graduating class. Identifying and creating resources for those seniors and their families to fund college is of the utmost importance right now and we are in the process of seeking out scholarships within the Ithaca and Central New York communities.  A database of organizations and individuals we plan to reach out to seek support from has already been created but what we need now is your help!  If you would like to join the Scholarships task force or if you have an idea of individuals, organizations or businesses we should add to the list of contacts, please email Alex Graham, our Academic Support VISTA at agraham@newrootsschool.org.

* Saturday 1/7 - Tuesday 2/29, New Roots Charter School student-made Shibori quilt display at the Tompkins County Public Library. Quilts were made during Fall Intensives Week with Math Teacher Jackie Camidge. Ours are in the last two large glass cases in the main hallway. Opening reception Thursday 1/19, 5-7 pm. More info can be found here:
http://tcpl-news.blogspot.com/2012/01/library-launches-year-of-art-with-quilt.html

* Friday 1/13, March to the Mayor's Office, 10:30 am. New Roots Students will take part in a march to the Mayor's office to welcome Svante Myrick to his post with a letter written by New Roots students.

* Friday 1/13, NRCS Volunteers to help set up MLK Jr. Community Celebration Breakfast, 5-7 pm, Beverly J. Martin Elementary School Gym. Contact Alex Graham to join in: agraham@newrootsschool.org

* Saturday 1/14, NRCS @ MLK Jr. Community Celebration Breakfast, 8:30-11:30, Beverly J. Martin Elementary School. (NRCS Jazz Ensemble plays 8:45-9:30 am). Join New Roots students, staff and families at this inspiring community-wide breakfast with speakers, musical performances and annual MLK Jr. award ceremony.

* Monday 1/16, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - No School for Students

* Monday 1/16, 18th Annual Celebration of the Life and Work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., 11:30 am - 1:30 pm, Beverly J. Martin Elementary School. An annual free community luncheon and celebration commemorates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Featuring guest speaker Rabbi Brian Walt, performances by John Simon and the BJM School children, Darlise Singleton and a dramatic reading by Jackie Melton Scott and Dr. Nia Nunn Makepeace. To volunteer please visit: https://volunteer.truist.com/uwtc/org/opp/10497521327.html. For more information about the event, contact GIAC at 272-3622 or MRC at 272-2292 ext. 135.

* Tuesday 1/17, New Roots Basketball and Athletics General Interest Meeting, Clinton House Lobby, 5:30pm - 6:00pm. Students and families interested in being part of New Roots Athletics this season or in the future are invited to a general interest and planning meeting. For more information contact Ian Milne at imilne@newrootsschool.org or Zach Lind zlind@newrootsschool.org.

* Wednesday 1/18, Shadowing Day for prospective 2012-13 students, 9:15am - 12:30pm. Students and their families who are interested in experiencing New Roots will have the opportunity to meet with our Principal for a discussion and Q&A, followed by a "shadowing" experience for students who will be matched with a current student and join in on the student's morning class schedule, advisory meeting and lunch. Email Sarah Rubenstein-Gillis srubensteingillis@newrootsschool.org to sign up for shadowing.

* Wednesday 1/18, New Roots Senior Year Program Coordinator Peter McWain speaks on Tompkins Workforce NY's next Green Jobs Panel, TC Public Library, Borg Warner Room, 10:30-12 am. Panelists will discuss: what they do each day, how they got to their current positions (skills, education, experience, training), openings in their workplace / local area, and general advice for jobseekers. The Green Jobs Panel changes every month with 3-4 local people representing some of the following green sectors: Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, Waste Management, Green Retail Products, Green-related Education, Hospitality / Tourism, Transportation and Farming/Food. To register: Email Jacquelyn.Mouillesseaux-Grube@labor.state.ny.us with your first & last name and phone number, or call 272-7570 x106.

* Wednesday 1/18, Title One Parent Meeting hosted by Dean of Students TimTurecek, 5:30pm - 6:30pm, Clinton House Lobby

* Wednesday 1/18, Spaghetti Dinner to Support our Farm-to-School Program, 5:30-7:30 pm at Women's Community Building. A benefit for our Farm to School Meals Program. Eat a deluxe spaghetti meal cooked from scratch and meet the students, families, friends, and faculty of New Roots. $10 all you can eat, $5 kids ages 6-10, FREE for kids under age 6. Gluten-free and vegan options offered. Take out also available. Student art work and live music will add to the enjoyment! To volunteer, Email Allyn Rosenbaum arosenbaum@newrootsschool.org or call Siri Jones at 351-6854. 

* Thurs. 1/19, Opening Reception for Quilt Display at TC Public Library, including New Roots-made Shibori Quilts, 5:30pm - 7:30pm. See 1/5 description above for more details.

* Friday 1/20, Coffee and Conversation with the Principal, 7:30 - 8:30 am, Clinton House. Parents and guardians are invited to join our Principal for coffee and conversation on the third Friday of each month.

* Friday 1/20, New Roots 10th grade science students to present their geology books to Boynton Middle School students, 2:00 - 3:20pm

* Monday 1/23, Professional Development Day - no school for students

* Tuesday 1/24, New Roots Parent-Teen Workshop: Financial Aid for College, 6pm - 7pm, Clinton House lobby. This workshop will answer your questions about applying for financial aid for college. Sharon Karwowshi, Director of Financial Aid at Tompkins Cortland Community College's CollegeNow Program will explore all the key info that you need to know! Light snacks will be provided.

* Tuesday 1/24-Friday 1/27, Regents/Midterm Week.  Students attend school on days that they are scheduled for Regents exams, midterm exams, eportfolio work, and academic support sessions.  Your student's schedule will be provided to you the week of January 17.

* Wednesday 1/25, New Roots Charter School's 8th-9th Grade Transition Night, 5:30-6:30 pm at the Clinton House at 116 North Cayuga Street in downtown Ithaca. Meet with our Principal, teachers, and student and parent representatives to learn more about what makes New Roots special: our hands-on and community-based approach to learning, grading/assessment system, graduation requirements & academic offerings, current research regarding adolescents and education for the 21st century, our personalized approach to preparing students for college and academic success, school culture and enrichment opportunities. Students may also sign up for a "Shadowing Day" to get an inside perspective on our school. RSVPs are appreciated to: Sarah Rubenstein-Gillis, Director of Community Programs srubensteingillis@newrootsschool.org. For more information, visit newrootsschool.org or call 882-9220, ext. 7.

* Friday 1/27, End of Second Quarter

* Monday 1/30, Third Quarter Begins

* Tuesday, 1/31, Board of Trustees Meeting, 5:30pm - 7:00pm, Clinton House lobby.

* Thursday 2/2, Shadowing Day for Prospective 2012-13 students, 9:15am - 12:30pm. Students and their families who are interested in experiencing New Roots will have the opportunity to meet with our Principal for a discussion and Q&A, followed by a "shadowing" experience for students who will be matched with a current student and join in on the student's morning class schedule, advisory meeting and lunch. Email Sarah Rubenstein-Gillis srubensteingillis@newrootsschool.org to sign up for shadowing.

* Friday 2/3, New Roots Winter Dance for students and pre-approved guests, 7pm - 10pm. Parent volunteers needed to chaperone and bring snacks. Contact Preeti Panda ppanda@newrootsschool.org to sign up.

* Friday 2/3, New Roots Shibori Quilts on display at Tompkins County Public Library during First Friday Gallery Night., 7pm - 10pm. New Roots' quilts are located in last 3 glass cases in the Avenue of the Friends. The library will not be open, but the exhibit is and people enter through the BorgWarner door adjacent to the bus shelter on Green Street.

* Tuesday 2/7, New Roots delegation to attend New York State Charter School Advocacy Day 2012 in Albany. Academic Support Specialist Meryl Phipps will lead a small delegation to Albany (one carload), joining others from charter schools around the state. Participants will meet with legislators to advocate for preserving public charter schools as an option for students in NY State. Students and family members interested in participating, please email mphipps@newrootsschool.org

* Wednesday 2/8, Parent-Teacher Conference Day - No School for Students

* Wednesday 2/15, Shadowing Day for Prospective 2012-13 students, 9:15am - 12:30pm. Students and their families who are interested in experiencing New Roots will have the opportunity to meet with our Principal for a discussion and Q&A, followed by a "shadowing" experience for students who will be matched with a current student and join in on the student's morning class schedule, advisory meeting and lunch. Email Sarah Rubenstein-Gillis srubensteingillis@newrootsschool.org to sign up for shadowing.

* Thursday 2/16, New Roots Family Potluck, 5:30 - 7pm, Clinton House Lobby. All families are welcome and encouraged to attend.

* Thursday 2/16, Parent/Teen Workshop: Standardized Test-taking/Preparing Students at Home, Clinton House Lobby, 5:30-7:30 pm. Come learn standardized test-taking strategies and how to support preparation for these exams at home.

* Saturday 2/18, New Roots @ Chili Fest, Downtown Ithaca, 11am - 4pm. New Roots will be serving up warm and delicious chili as part of this fun annual event. We'll also sell student-made "up-cycled" arm-warmers to raise funds for school enrichment programs. Let Alex Graham know if you are available to volunteer for this event.

* Saturday 2/18, New Roots Charter School Chorus performs at Annual Joni Mitchell Tribute Concert/Benefit for CSMA, Community School of Music and Art, 7pm - 10pm

* Monday 2/20- Friday 2/24, February Recess - No School for Students

* Wednesday 2/22, New Roots Charter School Workshop for "Ithaca Loves Teachers Week:" What is Education for Sustainability? Beyond "Going Green." 10:30am - 12:30pm, Clinton House Lobby, 116 North Cayuga Street, Ithaca. New Roots Principal Tina Nilsen-Hodges and Senior Year Program Coordinator Peter McWain will engage in a discussion about how to help students develop the knowledge and skills needed to be leaders and entrepreneurs in the rapidly changing landscape of the 21st century. Soup and bread will be served.

* 2/29, New Roots attends Get Your GreenBack Tompkins Leap/Launch Event, Time & place TBA

* 3/1, Shadowing Day for Prospective 2012-13 students, 9:15am - 12:30pm. Students and their families who are interested in experiencing New Roots will have the opportunity to meet with our Principal for a discussion and Q&A, followed by a "shadowing" experience for students who will be matched with a current student and join in on the student's morning class schedule, advisory meeting and lunch. Email Sarah Rubenstein-Gillis srubensteingillis@newrootsschool.org to sign up for shadowing.

* Saturday 3/3, "Slice of New Roots" for 8th graders, 1pm - 4pm. All area teens entering 9th grade in the 2012-13 school year invited to join New Roots students and teachers for fun, free afternoon activities that give them a taste of what learning is like at New Roots. This is a chance to meet some new friends and get a feeling for New Roots community.  Events will be held in the heart of downtown Ithaca at The Clinton House at 116 N. Cayuga Street. Call or email for details. Please RSVP! Email info@newrootsschool.org, or call: 882-9220.

* Monday 3/12, PCSO Family Potluck - All current and prospective students and families welcome, 5:30pm - 7:00pm

* Wednesday 3/14, "Slice of New Roots" for 8th graders, 1pm - 4pm. All area teens entering 9th grade in the 2012-13 school year invited to join New Roots students and teachers for fun, free afternoon activities that that give them a taste of what learning is like at New Roots. This is a chance to meet some new friends and get a feeling for New Roots community.  Events will be held in the heart of downtown Ithaca at The Clinton House at 116 N. Cayuga Street. Call or email for details. Please RSVP! Email info@newrootsschool.org, or call: 882-9220.

* 3/16, Professional Development Day - No School for Students

* Friday 3/23, Ice Cream Social for New Roots Students with a Prospective Student guest, 4pm - 5pm, Clinton House lobby. This is an opportunity for New Roots Students to give friends interested in checking out our school the opportunity to find out what it's like to be a New Roots student. Students can sign up at the front desk. Friends must be eligible for attending New Roots next year or in the future. No one over 18 admitted. Your visitor is your admission ticket.

* Tuesday 3/27, Board of Trustees Meeting, 5:30pm - 7:00pm

* Wednesday 3/28, Shadowing Day for Prospective 2012-13 students, 9:15am - 12:30pm. Students and their families who are interested in experiencing New Roots will have the opportunity to meet with our Principal for a discussion and Q&A, followed by a "shadowing" experience for students who will be matched with a current student and join in on the student's morning class schedule, advisory meeting and lunch. Email Sarah Rubenstein-Gillis srubensteingillis@newrootsschool.org to sign up for shadowing.

* Friday 3/30, Spring Showcase and Open House, 4:30pm - 6:30pm, Clinton House. Free and open to the community. Come meet our staff, students and families, visit our classrooms and see the fine work our students have produced this Spring. The showcase will feature music, dance, debates, and other live performances. Refreshment made by our Culinary Arts students.

* Friday 3/30, End of Third Quarter

* Saturday 3/31, "Slice of New Roots" for 8th graders, 1pm - 4pm. All area teens entering 9th grade in the 2012-13 school year invited to join New Roots students and teachers for fun, free afternoon activities that may include hikes, improvisational music, science, juggling, digital photography, chess, cooking, service projects and more. This is a chance to meet some new friends and get a feeling for New Roots community.  Events will be held in the heart of downtown Ithaca at The Clinton House at 116 N. Cayuga Street. Call or email for details. Please RSVP! Email info@newrootsschool.org, or call: 882-9220.

* Monday 4/16, 2012-2013 Enrollment Lottery.  If the number of enrollment forms received exceeds the number of available spaces in any given grade, we will hold a public lottery on this day to establish who will be offered admission for next year and who will be placed on a waitlist. Based on increased awareness of, and interest in, our school, we may need to hold a  lottery for the first time this year.  Please encourage anyone you know who is interested in learning more about the school to do so before the April 16 deadline to ensure that they maximize their chances of being admitted for the 2012-2013 school year!