ICE PAC Updates

Middle school families: Opt out? Opt in?

ICE, like all public schools, is required to offer the state English Language Arts test (beginning April 11) and the math test (this year in May) to its 6th-8th graders. But students are not required to take them. In fact, for the last several years, well over 80% of students at our school have refused ("opted out" of) the exams. 

If you are wondering why so many ICE families have made the decision to refuse in the past, check out the informative email an ICE PAC parent in your grade sent recently. (You should have received this by the time you get this newsletter.) Already decided that you want your kid to refuse? We now have a super easy way for you to make that happen: a simple form on our website. (En Español) After you fill out the form and hit SUBMIT, you'll  see a screen confirming that your wish to opt out has been recorded and that notification of your refusal has been emailed to administration.

All families: Poor Substitute for Justice video clips now consolidated

In the last newsletter we shared some links to the video coverage of our Feb 7 event, A Standardized Test is a Poor Substitute for Justice. We've now got most of the links up together on one page of the ICE website, which should make viewing easier. Watch to get an idea of what lies behind test-focused education (hint: it's not good) and what harms it continues to inflict. Parts 4a and 4b feature an ICE teacher and student respectively and provide great insight into our school's educational philosophy. Here's some feedback from one parent who saw the video, "This is so great!!...I shared the link to my family and friends via snap chat  because it was really inspiring." 

Contact ICE PAC.
 

ICE Spring Fling Update & Donation Request

The Spring Fling is ICE's biggest fundraiser, and will take place this year on Friday June 1st, at the Dumbo Loft

Auction Donation Request:  Vacations

Some folks like to get away, take a holiday from the neighborhood….

Well, ICE families certainly do—vacation homes are always among the hottest auction items at the Spring Fling.

• Can you donate a week or weekend at your vacation home?
• Do you know anyone who works for a hotel or resort who could donate a vacation package?

Help your fellow ICE families escape the city for a few days, and help raise money for our kids!  Make your vacation donation—or any donation!—via our Online Donation Form.

 
Questions? Want to volunteer? Email icespringfling@gmail.co

2018 NYC School Survey-Parent/Guardian

Parent/guardian 2018 NYC School Surveys were sent home with student's on March 1, 2018. We encourage all families to fill out the survey.  Surveys can also be done online.
 

PTA Meeting on Screen Time

ICE Parents, what are you doing about too much screen time? The average child in America spends more time consuming electronic media than going to school, with many teenagers going online “almost constantly”. And parents aren’t necessarily being good role models.
 
On March 14th in Room 508 at 6:00pm Pete Karp will discuss the use of cell phones and social media, it will be a frank and open dialogue about his plans for phone usage at school, and his experiences. Pete will share strategies in households about the use of and monitoring of both phones and the social media sites.
 
Refreshments will be available.  We look forward to seeing you there!

Girls HS JV Soccer

Ninth and tenth grade ICE girls who think they may be interested in learning the ins and outs of soccer or just improving their skills in a friendly, encouraging, and fun environment should consider joining our JV soccer team!

Practices will be Tuesdays and Fridays after school (specific times TBD).  Interested players should complete this interest form (Girls JV Soccer Sign-up) and stop by JD's room (508) on Monday during lunch for an information al meeting.  The game schedule can be found here: ICE JV Soccer Games.  Go ICE!