Dear Families,

Happy Friday! We realize how long of a month March can seem, but our students, teachers, and staff are all doing so well learning and growing together. And spring break is just 2.5 weeks away!

This past Tuesday we opened the CWS food pantry to our entire school community for the first time. Going forward, the CWS food pantry will be open on Tuesday from 8-9am and 2-3pm to our entire school community. I will send a reminder on Monday with what items will be available that week. All families in our community are encouraged to utilize the pantry as needed. No paperwork is required from our CWS community to visit the pantry.

This week half of our students completed their in-school yoga practice for the year, and on March 27 the other half of the classes will begin their program. Thank you to the PTA for funding this wonderful exercise and mindfulness program for our students.

As students are busy completing their readathon logs, I want to remind you that the book fair through Barnes and Noble begins this Sunday. Between March 19-25, any books purchased at Barnes and Noble, either at a store or online, and use the code 12648531 will have a portion of the sale donated to CWS. Students in Kindergarten through fifth grade will visit the Barnes and Noble in Union Square next week. All students will have the ability to purchase a book of their choice, regardless of their ability to pay. Thank you to parents and the PTA for supporting our entire school community with this activity. 

This Sunday, March 19, there will be two exciting CWS events at the Barnes and Noble in Union Square, 33 E 17th St. 

• 10:30am – a special reading by PreK teachers Helen and Suma
• 12:00pm – Lauren Semmer, a CWS parent and author/illustrator, will read from her new book To Boldly Go

Letters went home this week to some families from the DOE regarding excessive student absences and latenesses. We realize that the total number of absences on the letter does not specify if the student was excused for a medical absence – the report generated by the DOE for the letter does not specify this detail. We are required to send these letters home, but please know your child will not be penalized for documented medical absences. In recent years, the DOE has stopped using absences and lateness for middle school admissions, however we do not know if that could change in the future. We thank you for keeping your sick child at home, and just ask that you send a medical excuse note when they return so this absence can be logged as illness.

Calendar notes:

• Friday, March 31 is a half-day for all students with a noon 12:00pm pickup.
• Thursday, April 6 through Sunday, April 16 school will be closed for spring break. School will reopen on Monday, April 17.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Warmly,
Maria