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 Everyone is getting ready for our annual Rensizzle Week. During the week of October 26th we will suspend with traditional classes and students will explore one topic in-depth through hands-on learning including field trips, workshops and fun projects. Some of the groups include: Heroes of Gotham, Exploring New Media, Diversity of Religions in NYC, Photography, Geology of NY, Nature and Animal groups, Dance and Drama NYC, Urban Farming and more! This year we are also expanding down to include our lower grades with Lil'Sizzle and MidSizzle, so be sure to check with your child daily to see what they'll be up to in and out of school, and remember to send in those permission forms! Check for highlights in next month's newsletter.
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High School Unwrapped .... by Everett Boyd
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"On October 15 the CSG sponsored High School Unwrapped, a great event for middle school students, and their families, who are considering their options for High School.
This was the second time we had this special night, with the first occurring last March. Approximately 70 people attended the event, including around 50 middle school students with their parents or guardians, as well as community members.
The night began with a light supper prepared by our wonderful kitchen staff. Middle school students had informal conversations and question & answer sessions with high school students, while the adults attended an information session with representatives from our High School. The students then joined their families towards the end of the information session, where they got to hear additional information about the great programs and opportunities that our high school has to offer."
Everett Boyd
Administrator for School Culture and Family Engagement
**This in formation session came at a good time as we were just listed in the NY Daily News' U.S. & World News Report on the Top NYC High Schools.
Click here to see the article!**
Go Renaissance!
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Families for Excellent Schools
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 The rally organized by FES on Wednesday October 7th was a huge statement to the need for great public schools, including charter schools, in New York City. It was also a testament to parents who participate in advocating for their child's education. Over 17,000 parents, students, educators and other supporters of charter schools turned out, and what a show it was. From the inspiring speeches by parents, to the performance of some great dancers from Harlem Success to the terrific music, it was an energetic and positive group that came out to Brooklyn's Cadman Plaza. Renaissance led all of the participating charter schools from Queens in the banner march, and so we were lucky to be upfront for a fabulous performance by the Oscar and Grammy award winning artist Jennifer Hudson. She sang five songs, including her signature song "And I'm Telling You".
We hope that movements like this will help to spread the message that all children deserve an equal opportunity to a great education!
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Racing for Operation Gratitude
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 Recently, three students, along with a parent, participated in the Down & Dirty Obstacle Race to raise money for Operation Gratitude. Operation Gratitude is an organization that annually sends 150,000+ care packages filled with snacks, entertainment, hygiene and hand-made items, plus personal letters of appreciation, to New Recruits, Veterans, First Responders, Wounded Warriors, Care Givers and to individually named U.S. Service Members deployed overseas. Thanks to 9th graders Ella Shea, Helen Koffigoh and her mom Marta Kowalska and former Renaissance student Camilla Cheng. They helped to raise $320 to Support Operation Gratitude and we are thankful they did~ If you and your family are involved in a fun activity, please share it with us. Email pheeney@renaissancecharter.org!
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The 3rd grade class is involved in a Community Building project. Class reporter Casper Hoffman wrote an article about it:
CLASSROOM COMMUNITY ROCKS!
"I am part of the new 3rd grade class at The Renaissance Charter School. Our class has 24 students - it used to be 25, but one person moved out of the school. We'll miss him! Our teachers are pretty cool! They are Christina, Carol, and Darryl. We know Carol and Darryl from last year with Renay. We are building a classroom community because we want to all work together and not bully and not fight. A good classroom community will let us all be happy." To read the rest of Casper's article click here! Leah's 1st grade class is selling Halloween Candygrams through October 23rd and they will be delivered on the 30th. One for $1, 12 for $10 and a whole class for $20. Orders can be submitted to Leah in room 308 :) PreK has been so busy, they've put out their own newsletter! Read it here.
Important Dates in Dance and Theatre Ed at TRCS:
November 2, 2015 - PreK through 4 T-shirt Order Form & Money Due
November 18, 2015 - 8th through 11th Grades Theatre Trip Form & Money Due
December 11, 2015 - 3rd & 4th Grades to Queens Theatre in the Park to see Ron Brown Dance Co.
February 10, 2016 - 8th through 11th Grades Theatre Students to American Airlines Theatre to see "Noises Off!"
Spring Date, 2016 TBA -- K through 4th Grades to Alvin Ailey American Dance Center to see Ailey II
June 16, 2016 -- End-of-Year Dance & MOG Performance, daytime June 17, 2016 -- End-of-Year Dance & MOG Perofrmance, evening
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9th Annual Hispanic/Latino Book Fair
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The Hispanic/Latino Cultural Center of New York held its annual book fair at Renaissance last weekend. There was not only a book fair, but many activities for people of all ages to participate in, including story reading, poetry readings, book presentations, musical performances and theater. Thank you to our students who volunteered and took part in the weekend's events!
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Co ngratulations to the High School's new officers:
President: Loren Francione
Vice President: Emily Jerez
Secretary: Brittany Fantauzzi
Treasurer: Nija Daniels
| 10th Grade
President- Genesis Garcia
Vice president- Paulina Cortez Alvarez
Treasurer- Kevin Arango
Secretary- Chase Reinhart
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11th grade
President- Elena Sacca
Vice president -Samantha Rodriguez
Treasurer- Sidney Hamilton
Secretary- Brielle Fantazzuli
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Co-President: Nia Daniels
Vice President: Briana Benedetto
Treasurer: Leslie-Ann Jerez
Secretary: Michelle Rillion
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CSG Reps are: Ella Shea for grades 9 & 10, and Dylan Sears for grades 11 & 12.
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Spotlight On...... New Staff
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 We would like to welcome some more of the new Renaissance faculty members! Michael Francisco will be working with our 5th and 6th graders as a SETTS and ICT teacher:  "My name is Michael and I was born and raised in North Carolina. I received my Undergradute Degree in English and my Master's Degree in Special Education. I spent my first year teaching students with severe and profound disabilities. My second year I was a Special Education Teacher and Director at my local Charter School. In my spare time, I enjoy attending concerts and doing portrait photography. "
Jonathan Challoner is the new PreK-8 music teacher.  "I grew up on Vancouver Island, Canada and fell in love with music in 6th grade. After high school I relocated to Toronto, Ontario where I became an accomplished performer and educator. I moved to New York to attend the Juilliard School, where I received a Masters Degree in Music. When I'm not at Renaissance, I can be seen performing all over New York City at venues such as Jazz at Lincoln Center, Subrosa, and 54 Below."  Our new High School math teacher is Natalie: "My name is Natalie Kurzyna. I graduated with a degree in Math Education from New York University. I have experience with teaching Algebra, Algebra 3 and Pre-Calculus, as well as tutoring in a wide variety of subjects in mathematics. My interests include running, painting, and photography. Shahreen Islam will be teaching High School ELA:  "I graduated from City College of New York with a bachelors in Secondary English Education. I am currently working on my masters at Teachers College, Columbia University, in Curriculum and Teaching, in the Secondary English Education program. I have previous experience working part-time with both middle and high school students. My interests include trying out new restaurants and outdoor activities. I enjoy traveling, love Thai food and some recent ventures include: ziplining/ white water rafting/ kayaking and hiking on a giant mountain".  Anu Peter is the MS and HS Science ICT Teacher: My name is Anu and I graduated with my B.S. in Chemistry in 2009 and my M.S.T. in Adolescent Education in 2010 from PACE University in Pleasantville, NY. I have been working in schools as a teacher and a teacher assistant since 2009. I have worked in public and private schools, but this is my first time at a charter school, and I'm excited to be here! I also attend LIU Brooklyn, where I'm pursuing my 2nd Masters in Drug Regulatory Affairs. When I'm not at work or sitting in graduate classes, I enjoy spending time at church, hanging out with my husband, family and friends, playing with my dog, trying new foods, traveling, reading and playing sports. I wish everyone a successful year ahead!
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 TRCS Sports Update : HS Boys Soccer Team is 5 wins 1 Loss HS Girls Soccer Team is 4 wins 1 Loss 1 Tie Renaissance is rockin'!Upcoming Winter Sports : 7th & 8th Boys Basketball Club MS Girls Basketball Team HS Girls Basketball Team HS Boys Basketball Team
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 The Scholastic Book Fair will be held Monday, 10/19 - Friday, 10/23. This is a great program that supports your child's reading skills and raises funds for their school. Don't forget to save Friday, October 30th for our Monster Mash party and haunted hallway! Students PreK-6th grade and their families are invited. Our next PTA get together will be Wednesday, November 18th at 6:30. Please join us! Agenda here.
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  2015 Graduate Manuela Agudelo will be joining us for Rensizzle Week to teach a dance class. Manuela has been studying dance for many years and is excited to share her knowledge with us!
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Monday-Friday, 10/19-23 - PTA Scholastic Book Fair
Wednesday, 10/21 - PTA Meeting 6:30-8PM
Monday-Friday, 10/26-30 - Rensizzle Week
Tuesday, 11/3 - Election Day, No Classes, Staff Professional Development
Wednesday, 11/4 - CSG Meeting 5-8PM
Wednesday, 11/11 - Veteran's Day Observed, School Closed
Wednesday, 11/18 - PTA Meeting, 6:30-8PM
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HELPFUL HINTS AND COOL LINKS
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Make an investment in children, education and the future of our world. Safer, better-educated communities are great for business; they improve the quality of life for everyone. Renaissance's hard-working, high-achieving students strive to make that happen and with your help that goal is closer to being a reality: Please visit our website for more information, and lick on the red DONATE button on the bottom of each page: http://www.renaissancecharter.org/. Thank you!
Sincerely,
The Renaissance Charter School
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