February 1, 2012
Greetings All,
I hope this finds you well. This month has been designated as African American History month where we celebrate the significant contributions of African Americans to American history and society. We at Mott Hall IV are committed to preparing our scholars to be the next generations of innovators who will change the world we live in through their leadership and intellect. In order to assist them to maximum their potential and achieve academic excellence, we have initiated some new structures that will help to facilitate their success. On January 28, 2012 we held our first Saturday Academy and had 94% attendance rate. This was a monumental success thanks to the support of the parents who ensured their children attended and actively participated.
Saturday Academy is designed to provide academic intervention and support services through the reinforcement and re-teaching of content that students have not mastered. Students have two alternating ninety (90) minute blocks, where they focus on increasing their English/Language Arts and Math skills. There are six remaining sessions leading up to the state test. The dates are listed on the school website for your review. Another initiative being utilized at Mott Hall IV is creating mock state test simulations where students will be tested in their double period blocks on content that mirrors what they will be tested on in April on the New York State Exam. As you may know, the state tests have changed and students are required to answer more questions than previously. So, in order to increase their stamina and help them become more comfortable with the structure of the test, students will be tested in the same manner that they will be in April. After school tutorials are also offered from 3:00-4:30 pm everyday for students who need extra assistance. Please make sure your child is signed up and attends as needed.
Many parents have asked how can they help their child at home. We are truly appreciative of that kind of support. We have purchased online software that is aligned to the Common Core Standards that is user friendly for students and parents. Parents and students can log onto Study Island at
www.studyisland.com and practice skills in all content areas. Students usernames are their OSIS number followed by
.MHIV. The password, if they have not changed it, is
motthall4. This is an excellent resource that has proven to significantly increase student performance on state tests. It is a great way to have student practice skills and create time for parents and children to spend quality
instructional time.
We have just received great news! We are ecstatic to announce that we have been accepted in the iZone program for the 2012-2013 school year. Out of hundreds of school who submitted application in New York City, we were selected to partner with iZone to offer innovative educational opportunities to your child/ children, which include blended learning (online and traditional classes/class work), advance placement classes, Multilanguage programs and state of the art technology lab. This partnership will greatly assist us in living out the mission and vision of the school.
Thank you to all the parents who came out to the January PA meeting to hear about what is happening at the school and receive information about the Honor Roll trip scheduled for June 14-16, 2012. I also would like to invite all parents who are able to come out to the school on February 8, 2012 at noon to have lunch with the Principal. We look forward to seeing the parents who were not able to make it to the last PA meeting this month for Scholar Led Conferences being held on February 28 & 29, 2012. We truly appreciate all of your support in assistance us in providing an excellent education for your child.
Best,
Dr. Thomas McBryde Jr.
Mott Hall IV Interim Acting Principal
October 3, 2011
Dear Parent/Guardian:
Re: Study Island
Study Island, an online standards mastery and test preparation program was purchased by the school for all students. We would like you to encourage your child to use the program at home in order to strengthen his or her learning. Please follow the given information, in order to access this program successfully at home.
User Name: student’s OSIS Number.MHIV e.g. 708653621.MHIV
Password: motthall4
If your child does not know his or her OSIS Number, please contact the school and we will send home the OSIS number with your child. Thank you for your cooperation.