In 3-K, we will foster a love of learning through hands-on experiences, interactive activities, and a play-based approach. I believe that children learn best when they are actively engaged and encouraged to ask questions, solve problems, and express their ideas. My goal is to facilitate their natural curiosity and help them develop essential skills that will serve as a strong foundation for their future academic and personal endeavors.

As well in the upcoming school year, we are excited to share our focused theme of socio-emotional development. Our primary goal is to provide a nurturing environment where each child can explore and understand their emotions, develop strong interpersonal skills, and build healthy relationships with their peers. We will have interactive activities and thoughtful guidance, we will work hand in hand to foster empathy, self-awareness, and effective communication in our young learners. 

Here are some important reminders: 

Morning Drop Off: Please note that the 3-K entrance (Exit 5) will open at 8:05 AM. Scan the morning arrival QR code to sign the child in for attendance.
Afternoon Dismissal: Dismissal is at 2:27 PM at the 3-K entrance (Exit 5). Please sign your child out using the Dismissal QR code. Your child will be asked to wait to greet you until after they have been signed out.  This will help ensure their safety.
Change of Clothes: Please send in an extra set of clothes, including socks, to keep at school in case of an emergency. Please send clothing in a large Ziploc bag with their name on the outside of the bag.  If your child does need to be changed, please make sure their extra clothing gets replaced by their next school day. 
Sneakers: We will have rest time after lunch each day. Students will be taking off their shoes during rest time and putting them back on. To build student independence and their self-help skills, we recommend that children wear sneakers with Velcro straps to school. We are extremely active each day, and shoes with laces can pose a hazard to student safety as we exercise and move throughout the day. In addition, dress shoes, open-toed shoes, or flip-flops are not appropriate for many of our activities.  
Blue Card & Emergency Contact: Each student should have a completed emergency contact card (blue card) on file. Blue cards are currently completed and housed in our OPEROO APP.  If there are any changes to parents’ contact information, please notify us so it can be updated accordingly. Please update all emergency contacts on your child’s blue card in the event that you are unable to pick up your child. If the person picking up your child is not listed on the blue card, we are unable to release your child due to safety protocols. Bring your ID for verification purposes.
Snacks: We will have snack time each afternoon. Please send foods that are easy for your child to eat, such as apple slices or goldfish crackers, and water in a spill-proof water bottle. We want to encourage healthy eating at PS 896, so we respectfully request that you only send healthy snacks to your child.  
Cot: Our 3-K students will be taking rest time directly after lunch each day. We ask that all families send in a cot sheet and blanket for their child. We will send the sheet and blanket home each Friday for cleaning, and you will need to return it back each Monday.
Toys: Please do not allow your child to bring in toys from home to school. We want to avoid the risk of personal items being misplaced or broken. 
Birthday Celebrations: Every child has a birthday, and with birthdays come parties.  In order to ensure that instruction is not disrupted several times during the week for parties, all birthday celebrations will be held on one day during the week.  All birthday celebrations will be held on Friday afternoons during period 8. As for the distribution of small goody bags, we ask that parents not send prepared food or snacks. Parents can choose to include small items like notepads, pencils, erasers, etc. 
Here’s to an amazing year of learning, laughter, and memories at PS 896. I am truly looking forward to getting to know each family and to being a part of your child’s early educational adventure. I believe that communication between teachers and families is very important for a child’s success in school. Please feel free to contact me anytime you have questions or concerns about your child. The easiest way for you to reach me is by email at hcastillo3@schools.nyc.gov or Class Dojo.
Warmly,
Ms. Castillo