Family Shout Outs!
If you have a shout out for a community member, please email info@75morton.org and we will be sure to include it in the newsletter!
Shout out to Danielle K and Lili F for helping to plan our first Community Circles!
Student Life at 75 Morton
Check out all of the exciting things happening at 75 Morton - it was a busy week once again!
6th-grade students did some hands-on learning by creating Greek Pottery!
Youth Leadership Council beautified our community by cleaning up graffiti!
7th-grade students participated in their final Morton Day of the year!
7th-grade mathematicians complete the Blind Stork test to learn about data collecting!
8th-graders had their first graduation rehearsal!
Last Week's Advisory Topics
Families - you can use these topics to reinforce what was learned in advisory at home. These are great "dinner table" topics!
Students learned about PRIDE Month and LGBTQIA+ "Basics": vocabulary, pronouns, and gender-neutral language (and bathrooms!).
Summer "Homework" for 6th and 7th Graders - Summer Reading 2023
Dear Families,
When students return to school in the fall, many of them often start the academic year with achievement levels lower than where they were at the beginning of summer break. This phenomenon – sometimes referred to as summer learning loss, summer setback, or summer slide – is of great consequence to us at 75 Morton. The research suggests that if students simply read - any books - we can offset this loss. Therefore, this year, like every year, we are requiring that every student read at least 5 books of their choosing this summer.
Where will kids get their books? There are a number of possibilities -
On their own. Of course, kids can always get books from their public libraries and bookstores. Independent access to books is always a goal here at Morton.
Here in school. We will be setting up a summer book "shopping" room for kids to get for summer books for free. This "shopping" will take place the week of June 12 during independent reading classes.
In addition to book shopping, Rebecca, the Jefferson Market Young People’s Librarian, will be here with NYPL summer book lists and some giveaways (although the NYPL summer reading program is much smaller this summer). She will also be signing kids up for library cards.
Finally, it has been a Morton tradition for kids to come into school in the Fall with a picture of themselves and their books. A slide to explain this will be provided for all 6th & 7th graders. The goal will be to cover the bulletin boards with summer reading pictures in September.
It is the work of independent reading classes to set kids up for the summer. However, we need YOU to support your child's success this summer by reminding them of their assignment and providing them the space and support to read at least 5 books.
Any questions, concerns, or ideas? Contact Donna at donna@75morton.org
And Also:
Please consider donating to our PTA today! Whether $750, $75, or $7.50, any amount supports our students!
Sophie Gershon - Sophie Gershon Healthy Youth is an organization gifted to us by Councilmember Erik Bottcher. They have provided a large number of enrichment experiences to our students this year: 6th-Grade Space Science Experience (partnership with Columbia University, building and launching rockets, museum visit), the 6th-grade trip to the Intrepid, ice skating, guitar lessons, International Club, free summer camp opportunities, and much more! To learn more or donate directly to the organization: https://sophiegersonhealthyyouth.org/
From Previous Newsletters:
SWAG - Show your Morton Pride! Morton swag stocked items are available for purchase and will be delivered to students in school
https://75mortonpta.membershiptoolkit.com/75morton_storeJumprope: Families should be checking Jumprope weekly to monitor student scores. If you need login support, please email your child's advisor.
Family Handbook - Families are responsible for reading our Family Handbook. School policies and procedures, grading, and staff information can be found there. Students will also be receiving a student handbook they will review during orientation.
Important Dates:
June 6th - Spring Concert - 6pm
June 8th - Chancellor's Day - NO SCHOOL
June 9th - Clerical Day - NO SCHOOL
June 14th - 6th Grade Intrepid Museum Field Trip
June 14th - Living Environments Regent 11:00 am
June 15th - 6th Grade Marco Polo Experience - Library
June 15th - Algebra Regent 11:00 am
June 16th - 6th Grade Field Day
June 16th - 8th Grade Graduation - 10:00 am
June 16th - 7th grade MoMA Trip
June 19th - Juneteenth - No School
June 20th - 8th Grade Party 4pm
June 21st - 8th Grade Town Hall - Transitioning to High School
June 26th - Senior Trip
June 27th - Last Day of School
75 Morton Goals
Goal #1
Create space and time for staff to connect, create, and share joy in order to build community, encourage a sense of well-being, and demonstrate trust.
Goal #2
Teachers reflect upon and then revise school policies and procedures so that all voices and experiences are heard and the school community can be responsive to teacher and student needs.
Goal #3
Develop teacher pedagogy around discussion, with a focus on equity of voice, in order to create learning environments where students know their voices matter, to amplify voices that may not be heard, and improve student comprehension
Goal #4
Create a school-wide understanding of restorative practices and implement those practices in a consistent, transparent manner to staff, students, and families.
Equity Vision
At 75 Morton, we believe that all students can achieve high-levels of academic success. We believe students learn best when:
their identities are affirmed and nurtured
their voices are heard and valued
authentic connections are built between students, families, and staff