2017-2018 Blackboard Award Honoree: The Neighborhood School – PS 363

Outstanding School

The Neighborhood School – PS 363
Principal: Dyanthe Spielberg
Grades Pre-K-5
121 East 3rd Street
tnsny.org

Describe your school’s core educational philosophy.

At the Neighborhood School, teachers design a program rich in relevant, meaningful and functional experiences that meets the needs of all abilities. In-depth studies of themes integrate language arts, critical thinking, science, social studies, mathematics, physical education, and the arts. Classroom work is conducted collaboratively so that children learn to work with others cooperatively in social groupings. We want our students to develop fully as individuals, and also as cooperative, responsible members of a group and provide a safe and motivating environment for them to try new experiences to build on their strengths and to go further in the areas where they need improvement.

Tell us about a few of the school’s achievements or distinguishing programs.

The Neighborhood School is a founding board member of PENNY, the Progressive Education Network of New York, an organization that connects public, independent, charter, and teacher education schools and individuals of the greater metropolitan area to advance progressive pedagogy and promote equity, access, and social justice. We are also a PROSE school (Progressive Redesign Opportunity Schools for Excellence) because we have a demonstrated record of effective school leadership, collaboration, and trust. Our principal, Dyanthe Spielberg is a 2017-18 Cahn Fellow.

What’s new?

Our school has partnered with Border Crossers to provide Professional Development for both staff and families on dismantling patterns of racism and injustice in the classrooms and school community. Our Diversity Committee is leading a workshop with The Museum of Impact to create immersive experiential voyages into the heart of social movements; visitors will get the chance to participate with all senses and leave their own mark on ways to effect change and pursue a strong commitment to social justice and social action.

What do you love about your school?

We take pride in our communication across the school. Teachers participate in two-way email communication with families and send curriculum notes regularly that are transparent, inviting and informative. Our monthly community “Sing” brings together voices from grades Pre-K through 5, along with staff and families. We see our diversity as one of our great strengths. In our mixed age, heterogeneous classroom, children of many different backgrounds learn to become part of a community that fosters not only tolerance but also true respect for all people.

Friends Academy

<h1>Since 1876, Friends Academy has set the standard of academic excellence on Long Island.</h1> <p>Since 1876, Friends Academy has set the standard of academic excellence on Long Island. Our timeless values elevate our outstanding academic program to create a unique educational experience, where our students are empowered to inquire, reflect, and engage in real-world, life-changing ways. Friends Academy graduates are exceptionally prepared for college and the world.</p> <p>Friends Academy educates students, ages 3 through 12th grade. We offer outstanding experience in our Little Friends Daycare program, and a best-in-class education for every level of your child&rsquo;s development in our Early Childhood, Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools. At every step of our students&rsquo; journey, they are seamlessly prepared for the next grade, division, and challenge in life. Our students are known, embraced, and loved by a community of dedicated, experienced teachers who provide individualized attention through our small class sizes and outstanding curriculum.</p> <p>Founded 148 years ago, we are the #1 ranked private school on Long Island by Niche.com and have been ranked #1 in the following categories for four years in a row:</p> <p>#1 K-12 private school</p> <p>#1 private College Prep HS</p> <p>#1 private High School</p> <p>Please visit our website @ friendsacademy.org or call our Admissions team at 516-676-0393 to schedule a visit and find out how Friends Academy might be the smartest investment you can make for your child's future.</p>

Twin Parks Montessori Schools

<p>TwIn Parks Montessori Schools nurtures a child&rsquo;s natural tendency to learn.&nbsp; Our three campuses on the Upper West Side of Manhattan serve children from 3 months to 5 years of age.&nbsp; We are called Twin Parks because each of our campuses are across from Central Park or Riverside Park.&nbsp; Being close to nature is just one of many things that make Twin Parks a wonderful school.&nbsp; Twin Parks is well known for its warm stimulating environment, joyful, active, independent learners, and welcoming community.&nbsp; At Twin Parks, each child is regarded with profound respect and care. Our nurturing teachers foster a beautiful learning environment designed to help each child reach their full potential.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>All of our students, even our youngest children, have enriched experiences in math, language, science, cultural arts, music, art and movement.&nbsp; The Montessori approach is internationally renowned for the development of each child&rsquo;s creativity, individual resourcefulness, and potential.</p> <p>All of our classrooms share a deep commitment to the Montessori Method and at each level our program is carefully constructed around the developmental stages of the child.</p> <p>The Montessori curriculum varies at the levels of our school, but the goals are consistent throughout the programs:</p> <p>- To partner with parents in the education of their children</p> <p>- To foster a love and joy of learning</p> <p>- To help children develop a positive self-image&nbsp;</p> <p>- To foster open minds, compassion, and respect for others</p> <p>- To develop independence and confidence.</p> <p>- To instill in each child a sense of responsibility for the world in which we live</p> <p>- To maintain the highest standards for a safe and clean program.</p>

EBL Coaching

<div> <p>One-on-one HOME, CENTER, and ONLINE tutoring for grades preK-12 in reading, writing, math, study skills, executive functioning skills, and homework help. EBL offers specialized instruction for students with dyslexia, learning disabilities, and ADHD, including tutoring using the Orton Gillingham method and other research-based, multi-sensory techniques. Under the direction of their director, Dr. Emily Levy, each student is evaluated to determine his or her specific needs and is then matched with one of EBL's highly trained learning specialists.</p> <p><strong>Individualized Learning Plan</strong></p> <div> <div> <p>An individualized learning plan using research-based, multi-sensory techniques is created for each student. Sessions can be held either at EBL's learning center or at the child's home, or online.</p> </div> <p><strong>Students build skills in:</strong></p> </div> <div> <div> <p style="padding-left: 40px;">-Decoding &amp; Spelling<br /><br />-Sentence, Paragraph, &amp; Essay Writing<br /><br />-Multi-sensory Math<br /><br />-Reading Comprehension<br /><br />-Study &amp; Executive Functioning Skills<br /><br />-Test preparation<br /><br />-Time Management &amp; Organizational Skills<br /><br />-Early Childhood Learning Skills</p> </div> <p><strong>One-on-one instructional sessions</strong></p> </div> <div> <div> <p>Students receive one-on-one instructional sessions to teach them the fundamental skills that are essential for academic success. They are initially assessed to determine their strengths and weaknesses and academic levels, and are matched with one of EBL's highly trained learning specialists. Students develop core skills in reading, writing, reading comprehension, math, study skills, organization, test taking, note taking, and other executive functioning skills. As the academic demands of school rise, these skills become increasingly essential for academic success.</p> </div> </div> <div> <div> <h3>Dr. Emily Levy</h3> </div> </div> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div>