Pajama Day at HSA

The pajama parade in front of Harlem Success Academy 3 began at around 7:25am on February, 17, 2011.  Throngs of pajama clad elementary school scholars began rounding the corner on Lexington Avenue, hopping out of cars and taxi cabs on 111th Street, making their way in nightgowns, pajama pants and nightshirts from the nearby 110th Street subway station and local bus stops on Lexington and Second Avenues.  It was officially PAJAMA DAY at HSA3!  The scholars were greeted at the entrance by pajama clad teachers and school administrators aptly outfitted in their PJs and prepared to join in the fun.  

Scholars and teachers alike bound up the 5 flights to the gymnasium where there was an all school Community Circle, led by Ms. Johnson, of Whitman College, who was appropriately dressed in elephant pajama pants!       

Community Circle began with interesting facts about all the colleges represented at HSA3.  This information was researched and presented by third grade scholars.  There was a celebration of scholars born in February, and a dance contest.  An amazing time was enjoyed by all!  After Community Circle, scholars returned their classes to continue the pajama party then settle down to the business of being Beyond Z scholars.

Kudos and a resounding Hamburger Patty Cheer to whomever thought up the Pajama Day celebration!

Teach Me How To Study

This morning the second and third graders at HSA3 had their first Community Circle (assembly) of the 2010-2011 school year. Ms. Kirchner stood in for Mrs. Rodriguez as the official Master of Ceremony, as Mrs. Rodriguez's ascent to the fifth floor is becoming increasingly slower as her gait becomes more unsteady!

Community Circle at HSA3 is a school-community building event where all scholars and teachers gather to celebrate their individual and group accomplishments. This event usually begins with roll-call, where scholars answer the call with resounding class cheers and chants! Awards are given for going "Beyond Z" in terms of adhering to the school's ACTION values. Birthdays are also acknowledged with a cheerful rendition of the HSA3 original birthday jingle, "It's Somebody's Birthday!" and a certificate. This morning the second and third grade scholars unveiled the new school song, "Teach Me How to Study" (set to the tune of "Teach Me How to Dougie" by the California Swag District).

I left the Community Circle celebration enveloped in camaraderie and school spirit, as I usually do. It's always a pleasure to see children with a renewed enthusiasm marching off to "Go Beyond Z" and accomplish great thing!