Principals' Message

Dear Dreyfus Intermediate School 49 Community,

I am thrilled to welcome you to another exciting school year at Dreyfus Intermediate School 49! As we embark on this journey together, I am inspired by the collective commitment to our shared vision of creating a culture of intellectualism that empowers our students with voice and agency. Our commitment this year centers around making the strengthening of core instruction our top priority. We firmly believe that a strong foundation in core instruction is key to unlocking the full potential of our students. To achieve this, we are dedicated to providing tiered professional development opportunities for our educators. This tailored approach ensures that our teaching staff receives the support they need to excel in their roles, ultimately benefiting every student in our care.

We are also proud to introduce the PBIS Matrix ROAR: Respect, Ownership, Attitude, and Resilience. These core values will guide our interactions and behaviors, creating a positive and inclusive school environment. Respectful behavior creates a sense of safety and belonging. It encourages positive relationships among students, teachers, and staff, fostering an atmosphere conducive to learning and collaboration. When students take ownership of their education and behavior, they are more likely to engage actively in learning, make positive choices, and contribute to the overall success of the school. A positive attitude not only enhances the individual student's well-being but also creates a culture where challenges are approached with resilience and optimism, fostering a growth mindset. Developing resilience helps students cope with stress, adapt to changes, and persevere through difficulties. It contributes to a culture of perseverance and determination, key ingredients for long-term success.

Additionally, we emphasize the importance of attendance as a school-wide goal. Our aim is to achieve a 95% or higher attendance rate, recognizing that consistent attendance is foundational. We monitor this attendance rate each month as well as celebrate when we reach our goal. Students are recognized monthly for both perfect attendance and most improved. Please be sure to follow the NYC School Calendar to plan vacations around the School Calendar and be mindful of how important being in class is to our students.

Our school will continue employing various forms of communication, so kindly ensure you follow up if you have any questions regarding your child’s education. Make it a habit to converse with your child daily about their school experiences. Don't hesitate to reach out to your child's Teacher, Guidance Counselor, Dean, or Assistant Principal, as these individuals will guide your child through the Middle School journey. To familiarize yourself with our school and any policy updates, refer to our student/family handbook available on our website, www.dreyfuslions.com. We also utilize class dojo and GAMA for communication and to monitor your child's progress available with your NYSCA accounts. As a parent/guardian, we always encourage you to discuss any school-related concerns with our Parent Coordinator, Mr. Robert Perkins, who serves as an advocate for our families.

As we embark on this journey together, I am filled with optimism and enthusiasm for the incredible possibilities that lie ahead. Let us work collaboratively to create a nurturing and empowering environment that fosters the growth and success of every student. The ROAR values extend beyond the school years, influencing students' interactions, decision-making, and resilience in various aspects of their lives. I am excited about the possibilities that this academic year holds for each student, staff member, and family within our school community.

Thank you for your continued support, and here's to a year of intellectual exploration, growth, and achievement!

Warm regards,

Natalie C. Lawrence

Principal

Dreyfus Intermediate School 49

(formerly known as twitter) @Dreyfus49

@Dreyfus_IS49