parent Leadership Council
NEXT MEETING
COME JOIN US! November 30th, 2023 In person at 6pm – PLC Family Potluck & Take What you Need Table
PLC MEETING MATERIALS
MEET YOUR PARENT COORDINATOR
Greetings Families,
My name is Ms. Melody Pink. I’m so honored and proud to have the role as your Parent Coordinator and being a part of your family’s village in your scholar’s success here at WCHS. It’s a privilege for me to encourage and develop positive relationships between our school and families. I am also the Liaison between the PLC and the school.
Here at WCHS we strongly encourage Parent Involvement. Your thoughts and opinions are extremely important. As your Parent Coordinator I want you to look at me as your resource guide. If you need information and referrals to any of the following please feel free to meet with me. If it’s not listed I will be happy to look into it for you:
- Parenting Tips / Effective Communication
- Trade School & Other Alternatives
- GED
- ESL ( English as a Second Language) Programs
- Adult Trade School Programs and Continuing Education Programs
- Referrals
- Food Pantry / Snap Benefits Information
- Back to School, Holiday & Prom Giveaways and more…
Without you and your scholar we would not have a school community. I want you to help me build our school community and increase parent involvement here at WCHS. We have an Amazing Parent Leadership Council (PLC) that meets monthly. We discuss school news, parent concerns and we have a workshop incorporated within the meeting with topics such as:
- Accessing Your Community
- Parenting Tips & Communication Skills
- Looking for a Trade Program?
- Emergency Preparedness
- It’s Never Too Early to Begin Applying for Scholarships, Path to College
- Accessing your Community through a Pandemic
- Are you Ready for a Career Change? / Employment & Job Readiness and many other topics.
- COVID- 19 Resources & more…
This is going to be an exciting year, and I look forward to working closely with you and your scholar. Please feel free to contact me Monday – Thursday 9am- 2pm by email at mpink@thewcs.org or via phone at (718) 782-9830 ext. 2095
“ Purpose is an essential element of you. It is the reason you are on the planet at this particular time in history” –Chadwick Boseman
PLEASE NOTE: DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC YOU CAN REACH ME VIA EMAIL OR REQUEST A GOOGLE MEETS MEETING WITH ME.
Warm Wishes,
Ms. Melody Pink
Your Parent Coordinator
Melody Pink, Parent Coordinator
You can reach me by phone at 718-782-9830 ext. 2095 or via email at mpink@thewcs.org.
MEET YOUR PARENT LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
Hello Families,
My name is Monique Bowens and I’m your Parent Leadership Council (PLC) President. My scholar is in 9th grade. I come with a background in the medical field. I work with elderly and disabled people. I’m also a strong advocate for Charter Schools and ensuring that all scholars who attend charter schools receive the resources and materials they need to succeed. I’m very proud to be a WCHS parent. As I embark as your PLC President, my goal is to build a partnership with our Head of School, our Leadership Team, our amazing Teachers, and our invaluable Staff to provide an excellent learning experience for our scholars. I will be working closely with our Parent Coordinator & Parent Leadership Council Liaison Ms. Pink to bring informative, enriching meetings & workshops to all families each month. I encourage each and every one of you to become a part of our team. The number one reason to join the PLC & to attend our monthly meetings are to benefit our scholars. In doing so, you also help us. But there are many more advantages:
- By becoming a PLC member, you’ll be demonstrating to your scholar the importance you place on education.
- By getting involved, you’ll be part of the solution, helping to make positive change. PLC functions provide opportunities to meet other parents, gain knowledge, resources for your family and learn about youth opportunities & enrichment programs for your scholar to build their resume for college and beyond. I’m here to inspire you, to encourage you and to lift you and your family up.
The PLC is a forum for exchanging ideas, attending the PLC meetings monthly you can make suggestions, and provide your input.
-Warmest Regards,
Monique Bowens
“Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do”
Monique Bowens, PLC President
If you would like to speak with Ms. Bowens, please contact plc@thewcs.org.
My name is Denise Turner and I am a Senior Medical Secretary at Weill Cornell Medicine which is a part of New York Presbyterian Hospital. My son is an 11th grader here at Williamsburg Charter School. I am excited for the opportunity to be the PLC Secretary, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the future of the PLC.
I would to run for the position of Secretary of the PLC.
Positive Affirmation:
“Don’t worry about failures, worry about the chances you miss when you don’t even try.”
-Jack Canfield
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
-Aristotle
Denise Turner, PLC Secretary
If you would like to speak with Ms. Turner, please contact plc@thewcs.org.
Greetings! I’m Lucia Martinez-Jimenez, a proud parent of an incoming freshman, and I’m absolutely delighted to be the Treasurer for the Parent Leadership Council (PLC). I wholeheartedly embrace the PLC’s mission and am committed to cultivating an inclusive educational environment. Financial Expertise: I possess a strong foundation in financial management thanks to my background as an Accounts Payable Specialist and Assistant Manager in the hospitality industry. This background ensures the transparent and precise handling of the PLC’s finances. Board Experience: My tenure as a Student-Parent Board Member at LaGuardia Community College’s Early Childhood Learning Center Programs Inc. has equipped me with valuable insights into program regulations and have contributed to successful financial audits. Communication & Organization: My strong communication and organizational abilities will facilitate clear financial record-keeping and transparent parent-administrator communication.In summary, I am well-prepared and enthusiastic about taking on the role of Treasurer. I am ready to uphold the core values of the PLC, maintain open and effective communication, and ensure the responsible management of our finances. I am eagerly looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to the success of our school community. Thank you for considering my candidacy.
– Parent Leadership Council = “Passionately Leading Change.”
Positive Affirmation: “To pursue lifelong learning and inspire others to do the same.”
Lucia Martinez-Jimenez, PLC Treasurer
If you would like to speak with Ms. Martinez-Jimenez, please contact plc@thewcs.org.
Hello, my name is Kaneesha Hodge. I am a mother of two, with one of my children being a freshman at WCHS. I currently work in the healthcare field. In my free time, aside from mom duties (because as we all know that job doesn’t end) I enjoy reading a good book or cooking/baking, which is something that has always been a passion of mine. I’m excited to be the PLC Parent Volunteer for all in person events.
Positive Affirmation: “I’m giving you permission to root for yourself, and while you’re at it root for those around you, too.”
Kaneesha Hodge, PLC Volunteer
If you would like to speak with Ms. Martinez-Jimenez, please contact plc@thewcs.org.
WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
OUR PLC MISSION
We the PLC are parent volunteers. Our group was founded in 2018. We represent the parents and guardians of Williamsburg Charter High School. We meet monthly as a collective group to discuss parent concerns and ways to improve our school. We work for you, the parents. Your voices, your comments and concerns are heard through us. We voice your comments, issues and concerns to the Board of Trustees, Head of School, and other School Leadership. We believe that every scholar deserves an outstanding education. Together we can Change History and Change Lives.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE PART OF THE PLC MOVEMENT?
- Be a parent/guardian that wants to improve the quality of your scholar’s education.
- Attend monthly meetings and workshops.
- Get access to family and community resources.
- Make our school community stronger by letting your voice be heard.
- Participate in life changing programs and workshops.
- Show your scholars you care about them and their education.
GOALS FOR THE PLC:
- Develop parent leadership and build capacity for greater involvement.
Foster and encourage parent participation at all levels.
Develop a cooperative relationship between the parents and staff at WCHS.
Provide opportunities and training for parents to participate in school governance and decision making.
Provide support and resources to all families for the benefit and educational growth of all scholars.
FAQs:
- When and how often are the PLC meetings?
We have monthly Virtual Zoom meetings open to all WCHS families and in person events. Please refer to the WCHS school website for updated schedule at: Our Parents – WCHS (thewcs.org) - How can I stay up to date on PLC events, news or if I would like to join?
– Visit the School Website: Our Parents – WCHS (thewcs.org)
– Email the PLC at: plc@thewcs.org
– Email WCHS’s Parent Coordinator & Liaison to the PLC, Ms. Pink at: mpink@thewcs.org
PAST PLC MEETING SPEAKERS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS
In this section you will find a listing of guest speakers who presented at our PLC Council Meetings.
- NYC Children: The Division of Youth and Family Justice / The Family Assessment Program– Fall 2023 (Email Inquiries: FAPinquiry@acs.nyc.
gov) (ACS – Family Assessment Program (nyc.gov) - New York State Charter School Association– Fall 2023 (https://nycharters.net/)
- Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation (Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation)
- The State University of New York Brooklyn Educational Opportunity Center (BEOC) Summer – 2023 Programs (www.sunybeoc.org)
- Includenyc ( About | INCLUDEnyc)
- NYC Civic Engagement Commission ( nyc.gov/cec)
- The Animation Project/ TAP (TAP Team — The Animation Project)
- CHASE Bank (tabinda.iftikhar@chase.com)
- Neonworks (NeON Works (nyc.gov)
- FDNY Smart Fire Safety Education (Fire Safety Education – FDNY Smart)
- New York Charter Schools Association (Home New – New York Charter Schools Association (nycharters.net)
- Growing UP NYC (Growing Up NYC (cityofnewyork.us)
- Generation NYC (Generation NYC (cityofnewyork.us)
- The First Tech Fund (First Tech Fund – Helping Underserved Students Access Tech)
- One Hundred Black Men Of New York Inc, Junior One Hundred 2022 Programs (ohbm.org)
- The State University of New York Brooklyn Educational Opportunity Center (BEOC) Fall / Winter 2022 – 2023 Programs (www.sunybeoc.org)
- The Brooklyn Public Library Macon Branch – Ms.Chiffon Stafford Librarian Information Supervisor (cstafford@bklynlibrary.org)
- The Animation Project (TAP) – (The Animation Project)
- Building Beats (Building Beats)
- Girls Rise Up / Stem from Dance (Girls Rise Up 2022 — STEM From Dance)
- Target / HR Recruiter Ms. C Howell (Target.com/careers)
- The Brooklyn Cinderella Project Ms. G. Robinson (Brooklyn Cinderella Project – About (webs.com)
- Neighborhood Safety Coalition, The Wick Against Violence Program Lossures (NSC@lossures.org)
- The State University of New York Brooklyn Educational Opportunity Center (BEOC) (www.sunybeoc.org)
- NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Health New York Metro Area (NAMI HelpLine | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness)
- Growing Up NYC / Generation NYC NYC Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity – Growing Up NYC (cityofnewyork.us)
- Believe & Inspire (Spring Classes)- Program@BelieveAndispire.org
- The Brooklyn Public Library Macon Branch – Ms.Chiffon Stafford Librarian Information Supervisor (cstafford@bklynlibrary.org)
- NYC Children: The Division of Youth and Family Justice / The Family Assessment Program (Email Inquiries: FAPinquiry@acs.nyc.gov) (ACS – Family Assessment Program (nyc.gov)
- ACE Mentor Program of Greater New York (ACE Mentor Program of Greater NY :: Home (acementorny.org)
- Believe & Inspire / Fall 2021 Programs ( Home | Believeandinspire)
- The Marcy Lab School (The Marcy Lab School)
- The U.S. Navy/Navy Recruiting Station Downtown Brooklyn (Chinedu.m.darlington@navy.mil)
- One Hundred Black Men Of New York Inc, Junior One Hundred (About Us (ohbm.org))
- RiseBoro Community Partnership (RiseBoro | RB Bushwick)
- El Puente (El Puente de Williamsburg – Leaders for Peace and Justice)
- Restoration Plaza Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation – Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Coropration (restorationplaza.org)
- Girls Who Code (Girls Who Code | Home)
- Weeksville Heritage Center (Tours@WeeksvilleSociety.org)
- Professor Dane Peters Adjunct Lecturer at Brooklyn College and BMCC
- Medgar Evers College of The City University of New York (CUNY) Office of Evening & Weekend Programs (eveweekend@mec.cuny.edu)
- THE HOPE PROGRAM (https://www.thehopeprogram.org/)
- Believe & Inspire (https://believeandinspire.org/)
- NYC Department of Education Adult Education Program (https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/other-ways-to-graduate/adult-education)
- Black Mental Wellness (https://www.blackmentalwellness.com/)
- New York State Charter School Association (https://nycharters.net/)
- United States Census Bureau 2020 (https://2020census.gov/)
- Boulevard Home Care Associates (https://www.boulevardalp.com/)
- FDNY Fire Education Unit (https://www1.nyc.gov/site/fdny/education/fire-and-life-safety/fire-safety-education-program.page)
- OBT Opportunities for A Better Tomorrow (https://obtjobs.org/home/)
- Year Up (https://www.yearup.org/)
- Job Corps (https://www.jobcorps.gov/)
- Brooklyn Public Library (https://www.bklynlibrary.org/)
- Medgar Evers College School of Professional & Community Development (https://ares.mec.cuny.edu/academic-affairs/schools/)
- Legal Hand (http://www.legalhand.org/)
- Body and Soul Tattoo (https://bodyartsoul.com/brooklyn/)
- Chop & Chops Mixed Martial Arts (https://www.chopandchopsmma.com/)
MS. PINK'S PICKS
In this section you will find community resources, community happenings, parenting tips and more from your Parent Coordinator Ms. Pink.
PARENTING ARTICLES FROM YOUR PARENT COORDINATOR
- 8 Simple Ways to Help Students Struggling in School | NYMetroParents
- NYPL Opens New Teen Center in Midtown Manhattan | NYMetroParents
- Helping children cope: Tips for talking about tragedy – Mayo Clinic
- Communication Strategies for Parents of Children with ADHD – Child Development Institute (childdevelopmentinfo.com)
- Teen Parenting Tips (13-, 14-, 15-, 16-, 17-, and 18-Year-Olds) (verywellfamily.com)
- Preparing for College Mental Health, not Just Academics
- Helping Kids Get a Good Start in College | Child Mind Institute
- How to Help Yourself Get Organized | Child Mind Institute
- How Anxiety Affects Teenagers | Child Mind Institute
- How to Spot a Learning Delay — at Home | Mom.com
- THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS – CHILD & ADOLESCENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (CHILDANDADOLESCENT.ORG)
- How Parents Can Deal With the Stress of Virtual Education (verywellfamily.com)
- Coronavirus Latest Updates and Resources | Understood – For learning and thinking differences
- The 9 Best Educational Apps of 2021 (verywellfamily.com)
- High School Problems in the Pandemic: Getting a Teen to Complete School Work (additudemag.com)
- How to motivate students who are distance learning during COVID (article) | Khan Academy
- 6 Worries Families Have About This Year’s Back to School By Amanda Morin https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/choosing-starting-school/back-to-school/6-worries-families-have-about-this-years-back-to-school
- Back to School Anxiety in Kids: What to watch out For This Year By The Understood Team https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/choosing-starting-school/back-to-school/managing-back-to-school-anxiety
- Why and How To Partner With Your Child’s Teacher By Amanda Morin https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/partnering-with-childs-school/working-with-childs-teacher/why-its-important-to-partner-with-your-childs-teacher
- IEP and Special Education Terms By The Understood Team https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/special-services/ieps/iep-terms-to-know
- Distant Learning: 8 Tips To Help Your Child Learn At Home By Sean J, Smith PHD https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/learning-at-home/homework-study-skills/online-learning-how-to-prepare-child
- Been There, Been Through That…9 Tips for Parents of High Schoolers By Amy McCready https://community.today.com/parentingteam/post/been-there-been-through-that9-tips-for-parents-of-high-schoolers
- 5 Ways to Help Your Teen Be Successful In High School By Amy Morin https://www.verywellfamily.com/how-to-help-your-teen-succeed-in-school-4087561
- Video on Tips For Better Parent Teacher Communication https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKn49WSYDVg#action=share
- 10 Ways To Help Your Teen Succeed In School By Kathryn Hoffses PHD https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/school-help-teens.html
PARENT MEETING PHOTO GALLERY
2023-24 PLC Meetings
Parent Leadership Council (PLC) Virtual Meetings for
2023-2024 School Year
● September 28th, 2023 at 6pm
● October 26th, 2023 at 6pm
● November 30th, 2023 at 6pm
● December 21st, 2023 at 6pm
● January 25th, 2024 at 6pm
● February 29th, 2024 at 6pm
● March 28th, 2024 at 6pm
● April 25th, 2024 at 6pm
● May 30th, 2024 at 6pm
● June 20th, 2024 at 6pm