Pieter B. Coeymans
Elementary School
66 Church Street
Coeymans, NY 12045
518.756.5200 ext.4000
Hakim Jones,
Principal
News Headlines
Our Mission is to be an exemplary 21st–century learning community whose graduates are well prepared to excel in a complex, interconnected and changing world.
New Autism Family Support Group to meet on May 22, at A.W. Becker
The first meeting of the Autism Family Support Group will be from 6 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, at the A.W. Becker Elementary School, 1146 Route 9W, Selkirk.
The meeting is open to all RCS families, including pre-school families. [Read more]
Check out PBC's May-June newsletter (PDF)
PBC
Revolutionary War Reenactment
History came to life on the fields of PBC with patriots, muskets and cannon fire as the fifth grade unit on the American Revolution culminated in an annual Revolutionary War reenactment on Friday, May 3. [View Gallery]
PBC students donate "Birthday in a Bag" to St. Patrick's pantry
Celebrating a birthday is a big occasion for any family - but one that is made much more stressful when times are tough. Students at Pieter B. Coeymans decorated birthday bags and filled them with cake mix, frosting and other items to make that once-a year celebration a bit happier for area families. [Read more]
2013-14 calendar available; May 24, 2013 is a regular school day
Check out the 2013-14 calendar approved by the Board of Education. [download PDF]
PLEASE NOTE: Because of the emergency closing for the power outage on Monday, April 22, THE SCHEDULED CONTINGENT DAY ON FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2013 WILL BE A REGULAR SCHOOL DAY.
The 2013 Enrichment Nomination period is now open!
Teachers are currently in the process of nominating students for the Challenge Math (current grades 2-4) and Scholars (current grades 3-4) programs. [Read more]
Learning Fair and Math Fun Night a hit with students and parents
Students showed off their best work and parents got a little hands-on math experience during tonight's Learning Fair and Math Fun Night. [Read more]
Help
your student in grades 3-8 before he or she sits for the upcoming Common
Core tests
There are ways to cope with the new state tests that
students in grades 3-8 will take April 16-18 (ELA) and April 24-26
(mathematics). Check out this PDF brochure about tips for taking the
tests and how to relieve the inevitable stress.
Check out this video about the new state tests:
http://www.engageny.org/resource/video-for-parents-and-families-about-the-common-core-assessments
[Read more]
Wellness Community Walk scheduled for April 28
The RCS Wellness Committee is sponsoring the second annual Community Wellness Walk from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, at Joralemon Park, 144 Starr Road, Ravena. The purpose of the walk is to create an awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle for all community members in the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk school district. [Read more]
More than 100 RCS students to play in Solo Festival at Bethlehem Middle School on April 19 and 20
More than 100 elementary, middle school and high school musicians from RCS will participate in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Solo/Ensemble Evaluation Festival at Bethlehem Middle School on April 19th and 20th. [Read more]
Student artwork part of regional art show
The artwork of 14 Pieter B. Coeymans students will be featured in a regional art show at the National Museum of Racing in Saratoga Springs from now until April 12. [Read More]
Pieter B. Coeymans students and families help to meet the needs at Mohawk Hudson
After a two-week collection effort sponsored by the Student Council, PBC parents and students responded in a big way to make life a little easier for the dogs, cats and other animals at the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society in Menands. [Read More]
Events rescheduled to March 26
The Board of Education meeting, PBC's grade 5 band and chorus concert and A.W. Becker Kindergarten Orientation have been rescheduled to Tuesday, March 26. The orientation is at 6 p.m.; the board meeting and concert are at 7 p.m.
PBC
students challenged to read 100,000 minutes by March 25
Students at Pieter B. Coeymans are celebrating Read Across America during the month of March to celebrate the March 2 birthday of Dr. Seuss and his many wonderful children's books. [Read More]
March-April school newsletter available
[Download
the March-April 2013 newsletter]
PBC delayed opening caused by overheated backup power system
The start of school at Pieter B. Coeymans Elementary was delayed for two hours this morning - Thursday, March 7 - because of a strong odor in the building. Boilers and equipment were shut down as a safety measure. The fire department cleared the building and checked the air quality before turning the heating system back on and allowing staff to return. The odor was caused by the overheating/overcharging of a unit that serves as back-up emergency power for the phone system. The delay prevented students from sitting on school buses while the cause was being determined.
Having fun with fractions in fourth grade
There should not be a fraction of a doubt that grade 4 students at PBC know their fractions. The students recently created "fraction strips," pieces of paper that visually show them 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 and their relationship to each other. [Read More]
Ravena Swim Club competitive program begins April 15
The Ravena Swim Club's competitive swim program begins April 15. The program is designed for swimmers ages 6 to 18 and is held at the RCS High School Aquatics Center. For registration information, check out the club's website at http://www.ravenaswimclub.com.
Student
artwork on display for Black History Month
Twelve students at Pieter B. Coeymans Elementary School submitted artwork celebrating Black History Month that will be on display from Feb. 16-22 as part of Albany County's month-long celebration entitled “At the Crossroads of Freedom and Equality: The Emancipation Proclamation and the March on Washington.” [Read More]
Second graders researching food groups
Ask a second grader at PBC about healthy food, and they'll be able to tell you a lot - and that's without having ever tasted them! [Read More]
Seasonal flu information
Infants and young children are at a greater risk for getting seriously ill from the flu. Learn about the symptoms of influenza and find vaccine clinics and other resources to help keep your family healthy this flu season here.
Tomboys Softball to register players on Jan. 10 and 17
Already thinking about spring, Tomboys Softball will hold in-person registrations on January 10 and 17 at RCS Middle School and Bethlehem Town Hall. [Read More]
Tenth Annual Fun Fair For the Very Young
RCS Community Library’s Romp & Read and the RCS School District present the Tenth Annual Fun Fairs for the very young during RCS kindergarten and pre-K registration on Jan. 8 at AWB and Jan. 10 at PBC. [Read More]
Seniors
in Creating Writing class share larger lessons with Pieter B. Coeymans
students
Sally probably should have figured she was in for a tough day when her
toothbrush got stuck to her leg and wouldn't come off. Then the fruit
snacks...and the block...and the ball - all stuck themselves to her.
And this all happened on Sally's first day of first grade!
Grade
2 puts their finishing touches on their writing workshops
Students in Glenn Koblenzer's class, with the assistant of teaching assistant Beth Stott, completed their writing workshop projects this week. [Read More]
PBC student artwork on display at Empire State Plaza
The peace-themed work of PBC artists is on display at the Concourse of the Empire State Plaza for a Martin Luther King Jr. art exhibit running from Jan. 14-Feb. 2013. If you visit the Plaza please look for work by: Breona Dragon, Makenna Deitz, Alexis Mancini, Brody White, Ciara Smith, Caelin Newkirk, Riley King, Emma Porlier, Daniel Barry, Tyler Evans-Roe, Rachel Williams, Cheyanne DeLisle, Aniya Holder, Shane Racey, Jesse VanValkenburg, Hailey Tracey, Maeve Newkirk, Cassidy Green, Catherine Johnson, Chesnie Waddingham, Andrew Spinner, Daedalus Boivin, Gavin Derway, and Padraig McTigue.
October and November Newsletters are available online
[download November 2012 pbc newsletter - pdf]
[download October 2012 pbc newsletter - pdf]
Fifth Grade Chorus prepares to spread musical cheer
The afternoon of Dec. 20 will be filled with holiday cheer, as the Pieter B. Coeymans Fifth Grade Chorus heads out to the local community for a caroling trip. The chorus, directed by Debbie McAllister, will be singing seasonal favorites up and down Main street, spreading good cheer to local businesses. Look for the carolers between 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Students will return to Pieter B. in time to take the afternoon bus home.
PBC students become part of famous paintings for Halloween
Students in the Nature Art Club didn't just get into costumes and play a part for Halloween - they became part of a famous painting. [Read More]
The
Votes Have Been Cast at PBC
Polls closed Monday afternoon for Pieter B. Coeymans student voters, who participated in a mock presidental election in the elementary school's cafeteria. Results to follow. Have you done your civic duty?
Stand Together Against Bullying Poster Contest
When the Town of Coeymans declared October to be Bully Free Month in the community, they decided to partner with Pieter B. Coeymans Elementary to celebrate. [Read More]
Coeymans
Fire Department Brings Safety Lesson to PBC
The pumper truck parked outside Pieter B. Coeymans Elementary on Friday, Oct. 19, wasn't there to put out fires, but to bring a crew of fire fighters to the school for a firsthand lesson in fire safety and prevention. [Read More and View Gallery]
PBC Artists Featured in Magic Dragon Magazine
The work of nine PBC artists from last year's third, fourth and fifth grades has been published in the most recent issue of Magic Dragon magazine, a quarterly magazine featuring writing and art created by children. Congratulations PBC artists! [View Gallery]
A Hero's Welcome
Mrs. Crowns's class welcomed Staff Sergeant Matt Swisher--better known as Dad to Riley Swisher--home from Afghanistan, where he was deployed with the 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment of the Army National Guard. [Read More and View Gallery]
Back To School Handbook
Our parent-student handbook, which contains our contact information, school policies, code of conduct, annual notifications and more, is available online. [Download Handbook]
Our First Day in Film
Welcome back to the classes of 2013 to 2025!
Back-to-School Supply Lists Now Available
Get a jump start on stocking up for back to school! Grade 1-5 supply lists are now available here, and the Kindergarten supply list here.
Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies Meeting With Parents Aug. 1
PBC Principal Hakim Jones and PBIS Specialist Pat Gogol will hold a meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 1 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the PBC cafeteria to discuss what parents can expect from the implementation of Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies in our schools and how families can help support the initiative. For more information visit www.pbis.org. We hope to see you there!
May Newsletter
[download Nay 2012 pbc newsletter - pdf]
National Talk To Your Kids Day
April 21 is the Partnership for Drug Free America's "National Talk your Kids Day," a day designated to promote open and honest discussion about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. RCS encourages all parents to take part in this nationwide initiative to engage in difficult but critical conversations with our children. [Learn More]
April Newsletter
[download April 2012 pbc newsletter - pdf]
New York State Assessments Begin April 17
New York State testing for students in grades 3-8 begins Tuesday, April 17. It is important your child be in attendance for all assessments. Please review the testing schedule and letter from Principal Hakim Jones [Read Letter - PDF] [View full schedule - PDF]
Dress Code Reminder
As the weather gets warmer, it's important we remember our school maintains a dress code to ensure the safety and dignity of all our students and to encourage a positive learning environment. [READ MORE]
STARS Intergen Honors PBC Teachers
Stars Intergen Inc. awarded certificates of appreciation to thirteen P.B. Coeymans teachers who have welcomed STARS volunteers into their classrooms and after school homework clubs. [Read More]
Photo Finish!
Congratulations to Hailey Mitchell, who won first place in the 2012 Horsing Around With the Arts show at Saratoga Racing Museum, and to fellow PBC artists, Naja Davis, Annabelle Conover, Jordan Cole, Gillian Burch, and Julia Kowalski, whose works were selected for the juried exhibition. Read the News-Herald story here or [View Gallery]
Parents and Students Indulge in Reading at Literacy Night
On Tuesday, Feb. 28, third and fourth grade students from PBC came out with their families to enjoy an evening of "Chocolate Indulgence"-themed literacy celebration. [Read More]
March is Fairness Month
The Character education pillar at PBC for March is Fairness. We'll be talking with students about what fairness means to them. The PBC quote of the month is “Live so that when people think of fairness they think of you.” As we learn about fairness, we encourage our families to talk together about what fairness means to you.
The Eating Healthy Show Comes to PBC
On Thursday, March 8, Steve Charney and his pal Harry will show PBC kids how fun it can be to eat healthier through an exciting assembly featuring magic, music and ventriloquism. [Read More]
Principal Hakim Jones Returns Jan. 30
Welcome back to Principal Hakim Jones, who returns to PBC from special assignment on Monday, Jan. 30. Acting Principal Karen Miller will resume her duties as Content Specialist in mathematics and teacher of academic intervention service in mathematics. [Letter From Principal Hakim Jones - PDF]
PBC Implementing New Student Dropoff Plan
Beginning Jan. 30 we will be implementing a new student drop off plan in an effort to improve student safety. Details are provided in the following letter from Principal Karen Miller, which will be sent home with all PBC students. [Letter from Acting Principal Karen Miller - PDF]
January Newsletter
[download January 2012 pbc newsletter - pdf]
Art Is Out There
Congratulations to our budding PBC artists! Student work will be on display in the Siena College Martin Luther King Jr. show on Friday, Jan. 13 in Siena's Sarazen Student Union from 4-6 p.m. and at the National Museum of Racing in Saratoga as part of Horsing Around for the Arts on Feb. 24 from 6-8 p.m.
PBC Student Council Raises more than $3,000 for Regional Foodbank
The Pieter B. Coeymans
Fifth Grade Student Council's "Change to Make
a Change" fundraiser collected $3,249 for the Regional Foodbank of
NENY. The donation will help the foodbank provide more than $30,000
worth of food to families in need.
[READ MORE]
PBC enters "Healthy Changes Everything" Video Contest
Pieter B. Coeymans Elementary School recently entered BlueShield of Northeastern New York's "Healthy Changes Everything" Video Contest. [view video on you tube]
PBC takes part in NYS Senate’s Thanksgiving Day Creative Celebration
PBC students recently took some time in art classes to express what they are thankful for over the past year. The school submitted entries to the New York State Senate’s Thanksgiving Day Creative Celebration Showcase. [READ MORE]
December Newsletter
[download december 2011 pbc newsletter - pdf]
"Rhyme Time Literacy Night" at PBC
Universal Pre-K and kindergarten students from Pieter B. Coeymans Elementary School recently came out with their families to enjoy “Rhyme Time Literacy Night,” which focused on integrating nursery rhymes throughout the curriculum. [see photo gallery]
Second graders experience a rural community at Feura Farms
Recently, second grade students from Pieter B. Coeymans Elementary journeyed to Stanton’s Feura Farms to explore farm life and experience a rural community. [READ MORE]
PBC students recognized for
high scores on state exams
On Nov. 1, the RCS Board of Education recognized 56 students from Pieter B. Coeymans Elementary who achieved a level 4 on one or more of the NY State exams taken last spring. [READ MORE]
PBC students 'run for fun' in annual cross country race
On Oct. 21, Pieter B. Coeymans students in fourth- and fifth-grade challenged themselves in the school's sixth annual Cross Country Run—all while having fun. [READ MORE]
Angie's
Angels participate in breast cancer walk
Six years ago, faculty and staff from Pieter B. Coeymans Elementary started a team, Angie's Angels, in memory of long-time employee, Angie Stott. Each year, the team participates in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. This year, the team ended up raising over $400! [READ MORE]
Seasonal flu guide for parents
The New York State Health Department has released its flu guide for the 2011-2012 school year. [informational guide from nys department of health - pdf]
PBC student artwork published in children's magazine
Three students—Juliann Banahan, Grace Riley Bullard and Briana Mackey—from Pieter B. Coeymans Elementary School had their artwork published in the Spring 2011 issue of the "Magic Dragon," a children's magazine which showcases student writing and artwork. [READ MORE]
Back-to-School Information Packet for parents and students
To start the 2011-12 school year off right, Pieter B. Coeymans has provided a Back-to-School Information Packet for parents and students with everything from a staff roster and school hours to PTO information and the dress code. [download packet - pdf]
2011-12 district calendar
In response to feedback from district residents, the 2011-12 calendar will not be mailed to households this year. The calendar will be sent home with elementary students, will be available at all school buildings, and can be download here [PDF]. This new approach is saving the district in printing, production and postage costs.
EVENTS Calendar
May 21
2013-14 Budget and Board of Education vote
May 23
PBC Habitat Celebration
May 24
Contingent Day School WILL BE in session because of the emergency closure on April 22.
May 27
Memorial Day (observed)
NO SCHOOL
May 29
PBC Gr. 4 Science Performance Assessment
June 3
Gr. 4 and 8 Science Written Assessment
June 4
PBC Gr. 5 Band/Chorus Spring Concert, 7 p.m., PBC
Board of Education meeting, 7 p.m., HS
June 6
MS/HS Instrumental Assembly for
gr. 3-5, 9:45 a.m.
June 12
PTO meeting, 6:30 p.m., PBC
PBC Gr. 1 and 3 Spring Concert,
7 p.m., HS
June 14
PBC Field Day
Flag Day
June 18
Board of Education meeting, 7 p.m., HS
June 20
Elementary schools dismiss at
12:30 p.m.
June 21
Tentative Last Day of School
Elementary schools dismiss at
12:30 p.m.
Elementary Report Cards
End of fourth marking period
Summer begins
June 22
Class of 2013 Graduation, 9 a.m., State Convention Center
July 4
Independence Day, District Offices Closed
July 9
Ramadan begins
August 9
Eid al Fitr
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