HOMESTEAD SCHOOL NEWS

 Homestead November 2026 Newsletter

I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful fall weather and all of the fun that comes along with the season! The PTA has been very active during the last month at Homestead. There are also a lot of amazing events coming up in November that I can’t wait to share with you! 

Thank you so much for joining us at our Homestead PTA meeting.  It was great to see so many of you attending in person and via zoom.  We really enjoyed having Amy Callahan, LCSW from Northwell Health, share information with us about positive parenting.  If you missed the meeting, check out the live recording here. 

I also wanted to thank all of you who attended the All Schools PTA Meeting on October 21st! Homestead’s two PTA grant applications were approved by the membership.  Get ready for a Bike Rack and a morning bins pilot program in some of our classes! 

I am still looking for a few volunteers for the Parade of Heroes Event on Tuesday, November 10 and Make Up Picture Day on Friday, November 13th.  If you are interested in volunteering, please email me at homestead@gardencitypta.org. 

Important Reminders 

1. Don’t forget to wear red, white, and blue on Tuesday, November 10 for our Parade of Heroes! 
2. If you have a veteran in your family who you would like to celebrate at Homestead’s Parade of Heroes please fill out this Google Form ASAP! 
3. Kindergarten Families - don’t forget about the upcoming Thanksgiving Performances! 
4. Save the Date for Homestead’s Winter Festival performances on December 16th and 17th! 
5. Check out these pictures of items in the Lost & Found.  Please email Mrs. Schneider at schneiders@gsufsd.net to claim. 

Committee Updates

Reflections

On Friday, October 16th, Reflections Committee members read “Where Are You From?” to students in each classroom as a way to encourage students to participate in the Reflections competition for this year and help them get a better understanding of this year’s theme! 

Reflections is a nationally acclaimed student recognition program to encourage artistic creativity in the classroom and at home. This year’s theme is “What My Culture Means to Me” and the program is open for submissions until Wednesday, November 4th. Thank you to Homestead’s Reflections Rep, Erica Murphy, for decorating our submission box, which can be found in the main lobby of Homestead. Entries can be submitted online (except Visual Arts) or physically dropped off in our Reflections box. Entry form and submission requirements here - don’t forget your artist statement and remember to sign your form. We can’t wait to see what you submit this year!

Pick A Reading Partner (PARP)

Join PARP when school is closed on Tuesday, November 3rd at the Bellmore Playhouse for a screening of COCO! Advanced registration and payment is required to secure your spot. Your $10 ticket includes admission, small popcorn and beverage. Click here to register. 

On Tuesday, November 17th, PARP will also be hosting a Scholastic Book Fair at Stewart School from 4pm-7pm.  

Family Fun

Thank you so much for joining us for the Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee on Friday, October 30th.  This event, led by Committee Chair Jennifer Martin, was a huge success! We had over 35 AMAZING volunteers who made the day possible.  We are also so grateful for all of the families who made contributions to this event and allowed us to implement some brand new ideas this year.  

The parent/guardian participation was phenomenal and created a truly special family friendly environment. 

Health & Safety

The Indoor Recess Bins have been restocked and are already in use by our students! Thank you all for your generous contributions! Kerry McKeever, Committee Chair, and the committee did an amazing job organizing the bins and making sure there was something of interest for everyone in each bin.  This year, each class has the same bin with a variety of art supplies, building supplies, imaginative play items, games, and more! We also have a few “specialty bins” which include additional building materials, pretend play items, hot wheels, etc. 

We also hope you had an opportunity to check out the information in the lobby about the Teal Pumpkin Project which provides information and awareness about how to support individuals with food allergies around Halloween! 

Beautification

If you have been to Homestead this month, I am sure you were blown away by the beautiful decorations surrounding the school! Our beautification committee, led by Lindsay Finneran and Elle Hafsteinsson, have created a stunning display.  Thank you to the committee members who assisted in decorating, the families who contributed toward Fall Beautification, and our UPK students and teachers who are responsible for watering the live flowers! Check out the pictures here. 

Sportswear

Don’t forget to order your Newport Knits GC Sweater by Wednesday, November 4th! As a reminder, all orders placed during the Fall Sportswear Sale will be available for pickup on Saturday, November 14th from 9am-12pm at the Middle School. 

Photography

Hopefully you have all received your proofs to your email! Photo Make-Up Day is on Friday, November 13th for any students that were absent or require a retake. Be on the lookout for the signup link from your class parents! Any questions or concerns about proofs or photos, please contact the district Photography Chair, Stephanie Cohen, at photography@gardencitypta.com. 

Service Learning 

A huge thank you to all of the students and staff who participated in SOCKtober benefitting The Mary Brennan INN! Keep an eye on your inbox for our next Service Learning Project.  As a reminder, we are still looking for two more volunteers for our Service Learning Committee! 

 Thank you for being a part of the Homestead family. Always feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like to discuss any concerns. Wishing you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving. 

Jessica Mullins 

Garden City PTA 

Homestead Director

homestead@gardencitypta.org

www.gardencitypta.org

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