Click on the sections below to learn more about the TAG school experience.
TAG GENERAL INFORMATION
The Talented and Gifted School for Young Scholars is located in East Harlem. Founded in 1999 as an elementary school, and expanded in 2004 to include a middle school, TAG serves students in grades K-8. Students must pass an admissions exam to gain acceptance, as per gifted and talented requirements set forth by the New York City Department of Education. Siblings will be granted placement priority if they score in the 97th percentile or higher. TAG is an unzoned school that accepts qualified applicants from all boroughs - one of five “citywide” gifted and talented schools. Its population varies from year to year, but typically it educates about 560 students in its nine grades.
TAG incorporates best instructional practices from across the nation, including those aimed at gifted and talented students. Differentiated instruction for accelerated and struggling learners is an essential part of school culture. That culture blends traditional elements, such as school uniforms and routine homework, with progressive elements, such as group work and student-centered (as opposed to teacher-centered) classrooms.
TAG 8th graders take Regents exams in science, math, and Spanish, and many of our 8th graders gain acceptance into the city’s specialized high schools and private schools, including Stuyvesant, Bronx High School of Science, Brooklyn Technical, Beacon, and Hunter, among many others.
TAG is located in the Tito Puente Education Complex at 240 East 109th Street, between 2nd and 3rd avenues. TAG shares the campus with two other schools for 2017-2018: Esperanza Preparatory Academy, and The District 75 Burke School M138. The auditorium, cafeteria, dance studio, gym, and library are shared among schools, but common spaces are scheduled in a way that prevents overlap.
TAG incorporates best instructional practices from across the nation, including those aimed at gifted and talented students. Differentiated instruction for accelerated and struggling learners is an essential part of school culture. That culture blends traditional elements, such as school uniforms and routine homework, with progressive elements, such as group work and student-centered (as opposed to teacher-centered) classrooms.
TAG 8th graders take Regents exams in science, math, and Spanish, and many of our 8th graders gain acceptance into the city’s specialized high schools and private schools, including Stuyvesant, Bronx High School of Science, Brooklyn Technical, Beacon, and Hunter, among many others.
TAG is located in the Tito Puente Education Complex at 240 East 109th Street, between 2nd and 3rd avenues. TAG shares the campus with two other schools for 2017-2018: Esperanza Preparatory Academy, and The District 75 Burke School M138. The auditorium, cafeteria, dance studio, gym, and library are shared among schools, but common spaces are scheduled in a way that prevents overlap.
TEACHER COMMUNICATION
Teachers will provide an email address for direct contact. Parents can send the teacher a note in your child's daily homework folder. Teachers accompany students to pickup in the yard after school and are generally available then for informal chats. Parents with problems that remain unresolved can speak with Ms. Bruno, the parent coordinator.
In addition, each class has Class Parents, who serve as liaisons between the PTA, other families, and the teachers and work with teachers to assist in coordinating ways for parents to help the class (arranging class parties, chaperone field trips, etc.). Please note that class parents are not involved with academic or disciplinary matters. For more information, please contact the Membership Committee.
In addition, each class has Class Parents, who serve as liaisons between the PTA, other families, and the teachers and work with teachers to assist in coordinating ways for parents to help the class (arranging class parties, chaperone field trips, etc.). Please note that class parents are not involved with academic or disciplinary matters. For more information, please contact the Membership Committee.
SCHOOL LOGISTICS
School Hours
TAG hours for 2017-2018 are from 8:05 a.m. to 2:25 p.m. School hours are subject to change from year to year. The first day of school will be September 7th, 2017. DOE has released the 2017-2018 School Calendar.
Recess
A daily recess period of approximately 25 minutes is held in the school yards during the lunch hour. Students alternate eating in the cafeteria and playing in the school yards by grade, with K-4 students eating and playing together and 5-8 students eating and playing together. School yards are only accessible to TAG students during these periods; K-2 children play in the lower yard. A school safety officer and school PE aide chaperone the children. Equipment includes balls, jump ropes, hula hoops, and more. Recess is held outdoors unless the weather is inclement, in which case students spend the recess in the Auditorium. Personal sporting goods such as balls or jump ropes must be approved by the child’s teacher and Erica Arias, community coordinator. Items must be labeled with the child’s name and classroom. The school is not responsible for lost items.
TAG hours for 2017-2018 are from 8:05 a.m. to 2:25 p.m. School hours are subject to change from year to year. The first day of school will be September 7th, 2017. DOE has released the 2017-2018 School Calendar.
Recess
A daily recess period of approximately 25 minutes is held in the school yards during the lunch hour. Students alternate eating in the cafeteria and playing in the school yards by grade, with K-4 students eating and playing together and 5-8 students eating and playing together. School yards are only accessible to TAG students during these periods; K-2 children play in the lower yard. A school safety officer and school PE aide chaperone the children. Equipment includes balls, jump ropes, hula hoops, and more. Recess is held outdoors unless the weather is inclement, in which case students spend the recess in the Auditorium. Personal sporting goods such as balls or jump ropes must be approved by the child’s teacher and Erica Arias, community coordinator. Items must be labeled with the child’s name and classroom. The school is not responsible for lost items.
|
Attendance
|
"A" - Lower yard, K-5 dismissal location. Red arrow indicates entrance to the lower yard. Point "B" - 6-8th dismissal location.
|
Lost and found
Most teachers have lost & found bins in their classrooms. The school’s lost & found bin is a large grey container located in Ms. Bruno’s office. Iron-on name labels can be purchased at Mabel's Labels; a percentage of each purchase will be donated to the PTA.
Delays or Unexpected Closings
Parents receive Robo Calls from the Principal regarding any school delays or closings. Sign-up for “Notify NYC” to receive NYC emergency announcements, including school delays, closings, and early dismissals.
Security & Safety
Parents wishing to enter the school need to sign in and provide identification to the NYPD School Safety desk in the lobby at the main entrance.
In case of Emergency
TAG strictly follows the NYC DOE’s General Response Protocol.
Most teachers have lost & found bins in their classrooms. The school’s lost & found bin is a large grey container located in Ms. Bruno’s office. Iron-on name labels can be purchased at Mabel's Labels; a percentage of each purchase will be donated to the PTA.
Delays or Unexpected Closings
Parents receive Robo Calls from the Principal regarding any school delays or closings. Sign-up for “Notify NYC” to receive NYC emergency announcements, including school delays, closings, and early dismissals.
Security & Safety
Parents wishing to enter the school need to sign in and provide identification to the NYPD School Safety desk in the lobby at the main entrance.
In case of Emergency
TAG strictly follows the NYC DOE’s General Response Protocol.
STUDENT MEALS
TAG serves free breakfast in the cafeteria from 7:30 - 7:50 a.m, and lunch during 5th period. All families are asked to complete a School Lunch Application even if your child will not be eligible for free lunch (federal funding for the school is calculated using information from this form). Students may bring lunches made at home or purchase lunch at school.
AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS AT TAG
TAG offers various free and fee-based after school programs. Registration and details for all programs are available in the beginning of each school year (September).
Elementary Section / Grades K-5:
Due to COVID-19 Vanderbilt YMCA/COMPASS operates Monday -Friday in person service 2:00pm to 5:00 pm. Remote service from 2:30pm-4:30 pm. Children in the Y receive a cold snack , homework help, expressive arts, SEL and elective classes that supports STEM, ELA, Math, Social Studies, that aligned with the Common Core Standards. In addition, the Y provides Holiday Camp when school is closed (selected Holidays) & Summer Camp. To register click link for online enrollment HERE
Please contact Ms. Lorraine Santana for additional information at (917) 575-4021 or email lsantana@ymcanyc.org
Middle School Section / Grades 6-8:
Due to COVID_19 The Vanderbilt YMCA / SONYC operates Monday -Friday in person 2:00pm to 5:00 pm and Remote service from 2:30pm-4:30pm. We offer, cold snack, a club-based activities that provides engaging and enriching activities based on the current Common Core, Math Club, STEM, and literacy standards in education. Students select clubs based on their interests, and pick 4 different elective periods over the span of the school year. To register click link for online enrollment HERE
For additional information, please contact Ms. Jessica Harris-Avila at (646) 369-9130 or email [email protected]
The PTA's Enrichment Committee also offers free & fee-based after-school programs for all TAG students. Available programs include are listed below and can change year by year:
In addition, TAG provides a Latin Jazz Ensemble for Middle School students.
Elementary Section / Grades K-5:
Due to COVID-19 Vanderbilt YMCA/COMPASS operates Monday -Friday in person service 2:00pm to 5:00 pm. Remote service from 2:30pm-4:30 pm. Children in the Y receive a cold snack , homework help, expressive arts, SEL and elective classes that supports STEM, ELA, Math, Social Studies, that aligned with the Common Core Standards. In addition, the Y provides Holiday Camp when school is closed (selected Holidays) & Summer Camp. To register click link for online enrollment HERE
Please contact Ms. Lorraine Santana for additional information at (917) 575-4021 or email lsantana@ymcanyc.org
Middle School Section / Grades 6-8:
Due to COVID_19 The Vanderbilt YMCA / SONYC operates Monday -Friday in person 2:00pm to 5:00 pm and Remote service from 2:30pm-4:30pm. We offer, cold snack, a club-based activities that provides engaging and enriching activities based on the current Common Core, Math Club, STEM, and literacy standards in education. Students select clubs based on their interests, and pick 4 different elective periods over the span of the school year. To register click link for online enrollment HERE
For additional information, please contact Ms. Jessica Harris-Avila at (646) 369-9130 or email [email protected]
The PTA's Enrichment Committee also offers free & fee-based after-school programs for all TAG students. Available programs include are listed below and can change year by year:
- Chess instruction by NYChess Kids (fee-based)
- Piano lessons by Beehive Music Academy (fee-based)
- Debate Team by NYC Urban Debate League (Debate instruction provided by AGAPE Leaders Institute) (free)
- Mandarin by Manhattan Mandarin (fee-based)
- Middle School Theater by Shakespeare in Schools (free)
In addition, TAG provides a Latin Jazz Ensemble for Middle School students.
PRIVATE & YELLOW BUSES
|
MANHATTAN - Public
Public yellow school buses provide free service to TAG students who live in select Manhattan locations. The following map shows the stops made during the 2018-19 school year. Click HERE to open the map in a separate window. Click HERE for the most up-to-date information on yellow school bus stop locations. Transportation applications will be sent home the first day of school. You may contact Ms. Maritza Apellaniz, TAG Transportation Coordinator, before the end of June or again starting the last week of August. Maritza Apellaniz (TAG Transportation Coordinator)
For any additional transportation questions or issues, please contact: Office of Pupil Transportation Customer Service Unit (Have your child’s student ID number handy)
|
|
MANHATTAN (Washington Heights Area) - Private
To serve TAG students in Washington Heights, Inwood, and lower Riverdale, TAG parents have volunteered to manage bus services provided by a private school bus company. For the 2021-2022 school year: the monthly fee is $485 per child per month round trip or $325 per child per month one way. Fees are subject to change each academic year. The buses run on an Express Stop Model and not to each house/apt door.
To inquire about getting private bus service for your student in the Washington Heights/Inwood/lower Riverdale area, or for further information, contact Adam Scally (Washington Heights Area Bus Coordinators, TAG Parents).
BRONX - Private
For school bus service in the Bronx, send an e-mail to Earl Hickman of Earl's Transportation or phone him at 914-774-9391 to inquire about rates and available routes. The buses run on an Express Stop Model and not to each house/apt door.
To serve TAG students in Washington Heights, Inwood, and lower Riverdale, TAG parents have volunteered to manage bus services provided by a private school bus company. For the 2021-2022 school year: the monthly fee is $485 per child per month round trip or $325 per child per month one way. Fees are subject to change each academic year. The buses run on an Express Stop Model and not to each house/apt door.
To inquire about getting private bus service for your student in the Washington Heights/Inwood/lower Riverdale area, or for further information, contact Adam Scally (Washington Heights Area Bus Coordinators, TAG Parents).
BRONX - Private
For school bus service in the Bronx, send an e-mail to Earl Hickman of Earl's Transportation or phone him at 914-774-9391 to inquire about rates and available routes. The buses run on an Express Stop Model and not to each house/apt door.
|
QUEENS - Private
To serve TAG students in Queens, TAG parents have volunteered to manage bus services provided by private school bus companies. During the 2018-19 school year, there are two different Queens area routes managed by a TAG parent. The current price is $300 per child per month. The buses run on an Express Stop Model and not to each house/apt door. The following map shows the stops made during the 2018-19 school year. Click HERE to open the map in a separate window. To inquire about purchasing private bus service for your student in the Queens area, or for further information, see the following: Anna Yu (Queens Bus Coordinator, TAG Parent) Peter Coritsidis (Queens Bus Coordinator, TAG Parent) Earl Hickman of Earl's Transportation 914-774-9391 |
|
ON-SITE SUPPORTS
TAG’s Main Office number is 212-860-6003.
Parent Coordinator, Ms. Brianna Bova can be reached at 212-860-6003, ext. 1061.
Counseling & Medical
TAG’s Mt. Sinai School Based Health Center is open from 8:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. The clinic is staffed by Dr. Kenya M. Parks and Dr. Jennifer Chase; School Social Worker Luisaily Marmolejos, LMSW; and Medical Assistant Juanita Gonzalez. You can reach the clinic by phone at (212) 824-8169.
Also available at TAG are School Psychologist Ryan Harvin; speech therapists; and Guidance Counselors Michelle Yrigoyen and Emely Burgos (Mon. & Tues.)
Additional details available on the Health Services page.
Translation
The city’s Department of Education offers free telephone interpretation services. They are available to all DOE personnel who come into contact with limited-English-proficient parents. Services are available between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (except holidays). Hours are extended during scheduled parent-teacher conferences. Call 718-752-7373 for interpretation services in 150 languages. Press "4" to request an interpreter.
Parent Coordinator, Ms. Brianna Bova can be reached at 212-860-6003, ext. 1061.
Counseling & Medical
TAG’s Mt. Sinai School Based Health Center is open from 8:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. The clinic is staffed by Dr. Kenya M. Parks and Dr. Jennifer Chase; School Social Worker Luisaily Marmolejos, LMSW; and Medical Assistant Juanita Gonzalez. You can reach the clinic by phone at (212) 824-8169.
Also available at TAG are School Psychologist Ryan Harvin; speech therapists; and Guidance Counselors Michelle Yrigoyen and Emely Burgos (Mon. & Tues.)
Additional details available on the Health Services page.
Translation
The city’s Department of Education offers free telephone interpretation services. They are available to all DOE personnel who come into contact with limited-English-proficient parents. Services are available between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (except holidays). Hours are extended during scheduled parent-teacher conferences. Call 718-752-7373 for interpretation services in 150 languages. Press "4" to request an interpreter.
PREPARING FOR SCHOOL
Kindergarten
Kindergartners come to school with many levels of knowledge, and TAG aims to educate them all with differentiated curricula that address the varying strengths and weaknesses of each student. Children entering kindergarten would benefit from being able to write their names, recognize most letters of the alphabet, and count and recognize numbers 1 through 10. Additional experiences they receive at home, such as regular reading, cutting with scissors, and fine motor activities, will greatly benefit them.
The transition to kindergarten can be tough for some children. TAG PTA is organizing two summer playdates to help new students make friends early, easing the transition, please sign-up! And, since TAG students come from all over New York City, once the year starts families often devote energy to creating play dates allowing classmates to meet outside of school.
Summer slide
The “summer slide” is a phenomenon in which some children lose reading skills during months of vacation, meaning they can begin the school year behind where they finished last spring. Reading during the summer can combat this. New York City Public Library's Summer Reading Challenge recommends age-appropriate reading lists and makes it easy for families to log completed books and measure reading time.
The New York Public Library’s catalog is easy to use. Library card applications can be downloaded and taken to any branch, including the one closest to TAG, the Aguilar Branch at 174 East 110th St., between Lexington and 3rd avenues.
Kindergartners come to school with many levels of knowledge, and TAG aims to educate them all with differentiated curricula that address the varying strengths and weaknesses of each student. Children entering kindergarten would benefit from being able to write their names, recognize most letters of the alphabet, and count and recognize numbers 1 through 10. Additional experiences they receive at home, such as regular reading, cutting with scissors, and fine motor activities, will greatly benefit them.
The transition to kindergarten can be tough for some children. TAG PTA is organizing two summer playdates to help new students make friends early, easing the transition, please sign-up! And, since TAG students come from all over New York City, once the year starts families often devote energy to creating play dates allowing classmates to meet outside of school.
Summer slide
The “summer slide” is a phenomenon in which some children lose reading skills during months of vacation, meaning they can begin the school year behind where they finished last spring. Reading during the summer can combat this. New York City Public Library's Summer Reading Challenge recommends age-appropriate reading lists and makes it easy for families to log completed books and measure reading time.
The New York Public Library’s catalog is easy to use. Library card applications can be downloaded and taken to any branch, including the one closest to TAG, the Aguilar Branch at 174 East 110th St., between Lexington and 3rd avenues.