I Cannot Go To School Today

by Shel Silverstein

"I cannot go to school today"
Said little Peggy Ann McKay.
"I have the measles and the mumps,
A gash, a rash and purple bumps.

My mouth is wet, my throat is dry.
I'm going blind in my right eye.
My tonsils are as big as rocks,
I've counted sixteen chicken pox.

And there's one more - that's seventeen,
And don't you think my face looks green?
My leg is cut, my eyes are blue,
It might be the instamatic flu.

I cough and sneeze and gasp and choke,
I'm sure that my left leg is broke.
My hip hurts when I move my chin,
My belly button's caving in.

My back is wrenched, my ankle's sprained,
My 'pendix pains each time it rains.
My toes are cold, my toes are numb,
I have a sliver in my thumb.

My neck is stiff, my voice is weak,
I hardly whisper when I speak.
My tongue is filling up my mouth,
I think my hair is falling out.

My elbow's bent, my spine ain't straight,
My temperature is one-o-eight.
My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear,
There's a hole inside my ear.

I have a hangnail, and my heart is ...

What?

What's that? What's that you say?
You say today is .............. Saturday?

G'bye, I'm going out to play!"

It's winter break...no more classes, no more finals, no more papers...at least for a while!

Everyone in New School Student Housing and Residence Life wishes you Happy Holidays and hopes you enjoy the Winter Break. In the spirit of Penny Ann McKay...make sure to go out and play today!

The Moon is Brighter at 20th Street

Congratulations to Kristina Koelle and Morgane Moulherat, the 20th Street RAs who implemented the November Program of The Month - "Moon over Manhattan"! The event was co-sponsored by William Street RA, Jeff Barton, 20th Street Hall Council, The ActiveMinds student organization and New School staff members Eric Garrison and Mike Corbett.

Students who attended this event were provided with a relaxing environment where they learned techniques that focused on health and wellness and taking care of ones self during tough academic times such as mid-terms and finals. Active Minds, a peer health education group on campus, worked with the RAs to make "mar-TEA-ni's" (tea-based mocktails). Students also found a stress ball-making station set up for them and were invited to participate in a live Jazz session.

Having staff members at this event allowed opportunities for residents to speak with professionals at the University to learn more about campus resources and how residents can find support throughout the year when times get tough. Among the resources discussed were The University Writing Center, Student Health Services and Career Development.

Runners up for November's program of the month include:
Rock Band Night at 13th Street hosted by RA Mark Josephson and the 13th Street Hall Council; Flava of Loeb sponsored by the Loeb Hall staff; Poetry Slam at William Street sponsored by RA, Jeff Barton and resident Imani Sutton; and Dodgeball at Stuy Park hosted by RAs Markesha McCoy and Katie Saunders. Congratulations everyone!

This Holiday Season – Recycle, Reuse and Re-invent Your Holiday Spending!

The school year is half way complete, and by now you've become enlightened on what it means to be a college student in New York City. For example, you know that taking taxis everyday and shopping for groceries only at Whole Foods are two sure fire ways to drain your bank account quickly. But just because you've adjusted your daily habits to cut costs doesn't mean you won't be tempted to spend spend spend this holiday season! So before you head home for the break, use these tips to help you curb your shopping appetite. After all, Mom and Dad can't be too proud of all those A+s if there are minus signs in front of your bank account balance!

Get in the Holiday Spirit, for Free!

New York City is notorious for holiday sightseeing and events. Free options include enjoying the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, admiring the window decorations on 5th Avenue, watching the nightly lighting of the giant menorah on 5th and 59th during Hanukkah, and of course, visiting Santa at Macy’s Herald Square. Not big into tradition? Well that's okay, too! Check out some unique and diverse activities, like the parading boom box carolers of Unsilent Night, the 500 tuba players at Rockefeller Center for Tuba Christmas, or celebrate the seven principles of Kwanza at the Museum of Natural History .

Get into Giving Gear and Donate!

Perhaps your dorm room is looking a little cluttered. When's the last time you wore those floral platform wedges, anyway? Help out your community (and spare your roommate some extra space!) by donating this season - and you can do it all right from your residence hall! Check out the bins in your lobby and drop off some coats, clothes, and canned goods.

Swapping Equals Saving

Not sure who to buy for this year? Spare yourself the torture of deciding which friends make the gift list by doing a group exchange. Have a Secret Snowflake Swap and set a price limit. Or be sustainable and do a White Elephant gift exchange...for once, re-gifting is encouraged! For more ideas, check out http://www.santalady.com/xmasgame/whiteelephant.html.

DIY and Use Your Talents!

Ever notice how Mom and Dad seem to love everything you've ever made, even those pictures where you colored outside of the lines or saturated the paper in glue? Well now that you're in college, odds are your talents have expanded, so using them for gift-making is an idea they'll truly appreciate. Got some time to kill on the long bus or plane ride home? Try knitting or crocheting. Decided to major in art? How about making a series of small paintings? If you're a writer, try filling a scrapbook up with some of your favorite memories, accompanied by photographs. It won't cost much to make, but you'll be sure to see many happy faces as your gift recipients open these hand-made gems.

Destination: Beyond Procrastination

The leaves have fallen, the temperature is dropping, and your motivation seems to be following suit. Sound familiar? With the end of the semester right around the corner, it's tough not to become plagued by the procrastination bug. You can't wait to head home and unwind for the holidays, but projects, papers, and endless hours of test prep have been weighing heavily on your mind, with no end in sight. Well, cheer up! There's no need to cancel those holiday plans and succumb to a season of gloom and doom under a pile of deadlines just yet. Here are a few tips to get your motivation motor running smoothly 'til the very end:

* Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Planner:
Nothing can drive someone crazier than trying to remember countless tasks, all with varying deadlines and degrees of importance. Then there is always that one thing you forgot to do when you were at the (insert the last place you just were) and now you have to go back. First step to accomplish everything you need to is to write it all down, even the low priority stuff like "buy shampoo." Getting all those to-do lists onto paper will alleviate some space in your brain, which will reduce mental clutter and stress.

* Break it Down into Small Steps:
So now you've written "paint mural" and "study chapters 9-25," but don't think that the anxiety will simply melt away from seeing your list in writing rather than in the memory bank. A big project (or even medium task) can still feel daunting, so it helps to break it down into smaller steps. A list of small steps or tasks also helps when you have an energy level of one (or less), but still want to be productive - find the small tasks on the list that will take you 15 minutes or less and just get them done. You’d be surprised how much you can get done and how accomplished you can feel in 15 minutes!

* Make a Plan:
Now you have a to-do list that is a mile long and more stress than before, right? This is when you take back control of your list. Sit with a cup of coffee, a calendar and your list and figure out a plan of action! Take the tasks, put them in the order they need to be and can be done and set up a schedule for yourself. Make sure to spread it out so that you're not scrambling at the last minute. Don’t forget to make sure you have put in time to enjoy the season and/or a well deserved break from the list (see the next tip). The key to this task? Actually following your schedule!

* Set Your (Break) Goals:
That's right, a break! Even the busiest of students need some down time, especially when you are working on multiple projects at once. Rather than pulling a bunch of all-nighters trying to get everything out of the way, allow yourself enough time to begin your work, and take some time for yourself when you begin to feel frazzled. Want to feel productive on your breaks? Go for a walk in between studying to get in the exercise you couldn’t get in during exam week. Need to lift your mood before moving onto the next book? Try scoping out some holiday lights at Rockefeller Center, or go window shopping at Macy's in Herald Square. NYC in December is like no other place! Don’t miss the chance to enjoy it.

* Still Can't Organize Your Thoughts?
Organize Your Work Space! Your study environment can make or break your productivity level. Trying to calm down and focus on the details of a Biology chapter? That's probably going to be tough if the desk you're sitting at contains old cereal bowls, dirty tissues, and leftover candy wrappers from Halloween. Cleaning out your clutter can help boost your motivation level, and it will feel good to cross something off that aforementioned to-do list!

* You Are Not Alone...In The Dorm!
One of the greatest things about residence life is that there are hundreds of other people going through very similar experiences as you. If you're still feeling desperate and overwhelmed, don't be afraid to talk to a friend, roommate, your RA or classmate. See how they're handling (or not handling) the workload, what they do to study and prepare, and if there are any tasks you could potentially accomplish together. Sometimes just knowing that there are many others out there struggling to push through to the end of the semester makes you feel like less of an academic outsider.

With a goal-setting attitude, determination to complete tasks, and a promise to celebrate your accomplishments, these factors should help you stay afloat and finish the semester successfully, just in time for a little holiday relaxation. Good Luck!

October’s Program of the Month Proves: There’s No Place Like Home…on Halloween!

A round of applause goes out to October’s Program of the Month at Stuyvesant Park Residence, where each floor participated in a Halloween Decorating Contest. The result? An eclectic hodgepodge of spooky, silly, and spectacular hallway artwork!

And while each floor had an original budget for their decorating supplies, some thought outside the box and used recycled materials, making for a sensational yet sustainable outcome!

Pat Pellicano, the RA on the 6^th floor, knew just what to do with all of those leftover Trader Joe’s paper bags, which helped his floor tie for first place. Reversed, cut and pasted, the bags became the ground to the floor’s videogame fantasy ‘Mushroom Kingdom’ theme, which included eye-popping walls of tinfoil, yellow stars, and a sneaky Princess Peach inside the trash chute! Hey, the rules never indicated that the decorations had to be scary!

Also sharing the win was the first floor, who took their festivities to a theatrical level. RA Ariel Redmond watched her residents collaborate in a rousing rendition of the murder mystery, ‘Clue.’ The judges were escorted by a butler and maid into a dining room full of hors d'oeuvres, until a sudden scream stopped everyone in their tracks. A once lovely Miss Scarlet hung from the rafters, while a mysterious body was found sprawled out on the carpet. Passing down the hall, one saw how residents had utilized their bed frames and doorways as jail cells to contain any suspects in the crime. Red hands and questionable faces were everywhere among this floor’s creepy creativity!

But what made this program a success was not the array of cobwebs, fake blood, and plastic road-kill (gross!) alone. The true key to success? Teamwork. This was the first program of the year where an entire residence hall got involved, and it showed. RAs did their part in tying the event to the larger community of New York City, offering holiday safety tips for residents during their individual floor meetings. Hall Council stepped up to the creative challenge as well with floor liaisons helping delegate tasks, and healthily competitive attitudes from residents made it all happen!

Congrats to all for helping make Stuyvesant Park a funky, fun-filled community. You rock!

For a photo-recap of this program, check out the New School’s Stuyvesant Park fan page on Facebook (http://tiny.cc/1031SPR).

Special congratulations to RAs Nina Barry and Elaha Astanaha over at Loeb Hall, whose Art Therapy program placed them in second place for October’s Program of the Month!

Pre-International Education Week in the Residences!

Every year, one week in November is dedicated to the celebration of international education. International Student Services participates in this joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education to promote programs that prepare Americans for the global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the United States.

This week gives international students a chance to share their ideas, food, and culture with American students, faculty, and staff. Throughout the week, there are special events including a cultural festival, trip to the United Nations, photo contest, and film festival.

International Education Week (IEW) is November 16-20, 2009!

Let's make it 2 weeks long!

Starting November 9, Student Housing and Residence Life at The New School and each of the Residences have put together programs with an international focus.

All students in Housing are welcome to any of the events listed. Are you planning on going in a group? Talk to your RA and get a party going!

If you are interest in the events planned to IEW week through International Student Services, or to volunteer visit www.newschool.edu/studentservices/international or email iew@newschool.edu

September Program of the Month

Congratulations to Liz Irwin, Loeb Hall RA, for her September program about Self-Defense!

Liz and fellow RA Markesha McCoy (Stuy Park) introduced special guest, self-defense instructor Primwatee Groover (Prim) in the Loeb Hall art studio on September 9th. Prim was invited to teach residents how to defend themselves in threatening sitations, become more aware of the increased risk of attacks in the first few weeks of school and learn facts about New York City attacks. A former trainer to Olympic fighters and world champions, Prim volunteered her time outside of her studies as a student at The New School for General Studies.

In addition to Prim's presentation, those in attendance were given information about a local organization, Safe Horizon, whose mission it is to provide support, prevent violence, and promote justice for victims of crime and abuse, their families and communities. Donations were collected for the organization as well. Learn more about Safe Horizon by visiting their website at: http://www.safehorizon.org/

Great job, Liz!

Making a Greener Impact

It's no longer a "fad" it's the real deal and The New School is 100% committed to decreasing our environmental footprint. As a member of our community we thought you'd appreciate a little help and more info on steps (they're easy) you can take to help create a more sustainable environment and learn about Greening The New School. Here are a just a few tips that you can use every day. For even more info check out The Little Green Handbook created by Student Housing and Residence Life. Go green my friends!

• Refuse plastic bags when shopping... take along your own reusable bags. They don't have to be fancy, they can be old plastic bags that you use over and over again (enjoy the look the clerks gives you when they say, "are you sure you don't want a bag?")
• Take shorter showers- save water!
• Take the subway or a bus... but steer clear of taxi's
• Only wash clothes when you have a full load and wash everything in cold.... it's better for your clothes and saves energy not having to heat the water!
• Unplug items when not in use (even an item that is turned off will draw electricity when plugged in)
• Shop at Thrift Stores! Check out the Buffalo Exchange in the East Village and Williamsburg and Beacon's Closet also in Williamsburg
• Shut down your computer, turn off TV, Printer etc. when not in use
• Put in work orders for A/C units to be covered to help keep cold air out
• Recycle electronics, cell phones and batteries rather than throwing them out
• Think about composting (see Little Green Handbook for details)
• Donate old clothes, kitchenware and household items rather than throwing them out
• Shop from local markets such as the one in Union Square
• Participate in New School and Community- sponsored Environmental initiatives
• Spend time in parks, buy organic and recycle!

No swine flu for you.... tips on staying healthy.

As you know, the H1N1 virus (swine flu) is something to take seriously. While The New School has properly planned for this flu season to be a tougher one than most, here are some things that you can do to stay healthy and prevent it from hitting home.

1. Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing and discard any tissues used.
2. Wash those hands! Before you eat, when you get off the subway, after class.... and of course after you cough or sneeze. Ensure that you're washing them with soap and warm water and wash for at least 20 seconds.
3. Use the hand sanitizing stations around campus and keep a small bottle with you for when you can't get to a sink.
4. Avoid spreading germs by not touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
5. Sanitize your room often. You and your roommates, your friends and their guests... everyone is touching everything so take precautions by wiping down doorknobs, keyboards, telephones, fridge and microwave handles and anything else used frequently.
6. Get a flu shot! Your regular physician or Student Health Services at The New School has more information about getting a flu shot this season.
7. Stay informed! The flu is spread by from person-to-person by coughing or touching those who are sick. If you have questions check out New School Student Health Services where you'll find information on what to do if you're sick and how to manage your anxiety.

New Here? This is for you!

Starting a new chapter in life can be tough.... so we're here to help! You're probably looking for a good outlet in which to express some stress, fear, nervousness, ambivalence and excitement that comes with change. Look no further we've got what you need!

Check out an Art Therapy class at The New School! Beginning October 1st, Creative Arts Therapist Kelley Linhardt will host a class every Thursday evening from 7-8:30 PM at the counseling center located in Loeb Hall at 135 East 12th Street (at 3rd Ave). This class is sure to provide you with a supportive environment that provides all kinds of opportunity for you to meet other students and build support at The New School.

No artistic talent is necessary! Students are encouraged to set up a brief (15 minute) screening appointment with Kelley prior to attending so that you can feel more comfortable, prepared and supported before entering into the group process.

Contact SHS (229-1671) to set up a screening.... We'll see you there!

Check out the other classes offered by Student Health Services by visiting their webpage.

You can never be too careful

With a population of over 8 million, you wouldn't think that NYC would rank the safest among 25 U.S. cities. Well it does! That doesn't mean, however that you shouldn't always be aware of your surroundings and remember safety first while living in The Big Apple. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Be aware of who is around you
2. Avoid empty subway cars
3. Never display large amounts of cash out in the open
4. Keep you wallet in your front pants packet rather than the back
5. Be aware of your purse or wallet in commotions
6. Stay in populated areas
7. How you carry yourself is crucial. Look confident in where you are going, how you walk and what you are doing
8. Clutch your purse/bag securely under your arm
9. If there are two of you, place handbags between you instead of on the outside
10. Turn rings around, so the gems face your palm
11. Keep necklaces tucked under your clothing
12. If someone is harassing you on the street, then go into a populated store or shop or find a police officer
13. If you are being mugged then it's better to give the mugger what he/she wants. Your life is worth more than the cash in your pocket!
14. Try to walk in the middle of the sidewalk and not next to the buildings or the street. At night, stay close to the street so that you can flag down help if the nearby stores are closed

Check out the NYC.GOV site for more college student safety tips!

Always remember that you can easily get in touch with New School Security by speaking to a security officer in any New School building or by calling 212.229.5101. You can also reach someone on the 24 hour emergency line at 212.229.7001.

Stay Safe!

Getting Dirty never felt so good!!

Thanks to everyone who joined us last Friday to help clear brush at the Jackie Robinson Park in Harlem!

Join The New School through two great opportunities this Friday!

Volunteer in a New York City Park:
August 28, 2009 - 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
There are two great parks to choose from! All student who attend will receive lunch and a roundtrip metrocard to the site. Talk to your RA about where to sign up or check in at your residence hall office to learn more! See you there!

Jackie Robinson Park

Directions: Depart from Residence Hall at 9:00 a.m.

About the park: 16 acres of park with numerous garden locations, 3 athletic fields, large lawn areas, an outdoor Olympic swimming pool and full gym and indoor and outdoor athletic facilities.
Type of volunteer work: General gardening tasks. Planting perennials and shrubs, maintaining park paths and gates, and other miscellaneous beautification activities. Note: this project happens rain or shine, as rain does not impact planting. Please check weather forecast and be prepared with jacket, sweatshirt or poncho.

What volunteers should wear: Light colored, washable clothing that can get dirty. Long sleeves and pants are recommended. Also please wear sturdy, covered shoes. No flip flops or tank tops for safety reasons. It is also recommended to bring a hat, sunscreen and bug spray if needed by the individual volunteer.

Riverside Park

Depart from Residence Hall at 9:00 a.m.

About the Park: Stretching four miles from 72nd to 158th streets along the Hudson River, Riverside Park is widely regarded as Manhattan's most spectacular waterfront park. As one of only eight officially designated scenic landmarks in the City of New York, it has a long and storied history. Recreational facilities include a range of sports courts and fields, a skate park, a large portion of the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway (for bicycles), and the 110-slip public marina at 79th street, an important part of New York State's Water Trail.

Type of volunteer work: Volunteers will be working to clear an overgrown slope in the park and do planting of flowers and shrubs.

What volunteers should wear: Light colored, washable clothing that can get dirty. Long sleeves and pants are recommended. Also please wear sturdy, covered shoes. No flip flops or tank tops for safety reasons. It is also recommended to bring a hat, sunscreen and bug spray if needed by the individual volunteer.

On Campus Sustainability Project
August 28, 2009 - 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Presentations begins at Wollman Hall, but we plan to walk, so wear comfortable shoes and clothes.

• 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. What is The New School doing? Recycling presentation in Wollman Hall.
• 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. What Else could we be Doing? - Meet New School employees, and examine office spaces for proper recycling procedure. Give your suggestions.
• 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Green Market and NYC sustainability Tour – See your local neighborhood and what they are doing for sustainability.

First Things First - Welcome to The New School!

Hello! If you live in the dorms at The New School then this is the place for you! Here you’ll find information and news about all things related to Residence Life and Housing at The New School. Here you can expect to find information on resources at The New School that can help you with all kinds of things related to campus life. Things like staying safe in the city, working out roommate conflicts, events happening in your hall, getting involved and tons more! So check back often as we’ll add something new for you to peruse each week!


First Things First

Move in is just around the corner and here’s what you should know! Please double check the dates and times for your check-in based on your student status. We’ve included it below for your convenience (It’s also on our website!)

All residents should inquire with their insurance company about renter’s insurance options. This is a “just in case” precaution that is a smart move in ensuring that you’re covered in the event of an accident.

For those of you driving in on move in day, pull up to your hall and unload. There will be security officers there to point you in the right direction and show you where you can park once your vehicle has been unloaded. We will also have a number of staff members to point you in the right direction once you arrive.

Get in touch with your roommates and suitemates to see what everyone is going to be bringing. No use in duplicating items when you can share. And let’s be honest, moving a lot of “stuff” is no fun! All residence halls have a number of hand trucks that you’ll be able to check out to use once you arrive, however there could possibly be a wait for one of them so it’s a good idea to bring one along if you have it!

Suggested Things to bring:

• Alarm clock
• Bed linens and pillow (all mattresses are traditional long twin)
• Towel and bath supplies, Basket to carry toiletries
• Laundry bag and soap
• Cooking supplies (If assigned to room/suite with kitchen)
• Cleaning supplies
• Trash can
• Hangers
• Ethernet cable to connect to the internet
• Desk Lamp (non-halogen)
• UL-listed power strips
• Small microwave and/or small fridge (if assigned to 13th Street only)
• Parsons students should bring a plastic tarp to protect desks, tables and floors when working on art projects

Please DO NOT BRING:

• Hot plates, or George Foreman grills
• Candles
• Halogen lamps
• Drafting tables or easels that may be too large for your room

You’ll have your own mailbox in your hall, but we are not able to accept any mail or packages prior to your scheduled check-in date and time. Please note that many package carriers (ex. UPS) will allow you to ask that your packages be held and delivered on a specific date. Many items can be purchased upon arrival. You are encouraged to pack lightly and bring only the essentials.

Please remember that all residence halls are smoke free and that no pets / animals of any kind are allowed in the residence halls.


Once you get here…

You will have roommates or suitemates so consider them when making decision about the set up of your room/suite. Of course, each of you will have a desk, dresser, bed and wardrobe to yourself however it’s good to communicate about the set up of your space so that you start off on the right foot!

Talk to your RA. If they don’t get you first, seek them out! They’re here to help and want to make sure you have all the info you need to start off the year right. They will be holding a meeting and lots of fun events the first few weeks and throughout the year so you’ll definitely be seeing a lot of them.

Go to your orientation sessions. There is no better way to prepare yourself for the year than to learn as much as possible before you have the business of class to tend to… not to mention, there is a whole city waiting for you as well!


Check In Dates and Times

Upon your arrival please check in at the following residence hall location and time.

First-Time Freshmen and Freshmen Transfers:
Thursday, August 20: Students whose last name begins with A – G (8 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
Thursday, August 20: Students whose last name begins with H – M (12 - 4 p.m.)
Friday, August 21: Students whose last name begin with N – T (8 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
Friday, August 21: Students whose last name begin with U – Z (12 – 4 p.m.)

New Transfers, AAS and Graduate Students:
Sunday, August 23: Students assigned to William Street, Loeb and 20th Street residences (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

Continuing Students:
Sunday, August 30: Students assigned to William Street, Loeb, 20th and 23rd Street residences (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

** To avoid long lines and waiting, please adhere to the dates and time listed above as this will help to make the check-in process run as smoothly as possible.

Have an unanswered question? Please refer to our website at http://www.newschool.edu/studentaffairs/housing or email us at MyHome@newschool.edu.

See you soon!