Dear Families,
First, thank you. I know the past year has required resiliency, determination, flexibility, and sacrifices from all of us, and from you in particular. You have taken on new roles that many of you never imagined you’d have to take on, and have balanced so much while coping with losses and the many life challenges that COVID-19 brought to us over the past year.
As we close out this school year, I am looking forward to the opportunity that lies before us to reimagine what school is and means for your children. We know that we have to welcome our students back to a warm, welcoming, and affirming learning environment that challenges them academically while lifting them up when they need support.
As our schools work hard on re-imagining how we educate our children, I am excited to share with you our re-opening plans for fall 2021. Based on available health indicators, we will return to full-time, in-person learning this September. This means that all students in grades 3-K through 12 will be learning in-person this fall.
All teachers and staff will also be returning to in-person instruction this fall. We are very grateful for the dedication of all our principals, teachers and school staff and recognize the hard work they have done during this challenging year, and we’re excited for your children to re-connect with their beloved teachers and school staff, in addition to their peers, this fall.
As we prepare for your children, as well as teachers and staff, to return to schools, we will continue our commitment to prioritize health and safety first. With a current rolling 7-day COVID positivity rate of 0.16% and a consistently low transmission rate, our schools have a proven track record of being safe. We will meet whatever the CDC social distancing requirements are in September, and we expect that the city’s continuously improving health metrics may allow for more flexibility by the fall. Finally, in our commitment to keep health and safety a top priority, we plan to adhere to the many health and safety measures we had in place this past school year, including the following:
● Masks will continue to be a requirement in all of our school buildings
● Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms will continue to be required to stay at home
● Students, teachers and staff will continue to complete the daily health screener at home
● Every school building will continue to have a nurse
● Every classroom will have working ventilation systems
● On-site COVID-19 testing will continue in school buildings as recommended by the latest health guidance
● The Situation Room will continue to support schools with next steps if there are positive cases
We know that many of our students have not attended school in-person since March of 2020, and that returning to school in-person this fall will be an adjustment. We promise to do everything we can to welcome your children back and provide the supports needed to ensure a positive homecoming. We’ve already made investments to hire more teachers and social workers, and will have academic and social emotional learning programs available to support our students. Here are some ways that we are supporting with the transition now, and we encourage you and your children to participate:
Chancellor’s Borough-Wide Family Forums
I am hosting borough-wide family town halls to hear more from you about this fall, and how we can use our resources to ensure a positive homecoming for your children and provide an enriching and challenging academic experience that integrates social-emotional learning.
● Learn more and register (Open external link)!
School Open Houses
Starting in June and throughout the summer, every school will host open houses for families to visit, take a tour, and learn about the health and safety precautions in place that have kept our schools safe over the last year.
● Your child’s school will be in touch with you about when these will be scheduled, and we encourage you to participate to learn more.
Summer Rising
In partnership with the Department of Youth and Community Development, we are so excited to provide an enriching, fun and joyful summer camp experience for any interested student. We encourage your child to join us - to be welcomed back into their school communities, re-connect with teachers and staff, and get ready for fall while having fun!
● Families can sign up now! (Open external link)
Thank you for your partnership, your engagement, and your dedication to your children’s education over the last year. I am in awe of how our communities came together to lift each other up to ensure our children had the best experience possible despite enormous challenges. I am looking forward to partnering with you, learning from you, and leveraging all we‘ve done together over the last year to create a new normal starting in September - one that is warm and welcoming, affirming and enriching, and exciting and challenging - for each one of your children.
In partnership,
Meisha Porter
New York City Schools Chancellor
DOE UPDATE: Borough Conversations with Chancellor Meisha Porter
We are excited to inform you of the ongoing series Conversation with Chancellor Meisha Porter events that FACE will be hosting in your Borough throughout the spring. We hope you will be able to join Chancellor Porter, Executive Superintendents, and leadership from the DOE in this conversation.
In light of unprecedented investments from local, state, and federal government, these forums will serve as an opportunity for the Department of Education to hear directly from school communities on the types of resources and support they need as we move towards a full reopening in September. The Chancellor wants to hear your questions and feedback!
Forums are in each Borough on the following dates from 6:30-8:00 PM. Interpretation will be available for languages listed below as well as ASL services at every forum. Families can register for any one of these forums online at https://learndoe.org/chancellor/ .
During the registration process, participants will be asked if they want to ask a question or provide a comment during the event about a number of categories, including health and safety, special education, fall 2021 school reopening, social emotional learning, and more - we encourage you to share your questions or comments. Flyers for each event are linked to the boroughs listed here:
● Brooklyn Monday, June 7, 2021 - Spanish, Mandarin, Russian
● Bronx Wednesday, June 9, 2021 - Spanish, French, Bengali
● Staten Island May 17, 2021 - Recordings in English, Spanish, Mandarin
● Manhattan May 24, 2021 - Recordings in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese
● Queens May 27, 2021 - Recordings in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Bengali
Each forum will be recorded and posted at https://learndoe.org/chancellor/recordings/ so that school communities may access them at any time. You can also find more information on our social media outletsFacebook | Twitter | Instagram and the DOE website here.
Please share the attached flyers in English, Spanish, Chinese, Bengali, Russian and French widely so that families can have access to this event.
DOE UPDATE: THE 15TH ANNUAL NYC SCHOOL SURVEY
Thank you to everyone who has filled out the Annual NYC School Survey! Students, parents, and staff members can complete the survey until June 11.
Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter has announced the launch of the 15th annual NYC School Survey, one of the nation’s largest annual surveys. The survey is available online in ten languages for all parents and teachers, as well as students in grades 6-12, to complete by June 11. The NYC School Survey helps school leaders understand what members of their community think about the learning environment at their school and informs improvements to schools and programs.
The survey is available to all members of school communities online at NYCSchoolSurvey.org. All survey responses are due by June 11, and the parent and student surveys are available online in ten languages: Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, English, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Urdu. Families without online access should contact their school for assistance. Some schools requested and received printable versions of the survey and will be in touch with their families about filling them out in person.
See the press release for details.
DOE UPDATE: PA/PTAs and Presidents’ Councils Virtual Elections Reminder
Previously the Office of Family and Community Empowerment (FACE) issued Functioning in the Virtual Environment: Guidance for PA/PTAs and Presidents' Councils and Virtual Elections: Guidance for PA/PTAs and Presidents’ Councils. These documents focused on shifting from in-person to virtual meetings, financial matters and offer guidance on holding elections regarding the mechanics of candidate/voter verification and voting on a virtual platform.
We know that holding elections during a traditional year is challenging work, and the transition to holding elections in a virtual environment made the challenge even greater and we thank you for your commitment to parent leadership. We encourage you to continue planning and supporting Elections of PA/PTA Officers virtually according to guidance and Chancellor Regulations A-660.
It is useful to remember that the Elections of mandatory officers (president, treasurer, and recording secretary)must be held between April 1 and the last day of school, to ensure there will be a PA/PTA in place during the summer and for the opening of school in the fall.
Elections for the parent representatives on the SLT should be held at the same time to ensure a functioning SLT. The executive board should have notified the principal of the date and time of the annual elections by April 1. Timely Elections are important to avoid disfunction to SLTs and other critical parent leader bodies. You can find additional PA/PTA resources on the DOE website at https://www.schools.nyc.gov/get-involved/families/parent-associations
Please share this reminder widely and encourage PA/PTAs to contact their Presidents' Councils, Family Leadership Coordinators or FACE Liaison if they have any questions or need support.
DOE UPDATE: Family and Community Wellness Collective
The Office of Family and Community Empowerment (FACE) is launching the Family and Community Wellness Collective in partnership with the Division of School Climate and Wellness (DSCW). This initiative is a new parent-facing program that hinges on peer-to-peer support, where a community of parents or caregivers who want to learn more about how to care for themselves and their school community can volunteer and participate in a 4-part professional learning series to become their school’s Family Healing Ambassador.
Whether in schools or at home, we want adults to have the tools to support and care for themselves, our young people, and their school community when they are in crisis. We are grateful to be able to offer this opportunity to our PA/PTAs in schools located in communities hardest hit by COVID-19. This program is privately funded to support over 946 Schools within the 33 neighborhoods hardest hit by the coronavirus.
Participants who register to participate in the 4-part professional learning series to become their school’s Family Healing Ambassador will receive a stipend. Family Healing Ambassadors will be expected to work with their schools to facilitate a family-facing session at their school at the end of the profession learning series.
Any parent/caregiver in the school community is eligible to participate in the program. We encourage the PA/PTA to use the following criteria when determining who will be the Family Healing Ambassador for your school:
● Ensure that the community’s Family Healing Ambassador will have a child in the school in the upcoming school year.
● Consult with the School Leadership Team (SLT) when making this selection.
● Use a fair and equitable method of deciding who this person will be (ex. Collect names and PA/PTA vote).
PA/PTAs should have received the flyer (available here in English and Spanish) and program information and details informing them of the upcoming professional learning sessions dates and times. PTA/PA will need to registertheir Family Healing Ambassador by June 18, 2021, using this link http://bit.ly/FCWCRegistration
DOE UPDATE: Summer is Rising on Parent University!
Week of May 31 – June 4, 2021
Start spreading the news! Parent University has seen over 74k users and launched nearly 500 FREE courses in only 6 months! Thank you for your continued support.
Announcement: NYC School Survey
Every year, all parents, teachers, students in grades 6-12 and select school support staff take the NYC School Survey. The survey helps school leaders understand what members of their community think about the learning environment at their school and informs improvements to schools and programs. The administration window for the 2021 NYC School Survey is May 10 to June 11.
Enroll in this course and learn more!
Forums: Borough Family Engagement Forums with Chancellor Porter
We want to hear from you! Join NYCDOE leadership and share your thoughts on the types of resources and support that are needed as we move towards a full reopening in September.
Webinars: ESOL and HSE Programs
Are you interested in participating in an English as a Second Language (ESOL) class or obtaining your High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma? Join our partners to learn more information about their programs and the process for enrollment.
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Organization
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Dates, Times, Language
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RiseBoro Adult Education
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Spanish – Tuesday, June 1 @ 6pm
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Goodwill Industries
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English – Monday, June 7 @ 10am
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Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York, Inc. (KCS)
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English - Wednesday, June 9 @ 10am
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Video Series: COVID-19 Vaccines
Do you want to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine? Enroll in one of our new pre-recorded, on-demand courses.
Video Series: Senior Transition
Calling all Class of 2021 seniors and their families! Join us for a series of courses designed to help you prepare your high school student for life after graduation.
See you on Parent University!
DOE UPDATE: 2021-2022 School Year Calendar
The 2021–2022 School Year Calendar for all K–12 NYCDOE public schools is now available in all 10 languages supported by the DOE! New for the 2021-2022 School Year:
● November 2, Election Day, will be a fully remote, asynchronous instructional day for all students
● On “Snow days” or days when school buildings are closed due to an emergency, all students and families should plan on participating in remote learning.
You can find the calendars here: schools.nyc.gov/2021-2022-school-year-calendar
DOE UPDATE: CCEC Applications for 2021–2023 BP & PA Appointees
The NYC Education Councils 2021–2023 Borough President & Public Advocate Appointee Applications are now available for the July 1, 2021–June 30, 2023, Term.
Remember: you must be re-elected or re-appointed if you would like to serve on the CEC again for the 2021-2023 term regardless of when you were previously appointed.
These applications are available on the DOE website at:
● https://www.schools.nyc.gov/get-involved/families/education-council-elections-2021/run-for-a-seat-on-a-council or
● access the direct link Borough President Appointee or Public Advocate Appointee Applications.
You can find this and more information on 2021 CCEC Elections page on the DOE website here
DOE UPDATE: SUMMER RISING - Applications Now Open!
For the first time ever, the City will use the Community Schools strategy to integrate the New York City Department of Education’s (NYCDOE’s) academic supports and DYCD’s school-based enrichment programming to create a comprehensive summer program: Summer Rising.
This will be the City’s free, summer plan for any child in grades K-12 including students with disabilities, who wants to participate. Applications for free Summer Rising in-person programs (grades K-8) are now open. Families can sign up through the Discover DYCD website
● Summer Rising programs are full day and in-person experiences for students K-8.
● Students with 12-month IEPs will be contacted about participating in their IEP-recommended programs and about their learning preferences (remote or in person).
● High school programs may be in-person or remote, depending on the subject area and community needs. High schools will design programs locally to meet the unique needs of older students. High schools will reach out to students in the coming weeks to discuss participation.
You can find the Summer Rising Calendar, Commonly Asked Questions, and more information on the Summer Rising Program on the DOE website.
Read the full announcement for more details.
DOE UPDATE: Halal Meal Expansion
An additional 11 schools are being certified to serve halal take-out meals, for a total of 43 schools citywide. The additional schools serve students and members of the public in Spanish Harlem, Harlem, Jamaica, Jackson Heights, and Soundview. A full list of schools serving halal meals is available at schools.nyc.gov/FreeMeals.
DOE UPDATE: Dual Language Showcase Video
On May 20, CEC 3’s Multilingual Committee held a Dual Language Showcase. 8 schools participated in the showcase with five schools in D3, and one in D2, D14, and D20. The showcase included 4 languages (French, Italian, Russian, Spanish), 20 videos, and 1 live presentation. For students and families interested in Dual Language schools, please view the Dual Language Showcase video here: https://www.cec3.org/dual-language-showcase
UPDATE: Emergency Broadband Benefit to Families
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched a short-term Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program, which will provide reduced cost broadband internet service for eligible New York City households during the COVID-19 pandemic. All families with a student enrolled in a DOE school or program are eligible for this benefit, and funds will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis until the program has exhausted available funds or six months after the US Department of Health and Human services declares an end to the COVID-19 health emergency.
Families can find out if they are eligible, apply for the program, and find participating broadband providers via theUSAC website. There are two types of benefits available to eligible households:
● Monthly Benefit: a discount of up to $50/month for broadband service, equipment, and device rentals; or
● One-time Device Discount: up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of $10 - $50), where available.
Families can visit the FCC’s EBB webpage and view this FAQ to learn more about the EBB program. Translated materials are available via the following links: Spanish, Arabic, Amharic, Burmese, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.
If families have questions or require support with an application, they can email EBBHelp@usac.org or call (833) 511-0311.
UPDATE: Wide Open School
Wide Open School, powered by Common Sense, is a NYC DOE-approved website focused on empowering families to be advocates in their children’s learning by providing high quality & culturally relevant learning activities for students. Activities are free and available for all subjects for preschool - grade 12.
Families can find support for learning at home, like tips for keeping kids focused and helpful information about using online learning tools. Families can also find an overview of the units their children are studying throughout the year in grades K-8, with high school coming soon.
Use Wide Open School:
● To engage with your children about what they are learning at school.
● To help prepare yourself for parent/teacher conferences.
● As a go to solution when the school is having closures or technical difficulties.
● When looking for free after-school or summer activities.
● When looking for family tips for learning at home.
To learn more about Wide Open School's tools and resources, visit nycschools.wideopenschool.org.
UPDATE: COVID-19 Vaccines
Governor Cuomo Announces “Get a Shot to Make Your Future” Vaccine Incentive
12- to 17-Year-Olds Who Get Vaccinated Can Have Names Entered into Random Drawing for A Full Scholarship to SUNY or CUNY Beginning May 27. The state will raffle off on a weekly basis full tuition, room and board scholarships to any public college or university for four years.
May 26 through July 7, any 12-to 17-year-old who gets their first Pfizer dose can enter the raffle.
New York State will administer the random drawing and select 10 winners a week over five weeks for a total of 50 winners. Read all the details from the Governor’s pressroom or on ABC7NY.
Vaccination Information for People 12 Years of Age and Older
It has never been easier to get a COVID-19 vaccination in NYC. People 12 and older are eligible for the vaccine. Those who are fully vaccinated can more safely gather with friends and enjoy other benefits of vaccination, so get your shot today. See this flyer for a list of vaccination sites and FAQs about vaccines for young people.
Vaccination is the most important step you can take to protect you and your family from COVID-19. It is especially important for those with an underlying health condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19 illness, such as asthma, obesity, or diabetes. The same is true for people who live with someone 65 or older or with an underlying health condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19 illness. Vaccination is free and available regardless of immigration status. Many vaccination sites in the city no longer require appointments. See a list of sites where you can get a walk-up vaccination today.
Individuals 12+ are able to book vaccine appointments at many locations throughout the city using the NYC Vaccine Finder or by calling 1-877-VAX-4NYC. Text COVID to 692-692 to receive real-time updates on vaccine distribution. Note, people who are 12 to 17 years old can only receive the Pfizer vaccine. Most city-run sites are offering walk-up vaccinations without an appointment, including for individuals 12 years and older.
Watch the COVID Vaccine: Doing Our Part Video to hear from NYC DHS and HRA leaders about what the COVID-19 vaccine meant for them.
What New Yorkers Need to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines (PDF)
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EVENT: PA/PTA & Presidents’ Council Trainings
PA/PTA End of Year Transfer of Records
FACE hosts monthly trainings to support PA/PTAs, Presidents’ Councils, and other parent leader structures. As we continue to engage and empower PA/PTAs in collaboration with our district partners and parent leaders we look forward to the next learning opportunity.
The next learning opportunity will be a PA/PTA Transfer of Records Workshop which focuses on transferring all PA/PTA Records to the incoming executive board for the current school year.
We hope you will be able to join us on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at 10am. Interpretation will be provided in Spanish, Mandarin and French.
PA/PTA Transfer of Records
Date: Tuesday, June 1, 2021
Time: 10:00 AM
Register link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83187548158
Interpretation lines
Spanish Conference Line - Dial 347-966-4114; PIN 562702679#
Mandarin Conference Line - Dial 347-966-4114; PIN 556771690#
French Conference Line - Dial 347-966-4114; PIN 742504591#
EVENT: INCLUDE nyc
Promoting Positive Behavior in Young Children
Friday June 4 from 8:45am-10:15am
Behavior is a way for your child to communicate with you. What is your child trying to say? Learn about the function of your child's behavior and strategies to manage, as well as prevent challenging behavior. We’ll also discuss how you can use those strategies in collaboration with your child's early childhood program.
In this workshop, you will:
● Discuss what behavior means, what it communicates, and its function.
● Utilize at least one strategy to manage behavior at home and in the community.
● Identify two or more ways to work with your child’s early childhood program to manage their behavior.
● Use at least one or two strategies to prevent challenging behavior.
Language: English (with Spanish interpretation) Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pjQvUQevREWRBvRjzZrYsg
Indoors for Autism
On Saturday, June 5, join INCLUDEnyc and Omnium Circus, KEEN New York, The Intrepid Museum, Extreme Kids and Crew, Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, Teatro SEA, and Author Heather Wolf—for a full day of virtual fun, entertainment, and self-care!
There will be yoga, art, music, dancing, puppets, virtual bird watching, and an exclusive showing of Omnium, a bold new inclusive circus.
See the full schedule and register here.
Omnium, A Bold New Circus is a visionary not-for-profit organization bringing together a completely diverse cast of extraordinary talent from all four corners of the globe…uniquely unified, multitalented, multi-racial, and multi-abled, our stars of the international circus transport audiences into world of jaw dropping spectacle and wonder, inspiring them with extraordinary feats of human accomplishment and the astounding potential of the human spirit.
For all ages. Available in English, Spanish, & ASL. Closed captioning provided. This event welcomes young people with autism, and all young people and their families. This free event is made possible by the New York City Council Autism Initiative.
EVENT: UFT Health and Fitness for Children and Adults
The past year has not been easy on families. With the stress of remote learning and other hardships, physical health and quality time have suffered in many of our households. Let’s change that together! At Transitioning Back to Groovement, our weekly, online health and fitness classes, we’ll take time for bonding and self-care. Details and Registration here.
June 5 — Budget-Friendly Dinners: This session will teach you how to prepare healthy food using everyday cooking items you may already have in your fridge or freezer. Learn easy tips to cook meals with your family that are super tasty and economical!
Events and Trainings for DOE Staff (PCs, FLCs, FSCs and FACE)
SPLCI Update for Parent Coordinators
Reporting PA/PTA Election Results and Interim/Annual Finances in SPLCI
We are pleased to announce that FACE in collaboration with DIIT, has made enhancements to the SPLCI Reporting system. Now you can more easily manage users and assign roles for PTA Admin, Principal, Parent Coordinator, and Assistant Principal. Also, there are now additional filters added for borough and district level information such as Financial, SLT, Election, Officer and Title 1. This data is also now available in smaller usable chunks and faster to retrieve.
We are also transitioning from having 2 long and separate URLs accessible to Administrators and school level users via DOE network computer or VPN access only to a short URL that will be easy to remember. This data will now be available 24/7 on the internet and on any device for easy access.
As a reminder, PA/PTA election results, and financial reports, must be entered into the School Parent Leader Contact Information database (SPLCI). Log in using your DOE login credentials using this URLwww.nycenet.edu/pta
Parent Coordinator Team Channel
WorkWell NYC
Fit Fest | Sunday, June 6th at 9:00am, 10:00am, and 11:00am
We're taking our most popular fitness classes outdoors with Fit Fest! Come out and enjoy a 45-minute workout with other City employees.
Register here
Eat Well to Live Well: A Live Q+A | Thursday, June 10th at 12:30 PM
Join WorkWell NYC's resident nutrition specialists for this virtual event, as they answer questions to help you eat for health and enjoyment!
Register here
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Warm Regards,
The FACE Team
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