BULLETIN BOARD ARCHIVE:
2020-2021
June's Locke Leader: THE JOsé Vilson!
Posted June 18, 2021Thanks to author, activist, teacher -- and Locke School dad! -- José Luis Vilson for being our final Locke Leader for the 2020-2021 school year! His video, where he shares his stories and answers our students' questions, is live now: June's Locke Leader: The José Vilson
Do you think you could be the next Locke Leader Speaker? We are always looking for leaders in our community who will share their stories and inspire our leaders of tomorrow. We are looking at our amazing Locke School families for future events. Let us know if you think you're the person for the job!
Bee Celebration!
Posted June 18, 2021When: June 21st at 8:20 am
Where: In your child’s Morning Meeting and on the PTA Facebook Page
Please join us for our June Bee Celebration: an opportunity for the K-5 community to come together and celebrate our successes!!!
Sprit Day is tomorrow!
Posted June 17, 2021Friday June 18, 2021 is Spirit Day!!!!!
Wear your favorite school shirt or the school colors (blue and white)!!!
Family Day Part 2, this saturday!
Posted June 2, 2021It's going to be great weather this Saturday! Come out, bring a friend, and enjoy our amazing garden with us!
June 4th Spirit Day: Sports Day!
Posted June 2, 2021Friday, June 4th is Sports Day!!!!
Join us for this week’s Spirit Day and wear a shirt or the colors of your favorite team!!!
Check out the image on the left to see what other great spirit days we have coming up!
June Calendars
Posted June 1, 2021Monika has released the June 2021 Events Calendar. Check it out now! We are also sharing the NYC Schools Breakfast Menu and NYC Schools Lunch Menu.
CEC3 Middle School Committee Meeting with Office of Enrollment (TIME CHANGE)
Posted May 27, 2021Revised June 1, 2021CEC3 Middle School Committee Meeting with Office of Enrollment
Thurs., June 3 at 7pm 6:00PM (Note that the time has changed.)
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMkceutrjMoGNc7AaPOeqxT3wOYSD8l1-3Q
CEC3 Business Meeting
Posted June 1, 2021When: Wednesday, June 2, 2021
6:30 PM
Register in advance for Zoom this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZArf-mprzssE9C7x3xf6dQF7KbporcpZpzh
Agenda
Business Meeting
Call to Order & Roll Call of Members
Approval of Minutes
May 5, 2021 Business Meeting Minutes
Old Business
End of Year Event
Term Report
New Business
CEC3 term end website payments
Liaison Reports
Committee Reports
Adjournment of Business Meeting
For questions or concerns contact cec3@schools.nyc.gov or call the CEC3 office 212-678-2782
May's Locke Leader: Richard "Coach Rick" Kirkland!
Posted May 28, 2021May's Locke Leader is international Rugby star and friend to many, Richard "Coach Rick. Join us at 8:30am on May 28th for the May Locke Leader video premiere!
Do you think you could be the next Locke Leader Speaker? We are always looking for leaders in our community who will share their stories and inspire our leaders of tomorrow. We are looking at our amazing Locke School families for future events. Let us know if you think you're just the person for the job!
Meisha Porter's family engagement tour: Virtual Forum
Posted May 24, 2021Dear Families,
Last week, Chancellor Meisha Porter launched a five-borough family engagement tour to hear directly from school communities about their top educational priorities for next school year. In light of unprecedented investments from local, state and federal, government, these forums will serve as an opportunity for families, teachers, school administrators and staff to provide Department of Education (DOE) leadership with their thoughts on the types of resources and support that are needed as we move towards a full reopening in September.
Virtual forums will be held on the following dates:
Manhattan – Monday, May 24, 2021, from 6-8:30pm
Queens – Thursday, May 27, 2021, from 6-8:30pm
Brooklyn -- Monday, June 7, 2021, from 6-8:30pm
Bronx -- Wednesday, June 9, 2021, from 6-8:30pm
Chancellor Porter will be joined by Executive Superintendents and leadership from the DOE to help answer questions and to facilitate a productive conversation with the community. Families and staff can register for the forums online at learndoe.org/chancellor. At the time of registration, 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.
Each forum will be recorded and posted learndoe.org/chancellor so that school communities may access them at any time. Interpretation services will be available at every forum. Please share this information and the attached flyers (translated) with your school community.
Best,
Adrienne Austin, Esq.
Deputy Chancellor
Division of Community Empowerment, Partnerships, and Communications
New York City Department of Education
Update on times to Chancellor Porter's Forums
Posted May 24, 2021Dear Families,
Our apologies - our earlier message inadvertently stated the incorrect times for the forums.
Please see the accurate times below for the forums.
Virtual forums will be held on the following dates:
Manhattan – Monday, May 24, 2021, from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Queens – Thursday, May 27, 2021, from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Brooklyn -- Monday, June 7, 2021, from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Bronx -- Wednesday, June 9, 2021, from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Chancellor Porter will be joined by Executive Superintendents and leadership from the DOE to help answer questions and to facilitate a productive conversation with the community. Families and staff can register for the forums online at learndoe.org/chancellor. At the time of registration, 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.
Each forum will be recorded and posted learndoe.org/chancellor so that school communities may access them at any time. Interpretation services will be available at every forum. Please share this information and the linked flyers with your community. Translated versions for Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx coming soon.
Best,
Division of Community Empowerment, Partnerships, and Communications
New York City Department of Education
CEC3 Committee Meeting: Equitable Outcomes for All Students
Posted May 18, 2021A panel discussion with District 3 school leadership, parents, and the community on the equity informed work that is happening through the District 3 Equity Leadership Team and how it will affect student's return to the classroom, Fall 2021.
When: Wednesday, May 26, 2021 @ 6:30 PM (via Zoom)
Participants are encouraged to sign up here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUvde-sqz4qEtXzE8gVmxL7xYqs_WNJHzRK
CB7 Discussion: COVID and vaccination in schools
Posted May 18 2021Do you have questions about kids, COVID-19 and Schools?
Community Board 7’s Youth, Education, and Libraries committee is hosting a virtual discussion on Thursday, May 20th at 6:30pm on the latest health data on children and COVID-19, including vaccination updates and science standards for schools.
Scheduled speakers:
Emily Oster, Ph.D. Brown University Professor of Economics and organizing partner of the COVID-19 School Response Dashboard
Patricia DeLaMora, M.D. Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine / New York-Presbyterian Hospital
Register here to join:
Parents: Join us at these important meetings
Posted May 18 2021Part I
The Basics: Social-Emotional Learning & Mindfulness
In this training, we cover all the basics about SEL and mindfulness: what they are, why they matter, and how they are not just one more thing teachers should do but rather are evidence based practices that will provide countless benefits to your school and students’ lives.
Date: Monday, May 24, 2021
Time: 10:30am
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89750821156?pwd=UGQwUmxzV05wTk1DMFZsbXhibHVCQT09
Part II
The Basics: Social-Emotional Learning & Mindfulness
Date: Monday, June 7, 2021
Time: 10:30am
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89750821156?pwd=UGQwUmxzV05wTk1DMFZsbXhibHVCQT09
Trauma-Informed Teaching
With almost half the nation’ s children experiencing one or more serious traumas before the age of 18, it is more important than ever that schools use trauma-informed practices. The Trauma-Informed Teaching Training introduces teachers to the prevalence of trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), the needs of students who have experienced trauma, and specific trauma-informed teaching interventions.
Date: Monday, June 14, 2021
Time: 10:00am
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89750821156?pwd=UGQwUmxzV05wTk1DMFZsbXhibHVCQT09
Principal Spence will be at these sessions 15 Minutes prior to the start of each session. Each session will be a Q and A.
NYC Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Waitlist Lottery
Posted May 18 2021New York City Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Waitlist Lottery | Homes and Community Renewal
Español- 中國 - 傳統 - Kreyòl ayisyen- Русский - 한국어- বাংলা. MAKE YOUR MOVE New York City Section 8 Voucher Waitlist Opens May 17 – May 28. Section 8 Vouchers provide a subsidy to help low-income renters afford safe, decent housing.
Application period - May 17 - May 28, 2021
Section 8 Vouchers provide a subsidy to help low-income renters afford safe, decent housing.
How the lottery works
Applicants must apply while the waitlist is open. HCR will select 15,000 households for the waitlist through a lottery. Those selected for the waitlist will be offered a voucher as one becomes available, and will be subject to additional eligibility screening. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Applying does not guarantee a voucher.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must be 18+ and reside in an income-eligible household. See the “Income Eligibility” section below for details. Applicants who currently reside outside of New York City must reside within New York City for the first 12 months after receiving a voucher.
Number of Persons in Family (Income Limits)
1 ($41,800))
2 ($47,750)
3 ($53,700)
4 ($59,650)
5 ($64,450)
6 ($69,200)
7 ($74,000)
8 ($78,750)
9 ($83,510)
10 ($84,286)
How to Apply
The application will be open May 17th 9:00 AM - May 28th 11:59 PM. Applications will not be accepted outside of this period.
You must apply online. Paper applications submitted by mail or in person will not be accepted.
THE APPLICATION WILL BE AVAILABLE STARTING MAY 17TH.
Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month Letter from Chancellor Porter
Posted May 14, 2021A memo from Chancellor Porter:
“As Chancellor, it is important to me that our students and educators explore the rich traditions and achievements of people of AAPI heritage. It’s also important to have the hard discussions about the horrific rise in violence against our fellow AAPI New Yorkers and Americans. In schools, we are supporting this by providing curriculum resources accessible to educators in all grades. And at every turn, we must reinforce that there is no room for discrimination of any kind in New York City’s public schools.”
Read the Chancellor’s full letter here: “May 12, 2021: Letter to Families from Chancellor Porter”.
Locke School's May Spirit Days
Posted May 12, 2021Each Friday, celebrate our school community with a fun theme! We can't wait to see your school spirit!
Dates and themes are listed below!
middle school offers are available!
Posted May 11, 2021The wait is over, middle school offers are now available. Families can view offers directly on Myschools. Offers will also be mailed to families from enrollment and can be printed out by the school. There will be no appeals round this year. Instead, all middle school programs will have waitlists. Applicants who do not get an offer to their first-choice program are automatically on the waitlist for any program listed higher on their application than the program where they’ve received an offer. Waitlists will open at the end of this week. You will receive a notification when waitlists are open. Please contact Ms. Singh if you have any questions.
Family and Community Empowerment End of Week of Wrap Up (5-7-2021)
Posted May 4, 2021CEC D3 has made the DOE FACE & CEC 3 End of Week Wrap Up from 5/7/21 now available to read online.
Vote today!
Posted May 11, 2021Bee Celebration!
Posted May 11, 2021When: May 14th at 8:20 am
Where: In your child’s Morning Meeting and on the PTA Facebook Page
Please join us for our April Bee Celebration: an opportunity for the K-5 community to come together and celebrate our successes!!!
DOE Updates for Families
Posted May 7, 2021The Chancellor's office has put out a letter to families discussing next year's school calendar, CEC Elections, CEC Elections, Summer Rising and more.
Read the full letter on this page: “May 3, 2021: Update for Families”
REMINDER: Vote in the CEC elections - Deadline May 11
Posted MAY 7, 2021There are only 4 days left! Have you voted?
Voting lasts until May 11, but don’t wait! Sign in to NYCSA and Vote today!
Dear District 3 Friends and Families,
You can make history by voting in the Education Council Elections. You will need to sign into your NYC Schools Account at mystudent.nyc, to Vote. A full list of candidates and links to candidate videos can be found when you reach the voting ballot page.
To learn more about the Education Councils and how voting works, watch this short video: CCEC Voting Guide
If you do not have an account and want to vote, it’s not too late! Click here to sign up for your NYC Schools Account mystudent.nyc. If you need help signing up to NYCSA please reach out to your parent coordinator.
Voting lasts until May 11, but don’t wait! Sign in to NYCSA and Vote today!
Here is a link to the Voting FAQ’s. It can be viewed translated into all languages.
Please contact elections2021@schools.nyc.gov if you have questions.
Watch a short video online for more information: Here
شاهد مقطع فيديو قصيرًا عبر الإنترنت لمزيد من هناالمعلومات
Gade yon videyo kout sou entènèt pou plis enfòmasyon Isit la
Regardez une courte vidéo en ligne pour plus d'informations Ici
আরওতথ্যেরজন্যঅনলাইনেএকটিছোটভিডিওদেখুনএখানে
在线观看简短视频以获取更多信息这里
자세한내용은온라인으로짧은비디오를보십시오. 여기
посмотрите короткое видео онлайн для получения дополнительной информации Здесь
Vea un video corto en línea para obtener más información AQUI
مزید معلومات کے لئے ایک مختصر ویڈیو آن لائن یہاںدیکھیں
Spots available for May 15th 3K/Pre-K Locke School Tour
Posted May 6, 2021The Locke School of Arts & Engineering / P.S. 185 is excited to now offer 3K classes (for children born in 2018) in addition to our spectacular Pre-K program (for children born in 2017) as of September 2021! Come see what Harlem's best kept secret has to offer for your child and your family.
What: Pre-K & 3-K Outdoor Open House.
Tour Date: Saturday, May 15th 9:00-11:00AM
Deadline to Apply for Pre-K / 3K: May 28th, 2021
Tour Link: RSVP here for the Locke School Pre-K & 3-K Outdoor Open House!
Universal 3K is officially happening at the Locke School!
Posted May 5, 2021 (Revised, May 6, 2021)Dear Families of PS 185
I am elated to share some wonderful news with you. PS 185, The Locke School of Arts and Engineering will pilot the Universal 3-K program for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year. In addition to our 3 Universal Pre-K classes, our school will serve 2 Universal 3-K classes. Each class will have no more than 15 students.
The addition of the 3-K program to our building will have a positive impact on our Pre-K & Early Childhood programs. One advantage is a 3-K program will provide a learning environment that supports children's growth in many areas such as language, literacy, and social and emotional development. It is also an opportunity to prepare our students for the academic work they will encounter as they move into the Early Childhood learning experiences. Moreover, the 3-k program will support consistency between home and school. When there is consistency there is growth.
In order to apply to the 3-K program at the Locke School you must open an account at MySchools. Use link https://www.myschools.nyc The application will be reviewed by the central admission office, after which you will receive an offer letter via email. The DEADLINE to apply for 3-K program is MAY 28, 2021.
If you have any questions regarding the application process please email Monika Vargas, Parent Coordinator at mvargas16@schools.nyc.gov
I look forward to discussing this further at the next Principal Chat.
Sincerely,
Andrea Woodhouse-Spence
Principal
Family Outdoor Party on May 15th at the Locke School!
Posted May 5, 2021The Locke School of Arts and Engineering along with the Harlem Renaissance Garden Committee presents...
What: Family Outdoor Party
When: Saturday, May 15th 1 pm-3 pm
Where: Locke School of Arts and Engineering School Yard
(W 111th street entrance, between Lenox and 5th ave)
There will be hands on activities, raffles, music and learning opportunities from Locke School teachers. This event is open for our entire (in-person and remote) school community.
If you have any questions please email Cara at greenspaper@gmail.com
Family and Community Empowerment End of Week of Wrap Up (4-30-2021)
Posted May 4, 2021CEC D3 has made the DOE FACE & CEC 3 End of Week Wrap Up from 4/30/21 now available to read online.
May Calendars
Posted April 30, 2021Monika has released the May 2021 Events Calendar in English and the May 2021 Events Calendar in Spanish. Check it out now! We are also sharing the NYC Schools Breakfast Menu and NYC Schools Lunch Menu.
April's Locke Leader: Ms. Spence!
Posted April 29, 2021 (Edited April 30)Join us for our first Locke Leader Speaker Series of the year! April's Locke Leader is none other than our principal, Ms. Andrea Spence. Join us at 8:30am on April 30th for the April Locke Leader video premiere!
Post-premier note:
Wow! What an event! Do you think you could be the next Locke Leader Speaker? We are always looking for leaders in our community who will share their stories and inspire our leaders of tomorrow. We are looking at our amazing Locke School families for next month's event. Let us know if you think you're just the person for the job!
Free family fitness and health classes
Posted April 30, 2021I'm so excited to invite public school families to Transitioning Back to Groovement, a series of free, online fitness and health classes we're holding on six consecutive Saturdays, May 1 to June 5, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Get moving with dance-based fitness classes; return to the fundamentals of mental, spiritual and physical health; and learn some nourishing, budget-friendly recipes that kids will love.
These classes are designed to be engaging and fun for children and adults together. You may register for as many or as few as you like.
Click to register for Transitioning Back to Groovement.
Get moving with dance-based fitness classes; return to fundamentals of mental, spiritual and physical health; and learn some nourishing, budget-friendly recipes that kids will love. These classes are designed to be engaging and fun for children and adults together.
You can register for as many or as few of the classes as you choose. Here's the full schedule:
· May 1 — Zumba: In Zumba, we execute fun and easy-to-follow routines to Latin and international music, combining fast and slow rhythms to create a dynamic aerobic workout.
· May 8 — Stretch and Strengthen: Synchronize movement and energy in this mindful exercise class that is appropriate for all levels. We will focus on building flexibility and strength while learning fitness fundamentals so you can care for your body for years to come.
· May 15 — Kemetic Yoga: Experience an ancient yoga practice that originated in Kemet, Egypt. We’ll learn the yogic breathing technique, geometric progression through poses depicted on ancient hieroglyphics and Hekau words of power in the Medu Neter language. This class combines movement and meditation to heal your mind, body and spirit.
· May 22 — Soca Fitness: Move your body to upbeat Soca music from the Caribbean Islands! We’ll tone our bodies, strengthen our cores and have tons of fun.
· May 29 — Hip-Hop: Together we’ll learn a piece of hip-hop choreography, incorporating street dance styles, and the pop-locking technique. Children may be invited to use props to understand counts and rhythm and to enhance their motor skills.
· 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!
Dyslexia forum on May 3rd
Posted April 30, 2021Updates on city budget from Chancellor Porter
Posted April 30, 2021A memo to schools from Chancellor Porter, dated April 26, 2021:
I hope you had a restful weekend. As we start another week in service to our students, I am very happy to be able to share good news about the longer road ahead.
Earlier today, Mayor de Blasio released the proposed Executive Budget for the next fiscal year, which begins on July 1. We have so much work to do to help our children recover from all they have experienced this year, and to further support them academically and emotionally. I am so excited about this work because it means we can create a new normal for our students. We can’t go back to where we were—we must do even better. I know you are excited about this too. As we prepare to welcome our students back this fall, we are getting the resources we need to ensure we can do just that, and create welcoming, affirming learning environments with high expectations for all of our students.
I am reflecting on how different the picture was just a few months ago, when the City’s near-$10 billion deficit threatened our ability to deliver on some of our most important priorities. As Executive Superintendent in the Bronx at that time, I was trying to put the pieces together—how could we fulfill our mission given the huge fiscal challenges that loomed over us? While we as educators can always do more with more, you will see from the below that we are in a completely different position now thanks to federal stimulus funding and increased funding from the state, and for that I am grateful.
Here is a summary of some of the big, high-impact education investments we plan to make, as announced by the Mayor today, and what that means for our schools and students:
Bring Community Schools to Every District: $10M in FY21, Growing to $51M in FY 22
The data is in—Community Schools work. By supporting the whole child, family, and community through partnering schools with community-based organizations, our kids get what they need to succeed. This funding will allow us to bring Community Schools to every district by the 2022-23 school year. This is on top of the 27 new Community Schools we announced in January, and will bring the total number of Community Schools to 406.
Universal Free 3-K for All: $377M FY22
We will roll out Universal 3-K for All so that every family in New York City can access a 3-K seat by September 2023. This expands on our commitment to bring 3-K to every district by fall 2021! This will bring 61,000 free, full-day, high-quality 3-K seats across New York City. Especially now when childcare is so critical, we are thrilled to bring enriching, affirming education to 3-year-olds that will set them on course for kindergarten and beyond.
Expand Restorative Justice: $12M FY22
In schools with Restorative Justice programs, students have felt both safe and welcomed, and student issues are addressed in ways that educate, heal, and keep students in school—resulting in a decrease of 66 percent in school suspensions. This funding allows us to follow through with the second phase and complete the rollout, which was interrupted by COVID.
Increase Academic Support: $500M FY22
We know we need to meet students where they are, and give them the support they need as individuals. Our goal is to use assessment results to provide opportunities to accelerate learning, which could include additional learning time with a focus on Math and ELA, tutoring support, and targeted services for high-need students. We will have more to share on the details and various initiatives involved with this funding in the coming weeks.
Increase Technology Support: $2M FY21, $155M FY22
This year has shown beyond a shadow of a doubt just how critical technology can be for 21st century education—even once the pandemic is behind us and all students return in person. These funds build off of our one-stop digital learning hub and will include increased help desk support, expanded Wi-Fi access at school buildings and the continuation of LTE service for SY21-22 on the more than 500,000 devices purchased for students in response to the pandemic.
Expand Pre-K for All Special Education: $22M FY22
Our youngest students with disabilities need services right when they begin their educational journey. These funds will support the creation of more special class seats where they are needed across the city and help existing 3-k and Pre-K programs better serve children with disabilities in inclusive settings. In total, this funding will add 800 new seats for children with disabilities across the city.
Increase Special Education Services: $236M FY22
This funding increases our ability to provide critical programs and related services to students with disabilities in grades K-12, including physical and speech therapy, and more.
Restore Funding to programs including Learning to Work and Arts Programming: FY21 $3M, FY22 $186M
This funding will help support restoration of Learning to Work programming, which offers paid internships, student support services, in-depth job readiness and college and career exploration activities for targeted high schools. This funding will also restore the deep investments we’ve made in arts education over the years, providing students with outlets to express themselves, cultivate social-emotional learning, and develop key skills such as critical thinking and innovation.
Expand Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL): $6M in FY22
PSAL is so important for our students—it builds skills, confidence, and pride. We will increase access to sports programming across the city for high school students, focusing on schools with greatest need.
100% Fair Student Funding: $600M FY22
As recently announced, the administration has made a historic investment to bring 100 percent “Fair Student Funding” (FSF) for all New York City public schools funded by FSF for the first time ever, starting in the 2021-22 school year. This long-term commitment will help ensure every single school has what it needs to support their students and staff during these challenging times.
Hold Schools Harmless for Mid-Year Adjustment: $130M FY21
As previously announced, a restoration of $130M in mid-year adjustment funds was made for this school year. This funding can be used to address staffing needs or provide services for students like after-school tutoring and other direct academic services, and purchase supplies and materials. Given the recent allocation of this funding, DOE has allowed schools to rollover $50M of these funds to SY 21-22.
I am so excited to work together to bring these resources to life in our schools and communities, and to work with you and the communities we serve as we continue to shape and refine our plan for how to use these new resources in service of our students.
I thank each and every one of you for the important work you do every day to keep our students safe, healthy, and constantly learning, and am excited to shape the future ahead with you. I appreciate you today, tomorrow, and every day.
In partnership,
Meisha
Meisha Porter
Chancellor, New York City Public Schools
she/her/hers
DOE FACE & CEC 3 Check In Notes 4/27/21
Posted April 30, 2021CEC D3 has made the DOE FACE & CEC 3 Check In Notes from 4/27/21 now available to read online.
Arrival and dismissal Times
Posted April 26, 2021Welcome back to all of our in-person students on this beautiful Monday! Extra special welcome back to those who are rejoining us from remote instruction.
As there have been some changes since last year regarding arrival and dismissal, please remember that:
The school day starts at 8:20am.
The school day ends at 1:50pm.
Pick up and drop off is in the playground, accessible only on 111th street.
Have a great day!
CEC3 Business Meeting
Posted April 21, 2021CEC3 Business Meeting
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
6:30 PM
Register in advance for Zoom this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEkdu2pqTorGNDfHYkq60Ryh2KvumspwE62
Agenda
Call to Order & Roll Call of Members
Approval of Minutes
March 24th, 2021 Calendar Meeting
President’s Report
Superintendent’s Report
Public Comment
Old Business
CEC Candidate Election Voting Process
Draft Letter to the Chancellor
New Business
Draft High School Admissions Resolution
Liaison Reports
Committee Reports
Public Comment
Adjournment of Business Meeting
For questions or concerns contact cec3@schools.nyc.gov or call the CEC3 office 212-678-2782
Reflections on the Murder of George Floyd from Chancellor Porter
Posted April 21, 2021A memo from Chancellor Porter:
“Last year, a police officer put his knee on George Floyd’s neck for nine minutes and twenty-nine seconds, but to me, it felt like an eternity. I felt pain and rage, deep in my bones. It wasn’t a new feeling. I have felt that many times in my life, as a Black woman, sister, daughter, and mother to Black children—and as an educator who has served children of color in this city for more than 20 years. […] This is what anchors the work we do in schools every day—why we are so focused on creating welcoming, loving environments for all our children. We want to make sure that each child doesn’t just hear, but feels that they are important. We want them to feel that their teachers and school community value their past and present experiences, as well as their dreams for the future.”
Read the Chancellor’s full letter here: “April 20, 2021: Reflections on the Murder of George Floyd from Chancellor Porter”
DOE FACE & CEC 3 Check In Notes 4/20/21
Posted April 21, 2021CECD3 has made the DOE FACE & CEC 3 Check In Notes from 4/20/21 available to read.
Voter Guide for upcoming CEC elections
Posted April 16, 2021Re-Posted April 19, 2021
CEC3 Calendar Meeting - Wed., Apr. 21. 6:30PM meeting link included.
Register in advance for this CEC3 Calendar meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEkdu2pqTorGNDfHYkq60Ryh2KvumspwE62
Here is an 8 minute video which gives a brief overview of CCECs and then explains how eligibility works and shows the voting process in detail.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIyJip0kYlc
Confirmed Case of COVID-19: Close Contacts Quarantined
Posted April 16, 2021April 16, 2021
Subject: Confirmed Case of COVID-19: Close Contacts Quarantined
Dear The Locke School of Arts and Engineering at 20 WEST 112 STREET Community:
The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and the NYC Test + Trace Corps (T2) have determined that a member of our school community has tested positive for COVID-19, and may have exposed others while at school.
Below you will find guidance on next steps that will help keep you, your child, and our school community healthy and safe. The information below reflects the expertise of DOHMH, T2, and the New York City Department of Education (DOE).
What Happens Now?
All students and staff in the affected room(s) with the individual who tested positive are considered “close contacts,” and have been notified of the need to quarantine for 10 days from their last contact with the person who tested positive. These students and staff will transition to fully remote teaching and learning for this period.
T2 and DOHMH will complete their investigation to identify and notify any other close contacts in the building, who will also need to quarantine for 10 days.
Anyone with a positive COVID-19 test will not return to the school until they are no longer infectious.
All areas visited by the person with COVID-19 will be deep cleaned, disinfected, and reopened.
If your child is feeling sick, keep them at home.
How do we stay healthy?
Please remember to follow these important “Core Four” actions to prevent COVID-19 transmission:
Stay home if sick (except to get essential medical care, including COVID-19 testing).
Practice social distancing: Stay at least 6 feet away from people who are not members of your household.
Wear a face covering to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Practice healthy hand hygiene: Wash your hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer; avoid touching your face; and cover your cough or sneeze with your arm, not your hands.
How can I stay updated?
We will continue to closely follow directions from public health experts and proactively update you on any measures we are taking. To ensure we can reach you via text and email, please create a New York City Schools Account (NYCSA) as soon as possible by visiting schools.nyc.gov/nycsa.
To help New Yorkers quarantine, the NYC Test + Trace Corps partners with community-based organizations to connect individuals to resources like food, medicine, and health care. To connect with resources, you can call 1-212-COVID19 (212-268-4319).
For additional information on COVID-19, visit schools.nyc.gov/coronavirus or call 311.
Warmly,
Andrea Woodhouse-Spence
Andrea Woodhouse-Spence
Principal
Updates from NYCDOE Division of Early Childhood Education
Posted April 16, 2021From the Division of Early Childhood Education, Central Office:
Please visit the NYCDOE Division of Early Childhood Education for April's parent newsletter in both English and Spanish:
http://reachmanhattan.org/home-page#h.5bwzkfqyesqv
The ECE office is also hosting Inclusive Options Preschool Informational Sessions. I've also included two documents regarding the Inclusive Options Informational sessions for parents and families where they can learn more about inclusive preschool options at the DOE. Families will need to register to attend these sessions, it's being offered in both English and Spanish. See below for more information
Overview on Inclusive Preschool Options
What: Join us for a free virtual family information session, where you can learn more about inclusive preschool options at the DOE, including:
More information on 3-K for All programs, and;
How to make a referral to the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) for special education services.
There will also be an opportunity to ask questions to DOE staff about the EI-to-Preschool transition!
When: Wednesday, May 12th, 2021 10-11:30AM or 5-6:30PM
(Please note AM & PM sessions will have the same information)
Register today at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/nycdoe-division-of-specialized-instruction- and-student-support-13543835816
This event will be in English with Spanish and Mandarin interpretations available.
Interpretations in other languages are available upon request. Families can request translation services and indicate the language they speak when they register using the above link.
Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions:
Email us at- eitopreschool@schools.nyc.gov
Call our Helpline- 646-389-7171
Voter Guide for upcoming CEC elections
Posted April 16, 2021Dear CEC AAs,
I am sending you a couple of links for information about voting in the 2021 CCEC elections. Voting takes place between May 1-11. Parents vote for the councils that serve their children using their NYC Schools Account.
Here is an 8 minute video which gives a brief overview of CCECs and then explains how eligibility works and shows the voting process in detail.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIyJip0kYlc
Please share this video with your council members and request that the Chair(s) allocate 8 minutes of the next CEC general meeting to be able to present the video.
Here is a link to our Voting FAQ’s. It can be viewed translated into all languages. Please distribute this link as well as the video link to all your members and parents on your mailing list.
Please contact us at elections2021@schools.nyc.gov if you have questions.
Best,
Martha Kessler
CCEC Election Outreach
Voter Guide for upcoming CEC elections
Posted April 16, 2021CEC3 Calendar Meeting - Wed., Apr. 21. 6:30PM meeting link included
Register in advance for this CEC3 Calendar meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEkdu2pqTorGNDfHYkq60Ryh2KvumspwE62
Here is an 8 minute video which gives a brief overview of CCECs and then explains how eligibility works and shows the voting process in detail.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIyJip0kYlc
CEC3 Business Meeting
Posted April 13, 2021CEC3 Business Meeting
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
6:30 PM
Register in advance for Zoom this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUufuGqrTsvHN0Dd5Nv1ByaMDFHDnQyaMHf
Agenda
Business Meeting
Call to Order & Roll Call of Members
Approval of Minutes
Mar. 10, 2021 Business Meeting Minutes
Old Business
CEC Candidate Voting Process
Draft Letter to the Chancellor
Nurse Contract Termination
New Business
Extended Use
Opting In
Culturally Responsive Education
Liaison Reports
Committee Reports
Adjournment of Business Meeting
For questions or concerns contact cec3@schools.nyc.gov or call the CEC3 office 212-678-2782
After SChool Ballet
Posted April 13, 2021Shared by District 3 community member, Shoshana Mozlin:
I am so very excited to announce that SESSION 3 of AFTER SCHOOL BALLET is here. As we continue to navigate through these times, it is essential that we keep our youth active, keep them engaged, and keep them connected - to their bodies and with each other. Though our schedule is changing, our mission remains the same:
AFTER SCHOOL BALLET is an organization that provides professional ballet training for youth. We MOVE to instill ownership, poise, confidence, mindfulness, and strength in the leaders of tomorrow.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN AFTER SCHOOL BALLET?
ANYONE ages 5-18
Session 3 of AFTER SCHOOL BALLET will continue via Zoom.
WHY DO OUR YOUTH NEED THIS NOW?
For the last year+, our lives have been forced into small bubbles, distanced from our communities. As this pandemic continues to run its course, taking much longer than we initially had expected, I am reminded that our youth needs new ways to CONNECT - to their bodies and with each other.
As a professional dancer, my daily dive into mindfulness through movement has always been of utmost importance, and that is why I find it so imperative to offer the same to our youth right NOW, via virtual ballet training. Unfortunately, ballet training is often too expensive for families to provide to their children, which is why I am offering these classes on a sliding scale. Ballet should be accessible to EVERYBODY.
This session, AFTER SCHOOL BALLET will be funded by a sliding scale of tuition payments. That means YOU CHOOSE what you would like to pay, from $0 to $100/session.
Any amount that you choose to donate is graciously appreciated. Please know that payment is not necessary, if you don't have the means. This program is meant to be accessible for EVERYONE. Your child will receive the same great ballet training whether their classes are FREE or paid. In the meantime, I will continue to apply for grants to further fund the program.
WHO IS BEHIND AFTER SCHOOL BALLET?
I am a professional modern/contemporary dancer in New York City. I have been teaching ballet for children, teens, and adults for 10+ years in Southern California and New York City. As a teacher, I trained in both the Royal Academy of Dance and International Dance Acclaim syllabi for children ages 5-7. As a dancer, I have many years of ballet training in both Vaganova and Cecchetti techniques.
SESSION 3 SCHEDULE:
I will provide weekly classes for each of the following age groups:
Ages 5-7 : “LEVEL A” : Wednesdays 5-5:50PM EST (5 classes)
Ages 8-10 : “LEVEL B” : Wednesdays 5:55-6:55PM EST (5 classes)
Ages 11-18 : “LEVEL C”: Mondays 6:15-7:15PM EST (5 classes)
Session 3 of AFTER SCHOOL BALLET, will run for 5 weeks, from Monday, April 26th through Wednesday, May 26th, 2021. At the end of the session, we will “perform” a piece, on Zoom. With your consent, I will send it via email to families of the dancers involved.
Please fill out this Google Form to reserve your child's spot for Session 3 by Sunday, April 25th, 2021. Confirmation, Zoom links, and more detailed information will be emailed to you once you complete registration.
Bee Celebration!
Posted April 12, 2021When: April 12th at 8:20 am
Where: In your child’s Morning Meeting and on the PTA Facebook Page
Please join us for our April Bee Celebration: an opportunity for the K-5 community to come together and celebrate our successes!!!
UFT Teacher Center Saturday enrichment classes are back!
Posted April 12, 2021From the UFT:
Dear Parents and Caregivers
The UFT Teacher Center Saturday Academy is back with free, online academic enrichment classes for children on April 10 and 24!
If you haven't registered yet, there's still time. If you registered using a DOE email address, please register again using a non-DOE email address. You'll need to use the same non-DOE email to log into Zoom to access any remote UFT events, including Saturday Academy classes.
These 90-minute virtual classes, held over two consecutive Saturdays, will be engaging, creative and fun. They're designed to reinforce the skills your children are learning during the week and help boost their academic progress in this difficult school year.
We'll help our students learn about how to discover the beautiful changes all around us! They may explore what it means to be a hero, write poetry or work on a project that examines current events and social justice.
There will be sessions for six different grade levels. All are suitable for children with and without special needs.
Click here to Register now
Here are the details:
The two-part program runs April 10 and 24.
You can register your child for the 9:30 a.m. sessions or the 11:30 a.m. sessions.
These enrichment classes are separated into six age groups: 3K to pre-K, pre-K to kindergarten, kindergarten to grade 1, grades 2-3, grades 4-5, grades 6-8 and grades 9-12.
Principal's Chat
Posted April 8, 2021Join us via Zoom on Friday, April 9, 2021 at 9am to talk with Principal Spence.
Topic: Updates
Opt-In transition of remote students to in person learning
On Summer School
3-K for All
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89750821156?pwd=UGQwUmxzV05wTk1DMFZsbXhibHVCQT09
Meeting ID: 897 5082 1156
Passcode: 691657
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,89750821156#,,,,*691657# US (New York)
Virtual Community Conversation: Federal American Rescue Plan
Posted April 7, 2021Join NYS Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for a virtual discussion about the federal American Rescue Plan and the 2021-22 New York State budget. Billions of dollars in federal funding will help the 67th Assembly district and beyond by providing direct state and local aid, vaccine funding, $1,400 stimulus checks, extended unemployment and more. The New York State budget makes historic investments in education, healthcare, rent relief, social services, housing and other essential services.
When: Sunday, April 11, 2021 4 - 5 pm
Where: via Zoom and FB Live
Link: Provided upon RSVP
To RSVP and submit questions, please visit http://bit.ly/Rosenthal-Schumer
Office of Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal
212-873-6368
rosenthall@nyassembly.gov
DATE CHANGE: CEC3 Business Meeting to Wed. Apr. 14, 6:30 PM
Posted April 7, 2021An update from CEC D3:
Dear Community,
Due to the CEC3 Candidates Forum Apr. 7, where all parents running for a seat on the CEC3 will introduce themselves, CEC3 has changed the date of the Business Meeting to Wed., Apr. 14, 6:30 PM.
Registrations links for both events are included:
Help Shape the Future of Education in New York City
Re-Posted April 6, 2021Meet the Candidates Running for Your Community Education Council
CEC 3 Candidate Forum Hosted by District 3 Presidents’ Council
Different candidates at each event - attend all forums
Wednesday, April 7, 2021 5:00PM-7:30PM
Saturday, April 10, 2021 10:00AM-12:30PM
To view the event, register at https://learndoe.org/cec/candidateforum/
Interpretation available in Spanish, Mandarin and Russian
schools.nyc.gov/elections2021
Questions: elections2021@schools.nyc.gov
DOE Teach-In: Segregation in our NYC Schools
Posted April 6, 2021Invite your friends and family to this eye-opening series of three sessions hosted by Brooklyn North CECs.
Session 1 - Monday, April 5 at 3 pm. A New Future Requires a New Past
Session 2 - Monday, April 12 at 3 pm. What is going on? The current state of desegregation and student enrollment.
Session 3 - Monday, April 19 at 3 pm. Future and Reflection: Panel Discussion
Register with this link: http://bit.ly/cec2021_teachin
Download a copy of the Segregation in our NYC Schools Flyer.
Stay Safe During Spring Recess
Posted March 26, 2021Spring Recess begins Monday, March 29. With the weather warming up and more parents and grandparents getting vaccinated, you might be considering traveling. Travel is not a good idea because COVID-19 is still a serious risk and puts you, your family, and your community at risk of getting and spreading the virus. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging all of us to avoid leaving town.
Please help stop the spread of COVID-19 and do not travel. If you must travel, remember these COVID-19 prevention tips:
Keep distance from others, bring and use hand sanitizer, and make sure everyone over age two wears a face covering.
Consider staying at a hotel rather than at someone’s home. If you have out-of-town guests, suggest they do the same.
Pick activities that allow you to safely keep distance from others. Avoid large crowds, especially indoors.
If you are going to spend time with people who are not members of your household, outdoors is safer, as COVID-19 spreads easier indoors. Get together in parks, at the beach, or in the backyard, or meet up for outdoor dining.
Please be aware that visitors and returning New Yorkers may be required to quarantine upon entering New York. For more information, see the New York State COVID-19 Travel Advisory at coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory.
If you travel, when you return home to New York City it is extremely important to:
monitor for COVID-19 symptoms;
get tested;
strictly follow COVID-19 prevention measures such as wearing a face covering whenever around other people and maintaining six feet of distance from others; and
immediately isolate if you feel unwell or test positive for COVID-19.
We hope you enjoy Spring Recess and the many safe, fun activities you can find right here at home. Together, we can stop the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.
Help Shape the Future of Education in New York City
Posted March 26, 2021Meet the Candidates Running for Your Community Education Council
CEC 3 Candidate Forum Hosted by District 3 Presidents’ Council
Different candidates at each event - attend all forums
Wednesday, April 7, 2021 5:00PM-7:30PM
Saturday, April 10, 2021 10:00AM-12:30PM
To view the event, register at https://learndoe.org/cec/candidateforum/
Interpretation available in Spanish, Mandarin and Russian
schools.nyc.gov/elections2021
Questions: elections2021@schools.nyc.gov
CEC DISTRICT 3: MULTILINGUAL COMMITTEE MEETING
Re-Posted March 25, 2021When: Thursday, March 25, 6:30 PM
Where: Zoom
Register in advance for District 3: Multilingual Committee Meeting (External zoom link).
Changes to quarantining and Daily Health Screenings
Posted March 24, 2021Good Morning Families of PS 185,
I hope that this update finds you well. This is to inform you that there has been some changes to quarantines. The copies of the paper health screening utilized in our building will also reflect this newest version. Agent Cruz will have a set of the new version as will our team during arrival.
As I shared during last week's Principal Chat, we urge you to complete a prescreening before coming in each morning, as this will support efficiency and safety concerns. This can be done filling out the health screening on the online app prior to coming in. You can complete the form by going to healthscreening.nyc.gov (external link). or clicking on the link below. There will also be a physical form in your child's backpack if you prefer to complete the screening in this manner.
Warm regards,
Andrea Woodhouse-Spence
Principal
Updated Daily Health Screening Questions
The DOE has updated the questions on daily health screening form (external link) to reflect the latest guidance on:
Exposure to COVID-19 for fully vaccinated individuals and those who have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days; and
Travel quarantine requirements for domestic and international travel.
Individuals who are considered fully vaccinated—two weeks after receiving the second dose in a two-dose vaccine series or two weeks after receiving a single-dose vaccine, or who have recovered from COVID-19 and finished isolation in the past 90 days—are not subject to quarantine after exposure to COVID-19 or after completing domestic travel.
International travelers must quarantine for seven days and receive a negative test or quarantine for a full 10 days after completing overseas travel, regardless of whether they have previously recovered from COVID-19, or are fully vaccinated.
Third Blended Opt-IN Window is Now open
Posted March 23, 2021From Chancellor Porter:
"I am very pleased to let you know that all our remote families will now have one more opportunity to transition to blended learning this school year. This means that if your child is currently learning remotely every day, they will be able to opt in to learning in person in the school building at least part of the week for the remainder of the school year. We will make every effort to provide as many days of in-person learning as possible.
When and How to Opt In to Blended Learning
Beginning this Wednesday, March 24, you can visit the Learning Preference Survey (external link) to select blended learning for your child.
Families can also call 311.
You can change to blended learning until Wednesday, April 7."
Read more in Chancellor Porter's March 22nd Update for Families available on Chancellor's Letters to Families Webpage (external link).
Principal Chat on 3/23
Posted March 22, 2021Join us for a Principal's chat with Ms. Spence. Topics will include:
Family Communications
New (third) opt-in period
Join us Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at 1pm via zoom to talk with Principal Spence.
Please see information below :
Time: Mar 23, 2021 at 1:00 PM
Click to Join The Principal's Chat Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 830 6040 2590
Passcode: 115943
Dial by your location: 1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
CEC DISTRICT 3: MULTILINGUAL COMMITTEE MEETING
Posted March 22, 2021When: Thursday, March 25, 6:30 PM
Where: Zoom
Register in advance for District 3: Multilingual Committee Meeting (External zoom link).
Forum: Hate Crimes and Human Rights
Posted March 18, 2021CB7’s Health and Human Services Committee is holding a forum on Hate Crimes and Human Rights on 7:00 pm on Tuesday, March 23, 2021.
Register for Hate Crimes and Human Rights (External zoom link).
Know your Rights and How to Respect the Rights of Others
Manhattan District Attorney's Office:
ADA Jeanne Olivo, Chief of the Hate Crimes Unit
ADA Sarah Marquez, Deputy Chief of the Hate Crimes Unit
NYPD Hate Crimes Unit:
Sergeant Charles Senat
Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes:
Deborah Lauter, Executive Director Hassan Naveed, Deputy Executive Director
New York City Commission on Human Rights:
Ryan DuBois, Associate Human Rights Specialist
Principal Chat on 3/19
Posted March 17, 2021CHARLA CON LA DIRECTORA, el 19 marzo
Posted March 17, 2021DOE FACE & CEC3 Check-In Notes for 3/16/21
Posted March 16, 2021Citywide and Community Education Council Candidate Forums
The Citywide and Community Education Council (CCEC) application window has closed. The schedule of candidate forums and downloadable campaign guidelines can be found on the DOE’s website here. You can register to attend the forums here.Please continue to check the DOE's website for updated CCEC election information.
PA/PTA election planning
We would like to encourage you to continue to plan your Elections of PA/PTA Officers according to Chancellor’s Regulation A-660. 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. The executive board must notify the principal of the date and time of the annual elections by April 1. Timely Elections are important to avoid dysfunction to SLTs and other critical parent leader bodies. Please contact your FACE Liaison if you have any questions or need support.
Pre-K applications are open, the application deadline is April 7
During the application period, you can apply online or by phone. Use MySchools.nyc to learn about pre-K programs, apply, get your offer, and learn about waitlists. Start exploring pre-K program options in MySchools' online, searchable, preK directory. Learn how to apply and how pre-K offers are made on this page. Sign up for the pre-K admissions email list.
FACE Training on PA / PTA Bylaws on April 13 at 10 AM
This training will provide an overview of PA/PTA bylaws. Bylaws are a set of rules adopted by members of the association. These rules govern the day-to-day affairs of the PA/PTA. Register here
DOE UPDATE: Guidance on Virtual SLT/DLT Meetings and Parent Leader School Visits
The DOE has issued guidance for Parent Leader School Visits and SLT/DLT virtual meetings, which was shared with Principals this week. You can access both these documents: Parent Leader School Visit Guidance and SLT/DLT Virtual Meeting Guidance**CORRECTION: A link to in this document references DOE guidance for videoconferencing that was published before May 6th, 2020. Since that date the DOE has allowed the use of ZOOM for video conferencing. We are working to update the guidance.
FACE’s Parent University
Parent University (parentu.schools.nyc) offers 275+ free, pre-recorded and live, web-based courses in adult education, arts, early childhood education, enrollment, health and fitness, multilingual learners, parent leadership, remote learning and technology, school buildings and operations, and special education. For more information, including translated flyers, please visit the Office of Family and Community Empowerment (FACE) webpage. To get started, watch this short video tutorial and learn how to create an account. Upcoming live, web-based courses:
Self-Care: Mindfulness, Breathing, & Chair Yoga – EVERY Tuesday @ 10am
Tobacco, E-cigarette & Alternative Product Use - RESCHEDULED for Wednesday, 3/17 @ 9:30am
Weekend Wellness: Self-Care for Communities and Families
The Office of School Wellness Programs is partnering with Hip Hop Public Health to host free, Saturday morning events from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Register here.
March 20: Mental health and physical activity
April 24: Racism and the connection to health/stress
Resources for Families of Children with Disabilities
Our Beyond Access DOE webpage was recently updated to include several new offerings including webinars on transitioning from EI to Preschool, Inclusive Preschool options, and sessions that parents and children can participate in together over Spring Recess. Ramapo will be facilitating three workshops in Spanish and three in English about topics like family teamwork, skill building, and energizers/calming activities. Space is limited to 54 families per session as these include breakout rooms and will be highly interactive. We are excited about how dynamic these will be and hope that families will enjoy the fun and productive programming.
Resources for Women’s History Month
A collection of 274 ebooks and 44 audiobooks highlighting contemporary and consequential topics on feminism and women’s history. Available to NYCDOE students and teachers by logging into the Sora app with their NYCDOE credentials.
The Women's History Month Resource Toolkit is a March calendar filled with links to biographies, events, and programming to celebrate this important month.
In honor of Women's History Month, each March, NYPL librarians present a month long series of posts highlighting the many amazing women they've discovered through the print and online resources of The New York Public Library.
A collection of streaming videos celebrating the accomplishments and vital contributions of women in history with documentaries and stories that center women's experiences in history.
The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.
Activities available on the Wide Open School website
Posted March 16, 2021The Wide Open School website provides learning activities for students to complete independently at home, or with their families. Activities are available in all subjects and grades, and in all languages via Google Translate. Families can use the information to do the following:
Access an overview of the units their children are studying throughout the year, in grades K-8; high school units will be added soon.
Engage with their child on what is taught at school;
Find support for learning at home, like tips for keeping children focused, as well as information about using online learning tools;
Assist with conversations at parent-teacher conferences;
Locate afterschool activities.
To learn more about tools and resources available on Wide Open School, visit nycschools.wideopenschool.org. For questions, email Kecia Ray.
social-emotional learning classes for NYC families
Posted March 16, 2021The DOE’s Parent University invites NYC families to a series of virtual courses on social-emotional learning (SEL). In these courses, families will learn strategies and have access to tools that promote a successful learning environment for their children. Courses will be conducted in English, Spanish, and Chinese, and taught by DOE partners at Ramapo For Children.
Courses are available in
The DOE’s Parent University seeks to educate and empower all families from early childhood through adulthood, with free courses, resources, events, and activities. Parents can register for free trainings on a wide range of topics, including adult education, student social-emotional learning, and special education.
Join us for Weekend Wellness, Part 2
Posted March 16, 2021What: "Community Activity": Move Your Body to Improve Your Mind (Weekend Wellness, Part 2)
When: March 20 from 10:30-11:30
Where: Online! (Register)
The Office of School Wellness Programs is partnering with Hip Hop Public Health for a free, three-part, monthly Saturday morning event series, "Weekend Wellness: Self-Care for Communities and Families". Spread the word to families and caregivers in your school communities—especially our communities of color—and encourage them to join us for the next two upcoming Saturday-morning events from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.:
March 20: "Community Activity": Move Your Body to Improve Your Mind
April 24: "Community Resiliency": The Real Deal on Toxic Stress and Racism
10-Day School Building Closure
Posted March 15, 2021"Dear Locke School Community:
I’m writing to inform you that following an initial 24-hour closure of our school building, the NYC Test + Trace Corps (T2) and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) have determined that the building must remain closed through 3/22/2021."
Read more in Ms. Spence's March 15th School Closure Update to families.
March 15th Covid case Update
Posted March 12, 2021"The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and the NYC Test + Trace Corps (T2) have determined that a member of our school community has tested positive for COVID-19, and may have exposed others while at school.
Below you will find guidance on next steps that will help keep you, your child, and our school community healthy and safe. The information below reflects the expertise of DOHMH, T2, and the New York City Department of Education (DOE)."
Read more in Ms. Spence's March 15th Covid Update to families.
Puede leer más en actualización para familias de la Sra. Spence.
24-Hour School Building Closure
Posted March 13th, 2021"As a result of determinations made by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and The NYC Test + Trace Corps (T2), two or more members of our school community have tested positive for COVID-19 within seven days of each other. As a result, the school building will close for an initial 24 hours so that the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) may investigate the source(s) of transmission."
Read more in Ms. Spence's March 13th School Closure Update to families.
March 12th Covid case Update
Posted March 12, 2021"The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and the NYC Test + Trace Corps (T2) have determined that a member of our school community has tested positive for COVID-19, and may have exposed others while at school.
Below you will find guidance on next steps that will help keep you, your child, and our school community healthy and safe. The information below reflects the expertise of DOHMH, T2, and the New York City Department of Education (DOE)."
Read more in Ms. Spence's March 12th Covid Update to families.
Puede leer más en actualización para familias de la Sra. Spence.
Covid case Update
Posted March 10, 2021"The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and the NYC Test + Trace Corps (T2) have determined that a member of our school community has tested positive for COVID-19, and may have exposed others while at school.
Below you will find guidance on next steps that will help keep you, your child, and our school community healthy and safe. The information below reflects the expertise of DOHMH, T2, and the New York City Department of Education (DOE)."
Read more in Ms. Spence's March 10th Covid Update to families.
CEC District 3 Business Meeting
Posted March 10, 2021When: 6:30 PM Wednesday, March 10, 2021
Register in advance in Zoom for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvceitpzIuE9Cnpg1S-9cwIh2EwxakMFeH
Update from Our Parent Coordinator, Monika Vargas
Posted March 10th, 2021Read the most recent Update from our Parent Coordinator, Monika Vargas.
Join an inclusion talking circle
Posted March 9, 2021Students can register now to join an inclusion talking circle!
Interested in the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) of students with disabilities? Then join us for an inclusion talking circle. All NYCDOE students are welcome, including students with and without disabilities, school government and clubs, and supporting staff members. Circles will be held March 15-19 on Microsoft Teams at 10am, Noon, and 3pm based on scheduling. Students will be grouped by grade level.
Goals for these talking circles include:
Building relationships between schools
Talking directly about disability and inclusion
Creating more inclusive school communities
Prompts we plan to use:
When I think of disability, I think of…
What has shaped your understanding of disability?
How do language and labels influence your thoughts when it comes to disability?
How does the media, including social media, portray people with disabilities?
High School buildings to Re-open on March 22.
Posted March 9, 2021"...I am writing to you today with an exciting update: we will be reopening our high schools for in-person learning on March 22. [...] I am so pleased that we can now invite students in grades 9-12 who selected blended learning in the fall back to the classroom."
Read more in Chancellor Carranza's March 8th Update for Families.
An update for Families from CHancellor Carranza
Posted March 3, 2021"...As Executive Superintendent Porter and I work together on the transition, I want to make sure you are aware of some important opportunities coming up over the next few weeks..."
Read more in Chancellor Carranza's March 2nd Update for Families.
Principal Chat on 3/19
Posted March 17, 2021CHARLA CON LA DIRECTORA, el 19 marzo
Posted March 17, 2021DOE FACE & CEC3 Check-In Notes for 3/16/21
Posted March 16, 2021Citywide and Community Education Council Candidate Forums
The Citywide and Community Education Council (CCEC) application window has closed. The schedule of candidate forums and downloadable campaign guidelines can be found on the DOE’s website here. You can register to attend the forums here.Please continue to check the DOE's website for updated CCEC election information.
PA/PTA election planning
We would like to encourage you to continue to plan your Elections of PA/PTA Officers according to Chancellor’s Regulation A-660. 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. The executive board must notify the principal of the date and time of the annual elections by April 1. Timely Elections are important to avoid dysfunction to SLTs and other critical parent leader bodies. Please contact your FACE Liaison if you have any questions or need support.
Pre-K applications are open, the application deadline is April 7
During the application period, you can apply online or by phone. Use MySchools.nyc to learn about pre-K programs, apply, get your offer, and learn about waitlists. Start exploring pre-K program options in MySchools' online, searchable, preK directory. Learn how to apply and how pre-K offers are made on this page. Sign up for the pre-K admissions email list.
FACE Training on PA / PTA Bylaws on April 13 at 10 AM
This training will provide an overview of PA/PTA bylaws. Bylaws are a set of rules adopted by members of the association. These rules govern the day-to-day affairs of the PA/PTA. Register here
DOE UPDATE: Guidance on Virtual SLT/DLT Meetings and Parent Leader School Visits
The DOE has issued guidance for Parent Leader School Visits and SLT/DLT virtual meetings, which was shared with Principals this week. You can access both these documents: Parent Leader School Visit Guidance and SLT/DLT Virtual Meeting Guidance**CORRECTION: A link to in this document references DOE guidance for videoconferencing that was published before May 6th, 2020. Since that date the DOE has allowed the use of ZOOM for video conferencing. We are working to update the guidance.
FACE’s Parent University
Parent University (parentu.schools.nyc) offers 275+ free, pre-recorded and live, web-based courses in adult education, arts, early childhood education, enrollment, health and fitness, multilingual learners, parent leadership, remote learning and technology, school buildings and operations, and special education. For more information, including translated flyers, please visit the Office of Family and Community Empowerment (FACE) webpage. To get started, watch this short video tutorial and learn how to create an account. Upcoming live, web-based courses:
Self-Care: Mindfulness, Breathing, & Chair Yoga – EVERY Tuesday @ 10am
Tobacco, E-cigarette & Alternative Product Use - RESCHEDULED for Wednesday, 3/17 @ 9:30am
Weekend Wellness: Self-Care for Communities and Families
The Office of School Wellness Programs is partnering with Hip Hop Public Health to host free, Saturday morning events from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Register here.
March 20: Mental health and physical activity
April 24: Racism and the connection to health/stress
Resources for Families of Children with Disabilities
Our Beyond Access DOE webpage was recently updated to include several new offerings including webinars on transitioning from EI to Preschool, Inclusive Preschool options, and sessions that parents and children can participate in together over Spring Recess. Ramapo will be facilitating three workshops in Spanish and three in English about topics like family teamwork, skill building, and energizers/calming activities. Space is limited to 54 families per session as these include breakout rooms and will be highly interactive. We are excited about how dynamic these will be and hope that families will enjoy the fun and productive programming.
Resources for Women’s History Month
A collection of 274 ebooks and 44 audiobooks highlighting contemporary and consequential topics on feminism and women’s history. Available to NYCDOE students and teachers by logging into the Sora app with their NYCDOE credentials.
The Women's History Month Resource Toolkit is a March calendar filled with links to biographies, events, and programming to celebrate this important month.
In honor of Women's History Month, each March, NYPL librarians present a month long series of posts highlighting the many amazing women they've discovered through the print and online resources of The New York Public Library.
A collection of streaming videos celebrating the accomplishments and vital contributions of women in history with documentaries and stories that center women's experiences in history.
The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.
Activities available on the Wide Open School website
Posted March 16, 2021The Wide Open School website provides learning activities for students to complete independently at home, or with their families. Activities are available in all subjects and grades, and in all languages via Google Translate. Families can use the information to do the following:
Access an overview of the units their children are studying throughout the year, in grades K-8; high school units will be added soon.
Engage with their child on what is taught at school;
Find support for learning at home, like tips for keeping children focused, as well as information about using online learning tools;
Assist with conversations at parent-teacher conferences;
Locate afterschool activities.
To learn more about tools and resources available on Wide Open School, visit nycschools.wideopenschool.org. For questions, email Kecia Ray.
social-emotional learning classes for NYC families
Posted March 16, 2021The DOE’s Parent University invites NYC families to a series of virtual courses on social-emotional learning (SEL). In these courses, families will learn strategies and have access to tools that promote a successful learning environment for their children. Courses will be conducted in English, Spanish, and Chinese, and taught by DOE partners at Ramapo For Children.
Courses are available in
The DOE’s Parent University seeks to educate and empower all families from early childhood through adulthood, with free courses, resources, events, and activities. Parents can register for free trainings on a wide range of topics, including adult education, student social-emotional learning, and special education.
Join us for Weekend Wellness, Part 2
Posted March 16, 2021What: "Community Activity": Move Your Body to Improve Your Mind (Weekend Wellness, Part 2)
When: March 20 from 10:30-11:30
Where: Online! (Register)
The Office of School Wellness Programs is partnering with Hip Hop Public Health for a free, three-part, monthly Saturday morning event series, "Weekend Wellness: Self-Care for Communities and Families". Spread the word to families and caregivers in your school communities—especially our communities of color—and encourage them to join us for the next two upcoming Saturday-morning events from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.:
March 20: "Community Activity": Move Your Body to Improve Your Mind
April 24: "Community Resiliency": The Real Deal on Toxic Stress and Racism
10-Day School Building Closure
Posted March 15, 2021"Dear Locke School Community:
I’m writing to inform you that following an initial 24-hour closure of our school building, the NYC Test + Trace Corps (T2) and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) have determined that the building must remain closed through 3/22/2021."
Read more in Ms. Spence's March 15th School Closure Update to families.
March 15th Covid case Update
Posted March 12, 2021"The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and the NYC Test + Trace Corps (T2) have determined that a member of our school community has tested positive for COVID-19, and may have exposed others while at school.
Below you will find guidance on next steps that will help keep you, your child, and our school community healthy and safe. The information below reflects the expertise of DOHMH, T2, and the New York City Department of Education (DOE)."
Read more in Ms. Spence's March 15th Covid Update to families.
Puede leer más en actualización para familias de la Sra. Spence.
24-Hour School Building Closure
Posted March 13th, 2021"As a result of determinations made by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and The NYC Test + Trace Corps (T2), two or more members of our school community have tested positive for COVID-19 within seven days of each other. As a result, the school building will close for an initial 24 hours so that the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) may investigate the source(s) of transmission."
Read more in Ms. Spence's March 13th School Closure Update to families.
March 12th Covid case Update
Posted March 12, 2021"The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and the NYC Test + Trace Corps (T2) have determined that a member of our school community has tested positive for COVID-19, and may have exposed others while at school.
Below you will find guidance on next steps that will help keep you, your child, and our school community healthy and safe. The information below reflects the expertise of DOHMH, T2, and the New York City Department of Education (DOE)."
Read more in Ms. Spence's March 12th Covid Update to families.
Puede leer más en actualización para familias de la Sra. Spence.
Covid case Update
Posted March 10, 2021"The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and the NYC Test + Trace Corps (T2) have determined that a member of our school community has tested positive for COVID-19, and may have exposed others while at school.
Below you will find guidance on next steps that will help keep you, your child, and our school community healthy and safe. The information below reflects the expertise of DOHMH, T2, and the New York City Department of Education (DOE)."
Read more in Ms. Spence's March 10th Covid Update to families.
CEC District 3 Business Meeting
Posted March 10, 2021When: 6:30 PM Wednesday, March 10, 2021
Register in advance in Zoom for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvceitpzIuE9Cnpg1S-9cwIh2EwxakMFeH
Update from Our Parent Coordinator, Monika Vargas
Posted March 10th, 2021Read the most recent Update from our Parent Coordinator, Monika Vargas.
Join an inclusion talking circle
Posted March 9, 2021Students can register now to join an inclusion talking circle!
Interested in the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) of students with disabilities? Then join us for an inclusion talking circle. All NYCDOE students are welcome, including students with and without disabilities, school government and clubs, and supporting staff members. Circles will be held March 15-19 on Microsoft Teams at 10am, Noon, and 3pm based on scheduling. Students will be grouped by grade level.
Goals for these talking circles include:
Building relationships between schools
Talking directly about disability and inclusion
Creating more inclusive school communities
Prompts we plan to use:
When I think of disability, I think of…
What has shaped your understanding of disability?
How do language and labels influence your thoughts when it comes to disability?
How does the media, including social media, portray people with disabilities?
High School buildings to Re-open on March 22.
Posted March 9, 2021"...I am writing to you today with an exciting update: we will be reopening our high schools for in-person learning on March 22. [...] I am so pleased that we can now invite students in grades 9-12 who selected blended learning in the fall back to the classroom."
Read more in Chancellor Carranza's March 8th Update for Families.
An update for Families from CHancellor Carranza
Posted March 3, 2021"...As Executive Superintendent Porter and I work together on the transition, I want to make sure you are aware of some important opportunities coming up over the next few weeks..."
Read more in Chancellor Carranza's March 2nd Update for Families.
An update for Families from CHancellor Carranza
Posted February 26, 2021"I hope you and your families are keeping safe and healthy. I’m writing today with some important news. After three years leading the DOE, I will be stepping down as Chancellor in March.
I am full of mixed emotions to leave the DOE family. It has been the honor of my career to serve you, and help your child’s school and our whole system get closer to reaching its full potential..."
Read more in Chancellor Carranza's February 26th Update for Families.
Covid case Update
Posted February 10, 2021"The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and the NYC Test + Trace Corps (T2) have determined that a member of our school community has tested positive for COVID-19, and may have exposed others while at school.
Below you will find guidance on next steps that will help keep you, your child, and our school community healthy and safe. The information below reflects the expertise of DOHMH, T2, and the New York City Department of Education (DOE)."
Read more in Ms. Spence's February 10th Covid Update to families.
Help us celebrate your child's work at our next bee celebration!
Posted February 23, 2021When? February 26th at 8:20am
Where? In your child’s Morning Meeting or on the PTA Facebook Page
What is it? Please join us for our February Bee Celebration: an opportunity for the K-5 community to come together and celebrate our successes!!!
Download the February Bee Celebration Flyer!
CEC3 School District Elections Town Hall & PC Jt. Calendar Meeting
Posted February 23, 2021Please join us for this event!
When: February 24th at 6PM
Where: This meeting will take place on Zoom. You can register in advance for this meeting at the following address:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAkde2rpz4sGtEL1kZVtzVUAhJ3lVf9XayQ
CHancellor Carranza's February Update for Families
Posted February 11, 2021"Your voice and leadership are important, and I want to briefly share how you can use them to help our schools and students in a very important way. You can now apply to run for a seat in the coming election for Community and Citywide Education Councils...."
Read more in Chancellor Carranza's February 11th Update for Families.
Covid case Update
Posted February 10, 2021"As a result of determinations made by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and The NYC Test + Trace Corps (T2), a member of our school community has tested positive for COVID-19 and may have exposed others while at school.
Below you will find guidance that reflects the expertise of the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), the New York City Department of Education (DOE) and the NYC Test & Trace Corps (T2)..."
Read more in Cindi's February 10th Covid Update to families.
Clarification on Opt-In Blended Learning
Posted February 10, 2021Please note at this time, there will not be an additional opportunity this school year for families to opt into blended learning. If a family did not choose blended learning during one of the previous opt-in periods in summer 2020 and in November 2020, at this time, their student(s) will remain in remote learning. The Department of Education will continue to closely follow public health conditions and the potential for any future opt-in periods will be guided by those standards.
An Introduction from Ms. Woodhouse-Spence
Posted February 10, 2021[Ms. Woodhouse-Spence's letter is also available here in Spanish.]
February 22, 2021
Dear Parents and Guardians,
It is with extraordinary pride and joy that I write this letter to introduce myself to you as the new principal of PS 185. I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to lead a school with such commitment to learning and excellence. I know that these are unprecedented times that we are all faced with, however, I am committed to supporting our children’s growth each and every day while providing them with a meaningful learning environment, with a strong emphasis on supporting the whole child.
I come to you as a well experienced and dedicated educator. I began my career as an elementary school teacher and come to you today as a seasoned elementary school assistant principal. I bring a belief that I look forward to bringing my skills to you as an instructional leader and promise to work with you as partners in our children’s academic success.
In addition to my role as educator, I am first and foremost a proud parent of 3 exceptional children and a proud aunt of seven amazing and very energetic nephews. The same quality of education that I expect for my children and nephews is the same that I will ensure here at PS 185, the Locke School.
I can assure you that I share PS 185's school community’s commitment and promise to continue the legacy of persistence and hard work, to improve a positive school culture, set high standards for teacher performance, increase academic expectations for all students, the use of data to drive instruction, and build strong relationships with the community.
My position as principal will provide me the opportunity to work collaboratively with our dedicated teachers and parents regularly, while also remaining connected to our young scholars.
To all my students, I look forward to getting to know you and working with you. You are smart, you are important, and you are valued. I wholeheartedly believe that you can excel. I will do my best to ensure that learning is fun and that you achieve success.
I am truly honored to be given this opportunity and look forward to immersing myself completely in our school and in our community. It is my goal to continue to improve and strive for excellence. I am energized and deeply committed to making a positive difference in the lives of all of our children. They will continue to be the primary focus of the work. Please know that my door is always open to you. I look forward to our many conversations, and positive input for years to come.
Best regards,
Andrea Woodhouse-Spence
Aspence32@schools.nyc.gov
Weekly Update from Our Parent Coordinator, Monika Vargas
Posted February 9th, 2021Read the most recent Weekly Update from our Parent Coordinator, Monika Vargas.
CHancellor Carranza's Middle school Updates
Posted February 8th, 2021"I hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy. I am writing to you today with an exciting update: we will be reopening our middle schools for in-person learning on Thursday, February 25."
Read more in Chancellor Carranza's February 8th Middle School Update for Families.
Announcing our New Principal
Posted February 5, 2021"Dear Locke School Community,
It gives me great pride to formally and finally announce, Andrea Woodhouse-Spence as the appointed Principal of 03M185 – The Locke School! [...] Principal Woodhouse-Spence will begin her new role on Monday, February 22, 2021. Next week Tuesday, February 9, at 3 pm, I will introduce her to the community during the "Principal Chat.""
Read more in Superintendent Loughlin's February 4th Letter to Families, and welcome to soon-to-be Principal Woodhouse-Spence!
CEC3 BUSINESS MEETING
Posted February 4, 2021DOE Contracts for Excellence (C4E) presenting
Wednesday, Feb. 10 @ 6:30 PM
Zoom Registration
And More CEC3 Meetings:
CEC3 Middle School Committee
Feb 23, 2021 07:00 PM
Zoom Registration
CEC3 Calendar Meeting
Feb 24, 2021 06:30 PM
Zoom Registration
Find out more at www.cec3.org.
upcoming event and deadline
Posted February 4, 2021Dear Parents,
We wanted to let you know about an upcoming event and deadline:
#NYCOfficeHours tonight with DC Adrienne Austin
🗓️ Thursday, February 4 - TODAY!
🕘 6:30-7:30pm
❓ Ask your questions with #NYCOfficeHours
☎️ Call 1-800-280-9461
School Experience Survey - Due TOMORROW-Friday February 5, 2021
NYC DOE is currently collecting feedback through the Fall 2020 School Experience Survey until TOMORROW Friday, February 5.
We are asking families to share their experience during a year that’s been like no other. Knowing your experience will help us plan for the spring and beyond. It will also help us quickly support schools to improve remote and in-person learning.
The survey is available in 10 languages. More information about the survey can be found on the DOE's website.
Share your experience today at schools.nyc.gov/experiencesurvey or by calling 311.
Please fill out the survey if you have not done so already.
Thank you,
The FACE Team
Important Reminder to Fifth Grade Families
Posted February 4, 2021You MUST submit your child's middle school application by Tuesday February 9th to have a voice in your child's middle school choice.
If you do not have a Myschools account, you should have received an email copy of the application or a paper copy of the application was sent home with your child.
Ms. Singh, Guidance Counselor, also has daily office hours to support families with the application from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., via ZOOM.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86914007720pwd=cDhaMXBmNE00TnZKZVFvQkVFZEZLQT09
Meeting ID: 869 1400 7720
Passcode: 185185
If you have any questions regarding the middle school process please contact Monika Vargas, the parent coordinator at 347-444-9903 or Ms. Singh at 212-534-7490 x3571.
Launch of 2021 Remote Learning Training for Parents and Caregivers
Posted February 3, 2021It is with excitement that the Manhattan B/CO Teams announces the calendar of remote learning support trainings for parents/caregivers.
This is in partnership with Congressmember Adriano Espaillat. The goal is to expand outreach to even more families who are looking for hands-on support and an online community to help each other with their child's learning.
The first session takes place online on Zoom this Thursday, February 4th, from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. with an introduction by Manhattan Executive Superintendent Marisol C. Rosales and Congressmember Adriano Espaillat.
Register for your spot here (https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=tyxJGEXvYUWFcQxC5fesBz_RK4fgcEBOsfCPxcIpPahUNVhNN1JZS1BCQUw4TzBOM1FFRzJNUktUSS4u)
Es con emoción que anunciamos el calendario de entrenamientos de apoyo al aprendizaje remoto para padres/cuidadores ofrecidos por nuestros propios equipos de Manhattan B/CO para febrero-junio de 2021.
Esto está en asociación con el congresista Adriano Espaillat. Estamos ampliando el alcance a más familias que buscan apoyo práctico y una comunidad en línea para ayudarse mutuamente con el aprendizaje de sus hijos.
Nuestra primera sesión se lleva a cabo en línea en Zoom este jueves, 4 de febrero, de 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. con una presentación por parte del Superintendente Ejecutiva de Manhattan Marisol C. Rosales y el Congresista Adriano Espaillat.
Por favor, comparta el folletos adjunto o este correo electrónico a sus familias, coordinador de padres, o persona de contacto para el compromiso familiar, y registrarse para su lugar aquí (https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=tyxJGEXvYUWFcQxC5fesBz_RK4fgcEBOsfCPxcIpPahUNVhNN1JZS1BCQUw4TzBOM1FFRzJNUktUSS4u). El formulario de inscripción está disponible tanto en inglés como en español.
Participants will receive the link to join, and consecutive interpretation in Spanish will be made available during the session.
Los participantes recibirán el enlace para unirse, y la interpretación consecutiva en español estará disponible durante la sesión.
Update on Weather Operating Status for Wednesday 2/3/21
Posted February 2, 2021The DOE plans to reopen buildings for teaching and learning tomorrow, Wednesday, February 3, 2021.
The DOE urges staff and students traveling for in-person learning to exercise caution tomorrow. Please use mass transit wherever possible and leave extra time to get to and from school as traffic may be slower than usual.
The DOE is coordinating closely with New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) on the weather and if any of these circumstances change, we will alert you right away. Student, staff, and general safety is of the utmost importance.
Only 4 Days Left to complete the Survey!
Posted February 2, 2021Parents please help us reach our goal of 100% of the survey responses from the Locke School Families!
We have FOUR days to go and right now we are only at 38%. Only you can help increase the school’s response percentage.
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey! Your feedback is needed!
We are asking all families to share their experience during this year, which has been like no other. Knowing your experience will help the Department of Education plan for the spring and beyond.
The link to the survey is here.
Please note that when you start the survey, you will be asked for the school name. Please scroll all the way down until you find “The Locke School of Arts and Engineering.”
Weekly Update from Parent Coordinator, Monika Vargas
Posted February 2, 2021The 2021 CCEC Elections Begin today, February 1st!
Sneak preview - applications are open for the CCEC Elections.
Applying is fast and easy. Simply, just log into your NYC Schools Account at @mystudent.nyc to get started.
Don’t have a NYC Schools Account? Each parent can sign up for one now at @mystudent.nyc. Then contact your Parent Coordinator for your personal code to add your students.
Want more information about Education Councils? - visit: schools.nyc.gov/elections2021
Want to know if you are eligible to apply?
Chancellor’s Regulations D140, D150, D160 and D170 outline the process and eligibility requirements for the Community Education Councils for community schools districts and Citywide Education Councils for High Schools, Special Education, District 75 and English Language Learners.
For Community Education Councils, you are eligible to run if you are the parent of a student who currently attends Pre-K through 8th grade in a school under the jurisdiction of the Community School District where you wish to serve on the CEC.
For the purpose of determining CEC eligibility, “parent” is defined in Chancellor’s Regulation D-140 as: A parent (by birth or adoption, stepparent, or foster parent), legal guardian, or person in parental relation to a child. A person in parental relation to a child is a person who is directly responsible for the care and custody of the child on a regular basis in lieu of a parent or legal guardian.
Events with Chancellor Carranza
CCD75 Town Hall with Chancellor Carranza on February 3rd from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
CEC 28 Town Hall with Chancellor Carranza on February 4th from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
CEC 21 Town Hall with Chancellor Carranza on February 10th from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Parent University *NEW FEATURES*
Parent University (parentu.schools.nyc) is a course registration and management system where NYC families can find free trainings on a wide range of topics. Parent University serves all families, from early childhood through adulthood, and seeks to educate and empower them as partners and advocates through free courses, resources, events, and activities.
We currently offer 250+ pre-recorded, on-demand, and live, web-based courses and they cover a wide range of categories including:
· Adult and Continuing Education
· Arts – NEW category!
· Early Childhood Education
· Enrollment
· Fitness – NEW category!
· Health and Wellness
· Multilingual Learners
· Parent Leadership
· Remote Learning and Technology
· School Buildings and Operations
· Special Education
We also offer links to 50 websites on our Resources Tab.
For more information, including flyers in different languages, please visit the Office of Family and Community Empowerment page on the DOE website.
To get started, watch this short video tutorial and learn how to create an account. Then, go to parentu.schools.nyc to log in and enroll in one of our upcoming live, web-based courses!
Self-Care: Mindfulness, Breathing, & Chair Yoga – EVERY Tuesday @ 10am
Or check out one of our 50 NEWLY ADDED pre-recorded, on-demand courses!
Web-based Translation Tools - Available with Arabic and Spanish Subtitles
Accepting What Is - Available in multiple languages
Controlling the Uncontrollable - Available in multiple languages
Conflict Management and De-Escalation - Available in multiple languages
Acknowledging and Accepting Feelings - Available in multiple languages
Mindfulness and Stress Relief Strategies - Available in multiple languages
Reaching Out for Help - Available in multiple languages
We hope to see you on Parent University!
Middle Schools Applications are Open
Get ready for middle school! All New York City 5th graders—and 6th graders at schools that end in 6th grade—can apply to middle school this winter. The middle school application opened the week of January 11, 2021, and the deadline to apply is February 9th. Apply to up to 12 programs on your child’s application; list programs in your true order of preference, with your first choice at the top as #1.
Apply one of three ways: online with MySchools, through your child’s current school counselor, or through a Family Welcome Center. Questions? Watch the “How to Apply to Middle or High School” MySchools tutorial.
The Fall 2020 School Experience Survey
Share your experiences about learning in NYC public schools! Take our survey to help us plan for the future. All students in grades 6–12 and parents/guardians and teachers of students in grades 3-K through 12 are invited to participate in the Fall 2020 School Experience Survey.
Your feedback on remote learning, technology, how DOE is communicating, and health and safety in our schools will help us plan both remote and in-person learning.
Visitschools.nyc.gov/ExperienceSurvey to take the survey now! If you need help completing the survey, please call 311. Information in Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Urdu can be found here.
School Quality Snapshot 2019-2020
Every year, schools receive a School Quality Snapshot based on the learning environment and the performance of its students. The 2019-2020 School Quality Snapshot is now available here https://www.schools.nyc.gov/about-us/reports/school-quality
EVENTS: Free Online Civics Classes to Prepare for the Citizenship Exam
The NY Historical Society is partnering is offering classes to green card holders on Saturdays.
Started on January 23 and will end on February 27, 10 am-12 pm. https://nyhistory.org/citizenship
EVENTS: Intrepid Museum’s Free STEAM Events for Teens & Families
Virtual Teen Forum: Supporting BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) Teens in STEM.
Wednesday, February 3rd: 4:00pm-5:00pm
Join us as our interns from the GOALS for Girls program highlight the accomplishments of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) young professionals in their academic and professional journeys in STEAM. Participants will be inspired and motivated to continue their own pathways towards careers in the sciences.
Free Virtual Intrepid Adventure Programs for Families
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00PM-4:00PM:
Join an Intrepid Museum educator each week as we explore history, science and ingenuity online together. Virtual Intrepid Adventure Programs are family-friendly and engage all ages. We request that adults participate in the program with their children. Programs run between 45 minutes and one hour. Advance registration for this drop-in online program is required to receive Zoom information and print-at-home materials when applicable. https://www.intrepidmuseum.org/education/intrepid-adventures
Free Access Family Program for children and youth with developmental or learning disabilities and their families: Fun and Games (All Ages)
Sunday, February 7th 11:00am-Noon
Life on the aircraft carrier Intrepid was hard work, but sailors still found ways to have fun! Virtually tour historical spaces and hear stories from the crew about entertainment and recreation on board Intrepid. Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfLVA9foYvx0ODOdF6C3m2rhzNOa0cKHwrYHVgciLnEdef_hA/viewform
FREE DROP IN STUDENT/SCHOOL-FOCUSED PROGRAMS, W, Th, F 1:00PM-2:00PM Information and registration here: https://www.intrepidmuseum.org/education/pre-k-12-school-programs
FREE K-12 VIRTUAL “Field Trips”
Thanks to the Department of Cultural Affairs and other funding streams we are able to offer free virtual field trips for Title I schools as long as funding lasts. Find descriptions here and reservation information here: https://www.intrepidmuseum.org/education/pre-k-12-school-programs
Intrepid is also offering a new High School Program supported by the NYC DOE as part of their LGBTQ+ initiative- more information here: https://spep.libguides.com/lgbtqtrips
EVENTS: Navigating the Service System for People with Developmental Disabilities
Learn about the eligibility process and services available through the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Workshops are free and open to people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD), families, caregivers, and professionals.
To ensure the safety of the people we support, our staff, and you, all trainings are being offered online at this time. Registrants will be provided access details before the event.
Check out YAI’s website for more information.
EVENTS: Child Mind Institute’s FREE Workshop Series for Families
The Child Mind Institute will be hosting Caregiver Support Workshops. These workshop series are designed to provide families with proactive strategies to use to support your child’s mental health and learning needs while virtually learning from home. They are available at no cost to all NYC DOE parents and caregivers. Please see below for additional details.
Promoting Positive Behaviors for Your Child – Please click here to learn more and register.
· Structuring a Home Learning Environment; Wednesday, February 3rd 4:00pm – 5:00pm
· Managing Kids' Screen Time; Tuesday, February 9th 9:00am – 10:00am EST
· Motivating Your Child for Remote Learning – Part 1; Wednesday, February 17th 4:00pm – 5:00pm
· Motivating Your Child for Remote Learning – Part 2; Tuesday, February 23rd 9:00am – 10:00am
· Improving Your Relationship With Your Child; Wednesday, March 3rd 4:00pm – 5:00pm
· Parent Calming Techniques; Tuesday, March 9th 9:00am – 10:00am
Supporting Learning at Home – Please click here to learn more and register.
· Building and Supporting Executive Functioning Skills; Tuesday, February 9th 4:00pm – 5:00pm
· Building a Foundation for Reading at Home; Wednesday, February 10th 5:00pm – 6:00pm
For additional resources, please visit The Child Mind Institute at: https://childmind.org/coping-during-covid-19-resources-for-parents/.
EVENTS: BLM in NYC Schools and Black History Month Kick-Off March
WHEN: Monday, Feb 1, 2021
TIME: 3:30p.m kick off
WHERE: Harlem USA, Route is: Marcus Garvey Park, 120th and 5th to Harriet Tubman Statue (122nd and St Nic) then finish at 110th.
WHO: Educators, Students, Families, CEJ, CEC members, PRESS NYC
This event will be Open Press
Get Your Child’s COVID-19 Test Results
Our school conducts weekly random testing of students and staff for COVID-19. If a student is tested, parents should hear results via text, email, or phone call within two to three days. Please make sure that you have provided the schools with your most current contact information.
Learn more about COVID-19 testing results here or at schools.nyc.gov/covidresults
Flyers available in: Arabic, Bengali/Bengla, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Urdu
NYC COVID-19 Resources
COVID-19 Community Conversations:
The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is providing a free 60-minute virtual presentation entitled COVID-19 Community Conversations: Mental Health, Equity & Resilience. The COVID-19 Community Conversation presentation covers topics including grief, trauma, coping, resilience and mental health tips. Click here to register for an upcoming presentation!
New COVID-19 Variant
What we know - Viruses constantly change through mutation, and new variants of a virus are expected to occur over time. Sometimes new variants emerge and disappear. Other times, new variants emerge and persist. Multiple variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been documented in the United States and globally during this pandemic.
What we do not know - Scientists are working to learn more about these variants, and more studies are needed to understand:
· How widely these new variants have spread
· How the new variants differ
· How the disease caused by these new variants differs from the disease caused by other variants that are currently circulating
What it means- Public health officials are studying these variants quickly to learn more to control their spread. They want to understand whether the variants
· Spread more easily from person to person
· Cause milder or more severe disease in people
· Are detected by currently available viral tests
· Respond to medicines currently being used to treat people for COVID-19
· Change the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines. There is no evidence that this is occurring, and most experts believe this is unlikely to occur because of the nature of the immune response to the virus.
COVID-19 Testing Sites
Walk-in testing is available at no cost to you at these NYC Health + Hospitals locations.
Click to access: NYC.gov/COVIDTEST. Get a COVID-19 Test and an Antibody test to know if you have been exposed to the virus. – The tests are FREE, confidential and safe. More than 200 testing sites now open. Learn more.
COVID-19 Vaccine DOHMH has created a Vaccine web page to keep New Yorkers up to date.
Click to access: NYC.gov/COVIDVACCINE
COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility
The COVID-19 vaccine is now available to certain groups in NYC. The following groups have recently become eligible:
· People age 65 and older
· Teachers and education workers
· First responders
· Public safety workers
· Public transit workers
Learn which groups are currently eligible for the vaccine, and which may be eligible next.
Click to access: NYC.gov/COVIDVACCINEDISTRIBUTION
COVID-19 Data
The data reflects the most recent information collected about people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in NYC. It is updated daily. Click to access COVID-19 DATA
General Information on COVID-19
There is increasing transmission of COVID-19 in New York City and widespread transmission across the United States and in many other countries. Read about: www.nyc.gov/COVID-19
Only 5 Days LEFt to complete the survey!
Parents help us reach our goal of 100% of the survey responses from the Locke School Families!
It is great that so many parents are responding! This is appreciated!
We are at 36.5% and this is the final week to make it happen!
Please take a few minutes this evening to complete the survey! Your feedback will make a difference!
We are asking all families to share their experience during this year, which has been like no other. Knowing your experience will help the Department of Education plan for the spring and beyond.
The link to the survey is here.
Please note that when you start the survey, you will be asked for the school name. Please scroll all the way down until you find “The Locke School of Arts and Engineering.”
Update On Weather and School Status for Tuesday, February 2nd.
Posted February 1, 2021Due to expected severe weather conditions, all New York City public school buildings will remain closed tomorrow, Tuesday, February 2nd, 2021. All instruction will take place remotely for all students.
Learning Bridges and after-school programs are cancelled tomorrow. Food distribution sites are closed as well.
The City of New York has issued a local Winter Weather Emergency Declaration which includes restrictions on non-essential travel beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, February 1st. All vehicles are restricted on NYC roads until 6:00am on 2/2 except for essential and emergency travel. The City of NY urges staff to exercise caution when going outside and to use public transportation whenever possible and use caution when walking, biking and driving and allow for additional travel time. Safety is of the utmost importance.
The Department of Education is working in close communication with DOT and NYC Emergency Management (NYCEM) throughout the next 24 hours. At this time, no decisions about weather-related closures have been made for Wednesday, February 3rd. We are continuing to monitor the storm’s progress, and we will keep you informed on Tuesday regarding operating status for Wednesday.
2021 Education COuncil Elections
Posted February 1st, 2021Calling all parents! Want to be a voice for change in your school district? Be a leader in your school community?
Find out about Community & Citywide Education Councils and how to get involved! Join one of our daily virtual information sessions in February
If you are a parent of a student in a NYC public school you are eligible to run for a seat and vote in the upcoming elections:
Apply: Feb 1st - 28th
Vote: May 1st - 11th
Learn more at http://schools.nyc.gov/elections2021
CLICK ON THE DAY BELOW TO REGISTER
Monday 2/1 – 6 PM (Spanish)
Tuesday 2/2 – 11 AM (English)
Wednesday 2/3 – 6 PM (English)
Thursday 2/4 – 12 PM (Urdu)
Friday 2/5 – 11 AM (Spanish)
ALL INSTRUCTION WILL BE REMOTE ON MONDAY FEBRUARY 1ST
Posted January 31, 2021Due to expected severe weather conditions, all New York City public school buildings will be closed tomorrow, Monday, February 1, 2021. All instruction will take place remotely.
Learning Bridges and after-school programs are cancelled tomorrow. Food distribution sites are closed as well.
We are continuing to monitor the storm’s progress, and we will keep you informed on Monday regarding operating status for Tuesday.
Only 6 Days Left to complete the Survey!
Posted January 29, 2020Parents help us reach our goal of 100% of the survey responses from the Locke School Families!
It is great that so many parents are responding! This is appreciated!
We are at 32.6% and only YOU can help us to reach our goal in six days!
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey! Your feedback will make a difference!
We are asking all families to share their experience during this year, which has been like no other. Knowing your experience will help the Department of Education plan for the spring and beyond.
The link to the survey is here.
Please note that when you start the survey, you will be asked for the school name. Please scroll all the way down until you find “The Locke School of Arts and Engineering.”
If you need any assistance please call Monika Vargas, Parent Coordinator at 347-444-9913.
Special PTA Meeting: Feb. 11
Posted January 29, 2020Join us at a Special PTA Meeting, on February 11th. Business includes:
Nomination & election of a PTA treasurer and SLT member
Learn about our incoming School Principal
The School Experience Survey
Important Upcoming Dates and Events
When: Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 4:00PM
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88096544178?pwd=kzblm1mxnw85zmxxwm8rwkfxzg95ut09
Meeting ID: 880 9654 4178
Passcode: 976759
One tap mobile: 1-646-558-8656
February Calendars
Posted January 29, 2020Monika has released the February 2021 Events Calendar. Check it out now! We are also sharing the February 2021 NYC Schools Breakfast Menu and February 2021 NYC Schools Lunch Menu.
Building cleared to Re-open
Posted January 28, 2021"Today I am writing to share an important update about our school building. Since closing the building following multiple unlinked COVID-19 cases in our school community, the NYC Test + Trace Corps (T2) and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) have completed a thorough investigation. They have determined that the building is clear to reopen for regularly scheduled activities on 1/9/2021."
Read more in Cindi's December 28th Reopening Letter to Families.
Please also check out "Guidance on returning to school after experiencing COVID symptoms", to familiarize yourself with any changes to the quarantining protocols.
CHancellor Carranza's january Update for Families
Posted January 26, 2021"I hope the new year is treating you and your loved ones well and that your children are settling back into their learning routines. There are a lot of great things happening in our public schools this month! [...] In the Update for Families below, you will find additional information on new admissions policies, as well as on the School Experience Survey."
Read more in Chancellor Carranza's January 25th Update for Families.
10-Days left to complete the survey
Posted January 25th, 2021Please take a few minutes to complete the survey! Your feedback will make a difference!
We are asking all families to share their experience during this year, which has been like no other. Knowing your experience will help the Department of Education plan for the spring and beyond.
The link to the survey is here.
Please note that when you start the survey, you will be asked for the school name. Please scroll all the way down until you find “The Locke School of Arts and Engineering.”
10-Day School Building Closure
Posted January 20th, 2021"Dear Locke School Community:
I’m writing to inform you that following an initial 24-hour closure of our school building, the NYC Test + Trace Corps (T2) and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) have determined that the building must remain closed through 1/28/2021."
Read more in Cindi's January 20th School Closure Update to families.
FAQ: Fall 2020 School Experience Survey
Posted January 20th, 2021The DOE invites all parents and guardians of students in grades 3-K–12, teachers and students in Grades 6-12 to take the Fall 2020 School Experience Survey.
The goals of the survey are to:
provide timely and actionable feedback to schools and field teams to improve both remote and in-person learning experiences
assist in planning for the spring semester
The survey is open from Tuesday, January 19, 2021 through Friday, February 5, 2021.
The Survey
The survey is available in Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, English, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Urdu. Once you are at the survey, you can select your preferred language in the top left corner of the survey screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about the Fall 2020 School Experience Survey.
What is the Fall 2020 School Experience Survey?
The Fall 2020 School Experience Survey is a formative assessment tool intended to gather feedback about families, students and teachers’ experiences and needs during the 2020-21 school year to date as these relate to remote learning, communication, technology use and in person health, safety, and instruction for those students and teachers who attended school or worked in-person at any point this school year. The survey is comprised of three surveys: a parent/guardian survey, a student survey and a teacher survey.
What is the purpose of the Fall 2020 School Experience Survey?
The purpose of administering the Fall 2020 School Experience Survey is to collect feedback from families, students and teachers about remote learning, communication, technology use and in person health, safety, and instruction for those students and teachers who attended school or worked in-person at any point this school year. The feedback will help school administrators and the NYC DOE overall to continue to deepen their knowledge of what students, families and teachers need and their current learning environment in order to inform planning for the rest of the school year.
Who should take the Fall 2020 School Experience Survey?
The following members of the DOE community are to participate in the survey:
Parents/guardians (families) of students in grades 3K–12
Students in grades 6–12
Teachers of grades 3K–12
Please note that the Fall 2020 School Experience Survey is only open to families, students, and teachers of NYC public schools.
When will the Fall 2020 School Experience Survey be open?
The Fall 2020 Experience Survey will be administered over the span of three weeks, starting on Tuesday, January 19th and ending on Friday, February 5th.
What is the deadline to take the survey?
All families, students and teachers who are eligible to participate in the survey should do so by Friday, February 5th.
How many surveys should be completed in households where there are sets of siblings in the same school?
Families that have more than one child attending NYC public schools should complete one survey on behalf of each child. Families might have children in one school or spread across several grades and school buildings. Completing one survey on behalf of each child will allow them the opportunity to provide feedback specific to each child’s experience.
How will survey results be used?
To ensure survey data can be used in a timely manner, live results and response rates will be available throughout the administration window via the Panorama Education platform, as soon as a minimum number of survey responses is reached for each survey respondent group respectively. The data is intended to help schools improve the remote and in-person learning experience in the spring semester.
Is the Fall 2020 School Experience Survey anonymous? Is it confidential?
Yes, the Fall 2020 School Experience Survey is anonymous and it is confidential. To link survey responses to schools and to make survey results more actionable, the following Given that no identifying information is requested throughout the survey and no access codes are used to complete the survey, there is no way of linking survey responses to individual participants. Furthermore, Panorama Education will collect and process all survey responses and will share the school-level data with the NYCDOE. No one from a school will ever see individual survey responses.
Is the Fall 2020 School Experience Survey translated into all DOE supported languages?
Yes, the Fall 2020 School Experience Survey has been translated into all nine DOE supported languages: Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Russian, Spanish and Urdu.
How can participants take the survey if they do not have a computer, smart phone or tablet?
Any parent/guardian or student who does not have the ability to complete the survey online can call 311 and an operator will connect them to support to complete the survey by phone.
How can families who are unable to read participate in the survey?
Families that need support to participate in the survey can call 311 and an operator will connect them to support to complete the survey by phone.
Are all District 75 students being surveyed? Which students are and which are not?
The survey is open to all students in grades 6-12, including students in District 75 schools.
Who handles the data? Who sees the data?
The survey is being administered by Panorama Education on their survey platform. The NYC DOE will not be able to link individual people to individual responses. Given the anonymous nature of the survey, there is no way of tracking parent/guardians, students or teachers who have completed the survey. However, schools will have access to response rates for each respondent group via the Panorama Education platform.
The Fall 2020 School Experience Survey
Posted January 19th, 2021The DOE has launched the Fall 2020 School Experience Survey as of today, Tuesday, January 19th. It will close on February 5th.
At this time, we are asking all families to share their experience during this year, which has been like no other. Knowing your experience will help the Department of Education plan for the spring and beyond.
The link to the survey is here: Fall 202 School Experience Survey.
Teachers will also be completing this survey and it will be done in school during time that will be provided for them to complete.
Weekly Updates from Parent Coordinator, Monika Vargas
Posted January 19th, 2021Martin Luther King Jr. Resource Guide
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an American federal holiday marking the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year. The NYCDOE encourages teachers to dedicate class time to recognizing the holiday and celebrating Dr. King’s legacy and role in the Civil Rights Movement. It is important that students’ understanding of Dr. King’s legacy is not limited to the yearly celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but instead is contextualized within the civil rights movement. The resources below have been curated to support families in this effort.
Family Facing Resources
National Civil Rights Museum, King Day
Register for the Museum's virtual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. Two sessions are available, afternoon and evening.
National Constitution Center: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
Registration links to free, live virtual sessions on the civil rights movement and MLK Jr.’s legacy. Students explore the civil rights movement; the Warren Court; and landmark laws enacted by Congress like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. On Friday, January 22nd there is a session with Hasan Kwame Jeffries, associate professor of history at The Ohio State University to explore the civil rights movement. On this page there are also videos of a performance of King’s “I Have a Dream” speech and links to classroom materials.
Middle Schools Applications are Open
Get ready for middle school! All New York City 5th graders can apply to middle school this winter. The middle school application opened the week of January 11, 2021, and the deadline to apply is February 9th. Apply to up to 12 programs on your child’s application; list programs in your true order of preference, with your first choice at the top as #1.
The DOE is hosting virtual information session for families. Learn how to explore your child’s middle school options, how to apply, and how offers are made. We’ll also go over changes this year due to COVID-19.
After the presentation, we will respond to your questions. Register at tinyurl.com/nyc2021MSvirtual for the event you’d like to attend.
Virtual Middle School Admissions Information Session
Location and Audience
Date
Time
Manhattan Families
1/21/2021
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Learn more about the Middle School Admission process here and upcoming Middle School Admissions events here.
The Fall 2020 School Experience Survey is Launching January 19, 2021
The DOE is launching the Fall 2020 School Experience Survey opens on Tuesday, January 19th and closes on February 5th!
We are asking all families and staff, to share their experience during this year, which has been like no other. Knowing your experience will help us plan for the spring and beyond, and it will also help us quickly support schools to improve remote and in-person learning
The survey link will be sent to families next week and published on the DOE’s website. It will be available in 10 languages.
The link to the survey is here.
Get Your Child’s COVID-19 Test Results
Our school is conducting weekly random testing of students and staff for COVID-19. If a student is tested, parents should hear results via text, email, or phone call within two to three days.
Learn more about COVID-19 testing results here or at schools.nyc.gov/covidresults
Flyers available in: Arabic, Bengali/Bengla, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Urdu
Community and Citywide Education Council Elections
We are two weeks away from the opening of applications to run for the Community and Citywide Education Councils (CCEC)! Is your parent community ready to Run.Serve.Lead?
This election, parents will be able to use their NYC Schools Account to run and vote!
January is NYC Schools Account Sign-Up Month
The Mission: 100% parents and students signed up!!
Please follow this instructional video https://vimeo.com/497731682, which provide visual step-by-step instructions on how to set up an account.
Amendments to the Chancellor’s Regulations
Amendments to Chancellor's Regulation D-140, D-150, D-160 and D-170 will be considered by the Panel for Educational Policy (PEP) at its January 27th meeting. These regulations govern eligibility to run and serve on Community and Citywide Education Councils, as well as the election procedures for these councils.
Parents are encouraged to submit comments by email at RegulationD-140@schools.nyc.gov, or by phone at 212-346-5226. Comments may be submitted until January 26th at 6:00pm.
EVENTS FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES
Parent University
Parent University (parentu.schools.nyc) is a course registration and management system where NYC families can find free trainings on a wide range of topics. Parent University serves all families, from early childhood through adulthood, and seeks to educate and empower them as partners and advocates through free courses, resources, events, and activities.
We currently offer 200+ pre-recorded, on-demand, or live, web-based courses and they cover a wide range of topics including:
Adult and Continuing Education
Early Childhood Education
Enrollment
Health and Wellness
Multilingual Learners
Parent Leadership
Remote Learning and Technology
School Buildings and Operations
Special Education
For more information, including flyers in different languages, please visit the Office of Family and Community Empowerment page on the DOE website.
Haven't joined us yet? Watch this short video tutorial to learn how to create an account.
Then, go to parentu.schools.nyc to log in and enroll in one of our upcoming live, web-based courses!
A Day of Mindfulness – 1/19/21 @ 12:30pm
Self-Care: Mindfulness, Breathing, & Chair Yoga – Beginning 1/26/21 and EVERY Tuesday @ 10am
CCEC Roles and Responsibilities – 2/8/21 @ 6pm
Or check out one of our newest pre-recorded, on-demand courses!
PA/PTA Financial Reporting – Missed the live session? Catch it on-demand!
We hope to see you on Parent University!
STEAM Education at Home: What’s Working?
It is clear that online learning is here to stay as a part of learning experiences for children and adults. This conference is geared towards helping teachers, educators and parents by sharing successes and challenges.
We will cover ideas from experts in a variety of fields to help us learn how to make remote learning become more effective and more social. Our invited speakers include teachers from kindergarten through college, parents, administrators and Ed Tech specialists. At the end of our four-hour conference we’ll create a summary of best practices to help us all.
Vision Education & Media's Robofun is currently partnering with NYU’s ITP program to host this symposium via zoom on January 21st from 2 pm - 6 pm.
STEAM Education at Home: What’s Working? Come share and learn from our successes and challenges.
We will have four, 45-minute panel discussions on different topics including social and emotional development, curriculum modification, tips and tricks on the available platforms and interfaces available for virtual classes, open discussion on successes and challenges, and more!
Date: January 21, 2021
Time: 2pm - 6pm
Saturday, January 30, 2021
Join Anytime From 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Registration required: https://app.brazenconnect.com/a/INCLUDEnyc/e/qY6WV
INCLUDEnyc is a non-profit providing training and information for young people with any disability (age 0-26) in New York City, their families, and the professionals who support them.
Learn more about organizations and programs supporting young people with disabilities. Based on your preference, connect with representatives via chat, audio, or video to learn more about Summer Camps, After School, Recreation, Athletics, Art, Dance, and Music Transition Services and College Supports and Services.
More information here.
Caregiver Support Workshops
The Child Mind Institute will be hosting Caregiver Support Workshops. These workshop series are designed to provide families with proactive strategies to use to support your child’s mental health and learning needs while virtually learning from home. They are available at no cost to all NYC DOE parents and caregivers. Please see below for additional details.
Promoting Positive Behaviors for Your Child – Please click here to learn more and register.
Structuring a Home Learning Environment; Wednesday, February 3rd, 2021 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm EST
Managing Kids' Screen Time; Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 | 9:00am – 10:00am EST
Motivating Your Child for Remote Learning – Part 1; Wednesday, February 17th, 2021 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm EST
Motivating Your Child for Remote Learning – Part 2; Tuesday, February 23rd, 2021 | 9:00am – 10:00am EST
Improving Your Relationship With Your Child; Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm EST
Parent Calming Techniques; Tuesday, March 9th, 2021 | 9:00am – 10:00am EST
Coping During COVID-19 – Please click here to learn more and register.
Managing Intense Emotions; Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm EST
Will My Child be Okay?; Monday, January 25th, 2021 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm EST
Fostering Resilience Within Your Family; Thursday, January 28th, 2021 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm EST
Supporting Learning at Home – Please click here to learn more and register.
Building and Supporting Executive Functioning Skills; Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm EST
Building a Foundation for Reading at Home; Wednesday, February 10th, 2021 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm EST
For additional resources, please visit The Child Mind Institute at: https://childmind.org/coping-during-covid-19-resources-for-parents/.
24-Hour School Building Closure
Posted January 18th, 2021"As a result of determinations made by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and The NYC Test + Trace Corps (T2), two or more members of our school community have tested positive for COVID-19 within seven days of each other. As a result, the school building will close for an initial 24 hours so that the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) may investigate the source(s) of transmission."
Read more in Cindi's January 18th School Closure Update to families.
SAFETY NOTIFICATION
Posted January 16, 2021As you might have learned on the NYC Citizen App for police activity in our school community, it is important that you be made aware that last night there was a break-in at The Locke School of Arts and Engineering-P.S. 185. Thank you to our very alert and quick-thinking neighbors in the school community, as they were vigilant and able to alert NYPD.
The NYPD immediately responded, and they were able to apprehend all of the individuals involved.
As of this morning, the school has been completely secured and we are just so fortunate the police were able to respond while the break-in was still in progress.
Because this is an ongoing NYPD matter, no other details are available.
We are so grateful to the NYPD and the relationship we have with our neighbors and the community.
DISTRICT 3 5TH GRADE MIDDLE SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES WEEK
Posted January 14, 2021This venue will provide all D3 5th graders with an opportunity to learn about every Middle School in District 3! We will provide the meeting link here when it is made available!
EVERY DAY
TUESDAY JANUARY 19 THRU FRIDAY JANUARY 22, 2021
11:30 AM-12:40 PM
Download your own copy of the District 3 Middle School Assembly Flyer.
Covid case Update
Posted January 14, 2021"As a result of determinations made by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and The NYC Test + Trace Corps (T2), a member of our school community has tested positive for COVID-19 and may have exposed others while at school.
Below you will find guidance that reflects the expertise of the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), the New York City Department of Education (DOE) and the NYC Test & Trace Corps (T2)..."
Read more in Cindi's January 14th Covid Update to families.
COVID Testing-Obtaining Your Child’s Results
Posted January 13, 2021If your child has been tested in school and you do not receive his/her COVID-19 test results within 48-72 hours from our school’s testing provider. Please note the following and take appropriate action:
Make sure your contact information in school records and New York City School Account is still current
Note that our school is being tested by SOMOS Community Care
If you are not contacted within 72 hours, please visit somosny.com anytime or call 833-SOMOSNY (766-6769) between hours of 8AM – 8PM Monday – Friday
Or contact Bio Reference (the Lab that processed the test for SOMOS) directly at 1-888-279-0967, and mention you are calling in reference to NYC schools testing program. When contacting the lab, please have the following information available: Child’s Name, Child’s Date of Birth, Date Testing Occurred
The NYC Public School Testing Result Hotline can be reached at (646) 614-3028. Note that families must have the name of the testing-provider lab (SOMOS/BioReference) conducting tests at our school, in order to access the results.
Covid case Update
Posted January 11, 2021"As a result of determinations made by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and The NYC Test + Trace Corps (T2), a member of our school community has tested positive for COVID-19 and may have exposed others while at school.
Below you will find guidance that reflects the expertise of the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), the New York City Department of Education (DOE) and the NYC Test & Trace Corps (T2)..."
Read more in Cindi's January 11th Covid Update to families.
Weekly Updates from Parent Coordinator Monika Vargas
Posted January 11 2021ICYMI - Screened Middle Schools Enrollment September 2021
The Mayor and Chancellor announced the elimination of the academic screens in Middle School admissions.
Middle School:
All middle school screens will be paused for this year. This includes academic screens, school-based assessments, composite scores, and auditions. Students will be admitted through a lottery-based system.
District and geographic priorities, as well as Diversity in Admissions priorities, will still apply for those middle schools that have them.
The middle school application will open the week of January 11th.
For more information and details about middle enrollment, please visit the DOE’s website.
Community and Citywide Education Council Elections
The 2021 Community and Citywide Education Councils (CCEC) election cycle shifts into high gear this week. The countdown to February 1, when the candidates’ application window opens, begins now. Continue to educate your families on the important work the Community Education Councils perform to positively influence your schools. Share the advocacy work the Citywide Education Councils accomplish, representing family voices on focused education issues. Encourage your parents to serve their community – run for a seat on an Education Council!
January is NYC Schools Account Sign-Up
A fully linked NYC Schools Account (NYCSA) is the only entry point for applying and voting in the CCEC elections. NYCSA provides easy access to important education information for all their students in one place. Before February 1, 2021, all parents must have an account. To create an account visit https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/student-journey/nyc-schools-account
EVENTS FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES
Parent University
Parent University (parentu.schools.nyc) is a course registration and management system where NYC families can find free trainings on a wide range of topics. Parent University serves all families, from early childhood through adulthood, and seeks to educate and empower them as partners and advocates through free courses, resources, events, and activities.
Since we officially launched on November 24, 2020 we have:
175 Courses
50 Resources
27K Users
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For more information, including flyers in different languages, please visit the DOE’s Office of Family and Community Empowerment.
Haven't joined us yet? Watch this short tutorial to learn how to create an account.
Then go to parentu.schools.nyc to log in and enroll in one of our upcoming live, web-based courses!
CCEC Roles and Responsibilities – RESCHEDULED TO 2/8/2021 @ 6:00 pm
PA/PTA Financial Reporting - 1/12/21 @ 10am
Family Fun Night: A Day in the Life of Literacy - 1/26/21 @ 5:30pm
Or check out one of our newest pre-recorded, on-demand courses!
Parent University Tutorial
How to Create an Account in Parent University
How to Enroll in a Course in Parent University
How to Use Captions and Transcripts in YouTube
Yeti, Set, Snow!
Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre "Puppet Time"
Meditation Monday with Karine Plantadit
SummerStage Studio: Tap with Ayodele Casel
Yoga Basics with Richard Barcia
We hope to see you on Parent University!
Teaching Reading for Families: What Everyone Should Know about Reading in English
Tuesday January 12, 2021
7:30 PM
This session is designed to give parents the basic theory and practice of good reading instruction and to enable them to have a repertoire of research-based activities to move the reading process along. Many of these activities can be done while cooking, driving, cleaning, shopping and the myriad of other things parents have to do as they raise their children. This session focuses on integrating everyday reading and using oral language at home with your child.
Presenters
Lavinia Mancuso, Everyone Reading
Host
Jose Rios Lua, Director of Family Empowerment and Communications
Register here
Saturday, January 30, 2021
Join Anytime From 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Registration required: https://app.brazenconnect.com/a/INCLUDEnyc/e/qY6WV
INCLUDEnyc is a non-profit providing training and information for young people with any disability (age 0-26) in New York City, their families, and the professionals who support them.
Learn more about organizations and programs supporting young people with disabilities. Based on your preference, connect with representatives via chat, audio, or video to learn more about Summer Camps, After School, Recreation, Athletics, Art, Dance, and Music Transition Services and College Supports and Services.
More information here.
YAI’s Independent Living Skills Program is enrolling new applicants for the 12-week winter group.
Groups will be offered through Zoom video meetings.
Wednesdays from 3:00 - 4:30 pm, starting in February
People aged 18+ can come to learn and socialize around topics like decision making, relationships, planning, and more. To register, please complete the application. Program also includes parent education sessions to bring the skills home.
Groups are for adults 18+ who live with their families in Manhattan. Intake and OPWDD eligibility required.
YAI and its network of affiliate agencies offer children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities a comprehensive range of services.
For more information, please call YAI LINK at 212.273.6182 or email link@yai.org
Or visit YAI’s website https://www.yai.org/services/independent-living-skills-program-ilsp-nyc
Caregiver Support Workshops
The Child Mind Institute will be hosting Caregiver Support Workshops. These workshop series are designed to provide families with proactive strategies to use to support your child’s mental health and learning needs while virtually learning from home. They are available at no cost to all NYC DOE parents and caregivers. Please see below for additional details.
Promoting Positive Behaviors for Your Child – Please click here to learn more and register.
Structuring a Home Learning Environment; Wednesday, February 3rd, 2021 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm EST
Managing Kids' Screen Time; Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 | 9:00am – 10:00am EST
Motivating Your Child for Remote Learning – Part 1; Wednesday, February 17th, 2021 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm EST
Motivating Your Child for Remote Learning – Part 2; Tuesday, February 23rd, 2021 | 9:00am – 10:00am EST
Improving Your Relationship With Your Child; Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm EST
Parent Calming Techniques; Tuesday, March 9th, 2021 | 9:00am – 10:00am EST
Coping During COVID-19 – Please click here to learn more and register.
Managing Grief and Loss; Monday, January 11th, 2021 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm EST
Managing Stress and Anxiety; Tuesday, January 12th, 2021 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm EST
Mindful Parenting; Monday, January 18th, 2021 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm EST
Managing Intense Emotions; Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm EST
Will My Child be Okay?; Monday, January 25th, 2021 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm EST
Fostering Resilience Within Your Family; Thursday, January 28th, 2021 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm EST
Supporting Learning at Home – Please click here to learn more and register.
Supporting Your Child in Virtual Learning; Wednesday, January 13th, 2021 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm EST
Building and Supporting Executive Functioning Skills; Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm EST
Building a Foundation for Reading at Home; Wednesday, February 10th, 2021 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm EST
For additional resources, please visit The Child Mind Institute at: https://childmind.org/coping-during-covid-19-resources-for-parents/.
New York State Summer School of the Arts
Applications are now being accepted for the 2021 New York State Summer School of the Arts (NYSSSA). The four-week summer program will be held fully online to ensure safety during the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis. Tuition will be free for all students who qualify, fostering equity by allowing students who may not have been able to participate otherwise. Students will be able to experience intensive work and interaction with internationally acclaimed artists and performing arts companies.
NYSSSA auditions begin this month, and students in grades 8-12 throughout New York State are encouraged to apply. Audition information and application materials are available on the NYSSSA website.
Big Apple Awards
LAST CHANCE TO NOMINATE A TEACHER FOR THE BIG APPLE AWARD
Nominations for the Big Apple Award are open until Sunday, January 10th.
We encourage you to celebrate outstanding educators in our community by nominating them for the Big Apple Awards by January 10th.
To make a nomination, visit http://schools.nyc.gov/bigappleawards.
Click here for more information.
District 3 meet the middle schools night
Posted January 8, 2021Wednesday, January 13th from 5 pm to 7 pm https://tinyurl.com/d3meettheschools
District 3 middle schools will be giving brief overviews of their schools and taking a few questions. Come to learn more about all of our District 3 middle schools to fill up your preference sheets by February 9th!
Bee Celebration
Posted January 8, 2021When: January 11th at 8:20 am
Where: In your child’s Morning Meeting (also on the PTA Facebook Page)
Please join us for our January Celebration: an opportunity for the K-5 community to come together and celebrate our successes!!!
Coping Through COVID-19
Posted January 7, 2021Due to the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 on New York City, ACS and the City of New York have developed a list of resources for those seeking assistance.
The following information aims to connect New Yorkers and their loved ones to day-to-day resources they may need, including: greater access to food and internet; housing and rental assistance; and medical, mental health and drug treatment services. You can also check HelpNowNYC for ways the City of New York and its partners are providing help, or to support COVID-19 response efforts.
Being a parent or caregiver can be challenging, especially right now. If you are a parent, or currently caring for children or teens, the list below provides information on how to de-stress. You can also find free educational activities for children staying at home.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or gender-based violence, help is available. Call 311 to be connected to the nearest NYC Family Justice Center or see phone numbers listed below. Find resources and support by searching the City's NYC HOPE Resource Directory. Call the NYC's 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-621-HOPE (4673) for immediate safety planning, shelter assistance, and other resources. TTY: 800-810-7444. In an emergency, dial 911.
Available Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. through 5 p.m.:
NYC Family Justice Center, Queens Call 718-575-4545
NYC Family Justice Center, Brooklyn Call 718-250-5113
NYC Family Justice Center, Bronx Call 718-508-1220
NYC Family Justice Center, Manhattan Call 212-602-2800
NYC Family Justice Center, Staten Island Call 718-697-4300
The Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence has created printable flyers, resources, and toolkits in 11 languages that can be found here.
Stay Up-to-Date With Health Information
New York City is currently experiencing widespread community transmission of a new type of respiratory infection known as COVID-19. You can get up-to-date information from New York City's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH) to keep you and your family safe and healthy. They are posting lots of guidance and NYC case data about this illness (please follow this link for translated DOHMH guidance). You can text "COVID" to 692-692 to receive updates by text message.
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C):
The State and City Health Departments are currently investigating a condition, which can be very harmful or fatal to children, and which may be associated with COVID-19. It is important for parents, caregivers, and those working with children to be aware of this condition, because, though it continues to be uncommon, it can be fatal if not treated promptly.
This condition, which has features similar to Kawasaki Disease and Toxic Shock Syndrome, is called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C and previously referred to as PMIS), and may be associated with COVID-19. It is important to recognize the signs, which include a high fever along with other symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, rash, and swollen hands or feet. If a child is ill with a persistent fever, please contact their pediatrician as soon as possible to assess for MIS-C. If a child is acutely ill with other symptoms (rash, abdominal pain, chest pain) accompanying the fever, please call 911 immediately.
· DOHMH Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children Fact Sheet (PDF, May 18, 2020)
As parents and caretakers continue to follow social distancing guidelines, they should know that vaccination is considered essential and is a valid reason to leave the home. It is important your child doesn’t fall behind on their vaccine schedule. NYC Health + Hospitals is offering free vaccinations for children up to 2 years old. Special attention has been placed on ensuring that hospital sites are safe and are following recommendations to decrease visitor’s exposure to germs. Call 844-NYC-4NYC (844-692-4692) to make an appointment.
Please visit DOHMH’s website for more information (including translated materials).
Access To Food
For information about food pantries and meal programs that serve New York City children and families, as well as seniors and other individuals at risk of hunger, please see the following:
· A Map of Food Pantries Across NYC
· The New York City Department of Education is committed to making three free meals available daily for any New Yorker. Any New Yorker who wants one can get three free meals a day at more than 400 Meal Hubs across the city. For locations, hours, and more information, click here. No registration or ID is required.
· Free Food Delivery for Individuals Who Are Homebound
· City Meals on Wheels: If you are 60 years of age or older, unable to prepare meals, and live at home, click here.
· NYC Neighborhood Food Resource Guides: To help community members in need of food, The Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center has created COVID-19 food resource guides for each NYC neighborhood.
Many of us are trying to stretch our food budgets, think of creative new recipes, and get the whole family involved with meal preparation to make it less burdensome and more fun. Below are some resources to help:
· My Plate Kitchen offers searchable recipes by course, nutrition, food group, cooking equipment and cost. They are also offering SNAP recipes which are healthy, easy to make, and tasty.
· Good Housekeeping has recipes, prep ideas, and ingredient substitutions for creative meals while practicing social distancing at home.
· Foodschool offers weekly online classes that the whole family can enjoy.
· Food Literacy Program provides healthy recipes and cooking lessons for parents to do with their kids.
· Food52 connects viewers to free online cooking classes with 12 different professional chefs.
Access To Cell Service and WiFi
Gaining access to cell phone service, internet and/or WiFi can make all the difference as we continue to social distance, work from home and learn remotely. During the COVID-19 emergency, some carriers are offering discounts or other relief to their customers. For information on how you can access these services, please see the following or contact your carrier for more information:
· Discounted Internet Service for Low-Income Families:
o AT&T offers a discounted service for income-limited households or those who qualify for the National School Lunch Program or Head Start. Visit Access from AT&T for more information.
o Spectrum offers a discounted internet plan for qualified households who are also in receipt of assistance through the National School Lunch Program or Supplemental Security Income (for applicants age 65 and older only). Visit Spectrum Internet Assist to learn more.
· Income-based free cell phone and airtime: SafeLink Wireless is a government supported program that provides a free cell phone and airtime each month for income-eligible customers. A private company provides the service. It is not connected to any New York City agency. Follow this link for more information about the program.
· Cell Phone Providers: Numerous cell phone companies have signed the "Keep Americans Connected Pledge" and are agreeing to stop service termination and waive late fees for families experiencing financial hardship. You can contact your carrier for more information.
Help with Housing, Paying Rent, and/or Preventing Eviction
· If you are at risk of eviction or entering shelter, connect to Legal Assistance and Rental Assistance programs offered by NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)
· The Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants offers resources and information, including free advice, connection to legal assistance, and the latest on COVID-19 emergency orders that may impact evictions and Housing Court. Visit their website or call 311 and ask for the “Tenant Helpline”
· Disabled individuals Experiencing Challenges Within the Shelter System: Contact Elizabeth Iannone, Director of Disability Affairs for Homeless Services at iannonee@dss.nyc.gov
· Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals Who Need to Communicate With the Department of Social Services: DSS ASL Direct is available. Contact Kim Dolan, 347-474-4231
· For additional eviction prevention information and resources (including their hotline availability and hours), visit Coalition for the Homeless Eviction Prevention Program.
· NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) announced it will be reopening the COVID Rent Relief Program to provide eligible households with a one-time rental subsidy that will be sent directly to the household's landlord. Applicants will not need to repay this assistance. The new application period will be open from Friday, December 18, 2020 through February 1, 2021.
o Previous Applicants for COVID Rent Relief will not have to reapply to be reconsidered. HCR will re-evaluate all applications that were denied according to its new criteria and issue revised determination letters to applicants.
o The COVID Rent Relief Extension Program is not first come, first served. Applications will be accepted throughout the application period. HCR will prioritize eligible households with "greatest economic and social need."
o For more information about eligibility criteria and to access an application, please visit the COVID Rent Relief Program website.
Utilities
As of March 13, 2020 New York utilities have volunteered to suspend utility shut-offs for power, heat and water for all customers.
Education
Please visit the Department of Education (DOE)’s website for the latest information about the 2020-2021 school year, including health and safety measures, and learning models that will be available.
Free Mental Health Services
If you are feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, please know that you are not alone. Help is available.
· NYC Well: NYC Well is your connection to free, confidential mental health support. Speak to a counselor via phone, text, or chat and get access to mental health and substance use services, in more than 200 languages, 24/7/365. Help is available through phone, text or chat! For more information, visit: https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/
· NYS COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline: Free mental health counseling can be reached at 1-844-863-9314
Health & Mental Health Services for Young Adults
· Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center: Doors remain open Monday through Saturday to all young people who need services. Call 212-423-3000
· Covenant House: Doors remain open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for young people experiencing homelessness. Call 212-613-0300 or visit www.covenanthouse.org
LGBTQ Medical & Mental Health Services
· NYC Unity Project Citywide LGBTQ + COVID-19 Guide: For up to date information on over 100 LGBTQ+ affirming programs and services still available virtually and in-person across NYC, visit the NYC Unit Project’s LGBTQ + COVID-19 Resource Guide
· Trevor Project : A national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth. Trained counselors are available to support you 24/7. If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, call 1-866-488-7386 or visit www.thetrevorproject.org
· Callen- Lorde Health Clinic: The schedule for visits for those with urgent symptoms or in-person care will be Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., but patients will be screened by phone. Those scheduled for routine appointments will receive a phone call the day of their appointment. New patients are not being accepted at this time. Pharmacy hours will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday in Chelsea and the Bronx, but those who need prescriptions can get them delivered with Callen-Lorde's free delivery service. Visit www.Callen-Lorde.org
· Covenant House: Doors remain open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for young people experiencing homelessness. Call 212-613-0300 or visit www.covenanthouse.org
· H.E.A.T clinic: Will remain open and are available to answer your questions or concerns by phone at (718) 613-8453.
· Gay Center: The information and referral team is operating virtual front desks from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 212-620-7310. – visit www.gaycenter.org
· Trans Lifeline: Trans Lifeline offers peer support and can help you access the many emergency funds and mutual aid resources arising locally and nationally. Contact them at 877–565–8860. Visit: www.translifeline.org
· Immigration Equality : Hotline for people calling from detention only: 917-654-9696. They are open from 9:30 am – 5:30 pm. Monday – Friday. General requests and other legal help: 212-714-2904. They are open 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Monday's and Wednesday's and 10:00 am – 1:00 pm on Friday's. Visit www.immigrationequality.org
Help Using Telehealth Services
Telehealth is when you get healthcare or therapy over your phone, tablet, or computer, instead of meeting with your social service provider, advocate, or healthcare provider in person. During COVID-19, many people are accessing services through telehealth to help lower the risk of spreading or getting the virus.
Check out these Telehealth Tips, which were developed by New York City families and service providers to answer common questions and help you get the most from your telehealth appointments. You will find information about setting up your technology, preparing for a virtual session, and more. This resource is available in eleven languages.
Access To Fitness
Staying active and healthy is important, even when remain in our homes. Free online exercise classes are a great solution:
· Free Online Exercise Classes: The YMCA is offering free online exercise classes.
Alcohol and Drug Use
Stressful events like the COVID-19 pandemic can affect the way people drink alcohol and use drugs. People may be drinking more alcohol and using drugs more frequently as a response to sudden loss in income, loss of loved ones, boredom or being unable to practice other coping strategies.
Many people can enjoy drinking alcohol with few health risks but drinking to cope with stressful events may worsen any challenges you have controlling or limiting your alcohol use. Being mindful about your drinking can help you set boundaries allowing you to drink alcohol in a healthier way. Please view this guide from NYC DOHMH for helpful information about alcohol use (translations available here).
NYC DOHMH has also issued safety guidance around drug use during COVID-19 that is linked here with translations available:
· COVID-19: Guidance for People Who Use Drugs
· Responding to an Overdose During the COVID-19 Pandemic
· How to Get Opioid Use Disorder Treatment at Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic
· Guidance on Safe Storage of Medications and Substances for Recreational Use During COVID-19
New York City has many free and low-cost services for people struggling with drug and/or alcohol misuse. In addition to the listings below, you can call New York City’s 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week hotline at 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355) or visit NYC Well online.
Find Help
· NY Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS): Find the right drug or alcohol treatment program with the Addiction Treatment Locator. Addiction treatment and recovery services continue to be available during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you need to talk or are worried that you will go into withdrawal or relapse, OASAS-certified or funded providers across New York State are available via phone/video or from a safe distance in person. For 24/7 help with addiction, substance use, or gambling, call 877-846-7369, text HOPENY (467369), or visit OASAS to read more.
· Remote Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings: For remote Alcoholic Anonymous Meetings, visit NY Intergroup.
Face Coverings
Safety
Please note that children under the age of 2 years should not wear cloth face coverings. The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued helpful tips for keeping children safe when using face coverings and ideas for how to help encourage your child to use a face covering when appropriate.
Do-It-Yourself
Face coverings don’t need to be expensive and can be fun to make!
· The CDC provides instructions on how to use face coverings, with instructions for sewing or no-sew options.
· This New York Times video shows how to use an old t-shirt to create a reusable cloth face covering (no sewing required).
· Here is another easy, no-sew example (and the site links to other home crafting examples you may want to try with your kids).
Support For Parents & Caregivers
Plan for Your Child in Case You Get Sick: While it is scary for parents to think about getting sick, you might be comforted to talk to your friends and family about a plan for your child if that happens. You can keep your child safe by arranging for a safe, responsible adult to care for your child if you become too sick to take care of them or if you need to go to the hospital. Parents might make different arrangements depending on your family's situation. We’ve put together some tips to consider about 1) who to ask, 2) how a plan might work, and 3) communication.
For Families with Pets: NYC Emergency Management and the Animal Planning Task Force have established a COVID-19 Pet Hotline for pet owners who are impacted by COVID-19 and need assistance. Call (877) 204-8821, open 7 days per week 8am to 8pm ET. (See flyer in English or Spanish)
With schools closed and kids at home, many parents are facing added stress. Here are ways parents can destress:
As we remain in our homes for extended periods of time to help stop the spread of COVID-19, parenting can be especially challenging.
· Here are some positive parenting tips to help keep the calm at home.
· See also, Coronavirus Resources & Tips for Parents, Children & Others
· Tips for Coping with a New Baby during COVID-19
· Resources for Supporting Children's Emotional Well-being during the COVID-19 Pandemic
· Tips from NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) about Stress Management and Substance Misuse Prevention during COVID-19
Many parents are looking for advice on how to speak with children about COVID-19. Below are some helpful videos and activity sheets:
· PBS: Read this article from PBS Kids that provides helpful tips about talking to children about COVID-19.
· Sesame Street: Our friends at Sesame Street created a guide on how to discuss COVID-19 with young children.
· Importance of Washing Hands: Sesame Street created fun, printable coloring pages that teaches children how to wash their hands step-by-step.
Looking for some fun and educational activities for your children while you stay indoors?
· Brooklyn Public Library: Virtual programing for kids of all ages, including: yoga, storytime, improve and more.
· Children's Museum of Manhattan: You may not be able to visit the children's museum, but why not bring it home to you? Visit the Children's Museum of Manhattan's website for some ideas on how to fill your child's day with engaging interactive activities. There's something for everyday of the week!
· Children's Museum of the Arts: Check out these videos from the Children's Museum of the Arts and learn how to make creative art projects out of household materials: tie-dye flowers, space stations, puppets. There's something for everyone!
· Disney Workouts: Disney is offering free, family-friendly workout series that will have you breaking a sweat without even leaving your home.
· Lincoln Center Pop-up Classroom: a daily dose of creativity designed and led by some of world's best artists and educators. Each daily digital live class will utilize simple materials found at home to help families with children explore a variety of art forms.
· NYC Parks: While you're socially distancing and/or staying home, join us in the parks - online. Join us for live park tours, meditation, fitness, art classes, fun activities for kids, and more!
· Scholastic: Scholastic created a fun-filled list of free at-home activities for children.
· Storyline Online: A digital library of dozens of children's books read by celebrated actors, including Oprah Winfrey.
· Summer Camp Hub: A guide for free virtual summer camps offering a range of activities like robotics, mathematics, art, reading, writing and more.
· Time for Kids magazine is providing access to its digital archive. Stories are suitable for Grades K-6 and grouped according to grade level. They are designed to teach children about the world around them and build news literacy.
ACS offers home and community-based supports (now with remote and virtual operations) that are targeted to meet the unique needs of your family.
· Prevention Services: Prevention services help families keep children safe at home. These services are free, voluntary, and available in every neighborhood in NYC to support families with children from infants, to school-age children, to youth and young adults. Services are tailored to meet individual needs and may include helping parents and caregivers with challenges like: mental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence, exploited or at-risk youth, and special medical needs; and they help connect families with concrete supports to meet housing, child care, or other basic needs. Please email OPTA@acs.nyc.gov for more information and to be matched with the program that is right for your family.
· Family Assessment Program: The Family Assessment Program (FAP) provides support to families and youth up to age 18 who are struggling with everyday challenges. FAP works to strengthen families, reduce conflict, and help families handle concerns such as a child running away, skipping school, using drugs or alcohol, or showing disruptive or dangerous behavior. FAP services are voluntary, and each family can receive an individualized assessment with a social worker who specializes in family crisis resolution.
Our FAP offices are currently closed to the public, but all inquiries and assessments can be done via phone and/or video. We connect families to evidence-based therapeutic services as well as community-based organizations. Please reach FAP by email FAPinquiry@acs.nyc.gov and by phone:
· Bronx office: 718-664-1800
· Brooklyn office: 646-584-5178 / 347-907-0464 / 646-584-8935
· Manhattan office: 212-341-0012
· Staten Island office: 718-720-0418 / 646-276-4170
· Queens office: 646-599-3308 / 718-725-3244
The email box and phones are answered Monday through Friday 9-5, and all messages will be returned.
Resources for Teens
Even if you feel healthy, you can still spread COVID-19 to other people who may get very sick. Staying away from others and doing activities at home is the best way to can connect to and care for the community right now.
Thankfully, you can find many ways to stay connected and have fun while you stay home.
Teens Take On COVID: Being stuck at home can be rough. You probably miss going to school, hanging out with your friends and some of you may be tired of watching after your little siblings. People in your home may be raising their voices, at you and each other. You may have questions about COVID-19 or other health issues. Or you just might need someone to talk to! The good news is, there are still lots of services and help for youth available.
Connections in Your Neighborhood
Find your local Family Enrichment Center: ACS partners with community-based organizations in three neighborhoods to provide Family Enrichment Centers (FECs), which are warm, home-like spaces that provide a range of offerings for and with the community. FECs are now providing remote referrals and support, as well as limited in-person emergency resources. Please contact your local FEC for more information.
The C.R.I.B. in East New York
646-477- 6780 or thecrib.enyfec@gmail.com
2779 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11207
Circle of Dreams in Highbridge
718-618-5559
acamacho@childrensvillage.org
266 E. 165th St., Bronx, NY 10456
O.U.R. Place in Hunts Point/Longwood
917-945-1152
ourplacefec.graham-windham.org
940 Garrison Avenue, Bronx, NY 10474
Community Partnerships: ACS has established 11 community-based networks that meet monthly. They are now using virtual meetings and e-mail to plan and provide referrals for families. Some partnerships are also providing in-person emergency resources. Access contact information for Community Partnerships here and below
Staten Island (North Shore)
917-485-7710
SICPPInfo@nyfoundling.org
Building cleared to Re-open
Posted December 23, 2020"Today I am writing to share an important update about our school building. Since closing the building following two or more unlinked COVID-19 cases in our school community, the NYC Test + Trace Corps (T2) and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) have completed a thorough investigation. They have determined that the building is clear to reopen for regularly scheduled activities on 12/24/2020."
Read more in Cindi's December 23rd Reopening Letter to Families.
Please also check out "Guidance on returning to school after experiencing COVID symptoms", to familiarize yourself with any changes to the quarantining protocols.
Winter Greetings from Cindi
Posted December 23, 2020Wishing the Locke School Community a wonderful winter break!
Please be sure to enjoy whatever you have planned, and have some fun and laughter with your family and friends (even if it may only be virtually).
I wish you all the best and I look forward to 2021. I hope the year ahead is filled with better things to come for all of us, including good health, and happiness!
Have a very Happy Holiday (in any way you may celebrate) and Happy New Year!
Warmly,
Cindi
Pandemic-EBT Resource Update
Posted December 23, 2020What families should do if they have not yet received Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) for Spring 2020
New York State has recently finished the initial distribution of P-EBT benefits for the past school year. There are still many families who have not yet received their benefit for various reasons, such as a change in address.
Anyone who has not received this initial $420 distribution should complete the State P-EBT Contact Form. We are assured that the State is following up on inquiries submitted through this form, though it may take some time to hear back.
Please Note: The State P-EBT helpline (1-833-452-0096) is not currently staffed and you will get an automated recording.
Status of P-EBT for the 2020-2021 School Year
As announced in October, the federal government extended P-EBT for the 2020-2021 school year. New York State is in the process of submitting a plan to the federal government for distribution of these benefits. We do not have a specific time frame for distribution of benefits but the state is projecting a March 2021 distribution date. We will keep you informed as their plans become definite.
January Calendars
Posted December 23, 2020Monika has released the January 2021 Events Calendar. Check it out now! We are also sharing the January 2021 NYC Schools Breakfast Menu and January 2021 NYC Schools Lunch Menu.
Chancellor's Update for Families
Posted December 23, 2020"Before we part for Winter Recess, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for all you have done to keep the learning going during this unforgettable year.
Our families and educators are the hearts and souls of our school communities, and everything we have gotten right this year, we owe to you."
Read more in Chancellor Carranza's December 22nd Update for Families.
24-Hour School Building Closure continued
Posted December 22, 2020"I’m writing to inform you that following an initial 24-hour closure of our school building, the NYC Test + Trace Corps (T2) and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) have determined that the building must remain closed through 12/23/2020."
Read more in Cindi's December 22nd School Closure Update to families.
24-Hour School Building Closure
Posted December 21, 2020"As a result of determinations made by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and The NYC Test + Trace Corps (T2), two or more members of our school community have tested positive for COVID-19 within seven days of each other. As a result, the school building will close for an initial 24 hours so that the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) may investigate the source(s) of transmission."
Read more in Cindi's December 21st School Closure Update to families.
Potential Covid case at the Locke School
Posted December 21, 2020"Today I am writing to inform you, out of an abundance of caution, of a potential case of COVID- 19 in our school community. We are handling this situation with the utmost seriousness, working in partnership with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health) to confirm test results."
Read more in Cindi's December 21st Covid Update to families.
D3 Cafe With Superintendent Christine Loughlin
Posted December 21, 2020When: January 4, 2021 4-5:30pm
Where: Zoom (Link below)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3777516647?pwd=bkVJaUZpZUNRcmtqVWVtWWZHSzNhZz09
Meeting ID: 377 751 6647
Passcode: 063260
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,3777516647#,,,,,,0#,,063260# US (New York)
Important information
Weekly Update from Parent Coordinator, Monika Vargas
EVENTS FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES
Virtual Elementary Admissions Event
Learn about 3-K, pre-K, and kindergarten admissions. Find out what to expect and how to apply. All New York City families are welcome to attend.
Sessions will be held on:
· Tuesday, December 15 at 2pm
· Thursday, December 17 at 6pm
· Wednesday, January 6 at 6pm
· Thursday, January 7 at 6pm (Spanish only)
· Tuesday, January 12 at 2pm
Click here to register—please register for just one event. When you register, be sure to indicate your language preference; interpretation services will be provided according to demand.
We are here to support you throughout the admissions process! If you have questions, you can:
· Call us at 718-935-2009 or
· Email us at ESEnrollment@schools.nyc.gov
Young people vote and decide on how to spend $100,000 to address their needs in this moment.
The Civic Engagement Commission (CEC) is running a participatory budgeting process designed by youth, for youth, in partnership with the Coro New York Leadership Center PB Youth Fellowship Program. The goal of the project is to engage and empower young people to decide how to spend $100,000 of expense funding on projects that meet their needs, address their interests, and strengthen youth engagement across the city.
Youth provider organizations will be invited to submit proposals that directly address the ideas and needs youth identify in the first stage of the project. Youth votes will determine the projects awarded.
If you are a young person between the ages of 9-24, you are eligible to participate by submitting ideas and voting on projects that quality for an award.
If you are an organization serving young people in the following communities (insert link), you can submit a proposal for up to 20K in funding.
Visit https://www.participate.nyc.gov/processes/itsourmoney to learn more!
Electronic Devices for Students
Whether they’re learning in-person or remote, we are committed to equipping every student with the resources they need to access a high-quality education, and we’ve delivered 62,000 new internet-enabled iPads to schools in the past four weeks. We’re working hard to get the remaining devices into the hands of students before winter break and will continue coordinating with schools to ensure their families’ device needs are met.
We’re working aggressively to distribute the new batch of 100,00 internet-enabled iPads to schools, of which 62,000 have been delivered.
Kindergarten Application Period Open
Beginning Thursday, December 10th, children born in 2016 can apply to kindergarten for the 2021-22 school year. The application deadline is Tuesday, January 19, 2021. All families who apply by the deadline will receive a kindergarten offer in April.
All families should participate in kindergarten admissions, including children currently attending pre-K, students with disabilities, English Language Learners, and students with accessibility needs.
MySchools.nyc includes an online directory tool that allows families to explore program choices, save programs of interest and submit their application, all on the same site.
Families can apply to Kindergarten in two ways, online at MySchools and over the phone by calling 718-935-2009.
Announcement on Renewed Academic Priorities
On Thursday, December 10th, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Chancellor Richard A. Carranza shared their 2021 Student Achievement Plan.
The key principles are:
· Leveraging the innovative work educators have done over the last eight months and making the best digital curricula available to all schools
· Implementing diagnostic assessments to understand where students are and help teachers target instruction and accelerate learning gains
· Phasing in a learning management system that enables a one-stop shop for all digital components of learning
· Increasing professional learning
· Expanding Parent University to bring family support into the home through digital courses in different languages.
COVID-19 Testing Report for Schools
The DOE’s website has been updated to include the results of COVID-19 testing at individual public schools. Mandatory in-school testing is part of the Department of Education’s comprehensive effort to keep school communities healthy and safe, and ensure our school buildings remain open. You can find citywide and borough-wide testing data below, as well as information for specific schools. The DOE testing site shows results from as recent as Monday, December 7, 2020.
For more information visit the DOE Website at https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-year-20-21/return-to-school-2020/health-and-safety/covid-19-testing/covid-testing-results
Opportunity to Nominate Outstanding Teachers for the Big Apple Awards
The Office of Teacher Leadership
teacherleadership@schools.nyc.gov
The New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) is excited to announce the nomination period for the 9th annual Big Apple Awards. Teacher Career Pathways encourages you to nominate excellent educators using the nomination form by January 10th.
Last year, we received nearly 7,000 nominations across 75% of DOE schools, recognized more than 200 teachers as finalists via their superintendents, and selected 19 Big Apple Award recipients who are currently representing teachers citywide as members of the Chancellor’s Teacher Advisory Council.
Nominations are accepted through January 10; we need your help to highlight some of the city’s best teachers and achieve our goal of at least one nominee from every NYCDOE school. Please share information about the Big Apple Awards with your community and consider making a nomination yourself.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
· All full-time public school teachers at NYC district schools, charter schools, and early education centers are eligible to be nominated. In particular, consider nominating teachers who inspire students, demonstrate exceptional instructional practice, display outstanding leadership in and out of the classroom with colleagues and their school community, and support the key areas of our Equity & Excellence for All work
· Everyone is welcome to nominate someone – We encourage students and their families, teachers, school staff, school leaders, and community members to thank the teachers who do exceptional work every day on behalf of our students with a nomination
· Spread the word about the Big Apple Awards by sharing NYCDOE Big Apple Award tweets and/or Facebook posts with your community using #ThankATeacherNYC
· To make a nomination, visit the Big Apple Awards page. Nominations are being accepted through Sunday, January 10th
Let’s continue to celebrate the diverse range of great teachers who are setting the foundation for the next generation in New York City and engage in a citywide dialogue about what excellent teaching looks like.
If you have questions please visit our website or email us at teacherleadership@schools.nyc.gov.
ICYMI
Community Meals
New York City is committed to making free meals available daily for all New Yorkers. While school buildings are closed, students and families can go to nearby school buildings for takeout meals. Additionally, any New Yorker can receive free meals available at locations across the city. Use the search link below to find a location online or Text “NYC FOOD” or “NYC COMIDA” to 877-877 (text messaging and data rates may apply)
Community and Citywide Education Council Elections
Are you ready to Run. Serve. Lead?
Parents who serve on Community and Citywide Education Councils promote student achievement and act as an important voice for all parents. In February 2021 you will have an opportunity to apply for a seat on an Education Council!
We encourage you to attend Community and Citywide Education Councils meetings and to invite other parents in your community - there is no better way to understand what Education Councils are and what they do than to actually observe them in action! This month, CECs will discuss their district’s schools Capital Plans – it is a great opportunity to learn more about the process and how their work affects their community.
To encourage maximum participation in the Elections, the NYC Schools Account (NYCSA) will be the entry point for both application and voting. It is imperative that all parents create an account and link all their children to it before February 1, 2021. To create an account visit https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/student-journey/nyc-schools-account.
Governor Cuomo Launches Free Online Platform for New Yorkers to Learn New Job Skills, Earn Certificates & Advance Their Careers
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the launch of a new online training platform which will enable unemployed and underemployed New Yorkers weathering the COVID-19 pandemic to learn new skills, earn certificates, and advance their careers at no cost. The new tool will provide access to nearly 4,000 online programs taught by leading professors and industry professionals on Coursera, with a focus on high-growth and in-demand sectors like advanced manufacturing, technology, and health care, among others.
Parent University is Here!
A reminder that we launched Parent University last week. Parent University is for all parents and family members. Parent University is a course registration and management system where NYC families can find free trainings on a wide range of topics. Parent University serves all families, from early childhood through adulthood, and seeks to educate and empower them as partners and advocates through free courses, resources, events, and activities.
You can check out the site here: https://parentu.schools.nyc/
For more information, including flyers in different languages please visit the DOE’s Family Empowerment site.
Guidance for Inclement Weather Days
Posted December 15, 2020"As we head into winter, it’s likely we will have inclement weather that in an ordinary year would cause all schools to close for teaching and learning. This year, if a snowstorm or other weather demands that school buildings close, all schools will still conduct remote learning on that day..."
Read more in Chancellor Carranza's December 15th Inclement Weather Update for Families.
#NYCOfficeHours Virtual Town Hall for Families
Posted December 15, 2020Families across the DOE are invited to attend another session of the #NYCOfficeHours series, during which they can ask city public health experts and DOE leadership questions about health and safety in our schools. The upcoming session will take place from 6:30–7:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 17th. At this virtual town hall, families can also view and participate via a Facebook live stream. The meeting will feature Dr. Jay Varma, senior advisor for public health in the Mayor's Office, and DOE Deputy Chancellor for Community Empowerment, Partnerships, and Communications Adrienne Austin.
To access #NYCOfficeHours during the town hall, families should dial 1-800-280-9461.
Covid case Update
Posted December 14, 2020"As a result of determinations made by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and The NYC Test + Trace Corps (T2), a member of our school community has tested positive for COVID-19 and may have exposed others while at school.
Below you will find guidance that reflects the expertise of the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), the New York City Department of Education (DOE) and the NYC Test & Trace Corps (T2)..."
Read more in Cindi's December 14th Covid Update to families.
School Leadership Team To Meet this THURSDAY
Posted December 14, 2020The meeting is open to all members of the Locke School Community. All non-SLT members, however, attend the meeting as guests and must request permission to speak. The procedure will be explained at the beginning of the meeting.
Thursday December 17th at 3:10pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89466416099?pwd=U0VDSkZnaEhCblRyTGJ6ayt3ajh4QT09
Meeting ID: 894 6641 6099
Passcode: 185185
To call in, dial (646) 558-8656.
Chancellor's Update for Families
Posted December 14, 2020"In this Update for Families, you will find information on:
What you need to know about mandatory, in-school testing
How to submit consent for in-school random testing
What to do if your child has recently traveled
What you need to know about exemptions from in-school testing
How to apply for kindergarten for the 2021–2022 school year
How to learn more about elementary admissions
How to participate in Parent University, a new platform offering families on-demand courses and resources on a host of subjects."
Read more in Chancellor Carranza's December 11th Update for Families.
Happy Hanukkah
Posted December 11, 2020Extending warmest wishes to all those members of the community who are celebrating Hanukkah. May you connect with loved ones over these meaningful eight days, even if at a distance, as you reflect on the miracles of the past and look forward to the promises of the future. Though our world faces challenging days ahead, may the light of the menorah brighten your homes and bring you and your loved ones hope and peace during this holiday season.
Opportunities for Mental Health Supports
Posted December 10, 2020As COVID-19 continues to impact New York City and the holiday season nears, there is greater demand for support to address trauma, grief, and loss, and an even greater need to connect with school mental health services. The DOE has a robust network of mental health services for our students and our school community, that are available and ready to support during this time.
For further information, please contact Mariana N. Youssef, Program Coordinator, for our school’s mental health provider, Northside Center. She can be contacted by phone at 646-398-0674 or 212-426-3482 or by email at myoussef@northsidecenter.org or at www.northsidecenter.org
Outdoor learning during Cold Weather
Posted December 9, 2020Children benefit from vigorous exercise and are to be given the opportunity to learn outside whenever possible, while maintaining social distancing. Unless it is snowing, or there is ice on the playground, or the wind chill factor produces an effective temperature below zero degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius), temperature alone would not be a barrier to outdoor learning.
Please take precautions to keep your children warm and ensure that they are appropriately dressed on very cold days. When sending children to school, please ensure they are wearing warm clothing with multiple layers to maintain warmth, including hats and gloves/to cover exposed skin. Staff and students will continue to adhere to physical distancing requirements at all times.
Students who need to avoid the cold weather for medical reasons must submit a note from their healthcare provider to their teacher and our school nurse.
Let’s Learn Programming Schedule
Posted December 8, 2020As previously announced, the DOE, in partnership with the WNET Group, launched new episodes of the public television program Let’s Learn, which features lessons for children in Pre-K through Grade 2, that will continue to serve as a supplemental resource for remote and blended learning. The programming schedule for Let’s Learn is now available.
Upcoming Workshop to Support Remote Learning with Spanish-Speaking Families
Posted December 8, 2020The DOE, in partnership with Ramapo for Children, is offering “¡Celebra y Eleva!,” a workshop offered in Spanish on strategies for families to strengthen their relationship and connection when students are learning remotely. Families may register for any of the sessions below by completing this form; after registering, the webpage will display the link to access the workshop. The dates and times of the workshop sessions are:
December 9th from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
December 16th from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
January 6th from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Update on Weekly COVID-19 Testing
Posted December 7, 2020Just a reminder….as of this week, weekly COVID -19 Testing has begun at our school.
When testing takes place at our school each week, the school will receive a testing order indicating the staff and students who will be tested. This order will be followed, skipping any staff or student who are not present in the building that day, until the testing benchmark is reached. The Testing Order is based both on randomization and consent.
As students participate in the COVID-19 testing, they will receive a flyer from SOMOS Community Care, who will be conducting the testing at our school.
The majority of test results will come back in about 48 hours and families will be contacted with results.
If your child tests positive for COVID-19:
Someone from SOMOS Community Care will call you between the hours of 7AM-8PM weekdays to inform you about your child’s COVID-19 test result and share additional information.
You will also receive a call from NYC Test & Trace Corps, who will offer resources and recommendations. They can guide you on next steps, including what you may need to be able to keep your child at home.
If your child tests negative for COVID-19:
Someone from SOMOS Community Care will call you between the hours of 7AM-8PM weekdays to inform you about your child’s COVID-19 test result.
You will also receive your child’s results by email from Bio Reference Laboratories, the lab company that processed your child’s test results, if you provided an email address.
If you do not receive an e-mail or phone call from SOMOS Community Care within 2-3 days after testing, please contact SOMOS at 833-SOMOSNY, or visit www.somosny.com
The privacy of our students and staff is a top priority, and all information relating to COVID-19 testing and your child is strictly confidential.
If you have any other questions, please visit www.schools.nyc.gov/covidtesting or call 311.
LearNing Bridges Update
Posted December 4, 2020The Learning Bridges programs will continue to serve our families enrolled in blended learning by providing free childcare for students in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 5.
Families can learn more about Learning Bridges and apply through the DOE’s family-facing Learning Bridges page, or contacting our Parent Coordinator, Monika Vargas, at MVargas16@schools.nyc.gov or at 1-347-444-9913. If any families have questions about their Learning Bridges application or placement, please email: LearningBridges@schools.nyc.gov.
Download the Learning Bridges Flyer now!
MMCC Beacon 185: Program Update
Posted December 4, 2020Downloadables:
We are excited to announce that the MMCC Beacon In-person Afterschool will resume on Monday, December 7th.
However, we will continue to offer remote afterschool in collaboration with other sites at our agency on zoom.
You can find the zoom information for the agency virtual program below.
When: Monday -Friday
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Where:
ZOOM MEETING ID: 848-4145-1105
PASSCODE: letslink
Program Changes:
There are some changes to the program due to the challenges with shipping. We are requesting that parents provide their child with a snack for afterschool until further notice. Please see the agency letter included here.
In addition, we are now accepting applications for Kindergarten! More staff has joined the 185 Team so we can expand to support K-5th Grade students.
For Cohort B, Kindergarten applications will be accepted immediately.
For Cohort A, we will begin accepting Kindergarten students on December 14th. Please send your applications to ksims@mmcc.org. A blank application and the required medical form are included here. To begin attending in-person afterschool, we need a completed application and current medical form with a stamp.
Music and Math Matters classes will resume when we return next week. Unfortunately, we are still waiting for clearances for the Basketball and Capoeira programs. We will let you know when they are cleared. Thank you for your patience and understanding with this matter!
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Program Director, Kristina Sims, at 347-266-1354 or via email: ksims@mmcc.org
New Arrival Procedures
Posted December 3, 2020Beginning Monday, December 7th, we will be begin distributing laminated passes to all students in Cohorts A of blended learning. On Wednesday, December 9th we will continue distributing the passes to all students in Cohort B of blended learning. When your child arrives at school, he/she will receive a laminated pass with a clip on it that he/she will be able to place on the zipper of their jacket or on the zipper of their bookbag. This pass will be used moving forward for arrival procedures when students come into school. After obtaining the new laminated pass, there will no longer be the need to stop at the table to pick up a paper pass anymore as the laminated passes are reusable. Your child will enter the schoolyard, proceed to their designated station, show their health screening survey and enter the building. This will allow everyone to enter the building faster, especially important as the weather becomes more inclement
Please be reminded that in addition to the laminated passes, each morning, prior to entering the Locke School, every person must complete the DOE's health screening, either online or on paper. The quickest way to enter the building is by completing the health screening on your mobile device. If the child or adult does not have the health screening on their device, they will need to stop first to complete a paper health screening at the table in the yard.
At this time we are again encouraging all families to add the health screening to their phone and use it each morning to speed up the arrival process. Did you know you can put an icon on your homepage to access it right away without searching for it?
We have created two videos for accessing the health screening. Take a look at Adding a Shortcut to the NYC DOE Health Screening for iOS and Android, and an Android-specific tutorial, NYC DOE Health Screening on Android Device.
CEC 3’s Virtual Town Hall with Chancellor Richard A. Carranza
Posted December 2, 2020Please register ahead of time so you may gain entrance.
Wednesday, December 2nd from 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Please register for this event at the following link, https://learndoe.org/cec/
Don’t miss this excellent opportunity. Issues and concerns for District 3 will be addressed.
Open the Virtual Town Hall Flyer for more information and clickable Zoom links.
Opportunity to Nominate Outstanding Teachers for the Big Apple Awards
Posted December 2, 2020The DOE is recognizing teacher excellence through the ninth annual Big Apple Awards program. Our school community (e.g., students, families, administrators, support staff, and teachers) are encouraged to nominate current, full-time teachers who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in their impact on student learning, instructional practices, and professional contributions to our school community. For the second year, we are honoring postsecondary counselors who have made significant strides in advancing their students’ postsecondary readiness and success through the Big Apple College & Career Ambassador award.
Nominations are due by January 10th. You should consider nominating outstanding teachers in our school, and use this nomination link to do so.
Applicants who advance in the selection process will have the opportunity to interview and/or open their virtual classrooms to our Superintendent’s Team. Award recipients will be recognized as exemplary educators and will spend the 2021–22 school year representing teachers citywide as Big Apple Fellows and members of the Chancellor’s Teacher Advisory Council, while continuing their work in the classroom.
For more information about the Big Apple Awards, the selection process, and past recipients, please visit the Big Apple Awards website.
We Speak NYC: Conversational English Classes for DOE Families
Posted December 2, 2020The DOE, in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), is offering a series of conversational-English classes for New York City families. During these three sessions, families will practice their English-language conversational skills, learn about the free city services available to all New Yorkers, and connect with other families across the city. This course will focus on how families can access NYC services concerning career support, education, and workers’ rights.
The sessions will take place from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., on December 2nd, 9th, and 16th. via Zoom. Please sign up using this form.
Open the We Speak NYC DOE Flyer for more information and clickable Zoom links.
Continuity of Blended Learning at the Locke School
Posted December 1, 2020Greetings Locke School Families,
I have already had several conversations with parents and staff members regarding the Mayor’s announcement that elementary schools will reopen on Monday December 7th for blending learning. The Mayor and the Chancellor, stated that “As we reopen, wherever possible we will move to 5 day a week in-person learning,” for those students who have already opted in to blending learning.
I wanted to ensure you were aware that we are trying to determine if this is a possibility for the students at the Locke School, given that the social distancing guidelines must still be upheld. At an initial review, it does not seem to be a possibility as our cohort numbers would be over the DOE set number allowable per class. However, we are also working simultaneously to meet the request from parents to ensure all students have a teacher for synchronous, as well as asynchronous instruction, five days a week.
At this time, we will continue with the program model and resulting schedule that was in place prior to going fully remote on November 19th. As a result of the updates to the Learning Preference Survey, there may be changes for some students/teachers and those notifications will be sent out as soon as the schedules/cohorts/teachers are finalized later this week.
We absolutely believe and know that five days a week for “in-person” instruction for all students is not only ideal, but would make a huge difference. We continue to work to ensure the best education for all students while ensuring the safety and well-being of the school community. We will make every effort to increase the in-person instructional time and will provide more information about any schedule changes as soon as possible.
Please reach out to Ms. Colon-Coffil if you have any additional questions.
Thank you in advance for your understanding and patience.
Warmly,
Cindi
December Calendars
Posted December 1, 2020Monika has released the December 2020 Events Calendar. Check it out now! We are also sharing the December 2020 NYC Schools Breakfast Menu and December 2020 NYC Schools Lunch Menu.
Memo from Chancellor details plan to reopen school buildings
Posted November 18, 2020"As you are aware, on November 18, we temporarily closed school buildings[...]. Today, I am pleased to write to you with our plan to reopen school buildings for in-person instruction for many of our students. [...] this letter also contains information regarding mandatory weekly in- school testing for COVID-19 in all reopened buildings, and how you can submit the required consent forms."
Read more in Chancellor Carranza's November 29th Coronavirus Closure letter to families.
Plan to Re-Open School Building
Posted November 25, 2020The Mayor has announced that Pre-K, and Grades K-5 will return to in-person learning on Monday, December 7, 2020.
As he indicated, our first commitment is to the health and safety of our community, above and beyond everything else. Your efforts have made it possible for our school to re-open for in-person learning. This re-opening will include:
Weekly Testing: The LOCKE School will engage in mandated weekly randomized testing, modeled on the pre-existing monthly approach in which 20% of students and staff are tested.
Student Consent: All students at the LOCKE School in Grade 1 through Grade 5 are required to provide consent for testing by their first scheduled in-person learning day.
Thank you to most families who have already submitted the updated consent.
Families who still need to submit an updated consent, may do so using NYCSA or can visit the school this week to compete a paper form. Students who do not submit consent have to be transitioned to remote only learning. If you need assistance with submitting the consent using NYCSA or want to complete a paper form this week, please contact Monika Vargas, Parent Coordinator at 347-444-9913.
Happy THanksgiving!
Posted November 25, 2020Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the many reasons to be appreciative for the people in your life.
May your Thanksgiving day be filled with love, family and friends.
Please take time to relax and enjoy. And of course, please stay safe.
Warm Regards,
Cindi
Upcoming Changes to Some Cohorts
Posted November 25, 2020Changes to Cohorts to Account for Updated Learning Preference Survey Results and Current Fully Remote Status for all Students
As you know, several parents recently updated their Learning Preference Survey, requesting their child be switched from Fully Remote Learning toBlended In-Person learning. Although at the moment, all NYC Public School students are FULLY REMOTE, some students’ cohort or teacher have been changed as of November 30th.
This change might impact your child as these changes were made to account for the fact that we are all fully remote, as well as changes based on the survey and class assignments for In-Person Learning. It is important to realize that your child’s Fully Remote teacher may be different that your child’s Blended In-Person teacher. If your child’s cohort or teacher has been changed, you will receive both an email and a letter with this new information. Please keep an eye out for information from your child’s teacher about the class schedule.
Keep in mind, your child will be receiving instruction from every teacher on the grade team. The “anchor” teacher is your main point of contact.
Join us at our first Bee Celebration!
Posted November 25, 2020Please join us for our 1st Bee Celebration of the 2020-2021 school year. This is an opportunity for the K-5 community to come together and celebrate our successes!
When: November 30th at 8:20 am
Where: In your child’s Morning Meeting or on the PTA Facebook Page
Download the November 2020 Bee Celebration Flyer now!
COVID-19 and Holiday Travel
Posted November 24, 2020New York City is at a turning point with COVID-19. While we have maintained low levels of community transmission over the past several months, we are now seeing very concerning increases in cases and hospitalizations across the City. We need to act now to stop these trends. This will require an all-hands-on-deck effort from all New Yorkers, and the next few days and weeks are critical.
Holiday Travel & Gatherings: For the holidays, the City is recommending that we refrain from all nonessential travel and limit gatherings to those within your household.
Testing: Regardless of whether you travel, or whether you have been tested before, all New Yorkers should get tested. If you test positive, please isolate immediately and answer any calls from contact tracers. Contact tracers can connect you with any resources you need, including medication delivery.
How to find a testing location:
Free testing available at sites listed here
Call 212 -COVID19
Text COVID TEST to 855-48
Flu Shots: This year’s flu shot may be the most important one yet. Many places offer free flu shots, so please take advantage of this opportunity.
Thank you for your help with controlling the spread of COVID-19 over the past nine months, and at this critical moment in time.
Weekly Update from Parent Coordinator, Monika Vargas
Posted November 23, 2020Building Relationships and Engaging Parent Leaders
December 1st, 2020 at 10:00 am
Please join this workshop where the Office of Family and Community Empowerment (FACE) will share best practices to help you, as parent leaders, engage with our school community. Come ready to share and grow as we learn together how to build relationships and community, develop future leaders and create partnerships to support all parents and students in our school!
When: Tuesday, December 1st @ 10am
Where: Zoom Webinar - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87592084920?pwd=aHA3THVWRFlsMWxzWEtneStOenpDUT09
Dial-in number: US: +1-646-558-8656
Webinar ID: 875 9208 4920
Passcode: 201835
Family and Student Information Sessions
Did you miss the November 12th or 19th Family and Student Information Sessions?
You can view the recording here: https://learndoe.org/face/recordings/
City Harvest Food Drive
For 38 years, City Harvest and the Daily News have partnered to host the city’s largest food drive, taking place this year from Tuesday, October 20, 2020 through Friday, January 22, 2021. Our goal is to collect one million pounds of nutritious food, which we will deliver, free of charge, to hundreds of soup kitchens, food pantries, and other community food programs across the five boroughs. Find out how you can get involved this year by visiting City Harvest’s website
Learning Bridges
Learning Bridges, the City’s free childcare program for children in Pre-K through 8th Grade, will continue to serve families enrolled in blended learning. We will continue to give priority to children of essential workers, as well as students in temporary housing or residing in NYCHA developments, children in foster care or receiving child welfare services, and students with disabilities. Families can learn more and apply at schools.nyc.gov/learningbridges, and new offers will be made to families weekly as seats are available.
Parent University is Here!
I am delighted to let you know that Parent University is live. Parent University is for all parents and family members. Parent University is a course registration and management system where NYC families can find free trainings on a wide range of topics. Parent University serves all families, from early childhood through adulthood, and seeks to educate and empower them as partners and advocates through free courses, resources, events, and activities.
You can check out the site here: https://parentu.schools.nyc/
MMCC Beacon: Program Update
Posted November 19, 2020As students have transitioned to remote learning, MMCC has also re-launched it's virtual program, "MMCC Virtual World" to serve students for afterschool, evenings and Saturdays!
MMCC staff will be online from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. for the afterschool program. They will continue to offer the enrichments our in-person program provides. They will begin offering the virtual program today!
Students will be separated by their usual grade pods, but will have the option to try other programming from across the agency. Please see the zoom information below:
Meeting ID: 989 7977 0557
Password: letslink
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Kristina Sims at ksims@mmcc.org
Citywide School Closures
Posted November 19, 2020As you know, all public school buildings will be closed until further notice. The City and State have not yet decided on their plan to reopen buildings, and the Mayor has indicated that all schools will remain closed until at least after the Thanksgiving weekend. We will provide updates as soon as we are able. Thank you for your partnership as we navigate through these necessary transitions and changes in the coming days and weeks.
Remote Learning Checklist
Posted November 19, 2020Still getting used to the new new new normal? We understand! Here is a checklist of things you can do to make the transition to remote go more smoothly, including establishing routines, tips for working with the technology and how to get support. Check it out in the DOE's Remote Learning Checklist.
Temporary Building Closure of All Public School Buildings - Fully Remote Instruction
Posted November 18, 2020Effective, Thursday, November 19, 2020 all children will receive instruction as follows:
If your child is an in-person blended student, he/she will meet with their in-person teacher for the next five days, regardless of their Cohort. So, every day, beginning tomorrow, they will go to Google Classroom and see his/her teachers. Your child’s teacher will post the schedule with Zoom links and your child’s teacher will be waiting to see them tomorrow for Morning Meeting, which begins at 8:20 a.m.
If your child is a remote only student, he/she will continue with their remote only teacher.
More information will be coming regarding any additional changes to be in place as of November 30th.
Chancellor Closes all NYC schools, effective immediately
Posted November 18, 2020"Given recent increases in transmission, we have reached a point in our City’s infection rate that requires all students to transition to remote learning. Beginning Thursday, November 19, all school buildings will be closed, and all learning will proceed remotely for all students, until further notice. You will hear from your principal shortly about next steps for you and your student. Please note that this is a temporary closure, and school buildings will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so. "
Read more in Chancellor Carranza's November 18th Coronavirus Closure letter to families.
Please watch More information will come from the Locke School shortly.
Financial Wellness Workshop with Students and Families
Posted November 17, 2020The DOE is partnering with EverFi and Master Your Card to host two workshops on financial wellness, one in English and one in Spanish.
The workshops will take place via Zoom on Wednesday, November 18th , with the English workshop taking place from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., and the Spanish workshop taking place from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
More information, including Zoom links, is available in the November 18th Financial Workshop Flier (English) and Su Bienestar Financiero (en Español)
New "Let’s Learn" Episodes Broadcasting and Streaming Now
Posted November 17, 2020The DOE, in partnership with the WNET Group, is launching new episodes of the public television program Let’s Learn, which features lessons for children in Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 2 that will continue to serve as a supplemental resource for remote and blended learning.
Let’s Learn offers age-appropriate content that is aligned to education standards and lessons for early childhood education, using videotaped lessons by educators, that focus on foundational reading and writing skills, literacy, math, science, social studies and the arts. The series also supports social-emotional learning and brings viewers on virtual field trips to see dance performances, meet animals, visit botanical gardens, and more. Beginning November 16th, episodes of Let’s Learn will air weekdays at 11:00 a.m. on WNET-Channel 13, and at 9:00 a.m. on WLIW-Channel 21, the New York-metro-area PBS stations. Episodes and segments will stream nationwide at letslearn.org. All programming will have English and Spanish captions
Family and Student Information Session on Remote and Blended Learning
Posted November 17, 2020Families across the DOE are invited to attend a virtual “Family and Student Information” session, which will take place from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 19th.
The session, hosted by Chancellor Richard A. Carranza, will feature DOE leaders discussing the most up-to-date information about remote and blended learning, grading policies, and health and safety protocols.
Families can join this event by registering via Learn DOE; families can also view the event, without registering, via this livestream on the day/time of the event.
COVID Testing for November
Posted November 17, 2020"As part of New York City’s ongoing effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, and ensure the health and safety of our community, COVID-19 testing of staff and students will be conducted in our school once a month from now through the end of the school year. We have been notified that the testing provider will be at our school within the week."
Read more in Cindi's November 16th Covid Testing Update for Families.
Potential Transition to Fully Remote Instruction in the Event of Citywide Closures
Posted November 17, 2020Within our schools, we have seen a COVID-19 positivity rate of only .18% out of more than 100,000 students and staff tested. This has been a reassuring sign that our schools are safe, and that our families, staff members and students are taking all the necessary precautions to stay safe and healthy.
However, outside of schools, the signs are not as promising. Two months ago, the Mayor and Chancellor pledged to close NYC school buildings and temporarily shift to fully remote teaching and learning if the average weekly positive testing rate, across the city, reached 3%.
Unfortunately, the rate has been increasing towards 3%, and we may have to temporarily shift back to full-time remote learning in the coming days or weeks. This is an outcome that no-one wants, in a set of circumstances that no-one is happy about. However, we do need to be prepared should we have to take this step. We will keep you closely updated.
NYC Schools Covid Update
Posted November 13, 2020The Governor and Mayor announced yesterday that Staten Island is now considered a “yellow zone,” and so all District 31 schools will engage in random mandatory weekly testing until further notice.
At today’s press conference, the Mayor confirmed that if the city reaches a 7-day citywide average of 3%, all schools will close the following day. Conversations with the City and DOE around potential closures are happening daily. If all schools must close due to the positivity rate, we will be sure to communicate with the community in a timely manner. We will keep you updated throughout the coming days and weeks.
Covid Testing Update
Posted November 12, 2020"We know many of you have filled out and submitted the COVID-19 Consent form however, AN UPDATED CONSENT is now NEEDED. Please see the information below on how to submit the consent electronically through My Schools Account."
This form must be completed by Friday November 13, 2020.
Read more in the November 12th Updated Covid Consent Memo.
Covid case Update
Posted November 12, 2020"...Today I am writing to update you on the impact of COVID-19 case in our building. The NYC Test + Trace Corps and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene have completed a thorough investigation and determined that the classroom is clear to reopen for regularly scheduled activities on 11/12/2020..."
Read more in Cindi's November 10th Covid Update to families.
Chat with Superintendent Loughlin at the D3 Café
Posted November 10, 2020When: Monday November 23, 2020 from 4-5pm
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84059004655?pwd=NmJOME5xNW8yTlMzMHh3ZjVEQTNlUT09
Meeting ID: 840 5900 4655
Passcode: 252658
Spanish +1 347-966-4114, 698589747#
French +1 347-966-4114, 698589747#
Arabic +1 347-966-4114, 242852653#
Agenda
Welcome
FACE Updates
Suggestions on future parent events for the entire D3 community
Q&A
BioBus Student Town Hall: Science in Harlem!
Posted November 10, 2020On Thursday, November 12th at 4:00 p.m., there will be a Student Town Hall that will focus on scientific research happening right in our backyard in Harlem!
During the Student Town Hall, students will virtually visit the research laboratory of neuroscientist, Dr. Tessa Montague, at the Columbia Zuckerman Institute! Tessa studies the marine animal cuttlefish and their camouflage behavior!
Students should send in their cuttlefish questions here and then watch live on YouTube to hear the answers and continue the discussion with Dr. Tessa, BioBus Scientist Rosemary and Ashley Pirovano, BioBus Senior Community Scientist.
Health and Safety Family Town Hall en Español
Posted November 6, 2020Families across the DOE are invited to attend #NYCOfficeHours en Español, the Chancellor’s Spanish-language virtual town hall on health and safety in school buildings, which will take place from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on November 10th.
The Town Hall Meeting, hosted by Chancellor Richard A. Carranza, will feature Dr. Aaron Miller, executive director of the Family Health Program for New York City Health and Hospitals. They will be providing information and responding to questions from families about COVID-19 testing in schools, ventilation, PPE and cleaning protocols, among other topics.
To access #NYCOfficeHours en Español, families should dial 1-800-280-9461.
Additional sessions will be held in the future for families who speak other DOE languages.
Safety Update
Posted November 5, 2020The safety of our students is our highest priority. To that end, we are writing to inform you that there was a heavy police presence near the school yesterday. This morning Assistant Principal Colon-Coffil and I learned of all the additional details of this incident and felt it was necessary to reassure you of what transpired. We were made aware that the reason for that increased police presence is because at approximately 9:15 a.m. there was an alleged shooting off of the school grounds on 112th street near Lenox Avenue. NYPD responded and secured the area. Our School Safety Agent was informed that the situation was already under control by NYPD. No members of the school community were involved in the incident.
We assure you that every precaution was taken to ensure the safety of our students and staff. We look forward to your continued partnership as we work together to ensure our school campus continues to provide the best and safest learning environment possible for all of our students. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via phone or email.
Warmly,
Cindi
HEALTH SCREENING Updates
Posted November 5, 2020Just a reminder that each morning, prior to entering the Locke School, every student and/or adult entering the building must complete the DOE's health screening, either online or on paper.
The quickest way to enter the building is by completing the health screening on your mobile device. This is highly encouraged as the weather becomes colder, as we all want to get inside faster.
Did you know you can put an icon on your homepage to access it right away without searching for it?
Please take a look at Adding a Shortcut to the NYC DOE Health Screening for iOS and Android, and an Android-specific tutorial, NYC DOE Health Screening on Android Device.
Outdoor Learning in Cold Weather
Posted November 4, 2020Children benefit from vigorous exercise and will be given the opportunity to learn outside whenever possible, while maintaining social distancing. Unless it is snowing, or there is ice on the playground, or the wind chill factor produces an effective temperature below zero degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius), temperature alone will not be a barrier to outdoor learning.
All Locke School teachers will utilize the school’s Outdoor Learning Plan to maintain opportunities for students to be outside in addition to their Physical Education time. Please take precautions to keep your children warm and ensure that they are always appropriately dressed in layers on very cold days. When outdoors, teachers will ensure that your children cover exposed skin and wear their multiple layers to maintain warmth. Staff and students will continue to adhere to physical distancing requirements at all times. Children who need to avoid the cold weather for medical reasons must submit a note from their healthcare provider to our school nurse.
MMCC Beacon: Program Updates
Posted November 3, 2020Program Days:
There is no afterschool program today, November 3rd for Election Day or Thursday, November 5th due to Parent/Teacher Conferences.
November Programming:
Music classes will begin this week starting on Wednesday! Professor Othello is excited to get started!
Basketball and Capoeira will begin later this month.
Media:
Over the course of the year, we will take videos and photographs of the program. If you would prefer to have your student be excluded from our media and did not indicate it on our media release form in the application, please send me a separate email with the subject line "No Media Consent".
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Kristina Sims, the Program Director at 607-379-4416.
Blended Learning Opt-In Period: Nov. 2-15, 2020
Posted November 2, 2020Fully remote families now have the option to opt-in to blended learning, meaning that students will learn in the school building for part of the week, and remotely at home the rest of the week. From Monday, November 2nd through Sunday, November 15th, families will have the option to fill out this form indicating their wish to change learning preferences. Students who change from remote to blended will begin in-person between the weeks of November 30th and December 7th, and will be informed as soon as possible of their start date and schedule. We will make every effort to accommodate all requests based on programming and space capacity.
As always, we are grateful for your partnership in your child’s education.
We remain focused on delivering a strong, supportive, engaging learning experience for your student, no matter where they are learning.
November Calendars
Posted November 2, 2020Monika has released the November 2020 Events Calendar. Check it out now! We are also sharing the November 2020 NYC Schools Breakfast Menu and November 2020 NYC Schools Lunch Menu.
School administration during our quarantine
Posted October 29, 2020"...Please be advised that while we work remotely and are not on-site, Superintendent Christine Loughlin and two members of the D3 Team have been reporting to the school yesterday and today..."
Please read more in Cindi's October 29th Letter to Families.
DOHMH's Information for a Safe and Healthy Halloween
Posted October 28, 2020"As Halloween approaches, we know many children and families across the city are looking forward to celebrating. We are excited to share ways to safely have fun with your family, while still being mindful of key COVID-19 prevention measures.
Here are top tips for a healthy Halloween..."
Please read more in the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's 2020 Halloween letter and their Tips for a Safe 2020 Halloween flier.
information on COVID-19 case at the locke school
Posted October 27, 2020"The health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We are committed to making sure you are up to date on COVID-19 as we continue to navigate this public health emergency together.
Today I am writing to inform you about the community:
4th & 5th grade students in Cohort A, may have been exposed to a member of our school community who has tested positive for COVID-19
Cohort B students have not been exposed and are to report to school as usual tomorrow 10/28/2020
Only 4th and 5th Graders in Cohort A, must stay home for 14 days following the date of possible exposure (today) and may not return to school until 11/12/2020. All 4th and 5th Graders in Cohort A will learn remotely during this quarantine."
Please read for important information in Cindi's October 27th Letter to Families.
COVID-19 Testing Update
Posted October 27, 2020Yesterday, students in Cohort A and school staff were tested for COVID-19 by a medical professional from SOMOS Community Care and we are happy to report that all went very well.
What’s happens next?
SOMAS will contact you with your results. The majority of test results will come back in about 48 hours.
If your child has COVID-19:
1. Someone from SOMOS Community Care will call you between the hours of 7:00 a.m. -and 8:00 p.m. to let you know that your child has COVID-19 and will share additional information.
2. You will also receive a call from NYC Test & Trace Corps, who will offer resources and recommendations. They will help you with what you may need to be able to safely stay at home.
If you do not receive an e-mail or phone call from SOMOS Community Care within the next 2-3 days, please contact SOMOS at 833- SOMOSNY or visit somosny.com
If you have any other questions, please visit www.schools.nyc.gov/covidtesting
DOE REvisES Grading Policy
Posted October 27, 2020"Given the challenges we have been navigating together throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have recognized the need to update our grading policy. In this letter, I will share information about the grading policy for the 2020-21 school year..."
Read more in Chancellor Carranza's October 26th update for families.
Increased Availability to learning bridges program
Posted October 27, 2020In the coming days, the DOE will broaden access to Learning Bridges programs, so that more of our families can attend programs, by drawing students from multiple schools to a single Learning Bridges site. In broadening access to Learning Bridges, students will no longer need to attend a matched school to enroll in a program. This additional flexibility will ensure that Learning Bridges seats are available to more schools and as many families as possible. Interested families should complete the Learning Bridges application, which takes less than five minutes; applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Offers are made on a weekly basis and new seats and sites will continue to be added throughout the fall.
This decision to open Learning Bridges to additional schools was made in conjunction with the city’s health experts; all Learning Bridges programs will continue to follow rigorous COVID-19 prevention strategies.
CHANCELLOR CARRANZA REvisES blended learning opt-in window
Posted October 26, 2020The Chancellor’s wants to share more information and guidance on the blended learning opt-in window for families.
We aimed to develop an opt-in process that would:
Honor our commitment to families that they would have an opportunity to opt into blended/in-person learning in November
Acknowledge that some schools may need time and support to develop solutions to accommodate students who want to return to in-person learning
Promote the stability and continuity needed to maximize learning
To best meet these objectives, the process outlined below will be the only opt-in window for families this school year, through the last day of the 2020-2021 school year. We believe that this best meets the needs of students, families, teachers, and school leaders as we establish strong routines and structures for learning. As such, the process for blended learning opt-in is as follows:
Monday, November 2nd – Sunday, November 15th: Blended Learning Opt-In Window for Families
Families requesting to change from 100% remote to blended learning should complete and submit the Learning Preference survey during this window.
Schools will be able to review individual students’ updated learning preference on a rolling basis during this window.
Weeks of November 30th & December 7th: Students Begin In-Person Learning
MMCC Beacon: Program Update
Posted October 26, 2020There are a few updates for the program. Please see them below. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me via email or phone.
Program Structure:
Although the program has launched, there is some programming that has not begun yet. Music, Basketball, and Capoeira will begin next month. Please see the program schedule attached to this email. The descriptions of the activities are listed below and attached to this email. The activities were chosen based on the responses we received from the students' interests survey parents filled out in September-October. There are a limited number of offerings due to COVID-19 regulations regarding the number of individuals in the school building.
Enrichment Activities
Math Matters: This component enhances and broadens participants’ understanding of core concepts learned during the school year. Through modeling, graphing, and solving real-world problems, participants will refine their problem-solving strategies.
Club Zone: Clubs will be separated by grade appropriately, whereas 1 – 2nd-grade students will select and engage in club activities together and 3rd-5th graders will select and engage in clubs twice a week to allow time for learning and producing a project. Clubs will include: Minecraft, Beyblade, Pokemon, and Cooking
KidzLit: The KidzLit program is a reading enrichment program designed specifically for use in out-of-school settings. It increases young people’s motivation to read and build their literacy skills. At the same time, it develops the core values of helpfulness, fairness, personal responsibility, and respect for others.
S.T.E.M. UP: Group leaders guide kids through fun, playing, and building-based games and projects in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Exploration and experimentation-based projects in earth science, robotics, physics, mechanics, alternative energy, geometry to foster early interests in STEM and introductory skills.
Sounds of Music: Students will explore a variety of musical avenues to develop an appreciation and enjoy music. This is a year-long course exploring choral music from a variety of cultures and time periods through study and performance. Students will learn the basics of sight-reading, music theory, and music history.
C.A.M. (Create A Masterpiece): Participants engage in arts and crafts and develop and foster skills that can be gained and improved through various hands-on art projects. In addition to developing creative abilities and encouraging imaginative thinking, participants will also increase cognitive, fine motor, and problem-solving skills.
Partner Organizations:
ABADA-Capoeira NYC: Students will build strength, stamina, and flexibility in this full-body workout, and experience the Brazilian martial arts rich in history and culture.
Crusaders Basketball: Crusader Basketball Inc. is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization promoting amateur basketball for youth in the New York City area. Crusader Basketball offers the opportunity to build self-esteem and sportsmanship while learning the fundamentals of basketball.
Fall Fest:
This week students will celebrate the beauty and splendor of the Fall season! Students will decorate pumpkins, create Fall-inspired costumes, play Fall-themed games, and finish their week with a virtual costume parade for the costumes they made in afterschool. The 4th-5th grade students are painting backdrops of Fall landscapes for the virtual parade. We encourage students and families to join the MMCC Zoom this Tuesday and Friday to join in the festivities. All activities will occur during the afterschool program. You can access the Zoom room here: https://zoom.us/j/91080269549?pwd=WGtER1QxZ2RFakpTTDdEa0NGSkdtdz09
Meeting ID: 910 8026 9549
Passcode: 2h6wKU
Please see the flyer attached to the Zoom link information as well.
In-Person Dismissal:
Thank you for following our adjusted protocol for dismissal! As a reminder, we are a new program and have been welcoming new staff. Please be prepared to show a photo ID when picking up your student. The new staff is required to verify Photo IDs when serving as a dismissal monitor. Thank you for your patience as the new staff gets acclimated to the process.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Best wishes,
Kristina Sims
Special Telephone Town Hall for Families on Health and Safety in Schools
Posted October 26, 2020Families: You’re Invited to #NYCOfficeHours with the Experts on Tuesday, October 27th
When: Tuesday, October 27th at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Call 1-800-280-9461 to ask and listen.
Join us on Tuesday, October 27th from 6:30p.m. - 7:30p.m., for our #NYCOfficeHours telephone town hall. All about health and safety in our schools!
Dr. Jay Varma, Senior Advisor for Public Health in the Mayor’s Office, and DOE Deputy Chancellor for Community Empowerment, Partnerships, and Communications Adrienne Austin will be taking questions from callers.
Whether you have questions about COVID-19 testing in schools, ventilation, PPE and cleaning, or more, dial 1-800-280-9461 on Tuesday, October 27th at 6:30 p.m. to ask and listen.
COVID-19 Testing Update
Posted October 22, 2020"As part of New York City's ongoing effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, and ensure the health and safety of our community, COVID-19 testing of staff and students will be conducted in our school once a month from now until the end of the school year."
Read more in Cindi's October 22nd COVID-19 Testing update to families.
A Locke School update from Cindi
Posted October 22, 2020Be sure to read Cindi's October 22nd letter to families, which covers the Remote-to-Blended transfer period, Parent Teacher Conferences and a request for family volunteers.
Title I annual Parent Meeting
Please join us at our Title I Annual Parent Meeting on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at 4pm. This will be a virtual meeting. You will receive an email invitation with the link to the event.
At this meeting we will discuss the importance of Title I Funding, the role of the CEP (Comprehensive Educational Plan) and how Title I supports academic achievement.
Contacting Our Office
Posted October 13, 2020Hello Locke School Family,
Effective today October 29th, there is a new link available if you are trying to reach our school secretary, Justine Restrepo. She can be reached between the hours 8:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Justine Restrepo's Zoom
Meeting ID: 895 5648 4521
Passcode: 185185
Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89556484521?pwd=YWwyVHNqL3ZqWTNLdDA3SWZjMXVjQT09
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
She can also be reached at 414-775-6253 or by email at jrestrepo4@schools.nyc.gov.
We are happy to assist you.
Greetings from Cindi
Posted October 12, 2020“I know this is a very difficult time for the school community, but I want to assure you I am 100% committed to the work here. Even in the short time I’ve been here, I see the amazing work of the dedicated teachers who are working under extremely challenging circumstances. I see bright and eager children arriving to school and in their Google Classrooms, full of wonder, excitement and ready to learn. And I see how committed every parent is to ensuring the best opportunities for their children.”
Read more in Cindi's October 9th letter to families.
Update from Superintendent Loughlin
Posted October 12, 2020"I am reaching out today to update you about the hiring process for the principal position, and where we are in the process. Because it is critical that we have an experienced administrator at the helm to support all aspects of school life during these challenging time, I have selected Deputy Superintendent, Cynthia Dickman to serve as Interim Acting Principal."
Read more in Superintendent Loughlin's October 9th letter to families.
Takeout Meals for Students Learning Remotely
Posted October 9, 2020Even if your children aren't in the school building, there are still healthy meals ready for them! The Locke School has meals available for pick-up-and-go, every Monday through Friday, from 9am-12pm. Come to the school yard on 112th (Between the main entrance and Lenox) for free take-out meals for all NYC Children!
coronavirus school testing FAQ
Posted October 7, 2020Many parents have had questions regarding the upcoming COVID Testing and have stopped to ask at arrival and dismissal. Here are the answers to Covid testing questions that have been asked.
Lunch Forms Needed ASAP
Posted October 6, 2020Hello Locke School Families-
We are a Title 1 school. It is important that all families complete a lunch form by October 30, because our funds are tied to information given in the forms. If you have any questions please call Monika at 347-444-9913
Here is the link to complete the form: https://www.myschoolapps.com/
coronavirus school testing policy
Posted October 2, 2020"New York City will make COVID-19 testing readily available for all its residents, including children, at over 200 locations across all five boroughs. NYCDOE encourages all its students and school-based staff to get tested within seven days of reporting to buildings and at regular intervals throughout the remainder of this crisis..."
Read more in the UFT and DOE's School Testing Policy Agreement.
October Calendar
Posted October 1, 2020Monika has released the October 2020 Events Calendar. Check it out now!
Jane's Letter to Families
Posted September 25, 2020Greetings Locke School Families,
I’m writing with a few updates about the upcoming week. It’s another long one, but please make time to read all the way through- it’s all important information for families coming into school for the first time next week, and some news for our 'all remote' families as well.
The cohort calendar is available in the Locke School App and on the website. We hope that you find it helpful in tracking your ‘in-person’ and ‘remote’ days. Here's the link again:
2020-21 Locke School Cohort Calendar
This Monday, September 28th all NYC public schools are closed in observance of Yom Kippur.
Next week is a ‘WEEK 2”
Cohort A comes to school for 'in-person' learning on Tuesday. Cohort A is in 'remote' learning on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. On those days students join the live synchronous morning meeting at 8:30 and must answer the attendance question by 11:00am to be marked ‘Present’.
Cohort B is in ‘remote’ learning on Tuesday. On that day students join the live synchronous morning meeting at 8:30 and must answer the attendance question by 11:00am to be marked ‘Present’. Cohort B comes to school for “in-person” learning on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Due to a city-wide teacher shortage, at this time Cohorts A and B have only one live, synchronous instruction period on ‘remote’ learning days. This was an unfortunate and unexpected turn of events for all of us. Efforts are being made to correct this situation and we appreciate your patience as this issue is resolved.
When students come to school ‘in-person’ you will find that we have new procedures in place to keep everyone safe and healthy.
School starts as usual at 8:20 but we will enter from the school yard on 111th Street. This allows us to maintain safe physical distancing for all families and staff.
All students entering the building must have a health screening completed for them by an adult family member. Older students may complete it themselves.
Here's the link to the health survey:
Otherwise, families will be asked to complete a pen and paper version of the survey and have a quick temperature screening before children enter the building.
Due to strict room capacity rules, family members will not be permitted to enter the building. The passage way to classrooms will be lined with friendly and familiar faces to assist children on their way to classrooms.
Kindergarten students will gather with the classroom teacher in the yard and go to the classroom together with the teacher.
Students pick up a ‘Grab and Go’ breakfast and eat in the classroom.
Lunch will be served in the classrooms. Families participating in ‘remote’ learning are also encouraged to pick up meals from the school at the cafeteria gate on 112th Street.
Dismissal is at 1:50 in the school yard. Families will be assisted to find their class by staff assigned for support in the yard.
We can’t wait to see you all! Have a wonderful weekend!
Chancellor's Letter to Families
Posted September 23, 2020"We know that there will be cases of COVID-19 this fall. The good news is we are prepared to fight this virus while holding true to our mission—ensuring that all our students continue to learn and thrive.
To carry this out, we have put in place strict health and safety protocols..."
Read more in Chancellor Carranza's September 21st Letter to Families.
Parents Save The Dates!
Know your Allies
This new school year brings another opportunity to make new connections with
families of the children in your child's class.
Here are the dates for the Cohort Meet-ups:
Prekindergarten 09/21
Kindergarten 09/22
First Grade 09/23
Second and Third Grade 09/24
Fourth and Fifth Grade 09/25
Please save these dates. You will receive an
e-mail with the link and time for each Cohort by grade. Keep your eye on the PTA Face Book Page and the Locke School App for more info!
COHORT CALENDAR
Posted September 18, 2020Not sure if today is a blended or in-person day for yor child? Check out our cohort calendar (and bookmark it!) to be sure!
Welcome Back! ...But what's my password?
Posted September 16, 2020If it's been a while since your child has been online, there's a good chance that the password has been forgotten. Not to worry! Grace made this helpful video to show you how to get your child online. Click on the video to the left to watch.
Prefer to read instead of watch? Here are the steps:
If you DON'T have/know your child’s username or password:
Make sure you have your child’s 9-digit student ID (also called “OSIS”) handy.
Go to this site to find out your child’s account id.
https://idm.nycenet.edu/students/
The user account It will likely be in the format “first name + last letter + number”, ie. “JohnD123”
You can set (or reset) the child’s password in this same form.
If you DO have your child’s username and password
To log in to google classroom, you’ll visit: http://classroom.google.com.
To check your child’s email account, visit http://gmail.com and login as “useraccount@nycstudents.net” with the password you created earlier.
Special Note:
If you get to a NYC login page, leave out “@nycstudents.net” during login.
Supplies List
Posted September 11, 2020Greetings families and welcome to the new school year. This will be a year like no other. We are so happy to be on this journey with you.
Whether your family is participating in the blended learning or the full-time remote program, the Locke School will provide your child with the essentials for learning. If you want to begin to collect extra materials to have at home for remote learning, we can make the following suggestions. The materials below are suggestions only and are broken up into two lists: highly suggested and suggested.
Highly Suggested Materials for Remote Learning (PK - 3 Edition)
4 sturdy plastic or laminated pocket folders
a ream of copy paper
K and 1st grade: Flair pens in black and green
2nd and 3rd grade: Pens (we don’t recommend pencils)
blunt safety scissors (make sure to get either right hand OR left hand)
glue sticks
broad tip markers
crayons (thick or thin, depending on age. Recommending thick or ‘jumbo’ for Pk/Kinder)
pencil case/box and other organizational materials (shoe boxes also work well for this purpose)
2nd grade: Ruler with ½” markings; 3X3’ post-its (supervise use)
3rd Grade: Ruler with ¼” markings, 3X3’ post-its (supervise use)
Deck of playing cards, face cards and joker removed.
a collection of counting materials (Examples include coins, bottle caps, paper clips, etc.)
Suggested or “Wish List” Materials for Remote Learning (PK - 3 Edition)
colored construction paper (9 ½ X 11)
masking tape
scotch tape (any brand of clear tape)
Elmer's Liquid Glue (supervise use)
fine tip markers (pack of 8-12)
stapler (supervise use)
one or two clipboards
small watercolor paint set (Crayola makes a nice reasonably priced set of 16 colors for about $3.50)
these headphones ages 3-7
***It’s really important to start collecting interesting bits and pieces for recycled art projects. Boxes, toilet rolls, packing materials, egg cartons, bottle tops, magazines, interesting odds and ends. You will be amazed at what your children will imagine and create out of what adults consider ‘junk’. One family keeps what they call an “Idea Box” where they collect pieces that have potential for sparking ideas. I would suggest maybe a laundry basket or large reusable shopping bag for collecting materials- big enough to accommodate a good collection but not too big.
Highly Suggested Materials For Remote Learning (4th and 5th Grade Edition)
4 sturdy plastic or laminated pocket folders
a ream of copy paper
2 composition notebooks (not college ruled- look for the kind with wider lines)
Pens (we don’t recommend pencils)
broad and fine tip markers
highlighters (two colors)
glue sticks
3X3” post-its (supervise use)
small watercolor paint set (Crayola makes a nice set of 16 colors for about $3.50)
Plastic pencil cases/boxes and other organizational materials (shoe boxes also work well for this purpose)
Suggested or “Wish List” Materials For Remote Learning (4th and 5th Grade Edition)
3-hole punch lined paper
stapler
clear tape
2 clip boards
Earphones or earbuds with a microphone built in (available for about $12.00)
Materials the school is supplying:
Pens/Flair pens
‘pencil’ box for materials storage
grade specific composition books (bound notebooks)
glue sticks
some math manipulatives: dice, two color markers
markers and crayons by request
access to books on-line (MYON, RazKids, EPIC from 8am - 3pm)
iReady digital resources for math and reading
White boards and white board markers
Other materials available by request. Please contact Monika Vargas at mvargas16@schools.nyc.gov
Family Letter from the CHancellor
Posted September 9, 2020"How Will My Child Learn at Home?
Whether learning remotely from home part of the week or every day, students will receive remote instruction in two different ways [...] Let us explain what that means."
Read more in the Chancellor's September 4th Letter to families.
Also available, Carta del Canciller a las familias el 4 de septiembre.
Latest Update from Jane regarding Opening
Posted September 5, 2020Greetings Locke School Families
Here are the latest updates for school start date and times:
Emails will go out on Friday September 11th with the name of your child’s classroom teacher and for blended students, the classroom number. They will go out to your child’s Department of Education email address. This is the same email address we used for sharing your child’s cohort information and the same email required for logging into your child’s google classroom. Please email Monika at mvargas16@schools.nyc.gov as soon as possible for assistance accessing this email. We urge families to make a test run now to check for possible problems.
SCHOOL HOURS: In-person and synchronous learning will begin daily at 8:20am. This is a change from the previously announced 8:30 start time. The school day will end at 1:50pm for all students. This is a change from the previously announced 2:00pm end time.
Parents participating in blended learning should plan on an 8:20am arrival and a 1:50pm pick-up time.
FIRST DAYS OF SCHOOL FOR ALL STUDENTS:
Wednesday September 16, Thursday September 17, Friday September 18
Remote Learning FOR ALL STUDENTS and FAMILIES begins on Wednesday September 16, 2020. Children and families should log into their Google Classroom at 8:20 for Morning Meeting and be prepared for orientation sessions throughout the day on Google Classroom, ZOOM and Google Chat. Orientation and ‘FIRST DAYS ACTIVITIES” for children and families will continue through Friday, September 18, 2020. These are regular school days for Kindergarten – Fifth Grade Students. Please plan on full remote engagement on these days. Adult family members should check the upcoming parent learning schedule and plan accordingly for these days.
Monday September 21 and ongoing
Monday, September 21st is the first day of “in-person” learning. Monday September 21st is the beginning of WEEK 1.
Cohort ‘A’ students have “in-person” classes that week on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Cohort ‘B’ students have “in-person” classes on Thursday and Friday that week. We anticipate the Department of Education will release the schedule for the 2020- 2021 school year shortly. When it is released, we will provide families with the year-long WEEK 1/WEEK 2 rotation.
For more information about your child’s cohort, please email Monika at mvargas16@schools.nyc.gov
Pre-Kindergarten families will receive an appointment time for a 20 minute 1:1 in-person meeting with the Pre-Kindergarten team by September 10, 2020. These meetings will be scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, and Thursday, September 17. This 1:1 meeting is an opportunity for you and your child to connect with the team and begin to build a learning relationship on an individual basis. This meeting can occur in the school yard or the classroom, depending on the weather and family preference. The invitation will come to the email address the family provided as part of the registration process. When you receive the email, please respond right away with a confirmation of the day and time for the in-person meeting or your preference for a remote 1:1 meeting.
Thank you to all families who have completed the learning environment survey and officially selected the ‘Fully Remote” or “Blended” learning model. If you know that you are opting into the fully remote model for learning for at least the first three months of school and you haven’t had a chance to complete the survey, please use the link below to complete it now.
https://www.nycenet.edu/surveys/learningpreference
Help us spread the word! Encourage fellow Locke School families to download the Locke School app on their phone and check the Lockearts website regularly for updates.
Your feedback is valued and appreciated. You can reach me with comments, questions and concerns at jmurphy32@schools.nyc.gov
Important Changes to the opening of all NYC schools
Posted September 1, 2020On September 1st, the city acted to protect our children by delaying the start date for all NYC schools. Schools will begin remote instruction for ALL students on September 16th. For those students in a blended model, in-person instruction will begin on September 21st for Cohort A. Cohort B will remain online until they start in-person on Thursday, September 24th. Follow the schedule that was emailed for your child's particular cohort for in-person vs. remote instruction days.
Check out the NYC Schools website for more information on the 2020-21 start of school.
August Update from Jane
Posted August 28, 2020Dear Locke School Families,
Welcome back! We are ready for a year like no other. With the start of the new school year just around the corner, we’d like to catch you up on the latest news.
As you know, the Locke School is offering a ‘Two Cohort” blended learning model, which means students come into school two or three days each week. Fully remote students will also have full access to the curriculum and many opportunities to join in with virtual school-wide celebrations and events, so they’ll always be in on the fun.
For our blended learners, we’ll be taking full advantage of our special resources to make in-person learning safe and engaging. Plans are underway for daily outdoor learning in our school yard, our garden, and even in outings to Central Park two blocks away. The Locke School takes safety seriously. Our HVAC and exhaust systems have been inspected by engineers and are ready to serve. Private bathrooms in every classroom cut down on exposure to multiple groups. All pre-Kindergarten classrooms are located on the first floor with an exit directly to the school yard, allowing for an easy, socially distanced pick up and drop off. All students will enter and leave in-person learning through the school yard, with the entrance located on 111th Street, for safe, socially distanced conditions for everyone. Our school nurse is returning and will be there to take temperatures and ask our standard entry screening questions.
We are happy to assure all our families that our commitment to learning through the arts and projects is still strong. Students will engage in weekly engineering, dance, and visual arts lessons led by our enrichment teachers as well as integrated learning projects with their classroom teacher.
We know that blended and remote learning models pose challenges for many children and families. We’ve adapted to these challenges by supplementing our curriculum with remote learning tools including iReady for math and reading for parent-friendly access and great assessment tools for targeting growth and learning.
We’ve talked about my retirement at a couple of Principal’s Chats over the summer, and now it is right on the horizon. I’ll be with you through September. We expect Superintendent Loughlin will make her announcement about the new principal sometime in September. We’ll let you know as soon as any decisions are made. We are confident that she understands who we are and the kind of leader we are looking for.
Questions, comments, suggestions? Your input is valued and appreciated. Please email Monika at mvargas16@schools.nyc.gov or me at jmurphy32@schools.nyc.gov
I’m looking forward to an interesting and productive start of the new school year. Truly, I will miss the excitement that this time of the year has brought to my life for the past 31 years, and I am excited to see what wonderful new ideas a new leader will bring to our school.
All the best,
Jane
Now available! Find out your child's Cohort
Letters about your child’s programing cohort went out via email today. These letter explain when your child will attend school in person and when they will participate in lessons from their Locke School teachers from home. If you have chosen fully remote learning, the letter will confirm that choice.
The letters have been sent to your child’s DoE email address, ending in "@nycstudents.net".
Click here to access your child's DOE google account.
Your child’s DoE email address is the one used to log on to Google Classroom. If you have recently updated your email address through the Learning Preference Survey or a Device Request Survey, the cohort information was also sent to the parent/guardian email. If you have never logged into a Google Classroom, please check your own email address AND contact Monika at MVargas16@schools.nyc.gov for the DOE email log on information. You will need it soon!
Families can now log into their child’s DoE email account (same user name and password for their Google Classroom access) for their cohort information. If there are questions about how to access the email, please email MVargas16@schools.nyc.gov.
For questions or concerns, please contact Principal Jane at jmurphy32@schools.nyc.gov.
Important Info ABOUT REC CENTERS
If you need childcare on the days that your child is not in school, please read the info below and see if your child qualifies for a spot in a Regional Enrichment Center. I suggest that you apply early as there will be limited spots available. (According to news reports 100,000 seats will be available around the five boroughs.)
Please use this link to apply.
https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5518161/REC-Enrollment-Form
Regional Enrichment Centers are open only to children who are New York City residents and whose parents/guardians work in the certain fields. As enrollment progresses, we will assess capacity and demand and will work to expand eligibility to additional essential personnel and children most in need of this support.
Who Can Apply:
1199, Child Care Fund
1199, United Healthcare Workers East
311 Call Center essential staff
Board of Corrections
Building Staff, including both residential and commercial buildings
Corrections – Rikers
CWA (Communications Workers of America)
DC 37, Public Employee Union
DCAS essential employee staff (including safety agents)
Delivery/Logistics Workers (e.g., UPS, FedEx, etc.)
Doctors Council
FDNY
Federation of Nurses
FexEd workers
Food/Restaurant Staff (including delivery staff)
Garment workers (PPE)
Greater New York Hospital Association
Grocery store workers
Healthcare Associate of New York State
HPD essential staff
Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice essential staff, including contracted providers on site and in the field
MTA / New York City Transit Authority
New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)
New York City Probation Department essential staff
New York State Nurses Association
NYC Administration for Child Services essential staff, including staff, contracted providers on site and in the field, and foster parents
NYC Department for the Aging, including staff and contracted providers on site and in the field
NYC Department of Buildings inspectors/essential staff
NYC Department of Consumer Affairs
NYC Department of Corrections essential staff
NYC Department of Environmental Protection
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
NYC Department of Parks and Recreation essential staff
NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) essential staff
NYC Department of Social Services essential staff, including staff and contracted providers on site and in the field
NYC Department of Education essential staff
NYC Department of Education staff (including CBO partners) working at RECs and food hubs
NYC Department of Youth and Community Development
NYC Ferry workers
NYC Health and Hospitals
NYC Human Resources Administration shelter staff
NYC Office of Chief Medical Examiner
NYC Office of Labor Relations
NYPD
Pharmacy workers
Other Healthcare Essential Staff
Other delivery/shipping
Office of Emergency Management
Staten Island Ferry workers
United States Postal Service Workers
UPS workers
Utility Workers
CENTER HOURS AND ACTIVITIES
Regional Enrichment Centers will be open from Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 6:00 pm
Each room will have a maximum of 12 children, supported by at least one adult; this size will both allow for personalized attention and will meet social distancing needs
Children will have the opportunity to participate in remote learning with their regular school, as is the case for all NYC public school students
Children will also have opportunities to engage in art, music, and physical education
The environment will be safe and supportive, and staff will be prepared to respond to children’s social and emotional needs
Children will be offered a site based on their home address and their parent or caregiver’s role in providing essential services
Students will be asked each day to bring a device they can use for remote learning if one is available to them.
KEEPING RECS SAFE
The health and safety of students and staff members remains our highest priority. All social distancing protocols will be followed at RECs, including:
maintaining 6 feet of distance between people
limiting classrooms to 12 or fewer students
regular cleaning and disinfecting all sites
anyone who is sick should stay home
For more information contact Monika, Parent Coordinator at mvargas16@schools.nyc.gov
Parents Save The Date
Return to School Family and Student Information Sessions-
Attend to learn more about the Department of Education plans for the 2020–21 school year.
Please select the date you are interested in joining…
CITYWIDE - July 28, 2020
CITYWIDE - August 12, 2020
CITYWIDE - August 27, 2020
Please register for this events at
schools.nyc.gov/returntoschool2020
Wait, there's more! Visit our Bulletin Board Archive from 2019-2020.