New York City Department of Education

Community Superintendent David Norment

Website: http://www.district27nyc.org/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/D27NYC

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/district27nyc

Email: District27@schools.nyc.gov

Severe weather can often delay, or stop school bus transportation. When this happens, we coordinate with other city agencies and take the following actions.

Timeline and Preparation

• The NYC Emergency Management (NYCEM) office monitors bad weather and major emergencies.
• NYCEM declares a weather emergency that may severely delay bus service.

Support

• Following the declaration of an emergency, DOE and NYCEM collect, monitor, and share information on route delays and stranded vehicles.
• The NYPD, Fire Department, and NYCEM coordinate to secure support resources.
• The DOE initiates call center surge staffing; language access options are included.
• Automated telephone calls are made to provide information about delays and/or cancellations to families.
• The DOE will directly contact families of students on buses that are significantly delayed.

Shelter or Relief

If a bus cannot continue its route for safety reasons, the bus company will notify the DOE Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT) and provide it with:

• The location of the vehicle and the route
• Any emergencies related to students or passengers on the bus
• The conditions of the current and surrounding streets
• Any nearby road hazards (such as a fallen tree)
• Whether the bus has sufficient emergency supplies
• Whether the route was already reported to the OPT call center
• Any other important information

OPT will then work with Division of School Facilities (DSF) and NYCEM to advise the bus company of the closest school at which to seek temporary shelter.

The bus driver will proceed to that school when safe to do so.

Get Information During an Emergency

• Listen to your local radio station starting at 6AM for announcements
• Contact your school for closing and opening delay notifications
• Call 311 for information about a school during an emergency
• Call OPT for bus-related assistance at 718-392-8855

The Big Apple Awards recognize and celebrate New York City teachers who:

• Inspire students to be their best selves, dream, and advocate for their future
• Model equitable learning with high expectations for the diverse and dynamic needs of all students
• Affirm students’ identities, unique gifts, and genius
• Enrich their school communities by partnering with families, community members, and community-based organizations

By honoring these teachers, we recognize all those who go above and beyond to serve our students and families!

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.

Visit the Parent University Website!

This year, families will be able to apply to kindergarten Gifted and Talented programs on the same general kindergarten application. If you list G&T programs on your application, eligibility will be determined after you apply. Learn more about G&T programs on our G&T page.

Sign up now for updates about the 2023 kindergarten admissions process.

The best way to learn about the councils is to see them in action. Attend their meetings

https://www.schools.nyc.gov/get-involved/families/Community-and-citywide-education-councils-cecs/elections-2023-community-and-citywide-education-councils

https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-grade-by-grade/kindergarten

https://www.schools.nyc.gov/get-involved/families/Community-and-citywide-education-councils-cecs/elections-2023-community-and-citywide-education-councils

The Beyond Access Series is presented by the New York City Department of Education's Division of Specialized Instruction and Student Support. The series supports families of students with disabilities by providing sessions on topics related to special education.

Register for Upcoming Sessions

Students in Special Education: Information & Resources for Newly Arrived Families

Tuesday, December 6th from 7:00pm – 8:00pm

This session will be led by the office of Council Member Rita Joseph in collaboration with Project Open Arms.

• We will be focused on informing our newly arrived families who are new residents of NYC and/or asylum seekers on resources for students with special education needs. Information such as "Borough Response Teams", "Know your Rights", and "Students with IEP" are all topics that will be touched on.
• Council Member Joseph in partnership with Project Open Arms will share relevant information tailored to families who are newly arrived that may have children with special needs.

Register for this Upcoming Session:

Newly Arrived Families REGISTRATION

Fostering Communication in Early Childhood Grades

Tuesday, December 13th from 7:00pm – 8:00pm

This session will be led by three presenters from the NYC Department of Education: Melanie Leong, Director of Speech Services, Nataly Tarnarider, Manager of Speech Services and Kismet Ware, Supervisor of Speech Services

• We will review ways parents can embed language when interacting with young children during daily routines. It will highlight the parallel between language development and play and provide ideas on fostering communication skills.
• Considerations for multilingualism will be discussed.

Register for this Upcoming Session:

Fostering Communication REGISTRATION

High school offers are available, and waitlists are open through September 16!

• Log in to your MySchools account to view your child's offer letter online.
• Don't have a MySchools account and want to view your offer now? Talk to your current school or a Family Welcome Center.

Your child's offer letter includes:

• Results from the high school application process , including up to one offer and a list of programs where your child is waitlisted, if applicable;
• Any LaGuardia High School results, if your child auditioned for this Specialized High School, including up to one offer to each program they auditioned for; and/or
• Any testing Specialized High School results, if your child took the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT), including their SHSAT score and up to one offer to a testing Specialized High School. SHSAT results letters were also sent to families in April.
• Any next steps, including information about using high school waitlists. *Please note that the nine Specialized High Schools, including LaGuardia High School, do not have waitlists.*

https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-grade-by-grade/high-school

The new NYC Schools Account (NYCSA) Portal will allow you to:

• Track your Student’s Academic Progress.View their grades, schedule, test scores, transportation, attendance, and more! If your student has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), you can view their student’s recommended services.

• Take classes in Parent University
• Report bullying
• Access forms for your child
• Reset your child's DOE account password
• Access SupportHub

All with one login!

In the next few months, more features will be added making this a true one stop for parent facing information to support student learning.

You can also sign the COVID consent form, fill out emergency contact information and stay better connected to your school, your PA/PTA and your District Parent Leadership.

You can sign up for an account by entering a few basic details. This will allow you to begin receiving notifications from the DOE. It only takes five minutes, and it is the first step in getting a full account.

https://www.schoolsaccount.nyc/

The NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program is a scholarship and savings program designed to make college and career training more accessible for all NYC public school students— regardless of family income or immigration status.

In partnership with our nonprofit partner, NYC Kids RISE, through the Save for College Program, every kindergarten student enrolled in a participating NYC public school automatically receives a NYC Scholarship Account with an initial $100 allocation on their behalf, unless their parents/guardians “opt out” of the program.

Kindergarten students who:

• begin kindergarten during the 2021-22 academic year, and
• are enrolled in a NYC Public School, including participating charter schools.

Once a student is enrolled in the Save for College program, NYC Kids RISE will create an NYC Scholarship Account and automatically allocate $100 toward the student’s educational future. Over time, NYC Kids RISE will offer opportunities for families to earn more money for their student’s NYC Scholarship Account. Community organizations, businesses and others can also add to the scholarship accounts through Community Scholarships to help students reach their college and career goals.

NYC Kids RISE, a nonprofit organization, owns and manages the scholarship funds on behalf of participating students, and invests the funds in New York's 529 College Savings Program Direct Plan, a type of investment account specifically designed to help save for higher education.

https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/student-journey/college-and-career-planning/nyc-kids-rise-save-for-college-program

• Outdoor Pools
• Summer Meals
• Kids in Motion
• Summer Sports Experience
• Swim Programs
• Digital Tech Programs
• Family Camping
• Movies in the Park
• Recreation Centers

• Tuesday, June 7, 2022 - Clerical Day, K­–5, K–6, 6–8, and K–12 schools and D75 programs, students in these schools do not attend
• Thursday, June 9, 2022 - Anniversary Day, Chancellor’s Conference Day for staff development, students do not attend
• Monday, June 20, 2022 - Juneteenth (observed), schools closed
• Monday, June 27, 2022 - Last Day of School

Join us at the Special Education Family Forum on Monday May 23, 2022 from 6:00PM - 9:15PM, brought to you by the NYC Department of Education. During this interactive virtual Forum, you'll learn about a variety of special education topics from experts, hear from parent leaders, and get tools that can be used to support participation in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. Our interactive workshops have been developed to meet the diverse learning needs of families who are new to special education, those with children who are preparing for life after high school, and everything in between.

See featured speakers, breakout sessions, online resources and discussion panels, all under one virtual roof!

NYC Department of Education Home Page (techlearningevents.com)

Join us at the Special Education Family Forum on Monday May 23, 2022 from 6:00PM - 9:15PM, brought to you by the NYC Department of Education. During this interactive virtual Forum, you'll learn about a variety of special education topics from experts, hear from parent leaders, and get tools that can be used to support participation in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. Our interactive workshops have been developed to meet the diverse learning needs of families who are new to special education, those with children who are preparing for life after high school, and everything in between.

See featured speakers, breakout sessions, online resources and discussion panels, all under one virtual roof!

NYC Department of Education Home Page (techlearningevents.com)

Kindergarten offers for the 2022-2023 school year are now available! For families who applied by the deadline, here's what to do:

1. Get your offer letter. This letter includes your offer, meaning the school where your child will attend kindergarten in the fall, as well as contact information for that school and information about waitlists, if applicable.
   • You can view your child's kindergarten offer letter now online in MySchools
   • A copy of this offer letter is also in the mail, unless you've requested paperless notifications.
2. Accept your offer by May 6. You can accept your child's offer online in MySchools; as an alternative, you can accept your offer by contacting the school directly. Accepting this offer secures your child's seat in this program.
   • We encourage you to accept even if you are hoping for a waitlist offer from another program; accepting this offer now will not affect your chances of receiving a waitlist offer later.
   • If you do not accept this offer by May 6, you will give up this offer.
3. Make an appointment with the school to register.

Sign up for our kindergarten admissions email list to get the latest updates and key date reminders.

Questions? We’re here to help! Call 718-935-2009, get support from a Family Welcome Center, or email us at ESEnrollment@schools.nyc.gov.

Every year, we ask all families and teachers and staff in grades 3-K through 12, and students in grades 6-12 to take the survey. The survey gives school leaders a better understanding of what you and other members of your school community think about your school. The information collected by the survey is designed to support a dialogue among all members of your school community about how to make your school a better place to learn.

Families can visit https://www.schools.nyc.gov/about-us/reports/school-quality/nyc-school-survey for more information.

• March 29–31,2022 - 3–8 ELA Assessment administration
• April 15­–22, 2022 - Spring Recess (includes Good Friday and Passover), schools closed
• April 26–28, 2022 - 3–8 Math Assessment administration

The NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program is a scholarship and savings program designed to make college and career training more accessible for all NYC public school students— regardless of family income or immigration status.

In partnership with our nonprofit partner, NYC Kids RISE, through the Save for College Program, every kindergarten student enrolled in a participating NYC public school automatically receives a NYC Scholarship Account with an initial $100 allocation on their behalf, unless their parents/guardians “opt out” of the program.

Kindergarten students who:

• begin kindergarten during the 2021-22 academic year, and
• are enrolled in a NYC Public School, including participating charter schools.

Once a student is enrolled in the Save for College program, NYC Kids RISE will create an NYC Scholarship Account and automatically allocate $100 toward the student’s educational future. Over time, NYC Kids RISE will offer opportunities for families to earn more money for their student’s NYC Scholarship Account. Community organizations, businesses and others can also add to the scholarship accounts through Community Scholarships to help students reach their college and career goals.

NYC Kids RISE, a nonprofit organization, owns and manages the scholarship funds on behalf of participating students, and invests the funds in New York's 529 College Savings Program Direct Plan, a type of investment account specifically designed to help save for higher education.

https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/student-journey/college-and-career-planning/nyc-kids-rise-save-for-college-program

• Wednesday, March 16, 2022 - Evening parent-teacher conferences for high schools, K–12, and 6–12 schools.
  
• Friday, March 18, 2022 - Afternoon parent-teacher conferences for high schools, K–12, and 6–12 schools; students in these schools dismissed three hours early.
  
• Tuesday– Thursday, March 29–31 2022 - 3–8 ELA Assessment administration

Summer 2022 will provide a record number of students across the city with the opportunity to engage with peers, caring adults, and their community in a wide range of experiences this summer.

For grades K-8, Summer Rising programming will spark curiosity, joy, and a love of learning. Students will engage with peers and caring adults to experience all that our city has to offer. We will continue to combine academic support and school-based enrichment programming led by Community Based Organizations (CBOs), and students will have daily opportunities to play, create, explore, and develop new interests.

For high school students, Summer 2022 is the beginning of our city’s focus on reimagining each student’s learning journey – or pathway – to prepare, engage, and connect students to careers, with long-term economic security as the goal. In partnership with DYCD, DOE, and other city agencies, the Adams administration is providing a record 100,000 summer opportunities for high school students, both through the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) and other programs.

Additional information will be forthcoming, including instructions on program enrollment, which will open in April. Families can also email summer@schools.nyc.gov with questions.

Mayor Eric Adams, Schools Chancellor David C. Banks, and NYC Speaks launched NYC Youth Speaks, a new piece of the NYC Speaks civic engagement initiative designed to engage public school students and young people from across the city.

NYC Youth Speaks is a youth version of a citywide survey that is currently being distributed throughout the five boroughs and online to inform the policies and priorities of the new mayoral administration.

Take the survey!

Educators can visit the InfoHub to get access to the NYC Youth Speaks Toolkit, which will engage young people in the classroom about civic action, city government, and ways to make a change.

As a reminder, vaccination is the best tool we have to fight COVID-19 and to keep our schools

safe for all our students. Children ages 5 and older are eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-

19. If your child is eligible but not yet vaccinated against COVID-19, please take the opportunity

during the Midwinter Recess to make an appointment for vaccination at vaccinefinder.nyc.gov or

call 311 to find a vaccine site near you. The vaccine is free to all New Yorkers, regardless of

immigration or insurance status.

Vaccine booster shots are also now available for all fully vaccinated people ages 12 and older.

For more information about booster shots, see:

https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-vaccines.page#boost

As a reminder, vaccination is the best tool we have to fight COVID-19 and to keep our schools

safe for all our students. Children ages 5 and older are eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-

19. If your child is eligible but not yet vaccinated against COVID-19, please take the opportunity

during the Midwinter Recess to make an appointment for vaccination at vaccinefinder.nyc.gov or

call 311 to find a vaccine site near you. The vaccine is free to all New Yorkers, regardless of

immigration or insurance status.

Vaccine booster shots are also now available for all fully vaccinated people ages 12 and older.

For more information about booster shots, see:

https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-vaccines.page#boost

The middle school application is open, and the deadline to apply is March 1, 2022!

https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-grade-by-grade/middle-school

The 2022 NYC Public School Admissions Guide is now available! This guide helps students and families participate in the admissions process. It onboards families to admissions and using MySchools while pointing to robust digital resources and personalized support options. The guide will be available for students and families who may be applying to:

• 3-K (children born in 2019)

• Pre-K (children born in 2018)

• Kindergarten (children born in 2017)

• Middle School (current 5th graders)

• High School (current 8th graders)

The At-Home Learning Guides provide families with K–12 learning guides in the core content areas to support and deepen learning at home. The guides include activities, resources, and projects to help students continue to understand grade-level information and skills. The guides are accessible in multiple languages.

Families can visit Parent University to learn more about how to use the guides to support their child with learning at home.

• Intro to Elementary School At-Home Learning Guides

• Intro to Middle School At-Home Learning Guides

• Intro to High School At-Home Learning Guides

The Beyond Access Series is a part of the New York City Department of Education’s Division of Specialized Instruction and Student Support. The series supports families of students with disabilities by providing sessions on topics around special education.

• Mental health services are being offered remotely to support children and family during these difficult times. The School Mental Health Program is working with our community providers to offer Telehealth services which utilize health insurance, medicaid or offer a sliding scale for billing. Please reach out to your school mental health team for more information.

• NYC-Well is a confidential mental health information and referral line with access to mobile crisis teams. Staffed by trained social workers 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year.

https://healthscreening.schools.nyc/

• Tuesday, February 1st, 2022 - Lunar New Year, schools closed
• February 21–25 - Midwinter Recess, schools closed

Kits should only be distributed to 3-K and pre-K students, when they are symptomatic. If a student in 3-K or pre-K shows symptoms of COVID-19, they should be isolated and sent home. Upon pick up, parents/guardians of these symptomatic students should be issued two at-home tests for optional student use at home.

Students in 3-K and pre-K, who become ill while at school, may only be picked up from school by a parent/guardian or other adult designated on the student’s blue, home-contact card. In addition, please note the following:

• Symptomatic 3-K or pre-K students can return to school if all three of the following conditions are met:
  • The student has taken two at-home tests, at least 24-hours apart, or one molecular test, that is negative for COVID-19; and
  • The student has been fever-free for 24-hours, without the use of medication; and
  • The student’s overall symptoms are improving.
• If symptomatic 3-K or pre-K students do not get tested for COVID-19, they can return to school only after all three of the following conditions are met:
  • At least 10 days have passed since the symptoms started; and
  • The student has been fever-free for 24-hours, without the use of medication; and
  • The student’s overall symptoms are improving.

Additionally, for students in 3-K and pre-K, the quarantine policy currently remains the same: any 3-K or pre-K student who was in close proximity to a positive case will still need to quarantine for 10 days. However, these students have the option to take a COVID-19 test on day five (5) or later, and return to school on day eight (8).

https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-grade-by-grade/high-school

The At-Home Learning Guides provide families with K–12 learning guides in the core content areas to support and deepen learning at home. The guides include activities, resources, and projects to help students continue to understand grade-level information and skills. The guides are accessible in multiple languages.

Families can visit Parent University to learn more about how to use the guides to support their child with learning at home.

• Intro to Elementary School At-Home Learning Guides

• Intro to Middle School At-Home Learning Guides

• Intro to High School At-Home Learning Guides

The Early Childhood Family Resource page includes two documents that provide a variety of additional resources for children, families, and caregivers, including activities and exercises that can be done together. In the translated documents provided in ‘Online & Community Resources’ on this page, you will find information on online classes and virtual visits to zoos, museums, and more!

• Mental health services are being offered remotely to support children and family during these difficult times. The School Mental Health Program is working with our community providers to offer Telehealth services which utilize health insurance, medicaid or offer a sliding scale for billing. Please reach out to your school mental health team for more information.

• NYC-Well is a confidential mental health information and referral line with access to mobile crisis teams. Staffed by trained social workers 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year.

https://healthscreening.schools.nyc/

• Monday, January 17, 2022 - All schools will be closed (MLK Day);
• Monday, January 24, 2022 - Community Education Council (CEC) Monthly Meeting @ 6:30pm;
• CANCELLED - NYS Regents Exams - January 25th-28th.

The Pfizer vaccine is now approved and available for children 5-11 years old in NYC

• Children aged 5-17 must get Pfizer. It is the only FDA/CDC vaccine approved for children.

• The Pfizer vaccine is 2 doses, given 21 days apart, to be fully vaccinated

• The vaccine went through rigorous research, trials, and evaluation and is safe, free, and easily accessible in NYC.

• Everyone aged 5+ should get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible

• Even if a child (or their parent) had COVID-19, they should still get the vaccine because it helps protect them against infection, severe illness, or death from COVID-19.

• For more information about vaccines and children, families can go to nyc.gov/covidvaccine and see this FAQ.

• Parents or guardians can call 212-COVID19 (212-268-4319) with questions about the vaccine

• People should also talk to their health care provider with concerns or questions specific to their own medical situation.

Access:

• Find a vaccine site near you at nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or by calling 877-VAX4-NYC

• You can search “Pfizer 5-11” under vaccine type for a site that administers to this age group

• City-run vaccine sites will offer vaccines for children aged 5+ starting November 3, and there will be temporary sites in over 1,000 schools starting on Monday, November 8, 2021. Sites at schools can be found on the DOE website.

• For City-run sites, including H+H hospitals, appointments and walk-ins will be honored.

• The City is working to ensure that health care providers, including pediatricians and pharmacies, across the City have access to vaccine supply for children. These providers will likely start coming online over the course of this week, check with your doctor, local pharmacy or nyc.gov/vaccinefinder.

Consent:

• Children must have a parent or guardian's consent to get the vaccine. Children 5-15 y/o must be accompanied by an adult when they receive the vaccine, and if the child is accompanied by an adult who is not the parent or guardian, written consent or verbal consent by phone from the parent or guardian must be obtained at the time of vaccination.

• For specific questions about school vaccinations, please discuss with your child's school

Incentives:

• The $100 individual incentive is available to children who get vaccinated. Children may use a parent's email address to redeem their visa gift card.

• Organizations participating in the $100 Vaccine Referral Bonus program (including PAs/PTAs) are also able to get the $100 incentive per child they refer to get vaccinated. See more information at nyc.gov/vaccineincentive

Resources:

• YouTube: Videos from NYC Health in ten languages

• Parent University: Live and pre-recorded classes on Covid-19 Vaccines. The courses are taught by experts from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), and include updates about COVID-19 vaccines, as well as live question-and-answer sessions.

• The high school application will open the week of January 24, 2022, and close during the week of February 28.

• In response to feedback from community leaders, families, and schools, borough- and zone-based admissions priorities will remain in place this year. This means that some high school programs will continue to prioritize zoned applicants and/or applicants who live or currently attend middle school in a specific borough. District-based admissions priorities were eliminated last year and will continue to not be used in high school admissions.

• For high school programs that screen applicants, multiple measures will be used to evaluate students this year. These measures will include submissions of work samples from last year, such as essays or reports, and first-semester grades from this school year.

• Right now, families of current eighth grade students (and interested ninth grade students) can get ready by creating a MySchools.nyc account, exploring program options, and saving favorite programs.

• Learn more at schools.nyc.gov/High.

• Mental health services are being offered remotely to support children and family during these difficult times. The School Mental Health Program is working with our community providers to offer Telehealth services which utilize health insurance, medicaid or offer a sliding scale for billing. Please reach out to your school mental health team for more information.

• NYC-Well is a confidential mental health information and referral line with access to mobile crisis teams. Staffed by trained social workers 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year.

Families are now able to provide consent for their child to be tested using their NYC Schools Account (NYCSA)

https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-year-20-21/return-to-school-2020/health-and-safety/covid-19-testing

For the last few months, the New York City Department of Education Office of Food and Nutrition Services (OFNS) has been going through a strategic planning process to determine what it should focus on for the next 3-5 years. To get it right, OFNS wants your input about what the future of school meals should look like for NYC schools. Complete this short, anonymous survey by December 24th! Survey Link

On the night of Tuesday, January 25th, 2022, the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) will conduct its annual Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE) Survey, a point-in-time survey undertaken each winter that helps the City estimate the number of unsheltered New Yorkers living on the street on one of the coldest nights of the year. The results gathered through this survey provide the City with valuable information that helps determine how best to allocate resources in support of New Yorkers in need.

Every January, thousands of volunteers across the five boroughs participate in NYC’s annual HOPE survey. Volunteers canvass streets, subway stations, parks, and other public spaces across the city to identify individuals living unsheltered. Volunteers are needed from approximately 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. on the night of January 25th.

Thanks to the efforts of past volunteers along with the ongoing 24/7/365 efforts of DHS outreach workers via our HOME-STAT outreach program, we have helped more than 4,200 New Yorkers come off the streets and into transitional and/or permanent housing since 2016.

Of course, the safety of everyone involved in HOPE is our highest priority and a range of COVID safety policies and procedures will be in place, including:

• Proof of vaccination is required for all volunteers, and masks will be required at all times.

• Facilities will be set up to promote social distancing, and masks and other PPE will be provided.

• Training for HOPE volunteers will also be conducted remotely and volunteers will be dismissed remotely and will not be required to return to their designated HOPE site after canvassing.

Please visit nyc.gov/hope to learn more and to register. Volunteer participation is essential to helping us address the challenge of homelessness and support some of our City’s most vulnerable residents as they get back on their feet.

https://www.queenssouthhighschools.com/

The Pfizer vaccine is now approved and available for children 5-11 years old in NYC

• Children aged 5-17 must get Pfizer. It is the only FDA/CDC vaccine approved for children.

• The Pfizer vaccine is 2 doses, given 21 days apart, to be fully vaccinated

• The vaccine went through rigorous research, trials, and evaluation and is safe, free, and easily accessible in NYC.

• Everyone aged 5+ should get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible

• Even if a child (or their parent) had COVID-19, they should still get the vaccine because it helps protect them against infection, severe illness, or death from COVID-19.

• For more information about vaccines and children, families can go to nyc.gov/covidvaccine and see this FAQ.

• Parents or guardians can call 212-COVID19 (212-268-4319) with questions about the vaccine

• People should also talk to their health care provider with concerns or questions specific to their own medical situation.

Access:

• Find a vaccine site near you at nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or by calling 877-VAX4-NYC

• You can search “Pfizer 5-11” under vaccine type for a site that administers to this age group

• City-run vaccine sites will offer vaccines for children aged 5+ starting November 3, and there will be temporary sites in over 1,000 schools starting on Monday, November 8, 2021. Sites at schools can be found on the DOE website.

• For City-run sites, including H+H hospitals, appointments and walk-ins will be honored.

• The City is working to ensure that health care providers, including pediatricians and pharmacies, across the City have access to vaccine supply for children. These providers will likely start coming online over the course of this week, check with your doctor, local pharmacy or nyc.gov/vaccinefinder.

Consent:

• Children must have a parent or guardian's consent to get the vaccine. Children 5-15 y/o must be accompanied by an adult when they receive the vaccine, and if the child is accompanied by an adult who is not the parent or guardian, written consent or verbal consent by phone from the parent or guardian must be obtained at the time of vaccination.

• For specific questions about school vaccinations, please discuss with your child's school

Incentives:

• The $100 individual incentive is available to children who get vaccinated. Children may use a parent's email address to redeem their visa gift card.

• Organizations participating in the $100 Vaccine Referral Bonus program (including PAs/PTAs) are also able to get the $100 incentive per child they refer to get vaccinated. See more information at nyc.gov/vaccineincentive

Resources:

• YouTube: Videos from NYC Health in ten languages

• Parent University: Live and pre-recorded classes on Covid-19 Vaccines. The courses are taught by experts from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), and include updates about COVID-19 vaccines, as well as live question-and-answer sessions.

Thursday, December 9, 2021

10:00 AM – 3:30 PM EST

Register Here

The New York City Department of Education (DOE), in collaboration with Advocates for Children of New York and the ARISE Coalition, is hosting a virtual Literacy Summit on December 9, 2021 at 10:00 am, EST. Building on existing initiatives, the Summit brings diverse stakeholders, both within and outside the DOE together to strengthen our commitment and joint efforts towards advancing equitable literacy outcomes for all of our students.

The Summit will feature keynote addresses from Lacey Robinson and Chancellor Porter, as well as three panels:

• Evidence-Based and Culturally Relevant Practices: Working at the Intersection for Equity

• All means ALL: Diversifying Literacy to Meet the Needs of Every Student

• How do We Move Forward? Understanding the Shared Responsibility Around Literacy

We invite you to join us as we engage with some of today’s respected thought leaders to explore current challenges in literacy and share implications for how we can together plan for the future.

Parent University offers lots of great FREE programs, courses and events to help you prepare your student for back to school this fall while giving you support as you return to work. Click the links below and enroll today. New courses are added weekly!

Need help? Visit us on YouTube for user tutorials. Download this flyer for instructions on how to enable captions in multiple languages.

We want your input! Are you a Minority and/or Woman-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) and want to work with NYCDOE? Help us plan an informative training session by responding to this short survey.

On the night of Tuesday, January 25th, 2022, the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) will conduct its annual Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE) Survey, a point-in-time survey undertaken each winter that helps the City estimate the number of unsheltered New Yorkers living on the street on one of the coldest nights of the year. The results gathered through this survey provide the City with valuable information that helps determine how best to allocate resources in support of New Yorkers in need.

Every January, thousands of volunteers across the five boroughs participate in NYC’s annual HOPE survey. Volunteers canvass streets, subway stations, parks, and other public spaces across the city to identify individuals living unsheltered. Volunteers are needed from approximately 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. on the night of January 25th.

Thanks to the efforts of past volunteers along with the ongoing 24/7/365 efforts of DHS outreach workers via our HOME-STAT outreach program, we have helped more than 4,200 New Yorkers come off the streets and into transitional and/or permanent housing since 2016.

Of course, the safety of everyone involved in HOPE is our highest priority and a range of COVID safety policies and procedures will be in place, including:

• Proof of vaccination is required for all volunteers, and masks will be required at all times.

• Facilities will be set up to promote social distancing, and masks and other PPE will be provided.

• Training for HOPE volunteers will also be conducted remotely and volunteers will be dismissed remotely and will not be required to return to their designated HOPE site after canvassing.

Please visit nyc.gov/hope to learn more and to register. Volunteer participation is essential to helping us address the challenge of homelessness and support some of our City’s most vulnerable residents as they get back on their feet.

Dr. Easterling, First Deputy Commissioner and Chief Equity Officer at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene joined NYCDOE Senior Deputy Chancellor Marisol Rosales for a discussion of COVID-19 vaccination. Frequently asked questions from parents provide the basis for this discussion.

This year, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched the short-term Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB), a federal initiative that provides eligible households with a temporary discount on monthly broadband internet bills during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All households with a student enrolled in a DOE school or program are eligible for two types of benefits available:

• Monthly Benefit: Provides a discount of up to $50 per month for broadband service, equipment, and device rentals; and

• One-Time Device Discount: This is a one-time discount of up to $100 on a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer, where available.

Who Else is Eligible for EBB?

In addition to households with students enrolled in a DOE school or program, your household is eligible for EBB if at least one person in your household:

• Receives certain income-based benefits like SNAP (food stamps), SSI, federal public housing assistance, or Medicaid;

• Receives free or reduced-price school lunch or breakfast;

• Received a federal Pell Grant during the current school year;

• Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020.

To apply for the EBB program, confirm your household’s eligibility, and find participating broadband internet providers, visit the Universal Service Administrative Company’s EBB Program website.

Have further questions? Call the EBB Program Support Center at (833) 511-0311 or email them at EBBHelp@usac.org.

We hope your family will be able to benefit from this new federal program. For more free and discounted internet options like EBB, check out the DOE’s “Free and Low-Cost Internet Options” page.

Parent University offers lots of great FREE programs, courses and events to help you prepare your student for back to school this fall while giving you support as you return to work. Click the links below and enroll today. New courses are added weekly!

Need help? Visit us on YouTube for user tutorials. Download this flyer for instructions on how to enable captions in multiple languages.

We want your input! Are you a Minority and/or Woman-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) and want to work with NYCDOE? Help us plan an informative training session by responding to this short survey.

https://healthscreening.schools.nyc/

• Wednesday, November 10, 2021 - REMOTE Evening parent-teacher conferences for high schools, K–12, and 6–12 schools. Please contact your child’s school for exact PTC dates and times.
• Thursday, November 11, 2021 - Veterans Day, schools closed
• Friday, November 12, 2021- REMOTE Afternoon parent-teacher conferences for high schools, K–12, and 6–12 schools; students in these schools dismissed three hours early. Please contact your child’s school for exact PTC dates and times.
• Wednesday, November, 17, 2021 - REMOTE parent-teacher conferences for middle schools and District 75 school programs. Please contact your child’s school for exact PTC dates and times.
• Thursday, November 18, 2021 - REMOTE Afternoon Conferences for middle schools and District 75 school programs; students in these schools dismissed three hours early. Please contact your child’s school for exact PTC dates and times.
• Thursday, November 25 - Friday, November 26, 2021 - Thanksgiving Recess, schools closed

Mayor de Blasio, Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter, and Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi announced November 3 that every school that serves students aged 5 through 11 will host vaccination sites beginning on Monday, November 8, 2021. This will provide easy access to life-saving vaccines for the 400,000 eligible public school students in this age range at 1,070 sites. See the full press release and the details below!

Families can find out when their school will host a clinic at schools.nyc.gov/covid19. No appointment is necessary and all locations will be serving 5 to 11 year olds enrolled at a school in that building exclusively. Clinics will be open between either 7:00AM and 11:00AM or 12:30 PM and 4:00PM, depending on the location.

Vaccines are safe, effective and free! You do not need to have health insurance or share your immigration status to get vaccinated. The Pfizer vaccine was studied in children ages 5 to 17 and shown to be very safe and effective. The process was monitored closely by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, other organizations, and independent experts. The Pfizer vaccine has safely been given to millions of children in the U.S.

Citywide Council on English Language Learners

Virtual Calendar and Business Meeting

We invite you to join us for our monthly virtual Calendar and Business meeting on

Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at 6:15 pm

Zoom Meeting Information

Meeting ID:896 5502 8749

Passcode: 590984

Dial by phone: 646-558-8656

This year, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched the short-term Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB), a federal initiative that provides eligible households with a temporary discount on monthly broadband internet bills during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All households with a student enrolled in a DOE school or program are eligible for two types of benefits available:

• Monthly Benefit: Provides a discount of up to $50 per month for broadband service, equipment, and device rentals; and

• One-Time Device Discount: This is a one-time discount of up to $100 on a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer, where available.

Who Else is Eligible for EBB?

In addition to households with students enrolled in a DOE school or program, your household is eligible for EBB if at least one person in your household:

• Receives certain income-based benefits like SNAP (food stamps), SSI, federal public housing assistance, or Medicaid;

• Receives free or reduced-price school lunch or breakfast;

• Received a federal Pell Grant during the current school year;

• Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020.

To apply for the EBB program, confirm your household’s eligibility, and find participating broadband internet providers, visit the Universal Service Administrative Company’s EBB Program website.

Have further questions? Call the EBB Program Support Center at (833) 511-0311 or email them at EBBHelp@usac.org.

We hope your family will be able to benefit from this new federal program. For more free and discounted internet options like EBB, check out the DOE’s “Free and Low-Cost Internet Options” page.

Consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and State guidance, COVID-19 vaccination will be required this year for students who are at least 12 years old and are participating in afterschool extracurricular activities considered high-risk for potential COVID-19 transmission.

High risk afterschool activities include:

• Chorus
• Musical Theater
• Dance / Dance Team
• Band / Orchestra / Marching Band
• Cheerleading / Step Teams / Flag Team

Please reach out to your school for additional information regarding participation in these activities.

https://healthscreening.schools.nyc/

• Tuesday, November 2, 2021 - Election Day, fully remote, asynchronous instructional day
• Wednesday, November 3, 2021 - Evening parent-teacher conferences for elementary schools and K–8 schools.
• Thursday, November 4, 2021 - Afternoon parent-teacher conferences for elementary schools and K–8 schools; students in these schools dismissed three hours early.
• Wednesday, November 10, 2021 - Evening parent-teacher conferences for high schools, K–12, and 6–12 schools.
• Thursday, November 11, 2021 - Veterans Day, schools closed
• Friday, November 12, 2021- Afternoon parent-teacher conferences for high schools, K–12, and 6–12 schools; students in these schools dismissed three hours early.
• Wednesday, November, 17, 2021 - Evening parent-teacher conferences for middle schools and District 75 school programs.
• Thursday, November 18, 2021 - Afternoon Conferences for middle schools and District 75 school programs; students in these schools dismissed three hours early
• Thursday, November 25 - Friday, November 26, 2021 - Thanksgiving Recess, schools closed

Citywide Council on English Language Learners

Virtual Calendar and Business Meeting

We invite you to join us for our monthly virtual Calendar and Business meeting on

Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at 6:15 pm

Zoom Meeting Information

Meeting ID: 896 5502 8749

Passcode: 590984

Dial by phone: 646-558-8656

Consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and State guidance, COVID-19 vaccination will be required this year for students who are at least 12 years old and are participating in afterschool extracurricular activities considered high-risk for potential COVID-19 transmission.

High risk afterschool activities include:

• Chorus
• Musical Theater
• Dance / Dance Team
• Band / Orchestra / Marching Band
• Cheerleading / Step Teams / Flag Team

Please reach out to your school for additional information regarding participation in these activities.

Parent University offers lots of great FREE programs, courses and events to help you prepare your student for back to school this fall while giving you support as you return to work. Click the links below and enroll today. New courses are added weekly!

Need help? Visit us on YouTube for user tutorials. Download this flyer for instructions on how to enable captions in multiple languages.

We want your input! Are you a Minority and/or Woman-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) and want to work with NYCDOE? Help us plan an informative training session by responding to this short survey.

https://healthscreening.schools.nyc/

• Monday, October 11, 2021- Italian Heritage Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day, schools closed
• Tuesday, November 2, 2021 - Election Day, fully remote, asynchronous instructional day

As part of his Juneteenth Economic Justice Plan, Mayor de Blasio announced the citywide expansion of the Save for College Program to all kindergarten students starting September 2021. In partnership with our nonprofit partner, NYC Kids RISE, this free program will provide incoming kindergarten students with NYC Scholarship Accounts including the first $100 deposit into each account, opportunities to earn additional rewards and access to Community Scholarships, as well as supporting financial education and college and career readiness activities.

Since the Save for College Program began as a pilot in 2017, 96% of all rising first, second, third and fourth graders (~13,500 students) now have a NYC Scholarship Account for their educational futures. Visit Save for College Program Pilot website to learn more about the pilot phase of the Save for College Program.

NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program

Starting Monday, September 27, the DOE has increased random COVID-19 testing in all elementary, middle, and high schools for students in grades 1-12 from biweekly to weekly. We can only test students whose parents have provided an updated testing consent form to their school. You are encouraged to provide this consent for your child if you have not done so. If you have already submitted a testing consent form for the 2021-22 school year, that consent form remains in effect. If you have not yet submitted your consent, you can do so one of two ways:

• Fill out the form using your NYC Schools Account (NYCSA) or

• Download the form online at schools.nyc.gov/covidtesting and bring the completed form to your child’s school.

All current 8th and first-time 9th grade students who live in New York City can apply to high school and test and/or audition to apply to the Specialized High Schools during the 2021-2022 school year. In mid-October, you’ll get your child’s welcome letter with details on how to access your MySchools account and participate.

SHSAT UPDATE

Today, we have updates for students interested in applying to any/all of the eight testing Specialized High Schools. You apply to these schools by registering for and then taking the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT); offers are made based on each student’s SHSAT score, their school preferences, and seat availability. Here’s what to do, when:

• Prepare. Detailed test information, sample tests, and information about testing accommodations are available on our website.

• Register. Registration will open in mid-October 2021. Specific registration dates are coming soon!

• Test. All registered students will take the SHSAT in December 2021. When specific test dates and other information become available, we will send an update.

MORE UPDATES ARE COMING SOON, INCLUDING:

• When to submit your high school application, the way to apply to most of the city’s 700+ program options.

• When and how to register for programs at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, NYC’s audition Specialized High School, which uses a separate admissions process.

• How to audition for arts programs at high schools across the city, including LaGuardia.

WHAT TO DO NOW

• Visit schools.nyc.gov/High and schools.nyc.gov/SHS to get the latest information and watch our video series to learn how to participate in high school admissions. For in-depth information, read last year's digital High School and Specialized High Schools Admissions Guide. Please note that some resources and information will be updated this fall to reflect any changes for 2022 admissions.

• Start exploring high school program options in the MySchools.nyc high school directory. You don’t need to log in or create an account to use the online directory!

Questions? Talk to your child’s current school counselor or email HSEnrollment@schools.nyc.gov.