Effective Monday, September 13, all visitors to DOE school buildings are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination (1 dose), in order to enter the building, except in the case of an emergency. This proof may be provided in several ways, please see schools.nyc.gov/2021health for more information.

Pending an Order by the Health Commissioner​

On the first day of school, 3K/Pre-K parents, in small groups, are able to walk their children into the classroom and stay with them briefly on the first day of school without showing proof of vaccination. All other requirements apply. ​

In order to enter the building, a visitor must:​

• show identification,​

• have proof of vaccination, ​

• complete the daily health screening form, and​

• wear a face covering. ​

Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) Vaccination Policy

As a reminder, COVID-19 vaccination will be required this year for DOE students and staff participating in Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) sports considered high-risk for potential COVID-19 transmission. High-risk sports include football, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, lacrosse, stunt, and rugby. Vaccination will also be required for participation in bowling because while the sport is not high risk, the locations where it occurs require vaccination.

Participants in fall high-risk sports must get their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by the first day of competitive play, which varies by sport. Winter and spring PSAL participants have until the beginning of their season to be fully vaccinated. For additional information about health and safety protocols for PSAL in the 2021-22 school year, please visit schools.nyc.gov/PSAL.

Extracurricular Activities Vaccination Policy

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.

It is important that you provide consent for your child to participate in the in-school testing program. Submit your updated testing consent form for your child using your NYC Schools Account (NYCSA) at schoolsaccount.nyc or by downloading the form online at schools.nyc.gov/covidtesting and providing the completed printed form to your child’s school.

• You can fill out the form using your NYC Schools Account (NYCSA): schoolsaccount.nyc

• Download the form online at schools.nyc.gov/covidtesting

• Don’t have an NYC Schools Account? Learn more at schools.nyc.gov/NYCSA

Testing consent forms submitted in the previous school year expire on September 30, 2021. If you previously provided consent, your child may be tested this month as part of the in-school testing program—however, for your child to participate in the testing program for the remainder of this school year, you must submit a new consent form.

As we look toward a return to school buildings for every student this fall, it is important to spread the word that everyone age 12 and older is eligible to get vaccinated. Vaccines are essential to stopping this pandemic. When you support COVID-19 vaccination, you help to protect your school and your community against COVID-19.

There are New Yorkers who still have questions or concerns about vaccines, and we are dedicated to addressing them. The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is sharing a number of resources with detailed information:

• COVID-19: Vaccine webpage: includes the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccines (such as how to find a vaccination site, vaccine eligibility and what you can do once fully vaccinated)

• COVID-19: Vaccine Facts webpage: includes information on common issues and questions about the vaccines

• Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccines for Families and Educators

• Understanding the COVID-19 Vaccines

• Videos

• Doctors of the NYC Department of Health PSA on COVID-19 vaccines

• Community Providers on COVID-19 vaccines

• Pregnancy, Nursing and Fertility

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, visit nyc.gov/covidvaccine or call 311. To find out where you or your loved ones can get vaccinated, visit nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692). You can also sign up by visiting nyc.gov/homebound or calling 877-VAX-4NYC for an in-home vaccination.

Parent University seeks to educate and empower families as partners, advocates, and lifelong educators in their student's education through free courses, resources, events, and activities.

Parent University serves all families, from early childhood through adulthood. Even if you are not a parent, we encourage you to become involved with Parent University. With an expanding course list Parent University is ready to support you. Register and enroll for a course today!

To register for a course:

• Visit parentu.schools.nyc

• Sign in with your NYC Schools Account or create a new account

• Choose a course from the Course Catalog tab

• Click Enroll

• Check your email for confirmation!

For more information about Parent University, 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 .

We hope to see you on Parent University!

Here are some courses:

• NY Project Hope: Coping with COVID

• COVID-19 Vaccines: Pregnancy, Nursing & Fertility

• Doctors of the NYC Department of Health PSA

• 12 & Older COVID-19 Vaccines

• 12 & Older Vaccine PSA

• What You Need to Know About Vaccines!

• Dr. Fauci & Dr. Chokshi: COVID-19, Vaccines & NYC

• COVID-19 Vaccine with Dr. Torian Easterling

• COVID-19 Vaccine Fact

• What We Know About COVID-19 Vaccines

• Introduction to COVID-19 Vaccines

Get started with a new guide from the Mayor's Office of Community Mental Health, produced with NYC Health + Hospitals and the NYC Health Department. The guide walks you through how to get mental health support for anyone, at any level of need - including what to know, where to look, and who to call.

Explore the guide online here.