To view FAQs on accessing remote learning, academic policy and planning, Special Education, multilingual learning and English Language Learning, and assessments and accountability, please go to:
https://infohub.nyced.org/…/translations/letters/coronavirus
They are also available in other languages.
You can use MySchools to find pre-K options for your child’s application. Want to learn more about pre-K admissions? Visit our website. Have additional questions about your child’s application? Email ESEnrollment@schools.nyc.gov
The Office of NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams sent a link to a virtual Town Hall tonight, 6-8 pm, on homeschooling:
State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Councilman Justin Brannan are holding a Digital Town Hall on Covid-19 streamed online, Tuesday, March 24, at 6 p.m. You can watch on his Facebook at Facebook.com/SenGounardes
Hear directly from panelists from Maimonides Medical Center, NYC Government, The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, NY Hospitality Alliance and Bay Ridge Cares.
If you have questions, please submit in advance to gounardes@nysenate.gov or ASKJB@council.nyc.gov -- or simply comment on the event page.
We were sent a Chinese translation of the Remote Learning Device Request Survey. This is not the survey, but parents can perhaps use this document side by side to fill it out.
Dear Families,
All of us are living through an unprecedented time as we work to keep our communities safe and healthy in the face of the coronavirus. New Yorkers are joining millions in cities, states, and nations across the world in confronting decisions that we’ve never had to face—and maybe never could have imagined having to.
Here in New York, Mayor de Blasio and I have been clear that any changes to our school system as we know it would be an extreme measure—a last resort. We’ve been monitoring the outbreak in New York City day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute. This weekend, it became clear that continuing public education in our school buildings was no longer sustainable for the time being.
On Sunday, we announced that for the next three and a half weeks, we are moving to a remote learning model, with a projected reopening of school buildings the week of April 20, 2020. I know this may feel abrupt, and has the potential to cause disruption in your lives. We are committed to consistent and clear communication with you throughout this time period, and a clear understanding of what will happen.
Our announcement today means that Monday, March 16, school buildings are closed and students will be out of session. However, students and families can pick up medication or receive any standard medical services from Tuesday through Thursday, during regular school hours; school nurses and school based health center staff will be on site. During that time, teachers will also be expected to report to their buildings and receive full-day professional development on remote learning.
Later in the week, students will begin picking up materials, including technology to participate in remote learning when needed. Additional guidance on all of this will be shared with you in the next couple of days. All throughout this week, grab-and-go breakfast will be available at the entrance of every school building from 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM. Any student can pick up breakfast and lunch at any school building.
On Monday, March 23, we will be opening several dozen Regional Enrichment Centers across the City, to serve the children of our City’s first responders, healthcare workers, transit workers, and our most vulnerable populations.
That Monday, we will also launch remote learning for grades K-12. I have every confidence in New York City educators and know they will rise to the occasion, and dedicate the same passion for delivering high-quality instruction remotely as they do in the classroom. We know we have the most dedicated school staff: teachers, custodians, administrators, and especially the school food workers who will be continuing to work during this time as part of a citywide meals program. More information on the launch of that program will be coming soon.
I want to be clear that this is not a closure, but a transition. We will not lower our expectations for our students. We know they are hungry to learn and we will match their curiosity and passion with work-from-home materials, including distribution of devices that will support our remote-learning instructional model.
There are already instructional resources available for every grade level in every subject at schools.nyc.gov/learnathome.
We know this is a difficult time, and we are working hard to make sure our City continues to support families in every way we can. I want to assure families we’re working to make this as seamless a transition as possible.
Now is the time to come together to do what’s best for the health and safety of all New Yorkers. We are with you, partners in education in the greatest city in the world. We have the world’s most talented students, educators, and staff—and nothing will ever change that.
We will continue to communicate with you in the coming days, and encourage you to visit our website at https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/health-and-wellness/coronavirus-update for more information and updates on this transition.
Sincerely,
Richard A. Carranza
Chancellor
New York City Department of Education
Parents,
I received an update from the Chancellor's office this morning. At this time there is no plan to close all DOE schools unless instructed to do so by the City or Federal Government. One reason is that to take 1.1 million students out of school will have significant citywide and potentially global impact. A trickle down effect will be felt related to employment, production, etc.. At this time, schools will remain open to serve students. Food will be available for students who need food services.
Very clearly, if you or members of your family have been exposed to COVID or are showing symptoms, please keep your children home! Students who go to school exhibiting signs will be isolated in a separate room, and their parents will be called to come get them.
That being said, and this is coming from me as your President of CEC 20 (not from the DOE), in my mind, as always, parents should do what is in the best interest of their children, regardless of DOE policy. If you are worried about exposure, fear public transportation or large gatherings, you can also make the decision to keep your child home. There is a code in place for absences related to COVID 19. Even if it is only that you do not want your child exposed unnecessarily, this is an acceptable excuse. When you call and tell them your reason, your school administration will code the absence accordingly. Absences related to this pandemic will not be counted toward admissions. All large meetings, sports and events have been cancelled. Certain events still remain on, at principal discretion, but as you know, that all changes daily. So parents, please do what is in the best interest of your children.
Again, this is from me, not the DOE.
I know schools are looking to online or remote learning possibilities. If you have any questions about that you should contact your School Leadership Team. (Your PTA president is a part of that team.)
If you have any questions, or are unsure of anything, please refer to our Facebook page for updates. I will get whatever answers I can or direct you to who may give you those answers. If you have positive news to relate (e.g. online learning up and running) give us some news. Please don't advance rumors as fact. Anything that productively helps our community, please share.
Again, the DOE will remain open until higher powers agree to close them, or the pressure builds. But until then, this is what I have for you. Of course, it could all change by Monday.
Wishing you all good health,
Adele Doyle
President CEC20
With an abundance of caution, we have decided to cancel tonight’s monthly CEC meeting.
We apologize for any inconvenience and we look forward to seeing you at our Next monthly meeting.
Schools were asked to backpack home this update to families which can also be found here: https://infohub.nyced.org/in-our-schools/translations/letters/coronavirus
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention discussed possible options for what could happen if there is local person-to-person transmission of the novel coronavirus in the United States, including recommendations for school systems to consider.
At this time, it is important to listen to facts and not respond to fear. Currently, there are no confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in New York City and the risk to New Yorkers remains low.
However, transmission of the virus in other countries has raised our level of concern, and we are preparing for the possibility of person-to-person transmission in New York City. The measures that are put in place should local person-to-person transmissions begin will depend on the number of individuals affected and the general severity of illness we experience in our city. Our public health experts are vigilantly preparing for a spectrum of possible scenarios, and we are in close contact with them regarding how that may impact our school communities. There are no plans to close schools or DOE offices at this time.
We should all continue to practice general flu prevention measures including:
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or sleeve
These Coronavirus FAQs contain helpful facts regarding common questions about the coronavirus. Please take a look at the FAQs in order to stay informed, as well as to help guard against stigma and fear associated with the virus.
For more information and regular updates, visit the Health Department’s website. We will continue to provide updates as they become available. For specific questions/concerns, contact stayinghealthy@schools.nyc.gov.
Office of the Chief Operating Officer
The New York City Department of Education wants every student who needs a device for remote learning to have one, even if the student does not have internet access at home. Please call 718-935-5100 and choose Option 5 on the menu. Someone will help you get a device with internet connection.
District 20 is the southwest section of Brooklyn, spanning from the Verrazano bridge to Borough Park and the southern section of Sunset Park. Neighborhoods include Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bath Beach, and Bensonhurst, along with the Fort Hamilton Army Base.
The Community Education Councils were created in 2004 after the school boards were dismantled.
Throughout the city, there are 32 school districts. Each school district has a CEC. Each CEC oversees the elementary and junior high schools within their district. Parents serve a two year term on 36 Councils throughout the city, including the 32 Community Education Councils and the 4 Citywide Councils.
CECs are made up of:
9 parents-selected by the district's PTA/PAs
2 Borough President Appointees
1 High School Senior
CEC members represent the parents in their district. The CEC is the voice of all the district parents. Parents are encouraged to attend the monthly meetings to learn what is going on and also to voice their concerns and issues. Members also visit the district schools and attend their PTA/PA meetings, as well as their School Leadership Team meetings. The CECs participate in shaping educational policies in their districts. Their responsibilities include approving school zoning lines, holding hearings on the capital plan, and providing input on other important policy issues. Each CEC has nine members who are parents of students currently in grades K-8 in district schools.
For District 20, the parent CEC members have children in the district's public school system. On CEC20, our members' children attend: PS102, PS/IS 104, PS112,PS127, PS176, PS185, IS187, IS201, IS259, PS503, and PS682.
Citywide Councils:
There are 4 citywide councils: the CCHS (Citywide Council on High Schools) oversees all the high schools, the CCSE (Citywide Council on Special Education) oversees Special Education., the CCELL (Citywide Council on English Language Learners) and the District 75 Council.
Citywide Council on High Schools (CCHS)
The CCHS advises and comments on educational or instructional policy involving students attending public high schools. There are ten elected members on the Citywide Council on High Schools, two from each borough. Each member must be the parent of a student currently attending public high school.
Citywide Council on English Language Learners (CCELL)
The CCELL advises and comments on policy involving bilingual and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. There are nine elected members on the Citywide Council on English Language Learners. Each member must be the parent of a student currently receiving bilingual or ESL services.
Citywide Council on Special Education (CCSE)
The CCSE advises and comments on services for students with disabilities. There are nine elected members on the Citywide Council on Special Education. Each member must be the parent of a student currently receiving special education services.District 75 Citywide Council (D75 Council)The Council advises and comments on educational policies that affect students with disabilities who attend D75 schools. There are nine elected members on the D75 Council. Each member must be the parent of a student currently enrolled in a D75 program.
District 75 Council
District 75 provides highly specialized instructional support for students with significant challenges, such as:
To view FAQs on accessing remote learning, academic policy and planning, Special Education, multilingual learning and English Language Learning, and assessments and accountability, please go to:
https://infohub.nyced.org/…/translations/letters/coronavirus
They are also available in other languages.
You can use MySchools to find pre-K options for your child’s application. Want to learn more about pre-K admissions? Visit our website. Have additional questions about your child’s application? Email ESEnrollment@schools.nyc.gov
The Office of NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams sent a link to a virtual Town Hall tonight, 6-8 pm, on homeschooling:
State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Councilman Justin Brannan are holding a Digital Town Hall on Covid-19 streamed online, Tuesday, March 24, at 6 p.m. You can watch on his Facebook at Facebook.com/SenGounardes
Hear directly from panelists from Maimonides Medical Center, NYC Government, The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, NY Hospitality Alliance and Bay Ridge Cares.
If you have questions, please submit in advance to gounardes@nysenate.gov or ASKJB@council.nyc.gov -- or simply comment on the event page.
We were sent a Chinese translation of the Remote Learning Device Request Survey. This is not the survey, but parents can perhaps use this document side by side to fill it out.
Dear Families,
All of us are living through an unprecedented time as we work to keep our communities safe and healthy in the face of the coronavirus. New Yorkers are joining millions in cities, states, and nations across the world in confronting decisions that we’ve never had to face—and maybe never could have imagined having to.
Here in New York, Mayor de Blasio and I have been clear that any changes to our school system as we know it would be an extreme measure—a last resort. We’ve been monitoring the outbreak in New York City day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute. This weekend, it became clear that continuing public education in our school buildings was no longer sustainable for the time being.
On Sunday, we announced that for the next three and a half weeks, we are moving to a remote learning model, with a projected reopening of school buildings the week of April 20, 2020. I know this may feel abrupt, and has the potential to cause disruption in your lives. We are committed to consistent and clear communication with you throughout this time period, and a clear understanding of what will happen.
Our announcement today means that Monday, March 16, school buildings are closed and students will be out of session. However, students and families can pick up medication or receive any standard medical services from Tuesday through Thursday, during regular school hours; school nurses and school based health center staff will be on site. During that time, teachers will also be expected to report to their buildings and receive full-day professional development on remote learning.
Later in the week, students will begin picking up materials, including technology to participate in remote learning when needed. Additional guidance on all of this will be shared with you in the next couple of days. All throughout this week, grab-and-go breakfast will be available at the entrance of every school building from 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM. Any student can pick up breakfast and lunch at any school building.
On Monday, March 23, we will be opening several dozen Regional Enrichment Centers across the City, to serve the children of our City’s first responders, healthcare workers, transit workers, and our most vulnerable populations.
That Monday, we will also launch remote learning for grades K-12. I have every confidence in New York City educators and know they will rise to the occasion, and dedicate the same passion for delivering high-quality instruction remotely as they do in the classroom. We know we have the most dedicated school staff: teachers, custodians, administrators, and especially the school food workers who will be continuing to work during this time as part of a citywide meals program. More information on the launch of that program will be coming soon.
I want to be clear that this is not a closure, but a transition. We will not lower our expectations for our students. We know they are hungry to learn and we will match their curiosity and passion with work-from-home materials, including distribution of devices that will support our remote-learning instructional model.
There are already instructional resources available for every grade level in every subject at schools.nyc.gov/learnathome.
We know this is a difficult time, and we are working hard to make sure our City continues to support families in every way we can. I want to assure families we’re working to make this as seamless a transition as possible.
Now is the time to come together to do what’s best for the health and safety of all New Yorkers. We are with you, partners in education in the greatest city in the world. We have the world’s most talented students, educators, and staff—and nothing will ever change that.
We will continue to communicate with you in the coming days, and encourage you to visit our website at https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/health-and-wellness/coronavirus-update for more information and updates on this transition.
Sincerely,
Richard A. Carranza
Chancellor
New York City Department of Education
Parents,
I received an update from the Chancellor's office this morning. At this time there is no plan to close all DOE schools unless instructed to do so by the City or Federal Government. One reason is that to take 1.1 million students out of school will have significant citywide and potentially global impact. A trickle down effect will be felt related to employment, production, etc.. At this time, schools will remain open to serve students. Food will be available for students who need food services.
Very clearly, if you or members of your family have been exposed to COVID or are showing symptoms, please keep your children home! Students who go to school exhibiting signs will be isolated in a separate room, and their parents will be called to come get them.
That being said, and this is coming from me as your President of CEC 20 (not from the DOE), in my mind, as always, parents should do what is in the best interest of their children, regardless of DOE policy. If you are worried about exposure, fear public transportation or large gatherings, you can also make the decision to keep your child home. There is a code in place for absences related to COVID 19. Even if it is only that you do not want your child exposed unnecessarily, this is an acceptable excuse. When you call and tell them your reason, your school administration will code the absence accordingly. Absences related to this pandemic will not be counted toward admissions. All large meetings, sports and events have been cancelled. Certain events still remain on, at principal discretion, but as you know, that all changes daily. So parents, please do what is in the best interest of your children.
Again, this is from me, not the DOE.
I know schools are looking to online or remote learning possibilities. If you have any questions about that you should contact your School Leadership Team. (Your PTA president is a part of that team.)
If you have any questions, or are unsure of anything, please refer to our Facebook page for updates. I will get whatever answers I can or direct you to who may give you those answers. If you have positive news to relate (e.g. online learning up and running) give us some news. Please don't advance rumors as fact. Anything that productively helps our community, please share.
Again, the DOE will remain open until higher powers agree to close them, or the pressure builds. But until then, this is what I have for you. Of course, it could all change by Monday.
Wishing you all good health,
Adele Doyle
President CEC20
With an abundance of caution, we have decided to cancel tonight’s monthly CEC meeting.
We apologize for any inconvenience and we look forward to seeing you at our Next monthly meeting.
Schools were asked to backpack home this update to families which can also be found here: https://infohub.nyced.org/in-our-schools/translations/letters/coronavirus
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention discussed possible options for what could happen if there is local person-to-person transmission of the novel coronavirus in the United States, including recommendations for school systems to consider.
At this time, it is important to listen to facts and not respond to fear. Currently, there are no confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in New York City and the risk to New Yorkers remains low.
However, transmission of the virus in other countries has raised our level of concern, and we are preparing for the possibility of person-to-person transmission in New York City. The measures that are put in place should local person-to-person transmissions begin will depend on the number of individuals affected and the general severity of illness we experience in our city. Our public health experts are vigilantly preparing for a spectrum of possible scenarios, and we are in close contact with them regarding how that may impact our school communities. There are no plans to close schools or DOE offices at this time.
We should all continue to practice general flu prevention measures including:
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or sleeve
These Coronavirus FAQs contain helpful facts regarding common questions about the coronavirus. Please take a look at the FAQs in order to stay informed, as well as to help guard against stigma and fear associated with the virus.
For more information and regular updates, visit the Health Department’s website. We will continue to provide updates as they become available. For specific questions/concerns, contact stayinghealthy@schools.nyc.gov.
Office of the Chief Operating Officer
