News

Thanks to Ms. Rendon for the October Calendar! See the happenings of the month!

PS102Q is raising money for Special Olympics NY by having a water balloon toss! With a donation of $1-$5, you will get water balloons to to toss at participating staff members! Please see Ms. Vega or Mr. Summo for more details!

Ms. Tirado is ready to help all 8th grade students with their High School application! Please join her on the 8th Grade Guidance Google Classroom and go on many different virtual tours! If you have any questions, please email Ms. Tirado at ktirado5@schools.nyc.gov.

We are currently updating our website for the 2024-2025 school year! Keep your eyes here for more information!

Please pre-register for District 24's PK-5th Grade Parent Town Hall Meeting.

Once you pre-register, you will receive a Zoom link for the Tuesday, June 22, 2021 Meeting from 7PM-8:30PM.

Please see the attached flyer. Use this link to pre-register: : https://forms.gle/GXrcmPtsEZNrF4KH6

May 24, 2021

Dear Families,

All of us at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) hope you are safe and well. More than eight million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in New York City, marking a major step forward in ending this public health emergency.

I am writing to share the good news that all New Yorkers age 12 and older can now receive a COVID-19 vaccine. If you have a child who is at least 12 years old, I strongly encourage you to get them vaccinated as soon as possible. To find a site near you visit nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or call 877-VAX-4-NYC (877-829-4692). Many sites do not require an appointment.

Please consider vaccination for yourself and other household members age 12 and older, if not vaccinated already. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, but if you or your child has any concerns around getting vaccinated, talk with your child’s health care provider. Vaccination is the most important step you can take to protect you and your family from COVID-19. While we encourage everyone age 12 and older to get vaccinated, vaccination is especially important for those with an underlying health condition (such as asthma, obesity or diabetes) that increases the risk of severe COVID-19 illness. The same is true for people who live with someone age 65 or older or with an underlying health condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19 illness. Vaccination is  and provided regardless of immigration status.

In the U.S., the Pfizer vaccine is currently the only vaccine authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for children ages 12 to 17. The Pfizer vaccine has been shown to be very safe and effective at protecting people from severe COVID-19 illness, hospitalization and death.

A few things to know about the Pfizer vaccine:
• Type of vaccine: mRNA (see How the mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Work).
• Number of shots: Two shots, 21 days apart.
• How it is administered: A shot in the upper arm muscle.
• Ingredients: Does not contain eggs, animal products, preservatives, latex, or the virus that causes COVID-19.
• Side effects: Usually mild to moderate and may include soreness or swelling on the arm where you got the shot, headache, body aches, tiredness and fever. Side effects are more common after the second shot and less common in older adults. Side effects usually last about one to two days after they begin.
• Your child cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine.

For more information about the Pfizer vaccine, see the FDA factsheet.

Where can my child get vaccinated?
Visit nyc.gov/vaccinefinder to find a site that offers the Pfizer vaccine (you can search by vaccine brand). You can also check with your child’s provider to see if they or their affiliated hospital are offering the Pfizer vaccine. Sites that offer the Pfizer vaccine include:
• Some NYC-run vaccination sites (available with and without appointments); see here for a list of sites
• Hospitals and hospital clinics, including NYC Health + Hospitals acute care hospitals
• Certain Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and community health centers
• Pharmacies, including select CVS and Walgreens/Duane Reade locations
• Some New York State vaccination sites (available by appointment or walk-in services), including Javits Center and Bronx - Bay Eden Senior Center

How should we prepare for an appointment?

If your child is nervous about getting vaccinated, here are a few things you can ask them to
do for an easier vaccine visit:
o Listen to music.
o Concentrate on something else in the room.
o Think about something that makes you happy.
o Take slow and deep breaths.
o Try to relax the arm as this will make the injection less painful.

• What to expect at the appointment:

o Your child will be checked in.
o Your child will see the vaccinator and be asked basic health questions.
o Your child will get vaccinated.
o Your child will be given a proof of vaccination card (keep this card in a safe place and
bring it to the second dose appointment; do not share a picture of the card on social media).
o Your child will be observed for 15 to 30 minutes to make sure they feel okay after the vaccine.
o Your child will make a second dose appointment before they leave the site.

Additional considerations:

1. Everyone must complete the NYS COVID-19 Vaccine Form prior to getting vaccinated. Also, if your child has an appointment, they should bring their appointment confirmation (they can show the email or printout the confirmation).
2. For minors under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must consent to vaccination. Consent can be given in person or by phone at the time of the  . Some sites will also accept written consent.
3. Children 12 to 15 years of age must be accompanied to the vaccination site by a parent/guardian or an adult caregiver designated by the parent/guardian.
4. Everyone over the age of 2 entering the vaccination site must wear a face covering. You and your child will not be allowed in without one.
5. While you may be asked about health insurance, insurance is not required. Your insurer may be billed by the vaccinating provider, but you will not be charged a copay or other fee.
6. You do not need to share your immigration status or a Social Security number.
7. Children with disabilities may be eligible for free transportation to and from vaccination sites.
8. Make sure your child gets their second dose by making an appointment 21 days after their first dose (or as soon as possible after that).

If you have any questions about vaccination, we encourage you to speak with your child’s primary care provider so you and your child can feel confident about your choice. For answers to frequently asked questions, visit nyc.gov/vaccinefacts. For more information on the COVID-19 vaccines, visit nyc.gov/covidvaccine.

Sincerely,

Daniel H. Stephens, MD
Deputy Commissioner, Division of Family and Child Health
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

May 24, 2021

Dear Families,

First, thank you. I know the past year has required resiliency, determination, flexibility, and sacrifices from all of us, and from you in particular. You have taken on new roles that many of you never imagined you’d have to take on, and have balanced so much while coping with losses and the many life challenges that COVID-19 brought to us over the past year.

As we close out this school year, I am looking forward to the opportunity that lies before us to reimagine what school is and means for your children. We know that we have to welcome our students back to a warm, welcoming, and affirming learning environment that challenges them academically while lifting them up when they need support.

As our schools work hard on re-imagining how we educate our children, I am excited to share with you our reopening plans for fall 2021. Based on available health indicators, we will return to full-time, in-person learning this September. This means that all students in grades 3-K through 12 will be learning in-person this fall.

All teachers and staff will also be returning to in-person instruction this fall. We are very grateful for the dedication of all our principals, teachers and school staff and recognize the hard work they have done during this challenging year, and we’re excited for your children to re-connect with their beloved teachers and school staff, in addition to their peers, this fall.

As we prepare for your children, as well as teachers and staff, to return to schools, we will continue our commitment to prioritize health and safety first. With a current rolling 7-day COVID positivity rate of 0.16% and a consistently low transmission rate, our schools have a proven track record of being safe. We will meet whatever the CDC social distancing requirements are in September, and we expect that the city’s continuously improving health metrics may allow for more flexibility by the fall. Finally, in our commitment to keep health and safety a top priority, we plan to adhere to the many health and safety measures we had in place this past school year, including the following:

 Masks will continue to be a requirement in all of our school buildings
 Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms will continue to be required to stay at home
 Students, teachers and staff will continue to complete the daily health screener at home
 Every school building will continue to have a nurse
 Every classroom will have working ventilation systems
 On-site COVID-19 testing will continue in school buildings as recommended by the latest health guidance
 The Situation Room will continue to support schools with next steps if there are positive cases

We know that many of our students have not attended school in-person since March of 2020, and that returning to school in-person this fall will be an adjustment. We promise to do everything we can to welcome your children back and provide the supports needed to ensure a positive homecoming. We’ve already made investments to hire more teachers and social workers, and will have academic and social-emotional learning programs available to support our students. Here are some ways that we are supporting with the transition now, and we encourage you and your children to participate:

Chancellor’s Borough-Wide Family Forums: I am hosting borough-wide family town halls to hear more from you about this fall, and how we can use our resources to ensure a positive homecoming for your children and provide an enriching and challenging academic experience that integrates social-emotional learning. To learn more and register, please visit us here: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/get-involved/families/familyempowerment/chancellor-porter-s-family-forums

School Open Houses: Starting in June and throughout the summer, every school will host open houses for families to visit, take a tour, and learn about the health and safety precautions in place that have kept our schools safe over the last year. Your child’s school will be in touch with you about when these will be scheduled, and we encourage you to participate to learn more.

Summer Rising: In partnership with the Department of Youth and Community Development, we are so excited to provide an enriching, fun and joyful summer camp experience for any interested student. We encourage your child to join us - to be welcomed back into their school communities, re-connect with teachers and staff, and get ready for fall while having fun! Families can sign up here: https://discoverdycd.dycdconnect.nyc/home

Thank you for your partnership, your engagement, and your dedication to your children’s education over the last year. I am in awe of how our communities came together to lift each other up to ensure our children had the best experience possible despite enormous challenges. I am looking forward to partnering with you, learning from you, and leveraging all we‘ve done together over the last year to create a new normal starting in September - one that is warm and welcoming, affirming and enriching, and exciting and challenging - for each one of your children.

In partnership,

Meisha Porter
New York City Schools Chancellor

Thanks to Ms. Rendon for the October Calendar! See the happenings of the month!

PS102Q is raising money for Special Olympics NY by having a water balloon toss! With a donation of $1-$5, you will get water balloons to to toss at participating staff members! Please see Ms. Vega or Mr. Summo for more details!

Ms. Tirado is ready to help all 8th grade students with their High School application! Please join her on the 8th Grade Guidance Google Classroom and go on many different virtual tours! If you have any questions, please email Ms. Tirado at ktirado5@schools.nyc.gov.

We are currently updating our website for the 2024-2025 school year! Keep your eyes here for more information!

Please pre-register for District 24's PK-5th Grade Parent Town Hall Meeting.

Once you pre-register, you will receive a Zoom link for the Tuesday, June 22, 2021 Meeting from 7PM-8:30PM.

Please see the attached flyer. Use this link to pre-register: : https://forms.gle/GXrcmPtsEZNrF4KH6

May 24, 2021

Dear Families,

All of us at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) hope you are safe and well. More than eight million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in New York City, marking a major step forward in ending this public health emergency.

I am writing to share the good news that all New Yorkers age 12 and older can now receive a COVID-19 vaccine. If you have a child who is at least 12 years old, I strongly encourage you to get them vaccinated as soon as possible. To find a site near you visit nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or call 877-VAX-4-NYC (877-829-4692). Many sites do not require an appointment.

Please consider vaccination for yourself and other household members age 12 and older, if not vaccinated already. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, but if you or your child has any concerns around getting vaccinated, talk with your child’s health care provider. Vaccination is the most important step you can take to protect you and your family from COVID-19. While we encourage everyone age 12 and older to get vaccinated, vaccination is especially important for those with an underlying health condition (such as asthma, obesity or diabetes) that increases the risk of severe COVID-19 illness. The same is true for people who live with someone age 65 or older or with an underlying health condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19 illness. Vaccination is  and provided regardless of immigration status.

In the U.S., the Pfizer vaccine is currently the only vaccine authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for children ages 12 to 17. The Pfizer vaccine has been shown to be very safe and effective at protecting people from severe COVID-19 illness, hospitalization and death.

A few things to know about the Pfizer vaccine:
• Type of vaccine: mRNA (see How the mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Work).
• Number of shots: Two shots, 21 days apart.
• How it is administered: A shot in the upper arm muscle.
• Ingredients: Does not contain eggs, animal products, preservatives, latex, or the virus that causes COVID-19.
• Side effects: Usually mild to moderate and may include soreness or swelling on the arm where you got the shot, headache, body aches, tiredness and fever. Side effects are more common after the second shot and less common in older adults. Side effects usually last about one to two days after they begin.
• Your child cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine.

For more information about the Pfizer vaccine, see the FDA factsheet.

Where can my child get vaccinated?
Visit nyc.gov/vaccinefinder to find a site that offers the Pfizer vaccine (you can search by vaccine brand). You can also check with your child’s provider to see if they or their affiliated hospital are offering the Pfizer vaccine. Sites that offer the Pfizer vaccine include:
• Some NYC-run vaccination sites (available with and without appointments); see here for a list of sites
• Hospitals and hospital clinics, including NYC Health + Hospitals acute care hospitals
• Certain Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and community health centers
• Pharmacies, including select CVS and Walgreens/Duane Reade locations
• Some New York State vaccination sites (available by appointment or walk-in services), including Javits Center and Bronx - Bay Eden Senior Center

How should we prepare for an appointment?

If your child is nervous about getting vaccinated, here are a few things you can ask them to
do for an easier vaccine visit:
o Listen to music.
o Concentrate on something else in the room.
o Think about something that makes you happy.
o Take slow and deep breaths.
o Try to relax the arm as this will make the injection less painful.

• What to expect at the appointment:

o Your child will be checked in.
o Your child will see the vaccinator and be asked basic health questions.
o Your child will get vaccinated.
o Your child will be given a proof of vaccination card (keep this card in a safe place and
bring it to the second dose appointment; do not share a picture of the card on social media).
o Your child will be observed for 15 to 30 minutes to make sure they feel okay after the vaccine.
o Your child will make a second dose appointment before they leave the site.

Additional considerations:

1. Everyone must complete the NYS COVID-19 Vaccine Form prior to getting vaccinated. Also, if your child has an appointment, they should bring their appointment confirmation (they can show the email or printout the confirmation).
2. For minors under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must consent to vaccination. Consent can be given in person or by phone at the time of the  . Some sites will also accept written consent.
3. Children 12 to 15 years of age must be accompanied to the vaccination site by a parent/guardian or an adult caregiver designated by the parent/guardian.
4. Everyone over the age of 2 entering the vaccination site must wear a face covering. You and your child will not be allowed in without one.
5. While you may be asked about health insurance, insurance is not required. Your insurer may be billed by the vaccinating provider, but you will not be charged a copay or other fee.
6. You do not need to share your immigration status or a Social Security number.
7. Children with disabilities may be eligible for free transportation to and from vaccination sites.
8. Make sure your child gets their second dose by making an appointment 21 days after their first dose (or as soon as possible after that).

If you have any questions about vaccination, we encourage you to speak with your child’s primary care provider so you and your child can feel confident about your choice. For answers to frequently asked questions, visit nyc.gov/vaccinefacts. For more information on the COVID-19 vaccines, visit nyc.gov/covidvaccine.

Sincerely,

Daniel H. Stephens, MD
Deputy Commissioner, Division of Family and Child Health
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

May 24, 2021

Dear Families,

First, thank you. I know the past year has required resiliency, determination, flexibility, and sacrifices from all of us, and from you in particular. You have taken on new roles that many of you never imagined you’d have to take on, and have balanced so much while coping with losses and the many life challenges that COVID-19 brought to us over the past year.

As we close out this school year, I am looking forward to the opportunity that lies before us to reimagine what school is and means for your children. We know that we have to welcome our students back to a warm, welcoming, and affirming learning environment that challenges them academically while lifting them up when they need support.

As our schools work hard on re-imagining how we educate our children, I am excited to share with you our reopening plans for fall 2021. Based on available health indicators, we will return to full-time, in-person learning this September. This means that all students in grades 3-K through 12 will be learning in-person this fall.

All teachers and staff will also be returning to in-person instruction this fall. We are very grateful for the dedication of all our principals, teachers and school staff and recognize the hard work they have done during this challenging year, and we’re excited for your children to re-connect with their beloved teachers and school staff, in addition to their peers, this fall.

As we prepare for your children, as well as teachers and staff, to return to schools, we will continue our commitment to prioritize health and safety first. With a current rolling 7-day COVID positivity rate of 0.16% and a consistently low transmission rate, our schools have a proven track record of being safe. We will meet whatever the CDC social distancing requirements are in September, and we expect that the city’s continuously improving health metrics may allow for more flexibility by the fall. Finally, in our commitment to keep health and safety a top priority, we plan to adhere to the many health and safety measures we had in place this past school year, including the following:

 Masks will continue to be a requirement in all of our school buildings
 Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms will continue to be required to stay at home
 Students, teachers and staff will continue to complete the daily health screener at home
 Every school building will continue to have a nurse
 Every classroom will have working ventilation systems
 On-site COVID-19 testing will continue in school buildings as recommended by the latest health guidance
 The Situation Room will continue to support schools with next steps if there are positive cases

We know that many of our students have not attended school in-person since March of 2020, and that returning to school in-person this fall will be an adjustment. We promise to do everything we can to welcome your children back and provide the supports needed to ensure a positive homecoming. We’ve already made investments to hire more teachers and social workers, and will have academic and social-emotional learning programs available to support our students. Here are some ways that we are supporting with the transition now, and we encourage you and your children to participate:

Chancellor’s Borough-Wide Family Forums: I am hosting borough-wide family town halls to hear more from you about this fall, and how we can use our resources to ensure a positive homecoming for your children and provide an enriching and challenging academic experience that integrates social-emotional learning. To learn more and register, please visit us here: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/get-involved/families/familyempowerment/chancellor-porter-s-family-forums

School Open Houses: Starting in June and throughout the summer, every school will host open houses for families to visit, take a tour, and learn about the health and safety precautions in place that have kept our schools safe over the last year. Your child’s school will be in touch with you about when these will be scheduled, and we encourage you to participate to learn more.

Summer Rising: In partnership with the Department of Youth and Community Development, we are so excited to provide an enriching, fun and joyful summer camp experience for any interested student. We encourage your child to join us - to be welcomed back into their school communities, re-connect with teachers and staff, and get ready for fall while having fun! Families can sign up here: https://discoverdycd.dycdconnect.nyc/home

Thank you for your partnership, your engagement, and your dedication to your children’s education over the last year. I am in awe of how our communities came together to lift each other up to ensure our children had the best experience possible despite enormous challenges. I am looking forward to partnering with you, learning from you, and leveraging all we‘ve done together over the last year to create a new normal starting in September - one that is warm and welcoming, affirming and enriching, and exciting and challenging - for each one of your children.

In partnership,

Meisha Porter
New York City Schools Chancellor