Announcements

• May 2021 Newsletter

  Check out our May 2021 Newsletter

  PS 59X

• Summer Rising Program at PS 85. July 6 - August 20.

  Summer Rising is New York City’s free summer program for any City child in grades K–8, including students with disabilities, who wants to participate.

  We are planning the City's most exciting summer ever! For the first time, we will fully integrate the strengths of DOE academics with the Department of Youth & Community Development’s (DYCD) school-based enrichment programming. Students in grades K–8 will get outside, learn, and engage with peers and caring adults in safe, supervised, and enriching ways.

  All K–8 students participating in programs will have access to academic classes and enrichment programming, including field trips, arts activities and outdoor recreation. Students will engage in daily community building and social emotional learning activities.

  Summer Rising will address academic and social emotional needs of our youth through tailored support. These programs will provide a bridge to next school year and allow students to reconnect with one another and with their schools. They will address unfinished learning while providing avenues for recreation, exploration, and fun.

  For more information please visit frequently asked question about summer rising program.

  Program Overview:

  • Summer Rising will be available in every neighborhood.
  • All programs will be run by local school leaders and trusted community-based organizations.
  • Summer Rising programs are full day and in-person experiences
  • All programs will create a bridge back to school in the fall and give parents peace of mind as they return to work.
  • The environment will be safe and supportive. Staff members are prepared to respond to children’s social and emotional needs.
  • Summer programs will offer academic support, arts, recreation, and social-emotional support.
  • There will be local field trips to parks, pools, and other enriching outdoor venues that are educational and in accordance with State health and safety guidelines.
  • Breakfast, lunch, and a snack will be served to each student.

  Health and Safety:

  All programs will follow rigorous health and safety protocols, including social distancing and mask wearing. All locations will have access to testing, nursing support and a telehealth call center.

  Summer Rising Calendar/School Location:

  • Grades K-5
    • July 6 to August 20 (except July 20)
    • Monday–Friday
    • 8 AM–6 PM
  • School location: PS 85 The Great Expectation School : 2400 Marion Ave, The Bronx, NY 10458

  Registration

  For Summer Rising programs (grades K-8) families can sign up through the discoverDYCD website(Open external link) starting on Monday, April 26.

  PS 59X

• Parent Workshop: "How best to help your child educationally"

  Parents, Come join us for this workshop:

  April 27, 2021 @ 10:00am : How to engage in problem solving in math.

  Join us via google meets @ meet.google.com/mma-ytif-qnb

   

   

   

  PS 59X

• PS 59 will be Open 5 Days a week starting April 26 for our blended learning students.

  April 22, 2021

   

  Dear PS59 School Families,

  We are very excited that we will soon be welcoming all of our blended students into the building for in-person learning five days a week! According to a new CDC guideline, students now must socially distance 3-feet away from each other which allows for more students in the classroom safely. This new 3-foot rule goes into effect on Monday, April 26th which is when we will begin phasing in students for in-person learning every day.

  Please note the following

  · All grades EXCEPT 2nd grade will begin in-person learning 5 days a week for blended students on Monday, April 26th.

  · There will be no more cohorts A and B for grades Prek, K, 1, 3, 4, and 5 starting next week. All blended students in these grades (all except second grade) will come back in person every day.

  · There will be no more Google Classroom assignments beginning Monday 4/26 for these grades. If students are not in the building, they will be marked absent. There will be no option for online learning unless the school/class/student has to quarantine. In this case, please communicate with your child’s teacher to find out how he/she can continue learning from home (packet or online learning options).

   

  Grade 2 Only:

  · Second grade blended students will begin 5 days a week in-person learning starting Monday, May 3rd.

  · Second grade blended students who currently have Mr. Aduba, will continue to follow a cohort schedule (B,A,A,B,B) next week (week of 4/26) with Mr. Aduba.

  · Mr. Aduba’s Cohort A students will have Ms. Berkoh 5 days a week beginning Monday 5/3. We have opened this new class to accommodate learning for all blended students 5 days a week.

  · Mr. Aduba’s Cohort B students will have Mr. Aduba 5 days a week beginning Monday 5/3.

  · Grade 2 students who are currently remote and have opted into blended learning will remain in their remote classes and will begin coming in person on May 3rd. This is only for students who opted into blended learning during the opt-in period. **There are no more spaces currently for remote students to opt into blended learning**

  · All blended 2nd grade students will begin in-person learning 5 days a week beginning May 3rd.

   

  Students switching from remote to in-person:

  If your child has been a remote learner and has opted back into in-person learning, please note:

  · The school day begins at 8:30am and ends at 2:00pm.

  · Students and families line up outside of the school before 8:30 every morning to do health screenings and temperature checks, before meeting their teachers on the track at 8:30am.

  · It saves a lot of time if you have the health screening completed each morning when you arrive. You can complete this digitally here: https://healthscreening.schools.nyc/

  · If you complete on your phone or tablet, you will only have to show confirmation as you enter and the line will move more quickly.

  · We will also send home a packet of paper screenings if you would rather complete them on paper, just come with them completed to save time.

  · Students are dismissed on the track at 2:00pm. Families can line up before 2:00pm socially distanced in front of the school and are let into the track in small groups. Students are picked up on the track and parents must leave through the exit near the park (not back through the school yard).

  · Please make sure students are at school on time (no later than 8:30am) and are picked up on time at 2:00pm at the end of the day.

  · Students should bring their devices to school each day.

   

  We look forward to these exciting new changes and to seeing our students more consistently very soon!

  Sincerely,

  Principal Sita Basu

  PS 59X

• Updated Message From Chancellor Porter: Reflections on the Murder of George Floyd

  Dear Families,

  Last year, a police officer put his knee on George Floyd’s neck for nine minutes and twenty-nine seconds, but to me, it felt like an eternity. 

  I felt pain and rage, deep in my bones. It wasn’t a new feeling. I have felt that many times in my life, as a Black woman, sister, daughter, and mother to Black children—and as an educator who has served children of color in this city for more than 20 years.

  That pain, rage, and fear has been present throughout the trial of the officer who killed George Floyd. I feel like I have been watching George Floyd die again and again, renewing the tragedy each time, as the jury and the nation have confronted what happened in the pursuit of justice for Mr. Floyd—and the family who is forced to go on without him.

  And now, the first step toward justice has been served.

  For me as a Black woman, for my brothers, for my mother and aunts who lost their brother to police violence, getting to justice is so important.

   For our Black and brown children to know that they matter, the accountability this verdict represents is so important.

  In a world that too often tells them otherwise, accountability in this moment tells the Black and brown children in our schools that their lives matter, and lifts up the importance of their futures.

  This is what anchors the work we do in schools every day—why we are so focused on creating welcoming, loving environments for all our children. We want to make sure that each child doesn’t just hear, but feels that they are important. We want them to feel that their teachers and school community value their past and present experiences, as well as their dreams for the future.

  For more than 20 years, I have experienced the sensitivity and wisdom of children—they know what’s going on, even those who may not be able to put it into words. They can feel the energy of the world around them. So we are making sure our schools are safe spaces for students to share their feelings. Every school is receiving resources to help facilitate open conversations and ensure our children have their questions heard.

  We also have mental health support in place for our students, teachers and staff to help grapple with any feelings that emerge. Because while the individual who took George Floyd’s life will be held accountable, we recognize that systemic racism, and the violence it fuels, is still creating tragedy and inequality across our country every single day. We are all part of the work to undo this harm and reach true justice.

   As you take care of yourselves and your loved ones the best you can, know that we are here in your corner, affirming the importance of our children’s future, each and every day. And that will never change.

  In partnership,

  Meisha Porter

  New York City Schools Chancellor

  PS 59X

• NYS Testing Process : 3rd, 4th & 5th grade Students only. Sign up Ends April 14,2021

  Dear PS59 School Families,

  As we head into the spring, I know many of you have questions about standardized testing. In a typical year, State exams would be administered to nearly all students in their physical classroom. This year, many of our students are learning remotely, but the New York State Education Department (NYSED) has required that exams must still take place in-person in the school building. It will not be possible to administer state exams remotely. Therefore, we are contacting you to determine if you would like your child to participate in this year’s State exams.

  It is very important you let us know if you would like your student to participate in this year’s State exams so that we can prepare and create a testing schedule that ensures the health and safety of all of our students. Please read on for more information about this year’s exams.

  What State exams will be administered in the school building?

  The Grades 3–8 English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics exams, and the Grades 4 and 8 Science exams, will only be administered in your child’s school building. All schools will adhere to COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Visit schools.nyc.gov/RTShealthsafety to learn more.

  How will you keep my student safe during in-person test administration?

  Health and safety are our first priorities. We are asking for you to sign up so we can create testing schedules and room assignments that allow for social distancing protocols.

  How do I sign up for the exams? If you would like your child to participate in this year’s State exams, please notify us by completing PS59 STATE TEST Form by Wednesday, April 14, 2021. If you do not wish to have your child test you do not have to take any further action.

  If we do not hear back from you by April 14th, your child will not participate in state testing.

  If my student is already learning in the building, do I still need to sign up for the exams?

  Yes. You must let us know if you would like your student to take State exams, whether they are learning in-person or remotely.

  My student is fully-remote. Are they expected to come in to take the exams?

  No. Students receiving fully remote instruction are not expected to come to school to take the State exams. However, if you would like your student to take the exam, they can be included— just notify us using the contact information above.

  If my student does not take the exams, will they be penalized?

  No. Any student who does not participate in the 2021 NYS ELA, Math, or Science exams will not be penalized.

  When are the exams?

  The exams will be administered within the following dates:

  · English Language Arts for grades 3 through 8: April 19–29, 2021

  · Mathematics for grades 3 through 8: May 3–14, 2021

  · Science for grades 4 and 8: June 7–11, 2021

  Testing will not occur on May 13, when schools are closed for Eid Al-Fitr. We will share the scheduled testing date for your child prior to the start of testing window.

  If I don’t sign up, what will my child do while their classmates are taking the exam?

  Students receiving in-person instruction who do not take the exam will continue their instructional program, as will fully remote students.

  Are the exams different this year?

  Yes. This year, the ELA and Mathematics exams for grades 3 through 8 will be multiple choice only. The tests are untimed, but most students will complete the tests in 55 to 90 minutes. The tests are untimed, but most students will complete the tests in 55 to 90 minutes.

  I have more questions. How can I learn more? The DOE has created a Parent Guide to address commonly asked questions about the administration of the Grades 3–8 ELA and Mathematics and Grades 4 and 8 Science exams in the 2020-21 school year. You can also always reach out to {insert contact information} with any questions or concerns. We are here to help.

  We appreciate your collaboration and flexibility as we continually work to ensure a strong, supportive education for your child and every student in our school community.

  Sincerely,

  Principal Sita Bas

  PS 59X

• Free Courses for Families to Support Students in Hybrid and Remote Learning.

  The DOE invites families to participate in a three-part Parent University virtual series called “Making Learning Work.” The courses include a user-friendly family guide with practical resources, tools, and tips to help students learn at home and school, and build and sustain meaningful relationships. Courses will be conducted in English and Spanish and taught by DOE partners at Columbia University’s Center for Public Research and Leadership. Parents can register for free trainings on a wide range of topics, including adult education, student social-emotional learning, and special education. 

   

  • nyc-parent-university-register-English 1(1).pdf
  • nyc-parent-university-register-Spanish.pdf

  PS 59X

• World Vision Food Distribution for our Families: April 7,2021

  Great News!!! P.S. 59 has partnered with World Vision to help our Families who are in need of non perishable food items.  We will be having our first food pickup on Wednesday , April 7,2021 from 1pm-3pm.  Please stop by the North yard to pick up a bag of non perishable food items in between those times. 

  Thank You, 

  PS 59X

• April 2021 Newsletter

  Check out our April Newsletter 

  PS 59X

• Update for Families from Chancellor Porter: Spring Recess Travel Advisory

  Stay Safe During Spring Recess 

  Spring Recess begins Monday, March 29. With the weather warming up and more parents and grandparents getting vaccinated, you might be considering traveling. Travel is not a good idea because COVID-19 is still a serious risk and puts you, your family, and your community at risk of getting and spreading the virus. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging all of us to avoid leaving town. 

  Please help stop the spread of COVID-19 and do not travel. If you must travel, remember these COVID-19 prevention tips: 

  • Keep distance from others, bring and use hand sanitizer, and make sure everyone over age two wears a face covering. 
  • Consider staying at a hotel rather than at someone’s home. If you have out-of-town guests, suggest they do the same. 
  • Pick activities that allow you to safely keep distance from others. Avoid large crowds, especially indoors. 
  • If you are going to spend time with people who are not members of your household, outdoors is safer, as COVID-19 spreads easier indoors. Get together in parks, at the beach, or in the backyard, or meet up for outdoor dining. 

  Please be aware that visitors and returning New Yorkers may be required to quarantine upon entering New York. For more information, see the New York State COVID-19 Travel Advisory at coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory(Open external link).

  If you travel, when you return home to New York City it is extremely important to: 

  • monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; 
  • get tested; 
  • strictly follow COVID-19 prevention measures such as wearing a face covering whenever around other people and maintaining six feet of distance from others; and 
  • immediately isolate if you feel unwell or test positive for COVID-19.

  We hope you enjoy Spring Recess and the many safe, fun activities you can find right here at home. Together, we can stop the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.

  PS 59X