Announcements

• Summer in the City – Family Edition

  A guide for NYC families to get outdoors – stay safe, stay active, earn some cash and stay informed this summer. 

  It may look a little different this year, but it can still feel like summer! Get the most of our summer in the city with your family. Explore:

  • Free or low-cost short-term programs (such as camps, sports clinics, STEM, coding, etc.);
  • Free events and activities happening throughout the summer;
  • City venues that are open such as pools, beaches, gardens, museums, etc.;
  • Volunteer, work experience, and other opportunities for youth
  • Other supports including COVID-19 updates, how to get free food, childcare, mental health & emotional support, and more.

  For more information please visit Summer in the City- Family edition

  PS 59X

• Letter to Families from Chancellor Porter: Fall 2021 Academic Recovery Plan. "Healing and Learning in Every School".

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           July 8, 2021
  Dear Families,

  We made it! I hope you are all having a restful start to the summer. As you relax and reflect on the past year, we have been hard at work planning the year to come. The past year has presented us with unimaginable challenges, but also incredible opportunities for big change. 

  I’ve been a DOE educator for more than 20 years, and I know that turning these opportunities into real change is the work of a whole community! So we talked to principals, teachers, central office staff, families, and students who shared their experiences over the last year—and their hopes for how we move forward.

  Your voices were clear: We have a chance to make key changes to some very important parts of teaching and learning, in every grade. Right now, we can break down stubborn inequities and make sure that no matter what school your child enters, they are warmly welcomed, and met with the highest academic expectations—and that we are ready to help them achieve.

  This year, healing will happen alongside rigorous academics. I want to share just a little bit about what will change this coming year, thanks to a $635 million investment in our academic comeback for our one million students. 

  Before I do, I want to acknowledge that not every family feels the same way about returning to school in person. Many families are excited and ready for full-time reconnection for their children. Others feel anxious, or unsure about potential risks. I can promise you that your child’s health is our number one priority, now and always. We are opening full time for every student because we know we can protect their health and safety—and yours. And we know that being in school is critically important for your child’s growth and success. 

  Our Academic Recovery Plan below explains some of how we are seizing this moment so your child can learn, heal, and thrive. More information will be posted on schools.nyc.gov this summer. 

  I am so excited for our homecoming on September 13 for every student—more excited than I’ve ever been in my two decades at the DOE. I am honored to share this journey with you and your child, and look forward to reconnecting as we approach the beginning of the school year. 

  In partnership,
  Meisha Porter
  New York City Schools Chancellor

  NYC Public Schools: What you will see in September

  Your Child Will Feel Welcomed, and Helped to Heal from the Past Year 

  Children in every community are carrying trauma caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. A successful academic recovery can only happen when the emotional and mental health needs of students are also addressed. 

  • We will hire over 500 new social workers and other mental health support staff so that your child’s school has at least one social worker or school-based mental health clinic. 
  • We will begin adding over 130 new community schools to provide expanded social, emotional, academic, and extracurricular services in communities where they’re most needed. 

  Your Child’s Literacy Skills Will Be a Priority 

  Literacy and reading are absolutely fundamental to children’s ability to reach important milestones all along the educational journey. Our goal is to have every student reading on grade level by the end of 2nd grade. 

  • If you have a child in kindergarten through grade 2, their teachers will use a tool to identify strengths and challenges at the beginning of the year, and develop support plans tailored to their specific needs. 
  • Thousands of teachers in these grades will receive extra training to support literacy. 
  • 140 more teachers will be hired to reduce class sizes at 72 elementary schools with the specific goal of improving reading proficiency. 
  • We will bring the number of reading coaches in our successful Universal Literacy coaching program to 500 so every early childhood and K-2 classroom has one. 
  • In addition, we will give schools funding for targeted supports for students, such as, extended day and enrichment activities.

  Your Child Will Grow Their Technological Skills 

  This September, we will build on what we have learned about the benefits of technology. Students will develop digital skills to prepare them for the new economy. 

  • We will distribute an additional 175,000 devices so every K-12 student who needs one has access to one. 
  • We will launch an eighth-grade technology project for students to demonstrate their digital literacy skills. 
  • We will train 5,000 K-12 teachers to teach computer science coursework.
  • We will expand Computer Science for All, to support computational thinking, problem-solving, and digital skills for 400,000 students by 2024. 

  More Special Education Support Will Be Available for Students with Disabilities 

  The pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on our students with disabilities. The Academic Recovery Plan will make every resource available to better support students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), from our youngest learners to students preparing for graduation:

  • We will launch afterschool and Saturday programs for students with IEPs to receive additional instruction and related services. 
  • We will add 800 Special Education Pre-K seats and expand Committees on Preschool Special Education to review more IEP requests. 
  • We will provide eligible students ages 21+ with either continued instruction toward their diploma or other credential, or consultation about plans for college and career readiness. 
  • We will also continue to provide family workshops and information sessions through our Beyond Access Series, which supports families of students with disabilities by providing sessions on topics related to special education. 

  More Language Support Will Be Available to Multilingual Learners 

  Multilingual learners (MLs) and immigrant families are valued and supported at DOE. We will provide culturally responsive supports that give students and their families equitable access to resources and opportunities that help students succeed inside and outside the classroom. 

  • We will establish Immigrant Ambassador Programs across 30 high schools to match immigrant DOE students with college students for mentorship. 
  • Schools will be provided resources to purchase print and digital books in students’ home languages, and build home language libraries. 
  • We will provide teachers with training that is specific to the language needs of multilingual learners and immigrant students. 
  • We will conduct wellness checks and deliver social-emotional learning support to multilingual learners, particularly in transitioning to full time in-person learning. 
  • We will expand the Postsecondary Readiness for ELLs Program (PREP), to be facilitated by a select group of school counselors and educators. 

  Your Child Will Get Ready for College and Career

  Especially as our students heal from the pandemic, we need to make sure they are better prepared for the next step in life, whether it’s college or career. 

  • We will deliver free, personalized college counseling for every junior and senior after school so that every student has a post-graduation plan. This includes launching Student Success Centers for 34 high schools. 
  • We will offer Universal College Financial Aid Guidance in multiple languages, to help navigate the application process. 
  • We will add new Advanced Placement or College Now courses so tens of thousands more students have access to college-level coursework. 

  Your Child Will Learn Challenging Material That Reflects Who They Are 

  Children are more engaged in class when they can see themselves in their lessons and materials. We are committed to reflecting the city’s “beautiful mosaic” of cultures and histories in curriculum. 

  • In the fall, your child’s school will receive an infusion of books that reflect the variety of histories, languages, and experiences that make up the city. 
  • The DOE will begin work on universal, rigorous, and inclusive English Language Arts (ELA) and Math curricula that will be shared by New York City’s 1,600 schools and one million students. It will be built on investments in literacy and will challenge students to move beyond their academic comfort zones. 
  • The DOE will begin developing brand new support materials for ELA, Math, Arts and more, developed by New York City educators for New York City students. 

  PS 59X

• Join a conversation with Chancellor Porter!

  Chancellor Porter wants to hear your questions and feedback. In light of unprecedented investments from local, state and federal government, these forums will serve as an opportunity for the Department of Education (DOE) to hear directly from school communities on the types of resources and support they need as we move towards a full reopening in September.

  Forums are in each borough on the following dates from 6:30-8:00 PM:

  • Bronx – Wednesday, June 9, 2021

  Families can register for the forums online at learndoe.org/chancellor(Open external link). At the time of registration, participants will be asked if they want to ask a question or provide a comment during the event about a number of categories, including health and safety, special education, fall 2021 school reopening, social emotional learning, and more.

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• June 2021 Newsletter

  Check out our June 2021 Newsletter 

  PS 59X

• School Re-opening Plans for Fall 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 re-opening 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.

  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 now! (Open external link) 

  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. 

  PS 59X

• Emergency Broadband Benefit Program to Families

  The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched a short-term Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program, which will provide reduced cost broadband internet service for eligible New York City households during the COVID-19 pandemic. All families with a student enrolled in a DOE school or program are eligible for this benefit, and funds will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis until the program has exhausted available funds or six months after the US Department of Health and Human services declares an end to the COVID-19 health emergency.

  Families can find out if they are eligible, apply for the program, and find participating broadband providers via the USAC website. There are two types of benefits available to eligible households:

  • Monthly Benefit: a discount of up to $50/month for broadband service, equipment, and device rentals; or 
  • One-time Device Discount: up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of $10 - $50), where available. 

  Families can visit the FCC’s EBB webpage and view this FAQ to learn more about the EBB program. Translated materials are available via the following links: Spanish, Arabic, Amharic, Burmese, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. 

  If families have questions or require support with an application, please email EBBHelp@usac.org or call (833) 511-0311.

  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

• 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

• 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