Families
Parent Coordinator
Welcome, PS 59 families! My name is Roberto Ramirez; I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the Parent Coordinator of PS 59. My role as Parent Coordinator is to support the most important people in your children’s lives – you. I am here to answer questions and/or any concerns regarding your child's academic progress at PS 59. I promise that if I can’t answer your questions, I will find you someone who can.
At PS 59, we believe that parental involvement is the key to our students’ academic success. We want you to feel comfortable taking an active role in the education of your child, inside and outside of the school building. As Parent Coordinator, I yearn to do anything and everything that I can to assist you in supporting your child in school and at home.
If you have any questions or concerns I can be reached at (973) 963-7481, via email at Rramirez9@schools.nyc.gov
Did you know that you can track your child’s education on any computer, phone, or tablet? You can also sign the COVID consent form, right in the NYC Schools Account (NYCSA). You can sign up for an account by entering a few basic details. This will allow you to begin receiving notifications from the DOE. It only takes five minutes, and it is the first step in getting a full account.
Students In Temporary Housing
As the Students in Temporary Housing Team of P.S 59 we intend to serve as the liaison and social worker for all students who identify as homeless, in temporary housing and/or in foster care, as well as answer any of your questions and concerns regarding your child’s needs during this time.
The Team works directly both with students and families as well as school staff, to help bridge the gap between home and school. As well as helping everyone connect to supports here in our school and the community around us.
As a parent of a Student in Temporary Housing (STH), you may be entitled to receive services under the McKinney-Vento Act, which is a federal law that supports students in temporary housing. Your updated housing information helps us determine if your child is eligible for services such as school choice, immediate enrollment, transportation, free meals, afterschool, and other helpful interventions. The information about your housing situation is kept private and is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
We encourage all parents to get involved with our school community and partner with us in your child’s education. . If you have questions about your housing status or your child’s eligibility under the McKinney-Vento Act, please feel free to call, email or pass by our offices.
McKinney-Vento
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act outlines specific rights for students living in temporary housing. These rights include free public transportation, free school meals, and more. The guide below provides a brief overview of this information:
English Version / Spanish Version
Samantha Gonzalez
- STH Community Coordinator
- Email: SGonzalez73@schools.nyc.gov
- Phone: 718-584-4730 ext. 5084
- Office: Room 508A
Josephine Diaz
- Bridging The Gap Social Worker
- Email: JDaiz49@schools.nyc.gov
- Phone: 718-584-4730 ext. 3022
- Office: Room 302A
Resources:
School Teams & Committees
Learn more about our dedicated school teams and committees at PS 59.
School Leadership Team
Our School Leadership Team (SLT), is composed of parents, staff and administrators, whose responsible for developing school-based educational policies, and ensuring that resources and budget are aligned to implement those policies. The SLT is also responsible for developing our school’s Comprehensive Educational Plan (CEP). Our SLTs play a significant role in creating a structure for school-based decision making, and shaping the path to a collaborative school culture.
Attendance Team
Improving attendance is not a solo sport. P.S 59's Attendance Team meets regularly to coordinate efforts to reduce chronic absence, including the work of success mentors. Our team is responsible for organizing the schools’ attendance strategy. We as a team members have a two main responsibilities. First, we look at individual students who are chronically absent and ensuring their needs are met using all available resources. Second, we monitor what is happening overall for all students and student sub-groups at a school site.
Have a question for our Attendance Team, contact us!
P.S. 59 Parent's Association
P.S. 59’s Parents’ Association is an integral part of our community. It serves the students in many ways and thus serves the school. Some examples include coordinating student portraits and hosting celebrations to recognize students for their success. To function effectively, the PA needs volunteers with a broad range of talents and skills. We encourage all parents to become involved and attend PS 59’s Parents Association meetings which are held on a monthly basis. The following parents are members of PS 59 Parent’s Association:
President: Maria Grueso
Secretary: Glenda Ortiz
Treasurer: Nayeli Escobar
Contact us via email: PS59bxpa@yahoo.com
Community Resources
Find community services to support your family, such as help with food, utilities, transportation and more.
Food
- NYC Public Schools will be issuing free meals Monday- Friday from 7:30AM 1:00PM
- Free City Harvest Directory
- Free NYC Food Bank Directory
- Invisible Hands Food Delivery
- SNAP (Food Stamps) Application
- World Central Kitchen locations in the Bronx
- Plenti: an app for Food Pantry Reservations
- For up to date Food Bank information, please call 311
Housing, Shelter & Safety
- National Domestic Violence Hotline – Staying Safe During COVID
- New York City Anti-Violence Project (AVP) – 24/7 hotline 212-714-1141 – Submit an online report form
- NYC Women’s Shelter Directory
- NYC Homeless Shelter Directory
Healthcare
- Get Covered NYC
- NYC Health + Hospitals: 1-844-692-4692
- Need help finding a healthcare provider? Call 311
Mental Health
- Get Covered NYC
- Manage Anxiety & Stress – CDC
- NYS Mental Health Department
- NYS COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline: 1-844-863-9314
- NYPCC Counseling
- Insight Timer Meditation App
Workplace, Unemployment, Financial Aid
- Humanity Forward Coronavirus Financial Aid
- New York Paid Sick Leave information
- Important Information about NYC Workplace Laws
- Apply for Unemployment Assistance
- NYC Small Business Services – Financial Assistance For Small Businesses Impacted By COVID-19
Job Opportunities
- Bronx Workforce1 Virtual Connection
- New York Cares Volunteer Form
- United States Postal Service Job Search
- Work with Bowery Residents’ Committee (BRC)
Internet & Digital
COVID-19 Information
- Centers For Disease Control
- NYC COVID-19 Closings & Laws
- NYC Department of Health
- Free New York Times News
- 24-Hour NYS Coronavirus hotline: 1-888-364-3065
- Price Gouging hotline: 800-697-1220 or dial 311
- Face Covering Distribution Locations
- COVID 19 Rental Assistance: Accepting Applications for 2 weeks (started 7/16) Rental assistance
- Text ‘COVID’ to 692-692 to get important COVID-19 related updates sent straight to your phone. You can text ‘COVIDESP’ to get updates in Spanish.
Transportation
Parents & Guardians
- Tips To Help You Work From Home
- 6 Tips for Homeschooling During Coronavirus
- Helping Children Cope during COVID
- How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus
- How To Turn Your Home Into A School Without Losing Your Sanity
Students
- Free Audible Books for Kids of All Ages (and Several Languages)
- Free learning tools from The American Museum of Natural History
Immigration
Leisure & Fun
Literacy Resources
The Universal Literacy launched in 2016 with the goal of ensuring that all students are reading on grade level by the end of second grade. Studies show that students who are reading at grade level by the end of second grade are far more likely to graduate from high school than those who aren't.
To significantly increase the share of students reaching that benchmark, the Universal Literacy initiative provides schools with support from a dedicated reading coach, who works with kindergarten through second grade teachers to ensure students are reading on grade level by the end of second grade.
PS 59 is supported by Universal Literacy Reading Coach Tamaira Green.
Helpful reading tips/websites:
Free online programs to teach beginning readers:
NYC Food Delivery Assistance: COVID-19
The City of New York is providing assistance to New Yorkers during the COVID-19 crisis by delivering meals to those who cannot access food themselves. Register Today
- No members of the household can go out and get food because they are at increased medical risk or homebound.
- No neighbors or family members can go out and get food for you.
- Do not receive meal assistance from other providers (incl. Meals on Wheels or God's Love We Deliver)
- You are unable to afford meal delivery or grocery delivery
To request assistance please visit: Food Delivery Assistance
Free NYC School Meals
The New York City Department of Education is committed to making three free meals available daily for all NYC children.
Beginning March 23, meals will be distributed at more than 400 sites across the city.
Three meals a day, including breakfast, will be available to all NYC children
Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 1:30 pm at locations across the city.
P.S. 59 Kitchen staff will be distributing grab and go breakfast & lunch to our students/families from 7:30am-1:30pm.
TROUBLE COPING? We’re here to help you find resources for problems like stress, depression, anxiety, or drug and alcohol use for you or someone you care for. Check out the resources available to you:
- NYC Well
- Explore a range of virtual breath, yoga & mindfulness practices
- Child Mind Institute: Supporting Families During COVID-19
- NYC DOE Crisis or Traumatic Event Resources