Announcements

• 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.

  PS 59X

• 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. 

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• 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

• 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.

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• 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