PS/IS 48 News Feed

• Update for Families

  September 18, 2020

  Dear Families,

  I hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy. I am writing to you today with an important update on the start of school.

  As you know, for months we have been preparing to reopen our school buildings. Thanks to all of you and everything you have done over the last six months, the city’s low infection rate makes us the only major city in the country able to welcome our children back to our schools for in-person learning. 

  Just as you have done everything necessary to reduce the COVID-19 infection rate, we have made a pledge to you that we would put health and safety first. That is what we have done – inspecting tens of thousands of classrooms for proper ventilation; distributing millions of masks, bottles of hand sanitizers and cases of cleaning supplies; prioritizing students and staff for expedited COVID-19 testing; developing a swift testing, quarantine, and tracing protocol anytime we might see COVID-19 activity in our schools; and more.

  We must continue living up to that pledge as we get closer to opening our buildings, knowing that this year demands more supplies, more staff, more space, more inspections, and more training. To do that, we have some new updates on the school calendar to announce.

  All students will still begin full-time instruction on Monday, September 21. School buildings will reopen to our students in blended learning (in-person in schools some days of the week, and remotely from home other days of the week) on a phased basis, detailed below. Here is the updated calendar for the start of the 2020-21 school year:

   Children enrolled in fully remote programs will still begin full-day instruction on Monday, September 21.

   Children in blended learning (in-person in schools some days of the week, and remotely from home other days of the week) will be learning remotely beginning Monday, September 21 until their in-person start date as outlined below. Please reach out to your child’s school if you have questions about when your child should report according to their blended learning schedule.

  Blended Learning Students Enrolled In:                                                                                                            In-Person Learning Begins On:

  Grades 3K and Pre-K (in any school type/grade configuration)                                                               Monday 9/21

  District 75 (all grades)                                                                                                                                                Monday 9/21

  By School Type:

  Students enrolled in

   Elementary Schools (K-5 and K-8) (includes students in grades 6-8 in K-8 Schools)                 Tuesday 9/29

  Students enrolled in:

   Middle Schools (Grades 6-8)                                                                                                                              Thursday 10/1 

   High Schools (Grades 9-12)                                                                                                                                Thursday 10/1 

   Secondary Schools (Grades 6-12)                                                                                                                    Thursday 10/1 

   Transfer Schools, Adult Education, Evening Schools, Alternate Learning Centers                    Thursday 10/1 

  Less Common School Types/Configurations

   Students enrolled in K-2 and K-3 Schools                                                                                                    Tuesday 9/29

   Students enrolled in K-12 Schools                                                                                                                   Tuesday 9/29

   

  I know this is a last-minute change. This crisis has demanded so much flexibility and patience from you and your children since the beginning, and I am in awe of how you have risen to meet the challenges and uncertainty this pandemic has presented. Everything we do is to try to provide stability and certainty, while protecting the health and safety of our city.

  I am deeply grateful every day for each of you, and the commitment you have shown to your children and this city. So many of you have told us how eager you are to reconnect with your school communities – I know I am excited for that as well. We believe this extra time will help make sure that all schools and all educators are in the best position to deliver a strong, safe, and supportive environment for teaching and learning to take place.

  I always say that New York City has the best students, staff, and families in the world, and nothing will ever change that—no matter when, where, and how we are learning.

  Thank you for everything you do. 

  Sincerely,

  Richard A. Carranza

  Chancellor New York City Department of Education

  P.S. 048 - William G. Wilcox

• IMPORTANT: Parent Letter

  9/17/20

  Dear Families,

  Today, Mayor Deblasio announced that there will be a delay of in-person learning for NYC.

  Students in Grades K-8 at PS/IS 48 will begin in-person learning on Tuesday, September 29.

  Starting on Monday, September 21 all students in Cohorts A, B, C, and D will learn remotely.

  Based on this latest information, we have decided to move all of our parent meetings (including kindergarten) to Monday evening. We hope to have more specific details from the Department of Education at that time. These meetings will be for all parents grades K-8.

  5:30 PM, September 21 - Meeting for BLENDED (Cohorts A, B, and C) Families

  Join with Google Meet
  meet.google.com/hgx-wfeq-sgs
  Join by phone

  (US) +1 269-820-1254 PIN: 345 445 619#

  6:30 PM, September 21 - Meeting for REMOTE (Cohort D) Families

  Join with Google Meet
  meet.google.com/mcj-vvoz-oou
  Join by phone

  (US) +1 518-531-6967 PIN: 957 709 376#

  A FAQ will be sent to all parents after the meeting in the event that families can not attend the meetings.

  Tomorrow, you will receive your child’s schedule for the week of September 21 - September 25. This schedule will
  inform you of the times of your child’s live interactions with teachers for next week.
  Please make every effort to have your child log onto their scheduled live instruction. This schedule will be sent by
  your child’s teacher to their google email address.

  By working together, we will get through this. Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

  Sincerely,

  Allison O’Donnell
  Principal

  P.S. 048 - William G. Wilcox

• Family Meeting Info

  Dear Families,

  Thank you so much for your patience and understanding as we prepare for the start of the school year. Our staff has been working around the clock to create a safe and engaging learning environment for all of our students.  

  Our teachers loved seeing your children during today’s Google Meet sessions. We were happy to see so many smiling faces and we are happy to reconnect as a family!  We have missed our kids.  

  Attached to this email you will find a Parent Handbook that outlines some details for the reopening. Please note, this handbook will be updated again before Monday and we will highlight any new and pertinent information.  

  I understand that many of you have questions about our blended and remote learning programs. Therefore, we have decided to host two family meetings on Thursday, September 16, 2020, to discuss our program and expectations. 

  5:30 PM, 09-17-20 - Meeting for BLENDED (Cohorts A, B, and C) Families 

  Join with Google Meet

  meet.google.com/hgx-wfeq-sgs

  Join by phone

  ‪(US) +1 269-820-1254‬ PIN: ‪345 445 619‬#

   

  6:30 PM, 09-17-20 - Meeting for REMOTE (Cohort D) Families 

  Join with Google Meet

  meet.google.com/mcj-vvoz-oou

  Join by phone

  ‪(US) +1 518-531-6967‬ PIN: ‪957 709 376‬#

   

  Kindergarten Families may choose between two meeting times. Both meetings have the same information. Please choose the time and day that works for you. 

  7:00 PM, 09-17-20 - Meeting for KINDERGARTEN Families 

  Join with Google Meet

  meet.google.com/yov-ockb-qsz

  Join by phone

  ‪(US) +1 317-947-4519‬ PIN: ‪596 481 098‬#

  10:00 AM, Friday 09-18-20 - Meeting for KINDERGARTEN Families 

  Join with Google Meet

  meet.google.com/wmo-xyck-iza

  Join by phone

  ‪(US) +1 573-349-8145‬ PIN: ‪210 435 785‬#

   

   

  An FAQ document will be created after the meeting and will be shared with all families in the event that you are unable to attend.

  Thank you for your continued support!

   

  Sincerely,

  Allison O’Donnell

  Principal 

  P.S. 048 - William G. Wilcox

• The Operoo System

  September 2020

  Dear Parents/Guardians,       

  We are excited to advise you that we are adopting a new system named Operoo. Some people may have already used this system, previously known as CareMonkey. 

  The Operoo system makes it very easy for you to respond to field trips, camp and other consent forms using your mobile phone, tablet or PC. No more paperwork! No more lost forms or notes covered in a squashed banana in bags, no more concerns about children missing out on information when they are absent.

  It will greatly reduce the burden on you to provide information that is repetitive. For example, it will allow you to keep your or your child’s emergency contact and medical information up to date; so you don’t need to repeat this information again while your child is at PS/IS 48. It also puts you in control of this data so you’ll always know what emergency contacts and medical information is shared with PS/IS 48.

  We do need a valid email address from you in order to use the Operoo system. Please share those details with us if you haven’t already. 

  You don’t need to do anything else until you receive an email invitation from us asking you to sign up for your Operoo account. After that, you’ll receive notifications whenever there is an electronic form to complete for PS/IS 48.  

  From PS/IS 48’s perspective, you or your child’s information will only be visible by the relevant staff for you or your child and will be managed in accordance with our privacy policies.  Details about Operoo’s security and privacy procedures can be found here: https://www.operoo.com/terms-policies-security/.

  Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. You can visit the Operoo website for more information here: www.operoo.com. There is also a parent introduction page here: https://www.operoo.com/intro-for-parents/.

  Sincerely, 

  PS/IS 48 

  P.S. 048 - William G. Wilcox

• Update for Families

  September 14, 2020

  Dear Families,

  Even in the face of so much change, September is still the most exciting time of year. There’s a back-to-school energy in the air as all over the city, educators, students, and families are getting ready for the school year to begin.

  And all of us at the Department of Education have been busy too. In this Reopening Update for Families, I am happy to share important information on:
   The 2020–21 School Calendar
   Ensuring your school’s ventilation is in good working order
   How to get tested for COVID-19 before the school year begins
   How to stay informed on confirmed COVID-19 cases in your school community

  As we prepare for the new school year, I want to reassure you that we are leaving no stone unturned to protect our students, educators, and families. That is why we are doubling down on all our health and safety protocols— from ventilation to face coverings, physical distancing, nightly cleaning, and frequent hand washing/sanitizing. It’s why we will make all information available to the public.

  As always, all information regarding back to school can be found at schools.nyc.gov/returntoschool2020. If you have additional questions regarding the information in this letter, please contact your principal. You can find the page for your child’s school on our website using “Find a School” at schoolsearch.schools.nyc. Principal information is on each school’s web page in the “School Contacts and Information” section.

  I also want to remind you about an important way you can help protect your school community regarding travel. Several states are still seeing high transmission rates of COVID-19 - you can find the list at ny.gov/traveladvisory. All New Yorkers are strongly advised to avoid travel to these states, but if you must travel to one of these areas, you will have to fill out the New York State Traveler Health Form and quarantine for 14 days when you return to New York City—it’s required by New York State. For more information on COVID-19 testing, tracing, and how to safely quarantine, visit testandtrace.nyc.

  These next few days are about getting everything ready for the incredible school year that lies ahead. We look forward to welcoming your child back for partial-day instructional orientation starting September 16, and for full- day instruction for both blended learning and remote learning on September 21!

  Sincerely,

  Richard A. Carranza
  Chancellor
  New York City Department of Education

  Reopening Update for Families: September 14, 2020
  School Calendar

  We recently announced that the school year will begin for students on Wednesday, September 16 with a part- time instructional orientation period. Full-time learning will begin on Monday, September 21. I am pleased today to share with you a calendar for the full 2020-21 school year at schools.nyc.gov/calendar.

  There are some important differences for this school year that we want to highlight:
   September 16–18 will be remote partial instructional days for students focused on getting your child
  ready for learning this year. All students are expected to participate and engage. Your school will
  confirm your child’s exact schedule and provide log-in instruction for these three days.
   September 21 is the first full-time day of teaching and learning for students in both fully remote and
  blended learning (in which they are learning in school buildings for part of the week, and remotely for
  the rest of the week).
   November 3, Election Day, will be a fully remote learning day for all students. In past years, students did
  not attend school on Election Day.
   On “snow days” - or days in which school buildings are closed due to an emergency - all students and
  families should plan on participating in remote learning.

  Please reach out to your school with any questions you may have about the school calendar for this year.

  Ventilation Inspections

  Ensuring proper ventilation is an important part of our health and safety protocols. Proper ventilation can reduce the level of viruses, including COVID-19, inside buildings. According to our City and federal public health experts, a room is safe when air is able to flow in and out - whether through an open window or mechanical means, such as HVAC systems or air handlers. I am pleased to report that we have completed ventilation inspections in every New York City public school building.

  Here are our findings:
   Of over 64,000 classrooms inspected, 96 percent have been confirmed to have ventilation that meets City health and safety standards.
   Where a ventilation issue was identified, the DOE is swiftly implementing repairs. Many issues have already been addressed and fixed.
   Per federal guidance, we are also inspecting and ensuring proper ventilation in restrooms, kitchens, and other areas used by students and staff.
   Any rooms with ventilation issues that haven’t been repaired before the first full-time day of teaching and learning on September 21 will not be used by staff or students.
   You can see the inspection results for your child’s school by visiting schools.nyc.gov/ventilation.

  How to Get Tested for COVID-19 Before the School Year Begins

  It’s up to all of us to keep our school communities and families safe by wearing face coverings, keeping our distance, washing hands frequently, and getting tested! Help us keep our schools open and school communities healthy by getting tested for COVID-19 before buildings reopen for learning. It’s safe, free, and easy for everyone, regardless of immigration or insurance status. To find a testing site near you, visit nyc.gov/covidtest.

  How to Stay Informed on Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in Your School Community

  It’s important that your school can reach you to share crucial information quickly, including alerts about confirmed COVID-19 cases in your child’s school. Please sign up for a NYC Schools Account (NYCSA) so we can contact you via phone, email, or text message. With NYCSA, you can access your child’s grades, test scores, schedules, transportation information, and more—from anywhere, and in all nine standard DOE language translations. In order to see your child’s records, request an Account Creation Code from your school. I encourage you to keep your contact information up to date, so your school can get in touch with you in the event of an emergency. If you don’t have an account, sign up today at schools.nyc.gov/nycsa. It only takes five minutes!

  P.S. 048 - William G. Wilcox

• Updates for Families

  September 8, 2020

  Dear Families,

  As we approach the start of the school year, everyone at the New York City Department of Education is laser- focused on delivering a high-quality education that puts your child’s health, safety, and emotional wellbeing first this fall. An education that creates a new standard of excellence for learning from any location. An education that will prepare your children to thrive—today, tomorrow, next year, and for the rest of their lives.

  I want to share with you that full-day learning for all students will begin on Monday, September 21. A few days before that, beginning on Wednesday, September 16 through Friday, September 18, all students and teachers will engage remotely for a partial-day instructional transition and orientation to help students reconnect to school. Taking this time will help ensure all children are ready to learn and succeed.

  In this letter, we include updates on what that teaching and learning will look like. You will find additional information on how our schools will support every student every day—whether they are participating in fully remote or blended learning (in which they are learning in school buildings for part of the week, and remotely for the rest of the week).

  Read the Reopening Update for Families below to find more information on:
   How your child will learn at home: Live interaction and lessons with teachers, and projects that students complete on their own
   Who will be teaching your child in blended or fully remote learning
   How to stay informed on confirmed COVID-19 cases in your school community

  If you have questions regarding the information in this letter, please contact your principal. Principal information is on each school’s web page at schools.nyc.gov, in the “School Contacts and Information” section. You can find the page for your child’s school on our website using Find a School: schoolsearch.schools.nyc. And as always, all information regarding back to school can be found at schools.nyc.gov/returntoschool2020.

  You have heard me say that New York City has the best, strongest, most committed students, staff, and families anywhere. Every day, you continue to prove that true beyond any shadow of a doubt. I want to reaffirm our pledge to take absolutely every precaution to keep your children healthy and safe. And to ensure they receive the high-
  quality education they deserve no matter how or where they are learning.

  I am so excited to welcome all our children and educators back to their school communities soon!
  Sincerely,

  Richard A. Carranza
  Chancellor
  New York City Department of Education

  P.S. 048 - William G. Wilcox

• Upcoming FACE/Community Affairs Events

  Wednesday, September 2^nd, 2020 - Returning to School: The Latest Guidance from our Health Experts.  This event will feature experts from DOE and the Department of Health experts to provide families with real-time information about the pandemic, DOE’s health/safety protocols, and how to prepare students for school re-opening. 

   

  P.S. 048 - William G. Wilcox

• New Start Date and Meeting Reminder

  Good evening,

   

  Yesterday, the Mayor and Chancellor announced that the first day of school for in-person learning will be on Monday, September 21, 2020. Starting on September 16, teachers will remotely work with all students for an instructional transition and orientation period.  More details will be shared shortly.

   

  For more information on the DOE website click on the link below

   

  https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-year-20-21/return-to-school-2020/welcome-to-the-2020-2021-school-year

   

  Reminder: PS/IS 48 Parent Meeting

  Thursday, September 3, 2020 - 9am & 7pm 

  The information will be the same at each session.

   

  Thursday, September 3 - 9:00 am - MEETING LINK

  https://meet.google.com/iyn-kdmc-qen

  Dial-in: (US) +1 262-372-9441 PIN: 353 878 741#

   

  Thursday, September 3 - 7:00 pm - MEETING LINK

  https://meet.google.com/idk-mtox-ymx

  Dial-in: (US) +1 413-853-2767 PIN: 170 685 452#

   

  P.S. 048 - William G. Wilcox

• DoE's Back to School Pledge

  August 21, 2020

  Back to School Pledge

  Health and Safety Always Come First

  Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies will be supplied to all schools, and the New York City Department of Education (DOE) will have a 30-day supply on hand at all times – with a hotline for principals to call for immediate resupply for their schools

  There will be a full-time nurse in every public school building

  Any school building or room found to have inadequate ventilation will not be used by students or staff

  Students and staff will practice physical distancing in all school buildings

  Students will remain in pods for as much of the day as possible

  Students and staff will wear face coverings throughout the school day; if they do not have them, they will be provided for free

  We will place hand sanitizer in every classroom

  City-run testing sites will prioritize free COVID testing and expedited results for school staff; free testing is also available to all students, families, and New Yorkers citywide

  We are encouraging all DOE employees to be tested monthly

  NYC Department of Health and Test + Trace Corps will immediately investigate confirmed cases to prevent spread of the virus

  Schools will communicate with all students and families when there are confirmed cases in schools

  When necessary, classrooms or school buildings will temporarily close to maintain safety of school communities and prevent spread of the virus

  School buildings will close if the percentage of positive COVID-19 tests in New York City is 3% or more using a 7-day average—the most aggressive threshold in the nation

  NYC Public Schools Will be Cleaned and Disinfected, Day and Night

  All school buildings will be disinfected overnight, every night

  High-touch zones will be cleaned multiple times throughout each day

  Electrostatic disinfectors will clean surfaces daily with zero physical contact

  Students Will be Learning Five Days a Week, No Matter What

  Whether in-person or online, students will study in supportive environments with rigorous academic standards

  Remote students will interact with their teachers every day

  Student schedules – both remote and in-person – will be preset and consistent to allow families to plan

  Academic instruction will integrate social-emotional learning and trauma-informed care to support students holistically

  Teachers will have time each day to engage one-on-one with students and families

  P.S. 048 - William G. Wilcox

• Learning Bridges

  August 20. 2020

  Please complete this survey (Open external link)to express interest in the Learning Bridges program, which will provide child care options for children from 3-K through 8th grade this fall for days when they are not in school buildings.

   

  As the New York City Department of Education resumes in-person schooling this fall, most schools and sites will operate on a blended learning model. This will include some in-person services for a portion of the week and reduced class sizes in accordance with social distancing guidance.

   

  The information collected in this survey(Open external link) will be used to guide the City's planning for the Learning Bridges program. Families can expect more information about a potential placement in the coming weeks.

  Please note: programs will become available on a rolling basis through the start of school.

  P.S. 048 - William G. Wilcox