PS 34 Oliver H. Perry Elementary

Important Reminders

3-15-2020  By order of Mayor De Blasio, NYC Public School classes are suspended this week beginning Monday, March 16, 2020. Students will not report to school buildings for instruction during this time. School buildings are scheduled to reopen to students following Spring Recess on Monday, April 20, 2020.

Please check back on updates on remote assignments and learning.

For updates from the Department of Education visit https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/health-and-wellness/coronavirus-update

To get regular updates on the latest developments regarding coronavirus in New York City, text COVID to 692-692. You will receive regular SMS texts with the latest news and developments.

You can also sign up for NotifyNYC
https://a858-nycnotify.nyc.gov/notifynyc/
Notify NYC is the City of New York’s official source for information about emergency events and important City services.

 

 March 13, 2020

Principal Letter to Families PS 34 Polish.pdf  

Principal Letter to Parents 3-13-2020.pdf 

Dear Public School 34 Parents and Guardians,

We would like to keep you informed of recent decisions made from the New York City Chancellor’s Office that will impact our school calendar of events.

PS 34 will be postponing the following upcoming events.  We will try our best to reschedule for a later date.

• Parent Read-Alouds
• Eco-Fashion Show
• Disney Performances
• March and April Class Field Trips
• Grade 3 Bucket Drumming Performance
• March Student Awards Assembly

For the latest PS 34 updates and communication, please visit www.PS34.org or Class Dojo.

The health and safety of all of our children is our first priority. The New York City Department of Education has been continually monitoring the situation and posts any latest information on their website at www.schools.nyc.gov/coronavirus regarding the COVID-19.   

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Carmen Asselta

Principal

March 22, 2020

 Family Letter_Remote Learning 3 22 2 0.pdf 

Dear Families,
Tomorrow, we will all come together to take the first steps of a huge new educational journey as New
York City brings remote learning to our 1.1 million students.
While none of us could have predicted even a few weeks ago that we would launch this dramatic new
transition in education, I could not be prouder of the way our educators have come together to ready
themselves to teach your children from their own homes. And I could not be more grateful to all of you
for your faith in our educators, and all of the hardworking staff at DOE.
This will not be perfect. Nothing can ever replace a talented teacher in a classroom. We know the
challenges and inequities our students face. But over the past week I have seen DOE’s 150,000 staff rise
to this challenge in astounding ways. Your faith in them is deserved and earned.
Things have moved very quickly since Mayor de Blasio and I made the very difficult decision one week
ago that school buildings would close for student instruction until at least April 20. Educators citywide
created a remote curriculum in days. Every school has been equipped with an online platform. Learning
resources, including those for special education and multilingual learners, have been developed and posted
on our website—and there is so much more to come.

All the relevant information you need about engaging in remote learning is on our website at
schools.nyc.gov—Please visit it frequently for updates. And please check in with your teachers and
principals if you have questions: just as they were before last week, they will continue to be your guide to
instruction and (virtual) engagement during these unprecedented times. I will share a few key pieces of
information here to keep in mind for this week:
• Remote Learning: Each school has its own online platform, with many schools using Google
Classroom. Educators have contacted school communities to let you know what remote learning
tool your child’s school will be using.
o You can find instructions on DOE student accounts and getting started in Google
Classroom and Microsoft Teams at schools.nyc.gov/learnathome.
o If you are having additional problems connecting, contact your school directly via email.
Our Find a School tool can help you find contact info for your school as well, if you do not
already have it: schools.nyc.gov/find-a-school.
• Electronic Devices: If your child needs an internet-connected device to participate in remote
learning, and you have not yet filled out a device request form, please visit
coronavirus.schools.nyc/RemoteLearningDevices to request a device on loan from DOE.
• Many of you have already received a device on loan from your school. If you have not and you
still require a device, please fill out the survey. Students with Individualized Education Programs
(IEPs): If your student is recommended for integrated co-teaching, special class, or special
education teacher support services, your school will make every effort to arrange for them to
continue to receive instruction from the same special education teachers and classroom
paraprofessionals that usually teach them. Someone from your school will contact you to discuss
how instruction will be delivered.
o Your child’s IEP meetings will still take place; IEP meetings will be conducted by phone.
To make a referral for initial evaluation or reevaluation, you can email your principal or
specialeducation@schools.nyc.gov, or call 311.
o For more on remote learning for students with IEPs, please visit
schools.nyc.gov/learnathome.
• Free Meals: We will continue to offer free meals in the weeks ahead at more than 400 sites across
the city. Food hubs will operate Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. through 1:30 p.m., and any
student of any age can get 3 meals daily. Visit schools.nyc.gov/freemeals to find a site near you.
• Regional Enrichment Centers: On Monday, March 23, the City will open Regional Enrichment
Centers (RECs) for the children of front-line workers in the fight against COVID-19—including
first responders and healthcare workers. If you believe your child may be eligible to attend a REC,
please visit schools.nyc.gov/recs.
• Enrollment and Placement Support: Family Welcome Center staff are available by email, and are
prepared to assist with enrollment and placement of new admissions, questions around admissions,
information about offers, and waitlists. They do not handle REC enrollment.
o Please be aware FWCs are processing a high volume of questions at this time in connection
to the recent release of high school admissions offer letters. We ask for your patience, and
are aiming to respond to all requests within 48 hours. Here’s how to receive direct support
on these topics:
• Bronx: bronxfwc@schools.nyc.gov
• Brooklyn: brooklynfwc@schools.nyc.gov
• Manhattan: manhattanfwc@schools.nyc.gov
• Queens: queensfwc@schools.nyc.gov
• Staten Island: statenislandfwc@schools.nyc.gov
Parents can also call 311 and say “Schools” to be routed to someone who can help with school-related questions.
If you need help with a problem that cannot be resolved at the school level or wish to report a complaint,
please reach out to your district superintendent’s office. Contact information for your district support team
can be found here: schools.nyc.gov/about-us/leadership/district-leadership. If you do not know the district
in which your child’s school is located, please use the Find A School tool: schools.nyc.gov/find-a-school.
There will surely be bumps in the road as we all adjust to this new reality, and I want to thank you for the
patience that will be demanded of you as we undertake this transformation together.
In just a few hours, we will all take a great leap together into uncharted territory. We will be successful if
we continue to work together as a community of families, educators, and staff. We all share two key
goals: a high-quality education for every single one of our 1.1 million students, and protecting health and
safety of everyone in our school communities.
That means that public education in New York City is going to look tremendously different for the
foreseeable future. But together, we will chart this path forward, and I have no doubt that we will
eventually look back and say this was our finest hour: when we confronted this great challenge and
overcame it, in unity, with shared strength and commitment.
New York City has the greatest students and staff in the world, and nothing will ever change that—today,
tomorrow, or ever. I am excited to be on this journey with you. Together, I am confident we will learn and
grow with boundless potential.
Sincerely,
Richard A. Carranza
Chancellor

 

March 16, 2020

 Coronavirus Update for Families_March 16 2020.pdf 

Dear Families,

All of us are living through an unprecedented time as we work to keep our communities safe and healthy in the face of the coronavirus. New Yorkers are joining millions in cities, states, and nations across the world in confronting decisions that we’ve never had to face—and maybe never could have imagined having to.

Here in New York, Mayor de Blasio and I have been clear that any changes to our school system as we know it would be an extreme measure—a last resort. We’ve been monitoring the outbreak in New York City day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute. This weekend, it became clear that continuing public education in our school buildings was no longer sustainable for the time being.

On Sunday, we announced that for the next three and a half weeks, we are moving to a remote learning model, with a projected reopening of school buildings the week of April 20, 2020. I know this may feel abrupt, and has the potential to cause disruption in your lives. We are committed to consistent and clear communication with you throughout this time period, and a clear understanding of what will happen.

Our announcement today means that Monday, March 16, school buildings are closed and students will be out of session. However, students and families can pick up medication or receive any standard medical services from Tuesday through Thursday, during regular school hours; school nurses and school based health center staff will be on site. During that time, teachers will also be expected to report to their buildings and receive full-day professional development on remote learning.

Later in the week, students will begin picking up materials, including technology to participate in remote learning when needed. Additional guidance on all of this will be shared with you in the next couple of days. All throughout this week, grab-and-go breakfast will be available at the entrance of every school building from 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM. Any student can pick up breakfast and lunch at any school building.

On Monday, March 23, we will be opening several dozen Regional Enrichment Centers across the City, to serve the children of our City’s first responders, healthcare workers, transit workers, and our most vulnerable populations.

That Monday, we will also launch remote learning for grades K-12. I have every confidence in New York City educators and know they will rise to the occasion, and dedicate the same passion for delivering high-quality instruction remotely as they do in the classroom. We know we have the most dedicated school staff: teachers, custodians, administrators, and especially the school food workers who will be continuing to work during this time as part of a citywide meals program. More information on the launch of that program will be coming soon.

I want to be clear that this is not a closure, but a transition. We will not lower our expectations for our students. We know they are hungry to learn and we will match their curiosity and passion with work-from-home materials, including distribution of devices that will support our remote-learning instructional model.

There are already instructional resources available for every grade level in every subject at schools.nyc.gov/learnathome.

We know this is a difficult time, and we are working hard to make sure our City continues to support families in every way we can. I want to assure families we’re working to make this as seamless a transition as possible.

Now is the time to come together to do what’s best for the health and safety of all New Yorkers. We are with you, partners in education in the greatest city in the world. We have the world’s most talented students, educators, and staff—and nothing will ever change that.

We will continue to communicate with you in the coming days, and encourage you to visit our website at https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/health-and-wellness/coronavirus-update for more information and updates on this transition.

Sincerely,

Richard A. Carranza

Chancellor  New York City Department of Education

 

March 10, 2020

 coronavirus-update-for-families_march-10-2020- 002.pdf 

 coronavirus-update-for-families_march-10-2020_spanish.pdf 

 coronavirus-update-for-families_march-10-2020-Polish.pdf 

Dear Families,

The health and safety of all NYC Department of Education (DOE) students continues to be our first priority in the wake of the evolving situation around the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in New York City. We are writing today with a number of important updates for all students and families, including the latest information about ways to protect your health.

There are a number of actions we have taken and many things you can do to keep our communities safe. The most important action you can take is to stay home if you are sick. Please see the attached What You Need to Know factsheet [https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/imm/novel-coronavirus-wuhan-factsheet.pdf] and Stop the Spread flyer [https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/imm/stop-the-spread-poster.pdf], and read on for additional information.

Our Preparations and Protocols 

School Cleaning + Hygiene 

We continue to work in close partnership with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to enhance protocols in schools. These include:

Ensuring that all DOE school buildings have a nurse;

Increasing deep cleanings to two times per week, disinfecting surface areas with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-approved cleaning disinfectant;

Ensuring that all schools have adequate hygiene and cleaning materials so that bathrooms are continuously stocked with soap and paper towels;

Supplying all schools with face masks to be used if a student or staff member exhibits symptoms and requires isolation prior to transport to a doctor and/or testing; and

Strongly encouraging regular hand washing throughout the day, particularly before meals, and making changes as needed to ensure students have the time to wash hands.

 

International Travel

All DOE-sponsored international travel for students and staff for the remainder of the 2019–2020 school year is canceled.

This includes study abroad programs, where students are scheduled to come from other countries to stay with host families in NYC, and where DOE public school students are hosted abroad.

 

Attendance

We are committed to easing families’ concerns on attendance and admissions.

1 Student absences in the current school year (2019–2020) will not impact applications of current fifth- and eighth-graders applying to middle- or high-schools for the 2020–2021 school year.

Student absences in the current school year (2019–2020) will not impact applications of current fourth-and seventh-graders applying for middle- or high-school for the 2021–2022 school year. 

What if a student feels sick in school? 

In the event a student is sick, complaining of fever, cough, or shortness of breath, that child should be taken to the school nurse.

The nurse will ask the student to wear a face mask, call for parental pick up, and recommend calling a medical provider for instructions.

Any student with respiratory symptoms and fever should wait in a supervised setting with a closed door, away from other students.

What if there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 in my school?

In the event that DOHMH determines that there is a need for investigation, closure, or other action at a school, you will immediately be notified.

Per New York State, if there is a confirmed case in a school, the school must be closed for at least 24 hours while DOHMH investigates and determines whether additional closure is needed.

We urge you to ignore rumors you might hear separate and apart from official communication from DOHMH, DOE, and your school.

We are working with the State to provide more information on school closure guidance to share in the near future.

 

Large Gatherings

Right now, the City has not advised the cancellation of large events or public gatherings, but is monitoring developments and will adjust as needed.

If you are sick, stay home.

If you have chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, a compromised immune system, chronic lung disease, and/or cancer, avoid unnecessary gatherings and events.

 

What You Can Do 

Reduce Overcrowding

Walk or bike to work, if possible.

If the train is too packed, wait for the next one.

2 If You Feel Sick 

Stay home and call your doctor if you have symptoms including but not limited to coughing, shortness of breath, fever, or sore throat.

If you do not feel better in 24–48 hours, seek care from your doctor.

Avoid going out in public. Do not go to school or work until you have been fever-free at least 72 hours without the use of fever-reducing drugs like Tylenol or ibuprofen.

If you need help getting medical care, call 311.

NYC will provide care regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.

Special Guidance for Vulnerable New Yorkers 

The City is advising those with chronic lung disease, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or a compromised immune system to avoid unnecessary events and gatherings.

If you have family or friends who have one of these conditions, do not visit them if you feel sick.

If You Have Traveled Recently 

Anyone who has traveled to Italy, Iran, South Korea, Japan, or China and returned on or after March 4, 2020, must stay home from work or school for 14 days after their last day in that country and minimize contact with other people.

If returning travelers from affected countries develop fever, cough, or trouble breathing, they should call their medical provider and tell them about their symptoms and history of travel.

For those self-monitoring at home, DOHMH has developed a supporting doctor’s note and FAQ available at nyc.gov/coronavirus under “Returning Travelers.”

Students and families who returned from the affected countries before March 4, 2020, should monitor their health; if they develop any symptoms, they should stay home and call their medical provider. Please monitor CDC.gov for updates on affected countries here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/after-travel-precautions.html.

Continue to Practice General Viral Infection Prevention Measures Including: 

Wash your hands with soap and water often.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing. Do not touch your face with unwashed hands.

Do not shake hands. Instead wave or elbow bump.

Monitor your health more closely than usual for cold or flu symptoms.

3 How to Stay Informed and Fight Bias 

To get regular updates on the latest developments regarding coronavirus in New York City, text COVID to 692-692. You will receive regular SMS texts with the latest news and developments.

Please read the What You Need to Know

factsheet [https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/imm/novel-coronavirus-wuhan-factsheet.pdf] attached to this letter for more information.

Visit nyc.gov/coronavirus at any time for important updates, including ways to fight stigma and bias around this issue.

 

It’s important we come together as a city and support one another as neighbors and New Yorkers during this time. COVID-19 is not more likely found in any one race or nationality, and we must each model inclusion and actively work to combat bias in our workplaces and communities.

The health and safety of our students continues to be our chief priority, and we will continue to follow all guidance and take all appropriate measures accordingly, and stay in consistent communication with our families.

Sincerely,

Richard A. Carranza

Chancellor

New York City Department of Education

_____________________________________________________

March 3, 2020

Dear Families,

Over the weekend, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene confirmed the first case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in New York City. While we all hoped this moment would not come, it was something the City has meticulously prepared for. At this time, it is important to listen to facts and not respond to fear. Despite our first confirmed case, New Yorkers remain at low risk for contracting the virus. 

The health and safety of all of our students continues to be our first priority. As we monitor the situation, we are enhancing certain protocols and providing additional resources, including:

Providing CDC-approved cleaning agents to every school 

Ensuring all bathrooms are continuously stocked with soap and paper towels, and encouraging students and staff to wash hands frequently 

Ensuring principals and school nurses have the resources and guidance needed to detect and report symptoms exhibited at school, and provide help for any affected individuals

 Working in close partnership with the Health Department, we will continue to update our protocols as the situation evolves, and communicate about any possible impact to parents and our school communities. We will keep all of our latest information on our website at schools.nyc.gov/coronavirus.

 There are no plans to close schools at this time. This is an extreme measure that can be disruptive to day-to-day life, and the decision to implement will only be taken at the direction of public health experts. As a reminder, it is critical that all New Yorkers continue to practice general viral infection prevention measures including:

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or sleeve
•  Wash your hands regularly 

• Avoid touching your face 

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick 

• Get your flu shot – it’s never too late 

• Stay home if you’re feeling sick. Call your doctor and let them know your symptoms and travel history. 

We are in direct and regular communication with principals to ensure they have the latest information and to answer any questions that may arise. Additionally, we remind all families that they can receive regular updates on this topic and many others by signing up for an NYC Schools Account. Please visit https://mystudent.nyc/ to create an account and to update your emergency contact information. 

Please read the Frequently Asked Questions sheet attached to this letter for more information, or visit nyc.gov/coronavirus at any time for important updates. The health and safety of our students continues to be our chief priority, and we will follow all guidance and take all appropriate measures accordingly. 

Sincerely, 

 Richard A. Carranza

Chancellor

New York City Department of Education

For pdf letters in other languages please click on the link https://infohub.nyced.org/in-our-schools/translations/letters/coronavirus

 

NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF  HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE  Oxiris Barbot, MD  Commissioner

February 26, 2020

 Dear Families,

 This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention discussed possible options for what could happen if there is local person-to-person transmission of the novel coronavirus in the United States, including recommendations for school systems to consider.

 At this time, it is important to listen to facts and not respond to fear. Currently, there are no confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in New York City and the risk to New Yorkers remains low.

 However, the transmission of the virus in other countries has raised our level of concern, and we are preparing for the possibility of person-to-person transmission in New York City. The measures that are put in place should local person-to-person transmissions begin will depend on the number of individuals affected and the general severity of illness we experience in our city. The NYC Health Department is vigilantly preparing for all possible scenarios, and we will continue to monitor and communicate about any possible impact to our school communities.

 There are no plans to close schools at this time. This is an extreme measure that can be disruptive to day-to-day life, and the decision to implement will be at the direction of public health experts.

 All New Yorkers should continue to practice general flu prevention measures including:

 -Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or sleeve

 -Wash your hands regularly

-Avoid touching your face

 -Avoid close contact with people who are sick

 -Get your flu shot – it’s never too late

 -Stay home if you’re feeling sick. Call your doctor and let them know your symptoms and travel history.

 Please read the Frequently Asked Questions sheet attached to this letter for more information, or visit nyc.gov/health at any time for important updates.

 We will continue to clearly communicate with our school communities about our ongoing efforts regarding the coronavirus.

 Sincerely,

 Oxiris Barbot, MD

 Commissioner

 New York City Department of

Health and Mental Hygiene

Spotlight on Schools: Click on the following link to see our D14 schools spotlighted   

Green STEM Education at PS34 - Go, Green Brooklyn,

Our Green STEM Afterschool students had the chance to meet with the architects and builders from Marble Fairbanks, who are planning and building the new LEED-certified library.  They checked out the “golden shovel” with the President of Brooklyn Public Library, Linda Johnson. Our press team, Madison & Ixchel were busy interviewing attendees. Lana even got some advice from Deputy Brooklyn Borough President, Diana Reyna, on selecting middle schools. Take a look at Greenpoint Star, bklyner, greenpointers

The 2020 Census has officially started, and New York City needs you to fill it out today.

Help NYC get counted by taking a few minutes right now to fill out the 2020 Census. This year, filling out the census is easier than ever, and you don't even need to wait for your invitation to come in the mail. You can complete it in under 10 minutes: online at my2020census.gov or over the phone by calling 844-330-2020.  

The census will determine New York City's future for the next ten years, so let's make it count! For more information about the 2020 Census, visit www.nyc.gov/census.

At PS 34 we are committed to the academic success of every child. The school’s mission is to teach a rigorous academic curriculum, complemented by a wide range of enrichment opportunities, inclusive of the arts, in a supportive and safe environment.  Our students are challenged to become lifelong learners who are well prepared for the demands of the 21^st century.  We believe the high expectations of today will nurture successful and productive citizens of tomorrow.  As a community of professional learners, we empower our students to grow academically by teaching them critical and analytical thinking skills in full alignment with state and national standards. Supported by and in collaboration with families and community members, we expect students to aim high by addressing the individual needs of diverse learners and by strengthening the development of a well-rounded child who is fully prepared for their educational complexities beyond elementary school.