A message from you PS 34 Parent Coordinator
Dear Families,
I would like to welcome back all our families to another great year at PS 34! We are eagerly planning, organizing, and awaiting your return for learning and growing with us. It has been a challenging time for all of us however I believe we are a strong and resilient community and together we will continue to push through any adversity to make sure our children are safe and learning.
My goal is to keep you informed and provide a supportive connection between families and the school. I am here also as a resource in the school to support you with your child's learning. I am available to share concerns, comments, and ideas, and provide any support to help you help your children grow and succeed at PS34.
If you would like to arrange a meeting either virtually or in-person please call me or leave me a message at 718-389-5842 or e-mail dkowalski@schools.nyc.gov
Please note that we would like everyone to be able to access information in their language on this website. Text translation in various languages can be accessed by clicking on the “SELECT LANGUAGE” icon on the left-hand top of the page.
Be well and stay safe.
Ms. Deise Kowalski, PS 34 Parent Coordinator
PTA Meeting
PTA meetings are held virtually each Month. Zoom links will be posted the week before the meeting.
You can view Meeting Minutes and Agendas from our previous meetings by clicking bellow:
PTA Slideshow & Meeting Minutes - November 9, 2021
PTA Slideshow & Meeting Minutes - October 12, 2021
PS 34 PTA Bylaws
Bylaws are designed to help a PTA group function in an orderly manner. The PS 34 PTA Bylaws are available to PS 34 Parents in the link below.
SLT Meeting Dates for 2021-2022
PS 34 SLT virtual meetings occur every month on the First Wednesday at 3:00 pm.
Meeting Dates:
November 3, 2021, 11-3-2021 Meeting Agenda.docx SLT Meeting Minutes_11-3-2021.pdf
December 1, 2021, 12-01-21 SLT Meeting Agenda.pdf SLT Meeting Minutes_211201.pdf
January 5, 2022
February 2, 2022
March 2, 2022
April 6, 2022
May 4, 2022
Where: Zoom Meeting
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUudumhrDItE9BkMfGOumrVM-0HgJCZOqPo
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Please note: The community is welcome to observe however only SLT Members and invited guests can speak and participate.
Is your child being picked up by an afterschool program outside of PS34?
For your child’s safety, it is important that the school is notified of people and programs that can pick up your children at the end of the day.
Parents/guardians who are having their children picked up after school by outside programs will need to notify the school by printing and completing the attached release form. Please return the form to your child’s teacher on their blended school group day or to Ms. Deise Kowalski, Parent Coordinator.
After School Release form 2021
For questions contact Ms. Deise Kowalski at Dkowalski@schools.nyc.gov.
Updates from Your Parent Coordinator
September 20 2021 Updates for Families
Parent Square
This year we will be using ParentSquare to communicate with you at the school and in your classrooms and groups.
ParentSquare provides a simple and safe way for everyone at school to connect.
With ParentSquare you’ll be able to:
- Receive school and classroom communication via email, text, or app
- View the school and classroom calendar and RSVP for events
- Easily sign up to volunteer and/or bring items
Activate your Account:
You will soon receive an invitation email or text to join ParentSquare. Please click the link to activate your account. It takes less than a minute. You can use ParentSquare on any device. You can download the free mobile app for iOS or Android or use the desktop version at www.parentsquare.com.
Our goal is for every family to join ParentSquare and engage with our school community.
_______________________________________________________
Media Releases
Media Release e-form for the 2021-2022 School Year has been sent on Operoo for parents/guardians to complete online. Please make sure to complete the new release e-form so that PS 34 and teachers can share photos of your children on any of our media platforms (such as Dojo, Website, ParentSquare).
Workshop for Parents
Join our Universal Literacy Coach, Mrs. Harvey to learn about the Fundations Phonics program and how you can support your child’s Reading growth at home.
Grades K-1 Wednesday, November 10th at 5 PM
Register in advance for this zoom meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEudu6sqT8pEta3C0kY_d1Fy1pPnPe12_IN
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Second Grade Tuesday, November 16th, 10 AM
Register in advance for this zoom meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZArdu2sqz0jHNzO-_2s--AB5t95JKOdZy2Y
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Question? Contact Ms. Harvey at mmeadeharvey@schools.nyc.gov or Ms. Kowalski at dkowalski@schools.nyc.gov
Middle School Information for 5th Grade
Middle School Application & Information
In New York City, most students apply to middle school during their fifth-grade year.
For Students Entering Middle School in Fall 2022
- Start exploring program options in the MySchools.nyc middle school directory(Open external link).
- Sign up for the middle school admissions email list. You will receive more information on how and when to apply as soon as it's available, as well as key date reminders and admissions event invitations.
-Learn more at schools.nyc.gov/Middle
MySchools tutorial videos—part of our Middle School Admissions Video Series—will walk you through how to set up your account.
-Contact Ms. Deise Kowalski at Dkowalski@schools.nyc.gov
Remote Learning & Electronic Communications
Access Google Classroom
In September PS 34 will be using Google Classrooms once again this year for Remote Learning. Please follow the instructions below to access your child's Google Classroom.
How to Access Google Classroom
Please follow the instructions below to access Google Classroom using your NYCStudent net login.
Where to start
- Go to TeachHub
- Enter your DOE student account email (it ends in @nycstudents.net)
- If you don't know your DOE student account email, visit DOE Student Accounts
- Enter your password.
- Click Sign In.
- If the username and password entered are correct, you will be signed into the remote learning portal successfully.
- Click on the Google Classroom icon.
- Now you are in Google Classroom!
Remote Learning Links
Support for your DOE Devices
Do you need technical support or to fix a broken device, or are dealing with a lost or stolen device? Call DOE’s IT Help desk at 718-935-5100 and press 5 to get assistance.
You can also get quick help online:
· Browse tech support topics: schools.nyc.gov/technicaltools
· File a tech support ticket: schools.nyc.gov/techsupport
· Request a device: schools.nyc.gov/devices
· Get support with a DOE-issued iPad: schools.nyc.gov/ipadfixes
· Issues with your Internet connection: schools.nyc.gov/internet
NYC Schools Account
NYC Schools Account (NYCSA) is a web-based application that lets you see your child’s academic and biographic information on any computer, phone, or tablet.
NYSCA - ENG 1, Polish, Spanish.
The application is translated into nine languages other than English. In the account, you can see a child’s:
- Attendance • Grades (SCHOOL REPORT CARD) • Assessments (test scores) • Health information (Fitness-gram) • Schedule • Guardians • Enrollment history • Promotion Tracker • Graduation Tracker • Reading Level • Transportation
How to Create an Account:
You can create your NYC Schools Account online at mystudent.nyc . You will need the Account Creation Code that was sent home with your child in a letter with your report card during Parent-Teacher conferences. In addition to this code, you will need the child’s 9-digit student ID number (found on your child’s report card) to create an NYC Schools Account or to add additional children to an existing account.
Parent NYCSA Sign-Up Guide - The guide provides a visual step-by-step on setting up your account. Also, take a look at the video for the setup process https://vimeo.com/497731682
You can request your child’s account creation code and student ID by contacting me, Ms. Deise Kowalski, Parent Coordinator at DKowalski@schools. nyc. gov
Emergency Alerts
If you are a parent who lives with your child, or a custodial or non-custodial guardian, you can update your own cell phone number and email address in your NYC Schools Account, using the Emergency Contact page found under My Account. The cell phone number you provide will be used by the DOE to contact you directly in the event of an emergency. We recommend reaching out to your child’s school to confirm that their records reflect your updated contact information and preferences.
You can now invite other adults who are associated with your child's school record to have their own account.
You can invite relatives, the babysitter, a neighbor, or tutor, or a parent who lives in a different place, or anyone
else who you feel is important to share your child’s information with. However, as some of this information is
kept private by schools, we ask you to consider carefully whom you will invite. You control how much or how
little information you want to share with them. For more information: NYCSAParentFlyer_2017.pdf
Connect with NYC DOE
Connect with the New York City Department of Education and get up to the minute announcements on social media.
Subscribe to NYC DOE Email Newsletters and to receive information:
Updates for Parents and Families
Pre-Kindergarten Admission
Kindergarten Admissions
Gifted and Talented Admissions
Middle School Admissions
High School Admissions
Specialized High Schools Admissions
Summer in the City
Sign up.
Learning & Activities
Virtual Museums and Tours
Visit these amazing museums for some virtual tours.
Free Virtual Intrepid Adventure Programs for Families
Tuesdays and Thursdays I 3:00 PM-4:00 PM
Join an Intrepid Museum educator each week as we explore history, science, and ingenuity online together.
Virtual Intrepid Adventure Programs are family-friendly and engage all ages. We request that adults participate in the program with their children. Programs run between 45 minutes and one hour.
Advance registration for this drop-in online program is required to receive Zoom information and print-at-home materials when applicable.
Visit and register here: https://www.intrepidmuseum.org/education/intrepid-adventures
This award-winning series of six short videos invite viewers around the world to virtually visit The Met's art and architecture in a fresh, immersive way. Created using spherical 360° technology, it allows viewers to explore some of the Museum's iconic spaces as never before.
The Museum of Chinese in America
Online Exhibit: With a Single Step: Stories in the Making of America
The Museo Afro Brasil
Online Exhibit: Maracatu and the Alagoas Warrior: Afro-Brazilian festivities. Kings, queens, "caboclos", cowboys and "bois-bumbá." Get to know more about each tradition and the context behind its clothes.
Live Stream and Virtual Events
92Y at Home for Families
Live-streamed music performances, art activities, and other programming
92Y
Parks@home: You can enjoy NYC parks from home! Join us for live park tours, meditation, fitness, art classes, fun activities for kids, and more!
Just for fun: Harry Potter Virtual Escape Room Test your wizarding skills with the Harry Potter Virtual Escape Room. Created by Sydney Krawiec, a youth services librarian at Peters Township Public Library in McMurray, PA, this challenge can be completed as an individual or as a family.
Bedtime Math
Your kids won’t believe how cool math can be with Bedtime Math!
Enjoy a new story together every day in the free app.
Dip your toes into some surprising math with the Bedtime Math app! It delivers a new story for you to enjoy with your family daily. Get the app free
Math Parent Engagement Program
A Fun, free app for IPads, iPhones, or Android devices.
Quick, wacky family math.
Dinnertime. Bathtime. Any time.
A wacky new problem each day!
Three levels of math(ages 3-9)–Answers provided–No log-ins, no scores
1-Download app-Free
-iPhone/iPad or Android
2-Select language:
‐English
‐Spanish
3-Select Community Edition
4-Enter special code: NYC
5-Parents will select their District and School (District 14, PS 34 Oliver H. Perry)
6- You’re in!
Wide Open Schools Family Resource
The Wide Open School website provides learning activities for students to complete independently at home, or with their families.
• Access an overview of the units their children are studying throughout the year, in grades K-8; high school units will be added soon.
• Engage with their child on what is taught at school;
• Find support for learning at home, like tips for keeping children focused, as well as information about using online learning tools;
• Assist with conversations at parent-teacher conferences;
• Locate afterschool activities.
To learn more about tools and resources available on Wide Open School, visit nycschools.wideopenschool.org.
Wide Open School – NYC | Activities for kids learning from home.
Health & Wellness
COVID-19 Resources
UPDATE: COVID-19 Vaccines & Resources
We have great resources below from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH).
Most of these resources are available on nyc.gov/covidvaccine in multiple languages!
Covid 19 Flyers
- Flyer: Get Your COVID-19 Vaccine (PDF)
- What New Yorkers Need to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines (PDF)
Other Languages: Español | Русский | 繁體中文 | 简体中文 | Kreyòl ayisyen | 한국어 | বাংলা | Italiano | Polski | العربية | Français | ײִדיש | اردو | فارسى | नेपाली | هَوْسَ | हिन्दी | ਪੰਜਾਬੀ | پنجابی | Português | Shqiptar | Tagalog | ไทย | བོད་ཡིག | Tiếng Việt | Wolof - Palm Card: What New Yorkers Need to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines (PDF)
COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
o Long FAQ: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/covid/covid-19-vaccines-faq-long.pdf
o Factsheet: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/covid/covid-19-vaccines-faq.pdf
Making an appointment:
o Vaccine site locations for eligible New Yorkers: https://vaccinefinder.nyc.gov/
o Vaccine appointment phone number: 877-VAX-4NYC
Eligibility:
For groups eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine: nyc.gov/covidvaccinedistribution
Eligibility flyer: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/covid/covid-19-vaccine-eligibility-1b-flyer.pdf
COVID-19 Facts Video! Available in multiple languages: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9gRX1CBj5c
- Introduction to COVID-19 Vaccines
- What We Know About COVID-19 Vaccines
- COVID-19 Vaccine Facts with Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi
- COVID-19 Vaccine Facts with First Deputy Commissioner Dr. Torian Easterling
- Anthony Fauci and Dr. Dave A. Chokshi on COVID-19, Vaccines and NYC
Vaccine-specific Public Service Announcement from the Commissioner of Health is available on TV and streaming platforms:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuvcWv7GBoU
View this PDF for COVID-19 Resources
Video for Kids: This video, produced by NYC DOHMH, is short, friendly, and demonstrates the process of the COVID-19 Test for kids. If they are shown it ahead of time, it could help to make the testing process much less scary.
Get Your Child’s COVID-19 Test Results
Schools offering in-person teaching and learning are conducting weekly random testing of students and staff for COVID-19. If a student is tested, parents should hear results via text, email, or phone call within two to three days. Please make sure that families provide their schools with their most current contact information.
Learn more about COVID-19 testing results at schools.nyc.gov/covidresults
Flyers available in Arabic, Bengali/Bengla, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Urdu
COVID Testing Consent Forms: We ask that Blended Students download the PDF Student COVID-19 Testing Consent Form and return the completed consent forms to your child’s teacher or email to Ms. Deise Kowalski, Parent Coordinator, at Dkowalski@schools.nyc.gov.
The form is also available in various languages https://on.nyc.gov/33ewleq
Child Mind Institute’s FREE Workshop Series for Families
The Child Mind Institute will be hosting Caregiver Support Workshops. These workshop series are designed to provide families with proactive strategies to use to support your child’s mental health and learning needs while virtually learning from home. They are available at no cost to all NYC DOE parents and caregivers. Please see below for additional details.
Promoting Positive Behaviors for Your Child – learn more and register.
- Structuring a Home Learning Environment; Wednesday, February 3rd, 2021 | 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm EST
- Managing Kids' Screen Time; Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 | 9:00 am – 10:00 am EST
- Motivating Your Child for Remote Learning – Part 1; Wednesday, February 17th, 2021 | 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm EST
- Motivating Your Child for Remote Learning – Part 2; Tuesday, February 23rd, 2021 | 9:00 am – 10:00 am EST
- Improving Your Relationship With Your Child; Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021 | 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm EST
- Parent Calming Techniques; Tuesday, March 9th, 2021 | 9:00 am – 10:00 am EST
Coping During COVID-19 – learn more and register.
- Managing Intense Emotions; Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 | 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm EST
- Will My Child be Okay?; Monday, January 25th, 2021 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm EST
- Fostering Resilience Within Your Family; Thursday, January 28th, 2021 | 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm EST
Supporting Learning at Home – learn more and register.
- Building and Supporting Executive Functioning Skills; Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 | 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm EST
- Building a Foundation for Reading at Home; Wednesday, February 10th, 2021 | 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm EST
For additional resources, please visit The Child Mind Institute at https://childmind.org/coping-during-covid-19-resources-for-parents/.
Whats for Lunch?
Make sure to check out the MENU.
PS 34 is offering Free Take-out Meals for our Remote Learning students from 9am-12pm.
(The pick-up door is marked on Eckford Street Schoolyard)
What's on the Menu
Meals for All New Yorkers
Please visit the community meals page for more information on meals for all New Yorkers.
Free School Meals for All Continue
The NYC Department of Education’s Office of Food and Nutrition Service continues to serve free school meals at more than 1,100 sites throughout the city. We know the need is tremendous, and we want to make sure everyone knows where they can pick up three meals a day, every Monday through Friday, no questions asked. Help us keep spreading the word by sharing the following resources.
Find a nearby site by:
Texting 'NYC Food' to 877-877
Going to our searchable map that includes:
1,100+ sites serving children and their families 9 am-12 pm
250+ community meal sites serving everyone, 3 pm-5 pm
Halal and kosher service
Find more information on our website and download our informational flyer in English, Español, Français, and Kreyòl Ayisyen
For updated Grab and Go meal sites and updates on COVID-19 Emergency Food Distribution visit. NYC.GOV/Getfood
https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dsny/contact/services/COVID-19FoodAssistance.shtml
Emergency Food Assistance
Hunger Free America - Food Pantry/Soup Kitchen Listing
Use the link below to access a listing of food pantries and soup kitchens nearest you by address
https://findfood.hungerfreeamerica.org/
If you need emergency food assistance, call the Emergency Food Hotline at 866-888-8777 or 311 to find a local pantry or kitchen. There's no income limit for emergency food.
You can also visit the NYC Food Bank.
Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT Food Benefits)
P-EBT Background
Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) is a temporary federal food benefit program for families to buy food to make up for school meals that were missed while students were enrolled in remote/blended learning. Benefits can be used anywhere EBT/SNAP are accepted, including most retail food stores and farmers markets.
P-EBT is for ALL NYC public school students regardless of family income or immigration status.
P-EBT applies to any school participating in the National School Lunch Program, including private, pre-K, charter, and religious schools.
P-EBT is not a public charge.
For more information:
• For answers to commonly asked P-EBT food benefit questions visit the NYS
OTDA website at otda.ny.gov/SNAP-COVID-19
• NY State P-EBT Helpline: 1-833-452-0096
• EBT Customer Service 1-888-328-6399 or www.connectebt.com to request
a replacement card, check your balance, or activate (PIN) a card
11-3-2021 mofp-pebt-flyer-english 11-3-2021 mofp-pebt-flyer-Polish 11-3-2021mofp-pebt-flyer-spanish
Mental Health Support
If you need mental health support for you or your child, don't hesitate to reach out for help. There are many resources available.
Here are a few:
- NYC Well provides free, confidential mental health help from licensed counselors to New Yorkers in crisis. Talk to someone on the phone, via chat or via text. Call 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355), Text "WELL" to 65173, Chat at NYC.gov/nycwell
- The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) has a free, confidential NYC helpline in English and in Spanish and a nice list of youth resources.
- INCLUDEnyc has a list of counseling and mental health services available across the city.
- The Child Mind Institute offers lots of guides and information for families and educators. They also post info and video tips from expert clinicians on their Facebook page.
- ThriveNYC offers a roadmap to mental health issues, protections, and support in New York City. ThriveNYC’s new guide.
Social-Emotional Wellness for Children
- Last year, DOE announced our partnership with National University System’s Sanford Harmony program to provide all elementary schools with access to a social-emotional curriculum. During remote learning, Sanford Harmony is offering families access to Harmony at Home, an online toolkit that provides a variety of lessons, activities, and resources to help caregivers navigate the social and emotional needs of children during this difficult time.
- If you’re worried about how your child is dealing with the stress of COVID-19, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines on managing stress and anxiety. https://bit.ly/3djymsy
Telehealth Tips Website
The NYC Administration for Children’s Services, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity, and the Public Policy Lab have collaborated to create a Telehealth Tips website to support families, providers, and advocates in using telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. All information on the website is available in New York City’s 11 official languages.
Families can use the Telehealth Tips for Families page to find answers to common questions about setting up their technology and preparing for a virtual session. If you have any questions, please contact info@publicpolicylab.org. Go to https://www.familypathways.nyc/telehealth-tips.
Adult Education
Parents' Bill of Rights
Each child's maximum potential can best be achieved through a partnership between parents and the education community. To foster active engagement between parents and schools, parents have certain rights and responsibilities:
Parent's Bill of Rights is available in Polish English Spanish
Notify NYC is the City's emergency alert system. Get notified about school closings and other emergency-related items in several different categories.
