Parent Letters /Information
Parent Letter #14
To our PS 108 Community: We hope you are all doing well, staying safe and healthy, and most importantly staying positive! The PS 108 staff is here for you and we want to reassure everyone that we intend to continue being a resource for all our students, their families, and the entire school community. The recent public health concern that has resulted in a nationwide crisis has led to feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. Students are dealing with sudden changes to their regular schedules as well as a decrease in their ability to socialize with their peers. Parents are feeling stress and it’s completely expected and appropriate to experience fear during situations like these. It’s also important to know how to manage overwhelming anxiety and keep perspective as the situation unfolds. We’re all in this together and we hope this information can help cultivate perspective and reduce anxiety. Staff is working diligently to ensure that students will be engaged in remote learning over these next few weeks. We will be using Google Classroom as our platform for online learning. For families who do not have any source of technology, Teachers have shared a link https://coronavirus.schools.nyc/RemoteLearningDevices from the DOE to assist you with this. Please look for any of the latest updates on the NYCDOE homepage as well as our school website PS108q.com. Also, please reach out to the PTA and your child’s teacher with any issues. If they cannot assist you, they will direct you to someone who can support you. We are all in this together and we will get through this!! Sincerely, Jennifer Iovine Principal |
Important Update from the Chancellor 3-16-2020
March 16, 2020 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-fromhome 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 |
Parent Letter #13 - Respect for All Week
February 3, 2020 Dear Parents / Guardians, February 10th through February 14th has been designated as “Respect for All Week” in all of New York City public schools. During this week, school communities will raise awareness of Respect for All, the Department of Educations program to combat bullying and harassment on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, or disability. “Respect for All Week” is a week of celebration of respect, kindness, diversity, difference, and tolerance. During the week we thought it would be interesting and fun to celebrate each day differently so…
Here at P.S. 108, social emotional learning is an important initiative. We are committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment where all students feel valued and respected each and every day. We look forward to highlighting student participation during “Respect for All” week. Sincerely,
J. Iovine Principal
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Parent Teacher Conferences
February 2020 Dear Parents/Guardians, On March 5, 2020 we will be holding Parent – Teacher Conferences. Students will have a half day dismissal that day. For these conferences, we will be scheduling individual appointments with each parent. Please take a moment to fill out the form below so we can try to schedule a time that is most convenient for you. Keep in mind that the more times you indicate as available; the better your chance will be of getting a time that will work for you. If this form is not returned, teachers will select a time that fits into their schedule and notify you. Please return this form to school no later than February 27, 2020. The earlier the better! Place an “X” next to at least three (3) times that you are available. We will make every attempt to schedule you in one of your selected times, or as close as possible. Appointment reminder forms will be sent home once a schedule is created. Child’s Name ___________________________________________ Child’s Class _____________________
(Check with your child's teacher for times)
Please mark an (X) if you want a translator present at your conference. __________. If yes, which language: ___________________________ Please indicate the name and class number of siblings. We will try to accommodate corresponding times: _______________________________________________________________ |
Parent Letter #12 - Changes in 2nd & 4th Grade dismissal site
Dear Parents/Guardians, Due to unexpected construction in and around our building, our current dismissal procedures for 2nd and 4th grade will be affected. Please see below new procedures which will take effect today, October 23, 2019, and will be in effect until further notice: · Grades 2 and 4 will line up in the playground area in the school yard We ask that all parents wait on the green turf. Teachers will hold their class number on a sign to assist parents in locating their child’s class. Please be patient, as we know this is a new procedure and it may take some time to adjust. I will continue to provide you with any updates regarding ongoing construction issues as they arise. I apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your support and cooperation. Sincerely, J. Iovine Principal |
Parent Letter #11 - Discipline Code and Behavioral Contract
Student Behavioral Contract (Grades K – 5) Name of Student Date of Birth Class I know that I have a right to:
§ know what is correct behavior and what behaviors may result in disciplinary actions; § counseling by staff about my behavior and how it affects my education and welfare in school; § due process of law when I violate school regulations for which I may be suspended or removed from class.
I agree to:
§ come to school on time with the assistance of my parents, prepared to work; § use courteous and polite language; § participation in class/community meetings to acknowledge a person’s thoughtfulness, assistance or courtesy; § resolve conflicts peacefully and express my feelings in words; § dress in a clean, neat and safe manner; § take care of my personal belongings and respect other people’s belongings; § tell my parents what I learned in school each day; § complete my homework every day and show it to my parent(s)/guardian(s); § follow the rules in the Discipline Code.
I have discussed this with my parents and I will follow this agreement.
Student Name: _______________________ Signature: ________________________ Date: _______________ (Please Print)
{Parent Section}
I have viewed a copy of the Discipline Code and Bill of Student Rights and Responsibilities and understand the behavior that is required of my child. The Discipline Code is located on the school’s website www.ps108q.com on the “Parent’s Place” tab. I understand that my participation in my child’s education will help him/her be successful in school. I have read this agreement and I will carry out the following responsibilities to the best of my ability. § Encourage my child to be a respectful and peaceful member of the school community. § Discuss the Discipline Code and the Bill of Rights and Responsibilities with my child. § Participate in parent conferences, class programs and other activities in which my child is involved. § Assure that my child will arrive at school on time everyday. § Provide a quiet place for my child to his/her homework. § Spend at least 15 minutes per day reading with my child. § Listen to my child retelling of his/her school day experiences. § Provide the school with current telephone numbers and emergency contact information. § Alert the school if there are any significant changes in child’s health or well-being that affects his/her ability to perform in school. Parent/Guardian Name: ______________________________________ Date: ____________ (Please Print)
Parent/Guardian Signature: ___________________________________
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Parent letter regarding water bottles
Dear Parents, Students are permitted and encouraged to bring a water bottle to school each day. Please make sure your child’s name is clearly written on his/her water bottle. Please only send water bottles that can be closed tight and will not spill on their desks....do the spill test at home to make sure! Straw top bottles work the best! To prevent the spread of germs, students are responsible for bringing water bottles home each night to be cleaned and refilled. Since water is so important to the body, how much water should children drink every day? An average of 4-5 glasses of fluid each day for children aged 2-6 and water is the best choice! After performing physical activity, or in hot or dry weather, remember to give your children a good supply of water. However, most children are not keen on drinking water, not to mention 4-5 glasses of water every day. They may find water rather bland as most of them have a sweet tooth. This makes a lot of parents worry. To help children attain such goals, the following tips may help you: 1. Start with a small amount, and keep giving your children water regularly so as to build up their habit of drinking water. 2. Give them water after they get out of bed, during meals, snacks, or activities whenever you can. 3. Give them water only, and not sweetened drinks, when possible. Thank You, P.S. 108 Administration |
Parent Letter #10 - Peanut / Nut allergies
September 10, 2019 Dear Parents/Guardians: This is to inform you that we have some students with severe allergies to peanuts and nuts in our school. It is important that there is a strict avoidance of this food in order to prevent a life-threatening allergic reaction. We are asking your help to provide these students with a safe school environment. Any exposure to peanuts/nuts may cause a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires emergency medical treatment. To reduce the chance of this occurring, we are asking that you do not send peanut or nut-containing products to school with your child. This includes cupcakes sent for birthdays. Please send only bakery/packaged cupcakes which are clearly labeled to not contain peanuts/nuts. If your child has eaten peanuts/nuts before coming to school, please be sure your child’s hands and face have been thoroughly washed before entering the school. We appreciate your support of these procedures. Please complete and return this form so that we are certain you have received this information. You may contact me if you have any questions. Thank you for your cooperation. Sincerely, J. Iovine
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Parent Letter #9 - Chronic Absence
September 2019 Dear Parents/Guardians, As we begin another school year, I would like to take this opportunity to address the importance of school attendance when students are in elementary school. According to research conducted in 2015, 83% of students who are chronically absent in kindergarten and 1st grade will not read proficiently in 3rd grade, and will therefore be four times more likely to drop out of high school. By promoting regular school attendance, you are helping your children develop positive habits that will help them be successful in school. This type of success will not just be reflected in academics, but also in developing appropriate social skills, healthy life habits and positive emotional attitudes. Chronic absenteeism is defined as absence from more than 10% of the school year. Although 18 or more school absences in a year may seem unlikely, that is just two absences a month. This level of absenteeism can lead to students falling behind their peers academically, as well as to an increase in stress and anxiety for students and parents alike. A similar effect can occur when students are regularly late to school or dismissed early. Students who continually miss instructional time will be at a disadvantage and will be continuously trying to catch up with their peers. Attending school consistently will improve student outcomes. If your child is struggling with absenteeism, please contact your child’s teacher, guidance counselors, or our parent coordinator for support. We appreciate all your support to ensure student success by reducing chronic absence in school. Sincerely, J. Iovine Principal
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