Dear Families, 

As this unprecedented school year comes to a close, I want to thank you and your children for your patience, resilience, and perseverance in adapting to the closing of school buildings and remote learning. No one ever imagined confronting such a disruptive and damaging pandemic. I recognize it imposed hardships on you, and brought new complications in the education of our students—especially those who are building their proficiency in English. 

I started off in kindergarten not speaking a word of English, so I personally know the kinds of challenges that you and your children face even under normal circumstances. That is why all of us at the DOE embrace your home language, home culture, and traditions—all of the things that make you and your child who you are. We are dedicated to making your child’s educational experience safe, welcoming, and supportive. That’s true in our school buildings and when we are teaching your children remotely. 

Over the summer and heading into the fall, we remain committed to equipping our educators with the knowledge and tools they need to ensure your child has the language support required to learn grade-level material. I encourage you to connect with your teacher if you have not already to identify what programs, resources, and strategies you can use over the summer to build your child’s language development. Supporting your child’s summer learning process is a high priority for all of us. 

At the same time, please work with your child in your home language as well! Reading, writing, and asking questions in the language you use will lead to their academic success in both languages. 

We are looking toward the fall and making key decisions regarding re-opening school buildings in the safest way possible. If you have not already done so, please help us guide that process by completing our Return to School survey at schools.nyc.gov/returntoschool2020 by June 30. 

I am grateful for your partnership in educating your child and hope you enjoy your summer! 

Sincerely, 

Richard A. Carranza Chancellor 

New York City Department of Education