2/22- 2/26: WEEK 2 AABBB
3/1-3/5: WEEK 1 AAABB
3/8-3/12: WEEK 2 AABBB
3/15-3/19: WEEK 1 AAABB
3/22-3/26: WEEK 2 AABBB
3/29- 4/2: Off
Applying is fast and easy, just log into your NYC Schools Account @mystudent.nyc
Don’t have a NYC Schools Account? Each parent can sign up for one now @mystudent.nyc
Once you register, you can email me for your personal code to add your students. You can also reach out if you have any questions about NYCSA or the Election.
Want more information?
First semester report cards are available on your child's NYCSA account. We have worked hard to make sure every parent set up their child's account by today so they could access the report cards. We have been emailing or backpacking activation code letters to all families who have not yet signed up for an account. We have posted messages in this Newsletter. But there are still some parents who have not yet set up their accounts. Unfortunately, we are not able do it for parents.
Please note the grading codes for this year:
N (which stands for 1, 2), 3, 4.
In Phys Ed the grades are P (which stands for pass) and N (which stands for 1, 2)
If you have received a letter, email or phone call from Ms. Hamilton saying we are still missing your child's physical, please send it in ASAP. Even if your child is fully remote, physicals are required by law. You can backpack (if your child is a Blended Learner) or send it by email to dmarkewich@schools.nyc.gov.
Please call Ms. Hamilton at 212-579-0851 if you have any questions.
Doctors can use their own forms or use the DOE form found here.
Thu, Feb 25, Noon: PTA Meeting - With Ms. Nicola Godwin, PS 166 Math Coach, and PS 166 teachers.
Thu, Mar 4: Parent-Teacher Conferences – EARLY DISMISSAL
*Tue, Mar 2, 8:30 PM: Grades K-2 PTA Chat and Budget Review/Feedback
*Wed, Mar 10, 9:30 AM: Grades 3-5 PTA Chat and Budget Review/Feedback
Thu, Mar 18, Time TBD: PTA Meeting
Mon, Mar 29 - Fri, Apr 2: Spring Break, SCHOOLS CLOSED
*Please note, you are free to join either session regardless of the grade
Thursday, March 4
It will be an early dismissal day for students with dismissal at 10:50 (3-5) and 11:00 (K-2).
Conferences will be held remotely and as always, parents will sign up through schoolbookings.
The 3-K application (for children born in 2018) will be available from February 24th – April 30th.
The Pre-K for All application (for children born in 2017) will be available February 24th – April 7th.
Set up your MySchools account now to research program options in the 3-K directory and Pre-K directory.
1. Use your thermometer: Place under tongue, close mouth, and wait 1 minute to hear beep.
2. Complete the health screening by clicking below. Health Screenings must be shown to school staff before students will be admitted.
3. Parents must give consent in order for their child to attend school in person. Testing partners will test a randomly selected group of staff and students in schools. You have two options to submit your consent:
Make sure your child is set up for Remote Learning with the remote-learning-checklist-for-families.
The DOE Family Guide provides information on what teaching and learning will look like this school year, and universal expectations for how our schools support all students —whether they are attending fully remote or blended learning classes. The guide also provides information about who families can contact when they have questions or concerns, and resources that families can use to support learning at home.
2020-2021 Family Guide is available online and in all 9 DOE languages.
Read the Chancellor's update letters for families below:
DOE Return to School Covid School Health Policy
Students or their parents/guardians may pick up meals for students from 9 am to 12 pm on school days. You can find your nearest take-out location here.
Any New Yorker may pick up free meals available at more than 200 locations across the city.
Click below for the 2020 NYC DOE School Calendar
Visit the DOE Return to School webpage regularly for the latest updates.
2/22- 2/26: WEEK 2 AABBB
3/1-3/5: WEEK 1 AAABB
3/8-3/12: WEEK 2 AABBB
3/15-3/19: WEEK 1 AAABB
3/22-3/26: WEEK 2 AABBB
3/29- 4/2: Off
Applying is fast and easy, just log into your NYC Schools Account @mystudent.nyc
Don’t have a NYC Schools Account? Each parent can sign up for one now @mystudent.nyc
Once you register, you can email me for your personal code to add your students. You can also reach out if you have any questions about NYCSA or the Election.
Want more information?
First semester report cards are available on your child's NYCSA account. We have worked hard to make sure every parent set up their child's account by today so they could access the report cards. We have been emailing or backpacking activation code letters to all families who have not yet signed up for an account. We have posted messages in this Newsletter. But there are still some parents who have not yet set up their accounts. Unfortunately, we are not able do it for parents.
Please note the grading codes for this year:
N (which stands for 1, 2), 3, 4.
In Phys Ed the grades are P (which stands for pass) and N (which stands for 1, 2)
If you have received a letter, email or phone call from Ms. Hamilton saying we are still missing your child's physical, please send it in ASAP. Even if your child is fully remote, physicals are required by law. You can backpack (if your child is a Blended Learner) or send it by email to dmarkewich@schools.nyc.gov.
Please call Ms. Hamilton at 212-579-0851 if you have any questions.
Doctors can use their own forms or use the DOE form found here.
Thu, Feb 25, Noon: PTA Meeting - With Ms. Nicola Godwin, PS 166 Math Coach, and PS 166 teachers.
Thu, Mar 4: Parent-Teacher Conferences – EARLY DISMISSAL
*Tue, Mar 2, 8:30 PM: Grades K-2 PTA Chat and Budget Review/Feedback
*Wed, Mar 10, 9:30 AM: Grades 3-5 PTA Chat and Budget Review/Feedback
Thu, Mar 18, Time TBD: PTA Meeting
Mon, Mar 29 - Fri, Apr 2: Spring Break, SCHOOLS CLOSED
*Please note, you are free to join either session regardless of the grade
Thursday, March 4
It will be an early dismissal day for students with dismissal at 10:50 (3-5) and 11:00 (K-2).
Conferences will be held remotely and as always, parents will sign up through schoolbookings.
The 3-K application (for children born in 2018) will be available from February 24th – April 30th.
The Pre-K for All application (for children born in 2017) will be available February 24th – April 7th.
Set up your MySchools account now to research program options in the 3-K directory and Pre-K directory.
Cohort B
Cohort A
Cohort A
Cohort B
If these guidelines are not followed, the teacher will provide a reminder, and if the student is still not following the guidelines, the teacher will sign the student off.
COVID-19 Vaccine DOHMH has created a Vaccine web page to keep New Yorkers up to date. Click to access: NYC.gov/COVIDVACCINE
The COVID-19 vaccine is now available to certain groups in NYC. The following groups have recently become eligible:
People age 65 and older
Teachers and education workers
First responders
Public safety workers
Public transit workers
Learn which groups are currently eligible for the vaccine, and which may be eligible next.
Click to access: NYC.gov/COVIDVACCINEDISTRIBUTION
Covid Testing: The administration encourages students to get tested for Covid before the first day of in-person classes. Here is a map to find local testing centers near you and at-home testing options.
Face Shields: Students will only remove their masks during lunch in the classroom. The administration has requested that parents send in their children with face shields to wear during lunch to help mitigate the spread of germs. Here is a type of mask that should fit children’s heads
Health Forms / Flu Shot: Per Nurse Hamilton, new Medication Administration Forms need to be submitted. Also, she reminds parents and children to get a flu shot now. This is highly important, especially this year, as getting FLU and COVID at the same time can be extremely dangerous.
Ventilation Reports: Ventilation reports for PS 166 can be found here. A room requires at least one functioning method of ventilation to be cleared for occupancy. This could be a window that opens, a type of mechanical ventilation (exhaust fan, supply fan, unit ventilator) or a combination of both.
This map shows all known cases of COVID-19 at New York City public schools. It is updated Sunday through Friday at 5:30 PM. This information was compiled by the DOE COVID Response Situation Room—a multi-agency partnership between the Department of Education, Department of Health and Mental Health, and the Test & Trace Corps—to facilitate a rapid response to positive COVID-19 cases in public schools.
This is a voluntary, anonymous, exposure-notification smartphone app. You will get an alert if you are in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19. You can download the free app to your smartphone to receive an alert if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Please see the NYC Health Department’s Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions for more information, or visit nyc.gov/health(Open external link) at any time for important updates.
CEC3 Middle School Committee Meeting, Feb. 23, 7:00 PM
CEC3 Calendar Meeting, Feb. 24, 6:30 PM
The Community Education Councils were created by the New York State Legislature and serve as the local bodies responsible for ensuring that public school parents and the public have input in educational decision-making at the community school district level. The CEC plays an important role in influencing education policy in NYC.
If you are a parent of a current student in a NYC public school, you are eligible to run for a seat on the Council and to vote in the upcoming CEC Elections. To apply for an elected seat on a Community or Citywide Education Council or to vote for a candidate, log into or create a NYC Schools Account.
2021 CEC Election Calendar:
CEC Meetings & Registration Links:
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 – Please click here to learn more and register.
Motivating Your Child for Remote Learning – Part 2; Tuesday, February 23rd, 2021 | 9:00am – 10:00am EST
Improving Your Relationship With Your Child; Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm EST
Parent Calming Techniques; Tuesday, March 9th, 2021 | 9:00am – 10:00am EST
For additional resources, please visit The Child Mind Institute at: https://childmind.org/coping-during-covid-19-resources-for-parents/.
Tuesdays and Thursdays I 3:00PM-4:00PM:
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. https://www.intrepidmuseum.org/education/intrepid-adventures
Parent University (parentu.schools.nyc) is a course registration and management system where NYC families can find free trainings on a wide range of topics. Parent University serves all families, from early childhood through adulthood, and seeks to educate and empower them as partners and advocates through free courses, resources, events, and activities.
We currently offer 200+ free, pre-recorded, on-demand, and live, web-based courses and they cover a wide range of categories including:
Adult and Continuing Education
Arts – NEW category!
Early Childhood Education
Enrollment
Fitness – NEW category!
Health and Wellness
Multilingual Learners
Parent Leadership
Remote Learning and Technology
School Buildings and Operations
Special Education
We also offer links to 50 websites on our Resources Tab. Check out our NEW resources including:
NYS Parent Portal
Benefits Navigator
INCLUDEnyc
Literacy Partners
Ready 4K
For more information, including flyers in different languages, please visit the Office of Family and Community Empowerment page on the DOE website. To get started, watch this short video tutorial and learn how to create an account. Then, go to parentu.schools.nyc to log in and enroll in one of our upcoming live, web-based courses!
Self-Care: Mindfulness, Breathing, & Chair Yoga – EVERY Tuesday @ 10am
Families who need technical support for their student's DOE iPad now have the option of contacting AppleCare Support for the NYCDOE. Call 1-800-919-2775, and when prompted, enter the PIN 692363. (Only call AppleCare to ask about setting up your iPad once you've received the device; don't call to check on the status of a device request.) Families whose iPads are not working can also call the DOE's Help Desk at 718-935-5100 or submit a ticket online.
DOE Tech Support
https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/learn-at-home/technical-tools-and-support/technical-support-for-families
Free or Low-Cost Internet Options
https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/learn-at-home/technical-tools-and-support/free-and-low-cost-internet-options
To request a device from the DOE
https://coronavirus.schools.nyc/RemoteLearningDevices
To switch to All-Remote Learning
https://www.nycenet.edu/surveys/learningpreference
Families who need technical support for their student's DOE iPad now have the option of contacting AppleCare Support for the NYCDOE. Call 1-800-919-2775, and when prompted, enter the PIN 692363. (Only call AppleCare to ask about setting up your iPad once you've received the device; don't call to check on the status of a device request.) Families whose iPads are not working can also call the DOE's Help Desk at 718-935-5100 or submit a ticket online.
DOE Tech Support
https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/learn-at-home/technical-tools-and-support/technical-support-for-families
Free or Low-Cost Internet Options
https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/learn-at-home/technical-tools-and-support/free-and-low-cost-internet-options
To switch to All-Remote Learning
https://www.nycenet.edu/surveys/learningpreference
We’re still looking for parents and friends who would like to perform in our Broadway Sings night this Spring! If you are a professional singer, Broadway performer or have connections in the entertainment industry, we’d love for you to share your talent!
And if you are interested in co-chairing, assisting with organizing, promoting or just generally helping with this incredible event, please contact Annalisa.
Interested in purchasing spirit wear? T-shirts, sweatshirts, water bottles, and hats in various sizes and colors are available for purchase. Email us for more information.
Please also consider supporting our very own PS166 parent-owned businesses! If you’d like to add your own business to the list, please email us.
If you’re shopping on Amazon, please be sure to activate Amazon Smile by going to smile.amazon.com and selecting Friends of PS 166 Inc as the charity recipient. A percentage of each purchase will go support our school!
Have an idea for a fundraiser or community event? Want to lend a hand to our school? Please email Annalisa Petersen or fill out our survey.
PS 166 is updating our online family directory to make sure all families receive appropriate information from the administration, PTA announcements about important community events, and any grade, cohort or class-specific info.
We are so grateful to all who contributed to the Annual Fund this year. If you would like to donate to fill in funding gaps from the DoE, you can here.
Families looking for places to take their food scraps for composting can search this list of current options:
Want more information? Click here for more composting sites and information.
While our collection of clothing / textiles for recycling is also still on hold, clothing, shoes, and linens can be taken to the Farmer’s Market at Morningside Park, 110th and Manhattan Ave, on Saturdays from 9 am til 3 pm. In addition, Wearable Collections will pick up from your residence, although there is now a fee, and a large minimum amount: https://www.wearablecollections.com/homepickups
Another option is Pick Up Please: https://pickupplease.org/
Be sure to check out the Green Committee Home Page for more info.
DOE Free Webinars on Literacy
Designed to support families of students with disabilities during remote learning, they will focus on the basic theory and practice of good reading instruction, and share everyday activities for parents to use at home with their child. Learn more and register
Disability Pride Parade Visual Art Contest
The NYC DOE’s Disability Pride Parade Visual Art Contest is open to all Pre K - 12 students. Recognizing that art is an invaluable means of expression and communication, the DOE is encouraging students to develop visual representations of what the phrase, “Nothing About Us Without Us,” means to them. Contest finalists will be invited to a special reception, as well as have their artwork featured in a NYC art gallery and on promotional materials for the Disability Pride Parade. The deadline for submissions is Friday, March 13, 2020. All interested students should speak with their Art teacher.
ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN’S TURNING 5 WORKSHOPS: KINDERGARTEN ADMISSIONS.
These workshops will cover the process for applying to DOE public schools, including tips for researching schools, ways to submit an application, understanding how school offers are made, what to do when you get an offer, and more. See all webinar dates and register
Continued Special Education Services during Remote Learning
Your child continues to have the right to receive the special education supports listed on their IEP during remote learning. If you have questions or concerns, reach out to the Special Education office at specialeducation@schools.nyc.gov or call 311, or contact your child’s special education providers to confirm scheduling options for all-remote services.
Webinar: DOE’s Temporary Transition for Fully Remote Learning
Hosted by NYCDOE Division of Specialized Instruction and Student Support. Join DOE representatives to learn more about what the transition to fully-remote learning means for students with IEPs.
Advocates for Children Education Helpline:
This Education Helpline provides individualized guidance and information for your education-related issues. Monday-Thursday, 10am -4pm. Translators available. (866) 427-6033
Food Allergy Support - Return to School
If you are a parent or a guardian of a child with food allergies, you can explore some useful recommendations from the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) group regarding return to school:
PS166 Family Guide to 504 Accommodations
Please visit the 504 Accommodations Page for information on whether your child is eligible to receive health services or accommodations in school under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
For additional information related to 504 accommodations, you can review the Department of Education’s Student and Family Guide here.
Become a Certified Parent Member of the IEP Team!
The Parent Member is a member of the IEP team that supports a parent of a child with a disability at their IEP meeting. In this state-approved FREE training, learn about procedures and regulations, as well as how to promote the parent's understanding and participation. For more information, please visit here.
We are looking for new Inclusion Committee Co-Chairs. Please email the VP Volunteers if you are interested.
