Health + Safety

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

COVID-19 Vaccine DOHMH has created a Vaccine web page to keep New Yorkers up to date.  Click to access: NYC.gov/COVIDVACCINE 

COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility  

The COVID-19 vaccine is now available to certain groups in NYC. The following groups have recently become eligible: 

• People age 30 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. 

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.

Daily COVID Case Map

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.

COVID Alert NY

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. 

Community Updates

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month!
This month, we recognize the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. Below is a list of resources that families and students may want to explore.

• NYC DOE Asian American Pacific Islander Resource Guide 
• NYCDOE School Library System, Asian American/Pacific Islanders Collection
• Asia Society, Spotlight on Asian Pacific Americans: A Biography Series for Children and Families
• National Park Service, Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage
• New York Public Library, AAPI Heritage Month Resources

CEC Meetings & Registration Links:

• CEC 3 Calendar Meeting: Wednesday, May 19, 6:30 pm
• CEC 3 Business Meeting: Wednesday, June 2, 6:30 pm
• CEC 3 Calendar Meeting: Wednesday, June 16, 6:30 pm

Mental Health Resources & Information

DOE: Mental Health Impacts All of Us

• Mental health impacts not only our students but our families, schools, and communities.
• One in five children struggle, or at some point in their life will struggle, with their mental health.
• Half of all mental-health and substance-use conditions start before age 14.
• Approximately one in five students who could benefit from additional mental-health supports does not get them.
• Get Help Immediately: Text "WELL" to 65173, call 1-888-NYC-WELL (692-9355), or chat now.
• For more information on Mental Health Supports, visit the DOE’s web site.

THRIVENYC
Call 1-888-NYC-WELL If you are thinking about suicide, or know someone who is[ counselors are available to listen to and support you 24/7. Contact NYC Well by calling 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355), texting “WELL” to 65173 or chatting at nyc.gov/nycwell. If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of hurting themselves, or in immediate danger because of a health condition or other situation, call 911.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
Available 24 hours, in English & Spanish

Recent Mayoral Forums Addressing Education

• Council for School Supervisors and Administrators: The State of Education Forum
• PLACE (Parent Leaders for Accelerated Curriculum and Education): Education First Forum
• NYU / Columbia Mayoral forum: NYC Mayoral Candidates Education Policy Panel

Promoting Positive Behaviors for Your Child Caregiver Support Series

 REGISTER HERE

*Please note that workshops in this series are primarily geared toward families with children ages 5-11.

• Parent Calming Techniques | Wednesday, May 5^th, 2021 | 4:00PM – 5:00PM EST

For additional resources, please visit The Child Mind Institute at: https://childmind.org/coping-during-covid-19-resources-for-parents/. 

Free Online Kids Cooking Classes

Common Threads Cooking for Life is offering free virtual on demand nutrition lessons for elementary school students across the country. Learn more and register here.

Intrepid Museum's Free STEAM Events

Free Virtual Intrepid Adventure Programs for Families

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 - New Features!

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.  

May 4 - https://parentu.schools.nyc/course/detail/370

May 6 - https://parentu.schools.nyc/course/detail/374

May 11 - https://parentu.schools.nyc/course/detail/371

May 13 - https://parentu.schools.nyc/course/detail/375

May 18 - https://parentu.schools.nyc/course/detail/372

May 20 - https://parentu.schools.nyc/course/detail/376

May 25 - https://parentu.schools.nyc/course/detail/373

May 27 - https://parentu.schools.nyc/course/detail/377

  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   

Tech Resources

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

Tech Information 

Technical Support for Remote Learning Devices

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

Green Committee

Another birding opportunity

The Urban Park Rangers are leading a bird walk starting at 116th and Riverside Drive on Sunday May 16th.

There will be a BioBlitz, an effort to contribute to science by tracking plant and animal diversity,  in Central Park on Saturday May 22nd. It is also possible to do it on your own schedule, see link for more info.

Advocacy

Take action to support a bill under consideration in the NY State legislature which would ban neonic pesticides. These pesticides endanger the health of bees and birds and are a threat to human health as well. 

Do you have an idea for how to help our families and children enjoy nature and protect our environment? Please let us know and we will share it in a future newsletter! 

EVENT: School Wellness Move-To-Improve

The DOE’s Move-to-Improve program is coming to public TV in May! Younger students (3-K through grade 2) can get active by watching these upcoming Let’s Learn episodes airing on channel 21, WLIW (Long Island) at 9:00 a.m. and Channel 13, WNET (NYC metro area) at 11:00 a.m.:

• Wednesday, May 12: Move-to-Improve: Listen Up
• Wednesday, May 19: PE: Pace or Race
• Thursday, May 20: Move-to-Improve: Pace Yourself

Composting

Families looking for places to take their food scraps for composting can search this list of current options, 

• Sunday 12:00-1:00PM - 90th btw Columbus/Amsterdam- Westside Community Garden (the garden across from PS166)
• Sunday 9:00-3:00PM - 77th btw Columbus/CPW- 79th Street Greenmarket
• Wednesday 4:00-6:00PM - 107th & Columbus- Reclaimed Organics (NOTE: there's a suggested monetary contribution based on volume deposited)
• Friday 8:00-12.30PM - 97th St Greenmarket (between Columbus & Amsterdam)
• Saturday 11:00-1:00PM (weather permitting) - W138th St & 12th Ave- Jenny's Garden

Want more information? Click here for more composting sites and information.

Textile Recycling

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.

Inclusion Committee

Dyslexia and LD's: Warning Signs and How to Advocate for Your Children

Links for those who missed last week’s event or need resources: Video | Slides |  Resources  

DOE Special Education Family Forum

May 20, 3:00 - 7:30 pm

During this interactive virtual Forum, you'll learn about a variety of special education topics from experts, hear from parent leaders, and get tools that can be used to support participation in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. Our interactive workshops have been developed to meet the diverse learning needs of families who are new to special education, those with children who are preparing for life after high school, and everything in between.

Understanding your early childhood program options

Check out AFC's Guide to Early Childhood Education Programs for 3 and 4 year olds for the 2021-2022 school year, and our Summary of COVID-19 Changes to Preschool Special Education (available in English and Spanish) 

Beyond Access Series

 Webinars to support families of children with disabilities during remote learning. (Available in English and Spanish) You must register in advance.

• Games to Support Literacy: Tue, May 11, 7:30 PM
• Taking Care of Yourself During the Pandemic. Tue, May 18, 7:30 PM
• You Are Experts Too!” Parent Q&A. Tue, May 25, 7:30 PM

Advocates for Children Resources

Have questions about applying to middle or high school for students with IEPs? Watch Advocates for Children of NY's recent webinar about the application process for students with disabilities.
Advocates for Children of New York's Education Helpline provides individualized guidance and information for your education-related issues. Assistance available in multiple languages: Monday-Thursday, 10am - 4pm; (866) 427-6033.

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:

• FARE’s “Getting Started at School.” 
• CDC National School Food Allergy Guidelines  

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.

Family Giving