Upcoming Dates
Thursday, September 16: Yom Kippur, No School
Thursday, September 23: Back to School Night
PS 166
Welcome Back Families!
Back to School Night is September 23
Back to School Night will take place virtually. Zoom links will be sent next week.
This is your opportunity to learn all about the curriculum, assessments, classroom procedures, class newsletters/websites, and lots of other information to have a great start to the new school year. All parents and guardians are invited and encouraged to attend
6:00-7:00 PM Classroom Teacher Presentations
Meet your child’s teacher(s). Teachers will present the curriculum and discuss classroom procedures with all parents in the class. One class rep for each class will be chosen. If you would like to volunteer, let your teacher know at that time.
7:00-7:30 PM Specials Teachers Presentations
Ms. King (art), Mr. G (theater), Mr. Shackman (music), Mr. DeVito (phys ed) and Ms. Sora (library/tech) will introduce themselves and give a short presentation about their programs.
7:30-8:30 PTA Meeting
September PTA Meeting - Meet the PTA officers and hear about upcoming PTA events.
Supply Lists for Grades:
DOE Messages
Read the Chancellor's latest letters.
COVID-19 Safety and Health Protocols
Complete DOE guidance regarding COVID-19 safety and health protocols were announced August 26, 2021 and are available on the DOE site and as a PDF.
Some highlights:
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Mask wearing for ALL students and adults in the building will continue to be required.
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Vaccinations are required for all DOE staff.
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Social distancing requirements are 3 feet between students, where possible.
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Testing will occur for 10% of the unvaccinated school population, twice a month. Testing will not be required for vaccinated individuals.
Provide Consent for COVID-19 Testing
Fill out a COVID-19 testing consent form in your NYC Schools Account (NYCSA) or download a printable version at schools.nyc.gov/covidtesting. Don’t have an NYC Schools Account? Learn how to get started at schools.nyc.gov/NYCSA.
Support PS166 While Getting Vaccinated
Spread the word to anyone who is looking to get vaccinated! New York City is partnering with PTA and community groups like ours to encourage vaccination in our community. For every eligible person we refer to a city-run vaccination site or for an in-home appointment, Friends of PS166 will receive $100.
Participation is easy:
1. Request an appointment using the NYC Vaccine Appointment Scheduler.
2. During online registration, list "Friends of PS166" when asked "Were you referred for your vaccination by an organization as part of the NYC Vaccine Referral Bonus Program?"
3. Friends of PS166 will receive cash for each referral up to $20,000.
Announcements
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Upcoming Dates
Thursday, September 16: Yom Kippur, No School
Thursday, September 23: Back to School NightPS 166 -
PS 166 Student Emails
All PS 166 students have PS 166.org emails. Returning students' emails have not changed since last year. Parents of new students have received a message with information about activating your child's email address.
PS 166 -
Remember to Fill Out the Operoo Form
The Operoo system makes it very easy for you to respond to field trip, blue cards, registration, and other consent forms using your mobile phone, tablet or PC. No more paperwork or lost forms or notes found in the bottom of the backpack, no more concerns about children missing out on information when they are absent. We do need a valid email address and cell phone number from you in order to use the Operoo system.
Please make sure to fill out the form by the deadline of Thursday, September 16th so we can get you set up to receive forms and letters.
Fill out the FORM here.PS 166 -
2021-2022 School Calendar
PS 166
PTA Announcements
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Open Volunteer Roles
We have a few roles that need to be filled in order to help our community run smoothly! If you've been wanting to get involved, and are looking for a task that you may be able to organize from home and on your own time, please consider taking on one of following roles for the coming year that are currently organized by graduating 5th grade parents who can train and answer questions about these jobs:
- School Supply ordering - manage and order general school supplies and printer ink for teachers and staff as needed.
- School ID and Security cards - oversee production of ID cards for parents and guardians to enter the school through a computerized system. Helps keep our children safe, and streamlines building entry procedures.
- AC Maintenance - check in bi-annually on AC, filter, and ventilation maintenance w head janitor Judith, and coordinate maintenance w AC company
- Digital Marketing & Technology Committee - need help filling roles in digital marketing (email), form building and video editing
Please reach out to Tiffany to learn more!
PTA -
PTA Election Results
Congratulations to our new PTA Executive Board and newly elected parent SLT members! The following are the results of the May 25th parent elections:
PTA Executive Board
Co-Presidents: Kristin Savov and Annalisa Petersen
Co-Treasurers: Emilie Wang and Geeta Koolwal
Recording Secretary: Sarah Sevier
VP Fundraising: Simon Franceschi
VP Events & Volunteers: Tiffany Boyer
VP Grants: Radi Morris
Financial Secretary: Ken Connolly
Communications Secretary: Amie Ray
SLT
Christine Nuzum
Jenny Passero
Yael SwicaPTA -
Parent-Owned Businesses
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.
PTA -
Amazon Smile
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!
PTA
Green Committee
Advocacy Opportunity
Support the inclusion of climate change education into NY State High Schools by signing this petition.
Good News - electric buses
NYC’s first electric school buses will be added to the school bus fleet in September.
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
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)
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:
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.
Community Updates
Middle school lottery survey
If you participated in this year’s middle school lottery, please share your experience.
Apply for the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB)
Receive up to $50/month credit towards broadband service through this FCC program, and up to $100 for a laptop, desktop, or tablet for households struggling to afford internet service during the pandemic.
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
