Messages from the Administraton

• March 27, 2020 - Friday message and some tips & resources (from Mr. Getz)

  March 27, 2020

  Dear Friends and families,

         In the 90's, when I was writing space exploration books for kids, I was able to ask the astronaut, Steve Nagel, what he thought about bringing his wife with him to Mars. To fight the isolation and loneliness.  The trip would be six months traveling in dark space,  a year and a half on the planet, and another sixth months back to earth in that small space capsule.

  "Well the advantage of going with your spouse is that you would be with your spouse. And then again, the disadvantage is you would be with your spouse."

  I didn't ask him if would consider bringing his kids.

  So how are you all doing after these two weeks?  Have you established routines for your families? How is the scheduling going?  How is the work we are assigning affecting your daily routines? What are your children struggling with and what is working well? How can we help?

  Next week, Amanda and I will be Zooming with each of the grades so we can start collecting experiences and data to make adjustments in what we are doing. We will start to address questions regarding assignments, scheduling, and grading. We will not be able to address issues that are beyond our control, like high school admissions or the Regents.

  Next week, we will also be Zooming with our SLT to get more direct parent feedback. We recognize that we have to be flexible here, and we have a very adaptive, wonderful staff.  And your children continue to be wonderful. We miss them dearly! We will make this work. Go Tigers, Roar!

  I am sharing two things below that I thought may be helpful to some of you: 

  - Listening to feedback from parents and from psychologists, we know that a structured day is useful for children. We also understand how we need to be flexible and adapt to the situation at hand. Below is a sample schedule you can use or adapt to your needs. 

  - The other blurb below is today's mindfulness advice from ESMS mom & psychologist, Dr. Michele Galietta. 

  As always, Amanda and I are eager to hear back from you. 

  Best,
  David

  DAILY SCHEDULE 

  8:30 - 9:15 am Wake Up, Shower, Breakfast 
  9:15 - 9:30 am School Check-In, Review Daily schedule 
  9:30 - 10:30 am Academic Time 
  10:30 - 11:00 am Free Time / Exercise
  11:00 am - Noon Academic Time 
  Noon - 1:00 pm Lunch / Free Time 
  1:00 - 2:00 pm Academic Time 
  2:00 - 3:00 pm Outdoors Activity / Indoor Exercise 
  3:00 - 3:30 pm Writing/Journal 
  3:30 - 4:00 pm Academic / Other 
  4:00 - 5:00 pm Activity: Board game, baking, dinner prep, other 
  Evening Activities: Reading, SHSAT/Test Prep, Religious Studies

  =========================

  From Michele:

       In the face of breaking headlines, it can be quite difficult to avoid negative thinking. Have you ever woken to find yourself dreading the coming day or expecting the worst? There is a saying that emotions love themselves. Negative thinking makes negative feelings and negative feelings bring on more unpleasant thoughts and feelings. Now, the goal is not to ignore the negative...let's be honest, there are a lot of unpleasant, scary things going on right now. However, the goal for Mindfulness practice today is not to ignore anything. Rather, it is to stay in the present moment so we do not invite negative thinking or get locked into negative thinking. It is not helpful and it can paralyze us or derail us.

  When you say, "Today will be terrible" or "Oh no another bad day," or ,"What bad things are going to happen today?" you are not in the present moment. You are predicting the future. More than than that, you are actually tipping the scales towards having a bad day. When you say "Ugh, another day," you are telling your brain what to notice. You then selectively notice the unpleasant or painful. It is not that those things aren't in the mix. For people who miss visiting their loved ones, or those who can't see their therapists, for clinicians worried about their clients, and for administrators faced with new and unprecedented challenges there is sadness, fear or exhaustion for sure. But, when we prime our brain to only notice those things, then it is negative experiences and feelings that will make up almost all of our day.

  So today's mindfulness practice is to practice staying in the present moment. If you can use the guided practice link below, please do so: youtube.com/watch?v=WHU2sjyD5MM

  If you cannot, simply make it your practice to see things clearly in the present moment. See everything without filter. Notice everything without labeling or judging. If you do this, you may still be challenged or miss someone or resent the responsibility you face, but you will not be locking yourself into staying that way for the entire day. Take a breath and you will see the next moment more clearly. You will be more effective and you will likely have a better day.

  My wish is for you to have your best day.

  Peace.

  Michele Galietta

  Covid-19 Related Updates for ESMS Students

• March 26, 2020 - Keeping Kids Active (from the School Counselor)

  March 26, 2020

  Hello, ESMS Families, 

  In the yellow box below, I am sharing a PDF of ideas for keeping our kids active and for using their downtime - whether alone, with you, or with other kids at home. (The final page has links to many other stay-at-home resources.) 

  Some other up-to-date information:

  This PDF is the latest Department of Health document of advice and answers to Frequently Asked Questions; it is geared to parents of school-age children and is also available online HERE. (fyi: The CDC website is also helpful.)

  Jessica McInnis
  School Counselor
  East Side Middle School 
  jmcinnis@schools.nyc.gov

  Covid-19 Related Updates for ESMS Students

• March 25, 2020 - Student Stress Relief and Wellness (from the School Counselor)

  March 25, 2020

  Hello, ESMS Families, 

  Some daily stress relievers are linked below.  The first few work well for adults, too!
  
  Jessica McInnis
  School Counselor
  East Side Middle School 
  jmcinnis@schools.nyc.gov

  Stress Reduction Activities for Students
  PDF attached: StressReductionActivities.pdf

  A message from Dr. Michele Galietta, ESMS mom and psychologist:

  Without the normal obligations that often drive our days, or when there is too much to do, it can be hard to organize oneself for the day. Our present life circumstances make it hard for us to "up-regulate." We can be sluggish, fuzzy-minded, or overwhelmed.

  This exercise was designed for young people, but it can be used by anyone. It is called rainbow breathing. According to Chinese tradition, energy comes in different colors with different functions for each color (e.g., calming, energizing...), so viewing and experiencing a rainbow can provide whatever type of energy you need. 

  So with arms spread wide you will breathe in reaching your arms in an arc and then exhale lowering them while viewing or visualizing a rainbow. Follow along with the video clip: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=O29e4rRMrV4

  What will you do with your energy today? Hopefully contribute in some way to a person or persons who need help. Be well!

  For all up-to-date information on ESMS, please go to our website

  Covid-19 Related Updates for ESMS Students

• March 25, 2020 - Dealing with our Current Challenges (from Mr. Getz)

  March 25, 2020

  Dear Families and friends,

  Hello all!

  A few years ago, my wife Jacqui and I went to a play at the Clubbed Thumb theater,  called Men on Boats, which was a reenactment of John Wesley Powell's exploration of the Colorado River. Men on Boats was acted by an entirely female cast, dressed in dime store cowboy costumes and carrying cutouts of wooden boats. It was brilliant and very funny, and we saw it twice. The second time we brought my mom. 

  One on-going trope of the play was that a character holding up a boat would suddenly turn to the rest of her/his crew and shout, "Look out, men! The rapids are up ahead!"   And then they would all tumble about the stage and one would fall out of her/his cardboard boat and be saved by the others.

  Well, judging by the news, we've just begun to hit the rapids. Yet, judging by the work your children are producing, all seems calm upon the waters.

  Clearly both scenarios can't be true. Yet, perhaps we should proceed as if they were both entirely compatible. 

  Our teachers are well aware of how difficult it is to teach remotely and modify their curriculum in a matter of days so it fits onto a remote platform. They are aware that even if they were doing their traditional work in classrooms, the overwhelming news of the hour is going to seep under the doors and into the windows and become the very air we are all breathing. It is awfully distracting, this air.  It is making us all anxious. But our teachers are working under the assumption that all is possible. They don't have a choice. They are professionals.

  And that's not counting the challenges you are facing in each of your homes. There are shortages of computers. A juggling of kids and time and managing their well being and emotional states. If one child has the computer at 10am for his class, what do we do about his sister who needs the only computer at the same time for her work? What about the child who needs extra time to work or just time to be off task to manage their emotions? There are other family members and friends to worry about.

  How about we use this week and next week to learn from each other and assess what is working and what is not?

  You are being a wonderfully supportive community in this difficult time. Let's use this time to observe and learn.  Then let's put our heads together to see how we can best make this work.

  Go Tigers, Roar!

  Best,
  David

  Covid-19 Related Updates for ESMS Students

• March 24, 2020 - Internet Use and Online Behavior (from Mr. Getz)

  March 24, 2020

  Dear friends and families of ESMS,

        The FBI has issued a press release calling attention to the danger of internet exploitation of children during the COVID-19 crisis. Our move to online schooling is going to increase the chances students are going to be engaged in or victims of inappropriate activities online.  Teachers can control who is online with them during Zoom or Google Hangout sessions; ESMS educators can control the tone and quality of their online communities, but parents need to understand that currently, our school staff has very limited control over what their students are doing online when they are not doing their school work. 

        We understand that this is a time when parents and guardians may be limited in their ability to closely monitor their child's internet usage. Please take time in your hectic schedules to talk to your child about internet safety so that your child is neither a victim  nor a perpetrator of internet bullying, harassment or exploitation. Remind them about the rules and expectations the agreed to when they signed the ESMS Acceptable Use Policy/Oath of Trust (click to view) in September. Our students are adolescents, and as such, are quite prone to acting on impulse. Impulse and the internet do not go well together.

       The following guidelines have been posted by the FBI:

  • Discuss Internet safety with children of all ages when they engage in online activity.
  • Review and approve games and apps before they are downloaded.
  • Make sure privacy settings are set to the strictest level possible for online gaming systems and electronic devices.
  • Monitor your children's use of the Internet; keep electronic devices in an open, common room of the house.
  • Check your children's profiles and what they post online.
  • Explain to your children that images posted online will be permanently on the Internet.
  • Make sure children know that anyone who asks a child to engage in sexually explicit activity online should be reported to a parent, guardian, or other trusted adult and law enforcement.
  • Remember that victims should not be afraid to tell law enforcement if they are being sexually exploited. It is not a crime for a child to send sexually explicit images to someone if they are compelled or coerced to do so.

  Best,
  David

  Covid-19 Related Updates for ESMS Students

• March 22, 2020 - Remote Learning Starts Tomorrow (Chancellor's Letter)

  March 22, 2020

  Dear Families,

  Tomorrow, we will all come together to take the first steps of a huge new educational journey as New York City brings remote learning to our 1.1 million students.

  While none of us could have predicted even a few weeks ago that we would launch this dramatic new transition in education, I could not be prouder of the way our educators have come together to ready themselves to teach your children from their own homes. And I could not be more grateful to all of you for your faith in our educators, and all of the hardworking staff at DOE.

  This will not be perfect. Nothing can ever replace a talented teacher in a classroom. We know the challenges and inequities our students face. But over the past week I have seen DOE’s 150,000 staff rise to this challenge in astounding ways. Your faith in them is deserved and earned.

  Read the remainder of the letter, in its entirety, HERE

  Covid-19 Related Updates for ESMS Students

• March 21, 2020 - An Important Message from the CEC D2

  March 21, 2020

  Dear families, 

                  As members of CEC 2, we write with the hope you and your family members are holding up well during this trying and challenging time. We are in uncharted territory as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold, and we as a school community must figure out how to be safe, how to make the best decisions for everyone in our broader community, and how to help our children navigate this new world they live in. 

                  In district 2 we are extraordinarily lucky to have so many talented, dedicated teachers and administrators who have spent the past week preparing to transition our students to remote learning that will begin on Monday. As a council we want to acknowledge and thank all of the teachers, principals and staff who reported to schools last week to take on the herculean task of developing and implementing remote learning plans as well as ensuring our students in need have access to meals. You are amazing and inspiring. 

  Remote Learning

                  Remote learning will begin on Monday the 23rd. You should have received or should soon receive direct communication from your child’s school with instructions. District 2 began planning for this transition in early March and all of our students have access to devices which will allow them to participate thanks to the careful planning of our district leaders. 

                  Please note that if you have no way of connecting to the internet from home, you can request a device from the DOE by filling out the Remote Learning Device Request at: https://coronavirus.schools.nyc/RemoteLearningDevices

                  There are several options for free wifi at the moment if your student needs wifi to participate. Click here for more information 

                  Additionally district 2 has partnered with Teaching Matters, a NYC-based non-profit organization to develop a distance-learning curriculum prototype. The Teaching Matters mission is to ensure that all teachers are well-prepared, confident, and effective with the diverse students they serve. They focused on creating a learning sequence for all content areas (including visual arts, dance, and physical education) that is student-facing (as opposed to teacher facing). The level of interactivity and inviting, kid-friendly techy-ness is to be applauded. Second, the Superintendent’s team took great care to weave in culturally responsive and sustaining materials into the readings, videos, and tasks. Please note that your child’s teachers/school may elect to develop their own video lessons, tasks, or use other readings. This curriculum is not mandated for use. Rather, our district team and principals had the opportunity to contribute expertise and feedback in order to help Teaching Matters create a resource for all teachers in our city, and we excitedly did so.                

                  The DOE has also provided this learning-at-home page to assist parents who are looking for more options for their students’ home learning.  

  Students with IEPs

                  If your child has an IEP, you should have already received or will receive a call from your school sometime next week to discuss the IEP and the remote learning plan for your child. 

  Regional Enrichment Centers

                  For first responders, health care providers and transit workers, Regional Enrichment Centers will offer childcare and remote learning with their peers from 7:30AM to 6:00PM with three hot meals a day. To enroll, fill out this form. 

  Meals for children

        Next week, grab-and-go meals will be available at 450 Grab-and-Go sites from 7:30AM to 1:30PM. Families can pick up breakfast, lunch and dinner at once, and no identification or registration is required. Families can find a meal hub location online (see below) or by calling 877-877 FOOD. Parents can pick up meals for all of their children at any site. There will also be supplies and materials available at these sites for those who need them.  

  You can find the site nearest you at https://www.communityfoodadvocatesnyc.org/covid19 or use the address look up at https://www.opt-osfns.org/schoolfoodny/meals/default.aspx

  Here is a list of Food Hub schools in District 2 

  P.S. 001 Alfred E. Smith, 8 Henry Street
  P.S. 002 Meyer London, 122 Henry Street
  P.S. 041 Greenwich Village, 116 West 11 Street
  P.S. 042 Benjamin Altman, 71 Hester Street
  The American Sign Language And English Secondary School, 223 East 23 Street
  J.H.S. 104 Simon Baruch, 330 East 21 Street
  P.S. 111 Adolph S. Ochs, 440 West 53 Street
  P.S. 126 Jacob August Riis, 80 Catherine Street
  P.S. 130 Hernando De Soto, 143 Baxter Street
  Stephen T. Mather Building Arts Craft, 439 West 49 Street
  P.S./I.S. 217 Roosevelt Island, 645 Main Street
  M.S. 260 Clinton School Writers & Artists, 10 East 15 Street
  Battery Park City School, 55 Battery Place
  Life Sciences Secondary School, 320 East 96 Street
  Manhattan Academy For Arts & Language, 111 East 33 Street
  Urban Academy Laboratory High School, 317 East 67 Street
  Stuyvesant High School, 345 Chambers Street
  High School For Environmental Studies, 444 West 56 Street
  School Of The Future High School, 127 East 22 Street, 
  M.S. 131, 100 Hester Street

   

  Resources

         Elected officials (Borough President, Council members, State Assembly Members and Senators) are sharing resources and information via regular emails to constituents. To find your representative, go to http://www.mygovnyc.org/ and then contact your representatives’ offices to sign up. 

  Text “COVID” to 692-692 for Notify NYC alerts. 
  Text “New York” to 81336 for updates from the Governor’s Office. 

  Click here to sign-up for COVID-19 updates from New York State.

   

  State tests

                  The federal requirements for State testing have been waived due to the Covid-19 pandemic and related school closures and as a result the NYS Department of Education has suspended the New York State Elementary- and Intermediate-Level State Assessments for the Remainder of the School Year. See link below: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D_El4-p-xCI0Q4XRaNYkHBahoSMtWkUO/view?usp=sharing

  CEC meeting 3/26/2020

              CEC 2 will hold our calendar meeting and working business meeting on March 26th at 6:30pm via Zoom. The zoom link to join the meeting is located on the agenda on our website.

                  As always we look forward to hearing from everyone! 

                  Stay safe and be well.

  Best,
  Community Education Council members of District 2

   

  Covid-19 Related Updates for ESMS Students

• March 20, 2020 - Remote Learning Device Requests

  Distance learning begins on Monday, March 23.

  To help students stay connected and support remote learning, the DOE is lending internet-enabled iPads to NYC students. If you would like to request a device for your family, please fill out the form HERE.  The DOE will use the contact information you provide to get in touch with you to discuss when and where you can pick up a device.

  Priority will be given to students most in need, and all devices are granted on a temporary basis and will later need to be returned. There is a limit of one device per student.If internet service is an issue, Spectrum is offering households with K-12 and college students free WiFi access and broadband (high-speed internet) for the next 60 days. (Available only to households who do not already have a Spectrum WiFi and broadband subscription.) To enroll, or to ask for more information, call 844-488-8395 or go to spectrum.com.

  Covid-19 Related Updates for ESMS Students

• March 20, 2020 - Cancellation of Select State Exams

  Statement From Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa and Interim State Education Commissioner Shannon Tahoe Regarding Elementary- and Intermediate-Level State Assessments

  The school closures caused by Novel Coronavirus are unprecedented and so, we have to make unprecedented decisions for our students. The administrations of the 2020 elementary- and intermediate-level State assessments have been suspended for the remainder of this school year.

  This suspension for the remainder of the school year applies to the following New York State testing programs:

  • New York State Grades 3-8 English Language Arts Test;
  • New York State Grades 3-8 Mathematics Test;
  • New York State Grade 4 Elementary-Level Science Test;
  • New York State Grade 8 Intermediate-Level Science Test;
  • New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) in Grades K-12; and
  • New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA) for students with severe cognitive disabilities in Grades 3-8 and high school.

  It is most important that during the time of closure, schools are able to continue to focus their efforts toward local school and community needs, as they have been doing, and not be concerned about State assessments. NYSED has applied for federal waivers for testing, accountability, and reporting requirements.

  The priority for the Board of Regents and the Department is to ensure that districts provide continuity of instruction for students to the greatest extent possible. It is a critical component of school emergency management, as it promotes the continuation of teaching and learning and prevents learning loss while schools are closed. However, many considerations play a role in developing continuity of learning programs such as access and availability, type and quality of materials and the length of time that the various types of learning will require. We are working with districts now to receive and review their plans.

  We are incredibly grateful to the educators who are devoted to developing these plans in the most equitable way possible and who have provided resources for parents and children.

  NYSED continues to work with the Governor’s Office, the state Department of Health, the Division of Homeland Security and the Office of Children and Family Services to ensure that we are up to date on all guidance and all of our resources for schools related to COVID-19 can be found on NYSED's dedicated website. 

  Most of all, we hope that our students and educators are well. We are thankful for the devotion and ongoing leadership of our teachers, administrators, school board members and parents who have gone above and beyond so that students are safe and impacted as little as possible.

  http://www.nysed.gov/news/2020/statement-board-regents-chancellor-betty-rosa-and-interim-state-education-commissioner-2

   

  Covid-19 Related Updates for ESMS Students

• March 19, 2020 - Students, Enable Your Notifications!

  A reminder from our teachers:

  To ensure that all students stay up to date on their work and assignments, please be sure they turn ON notifications for Google Classroom so they will know when GC has been updated. In addition, students should get used to checking their student emails/notifications regularly and responding to emails from teachers when they reach out individually.

  Covid-19 Related Updates for ESMS Students

• March 19, 2020 - A Message from Mr. Getz

  Dear friends and families of ESMS,

  I hope this finds you well. As the teacher or co teacher of Rocket Club, Student Council, Poetry Club and Map Committee, this loss of community is affecting me strongly in both a personal and theoretical fashion. There is our wonderful, collaborative staff,  whom we cannot meet with in a group, whom I never stop learning from and admiring. And then there is our curriculum, with its emphasis on mental and emotional well being, with classes in resilience, healthy relationships, sexual health, mindfulness, anti- bullying, and the emotional literacy of the RULER method. We are a school designed to function as a physical community, and that is currently not going to happen. So the question then becomes, What Then Must We Do?

  Perhaps first is keep in touch.  You and your children need to know that we are still here for them, and that their emotional health is still as important to us as their academic success. All of your child's teachers, Jessica, our guidance counselor, Amanda and I are still capable of communicating with your kids, via email or Google Hangouts - as soon as I learn how to work it. We can talk about school, or we can talk about whatever your children need us to talk about. And we can listen, too. Just listen. We're good at that, too!

  We are here for you, too! My wife, Jacqui and I raised three daughters, and I am quite aware of what it is like to spend days on end in the house with your kids.  I know about laundry and dishes and cooking and finding archaic food groups in between the cushions of your couch. So if you want to kvetch, or you have a question, or you just want to chat, you can reach out to us, as well. 

  Lastly, our teachers have been working like the Army Corps of Engineers, building virtual academic structures in just a matter of days. Please be patient, and please make sure your child is connected to the excellent work that is continuing. If you have questions or concerns, reach out to your child's teachers, but please remember, not only are they building these virtual networks, they also have families and friends and partners. They, too, are struggling with their fears and worries. 

  Well, I have to go now. My 86 year old mother just called me from Florida to make sure I am covering my neck when I walk through the park to work.

  Best,
  David

  Covid-19 Related Updates for ESMS Students

• March 17, 2020 - An ESMS Update on Remote Learning

  Dear East Side Middle School Families,

  We hope you are all doing well.  East Side Middle School teachers have been working to develop a plan to ensure that learning continues.  Please let us know as soon as possible if your child does not have access to a computer or internet access. 

  The following are guidelines for students and families. 

  Attendance: Starting Monday, March 23, each morning, before 9am, students will receive a Google Form in their ESMS emails to take attendance.  Students should fill out the form before 9:30 am every morning.  
  Expectations: Teachers will be posting assignments via email, their class websites, or Google Classroom each day by 9 am.  Students are responsible for checking their Google Classroom and emails each day and completing given assignments by their due dates.  

  STUDENT AND FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES

  The following are the responsibilities of parents and students outlined by the Department of Education:

  • Students should complete instructional activities assigned by teachers within the expected timelines.
  • Students should participate in check-ins, discussions, and other communication mechanisms as expected by the teacher.
  • Students should review teacher feedback and complete any follow-up activities as assigned by the teacher.
  • Students and families should proactively notify their teacher or a school administrator school with any concerns about progress or additional support needed;
  • Families should support students in being successful by establishing routines and habits that support their success in the above activities.
  • Families should ensure that students are adhering to their school's contract that outlines appropriate behavior on web enabled devices.

  Please let us know if your family is experiencing any significant challenges with remote learning.  We will miss seeing your children each day, but we are confident that they will continue learning with the support of their teachers.  
  
  

  Best,
  David and Amanda

  Covid-19 Related Updates for ESMS Students

• March 17, 2020 - A Message from the Guidance Counselor

  Hello, Parents and Guardians, 
  I hope you are well, given the circumstances. I am available via email for any student or parent that wants to communicate with me during this time.   I encourage that each student journals daily about their feelings, their experience and anything else that is on their mind. I encourage communication and utilizing mindfulness strategies while at home.  Students are welcome to share their journal entries with me.   It is important to keep a schedule at home. This allows for a set structure. Make sure your kids get dressed and are ready to start the day. You know your kids best. Are they more focused in the morning or at another point during the day? That should help guide you to setting a time aside for academic work. Don't forget to schedule in recess, meals and social time. Talk to your kids. Get their input. Allow them to help set up the daily schedule. Most importantly, allow for mistakes. This is all new to us, be kind to yourselves.  
  Here are a few organizations that have great online resources available for parents:
  Child Mind Institute: childmind.org
  Smiling Mind: smilingmind.com.au
  Health Information Tool for Empowerment / HITE: hitesite.org
  NYC Well: nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/get-help-now
  National Alliance on Mental Illness / NAMI: nami.org , (24 hr Helpline: 800-950-NAMI)

  
  Jessica McInnis
  School Counselor
  East Side Middle School 

  Covid-19 Related Updates for ESMS Students

• March 15, 2020 - School Closure Information -

  NYC Public Schools Closed - Monday, March 16th thru Sunday, April 19th.
  Schools currently targeted for reopening on Monday, April 20th.
  

  Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza today announced the City will move towards a new Remote Learning Model for all school days until Spring Recess. Students will not report to school buildings for instruction during this time. School buildings are scheduled to reopen to students following Spring Recess on Monday, April 20, 2020. 

  Tomorrow, March 16, there will be a one-day full system closure, however breakfast and lunch will be available at every building through grab-and-go meals.

  The remainder of the announcement can be found at:
  https://www.schools.nyc.gov/alerts/nyc-public-schools-will-close-starting-monday-march-16-2020

   

   

  Covid-19 Related Updates for ESMS Students

• March 5, 2020 - DOE Actions in Response to the Coronavirus -

  On March 4, 2020 at 4:20 pm, the DOE sent out a letter outlining actions they are currently taking in response to the Coronavirus. You can view it and prior updates at https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/health-and-wellness/coronavirus-update.

  Related, you may visit nyc.gov/coronavirus at any time for critical updates, including ways to fight stigma and bias around this issue.  Coronavirus Fact Sheets (plus translations) are available on that page under Additional Resources for 2019 Outbreak.

   

  Covid-19 Related Updates for ESMS Students

• March 3, 2020 - 1st NYC Coronavirus Case Confirmed -

  3/3/20 letter from the DOE is HERE. Please see the DOH website for the most up-to-date information.

   

   

  Covid-19 Related Updates for ESMS Students

• February 27, 2020 - Links shared by the DOE and ESMS -

  1) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene - Coronavirus Update  (2/26/20, and also emailed out by the DOE)

  2) NYC Health - FAQ for Home Self-monitoring

  3) DOE's dedicated Coronavirus Webpage

  4) New York Times - How to Prepare for the Coronavirus  (on-going updates) -  As per Mr. Getz: "One important takeaway for me was this, "During the SARS epidemic - also caused by a coronavirus, but one that was much deadlier - hand-washing reduced the risk of transmission by 30 to 50 percent...The thing is, Americans aren't very good at it."    Have a look at the quick, embedded video and, perhaps, share the hand-cleaning technique with your kids. It is a simple step we can all take toward staying healthy."

  Covid-19 Related Updates for ESMS Students