Ellington Magnet Summer Newsletter
August 6, 2021
NYC Department of Education COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Dear Families,
The next school year begins September 13, and a healthy and safe year for your child depends on vaccination! All New Yorkers aged 12 and older can now receive a free COVID-19 vaccine. Monday, August 9 is the last day for your child to get the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine to be fully vaccinated in time for school.
This date is important to remember because the vaccine for adolescents (Pfizer) requires two doses, three weeks apart, and it takes two weeks from the second shot for someone to be considered fully vaccinated.
While vaccination is not required for school attendance, vaccination allows children to be in the classroom, participate in afterschool activities and sports, and gather with friends safely. It also provides a more stable learning environment because students who are fully vaccinated currently are not required to quarantine if a student in their class has COVID-19. Vaccination has already greatly reduced COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, helping to reopen the city and deliver a brighter future.
Getting your child vaccinated is safe, confidential, and easy. Here’s what you need to know:
- Visit nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692) to find a vaccination site near you. Many sites do not require an appointment.
- You can also request and receive at-home vaccination by visiting nyc.gov/homevaccine or calling 877-VAX-4NYC. In-home vaccination is free and available to all New Yorkers ages 12 and older.
- You do not need to provide proof of immigration status or a social security number to get vaccinated. Identification is only required for proof of age. If your child does not have an ID, you can attest to their age at the time of vaccination.
- You do not need health insurance to get vaccinated.
- For people under 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must provide consent.
- Children aged 12 to 15 must be accompanied to the vaccination site by a parent or guardian, or another adult caregiver designated by the parent or guardian.
- Some sites allow children aged 16 and 17 to go to the site alone, but they still require parental consent in writing or by phone.
- All records and information associated with vaccination are kept strictly confidential.
- Vaccines are administered by trained medical professionals.
- On-site telephone interpretation in multiple languages will be available.
- The City is now offering $100 for anyone (including children) who gets their first dose at a City-run vaccination site or at home as part of the in-home vaccination program. To find a City-run site, visit NYC COVID-19 Vax4NYC Appointment Scheduler or call 877-VAX-4NYC. See here for more information about this and other incentives.
Pediatricians and other health care providers can help answer questions, and many are able to give the COVID-19 vaccine at a back-to-school check-up, along with other routine immunizations. If you need a provider, call 1-844-NYC-4NYC. NYC Health + Hospitals providers care regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.
If you have any questions, visit nyc.gov/covidvaccine for all the facts. We deeply appreciate your partnership in keeping our school communities safe and healthy.
Sincerely,
The NYC Department of Education
STUDENT IMMUNIZATION UPDATES
Dear Parent or Guardian,
New York City has updated the school immunization requirements for the 2021-2022 school year. A list of these requirements for 2021-2022 is included with this letter. Before the school year begins, you must submit proof of immunization for your child if they are attending child care or school.
All students in child care through grade 12 must meet the requirements for:
• The DTaP (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis), poliovirus, MMR (measles-mumps-rubella), varicella and hepatitis B vaccines.
Children under age 5 who are enrolled in child care and pre- kindergarten (pre-K) must also meet the requirements for:
-
The Hib (Haemophilus influenza type b) and PCV (pneumococcal conjugate) vaccines.
-
The influenza (flu) vaccine: children must receive the flu vaccine by December 31, 2021 (preferably, when it becomes available in early fall).
Children in grades 6 through 12 must also meet the requirements for:
• The Tdap (tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis) booster and
MenACWY (meningococcal conjugate) vaccines.
Please review your child’s immunization history with your child’s health care provider. Their provider can tell you whether additional doses of one or more vaccines are required for your child to attend child care or school this year. Please note: If your child received doses of vaccine BEFORE the minimum age (too early), those doses do NOT count toward the number of doses needed.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Lawrence, MD, FAAP Medical Director
Office of School Health
Queens Library Virtual ESOL Classes
Queens Public Library will be hosting FREE Virtual ESOL Classes via Zoom. The fall semester runs from September-December and classes are offered mornings, evenings, and weekends for both beginner and intermediate levels. All classes will be held virtually.
Learn more here. Register here.
Registration deadline is August 22.
Other organizations in Queens also offer ESOL classes for adults. See this list put together by the New Americans Program at the Queens Library as well as WeSpeakNYC a program from the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs which offers 7 week courses on a rolling basis - Current Cycle is July 25-September 11)
Both organizations also offer resources for schools & teachers who wish to facilitate their own Adult ENL Class Series:
Summer Reading at the Queens Library
Office of Family and Community Empowerment (FACE) Updates
UPDATE: August 9 is the last day to get the two-dose Pfizer vaccine regimen in time to be fully vaccinated by the first day of school on September 13
The Departments of Education and Health are launching a multi-media campaign to promote vaccination to kids and parents so they can be fully immunized by the first day of school. August 9 is the last day for children 12 and up to get their first shot in time to be fully protected by school opening on September 13. Children under 18 are only eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, which entails a five-week period to full vaccination, including the three weeks between the first and second doses.
The $1.3 million campaign will run from August 2 through the end of September 12 on TV, radio, digital, subway, newspapers and posters at neighborhood businesses including bodegas and supermarkets. The ads can be viewed here. The ads will be translated into the top 13 languages spoken by Limited English Proficient New Yorkers.
Alongside awareness, the back-to-school campaign will open mobile vaccination sites directly in the places where young people are at this August. Locations include Public School Athletic League pre-season conditioning sites, high volume summer meal sites, 12 Saturday Night Lights locations, and 28 middle and high school Summer Rising sites. Getting the word out about these opportunities is occurring through live phone calls to New York City parents, which will include the offer of at-home vaccination visits. Additionally, PA/PTAs can take part in the City-sponsored vaccine referral program for community groups, allowing them to earn $100 for every parent and/or child who gets their first shot. PA/PTAs can also host a mobile vaccination team at any PA/PTA-sponsored events this fall.
School nurses are critical partners in keeping our young people healthy and safe, and during the first month of school they can set up mobile vaccination sites at schools or help interested students schedule at-home vaccinations.
New York City has recently reached more than 10 million COVID vaccine doses administered, including more than 240,000 people under 18-year-olds.
Beginning September 13, all city employees—including DOE staff—are required to show a one-time proof of vaccination or take weekly COVID-19 tests. In partnership with the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), each of the five UFT borough offices will host vaccination sites this fall.
Vaccines are available at hundreds of City sites, H+H hospitals, mobile sites, and pharmacies and community clinics, and anyone can receive an at-home vaccine.
While vaccine sites throughout the City accept walk-ups, you can make an appointment at vaccinefinder.nyc.gov or call the vaccine center 877-VAX-4NYC to arrange for free, round-trip transportation to a vaccine site.
Everyone is eligible to request and receive at-home vaccination—and you can choose Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson. Register for an appointment at nyc.gov/homevaccine or call 877-829-4692.
Parents or guardians can also check with their pediatrician or health care provider to see if they have the Pfizer vaccine, and ensure that their child is up-to-date on other routine immunizations at the same time.
UPDATE: Earn $100 for Getting your First COVID 19 Vaccination
Starting today, Friday, July 30, 2021, if you get your first vaccine dose at a New York City-run vaccine location you will be eligible to choose one of the incentives listed here, including a $100 pre-paid debit card! People ages 18 and older can also enter to win exclusive prizes. Once your first COVID-19 vaccine dose is complete, you will receive an email with instructions on how to select your money or incentive and enter the contest.
Book an appointment at any site listed on the NYC COVID-19 Vax4NYC Appointment Scheduler or call 877-VAX4NYC (877-829-4692) to find a participating site. Go to www.vax4nyc.nyc.gov/incentives to learn more.
Get vaccinated. Get money. Get protected.
UPDATE: High School Seniors Can get a Free Computer Device and WiFi Connectivity
First Tech Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to closing the digital divide by supporting and providing access to technology, digital skills, training, and mentorship to NYC High School Students. They are supporting 85 high school students with free computer devices and Wifi.
Click here for more information about applying and eligibility. Applications are due August 10th at 7pm -- visit www.firsttechfund.com/apply to print, or apply online!
DOE UPDATE: Panel for Education Policy
PUBLIC MEETING OF THE PANEL FOR EDUCATIONAL POLICY (PEP)
Click here for more information about the PEP
Prospect Heights Educational Complex
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
883 Classon Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225
6:00 PM
The regular public meeting of the Panel for Educational Policy will take place on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 6:00PM. This meeting will be held in-person. Additional details regarding how the public may join this meeting are published below the agenda.
In accordance with City Council legislation, Panel meetings will now be live-streamed over the Internet. To access this service, please register here. Registration will remain open until the meeting’s adjournment. A recording and transcript will be posted to the Panel website following the meeting.
Please be aware that if you choose to attend this meeting, your image or voice, or the image or voice of your child, may appear in the live-stream footage, or in the recording that will be posted to the Panel website.
AGENDA
Regular Public Meeting
A. Chancellor’s Update
B. Approval of Contracts
The Panel will vote on the attached list of contracts. Public comment on contracts being considered by the Panel will take place before the Panel votes.
C. Approval of Chancellor’s Regulation A-710
The Panel will vote on the Approval of the amendments to Chancellor’s Regulation A-710. Public comment on the Approval of the amendments to Chancellor’s Regulation A-710 being considered by the Panel will take place before the Panel votes.
D. General Public Comment
Sign Up for Public Comment
Speaker sign-up for agenda items B-E will begin at 5:30PM at the door and will close promptly at 6:30PM. Speakers may only sign themselves up for public comment, and only those who signed up will be permitted to speak during the appropriate public comment period(s). Each speaker will be allowed two minutes to speak during the public comment period(s) for which they signed up.
Interpretation Services
Interpretation services will be provided in Spanish, Mandarin and Cantonese. Interpretation services for other languages, including American Sign Language, will be provided upon request. To request services contact us at: (212) 374-0226 or panel@schools.nyc.gov
Contact for agenda items: (212) 374-0226/52 Chambers Street, New York, NY 10007
Servicios de interpretación
Habrá servicios de interpretación en español, mandarín y cantonés. Para otros idiomas, incluyendo el lenguaje de señas americano, es necesario solicitar previamente el servicio. Para solicitar servicios, llame al (212) 374-0226 o escriba a panel@schools.nyc.gov
Contacto para temas de la agenda: (212) 374-0226/52 Chambers Street, New York, NY 10007
口譯服務
屆時將提供西班牙語、普通話和廣東話的口譯服務。如有人提出要求，將提供其他語言（包括美國手語）的口譯服務。如要求服務，請聯絡我們：(212) 374-0226或寫電郵至 panel@schools.nyc.gov
有關議程事宜的聯絡方法： (212) 374-0226/52 Chambers Street, New York, NY 10007
DOE UPDATE: Family Welcome Centers
Family Welcome Centers serve NYC families all year round with enrollment and admissions. Our staff members provide remote support Monday through Friday via email, phone, or video conference.
To request support and/or set up an appointment, please complete and submit this form: Request for Support
When we receive your form, we will call or email you to support with your request. We’ll make every effort to respond within 72 hours. We are grateful for your patience.
Need help accessing or submitting the online form? Call 718-935-2828 for assistance.
Arabic Bangla/Bengali Chinese English French Haitian Creole Korean Russian Spanish Urdu
DOE UPDATE: Student Applications for CCECs
All Community and Citywide Education Councils are required by NYS Education Law to have a non-voting student member. Only students who will be high school seniors during their year of service are eligible to apply; other requirements vary by council.
More information regarding the roles and responsibilities of Education Councils can be found
at http://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/get-involved/education-councils
If you know a student who may be interested, please share this application.
For Community Education Councils (CECs), applicants must:
reside in the district where they are applying to serve (students may find out their school district by using NYC DOE’s school search tool at https://www.schools.nyc.gov/find-a-school); and
be a member of the elected student government or hold an elected leadership position (e.g., president of a club).
For the Citywide Council on High Schools (CCHS), applicants must:
be a member of the elected student government or hold an elected leadership position (e.g., president of a club).
For the Citywide Council on Special Education (CCSE), applicants must:
have an IEP.
For the Citywide Council for District 75 (CCD75), applicants must:
attend a District 75 school or program.
For the Citywide Council on English Language Learners (CCELL), applicants must:
be classified as an English Language Learner currently or in the previous two years.
DOE UPDATE: Applications for Appointed Members on the Citywide Council on High Schools
The Citywide Council on High Schools consists of thirteen voting members and one non-voting
student. Of the voting members, ten must be elected parents of public high school students, and
three are appointees. Of the three appointees, one must be a parent of a public high school student with an Individualized Education Program(IEP), appointed by the Citywide Council on Special Education (CCSE); and one must be a parent of a student attending a public high school who is an English Language Learner (“ELL”). An ELL is a student whose home language is not English and who is enrolled in a dual language, transitional bilingual education, or English as a New Language (ENL) program because the student needs support learning English.
Chancellor’s Regulation D-160 sets forth the eligibility requirements for membership in CCHS and can be found online here.
If you are interested in applying or know someone who is, please complete the application here.
DOE UPDATE: Parent University
Summer is Rising on Parent University! Did you know? Parent University offers lots of great FREE programs, courses and events to help you prepare your student for back to school this fall while giving you support as you return to work. Click the links below and enroll today. New courses are added weekly!
Need help? Visit us on YouTube for user tutorials.
Course Title
Category
WEBINAR- CCEC Summer Learning: Officer Roles & Responsibilities (8/23)
Parent Leadership
Fitness
Adult & Continuing Education
Special Education
WEBINAR- Mindfulness for Parents with Children of All Ages (8/10)
WEBINAR- Mindfulness for Parents with Children of All Ages (8/12)
Health & Wellness
WEBINAR- Ready, Set, School! (8/24)
Early Childhood
See you on Parent University!
DOE UPDATE: NYC Students can access digital books FREE
Every student in our NYC Public Schools has access to the SORA eBook platform, which has a diverse and inclusive collection of titles.
The NYC Department of Library Services/NYC School Library System team has developed a student and educator facing page that provides a better overview of the collection they curated on Sora. Check out the collection at the Citywide Digital Library. There are over 19,000 unique titles with hundreds of thousands of copies and Sora can be linked directly to the public library systems.
DOE UPDATE: Transportation for Summer Rising 2021 - Additional Options for Students in Temporary Housing
Students who live in shelters and are receiving (or eligible to receive) curb-to-school busing and are participating in Summer Rising until 4 PM or 6 PM also have the option of using car services.
For information on how to request or check your eligibility for this transportation option, please check the DOE’s What’s New in Transportation page.
Please share this flyer about Summer Rising Transportation for Students in Temporary Housing with your networks.
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DOE UPDATE: Free Summer Meals
Continuing all summer, any New Yorker who wants them can get free "grab & go" meals across the city. The following items may be available at your nearest location: Baked Ravioli, Beef Burgers, Burrito (Southwest), Buttermilk Biscuits, Buttermilk Pancakes, Chicken (Oven-Roasted & Sliders), Fish Patty, French Fries, Garlic Toast, Grilled Cheese, Jamaican Beef Patty, Mac & Cheese, Mozzarella Sticks, Omelet, Pizza, Stuffed Shells, Turkey (Oven-Roasted and Breakfast Sausage Patty) and Waffles.
No registration, documentation, or ID is required to receive a free breakfast or lunch
To find a location: text “NYC FOOD” or “NYC COMIDA” to 877-877
To find a location: call 311
To find a location: visit the online meal hub map or location finder.
Meals Hubs are serving breakfast and lunch, Monday–Friday, from 9am - 1pm
Vegetarian meals are available at all locations
Kosher and Halal meals are available at select locations
There will be no service on Tuesday, July 20th (Eid-ul-Adha)
Community Based Organizations may call the Office of Food & Nutrition Services Accounts Receivable department at 718-707-4371, 718-707-4382 or 718-707-4383 for additional information
EVENT: Storytelling and Self-Advocacy
This series is for teenagers and young adults with disabilities
As we reflect on the Disabled activists who fought for the passage of the ADA, we know there is still a great deal of work to do to have the Disabled experience represented in the arts. This multi-session series, taking place once a month throughout the year, is open to teenagers and young adults with disabilities to learn about disability history, disability culture and storytelling.
As the group meets periodically throughout the year, participants will explore aspects of disability culture, hear from Disabled leaders in the arts and continue to hone their own storytelling, as a foundation to their artistic and advocacy practice.
To register for the full series, click here.
To join the Passport to the Arts mailing list and learn about events for children, teens and adults with disabilities click here.
Captioning, audio description and ASL interpretation is available for all events. To request additional accommodations, please contact access@lincolncenter.org or 212-875-5375.
Please save the date for upcoming sessions! We hope you can join us every month.
Sunday, August 15 from 3:00–4:00 pm
Sunday, September 26 from 3:00–4:00 pm
Sunday, October 17 from 3:00–4:00 pm
Sunday, November 14 from 3:00–4:00 pm
Sunday, December 12 from 3:00–4:00 pm
Sunday, January 23 from 3:00–4:00 pm
Sunday, February 13 from 3:00–4:00 pm
Sunday, March 20 from 3:00–4:00 pm
Sunday, April 10 from 3:00–4:00 pm
Sunday, May 15 from 3:00–4:00 pm
Sunday, June 12 from 3:00–4:00 pm
EVENT: Stories of the Americans with Disabilities Act: A Peer-to-Peer Discussion
Celebrate Disability Pride Month and the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act with Alliance of Disability Advocates! Join us for a discussion on the ADA and how the law changed the way people with disabilities live, work, and participate in their communities.
When: August 16th @ 5 P.M.
EVENT: NYC Homecoming Concert Series
The City of New York will host concerts in each of the five boroughs—between August 14th to 22nd—as part of NYC Homecoming Week and to celebrate the Summer of New York City.
The concerts will be held:
Monday, August 16th at Orchard Beach in The Bronx
Tuesday, August 17th at Richmond County Bank Park in Staten Island
Thursday, August 19th at Brooklyn Army Terminal in Brooklyn
Friday, August 20th at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens
Saturday, August 21st at The Great Lawn, Central Park in Manhattan
Learn more here.
RESOURCE: NY Project Hope
Let’s talk. NY Project Hope helps New Yorkers understand their reactions and emotions during COVID-19. Through an emotional support helpline, educational materials, and trusted referrals, NY Project Hope helps people manage and cope with changes brought on by COVID-19.
Call the Emotional Support Helpline at 1-844-863-9314 or visit NYProjectHope.org to connect with a crisis counselor for support and referrals to services. Talking to them is free, confidential, and anonymous.
Download flyers here or visit Parent University for more information about the services they offer.
RESOURCE: How to help someone who needs mental healthcare
Get started with a new guide from the Mayor's Office of Community Mental Health, produced with NYC Health + Hospitals and the NYC Health Department. The guide walks you through how to get mental health support for anyone, at any level of need - including what to know, where to look, and who to call.
Explore the guide online here.
If you'd like to request printed guides for your organization, school or community group, please reach out to press@mentalhealth.nyc.gov.
RESOURCE: Summer Activity Guide for Youth and Families
The NYC Children’s Cabinet and Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity has now launched the Summer in the City Family and Youth Guides!
In these guides families can find:
Free or low-cost short-term programs (such as camps, sports clinics, STEM, coding, etc.);
Free events and activities happening throughout the summer;
City venues that are open such as pools, beaches, gardens, museums, etc.
Volunteer, work experience, and other opportunities for youth
Other supports including COVID-19 updates, how to get free food, childcare, mental health & emotional support, and more.
New content will be added throughout the summer.
Can't-Miss August Events Hosted by Borough President Richards
What's Coming Up This Month We've got a busy month of August on tap at Queens Borough Hall, both virtually and in-person. Our list of upcoming events, from cultural celebrations to economic opportunties for all ages and more, can be found below. We'll see you later this month as we end the summer season in style!
Virtual Jamaica Independence Day Celebration Virtual Pakistan Independence Day Celebration Dr. Stacie NC Grant's Faithpreneur Weekend Experience Sealing and Expungement Virtual Information Session YOUTHPreneur Summer Summit at Queens Borough Hall Virtual India Independence Day Celebration Virtual Queens Jobs Trinidad and Tobago Independence Day Celebration
Thursday, August 5 at 6pm
Wednesday, August 11 at 6pm
August 12-14
Monday August 30 at 5:30pm
Saturday, August 7 at 10am
Thursday, August 12 at 6pm
Recruitment Fair
Thursday, August 19 at 2pm
Monday, August 30 at 6pm
Ellington Magnet
You can also send your questions to: manioffice@ps140q.org and we will respond as soon as we can.
Email: mainoffice@ps140q.org
Website: www.theedwardkellingtonschool.org
Location: 166-01 116th Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11434
Phone: 718-657-4760
Facebook: facebook.com/TheEdwardKEllingtonSchool
Twitter: @ps140q