Dear AmPark Families, It certainly has been a week filled with holiday joy here at AmPark! Our main atrium space has been transformed into a holiday wonderland, complete with a tree covered in student created snowflake ornaments, a table filled with a Kinara and many beautiful books on Kwanzaa, a giant Hanukkah bear (featured above as Josh's backdrop), and most importantly, most magically, the gorgeous voices of our AmPark students singing all of the holiday hits with Josh during special assemblies throughout the week. I know I speak for every staff member when I say that we are with you parents in having Feliz Navidad, Ocho Candelikas, Must Be Santa, and Skating on the Volga stuck in our heads... well into the new year : ). Although we are closing out this year, when we return the winter months will continue on. The Chancellor has reiterated the mandate that any building closures due to weather events, or for any reason, will be remote learning, instructional days. To meet that requirement, we must be prepared to go fully remote and ensure that all students are connected to our remote learning platform; Google Classroom. By now, all teachers have sent families links and codes for their individual Google Classrooms. We want to give a well deserved shout out because in some cases, we have 100% of students connected... thank you for your awesome proactivity to the students and families of Ms. Jennifer's 2nd grade class and Ms. Wandiza's, Ms. Donya's, & Ms. Hanade's 5th grade classes for being logged in and ready, already! If you have not yet gotten your child logged in, please do not wait until we have a weather event to do so. Be in touch with your child's teacher if you have questions about their classroom link and code. We have been making outreach to families regarding the need for remote learning technology devices, but if you are in need of a school device and have not already made that need known, please reach out to the main office and one will be made available to you. In the message below, please find important information on the events ahead for January, Department of Health Guidance regarding COVID and safe returns to school, and an end of year letter from our Chancellor. In this season of giving and gratitude, please know that we are grateful for each and every one of you, and the amazing children that you entrust to our care everyday. While we were saddened to have Mother Nature push our Winter Festival of Lights into the New Year, it's wonderful to look forward to gathering with you all, in the spirit of community, love, warmth, and light on a winter's night, someday soon (date TBD upon our return). With wishes to all for a healthy, family-filled, and happy holiday ahead, Meena, Bonnie, Francisco & the AmPark Family  Virtual School Tour for Prospective AmPark Families We have added one more AmPark Family Tour in the New Year, ahead of the Kindergarten Admissions deadline (K admissions closes on January 20th!). Please sign up for our upcoming School Tour which is open to all prospective AmPark parents and families. The link below will allow you to register for our upcoming virtual tour, which will be held on... Tuesday, January 10th @ 8:30am! We look forward to meeting you! AmPark Events Calendar for January 2023 What's For Lunch? End of Year Letter from Chancellor Banks December 19, 2022 Dear Families, Thank you for choosing New York City Public Schools and for trusting us to do right by your children. As I complete my first full year as Chancellor, I am filled with so much gratitude, admiration, and respect for you. Thank you for your unwavering partnership and the sacrifices you make to support your child’s education. Before we close out the year, I want to acknowledge some of the great things we have accomplished together, from enhancing our literacy programs and simplifying our admissions processes to reimagining special education and creating new pathways to launch all our students into the bright futures they deserve. Every day I’ve been in our schools this year has reinforced the brilliant promise of our children. I see it in the light in their eyes, the warmth of their smiles, and the strength of their spirit; it always energizes and inspires me. I will take their promise and their energy with me into the new year, as we keep a sharp focus on our mission: to ensure each student graduates on a pathway to a rewarding career and long-term economic security—and is equipped to be a positive force for change. I know that the holidays mean different things to different people, but I believe that no matter what or how we observe, the holidays bring out the best in us. Now is the time that we pause to reconnect with the people we love. To appreciate all that is good in our lives and, of course, to reflect, relax, and celebrate. For me, the holidays are also about looking forward to the second half of the school year. Part of my job is to ensure that my team and I return in January full of energy and enthusiasm, ready to create even more pathways for our children to achieve their dreams. I wish you a joyful holiday season and a healthy, prosperous new year, and I very much look forward to seeing you and your children in the new year. In gratitude, David C. Banks New York City Schools Chancellor NYC DOH Winter Break COVID Guidance December 20, 2022 Dear Families, To keep our school communities safe following the winter break, we strongly encourage all students to get tested for COVID-19 regardless of vaccination status, especially after travelling and/or attending large gatherings. Your child can get tested by a health care provider or use the two COVID-19 at-home tests that your child will bring home from school this week. When should my child take the tests?
What should I do if my child tests positive on one of the tests?
Where can I find instructions about the test kit?
As a reminder, staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations is still the best tool we have to fight COVID-19 and to keep our schools safe for all our students. Children aged 6 months and older are eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19. If your child is eligible but not yet vaccinated against COVID-19, please take the opportunity to make an appointment at vaccinefinder.nyc.gov or call 311 to find a vaccine site near you. COVID-19 vaccination is free to all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration or insurance status. We also encourage everyone aged 5 and older to get the updated COVID-19 booster shot if they received their last vaccine dose at least 2 months ago. Please visit cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html for more information on COVID-19 vaccination schedules. Finally, the fall and winter seasons coincide with an increase in other respiratory viruses such as the flu, otherwise known as influenza (nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/flu-seasonal.page) and RSV (nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/respiratory-syncytial-virus.page). As the flu and COVID-19 are both circulating at this time, getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever. Vaccination is the best way to protect against the flu, which can be particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, and those who are immunocompromised. The flu vaccine will not prevent COVID-19, but it will help decrease the risk of you and your family suffering from severe flu symptoms that may necessitate medical care. You can safely receive the flu vaccine at the same time as all other vaccines, including the vaccine and booster for COVID-19 (nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-vaccines.page). To protect against these and other viruses, and in alignment with the recent health department advisory, we strongly recommend that everyone wear a mask when in a crowded, public indoor space, including at school, practice frequent handwashing, and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. We wish you and your child a healthy and restful break. Sincerely, Tracy Agerton Assistant Commissioner Office of School Health Comments are closed.
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