PS/MS 47Q Chris Galas School

News & Announcements

• featured post

  School Spirit Wednesday’s will begin on 2/24 (and every Wednesday for the rest of the school year)

  Please see the list of themes below. We’d love to see everyone participate regardless of grade level and learning preference (blended, remote)!

  2/24: Pajama Day

  Come to school comfy and cozy.

  3/3: Character Day

  In honor of Read Across America week, dress up like your favorite character. 

  3/10: Sports Day

  Support your favorite team by wearing their jersey or colors.

  3/17: St. Patrick's Day

  Show off your greenest green!

  3/24: Inside Out/Backward Day

  The name speaks for itself; wear your clothing inside out and/or backward. 

  4/7: Autism Awareness

  Wear light blue to support people with Autism.

  4/14: Mismatched Day

  Wear clothing that doesn't go together (ie: stripes on top, polka dots on bottom, etc.)

  4/21: Earth Day

  Tomorrow is the day we honor Earth; wear GREEN and BLUE.

  4/28: Career Day

  Dress up as your future career/profession. 

  5/5: Superhero Day

  Are you a DC or Marvel fan - wear clothing that represents your favorite superhero. 

  5/12: Disney Day

  Wear any Disney gear, including Marvel, Star Wars, Winnie the Pooh, or Pixar to name a few!

  5/19: Crazy Hat Day

  Decorate your favorite hat with all sorts of embellishments to look a little CRAZY!

  5/26: Wacky Sock Day

  Insane patterns, mix and match, etc.

  6/2: Celebrate America

  Wear red, white, and blue. 

  6/9: Holiday Craze

  Dress up to represent your favorite holiday.

  6/16: Shine Bright Like a Diamond

  Wear bright or neon colors.

  6/23: Tropical Day

  Get ready for the warm weather by sporting sunglasses and tropical themed/Hawaiian patterns. 

   

   

  PS/MS 47Q

• What’s Happening in NYC Public Schools Week of May 24, 2021

  What’s Happening in NYC Public Schools Week of May 24, 2021

  Contents:

  • COVID-19 Vaccines for Children Ages 12 and Older

  • Chancellor Family Engagement Forums

  • Update on Regents Exams

  • Halal Meal Expansion

  • School Survey Reminder
    COVID-19 Vaccines for Children Ages 12 and Older

    We are excited to share that all New Yorkers age 12 and older are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. If you have a child who is at least 12 years old, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene strongly encourages you to make a vaccination appointment for them as soon as possible by visiting vaccinefinder.nyc.gov. You can also call 877-VAX-4-NYC (877-829-4692) for help making an appointment at a City-run vaccination site. Many sites now have walk-in appointments.

    Vaccination is the most important step you can take to protect you and your family from COVID-19. It is especially important for those with an underlying health condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19 illness, such as asthma, obesity, or diabetes. The same is true for people who live with someone 65 or older or with an underlying health condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19 illness. Vaccination is free and available regardless of immigration status.

    In the U.S., the Pfizer vaccine is currently the only vaccine authorized by the Food and Drug Administration for children ages 12 to 17. The Pfizer vaccine has been shown to be very safe and effective at protecting people from severe COVID-19 illness, hospitalization, and death. Your child cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine.

    To find a site offering the Pfizer vaccine, make an appointment, or locate a walk-in site, visit vaccinefinder.nyc.gov. You can also check with your
    child’s healthcare provider to see if they are offering the Pfizer vaccine.

    For answers to frequently asked questions, visit nyc.gov/vaccinefacts.

   

   

  Chancellor Family Engagement Forums

  Chancellor Meisha Porter has launched a five-borough family engagement tour to hear directly from school communities about their top priorities for next school
  year. These virtual forums are an opportunity for families, teachers, school administrators, and staff to provide Department of Education leadership with their thoughts on the types of resources and support they need as we move towards a full reopening in September.

  The remaining three forums will be held from 6:30–8:00 p.m. on these dates:

  Queens—Thursday, May 27 Brooklyn—Monday, June 7 Bronx—Wednesday, June 9

  How to register:

  Families can register for the forums at learndoe.org/chancellor. When
  you register, you will be asked if you want to ask a question or provide a comment during the event about topics, including health and safety, special education, fall 2021 school reopening, social-emotional learning, and more.

  Each forum will be recorded and posted at learndoe.org/chancellor so you may access them at any time. Interpretation services will be available at every forum.

  Update on Regents Exams

  We want to remind families of high school students that the New York State Regents exams will be administered in person from June 17–24 for English Language Arts, Living Environment, Physical Setting/Earth Science, and Algebra I. All other subject exams have been cancelled for June, as well as all August Regents exams.

   

  Due to these cancellations, certain students are eligible for Regents exam waivers, including for the four exams still being offered in June. Your child’s school will contact you to share information about the waivers and determine your interest
  in having your child participate in the Regents exams. Students receiving fully remote instruction are not expected to come to school to take the Regents; however, if they would like to participate, they may attend the in-person administration.

   

  Halal Meal Expansion

  We are pleased to announce that an additional 11 schools are being certified to
  serve halal take-out meals, for a total of 43 schools citywide. The additional schools serve students and members of the public in Spanish Harlem, Harlem, Jamaica, Jackson Heights, and Soundview. A full list of schools serving halal meals is available at schools.nyc.gov/FreeMeals.

  This expansion reflects the DOE’s commitment to respecting the religious identity of all students and to ensuring that children can eat consistent with their dietary needs. All the menus were reviewed by a panel of imams. Each school offering the halal options was inspected and certified by imams, and kitchen staff were trained to prepare food in compliance with halal rules.

  This initiative was launched in partnership with the New York City Council to provide meals in the schools and neighborhoods with high demand for halal meals.

  School Survey Reminder

  The 15th annual NYC School Survey is underway! We encourage all families
  and teachers in grades 3K through 12, and students in grades 6–
  12 to visit nycschoolsurvey.org by June 11 to share your thoughts on your
  school experience this year. Make your voice heard to help make your school a better place to learn!

  PS/MS 47Q

• Family Letter May 24, 2021

  Dear Families,

  First, thank you. I know the past year has required resiliency, determination, flexibility, and sacrifices from all of us, and from you in particular. You have taken on new roles that many of you never imagined you’d have to take on, and have balanced so much while coping with losses and the many life challenges that COVID-19 brought to us over the past year.

  As we close out this school year, I am looking forward to the opportunity that lies before us to reimagine what school is and means for your children. We know that we have to welcome our students back to a warm, welcoming, and affirming learning environment that challenges them academically while lifting them up when they need support.

  As our schools work hard on re-imagining how we educate our children, I am excited to share with you our re- opening plans for fall 2021. Based on available health indicators, we will return to full-time, in-person learning this September. This means that all students in grades 3-K through 12 will be learning in-person this fall.

  All teachers and staff will also be returning to in-person instruction this fall. We are very grateful for the dedication of all our principals, teachers and school staff and recognize the hard work they have done during this challenging year, and we’re excited for your children to re-connect with their beloved teachers and school staff, in addition to their peers, this fall.

  As we prepare for your children, as well as teachers and staff, to return to schools, we will continue our commitment to prioritize health and safety first. With a current rolling 7-day COVID positivity rate of 0.16% and a consistently low transmission rate, our schools have a proven track record of being safe. We will meet whatever the CDC social distancing requirements are in September, and we expect that the city’s continuously improving health metrics may allow for more flexibility by the fall. Finally, in our commitment to keep health and safety a top priority, we plan to adhere to the many health and safety measures we had in place this past school year, including the following:

  •   Masks will continue to be a requirement in all of our school buildings

  •   Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms will continue to be required to stay at home

  •   Students, teachers and staff will continue to complete the daily health screener at home

  •   Every school building will continue to have a nurse

  •   Every classroom will have working ventilation systems

  •   On-site COVID-19 testing will continue in school buildings as recommended by the latest health

    guidance

  •   The Situation Room will continue to support schools with next steps if there are positive cases

    We know that many of our students have not attended school in-person since March of 2020, and that returning to school in-person this fall will be an adjustment. We promise to do everything we can to welcome your children back and provide the supports needed to ensure a positive homecoming. We’ve already made investments to hire more teachers and social workers, and will have academic and social-emotional learning programs available to support our students. Here are some ways that we are supporting with the transition now, and we encourage you and your children to participate:

   

  Chancellor’s Borough-Wide Family Forums: I am hosting borough-wide family town halls to hear more from you about this fall, and how we can use our resources to ensure a positive homecoming for your children and provide an enriching and challenging academic experience that integrates social-emotional learning. To learn more and register, please visit us here: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/get-involved/families/family- empowerment/chancellor-porter-s-family-forums

  School Open Houses: Starting in June and throughout the summer, every school will host open houses for families to visit, take a tour, and learn about the health and safety precautions in place that have kept our schools safe over the last year. Your child’s school will be in touch with you about when these will be scheduled, and we encourage you to participate to learn more.

  Summer Rising: In partnership with the Department of Youth and Community Development, we are so excited to provide an enriching, fun and joyful summer camp experience for any interested student. We encourage your child to join us - to be welcomed back into their school communities, re-connect with teachers and staff, and get ready for fall while having fun! Families can sign up here: https://discoverdycd.dycdconnect.nyc/home

  Thank you for your partnership, your engagement, and your dedication to your children’s education over the last year. I am in awe of how our communities came together to lift each other up to ensure our children had the best experience possible despite enormous challenges. I am looking forward to partnering with you, learning from you, and leveraging all we‘ve done together over the last year to create a new normal starting in September - one that is warm and welcoming, affirming and enriching, and exciting and challenging - for each one of your children.

  In partnership,

  Meisha Porter

  New York City Schools Chancellor

  PS/MS 47Q

• NYC Survey

  • Parents / Guardians: Families can take the survey online via computer or mobile device at NYCSchoolSurvey.org in any of the ten DOE supported languages. Families will enter “f” followed by their child’s nine-digit Student Identification (OSIS) Number. Note that “f” must be lowercase. Families can find their child’s Student Identification (OSIS) Number on their report card, student ID card, or NYCSA account.

  PS/MS 47Q

• Chancellor's Zoom Meeting 4/22/21

  Please join Chancellor Porter via zoom for a discussion regarding the transition to 3-feet physical distancing protocols in 3-K, pre-K, D75 elementary, and elementary classrooms across the city.

  Join Zoom Meeting from 6pm-7pm on 4/22/21

  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9687205512?pwd=NkZqTDRXUjVaTFRxR1Fpcy9hcVhRdz09

  Meeting ID: 968 720 5512

  Passcode: 638083

  PS/MS 47Q

• DOE Family Update April 20, 2021

  DOE Family Update April 20, 2021

  Contents

  • Senior Transition Kickoff Begins April 19
  • Summer Rising Registration Begins April 26 • CCEC Voting Begins May 1

  Senior Transition Kickoff

  Calling all families of high school seniors!

  From Monday, April 19 through Friday, April 30, seniors and their families can attend a series of on-line events that will help them get started on next steps for life after graduation. The event topics include:

  • Financial aid workshops in 10 languages

  • Preparing for what to expect after graduation

  • Ways to use summer months to prepare for postsecondary transition

  • Fall 2021 supports available and how to access them

  • Text alerts about important reminders and next steps

    Learn more about the Senior Transition Kickoff at bit.ly/SeniorTransitionKickoff21

    Summer Rising

    Summer is about to get a whole lot more exciting for students!

    Beginning on Monday, April 26, New York City families can start signing up for Summer Rising, the City’s free summer program for any child in grades K–12 who wants to participate.

    Summer Rising combines the strength of the NYC Department of Education’s academics with the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development’s school-based enrichment programming to help create bridges back to school this fall. And it gives parents peace of mind as they return to work.

    Summer Rising is available in every neighborhood. Programs for students in grades K-8 will be full day, in-person experiences that will be run by local school leaders and trusted community-based organizations in safe and supportive environments. Each program will offer academic support, arts, and recreation, and staff members will be prepared to respond to students’ social and emotional

  needs. Summer Rising programs will also offer students local field trips to parks, pools, and other enriching outdoor venues that are educational and in accordance with State health and safety guidelines.

  All Summer Rising programs will follow rigorous health and safety protocols, including social distancing and mask wearing, and every location will have access to testing, nursing support, and a telehealth call center. In addition, breakfast, lunch, and a snack will be served to each student.

  For more information about Summer Rising, visit schools.nyc.gov/summer. To register beginning on April 26, visit discoverdycd.dycdconnect.nyc.

  Family and Community Empowerment

  Voting for City and Community Education Councils begins in one week!

  For the first time, every parent or guardian of a New York City public school student now has the opportunity to vote for their Education Council representatives!

  City and Community Education Councils (CCECs) serve as the voice of our families, offering important advice to the Chancellor and the NYC Department of Education. Voting begins
  on Saturday, May 1 and ends on Tuesday, May 11.

  To vote, you just need an NYC Schools Account (mystudent.nyc) that has all of your students registered. Visit schools.nyc.gov/NYCSA to learn more about the NYC Schools Account. If you do not have an NYC Schools Account, or need help registering your children to your existing account, please contact your school’s Parent Coordinator for assistance.

  PS/MS 47Q

• Chancellor Porter 4/20/21 letter

  Dear Families,

  Last year, a police officer put his knee on George Floyd’s neck for nine minutes and twenty-nine seconds, but to me, it felt like an eternity.

  I felt pain and rage, deep in my bones. It wasn’t a new feeling. I have felt that many times in my life, as a Black woman, sister, daughter, and mother to Black children—and as an educator who has served children of color in this city for more than 20 years.

  That pain, rage, and fear has been present throughout the trial of the officer who killed George Floyd. I feel like I have been watching George Floyd die again and again, renewing the tragedy each time, as the jury and the nation have confronted what happened in the pursuit of justice for Mr. Floyd—and the family who is forced to go on without him.

  And now, the first step toward justice has been served.

  For me as a Black woman, for my brothers, for my mother and aunts who lost their brother to police violence, getting to justice is so important.

  For our Black and brown children to know that they matter, the accountability this verdict represents is so important.

  In a world that too often tells them otherwise, accountability in this moment tells the Black and brown children in our schools that their lives matter, and lifts up the importance of their futures.

  This is what anchors the work we do in schools every day—why we are so focused on creating welcoming, loving environments for all our children. We want to make sure that each child doesn’t just hear, but feels that they are important. We want them to feel that their teachers and school community value their past and present experiences, as well as their dreams for the future.

  For more than 20 years, I have experienced the sensitivity and wisdom of children—they know what’s going on, even those who may not be able to put it into words. They can feel the energy of the world around them. So we are making sure our schools are safe spaces for students to share their feelings. Every school is receiving resources to help facilitate open conversations and ensure our children have their questions heard.

  We also have mental health support in place for our students, teachers and staff to help grapple with any feelings that emerge. Because while the individual who took George Floyd’s life will be held accountable, we recognize that systemic racism, and the violence it fuels, is still creating tragedy and inequality across our country every single day. We are all part of the work to undo this harm and reach true justice.

  As you take care of yourselves and your loved ones the best you can, know that we are here in your corner, affirming the importance of our children’s future, each and every day. And that will never change.

  In partnership,

  Meisha Porter

  New York City Schools Chancellor

  April 20, 2021

   

  PS/MS 47Q

• State Testing 2020-2021

  *****Please Note:
  -Any student who does not participate in the 2021 NYS ELA, Math, or Science exams will not be penalized.

  ****Please note:
  -Any family who wants their child to participate in testing must complete this survey. If you DO NOT want your child to participate in testing, NO FURTHER ACTION IS NEEDED (regardless of whether your child is a 100% remote student or if your child in an in-person student)

  ****Please Note:
  -If you have multiple children in Grades 3-8, please complete a SEPARATE Google Form for each child.

  This year, many of our students are learning remotely, but the New York State Education Department (NYSED) has required that exams must still take place in-person in the school building. It will not be possible to administer state exams remotely. Therefore, we are contacting you to determine if you would like your child to participate in this year’s State exams. It is very important you let us know if you would like your student to participate in this year’s State exams so that we can prepare and create a testing schedule that ensures the health and safety of all our students. Please read on for more information about this year’s exams.

  This year, the ELA and Mathematics exams for grades 3 through 8 will be multiple choice only. The tests are untimed, but most students will complete the tests in 55 to 90 minutes.

  Students receiving in-person instruction who do not take the exam will continue their instructional program, as will fully remote students.

  If you would like your child to participate in this year’s State exams, please notify us by completing the Google Form on the calendar by 5pm on Monday, April 12, 2021. If you do not wish to have your child test you do not have to take any further action. If we do not hear back from you by 5pm on April 12th, your child will not participate in state testing.

   

  PS/MS 47Q

• DOE Family Update April 8, 2021

  DOE Family Update April 8, 2021

  Contents

  • All families: Last day to opt-in to in-person learning extended to Friday, April 9

  • Families applying to Gifted & Talented kindergarten programs: Application deadline is Friday, April 9

  • Families applying to pre-K: Application deadline extended to Monday, April 19

  • Families with children in grades 3–8: New York State Exam update

    Important Deadlines

    Spring Opt-in Deadline Extended to Friday, April 9

    If your child is currently learning remotely every day, they have one final opportunity to opt in to learning in person in the school building at least part of the week. The deadline to submit your request to transition to blended learning for the rest of this school year has been extended to Friday, April 9. How to opt-in to blended learning:

  • Online: visit the Learning Preference Survey
    at nycenet.edu/surveys/learningpreference to select blended learning for your child.

  • By phone: Call 311 to submit your learning preference change.

    G&T Kindergarten Application Deadline is Friday, April 9

    The application for kindergarten Gifted & Talented (G&T) programs is now open, and the deadline to apply is April 9. Interested families with children born in 2016 can apply one of three ways:

  • Online at MySchools.nyc

  • Through a Family Welcome Center—visit schools.nyc.gov/fwc to learn more.

  • By phone at 718-935-2009—you can also call us with any questions.

  Pre-K Application Deadline Extended to Monday, April 19

  Now you have more time to explore your child’s pre-K options! The pre-K application deadline for children born in 2017 has been extended to April 19. Apply online at MySchools.nyc or by phone at 718-935-2009—you can also call us with any questions. Learn more at nyc.gov/PreK.

  Tests and Assessments

  New York State Exams

  New York State Exams begin later this month. This year, the New York State Education Department has determined that English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics exams for grades 3 through 8, and Science exams for grades 4 and 8, will only be administered in person in your child’s school building. No remote option will be available.

  If you would like your child to participate in this year’s State exams, please notify your school. If you do not wish to have your child take State exams, you do not have to take any further action.

  The exams will be administered within the following dates:
  • English Language Arts (ELA) for grades 3 through 8: April 19–29
  • Mathematics for grades 3 through 8: May 3–14. Testing will not occur on May 13, when schools are closed for Eid Al-Fitr.

  • Science for grades 4 and 8: June 7–11

  Your child’s school will be communicating with more details about the testing process and deadlines. Learn more at schools.nyc.gov/testing.

  PS/MS 47Q

• Letter from Chancellor Porter March 19, 2021

  Dear Families,

  This was my first week as your new Chancellor, and I couldn’t be more excited to take on this role. Not only because I am a New Yorker born and bred, but because education is in my blood. Both my mom and auntie were teachers and I became a New York City public school English teacher because of them, and the amazing educators I had as a student myself growing up in Queens.

  Since I started at the DOE 21 years ago, I have also worked as an assistant principal, and then principal. More recently, I served our school communities as a superintendent and Bronx executive superintendent.

  And now it is my honor and privilege to lead our schools citywide. I have spent much of this week seeing our brilliant students and educators from every borough in action, in-person and remotely. I saw pre-k students learn about the water cycle, joined sixth graders in learning ratios by mixing just the right ratio of food coloring into frosting, and joined seventh-graders in sharing special objects that reveal something about who we are. Despite all the changes and challenges we’ve faced this past year, our school communities are still joyful, vibrant places of learning.

  As I reflect on this week’s visits, I am also heartened by the beautiful diversity of our classrooms, communities, and our City as a whole. In our schools, “respect for all” is not just a slogan, but a way of life. We value every student, staff member, and family for who they are. We ensure everyone feels welcomed. This is at our very core.

  But the horrific anti-Asian hate crimes we’ve been seeing citywide and this week in Atlanta make it clear that we must work harder to end Justice and inclusivity have been pillars of my career as an educator.

  March 19, 2021

  systemic racism.

  As Chancellor, I promise to continue to advance equity and dismantle any biases in our school system. And I want to make it clear: there is no room for racism or discrimination of any kind at the Department of Education or in any of our schools. Just this week, we provided our educators with updated resources to combat hate crimes in our schools and provide our students with social and emotional supports. You can find resources for discussing

  racism and hate crimes with your children at schools.nyc.gov/togetherforjustice.

  Creating environments that encourage all students to be who they are will be on my mind on March 22, when all our public high schools will begin welcoming students back to in-person and blended learning. Like elementary and middle schools, as well as our District 75 programs, high schools will follow the strong practices we have established to help keep school communities healthy and safe. This includes weekly random testing of students and staff for COVID-19, physical distancing, masks, and nightly deep cleaning. In the meantime, I’m excited about this important milestone in the city’s recovery. And I’m proud to lead a school system that has set the standard for the nation in reopening efforts.

  This is such a hopeful and historic time for our schools and our city, and I want to thank you for all you have done to support our students and schools. In the coming weeks, there will be opportunities for us to meet and talk. I promise to hear and include your voices as we finish out this school year and plan for the next.

  Let’s go. Let’s do this. We’re ready.

  Sincerely,

  Meisha Porter

  New York City Schools Chancellor

   

  PS/MS 47Q

• Gr 6 Cohort B and Mr. Hill's class --Positive Covid exposure

  3/18/2021

  Dear Member of P.S. 047 Chris Galas at 140 Beach 112 Street Community: 

  Your child has had close contact with an individual in our school community who has tested positive for COVID-19. According to health guidelines, your child must stay home for 10 days following the date of possible exposure and should not return to school until 3/28/2021.

  We know that this may be stressful, and we are here to support and guide you. You may be contacted by the NYC Test + Trace Corps (T2) with information and updates. Additionally, below you will find guidance that reflects the expertise of the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), the New York City Department of Education (DOE), and T2.

  Here is what to do now:

  Keep your child at home

  • Until 3/27/2021, your child can leave home only to visit a medical provider, to get a COVID-19 test, or in the event of an emergency. It is important that your child stay home, even if they do not feel sick, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
  • Your child’s teacher will reach out about transitioning your child to fully remote learning for the duration of quarantine.
  • The NYC Test + Trace Corps partners with community-based organizations to connect New Yorkers in quarantine to resources like food, medicine, and health care. To connect with these resources, you can call 212-COVID19 (212-268-4319).

   

  Get tested

  • T2 strongly recommends you take your child for a COVID-19 test, whether or not they have symptoms. Testing is free at many sites and available regardless of immigration or insurance status. For information about testing, contact your child’s medical provider, call 311 or visit gov/covidtest.
  • Even if your child receives a negative test result, your child still must stay home for 10 days for monitoring and to ensure illness does not develop.

  Look out for symptoms

  • People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms, including fever/chills, cough, difficulty breathing, and new loss of taste or smell. Most people with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms and recover on their own. Some people have no symptoms at all. Less commonly, COVID-19 may lead to severe complications, hospitalization or death.
  • In rare cases, some children have developed multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C), a health condition associated with COVID-19 that can result in serious illness. Symptoms may include fever lasting several days, red or pink eyes, swollen hands and feet, rash, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, red cracked lips, or red bumpy tongue that looks like a strawberry.
  • Talk to your child’s medical provider if your child develops symptoms that could be from COVID-19. If your child does not have a medical provider, call 311.

  How can I stay updated?

  We will continue to closely follow directions from public health experts and proactively update you on any measures we are taking. To ensure we can reach you via text and email, please create a New York City Schools Account (NYCSA) as soon as possible by visiting schools.nyc.gov/nycsa.

  To help New Yorkers quarantine, the NYC Test + Trace Corps partners with community-based organizations to connect individuals to resources like food, medicine, and health care. To connect with these resources, you can call 1-212-COVID19 (212-268-4319).

  For additional information on COVID-19, visit schools.nyc.gov/coronavirus or call 311.  

  Sincerely,

  Heather Lorenz

  PS/MS 47Q