Dear Parents, Scholars, Teachers and Staff Members,
P.S. 178 Magnet School of Multimedia Arts & Design and I recognize that there are questions and concerns regarding the opening of school this fall. District and school leaders have spent the summer preparing for the return of scholars on September 16, 2020 for Remote Learning and a staggered start for In-Person learning. Starting September 21, 2020 our Pre-K scholars will begin In-Person based on their Pre-K Schedule. Then on September 29, 2020 grades K-5 will begin in-person learning. Please visit the school calendar for cohort start dates. Throughout the entire school year, Magnet School of Multimedia Arts & Design will follow guidance from state and local health department officials regarding school opening or possible closures. This year's return to school will come with some new protocols and procedures in order to keep everyone safe and healthy. While it will alter certain aspects of the school day, our goal is to maintain a normalized environment where scholars can learn and teachers can teach.
As we open schools for in-person instruction, it is important that everyone recognizes the role they play in protecting themselves and others. It is absolutely imperative that if anyone experiences flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, chills, nausea, etc.) they stay home. Scholars can join remote learning classes at any point during the school year so that families and scholars do not feel compelled to attend school.
We have a heightened emphasis on facility sanitation, including the regular cleaning of touch points, horizontal surface areas and the use of electrostatic sprayers to maintain a clean and healthy school environment. Hand hygiene is vital! We will have hand sanitation stations placed throughout our schools and scholars will be encouraged to regularly wash their hands as a way to remove germs, avoid getting sick and prevent the spread of germs to others.
New York City Department of Education has provided mask. However, you should still purchase masks for your child if possible. Scholars and staff are permitted to wear face shields along with face mask. Face shields permit scholars to see and hear their teacher. These simple things like consistent hand-washing, staying home when sick, facial coverings, standing at a distance and limiting close interactions will become our best defense against the virus and keep everyone safe. Now that we know much more about how the virus is spread, we must govern ourselves in ways that will limit the spread.
Finally, we know that there will be some families who choose to have their child learn from home. We will accommodate that choice. Classes will be offered on the learning platform Google Classroom. This will enable your child to stay connected to his/her teacher and classmates while learning from home in a flexible model. If you decide to choose remote learning please fill out the DOE Remote Learning Preference Form.
The overall success of this school year will require each of us working closely together, listening to one another's concerns and doing our part to contribute to a positive, healthy and safe school experience.
Continue to be safe and well,
Schwanna Ellman
