Good afternoon,
I hope our students and families had an enjoyable summer vacation. We are excited to welcome you back to Halsey JHS 157 for school year 2021-2022!
I would like to share important NYCDOE health and safety guidelines with our families. I will send a separate email with information specific to our school’s daily routine and health and safety protocol.
The NYCDOE and JHS 157 is taking the following precautions to help keep students and staff healthy this school year:
Vaccination:
All DOE employees, including school-based staff, will be required to be vaccinated. DOE employees will be required to provide proof that they have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccination by September 27, 2021. We also strongly encourage vaccination for all students 12 and over. Visit vaccinefinder.nyc.gov to make an appointment
More information on vaccines: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/health-and-wellness/immunizations
Health Screening
Every student and staff member must complete the Health Screening Form https://healthscreening.schools.nyc/ prior to entering the school building each day. Anyone entering the building must confirm that they are not experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, have not recently tested positive, and are not currently required to quarantine based on close contact with an infected person. If you need a thermometer to check for a fever, you can request one from your school. If a student or staff member is feeling ill, they must stay home and get tested, which is an effective way of protecting the whole school community. Every school will have a nurse on staff to whom students can report if they are feeling ill.
Face Coverings and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
All students and staff must wear a face covering when riding on school buses and anywhere on school property, indoors and outdoors, regardless of vaccination status, unless they have a medical exemption. Forgot a mask? No problem— our school will have a supply on hand for children and adults. During lunchtime, masks may be removed so students can eat comfortably at a safe distance from one another. Masks may also be removed during designated “mask breaks”, during which students will maintain physical distance from each other. Students who are not medically able to tolerate masks will be provided with alternative accommodations. Hand sanitizer will also be available in every classroom.
Physical Distancing in Schools
Following CDC and NYSED guidance, schools should provide a minimum of three feet of physical distancing, where possible. Both the CDC and NYSED emphasize that physical distancing requirements should not prevent students from fully returning to school this year. Three feet distancing is not required for passing between classes. For certain activities, including lunch, additional safety measures will be used. When eating, students must maintain three feet of physical distance and should be seated in such a way that they are facing away from one another. For example, students may sit on a single side of a cafeteria bench, three feet apart. Schools may utilize other spaces, including but not limited to classrooms, auditoriums, gyms, and outdoor spaces for cafeteria use.In classrooms or cafeterias where three feet thresholds cannot be met, the Division of School Facilities and Space Planning will work with schools to increase ventilation through the use of additional air purifiers. Schools should work with their custodial staff to increase ventilation in these rooms.
Providing Consent for COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 testing of students (grades 1 through 12) and staff is an important part of how New York City is protecting our school communities. In order for your child in to participate in the in-school COVID testing program, it is important that you provide consent. You can fill out the testing consent form in your NYC Schools Account (NYCSA) or download a printable version at schools.nyc.gov/covidtesting.
For a complete updated health and safety guidance for NYCDOE schools please see the link below.
I will email parents/guardians/students updated first day of school procedures as well as specific health and safety guidance for JHS 157. Please fee free to email me if you have any questions
Sincerely,
Vincent Suraci
Principal JHS 157
