The PTA Newsletter | No. 16
Dear BNS Families,
We welcomed quite a bit of snow this weekend. So many exciting things are kicking off in February. Tomorrow marks the start of Black Lives Matter in School Week of Action. We are celebrating the Lunar New Year on Tuesday, February 1 (school is closed) and after school workshops AND band return in person this week. Please don't forget to read the new NYC DOE Family Update Week of May 24, 2021 to learn about the shortened quarantine periods and gain access decision charts to help you determine what to do if your child isn't feeling well.
Sincerely,
Your BNS PTA
Shortened Isolation Periods for Students Who Test Positive for COVID-19
There is updated guidance for what to do if your child tests positive for COVID-19: The isolation period for K-12 students with a positive COVID-19 test result is now 5 days. If your child tests positive for COVID-19 and is in kindergarten or higher, they can return to school on Day 6 if there are no symptoms or symptoms are improving, and AND the child has gone 24 hours without a fever-free (without a fever reducing medications). Students returning from isolation on Day 6 must wear a well-fitting mask such as a KN95, KF94, or a cloth mask over a disposable surgical mask. Read more here.
Black Lives Matter in School
This year, BNS is once again participating in the nationwide movement for Black Lives Matter Week of Action in Schools January 31 to February 4th. Students will be having conversations in the classroom about race and healing--this year's theme--and will be discussing the BLM 13 guiding principles throughout the week. Look for an information packet from class parents this evening to help you continue these conversations at home, for which the DEI committee has created a resource page crowdsourced by parents and vetted by our school leaders and librarians to support you in having them.
The theme of healing is poignant for many reasons: BNS was founded on the Reggio Emilia philosophy and the idea that, "Children are naturally thoughtful and curious,” as our beloved former principal Anna Allanbrook has said. “They work to gain an understanding of the world they inhabit." Amy Sumner also noted that this school of thought was born in a small Italian town following WWII as a way to heal from fascism, which resonates with these difficult times. In the Reggio Emilia model, the child is at the center, surrounded by teachers as well as families in radiating, concentric circles--we are all in this learning together.
Look for daily prompts and activities--from BAX sing-a-longs to a very special concert--on social media platforms and email DEI@bns146.org with any questions or to share ways you and your family have participated in BLM Matters in School!
REMINDER: On-site COVID Testing with the LabQ Van
LabQ is still scheduled to come to BNS/BCS every Monday from 12-4pm for Covid PCR testing beginning next week. These Monday visits will allow BNS to increase our testing pool of students and staff, at no cost. Testing through the LabQ Van also includes pre-k and kindergarten students who are excluded from the DOE's regular Covid testing program. If you would like your child to be Covid tested at the van each week during the school day, please fill out the following Google form: https://forms.gle/Z5nQ47P8UeS1BKvP6 Drop-ins are welcome after school, between 2:30 and 4pm. To volunteer from 12-2:30 to collect children, email Amy Sumner.
BNS Annual Appeal: Please Help Us Raise Essential Funds for Our School Community
We're continuing to raise money for our annual appeal. In 2022, we need to raise $264,500 in order to pay for vital school programming like creating freshwater ponds to learn about interconnected organisms or building catapults and other simple machines and even planting and harvesting crops and collecting hen eggs. As your means allow, please consider a year end and/or continued monthly donation to help us continue these enriching activities.
Please Continue to Upload Proof of Vaccination and Consent to Randomized Testing
Please upload your child's or children's proof of vaccination to the Department of Education COVID-19 Vaccination Portal. Activities, such as band and high risk sports, require proof of vaccination for participation. The vaccination portal provides the New York City Department of Education with information about vaccination status.
If your child is not yet vaccinated and you have not sent in consent for random testing at school yet, we strongly encourage you to do so. Random testing happens once per week for 20% of our vaccinated and unvaccinated students in grades 1-5. Children are only selected for random testing if they have consent on file.
Go to your child's NYCSA at http://mystudent.nyc/ to give consent for random COVID testing in school. If you gave testing consent last year, you will need to submit again for this school year. You can also fill out a paper consent form—email it to Janine at janine@bns146.org or return it to school in your child's backpack
BNS PTA is Still Eligible for Funding from Vaccines
Did you know that the BNS PTA is still eligible for $4,000 in much needed funds if you list "The Brooklyn New School PS 146" as the referring agency for your child's vaccine appointment (at a city-run site)? All you have to do is schedule an appointment at a city-run vaccination site or school pop-up site (check https://vaccinefinder.nyc.gov/ for eligible locations) AND pick "The Brooklyn New School" as the referring organization during the online booking process or during registration for walk-in appointments. BOTH your child and BNS will be eligible to receive a $100 incentive (monetary or non-monetary) for a total of $200. Once your child has received their first dose you will receive instructions how to redeem the $100 incentive either in person or online.
If your child was already vaccinated at a city-run site (including school sites), make sure to follow the link in your confirmation email to receive YOUR $100 incentive and designate the BNS PTA as your referral. Thank you to those who listed "Brooklyn New School, PS 146 PTA" as your referral.
Please click on the link below so we can track the number of referrals (no names are required).
BNS Virtual Open Houses Continue; Share the News
Spread the word to your friends: BNS Virtual Open Houses are underway. The DOE has not released deadlines for applications yet.
Brooklyn New School Virtual Open House Dates:
Tuesday, February 15 @ 5 pm: Register Here
Wednesday, March 16 @ 9 am: Register Here
Health & Safety Information
DAILY HEALTH SCREENER
Please fill out NYC DOE Health Screening ahead of time every day. If you need a printout of the paper screener, please ask your child's teacher.
WEEKLY COVID TESTING
The DOE now conducts random COVID-19 testing for students in grades 1–5 every week. Only students whose families have provided an updated testing consent form can be tested. You are strongly encouraged to provide this consent for your child. Go to your child's NYCSA at http://mystudent.nyc/ to give consent for random COVID testing in school. If you gave testing consent last year, you will need to submit again for this school year. You can also fill out a paper consent form—email it to Janine at janine@bns146.org or return it to school in your child's backpack.
☑️ Reminders
LEADERSHIP'S LETTER TO THE BNS COMMUNITY: Read Diane and Malika's weekly letter
SCHOOL FOOD MENUS: Check what's on the menu in February
Looking Ahead
Bookmark the 2021–2022 DOE school calendar here. BNS events and important dates are also on the Konstella calendar.
February 1: Lunar New Year - No School
February 8: PTA Executive Meeting (8:20am)
February 15: PTA General Meeting (8:20am)
February 21-25: Midwinter Recess - No School
BNS PTA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, 2021–2022
Co-Presidents:
Rich Ambler, parent of Elena (2nd grade, Andrew and Greta)
Mahshad Hall, parent of Ruby (Kindergarten, Mary Ann)
Co-Treasurers:
Laura Trevino, parent of Emilia (1st grade, Jessica B)
Krystina Athas, parent of Liam (1st grade, Valerie and Carrie) and Alexander (3rd grade, Claudia and Jennifer P)
Co-Recording Secretaries:
Cherrelle Hall, parent of Dylan (pre-K, Tammy)
Jessica Smith, parent of Henry (Kindergarten, Kori and Jenn)
DEI Co-Chairs:
Jade Harris, parent of Miller (2nd grade, Penina and Amy)
Leslie King, parent of Frederica (5th grade, Nneka)
Fundraising Chair:
Sarah Gable, parent of Captain (Kindergarten, Kori and Jenn)
Correspondence Secretary:
Nicole Cohen, parent of George (3rd grade, Claudia and Jennifer P)
Communications Chair:
Radhika Chalasani, parent of Anila (3rd grade, Nancy and Alex)
Web Editors:
Sherri Powell, parent of Tekla (pre-K, Skye)
Corissa Trani, parent of Logan (pre-K, Skye)
Patty Lin, parent of Deren (Kindergarten, Doug)
Social Media Manager:
Elyse Neiman Seiter, parent of Aidan (4th grade, Kristen) and Lola (BNS grad)
Food Sales Chair:
Carolyn McGown, parent of Lorelai (5th grade, Laurie and Navika) and Ophelia (BNS grad)
Class Parent Coordinator:
Margie Dotter, parent of Cliona (5th grade, Nancy and Rachael), Juniper (1st grade, Jessica B), and Abby (BNS grad)
Members at Large:
Candybelle Acevedo, parent of Emilia (4th grade, Zack and Kaelyn) and Isabelle (1st grade, Abby and Jennifer D)
Maggie Ross Newville, parent of Magnus (5th grade, Laurie and Navika) and Axel (2nd grade, Amanda)
Hannah Nudell, parent of Eliza (3rd grade, Katherine) and Gideon (pre-K, Skye)
Linnea Veder, parent of Leo (pre-K, Jennifer G)
Contact the 2021–2022 BNS PTA at pta2021@bns146.org
