City-As-School 2020-21 Reopening Plan

August 20, 2020

Click here to learn more about our 2020-21 school reopening plan.

UPDATE: September 1, 2020

Dear CAS Community,

As you may have already heard, the Mayor just hosted a press conference and announced new start dates for students.  I am sending you this information now so that you can begin to plan and will send a more detailed update about what this means for us later this week.

– School-based staff will report on 9/8 for professional development and preparation

– Remote learning for all students will begin on 9/16

– Blended learning for all students will begin on 9/21

School staff are still expected to report to schools on September 8. Starting on September 16, teachers will remotely work with all students for an instructional transition and orientation period. A later start date will allow staff more time to thoroughly prepare for the start of a school year like no other. DOE Central will release additional guidance on the calendar and transitional period soon. 

Additionally, beginning October 1 and recurring each month, mandatory testing in schools will be comprised of a random sample of 10-20% of a school’s student and staff population. The chancellor stated that this is reflective of the city’s commitment to health and safety for everyone in our school communities. DOE Central will also share additional guidance and information on testing soon.

I will be in touch with you as soon as we have more information.  Thank you for your patience and flexibility in this challenging time.

We are here for you,

Rachel

Overview

  • Thursday, 9/10, is scheduled to be the first day of school.
  • NYCDOE facilities estimates that our classrooms can accommodate 12-14 students and meet physical distancing requirements of 6ft at all times.
  • Everyone – students, staff, visitors – will be required to wear masks at all times (covering nose and mouth) except when eating, barring documented medical exceptions.
  • Schools cannot have open campuses.  This means no external learning, only virtual internships this fall.  It also most likely means no off-campus lunch.
  • Families should conduct home health screenings, including temperature checks each morning.  There will be random temperature checks upon entry.
  • Use of libraries and common spaces will be “by teacher appointment” only.

Supporting Our Students

  • All students will be part of an advisory of 12-14 students with a teacher-advisor
  • Our counselling staff will be available to work with students 1:1 throughout the day
  • A member of our outreach team will call home at least every other day
  • All learning experiences will be accessible via Google Classroom in the City-As G-Suite
  • We plan to have enough Chromebook laptop computers for every student.
  • We will continue to communicate regularly via email, Remind and phone
  • All learning experiences will build to projects & PBATs and facilitate inquiry-based learning
  • We will offer virtual internships for all students if staffing allows.
  • Our Restorative Justice Coordinators will facilitate an RJ student leadership class
  • Snacks will be located in classrooms instead of 204 and 209.

Tentative Schedule and Calendar

What May Change

  • Discussion of delayed and/or phased in person start date.
  • In order for schools to reopen, New York City the percent of positive tests in New York City must be less than 3% using a 7-day rolling average. If we cross this threshold, we will not reopen.
  • If we cross the 3% positive test rate, all schools will be fully remote.
  • Advisor assignments may change.

Preparing: What You Can Do

  • Request a DOE iPad. These are internet enabled and can serve as a hotspot for internet. Additionally, we hope to have enough school owned Chromebooks for each student.
  • If you plan for your child to attend in person, we encourage you and your child to get tested for COVID-19 before the start of the school year. Free testing is available across the city. 
  • If you plan to continue fully remote, please complete the Learning Preference form as soon as possible so we can plan accordingly.
Department of Education Return to School 2021-2022Recorded Open House