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This Week @ PS 88Q

January 10, 2022

This Week @ PS88QJanuary 10, 2022

Message From Mrs. O'Shaughnessy

Well, it is safe to say that the first week of 2022 is definitely something we will not forget anytime soon. This year has started off with record numbers of covid-19 positive students, staff and family members. This is not unique to PS 88Q, District 24 or New York City, but rather our entire country. These cases, and the 10 day quarantine that follows a positive diagnosis is crippling all businesses, as staffing and attendance is difficult. Many are sick, and recovery is not easy. My own family has been affected. This week that was the case at PS 88Q, for both staff and students. We will get through this, together, but please know I understand how challenging this is for our community. Safety remains our first priority ALWAYS!!

This week new protocols also went into place, as per our new Chancellor and Mayor. I want to answer some of your questions:


Q: What do I do if my child tests positive on an at-home, or lab test?

A: Please contact me, so that I can take the required steps to keep all safe. We are not notified by anyone other than the family, so it is important to let me know. To streamline this process, you can click these link to report your child's case, and I wlll follow up with the next steps with you. https://forms.gle/TJu5JyiPoSDTTQYz6


Q: How long does my child have to stay home if they test positive?

A: Any student who has tested positive for COVID-19 can return to school only after:

● Isolating for 10 days AND

● Being fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication AND

● Is experiencing overall improvement in symptoms

As mentioned above, anyone who tests positive, regardless of vaccine status, from a take home test should immediately report it to the school and begin isolating. Students who test positive must isolate for 10 days and can return to school on Day 11. No negative test is required to return to school if an individual completes the full isolation period.


Q: What happens if my child must be picked up from school and comes home with a test kit because they had symptoms in school?

A: For individuals experiencing symptoms: The individual experiencing symptoms should use both tests within 24 hours. The first test should be used immediately upon returning home, and the second test should be used 24 hours later. The individual must stay home until two negative home rapid test results have been received. The individual may return to school after two negative test results and if they are fever free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.


Q: What happens if my child comes home with an at-home kit and a letter that they were in close contact?

A: Students and staff who may have been exposed to COVID at school are given a home test kit to take home. The individual should administer the first home test on the day they receive the test kit and then again on Day 5. If the first home test administered is negative, the individual may return to school the next day.

If an individual begins to show symptoms of COVID before Day 5, they should use the second test kit immediately, treating themselves as a potential positive case and isolate. It is recommended that the individual also seek a PCR test.

It is important to note that this home testing program applies only to school exposures; it does NOT apply to individuals with household or other exposures. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated and experience an exposure outside of the classroom must still quarantine at home for 10 days. If those individuals obtain a lab-confirmed negative COVID-19 test result on or after Day 5 from exposure, they can return to school from quarantine on Day 8.


Q: Are there different guidelines for 3K or Pre-K?

A: For students in 3-K, Pre-K, and children ages 3 and up in LYFE, the quarantine policy will remain the same, meaning that any student in 3-K, Pre-K, and children ages 3 and up in LYFE who were in close proximity to a positive case will still have to quarantine for 10 days. These students may test out of quarantine by taking a test on Day 5 or later and if the test is negative, may return to school on Day 8. Students younger than 3 need to quarantine for 10 days and do not have the option of testing out of quarantine.


Q: What if I am unsure if my child can come to school?

A: The new health screening must be done every day. Answer honestly, and it will guide you.

https://healthscreening.schools.nyc/


Q: If my child is vaccinated, what should I do to document?

A: Please upload your child's vaccination status to https://vaccine.schools.nyc/

If you have any additional questions, always feel free to reach out to me anytime. This link is helpful as well https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/health-and-wellness/covid-information


Q: How will the school community be notified of positive cases?

A: An email will be sent to your child's nyc student email daily. Regardless of the number of cases, one letter will be sent. To track covid cases, click here https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/health-and-wellness/covid-information/daily-covid-case-map



PLEASE CHECK YOU CHILDS STUDENT EMAIL, AS IMPORTANT INFORMATION IS SENT VIA NYCSTUDENT EMAIL.

College Awareness Day : January 10, 2022. Wear Your College Gear!!


What activities can families do with their child to celebrate College Awareness Day?

  • Continue having college conversations with your child. It is never too early to begin thinking about college. Ask your student:
    • What is your favorite subject in school?
    • What do you want to be when you grow up?
    • What activities would you be interested in joining in high school/college?
  • Go on a college tour with your child’s school
  • Dress your child in gear from your favorite college
  • Put a college poster in your child’s room
  • Go online and search colleges and scholarship options with your child




https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/student-journey/college-and-career-planning/college-awareness-day

MIDDLE SCHOOL ENROLLMENT FAIR: 4TH AND 5TH GRADE FAMILIES

Please see the flyer below. To register, scan the QR code or click here

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=tyxJGEXvYUWFcQxC5fesB8tau-9fMuJMgcBFte3VPvxUNVNZU1ZBV1RRU1I1WkxIVjNTWVhORDJaSi4u

From Our PTA

Hello PS88Q Families!!!


Ready, Set, Go!


In this new year, show your enthusiasm for PS88!


For this early Winter sale we have selected long-sleeved shirts (with a special style for the littlest ones), crew neck sweatshirts, and a hoodie.


All funds raised will be paid directly to PS88Q PTA for raising money for our PTA as they plan for the Spring Festival, School Dances, Fun Events, Teacher Resources and more for our children and staff at our PS88Q Family!


Get some #WeArePS88Q Swag for the new year!


FUNDRAISING PERIOD:

START: January 5th, 2022

END: February 2nd, 2022


Let’s work together to achieve the extraordinary!


Shop ➡️: https://www.customink.com/fundraising/ps88winter22


#WeArePS88Q #togetherwecanachievetheextraordinary #ps88qPTAandSLT

#WeArePS88Qswag

#WeArePS88Qapparelsale