SCHOOLS CHANCELLOR MELISSA AVILES-RAMOS CELEBRATES NEXT PHASE FOR COMMUNITY AND CITYWIDE EDUCATION COUNCILS ELECTIONS

Parents, Employees Hosted at Tweed Courthouse for 'Voting Party’ 
Photos of the events can be found here.

NEW YORK – New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos yesterday casted her vote for the 2025 Community and Citywide Education Councils Election at a “Voting Party’ event to encourage New York City Public Schools employees and parents to get civically engaged and cast their vote. This event, hosted by the NYCPS Division of Family, Community, and Student Empowerment, celebrated the kickoff of the next voting phase which began on April 25, 2025, and will close on May 13, 2025. All parents who want to cast their votes can do so through the NYC Schools Account, which parents can sign up for at any time.  

"Families are essential to the success of our public schools," said Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos. "As a parent in NYCPS myself, I understand firsthand the importance of strong parent leadership. It's crucial that families’ voices are heard and that we collaborate to support the success and well-being of our students—and our CCECs are critical partners in this work. I encourage every NYCPS family to vote in this important election to choose their CCEC representatives.” 

"When families have a seat at the table, our schools are stronger. Community Education Councils are one of the opportunities that give families a meaningful way to shape policies, elevate their voices, and advocate for their children," said Deputy Chancellor for Family, Community, and Student Empowerment Dr. Cristina Meléndez. "I encourage every parent and guardian to join me in casting their vote. Let’s help shape the future of our schools together." 

The Community and Citywide Education Council (CCEC) allows each public school parent to have the opportunity to represent their school communities and make their voices heard. The event served as a citywide effort to create fun and welcoming “voting party” experiences in schools — reminding families that voting in the CCEC elections is not just a civic duty, but a celebration of their central role in shaping the future of our schools. Members of the CCECs work closely with administrators and superintendents to address important issues in their respective districts. 

More information about CCECs and the voting cycle can be found here.  

Contact: Chancellor’s Press Office press@schools.nyc.gov  

Marble Health New.pdf - (English/Español/中文)

 noro-letter-parents-nycps-1-17-25-updated-sc-ls.docx 

January 27, 2025
Dear Parents,
There has been an increase in gastrointestinal illness (such as vomiting, diarrhea and other stomach-related illness) nationwide and locally. Fortunately, we have not observed an increase amongst among our students. We would like to share information about norovirus for your awareness. Some germs, like norovirus, can spread very fast in schools. Norovirus is a stomach virus that can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Most people get better in one to two days.
People can become sick with norovirus if they:
• Have close contact with someone who has norovirus. Contact can include changing diapers and sharing food, forks, knives, spoons or chopsticks.
• Touch surfaces that have norovirus, then touch their mouths
• Eat food or drink liquids that have norovirus

How to stop the spread of norovirus:
• Wash your hands often with warm water and soap. This is especially important after using the bathroom, after changing diapers, and before touching or eating food.
• Remind children to wash their hands after using the bathroom and before eating. Watch younger children to be sure they use soap and water and dry their hands well.
• Immediately clean surfaces that become dirty from vomit or stool. Use a germ-killing cleaner, such as bleach, for the best results. Be sure to follow the package instructions when using a germ-killing cleaner.
• Keep children home if they are sick. Children who are vomiting or having diarrhea should stay home until they are well. Remind children to wash their hands thoroughly, especially during and after their illness.
Visit nyc.gov/health and search for norovirus for more information. If you are concerned about your child’s illness, call your health care provider or school nurse.

Sincerely,
Cheryl Lawrence, MD FAAP
Medical Director
Office of School Health

Dear Parents

I am writing to provide you with information about the Emergency Readiness Initiatives that are in place in all NYC Public Schools.

Every school currently has procedures for emergencies. In 2000, New York State Education Law Section 2801 was enacted requiring schools to develop safety plans regarding emergency response. In July of 2001, the law was amended to require that plans include information for evacuation and sheltering. In accordance with this, “schools need to conduct drills and other exercises to test components of the emergency response plan.” In July of 2024, the Education Law was revised to include Trauma-Informed Care in the training and practice of all emergency drills.

Our school has a Building Response Team that is trained to activate and respond to different incidents that may occur at our school. In addition, school staff members are trained in various procedures that are outlined in the School Safety Plan and we currently conduct a variety of drills throughout the year to prepare our staff and students. Section 807 of the New York State Education Law requires all schools to conduct a minimum of 12 emergency drills each year. Section 917 of the State Education Law states that schools are required to provide and maintain automated external defibrillator (AED) equipment, and drills are conducted during the year to assess the use of AED units in an emergency. In accordance with Section 3623 of the State Education Law, drills are also conducted at schools that focus on safety on a school bus.

Under the General Response Protocol (GRP), every school will conduct specific drills designed to help prepare all school communities for four different types of response to emergencies that may occur: evacuation, shelter-in, hold, and lockdown.

Emergency readiness training in schools takes place in September and continues for staff and students throughout the school year. Student training is designed by grade level to ensure that students understand the importance of these drills without causing unnecessary alarm. In accordance with our Trauma Informed Care approach, our drills will not include any props, actors, simulations, or other tactics intended to mimic a school shooting, incident of violence, or other emergency. Our staff will review the proper actions in either an evacuation or lockdown drill to discuss any concerns or fears a student may have and we will provide notice to parents and those in parental relations regarding drills within one week before each drill. Drills will not occur until after annual training in emergency procedures has been provided to students and staff.

It is important for families to update the Emergency Contact Cards that are on file in our main office. You are also encouraged to create and maintain an accurate NYC Schools Account. This information includes providing and updating information indicating phone numbers, and the names of adults to whom the school may release children in an emergency. Families are also encouraged to register with Notify NYC (https://a858-nycnotify.nyc.gov/notifynyc/) to receive information about emergency events, and call 311 for additional information about a school during an emergency.

We encourage you to play a role in our trauma informed approach by reviewing the General Response Protocols attached to this letter. Opportunities for parent engagement are available at our school to ensure that families are involved in our school-based emergency readiness program. Parent versions of the School Safety Plan are available upon request in the main office, and information explaining the GRP is included with this letter. Many other important resources for families are also available by visiting https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/safe-schools.

Sincerely,

  Francine A. Marsaggi

           Principal