September 9, 2024

Dear Families and Staff:

This is a follow up to a letter informing you that your school’s water outlets would be tested for lead in 2024.

On June 27, 2024, all operational sources of water at P.S. 163 - Queens (P.S. 163 Flushing Heights at 159-01 59 Avenue Queens, NY 11365), including for drinking or cooking, were tested for the presence of lead. The laboratory results showed elevated levels of lead in 3 of the 133 samples outlets from which water was taken and tested. Any drinking or cooking outlet with elevated levels was immediately taken out of service, and will remain out of service until it is successfully remediated. Details of elevated results are attached and complete test results are posted on the DOE website at https://www.schools.nyc.gov/schools/Q163. Click “Reports” and look for the “Facilities” heading.

The test results include water outlets that are not used for drinking or cooking, including handwashing sinks. Sinks will have clear signs indicating “Hand Washing Only” and “Not for Drinking Use.” The custodial staff will continue to flush the P.S. 163 - Queens water systems on Monday mornings and after holidays to eliminate stagnant water. This is part of our comprehensive protocol to ensure safe drinking water for students and staff in each and every school. To learn more about the protocol please visit

https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/space-and-facilities/space-and-facilities-reports/water-safety

We will keep you updated on the remediation work at P.S. 163 - Queens, and thank you for your patience and support.

Sincerely yours,

Kevin Moran

Chief School Operations Officer (Department of Education)

A NOTICE TO PARENTS, GUARDIANS, AND STAFF

P.S. 163 - Queens

P.S. 163 Flushing Heights

159-01 59 Avenue Queens, NY 11365

September 9, 2024

Safe and healthy school environments can foster healthy and successful children. To protect public health, the Public Health Law and New York State Health Department (NYSDOH) regulations require that all public schools and boards of cooperative educational services (BOCES) test lead levels in water from every outlet that is being used, or could potentially be used, for drinking or cooking. If lead is found at any water outlet at levels above 5 parts per billion (ppb), which is equal to 5 micrograms per liter (µg/L), the NYSDOH requires that the school take action to reduce lead exceedance.

What are the initial first draw testing elevation results?

Samples Collected on 06/27/2024

What is being done in response to the results?

Each of the affected drinking or cooking outlets, have been taken out of service and will remain out of service until remediation work is completed and future testing provides results below the action level.Outlets that are not used for drinking or cooking that tested with lead levels above the action level (5 ppb) will remain in service for hand washing only, with “Hand Washing Only” and “Not for Drinking Use” signs posted.

Starting this school year, students will receive Student OMNY cards, instead of MetroCards.

Student OMNY Cards are distributed exclusively by schools. You can’t get a Student OMNY Card from the MTA. They are also valid all year long. Your Student OMNY Card doesn’t expire until the next school year.

Student OMNY Cards give you more free rides with fewer limits:

•    Four free rides every day (this includes a free transfer between the subway and local, limited, and Select Bus Service buses, or a free transfer between buses)
•    All day (not just certain hours) 
•    Every day of the year (not just school days)
•    Even weekends and over the summer
•    One card for the entire school year and the summer

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

September 5, 2024

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome back to school! We hope you had a wonderful summer and are ready for a fantastic new school year. We are excited to see all our students and can’t wait to start learning and growing together!

As we begin this new year, we wanted to share a few important things to help your child have the best school experience possible:

**1. Be on Time: ** Our school day starts at 8:15 AM. It’s really important for students to arrive on time so they don’t miss out on the fun and important activities at the beginning of the day. Please help your child get to school by 8:15 so they can start their day with their friends and be ready to learn.

**2. Come Every Day: ** Every school day is important for your child’s learning and growth. We encourage you to make sure your child comes to school every day. Regular attendance helps them stay on track with their studies and enjoy all the fun activities we have planned.

**3. Pick-Up on Time: ** School ends at 2:25 PM. Please be sure to pick up your child by this time. If students are picked up late, it can be stressful for them and can affect their day. Your help in picking them up on time is much appreciated.

**4. Breakfast Available: ** We offer breakfast as students walk into school. It’s a great way for kids to start their day with a healthy meal and be ready for learning.

We need your support to make this school year a success. By helping with on-time arrival and pick-up and making sure your child is at school every day, we can work together to make this year wonderful for everyone!

Thank you for being such an important part of our school community. We are looking forward to a great year with you and your child!

Best wishes,

Francine A. Marsaggi

Principal

亲爱的家长和监护人，

欢迎回到学校！希望你们度过了一个愉快的夏天，并准备好迎接一个全新的学年。我们非常期待见到每一位学生，并开始一个充满学习和乐趣的学年。

我们想提醒大家几个重要事项，以帮助您的孩子拥有最佳的学校体验：

**1. 准时到校：** 学校的上课时间是早上8:15。学生准时到校非常重要，这样他们才能参加到一天开始的活动和重要课程。请帮助您的孩子在8:15之前到校，让他们能和朋友们一起开始新的一天，做好学习的准备。

**2. 每天到校：** 每一天的上学时间对孩子的学习和成长都非常重要。我们鼓励您确保孩子每天都来学校。规律的出勤可以帮助他们跟上学习进度，享受我们安排的各种活动。

**3. 准时接送：** 学校在下午2:25放学。请确保您能准时接到您的孩子。如果孩子被迟迟接走，会让他们感到焦虑，也可能影响他们的一天。感谢您帮助我们做到这一点。

**4. 提供早餐：** 学生到校时可以享用早餐。这是孩子们以健康的餐点开始一天的好方法，并为学习做好准备。

我们需要您的支持来确保这个学年取得成功。通过帮助孩子准时到校和接送，并确保孩子每天都到学校，我们可以共同努力，让这个学年对每个人来说都变得美好。

感谢您成为我们学校社区的重要一部分。我们期待着与您和您的孩子一起度过一个精彩的学年！

此致，

Francine A. Marsaggi

Principal

Queridos Padres y Tutores,

¡Bienvenidos de nuevo a la escuela! Esperamos que hayan tenido un verano maravilloso y que estén listos para un nuevo y emocionante año escolar. Estamos muy emocionados de ver a todos nuestros estudiantes y de comenzar un año lleno de aprendizaje y diversión.

Queremos recordarles algunas cosas importantes para que su hijo/a tenga la mejor experiencia en la escuela:

**1. Llegar a Tiempo:** La escuela comienza a las 8:15 AM. Es muy importante que los estudiantes lleguen a tiempo para no perderse las actividades y la información importante al inicio del día. Ayuden a su hijo/a a llegar a la escuela antes de las 8:15 para que puedan comenzar el día con sus amigos y listos para aprender.

**2. Asistencia Diaria:** Cada día de escuela es importante para el aprendizaje y el crecimiento de su hijo/a. Les pedimos que aseguren que su hijo/a venga a la escuela todos los días. La asistencia regular ayuda a mantener a los estudiantes al día con sus estudios y a disfrutar de las actividades que tenemos planeadas.

**3. Recoger a Tiempo:** La escuela termina a las 2:25 PM. Por favor, asegúrense de recoger a su hijo/a a tiempo. Si los estudiantes son recogidos tarde, puede ser estresante para ellos y afectar su día. Agradecemos su ayuda para recogerlos a tiempo.

**4. Desayuno Disponible:** Ofrecemos desayuno cuando los estudiantes llegan a la escuela. Es una excelente manera de comenzar el día con una comida saludable y estar listos para aprender.

Necesitamos su apoyo para hacer que este año escolar sea un éxito. Ayudando con la llegada y recogida a tiempo, y asegurándose de que su hijo/a asista a la escuela todos los días, podemos trabajar juntos para que este año sea maravilloso para todos.

¡Gracias por ser una parte tan importante de nuestra comunidad escolar! Estamos ansiosos por tener un gran año con ustedes y su hijo/a.

Atentamente,

Francine A. Marsaggi

Principal

CLICK HERE FOR SUMMER READING GUIDANCE

English:  Summer-EBT-Flyer.pdf 

Español:  Summer-EBT-Flyer-Spanish.pdf 

Beginning in summer 2024, New York State (NYS) is implementing Summer EBT, a new federal program to help low-income households with children purchase food over the summer when school is out of session and children can no longer rely on access to free/reduced price school meals. The Summer EBT benefit of $120 per eligible child will be issued on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that families can use just like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase eligible food items at SNAP participating grocery stores, farmers markets, and other retailers; these benefits expire 122 days from the date that the benefits are issued.

The new program is in addition to free meals that children ages 18 and younger can get at summer meal sites in their communities.

Please note that this is not a DOE program. For questions, direct families to OTDA.NY.gov/SummerEBT and then call the Summer EBT Customer Service Helpline (1-833-452-0096) if further assistance is needed. The helpline will be able to answer questions about a specific child’s eligibility beginning July 1. 

September 2023

Dear Families, 

The NYC Public Schools is committed to ensuring safe, supportive, and inclusive environments in all schools. We
successfully foster these environments by providing professional learning for teachers and school staff on how to
support students who may be experiencing challenges in or outside of the school day and by engaging families as
partners in our school communities.

Driven by our Four Pillars for Building Trust in NYC Public Schools https://www.schools.nyc.gov/FourPillars), we know
that schools need to prioritize wellness and its link to student success, as well as be culturally responsive spaces where
all children are affirmed and where all families are engaged as true partners. Our school communities are working
diligently to support the social-emotional, mental, and physical health and safety of our students.

We ask that you, along with your child, review the Chancellor’s Citywide Behavioral Expectations to Support Student
Learning (https://www.schools.nyc.gov/DCode), which includes the Discipline Code and outlines the K-12 Student Bill of
Rights and Responsibilities (https://www.schools.nyc.gov/StudentRights), protections for students with disabilities, and
expectations for student behavior. The Discipline Code outlines how school staff will address behavioral issues with a
focus on restorative approaches.

Please discuss these behavioral expectations with your child. The Discipline Code applies to all students—and
includes both supports and interventions, as well as disciplinary responses. Please note that the 2019-20 Discipline Code
remains in effect for the 2023-24 school year. The full Discipline Code is available in all NYC Public Schools supported
languages at https://www.schools.nyc.gov/DCode and can be provided by your school in paper copy, upon request.
We thank you in advance for reviewing the Discipline Code and for your partnership in contributing to a supportive, safe,
and inclusive school climate. Thank you for making our school community better, stronger, and safer for all children. If
you have any questions, please contact your school’s principal.

Best wishes for the upcoming school year! 

Best regards,
Mark Rampersant,
Chief, Safety and Prevention Partnerships
New York City Public Schools

Estimada familia:

El Sistema de Escuelas Públicas de la Ciudad de Nueva York (NYC Public Schools, NYCPS) se compromete a garantizar entornos
seguros, solidarios e inclusivos en todas las escuelas. Fomentamos con éxito estos entornos proporcionando capacitación
profesional a los maestros y al personal de las escuelas sobre cómo apoyar a los estudiantes que puedan estar enfrentando
dificultades durante o fuera del horario escolar y haciendo partícipes a las familias como colaboradores en nuestras
comunidades educativas.

Guiados por nuestros Cuatro pilares para generar confianza en las escuelas públicas de la Ciudad de Nueva York
(https://www.schools.nyc.gov/FourPillars), sabemos que las escuelas deben priorizar el bienestar de los estudiantes y el
efecto que genera en el buen desempeño académico, así como ser espacios que tomen en cuenta la diversidad cultural donde
todos los estudiantes sean valorados y todas las familias puedan participar como verdaderos colaboradores. Nuestras
comunidades escolares trabajan activamente para apoyar la salud y la seguridad socioemocional, mental y física de los
estudiantes.

Le pedimos que revise junto a su hijo las Expectativas de conducta para apoyar el aprendizaje estudiantil en la Ciudad, del
canciller (https://www.schools.nyc.gov/DCode) que incluye el Código Disciplinario y describe la Declaración de Derechos y
Responsabilidades de los Estudiantes de kínder a 12.o Grado (https://www.schools.nyc.gov/StudentRights), las protecciones
para los estudiantes con discapacidades y las expectativas de conducta estudiantil. El Código Disciplinario describe cómo el
personal escolar abordará los problemas de conducta centrándose en enfoques restaurativos.

Converse con su hijo sobre estas expectativas de conducta. El Código Disciplinario se aplica a todos los estudiantes e incluye
tanto apoyos como intervenciones, además de respuestas disciplinarias. Tenga en cuenta que el Código Disciplinario del año
escolar 2019-2020 seguirá vigente para el 2023-2024. El Código Disciplinario está disponible en los 10 idiomas del NYCPS en
https://www.schools.nyc.gov/DCode y su escuela puede proporcionarle una copia impresa, si lo solicita.

De antemano le agradecemos por revisar el Código Disciplinario y por su colaboración para crear un entorno escolar solidario,
seguro e inclusivo. Gracias por ayudarnos a que nuestra comunidad escolar sea mejor, más sólida y más segura para todos los
estudiantes. Si tiene alguna pregunta, comuníquese con el director de la escuela de su hijo.

各位家長：

紐約市公校系統致力於確保所有學校的環境安全、支援學習和包容。我們成功地促使這種環境的產生，方法是為
教師和學校職員提供專業學習機會，指導他們如何支援在上學日或以外時間遇到困難之中學生，以及讓學生家庭
成為學校社區的夥伴。

在我們的於紐約市公立學校建立信任的四個支柱(https://www.schools.nyc.gov/FourPillars)的驅動下，我們知道學
校需要將健康及其與學生成功的聯繫當作頭等大事，並且成爲文化回應場所，在這裏所有學生都得到鼓勵，所有
家庭都作爲真正的合作夥伴而參與教育。

我們的學校社區勤奮工作，支援學生的社交情緒、身心健康和安全。
請您和子女一起細閱教育總監的《全市促進學生學習行爲期許》(Citywide Behavioral Expectations to Support
Student Learning)(https://www.schools.nyc.gov/DCode)，當中包括《紀律準則》和《幼稚園至 12 年級學生權利與
責任法案》(K-12 Student Bill of Rights and Responsibilities)的槪述(https://www.schools.nyc.gov/StudentRights)、對殘
障學生的保護和對學生行爲的期望。《紀律準則》槪述了學校的職員如何以修復式的方法處理學生的行為問題。

請與子女討論這些行為的期望。《紀律準則》適用於所有學生──包含支援和干預措施以及紀律處分。請注意，
2019-20 學年《紀律準則》在 2023-24 學年仍有效。紐約市公校系統所支援的各種語言版本的《紀律準則》全
文：https://www.schools.nyc.gov/DCode，您也可以向子女學校索取印刷版。

謝謝您預先查看《紀律準則》，並與我們合作，為營造支援學習、安全和包容的學校氛圍而貢獻力量。謝謝您為
所有的學生，使學校社區變得更好、更強和更安全。如果您有任何問題，請與子女學校的校長聯絡。
祝大家在這個學年一切順利﹗