Pelham Preparatory Academy

Message Center

• Letter from the Chancellor on School Safety

  Dear Families,

  Today we find ourselves in the heartbreaking position of having to process, once again, the senseless
  and devastating murder of students and teachers. We have endured so much these last few years and
  our school communities have shown incredible resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges. What
  they should not have to worry about is the threat of gun violence in their own classrooms. No parent
  should have to worry about the safety of their child when they drop them off for school every morning.
  No teacher or principal should feel fear when the door of a classroom or school building opens
  throughout the day. No child should have to a light candle for lost friends and classmates.

  In these times, it is important that we all pull together and do what our city does best: support one
  another. School staff members are willing and able to provide support and assistance. Remind your child
  that their school is a safe place and encourage them to discuss their feelings. Please do not hesitate to
  share your child’s concerns with school staff members so we can provide appropriate supports.

  I want to reassure all members of our school community that we are focused on safety every day. The
  NYC Department of Education will continue to work closely with the New York Police Department and
  partner city agencies to provide support and information during major incidents that impact our school
  communities. All New York City public schools follow strict safety protocols designed to keep your
  children safe at all times, especially in the event of an emergency. You can find information about the
  protocols we follow to keep children safe on our website at schools.nyc.gov/school-life/safe-schools/emergency-readiness

  Please make sure your school has current emergency contact information for your family. In addition,
  you can register for Notify NYC (a858-nycnotify.nyc.gov) and create an NYC Schools Account
  (schoolsaccount.nyc) to ensure you receive up-to-date information on emergency events.

  The health and safety of our students continues to be our highest priority and we are here to help you
  during this challenging time.

  Soaring high,

  David C. Banks

  Chancellor

  • School Safety Letter May 25 2022.pdf

  Pelham Preparatory Academy

• COVID High Alert Level

  Due to recent increases in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in New York City, the city is now at a COVID-19 high (orange) alert level. This means there is significant spread of COVID-19 in the city.

  We urge you to take the following proven precautions to protect your family and our communities:

  • Wear a mask. We recommend that everyone age 2 and older wear a well-fitting mask in all public indoor settings, including at school and early childhood education (ECE) programs, even if not required. Encourage your child to wear a mask while at school or ECE program and when gathering with friends. Your child’s school has masks available.
  • Get vaccinated and boosted. Everyone age 5 and older should get vaccinated against COVID-19, including getting a booster shot when eligible. Vaccines have saved countless lives and are our best defense against the virus. Find a vaccination site at nyc.gov/vaccinefinder(Open external link) or by calling 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692). You can get vaccinated for free, regardless of immigration or insurance status.
  • Stay home when sick. Everyone should stay home if they are sick or test positive for COVID-19 and follow all guidance, including wearing a well-fitting face mask for 10 days.
  • Get tested. Everyone should get tested if they have COVID-19 symptoms, were recently with someone who has COVID-19, recently traveled or were at a large event. Schools are giving each child four
    at-home tests per week and testing is available throughout the city. To find a testing site, visit nyc.gov/covidtest(Open external link). Testing is free at many sites.
  • Consider other precautions, such as avoiding crowds, limiting gatherings to a small number of people, increasing ventilation, and wearing a higher quality mask. This is especially important for people who are at increased risk due to age, underlying medical condition, or because they are unvaccinated.

  If you or your child tests positive for COVID-19, call your health care provider or 212-COVID19 (212-268-4319) to ask about treatment options for people age 12 and older. To learn more, including about who is eligible, visit nyc.gov/health/covidtreatments(Open external link). If your child tests positive, please inform their school or ECE program. Children who test positive or are home with symptoms can receive free online learning and office hours while out sick.

  If we all do our part, we can beat this COVID-19 wave and enjoy a safe and healthy spring and summer.

  Pelham Preparatory Academy

• Summer Rising Applications!

  We are excited to announce that  Summer Rising 2022 applications will open on Monday, April 25.   The attached document includes Summer Rising application information, summer programs for high school students, including SYEP (application deadline April 22), and a final reminder to families to provide feedback via the NYC School Survey (deadline April 15). 

  Summer Rising 2022 is the beginning of our city’s focus on reimagining each student’s learning journey – or pathway – to prepare, engage, and connect students to careers, with long-term economic security as the goal. In partnership with DYCD, DOE, and other city agencies, the Adams administration is providing a record 100,000 summer opportunities for high school students, including through the Summer Youth Employment Program.

  • NYC DOE Family Update Week of April 11 2022.pdf

  Pelham Preparatory Academy