Dear PPA Families,

Health and safety is our top priority, and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) and the Department of Education (DOE) continue to work together to keep the city’s students, families, and staff members safe, healthy, and informed as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic evolves.

The NYC Department of Health is currently investigating cases of Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome, or PMIS, a new health condition appearing in children in New York City and elsewhere. The NYC Health Department is also investigating the possible association between PMIS and COVID-19 in children. Some doctors think the condition is related to having COVID-19, but the connection is still not clear.

PMIS is a rare condition that is not contagious. However, because it is life-threatening, it is important to know the signs. Most children have a persistent, high fever lasting several days, along with other symptoms, including:

Irritability or sluggishness
Abdominal pain without another explanation
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Rash
Conjunctivitis, or red or pink eyes
Enlarged lymph node (“gland”) on one side of the neck
Red, cracked lips or red tongue that looks like a strawberry
Swollen hands and feet, which might also be red

You should call your doctor if your child becomes ill and has had continued fever. Your doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and use that information to recommend next steps. If your child is severely ill, you should go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 immediately.

Although it is not yet known whether it is associated with COVID-19, it is important parents and children take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Parents should help their children understand the importance of the following measures and ensure their children follow them:

As per NYS Executive Order No. 202.17, all people over the age of two who can medically tolerate a face covering must wear one when they are outside their home if they cannot maintain physical distance from others.
Physical distancing and good hygiene remain critical, even while wearing a face covering.
When outside the home, adults and children must maintain at least 6 feet of distancebetween themselves and others whenever possible.
Parents should remind children of the importance of good hand hygiene and should help ensure that children frequently wash their hands.

The health and safety of our communities remain our top priority, and we will continue to follow all guidance and take all appropriate measures to help keep our students, families, and staff members safe. Please contact 311 with any questions.

For more information, please visit the NYCDOE's website and Chancellor Carranza's letters to families, which have also been translated into an array of languages.

About Us

Get to Know Our Principal!

Principal Ferron was born and raised in the Bronx, having served our community for over 20 years as an educator.

After receiving his Bachelor and Master Degrees from St. John's University, Mr. Ferron began his career teaching History before transitioning to serving as a school administrator, a role he has held for the past 16 years.

Having joined PPA in 2016, Mr. Ferron brought with him a style of leadership and educational approach that promotes student voice in a culture wherein our standards of learning prepare all learners to be college and career ready.

Mission & Vision

To implement academically rigorous curricula that meet and exceed national, state, and city standards, while nurturing student potential in a caring, engaging and safe environment. We strive to prepare our students with academic, technical, and social skills to better serve our nation and the world in the 21st century.

Why Pelham Prep?

When faced with the numerous high school choices, it is easy to be confused as to the choice to make for your child. Our proven graduation rate and many opportunities for your child should make the decision much easier. We are proud to say we offer numerous opportunities for your child including:

Personalized Learning Environment
Computer Lab/Wireless Internet
Individualized College Planning
Partnership with College For Every Student (CFES)
Early College Awareness
Advanced Placement Classes
National and Spanish Honor Society
Academic Tutoring/Homework Help
Concert Band, Jazz Band, Pep Band
CFES Mentor Program
Competitive Sports Teams
Dance/Chorus/Drama
SAT/PSAT Classes
Clubs
Community Service Opportunities
"College Now" Classes at Lehman College
"TRIO" with Lehman College
Gear-Up College Awareness

Partnerships

PPA in the News

Backpacked Letters Archive

Academic Grading Policy

Grading Policy

Cell Phone Policy

At Pelham Preparatory Academy, we have partnered with Yondr to make our school a phone-free space. We believe in maintaining a safe, effective educational environment for all students. We began our partnership in 2019, and it has proved successful for both students and staff.

Yondr allows students to keep their phones in their possession throughout the day, but only allows them access to the phone at the end of their day upon leaving the building. The Yondr program employs a simple, easy-to-use case that stores a cell phone and requires an unlocking base to open. When students enter scanning in the morning, the phones are placed in their bags, which they will keep in their possession, locked until the end of their day at which time they unlock the bag retrieving its contents, keeping the bag in their possession for use at scanning in the morning.

Yondr pouches are distributed on the first day of school and on a rolling basis for new admits.

For more information on our cell phone policy, please review the attached letter---which discusses replacement fees, damages, etc.---as well as the Chancellor's Regulations for NYCDOE schools.

General Response Protocol

Pelham Preparatory Academy, in coordination with Columbus Campus, implements protocols that focus on emergency preparedness in accordance with all NYC Public Schools. Drills are conducted throughout the year to prepare our staff and students, and make improvements in emergency planning.

Under the General Response Protocol (GRP), we conducts drills designed to help prepare our school community for three different types of response to emergencies: 1) Evacuation, 2) Shelter-In, and 3) Lockdown. To learn more about these General Response Protocols, please review the attached one-pager.

All families are reminded to update the Emergency Contact Cards that are on file in our main office, including information indicating phone numbers and the names of adults to whom the school may release children in an emergency. Furthermore, we recommend registering with Notify NYC allows families to receive information about emergency events, and calling 311 for additional information about a school during an emergency.

For more information, please review the attached links---which include a letter from Principal Ferron, a cheatsheet of Response Protocols, and a registration page for Notify NYC.

5/21: Summer School Dates Update

Annual ELL Parent Meeting, Wed. May 27

5/19: Follow Up on New Health Condition Appearing in NYC Children

5/14: Virtual Parent Teacher Conferences

5/11: Marking Period 2 Report Cards

5/13: Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome (PMIS)

4/28: Grading Policy for Remote Learning

5/6: Updates on Use of Zoom from Chancellor Carranza

4/30: Updates on AP Exams and Fees

4/27: Remote Learning Survey