Covid-19 Plan

Welcome to our COVID response page. Below you’ll find all the critical information about how The Harold O. Levy School 52 is changing the way we operate to reduce the risk of COVID infection.

We are doing everything we can to make sure staff, students, and families are safe.

Please check back regularly, as we will update the information here as conditions change.

HYBRID LEARNING SCHEDULE FOR FALL 2020

We are starting the school year with a hybrid learning schedule. That means that your child will be in school some days and working from home some days. If our county moves into a Level 4 Health Emergency, we will switch to 100% remote learning for all students. Check this page for updates.

Our Blended Learning Schedule Has Two Groups, Group A and Group B
Group A classes will meet on Tuesday, Wednesday and alternating Mondays, from 8:30am to 2:00pm.
Group B classes will meet on Thursday, Friday and alternate Mondays, from 8:30am to 2:00pm.
Remote Learning for these groups happens on the days they are not attending in-Person sessions. For group A, remote learning happens on Thursday, Friday and alternating Mondays. For Group B, remote learning happens on Tuesday, Wednesday and alternating Mondays.

If you wish to have your child receive remote only instruction, please contact our parent coordinator Ms. Vasquez at [email protected].

SAFETY INFORMATION

Our school has implemented a number of changes to ensure everyone's safety.

Safety Precautions Taken By Our School

In addition to asking everyone to wear masks, wash hands, and maintain social distancing, our school has taken several steps to improve the safety of our staff and students. These steps have been recommended by local health authorities to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and other illnesses.

Changes in class sizes: We've reduced the average class size from 31 to 12 for in-person instruction.
Improvements in ventilation: In an effort to maximize air circulation, we are opening windows whenever possible and have added industrial fans to high-traffic areas.
Increases in cleaning frequency: Our custodial team is committed to cleaning all classrooms twice daily, once before the school day and once in the afternoon. In addition, all classroom teachers have been provided with sanitizing wipes to wipe down surfaces and shared resources on an as-needed basis throughout the school day.
Hand sanitation: All bathrooms have been stocked with extra soap for frequent hand washing. In addition, we have provided teachers with hand sanitizer for the classroom and added hand sanitizer stations in common areas.

GUIDANCE FOR HYBRID & REMOTE LEARNING

How Hybrid Learning Works

Hybrid learning combines in-class instruction and at-home learning. This allows us to limit the number of students in the building each day for safe social distancing, while still ensuring that students can benefit from direct interaction with teachers and peers.

During days in class, teachers will provide direct whole-class instruction and small-group instruction. These days will be used primarily to introduce new topics, provide small group and one-on-one instructional support, and conduct assessments to monitor student progress towards standards.
Students will be assigned additional activities to work on independently for there at-home learning days. These activities will allow students to apply and practice what they learned in class. There may be a combination of technology-based learning activities and offline worksheets, projects, and writing assignments. At-home learning activities are an important part of the learning process and will be graded.
Teachers and intervention specialists will have limited virtual "office hours" (on Google Class or ZOOM) after school hours. Students who have questions or need extra support can check in with their teachers during their office hours for help with at-home learning assignments. Teacher office hours are between 2:00pm and 2:20 PM Monday to Friday. You may e-mail your teacher or post in your teacher's google classroom to arrange meetings during these office hours.
Students with IEPs or 504 plans, or who have been identified as at-risk for not meeting academic standards, may have additional one-on-one intervention provided either virtually or in school on Fridays.

Remote Learning Expectations

During hybrid or 100% remote learning, your child is expected to complete all assignments provided by the teacher. At the same time, we recognize that working independently at home is different and difficult for many students, so we want to provide flexibility.

Students and families should check Google Class daily for important updates from their teachers.
At-home assignments for the week will be posted in Google Class by the teacher each week.
All remote students are expected to sign into their classes each day according to their schedule. First period begins at 9:30 am and 7th period ends at 2:00pm.
During 100% distance learning, your teacher may conduct live classes via Google Hangouts or Zoom. Check Google Class for links to those live instruction sessions each day.
When signing in for virtual classes or meetings, students are expected to be on time, appropriately dressed, and ready to learn. We suggest signing in 5 minutes before class starts. Please try to reduce background noise and distractions as much as possible.

Technology: Getting a Device and Internet Access

We are committed to making sure that all students can successfully connect to online learning during their at-home learning days.

If your student needs a laptop or tablet, please contact [email protected]. Borrowing a device is free! Students will receive an iPad. Please let Ms. Mendez know if you have internet at home, to order the appropriate device needed.
Borrowed devices should be used for school purposes only and kept in a secure location. Take your device with you on in-school days.
If you do not have internet access at home, please contact Ms. Mendez at [email protected] to see what options are available to you.
If you are having trouble connecting to Google Class, Google Hangouts, or any of our online learning resources, please contact your teacher via e-mail or call the school at 212-567-9162 between 8:30am and 2:20pm.

Tips for Successful At-Home Learning

At-home learning will look different than a typical school day. The amount of time your child should be expected to engage in learning activities will vary by age and grade level. The expectations below are guidelines. If your child is not able to complete at-home learning assignments within the time periods recommended below, contact your child's teacher to discuss a modified assignment load.

Make sure your child has a quiet place to work (ideally a desk or table) and the school supplies they need. Try to remove distractions like the television or other technology not needed for learning.
If your child does not understand an option, be sure to reach out to their teacher during their office hours.

Help for Families

We know that many families are struggling during this time, and we are here to help.

We are providing free breakfast and lunch for all students during in-school days. Students and families needing additional food support may pick up free meals through the Meal Hub program (see link to the left).
Our social worker Mrs. Mendez is available to assist you. They can also help connect your family with community resources to help you.
- Please contact Mrs. Mendez, our School Social Worker, if your child is experiencing trauma or mental health issues,if your family has lost housing, is experiencing a crisis, or needs additional support during this time or needs to be evaluated for an IEP or 504 plan.
There are many community resources available for families who need help with housing support, utilities, mental health services, crisis services, and other supports during this time. Use the quick links to the right to connect with more community resources.

KEY CONTACTS

If you have any questions about the COVID-19 plan, please contact Principal Capers:

Email
[email protected]

Phone
212-567-9162

Address
650 Academy St.

New York N.Y. 10034

Free Meals

Meals Hubs will continue to operate for children and families.

For students in remote only instruction they can pick up breakfast from 7:30am - 8:00am and lunch from 9:00am to 12:00pm.

For adults, meals can be picked up from 3:00pm to 5:00pm daily.
No one will be turned away at any time • All adults and children can pick up multiple meals at one time • Vegetarian and halal options available at all sites