I.S. 24 School Community Update

Dear I.S. 24 School Community of Students, Families and Staff,

I felt it was necessary to communicate with you at this time. Much has happened locally and nationally and many of us are left confused, stunned and needing answers. Today some information was released to school's and I want to try and assist with your concerns regarding Coronavirus and schools.

To keep the information short and digestible I will share many notes in bullet format. Some things you should be aware of are as follows;

+Please do not follow the rumors or social media inaccuracies. Facts will be shared in real time through the Mayor's Office and Department of Education which will then be made public by our school through the following tools;
website: www.barnes24.org
instagram: 24prideofgk
facebook: I.S. 24 Myra S. Barnes
Pupilpath Message
Phoneblast Messages

+Our school will never answer a question regarding if someone (student or staff) is ill. That is private and is protected under the law. Please do not call the school and flood the phone lines as they are needed for official business, emergencies, etc. Our school will never deny or confirm any information unless its confirmed and approved to be released so please do not become challenging with whoever assists you over the phone. This is all new to everyone.

+We are preparing for the end of the third marking period on March 27th. Many parents are concerned about grades, attendance, schoolwork, etc. Much of that information will be shared here and in communication next week as well. For as long as school is open Teachers will be delivering instruction and students are expected in school. If a parent chooses to keep their child home its a parent/family decision. We are here and learning is still taking place.

+If a parent decides to keep a student home for these reasons below the student is absent from school but it can be excused. An absence is the physical presence of a student not taking place. If you have heard of a "Code 14" for an excused absence it can only be used for the reasons below.

Students are staying home with flu-like symptoms of respiratory illness that may indicate COVID-19, such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath.
Students have returned from COVID-19 affected areas and are self-quarantined.
Students are absent due to exposure from COVID-19 and possess a doctor’s note (although the note is not required to use Reason Code 14).
Families/caregivers choose to keep students home in an effort to reduce their child’s or family member's risk to COVID-19 exposure.

+Attendance of students with excused absences from March 12-April 3 will not be harmed if a student is a candidate for Arista and attendance is less than satisfactory.

+The school is being cleaned as usual everyday but a specific cleaning schedule by order of the DoE is allowing for surface cleaning two times a week by the Custodian.

+Teachers and Staff will begin working on creating assignments and tasks in the event students are not attending school in the coming days as we get direction from the NYC DoE.

As a reminder, I am here with you and for you. I am a member of this school community in more ways than one and I am living this with you. Please remember to breathe, follow all CDC and and local health directives and live your life as best you can with the information you have. We will get through this...I promise.

Sincerely,

Lenny Santamaria
Principal