Dear KIPP NYC Families,
We are so looking forward to seeing all of your students back in school very soon! Our teams have been busy making preparations, and as we begin the school year together, we want to reiterate that the health and safety of your students and our staff remains of the utmost importance. During the last few weeks of the 2020-21 school year, we tested over 4,000 staff and students and there were no positive COVID-19 cases. We continued testing at our high school during our summer session, and again, we’ve had an extremely low positivity rate and no community spread. We feel confident that our policies and protocols continue to keep our community safe, and we can’t wait to see your students return!
In that spirit, this email will provide you with some key health and safety information and describe what you can expect as we welcome your students to our school buildings.
Health and Safety at KIPP NYC Schools
You can find our latest health and safety protocols and resources on our website under 2021-22 School Year FAQ. Here are several important reminders about our policies to begin the year:
Daily Health Survey. All students (or their families) and staff will respond to the Ruvna daily health survey prior to the start of each school day. Students and staff should stay home when they have signs of any infectious illness and see a health care provider for testing and care.
Social Distancing. While in the classroom, to the best extent possible, students will maintain a social distance of three feet from each other. For activities such as meals, music, sports, recess, and indoor gym, students will maintain a distance of at least six feet from each other.
Masks. All staff and students must wear face masks while in our school buildings and on school grounds. This includes all outdoor school activities, including recess and field trips. Students may remove masks while eating or drinking. Masks can be any color or design, as long as it is appropriate for school.
COVID Testing in School. We will test all students during their first month onsite. After this initial round of testing, we will test 10% of students onsite each week. We will test unvaccinated staff each week. Outside of school, please visit testing sites for children in your zip code.
Staff Vaccination. Our staff are either vaccinated for COVID-19 or they are tested weekly onsite. Additionally, all school staff are submitting a negative COVID-19 PCR test before they return to school, regardless of their vaccination status. Any staff member that has not provided proof of vaccination is required to wear a KN95 mask.
COVID-19 Vaccine Incentives and Access
We strongly encourage all of our staff, our families, and students over the age of 12 to receive the vaccine. It is safe, effective, and will not cause COVID-19. Please see this page from the CDC for more information on the benefits of the vaccine.
While the vaccine is not mandatory for our staff or students, please also be aware that New York City will soon require people to show vaccination proof to eat inside of a restaurant, see a performance, or visit a fitness center. It is quite possible that the city will add more businesses to this list in the coming weeks.
Here are a few things to know about how to get your child vaccinated:
Visit https://vaccinefinder.nyc.gov/ or call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692) to find a vaccination site near you. Many sites do not require an appointment.
You can request free in-home vaccination by visiting nyc.gov/homevaccine or calling 877-VAX-4NYC. In-home vaccination is available to all New Yorkers ages 12 and older. You do not need to provide proof of immigration status or a social security number to get vaccinated. Identification is only required for proof of age. If your child does not have an ID, you can attest to their age at the time of vaccination.
You do not need health insurance to get vaccinated.
New York City is now providing incentives, including $100, if you get your first vaccine dose at a New York City-run vaccine location. See list of the incentives below. On our Community Resources page, you can find information about the vaccine, including NYC Health’s Vaccine Finder to search for a location near you.
A selection of vaccine incentives provided by NYC:
$100 Prepaid debit card
Brooklyn Cyclones tickets
NYC Ferry 10-Ride Pass
Statue of Liberty and accompanying ferry ticket
NYC Public Markets gift cards ($25)
Public Theater annual membership
Two-week membership to Citibike
Family fun wristband and free ride on the Cyclone at Luna Park in Coney Island
Thank you for your time and attention--understanding these policies and procedures is key to ensuring a safe and smooth return to in-person learning. Please reach out to your principal if you have any outstanding concerns. We look forward to connecting with all of you this year!
Warmly,
Jim Manly, Superintendent
Alicia Johnson, President
