S2 Closes our Facility. We are Prepared and Determined.

Dear Friends,

We find ourselves in unprecedented times. But there is no doubt in our minds and our actions that the health, safety and well-being of our students, families, faculty and staff must come first. Prior to New York City’s decision to close all public schools, we had decided to close our school facility from Monday, March 16th until further notice. While our students will not receive instruction in our building, we will continue to educate them through a carefully planned and thoughtfully executed remote learning plan.

Our decision to close followed a week of careful preparation for what we assumed would become reality as COVID-19 quickly accelerated throughout the United States, including into our city. Our teachers prepared online modules, and last Thursday our school staff trained our students to access online learning platforms. Our technology staff conducted technology checks to ensure the platform will run smoothly. On Friday we did a test run—our teachers were in school while our students logged in from home. By all accounts it was a successful roll-out. And, our students demonstrated their determination to not let COVID-19 stop their learning. We had 98% “attendance” in our trial run.

By day's end, I was inspired by all that had been accomplished as I watched our teachers work with kids remotely and by the "We've Got This!" attitude that was pervasive. We know there will be bumps along the way: not getting everyone signed in properly; a glitch in a prepared video; a dead computer battery or a faulty charger. Our strategies will continue to evolve as we continue to learn as we fully engage with the process of providing online instruction.

This decision, taken in consultation with the New York State Education Department, our board and school leadership, was not taken lightly. We know how essential school is for the smooth running of our students’ and their families’ lives. This moment has caused us all to reflect on the institution of school and its role in our society. Our school is not just a place for our students to get an education—although that is our primary responsibility, we represent far more than that to our students and their families. As the only free, universal and mandatory institution, we are the nexus of so many of society's issues. While maybe all are not ours to “solve,” we are considering them in a multi-faceted plan to provide our families with the support they need to be their best selves. We have a robust school food plan for our students. In addition, we have a community-wide outreach plan to provide any other type of support they may need.

Never more than in this time of uncertainty and anxiety does our entire community need our culture of care. Your support has allowed us to provide the technology every one of our students needs to continue to learn remotely as well as the additional services they may require. I know many of us may be facing hardships of our own, and we are so humbled by our donors who support us. Thank you.

Together, we can ensure that hundreds of families, regardless of financial circumstances, are surrounded by a loving network of caring adults and the support and opportunities they deserve.

With Gratitude,

Distance Learning Goes Live at S2 Today

“W hile this has been a nerve wracking time for both teachers and students, I'm proud to be part of the S2 team. Knowing our students have what they need to continue to learn and are provided with social-emotional check-ins is critical during these times. "

- Nicole Hertz, 7th grade Reading Specialist

On Fridays, Coach Rivas 8th grade gym class can be found stretching, doing pull-ups and sets of sit-ups. His virtual class is no different. With over 15 students logged into third period PE class via Google Hangouts, his class continued with students breaking a sweat from their bedrooms, living rooms or hallways.

Moving all S2 classes online for distance learning has not come without challenges but teachers have adapted their lesson plans for the learning platforms. Daniel Evelyn, S2 Operations manager has been providing teachers and students with their tech needs from doc cameras, hot spots and replacement laptops. Teachers are finding innovative ways for student engagement, ensuring each student continues to receive the individual attention they can expect from S2.

Today the S2 community witnessed the results of our collective efforts to transition our students from brick and mortar learning to virtual learning. At 9:00 a.m., 300 S2 students began the school day on a zoom conference in advisory with their classmates and advisors. The day’s schedule then proceeded to unfold for each of our students much as it did for the last six months of school—except now they were engaged with their teachers, counselors, classmates and in their learning remotely. Through careful planning, we have sought to ensure their academic and social-emotional learning experiences in this new medium are as seamless as possible. We look forward to sharing our journey with you in what is our new reality for the near future.

Pictured top left: S2 teachers participating in distance learning professional development. Bottom Left: Ms. Laura Abreu, 6th grade Social Worker has a private session with a students via google hangouts; Math teachers Ms. Nadelyn Pichardo and Ms. Sara McElhinney get ready to for their virtual class.

The Importance of "Grab and Go"

Outside S2, staff are providing "grab and go" bags ensuring students and their families have the supplies they need. Lunch, calculators and chargers, books and canned foods are among the many items families and students picked up. S2 has also created a direct helpline for any family in need of additional food supplies or facing any other hardship.

We are heartened by the response of so many of our family members have shared with us:

"Thank to you all for always thinking about our kids! Proud to be part of School In the Square! Proud of all the teachers and staff."

- Diana, 6th and 7th grade parent

"Thank you for being an amazing Middle School Community! Thank you to all the staff for your hard work." - Sandra, 6th grade parent

" Gracias, I congratulate the efficient and concerned way for the health and education of our children." - Fernando , 7th grade parent

"Thank you all at School In The Square for making, my child's and the

community's health a priority." - Maria, 8th grade parent

There is no question that things will get much harder for our families before they get better. Just this morning, one of our students who is coming to our building to pick up food let us know her mother is losing her job. This pandemic and its corresponding economic impacts will disproportionately cause families like ours who do not have resources upon which to fall back to suffer more than others. There are many uncertainties during this time and the ways in which our children and their families will feel its impact are complex. S2 families count on us to stay informed and help provide the resources they need to get through this difficult time. We will do all in our power to anticipate and remain attentive to their needs and be creative in how we can help them make it through this, our new reality.