Safe and Healthy Learning for All

 

Fall 2021 marks an important homecoming for our schools. On September 13, we begin the journey to recovery by welcoming New York City students back to school communities and classrooms where they can feel safe and well-cared for, and where they can learn and grow socially, emotionally, and academically.

 

Our return to full-time, in-person learning starts with a safe and healthy learning environment for every student and staff member and ensuring students have the tools and support they need to succeed. As we prepare for the first day of the 2021-22 school year, we will continue to update this page with information about health and safety protocols in our schools, important changes to academic policy, supports and services for students and families, and more.

 

Homecoming Health and Safety Guide

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Watch: Homecoming NYC

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Before the School Year Starts

 

As you prepare for September 13, families should take two important actions before the school year starts:

 

Get your children vaccinated if they are aged 12 and older

Submit consent for COVID-19 testing

COVID-19 Vaccines for Children Ages 12 and Older

Vaccination is the most important step you can take to protect you and your family from COVID-19, and all New Yorkers aged 12 and older are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

 

Vaccination is safe, free, and available regardless of immigration status. 

 

If you have a child who is at least 12 years old, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the New York City Department of Education strongly encourage you to make a vaccination appointment for them as soon as possible by visiting vaccinefinder.nyc.gov (Open external link).

 

You can also call 877-VAX-4-NYC (877-829-4692) for help making an appointment at a City-run vaccination site. Many sites now have walk-in appointments. 

For answers to frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit nyc.gov/vaccinefacts (Open external link).

 

Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) Vaccination Policy

 

COVID-19 vaccination will be required this year for DOE students and staff participating in Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) sports considered high-risk for potential COVID-19 transmission. High-risk sports include football, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, lacrosse, stunt, and rugby. Vaccination will also be required for participation in bowling because it takes place in spaces that require vaccination.

 

Participants in fall high-risk sports must get their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by the first day of competitive play, which varies by sport. Winter and spring PSAL participants have until the beginning of their season to be fully vaccinated. Get additional information about health and safety protocols for PSAL in the 2021-22 school year.

 

Providing Consent for COVID-19 Testing

 

COVID-19 testing of students (grades 1 through 12) and staff is an important part of how New York City is protecting our school communities. In order for your child in to participate in the in-school COVID testing program, it is important that you provide consent. You can fill out the testing consent form in your NYC Schools Account (NYCSA) or download a printable version at schools.nyc.gov/covidtesting. Don’t have an NYC Schools Account? Learn how to get started at schools.nyc.gov/NYCSA.

 

Health and Safety in Our Schools

 

Your child’s school is taking many important precautions to help keep students and staff healthy and safe this school year.

 

Visit the Health and Safety in Our Schools page for more information on:

 

Vaccination

Health Screening

Face Coverings 

Physical Distancing 

Ventilation

Cleaning

Outdoor Learning 

COVID-19 Testing 

Closure and Quarantine 

Medically Necessary Instruction

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Other Important Information

 

School Year Calendar

 

View important dates and find printable files in multiple languages for the 2021-22 school year at the 2021-22 calendar page. The NYC Schools online calendar, which includes the latest information about upcoming family events and workshops throughout the year, can be viewed at Calendar.

 

Need Help Finding a School?

 

New to New York City schools, or need help with the enrollment process? Visit the New Students page for detailed information about enrollment in NYC public schools for grades from 3-K through 12.

 

Get a New York City Schools Account

 

Make sure that your school can reach you with important information and alerts by updating your contact information in your NYC Schools Account. If you do not have an NYC Schools Account, you can sign up for an account by entering a few basic details. This will allow you to begin receiving notifications from the DOE. Learn more about the NYC Schools Account and how to create an account and confirm your information.

 

Language Access

 

Parents have the right to receive information or communicate with a staff member at their school or Department of Education (DOE) office in their language. If you or someone you know needs help, tell your school’s principal or parent coordinator, call the DOE at (718) 935-2013 or email Hello@schools.nyc.gov. You can find more information and important resources, including the Parent Guide to Language Access, at NYC Public Schools Speak Your Language. Learn more about your rights under Chancellor’s Regulation A-663 at Language Access Policy.