Dear Families of Unity,

I hope that the recent stint of spring weather has you feeling healthy, energized, and optimistic!

This past week was fun and festive for our community.  We continued celebrating Women’s History Month, engaged as a full community in our Unity Arts & Athletics programming, and took pride in recognizing the achievements of our recent graduation rates from last spring.  Each of these are showcased below.

Believe it or not, we’ve now finished six full, glorious weeks of school since the February week and have reached spring break.  I applaud our staff, students, and families in making the most of our learning time together.  I wish our entire community a restful and rejuvenating spring break in the coming week.

I look forward to reuniting on Monday, April 5th!

Best Regards,

Josh

Josh Beauregard
Head of School / Co-founder

Updates as of March 26, 2021:

1. New – Newly Released State and City Graduation Data Highlights the Accomplishments of Unity’s Founding Class!: Graduation statistics from June 2020 for the state and city were recently made public.  In comparison, significantly more Unity students from our founding class graduated in four years compared to both the state average and NYCDOE schools.  Unity’s graduation rate of 98% was 13 percentage points higher than the state average and 19 percentage points higher than the city average (see the table below).  In addition, our graduation rate was in line with – or sometimes higher than – the graduation rates of the vast majority of the city’s well-established charter schools and selective public high schools. As a relatively new, open-enrollment, mom & pop, community charter school, we are honored to serve all students and have much to be proud of!

2. New – Congratulations to our Honor Roll Students!: We recently celebrated all students who earned Honor Roll status for Trimester 2 at our middle school and Semester 1 at our high school.  Congratulations to the many students who are listed – be proud of your accomplishments!  We look forward to celebrating your continued academic prowess this spring and to adding more to this list!

Middle School High Honor Roll

Middle School Honor Roll

High School Principal’s List

High School High Honor Roll

High School Honor Roll

3. New – Continuing in our Celebration of Women’s History!: As we honor Women’s History this month, one way we are celebrating is by spotlighting, studying, and discussing women who played a vital role in our history and advancements as a society.  As a part of the festivities, we had over 70 students and 30 staff attend our Women’s History Month Celebration on Wednesday afternoon!  Students presented poems, music videos, voted on female Mayoral Candidates, and spotlighted Black female-owned businesses within the Unity Community.  Jennifer S. and Samija T. hosted and introduced the Critical Race Scholar and Activist, Dr. Angel Jones, PhD. It was such an empowering event, as Dr. Jones fielded a range of questions from students and staff.

4. New – Unity Staff and Students Participate in Unity’s Arts & Athletics Classes!  Our community – both staff and students – participated in a variety of arts and athletics remote classes this week. The event was fun and a rich learning experience for all.  As a community, we are so fortunate to have a dedicated and talented team of educators leading our arts and athletics courses!

5. New – 8th Grade Graduation / End-of-Year Events Caregiver Survey: We are aiming to wrap up this remote school year on a high note and would love to hear from you! Please take this brief survey.  Thanks in advance for your input!

6. Reminder – College Information for Students and Families of Unity: See the updates below from our College & Career Readiness Team!

• End of the Quarter for Unity High Students – We are one week away from the end of the third quarter.  Now is the time for students to review their Jupiter Grades accounts to identify where extra effort should be applied.  Finish the quarter on a strong note by submitting any missing or incomplete assignments!
• Financial Aid Support – For the Class of 2021, you should be hearing from colleges this month!  After offers of admission, colleges will send financial aid packages to accepted students.  Please use these Calendly links for Mr. Gonzalez and Ms. Roth to make appointments to review and compare financial aid packages.
• Apply for Scholarships – The Class of 2021 should be searching for and applying for scholarships to help them cover the costs of college.  To help with this search, please create an account at College Greenlight or Fastweb.com.
• Summer Jobs and Programs – All students should make appointments with their academic counselors to discuss options for summer programs and jobs.  The Academic Counseling department also held a “Summer Job and Program Fair” designed to support students in finding and applying for jobs and programs.  Check out the recording of that Fair here, and the slides here.

7. Reminder – Update to our School Programming Plan for the Remainder of the 2020-21 School Year! Per the letter that was recently disseminated via Jupiter, we will continue with our remote learning program for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year. Given the successes that we have experienced with our remote learning program thus far this year, and considering a host of factors that inform how we best serve our students and families over the coming months – including updates on safety guidelines from the CDC and the input of our stakeholders – we feel that this is best course of action for our school community.  Please take a moment to read the full letter addressed to families.  Additional notes on our preliminary summer and fall plans are also included.  More information will be provided in the coming weeks.

8. Reminder – Take Part in our Opt-in, In-Person, Intramural Athletics Program!: As highlighted last week, Unity’s intramural program provides students with opportunities to exercise, learn, and interact with their peers six days a week.  We currently offer the following sports: Basketball, Soccer, Step, Volleyball, and Track.  If you are interested in registering your child, please contact Mr. Coleman (acoleman@unityprep.org) for the middle school or Mr. Noblia (pnoblia@unityprep.org) for the high school.

9. Reminder –  Issue No. 5 of the Unity Review is Available for your Reading Pleasure!  I am excited to share with you the sixth issue of the Unity Review literary magazine.  The Unity Review team continues to work incredibly hard to bring to you the ideas and talents of our young writers and artists.  This edition’s theme is Love and Hate and includes a number of impressive submissions.  Enjoy!

10. Recap – Working Papers for HS Students During Remote Learning: We know many students will be applying for the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) or Ladders For Leaders in the coming weeks.  In order to do so, students may wish to obtain their working papers.  The process for obtaining working papers during remote learning is as follows:

1.  Parent/guardian completes section I of this form:  http://www.p12.nysed.gov/sss/documents/AT17-0320Fillable.pdf

(Form can be typed directly into and saved.)

2.  Email the form to Ms. Kim: ykim@unityprep.org.

3.  Ms. Kim must also see the student’s birth certificate and a completed physical from the student’s doctor dated within one year OR a letter from the doctor stating the student is physically fit to work also dated within one year.  These documents can be emailed to ykim@unityprep.org OR a Zoom call can be scheduled where the documents can be presented.

4.  After these steps are complete, the working papers will be mailed to your home.

If there are any questions about this process, please email Ms. Kim at ykim@unityprep.org.

11. Recap – Unity’s School Calendar for Families through the End of June 2021: In the spirit of providing you with the information you need to best support your child with school at home, here are our updated middle and high school calendars through June 2021.

• Middle School Calendar for Families through June 2021
• High School Calendar for Families through June 2021

12. Recap – Unity’s Panther Den is Open to Middle and High School Students who Demonstrate PRIDE!: The Panther Den is where students can redeem the Core Value (PRIDE) points that they’ve earned for prizes and gifts of their choice.

• Middle school students can submit their requests for the Panther Den prizes via the following link.  Middle school students should reach out to their grade level dean with any questions.
• The High School Den is open to students on Wednesdays from 3:05-3:50pm and can be accessed using this link.

13. Recap – Mental Health Counseling and Social Work Services at Unity: If you would like to speak to a social worker about your child’s mental health or if you would like your child to receive support from a social worker in school, please reach out to Ms. Del Purgatorio via phone or text (347-688-9107) or email (tdelpurgatorio@unityprep.org).

Unity social workers can also be of assistance in providing information regarding social services (for example: housing, immigration, access to community mental health services & referrals to mental health providers, food security / access to food, public assistance, crisis intervention, etc.).

If your child or family member is experiencing a mental health crisis, NYC Well is available 24 hours a day and can be accessed by phone (1-888-NYC-WELL) or text (text WELL to 65173) or by internet chat via their website: https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/.

Relevant Information from Past Editions of The Scoop:

Requests for a Laptop and Support with Technology or Internet Access: Unity will provide a laptop to all students who need one.  If you still need a Unity laptop OR do not have internet access at home, please complete the following form: https://bit.ly/Unitylaptops.  After completing this form, somebody from the school will reach out to you. Our goal is for 100% of students to have access to the technology they need to fully engage in their studies.

Creating the Perfect Workspace for your Child at Home: Virtual learning can be challenging, but with a welcoming, comfortable learning environment, students are more likely to engage fully in their studies without distraction. Here are three simple best practices to turn a corner of your home into a workspace:

• Find a spot that has lighting: whether it’s natural sunlight from a window or light from an overhead lamp, it’s important that your workspace has enough light so that your student won’t need to strain to see.
• Make sure the table and chair are comfortable: working while sitting in a chair at a table increases productivity and focus, but it’s just as crucial that students are comfortable, since they’ll likely be sitting for long periods of time.
• Ensure that the workspace is free of distractions, noise, and clutter: games, toys, phones, laptops – they’re all fun, but they can be distracting to students while they try to learn. Therefore, the workspace should be spacious, quiet, clean, and clear of distractions.

For additional tips on making an ideal, remote workspace for your child, check out this guide and these suggestions.

Free Breakfast & Lunch are available for Students – Any student has access to free meals a day at more than 400 Meal Hubs across the city.  More details, including a search tool, is available by clicking here.

Helpful Guidance on Obtaining the Perfect Book for Your Child – With the Unity Library closed for the time being, our public libraries in Brooklyn offer a vast majority of their books and resources online.  Additionally, many private companies are stepping up and offering their services for free.  Check out this helpful guide to gain access to ebooks or audiobooks from the Brooklyn Public Library.  In addition, see the list of resources below:

• Do you have dyslexia, blindness, cerebral palsy, or other reading barriers? Access Bookshare’s free online ebooks.
• Are you an English Language Learner (ELL) and interested in practicing your English? Are you looking to learn a new language? Rosetta Stone is being offered free for three months to all students.
• Are you finding it difficult to spend all day looking at a computer screen? Download BeeLine reader for free, which uses color gradients to make reading just a little bit easier.
• Worried that by spending so much time alone your vocabulary is growing more and more limited by the day? Dictionary.com has free daily activities such as puzzles, quizzes, and a word of the day to keep your vocabulary skills sharp.
• Want to practice your reading and thinking skills? Scholastic has a remote learning program where you can play games and participate in activities.
• Try using Newsela, which is an online news-as-literacy platform that features high-interest articles on everything from current events to myths and legends and from literature to science. Follow this link to create an account.
• Audible is offering free audio books for students. Click here to access a huge selection of audiobooks.

Resources Regarding Unemployment Due to COVID-19 – NYC has developed a list of resources for those who may be unemployed due to COVID-19 or are seeking additional assistance. The website will be updated frequently and includes information on employment/unemployment, food assistance, financial assistance, rent arrears, health and medical assistance, and so forth.

Income Inquiry & Housing Status Form!  We are asking for your help by completing the questions on the form below so we can best assist you and your family during this school year. Your participation in completing this form allows Unity to receive grant money from the state and federal government. The information will be kept confidential.

• Link to complete form.

Dear Families of Unity,

In this edition of The Unity Scoop, I focus on the impressive accomplishments of our students and their learning over the course of the school year with the unwavering support of our teachers.  Specifically, I highlight our students who have shown gains in their reading and math skills from the beginning of the year to now.  On a similar note, I would like to congratulate our high school students on completing their interim assessments this week.  We look forward to celebrating all that you have learned while identifying areas of your learning in which we can further support you.

Best wishes to you and loved ones over the first official spring weekend of 2021!

Best Regards,

Josh

Josh Beauregard
Head of School / Co-founder

Updates as of March 19, 2021:

1. New – Kudos to Students who Demonstrated Exceptional Growth on their Winter Star Assessments!: The following students in grades 6-12 have demonstrated exceptional growth in their math and/or reading skills over the course of the school year thus far, based on their Star assessment results.  Congratulations to the many students who are listed – be proud of your accomplishments!  We look forward to celebrating your continued growth later this spring and to adding more to this list!

2. New – Continuing in our Celebration of Women’s History!  As we honor Women’s History this month, one way we are celebrating is by spotlighting, studying, and discussing women who played a vital role in our history and advancements as a society.  The screenshots below capture this process in our high school history classes this past week.  Enjoy!

3. New – College Information for Students and Families of Unity: See the updates below from our College & Career Readiness Team!

• End of the Quarter for Unity High Students – We are one week away from the end of the third quarter.  Now is the time for students to review their Jupiter Grades accounts to identify where extra effort should be applied.  Finish the quarter on a strong note by submitting any missing or incomplete assignments!
• Financial Aid Support – For the Class of 2021, you should be hearing from colleges this month!  After offers of admission, colleges will send financial aid packages to accepted students.  Please use these Calendly links for Mr. Gonzalez and Ms. Roth to make appointments to review and compare financial aid packages.
• Apply for Scholarships – The Class of 2021 should be searching for and applying for scholarships to help them cover the costs of college.  To help with this search, please create an account at College Greenlight or Fastweb.com.
• Summer Jobs and Programs

Dear Families of Unity,

I hope that the first week of March was good to you and your loved ones.

I’m going to jump right into updates today.  In this edition of The Unity Scoop, I spotlight two school initiatives that we are proud of – our student literary magazine and our intramurals program.  I also provide a number of useful reminders as we forge ahead to spring.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Best Regards,

Josh

Josh Beauregard
Head of School / Co-founder

Updates as of March 6, 2021:

1. New – Issue No. 5 of the Unity Review is Available for your Reading Pleasure!  I am excited to share with you the sixth issue of the Unity Review literary magazine.  The Unity Review team continues to work incredibly hard to bring to you the ideas and talents of our young writers and artists.  This edition’s theme is Love and Hate and includes a number of impressive submissions.  Enjoy!

2. New – Take Part in our Opt-in, In-Person, Intramural Athletics Program!: Unity’s intramural program provides students with opportunities to exercise, learn, and interact with their peers six days a week.  We currently offer the following sports: Basketball, Soccer, Step, Volleyball, and Track.  If you are interested in registering your child, please contact Mr. Coleman (Acoleman@unityprep.org) for the middle school or Mr. Noblia (Pnoblia@unityprep.org) for the high school.

3. Recap – Working Papers for HS Students During Remote Learning: We know many students will be applying for the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) or Ladders For Leaders in the coming weeks.  In order to do so, students may wish to obtain their working papers.  The process for obtaining working papers during remote learning is as follows:

1.  Parent/guardian completes section I of this form:  http://www.p12.nysed.gov/sss/documents/AT17-0320Fillable.pdf

(Form can be typed directly into and saved.)

2.  Email the form to Ms. Kim: ykim@unityprep.org.

3.  Ms. Kim must also see the student’s birth certificate and a completed physical from the student’s doctor dated within one year OR a letter from the doctor stating the student is physically fit to work also dated within one year.  These documents can be emailed to ykim@unityprep.org OR a Zoom call can be scheduled where the documents can be presented.

4.  After these steps are complete, the working papers will be mailed to your home.

If there are any questions about this process, please email Ms. Kim at ykim@unityprep.org.

4. Recap – College Information for Students and Families of Unity: See the updates below from our College & Career Readiness Team!

• Important Notes & Semester 2 Key Dates for 12th Grade Students – Please note the following KEY DATES for the remainder of the school year:
  • Quarter 3: 2/1/2021 – 3/19/2021 (February 1st – March 19th)
  • Quarter 4: 3/22/2021 – 5/28/2021 (March 22nd – May 28th)

If you do not complete your graduation requirements and pass all of your current classes in that time period, you will be programmed for a mandatory credit recovery period in June and/or mandatory summer school.  If you have ANY questions about whether or not you are on track to complete your graduation requirements by May 28th, please reach out to Ms. Roth or Mr. Gonzalez ASAP.

• If you have:

1. Not completed your college applications
2. Not completed your FAFSA and TAP applications
3. Have any questions about your graduation status

Please contact Ms. Roth and/or Mr. Gonzalez ASAP. These are time sensitive conversations and must happen immediately.

• Unity Students Earn College Credits! – We are so proud when Unity students demonstrate initiative and resilience – two values which are so important in college and throughout life.  The following students exhibited these values by earning college credits through our partnership with CUNY City Tech last semester.  Despite being in a pandemic, learning remotely, attending to responsibilities at home and their regular high school courses, all of these students completed actual college courses and earned impressive grades!  Please join us in congratulating them!
  • Daniella W.
  • Jaemiah W.
  • Jennifer S.
  • Keon H.
  • Malika S.
  • Roshawanna S.
  • Samija T.

• College Acceptances (already!!!) – Although it is incredibly early in the college admissions process for schools to accept students, several Unity students have already been accepted to college!  So far, seniors have been accepted to: Ithaca College, LeMoyne College, Manhattanville College, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Oswego, SUNY Plattsburgh, SUNY Purchase College, SUNY University at Buffalo (one of the best schools in the nation!!!), SUNY Buffalo State, SUNY Brockport, Temple University (alma mater of three amazing Unity staff members), Drexel University, CUNY John Jay College, CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College, and CUNY Lehman College.  Please join us in congratulating them!  Stay tuned for more great news in the coming weeks!

5. Recap – Miscellaneous Updates for our High School Families:

• Check out the Unity Prep High School Parent Corner: there are some really cool additions to the parent site this month, including a presentation on supporting your teen’s mental health, a full list of enrichment opportunities, and SUNY virtual experience information. Please remember to check the family site regularly for updates.

• SAT Updates: Many families have been reaching out with questions about the SAT. College Board introduced some very significant changes this week:
  • Subject Tests have been eliminated for all U.S. students, effective immediately. They will remain available for all international students through this summer. Beginning in Fall of 2021, they will be eliminated for international students as well.
  • The SAT Essay will be phased out after the June 2021 administration. However, it will still be offered for statewide testing when there is a state level contract (e.g., Delaware).
  • A digital version of the SAT is coming soon, likely sometime later this year. More details to follow in April. The College Board is looking at ways to “streamline and upgrade” the SAT.
• 11th Grade Academic Counseling:
  • Please remind your student to check the 11th grade academic counseling Google Classroom regularly.
  • *NEW* Open Office Hours have changed! New Hours: Tuesdays 12PM-12:30PM & Fridays 11:10AM-11:40AM (Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/8406380546) 11th grade students and families are welcome to pop in with quick academic questions and concerns.
  • To schedule an individual student or family session with Ms. Eason use this link: https://calendly.com/leason/20min

6. Recap – Unity’s School Calendar for Families through the End of June 2021: In the spirit of providing you with the information you need to best support your child with school at home, here are our updated middle and high school calendars through June 2021.

• Middle School Calendar for Families through June 2021
• High School Calendar for Families through June 2021

7. Recap – Unity’s Panther Den is Open to Middle and High School Students who Demonstrate PRIDE!: The Panther Den is where students can redeem the Core Value (PRIDE) points that they’ve earned for prizes and gifts of their choice.

• Middle school students can submit their requests for the Panther Den prizes via the following link.  Middle school students should reach out to their grade level dean with any questions.
• The High School Den is open to students on Wednesdays from 3:05-3:50pm and can be accessed using this link.

8. Recap – Mental Health Counseling and Social Work Services at Unity: If you would like to speak to a social worker about your child’s mental health or if you would like your child to receive support from a social worker in school, please reach out to Ms. Del Purgatorio via phone or text (347-688-9107) or email (tdelpurgatorio@unityprep.org).

Unity social workers can also be of assistance in providing information regarding social services (for example: housing, immigration, access to community mental health services & referrals to mental health providers, food security / access to food, public assistance, crisis intervention, etc.).

If your child or family member is experiencing a mental health crisis, NYC Well is available 24 hours a day and can be accessed by phone (1-888-NYC-WELL) or text (text WELL to 65173) or by internet chat via their website: https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/.

Relevant Information from Past Editions of The Scoop:

Unity Caregiver Checklist: Now that we are a full week into the school year, you have likely checked a number of the items below off the list.  Again, kudos to you – these are challenging times for families in balancing school from home along with all of the other commitments we are juggling in our lives.  To help you in best supporting your child to get off to a strong start this school year, here is a list of important things that you should be doing:

• Secure a functioning laptop and reliable internet service (we can help here – #10 below)
• Arrange your child’s workspace (see #11 below for tips here)
• Obtain school supplies (see #12 below)
• Purchase Unity school attire – parents and families are encouraged to purchase the Unity uniform now, as uniforms will be required whenever we return to in-person instruction.  During remote learning, students are encouraged, but not mandated, to wear a school uniform (see #13 below)
• Plan your child’s daily routine and schedule to accommodate their class schedule.
• Attend Unity’s Family Orientation Night on September 24th and/or watch the recording of the event (see #14 above for more information).

Creating the Perfect Workspace for your Child at Home: Virtual learning can be challenging, but with a welcoming, comfortable learning environment, students are more likely to engage fully in their studies without distraction. Here are three simple best practices to turn a corner of your home into a workspace:

• Find a spot that has lighting: whether it’s natural sunlight from a window or light from an overhead lamp, it’s important that your workspace has enough light so that your student won’t need to strain to see.
• Make sure the table and chair are comfortable: working while sitting in a chair at a table increases productivity and focus, but it’s just as crucial that students are comfortable, since they’ll likely be sitting for long periods of time.
• Ensure that the workspace is free of distractions, noise, and clutter: games, toys, phones, laptops – they’re all fun, but they can be distracting to students while they try to learn. Therefore, the workspace should be spacious, quiet, clean, and clear of distractions.

For additional tips on making an ideal, remote workspace for your child, check out this guide and these suggestions.

School Supply List for New Students: For remote learning, the supply list may appear different than previous years.  Please refer to the two supply lists below:

• Middle School Students: All students are expected to have the following school supplies:
  • 5 composition notebooks
  • 10+ pencils
  • 10+ pens
  • Ruler with centimeters (science only)
  • Blank white paper
  • Colored pencils
  • New York City Public Library Card

• High School Students: High school supplies are organized by course and can be found here.  Students are expected to have the supplies listed for each of the courses they are taking.  In addition, we thank all of the families that picked up their class resource bags.  Members of our high school operations team have been contacting students and families who were unable to pick up their bags to coordinate alternative pick up times and will continue to do so this coming week.

Information on Uniforms: Students are not required to wear uniforms during virtual learning. However, uniforms and school attire may be purchased by visiting the following links below.

• Flynn O’Hara for middle school students or high school
• Unityprepuniforms.com for high school only

Recordings of Unity’s Annual Back to School Night: Recording of last night’s Back to School Night can be accessed with the links below.  If you were unable to participate in last night’s festivities, we strongly encourage you to watch the recording to be fully abreast of all supporting your child’s education in the 2020-21 school year.

• Unity Middle’s Back to School Night
• Unity High’s Back to School Night

Free Breakfast & Lunch are available for Students – Any student has access to free meals a day at more than 400 Meal Hubs across the city.  More details, including a search tool, is available by clicking here.

Helpful Guidance on Obtaining the Perfect Book for Your Child – With the Unity Library closed for the time being, our public libraries in Brooklyn offer a vast majority of their books and resources online.  Additionally, many private companies are stepping up and offering their services for free.  Check out this helpful guide to gain access to ebooks or audiobooks from the Brooklyn Public Library.  In addition, see the list of resources below:

• Do you have dyslexia, blindness, cerebral palsy, or other reading barriers? Access Bookshare’s free online ebooks.
• Are you an English Language Learner (ELL) and interested in practicing your English? Are you looking to learn a new language? Rosetta Stone is being offered free for three months to all students.
• Are you finding it difficult to spend all day looking at a computer screen? Download BeeLine reader for free, which uses color gradients to make reading just a little bit easier.
• Worried that by spending so much time alone your vocabulary is growing more and more limited by the day? Dictionary.com has free daily activities such as puzzles, quizzes, and a word of the day to keep your vocabulary skills sharp.
• Want to practice your reading and thinking skills? Scholastic has a remote learning program where you can play games and participate in activities.
• Try using Newsela, which is an online news-as-literacy platform that features high-interest articles on everything from current events to myths and legends and from literature to science. Follow this link to create an account.
• Audible is offering free audio books for students. Click here to access a huge selection of audiobooks.

Resources Regarding Unemployment Due to COVID-19 – NYC has developed a list of resources for those who may be unemployed due to COVID-19 or are seeking additional assistance. The website will be updated frequently and includes information on employment/unemployment, food assistance, financial assistance, rent arrears, health and medical assistance, and so forth.

Dear Families of Unity,

It felt great to be back in action this week following a restful February break.

The week was an eventful one for our community as we continued to honor Black history, including a full day of learning and celebration on Friday.  In addition, our students took part in a weeklong career fair in which they were exposed to a wide array of professions.  On behalf of our entire community, I wish to thank our staff, faculty, and community volunteers who led the way and/or contributed to the eventful week and all that it offered to our students as they consider their role in history and their career aspirations.

In this edition of The Unity Scoop, I spotlight the events of the past week.  I also include an important survey that we kindly ask our families to complete.  Finally, I provide a number of useful reminders as we enter the month of March.  I look forward to the week ahead and the longer days and warmer temperatures that come with the early spring!

Have a lovely weekend.

Best Regards,

Josh

Josh Beauregard
Head of School / Co-founder

Updates as of February 27, 2021:

1. New – Unity Continues its Celebration of Black History: It has been a festive month and past week with our honoring of Black history.  Our celebration continued on Friday with workshops, presentations, a keynote speaking engagement, and fun through trivia and other festivities.  Enjoy the photos from the celebration below!

2. New – Unity Experiences its Fifth Annual Career Fair!: Unity students in grades 6-12 were exposed to a host of career options this week, including but not limited to: professions in the music industry, law, advertising, technology, business, social work, and farming!  Appreciate the event by taking in the photos below.

3. New – We Want Your Feedback on Our Remote Learning Program as We Make Decisions on Future Programming!  We are eager to learn about your satisfaction and comfort with our remote program as of now.  We are also interested in gaining your input on how we close out the 2020-21 school year and whether we further expand our in-person programming to best serve our students and families.  We kindly ask all families to take five minutes to complete this survey.  Thanks in advance – your input is important to us!

4. New – Working Papers for HS Students During Remote Learning: We know many students will be applying for the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) or Ladders For Leaders in the coming weeks.  As a result, students may wish to obtain their working papers.  The process for obtaining working papers during remote learning is as follows:

1.  Parent/guardian completes section I of this form:  http://www.p12.nysed.gov/sss/documents/AT17-0320Fillable.pdf

(Form can be typed directly into and saved.)

2.  Email the form to Ms. Del Purgatorio: tdelpurgatorio@unityprep.org.

3.  Ms. Del Purgatorio must also see the student’s birth certificate and a completed physical from the student’s doctor dated within one year OR a letter from the doctor stating the student is physically fit to work also dated within one year.  These documents can be emailed to tdelpurgatorio@unityprep.org OR a Zoom call can be scheduled where the documents can be presented.

4.  After these steps are complete, the working papers will be mailed to your home.

If there are any questions about this process, please email Tina Del Purgatorio at  tdelpurgatorio@unityprep.org.

5. Recap – College Information for Students and Families of Unity: See the updates below from our College & Career Readiness Team!

• Important Notes & Semester 2 Key Dates for 12th Grade Students – Please note the following KEY DATES for the remainder of the school year:
  • Quarter 3: 2/1/2021 – 3/19/2021 (February 1st – March 19th)
  • Quarter 4: 3/22/2021 – 5/28/2021 (March 22nd – May 28th)

If you do not complete your graduation requirements and pass all of your current classes in that time period, you will be programmed for a mandatory credit recovery period in June and/or mandatory summer school.  If you have ANY questions about whether or not you are on track to complete your graduation requirements by May 28th, please reach out to Ms. Roth or Mr. Gonzalez ASAP.

• If you have:

1. Not completed your college applications
2. Not completed your FAFSA and TAP applications
3. Have any questions about your graduation status

Please contact Ms. Roth and/or Mr. Gonzalez ASAP. These are time sensitive conversations and must happen immediately.

• Unity Students Earn College Credits! – We are so proud when Unity students demonstrate initiative and resilience – two values which are so important in college and throughout life.  The following students exhibited these values by earning college credits through our partnership with CUNY City Tech last semester.  Despite being in a pandemic, learning remotely, attending to responsibilities at home and their regular high school courses, all of these students completed actual college courses and earned impressive grades!  Please join us in congratulating them!
  • Daniella W.
  • Jaemiah W.
  • Jennifer S.
  • Keon H.
  • Malika S.
  • Roshawanna S.
  • Samija T.
• College Acceptances (already!!!) – Although it is incredibly early in the college admissions process for schools to accept students, several Unity students have already been accepted to college!  So far, seniors have been accepted to: Ithaca College, LeMoyne College, Manhattanville College, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Oswego, SUNY Plattsburgh, SUNY Purchase College, SUNY University at Buffalo (one of the best schools in the nation!!!), SUNY Buffalo State, SUNY Brockport, Temple University (alma mater of three amazing Unity staff members), Drexel University, CUNY John Jay College, CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College, and CUNY Lehman College.  Please join us in congratulating them!  Stay tuned for more great news in the coming weeks!

6. Recap – A Brief Update on School Programming for the 2020-21 School Year: I am writing today to provide a brief update on our school programming for the 2020-21 school year.  Given what we now know and new information gathered over the past month, the continuation of our remote program is the best course of action for our school community.  We will extend our remote programming through at least April 12, 2021.  As I have said before, we are at our best as a small, tight-knit community when we are operating in person and we are eager to transition back to in-person programming when it is safe to do so.  With this interest in mind, we will re-evaluate conditions in early March and provide an update on how we will conclude the school year during the week of March 8th.

7. Recap – Miscellaneous Updates for our High School Families:

• Check out the Unity Prep High School Parent Corner: there are some really cool additions to the parent site this month, including a presentation on supporting your teen’s mental health, a full list of enrichment opportunities, and SUNY virtual experience information. Please remember to check the family site regularly for updates.

• SAT Updates: Many families have been reaching out with questions about the SAT. College Board introduced some very significant changes this week:
  • Subject Tests have been eliminated for all U.S. students, effective immediately. They will remain available for all international students through this summer. Beginning in Fall of 2021, they will be eliminated for international students as well.
  • The SAT Essay will be phased out after the June 2021 administration. However, it will still be offered for statewide testing when there is a state level contract (e.g., Delaware).
  • A digital version of the SAT is coming soon, likely sometime later this year. More details to follow in April. The College Board is looking at ways to “streamline and upgrade” the SAT.

• 11th Grade Academic Counseling:
  • Please remind your student to check the 11th grade academic counseling Google Classroom regularly.
  • *NEW* Open Office Hours have changed! New Hours: Tuesdays 12PM-12:30PM & Fridays 11:10AM-11:40AM (Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/8406380546) 11th grade students and families are welcome to pop in with quick academic questions and concerns.
  • To schedule an individual student or family session with Ms. Eason use this link: https://calendly.com/leason/20min

8. Recap – Unity’s School Calendar for Families through the End of June 2021: In the spirit of providing you with the information you need to best support your child with school at home, here are our updated middle and high school calendars through June 2021.

• Middle School Calendar for Families through June 2021
• High School Calendar for Families through June 2021

9. Recap – Unity’s Panther Den is Open to Middle and High School Students who Demonstrate PRIDE!: The Panther Den is where students can redeem the Core Value (PRIDE) points that they’ve earned for prizes and gifts of their choice.

• Middle school students can submit their requests for the Panther Den prizes via the following link.  Middle school students should reach out to their grade level dean with any questions.
• The High School Den is open to students on Wednesdays from 3:05-3:50pm and can be accessed using this link.

10. Recap – Mental Health Counseling and Social Work Services at Unity: If you would like to speak to a social worker about your child’s mental health or if you would like your child to receive support from a social worker in school, please reach out to Ms. Del Purgatorio via phone or text (347-688-9107) or email (tdelpurgatorio@unityprep.org).

Unity social workers can also be of assistance in providing information regarding social services (for example: housing, immigration, access to community mental health services & referrals to mental health providers, food security / access to food, public assistance, crisis intervention, etc.).

If your child or family member is experiencing a mental health crisis, NYC Well is available 24 hours a day and can be accessed by phone (1-888-NYC-WELL) or text (text WELL to 65173) or by internet chat via their website: https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/.

11. Recap – Requests for a Laptop and Support with Technology or Internet Access: Unity will provide a laptop to all students who need one.  If you still need a Unity laptop OR do not have internet access at home, please complete the following form: https://bit.ly/Unitylaptops.  After completing this form, somebody from the school will reach out to you. Our goal is for 100% of students to have access to the technology they need to fully engage in their studies.

Relevant Information from Past Editions of The Scoop:

Unity Caregiver Checklist: Now that we are a full week into the school year, you have likely checked a number of the items below off the list.  Again, kudos to you – these are challenging times for families in balancing school from home along with all of the other commitments we are juggling in our lives.  To help you in best supporting your child to get off to a strong start this school year, here is a list of important things that you should be doing:

• Secure a functioning laptop and reliable internet service (we can help here – #10 below)
• Arrange your child’s workspace (see #11 below for tips here)
• Obtain school supplies (see #12 below)
• Purchase Unity school attire – parents and families are encouraged to purchase the Unity uniform now, as uniforms will be required whenever we return to in-person instruction.  During remote learning, students are encouraged, but not mandated, to wear a school uniform (see #13 below)
• Plan your child’s daily routine and schedule to accommodate their class schedule.
• Attend Unity’s Family Orientation Night on September 24th and/or watch the recording of the event (see #14 above for more information).

Creating the Perfect Workspace for your Child at Home: Virtual learning can be challenging, but with a welcoming, comfortable learning environment, students are more likely to engage fully in their studies without distraction. Here are three simple best practices to turn a corner of your home into a workspace:

• Find a spot that has lighting: whether it’s natural sunlight from a window or light from an overhead lamp, it’s important that your workspace has enough light so that your student won’t need to strain to see.
• Make sure the table and chair are comfortable: working while sitting in a chair at a table increases productivity and focus, but it’s just as crucial that students are comfortable, since they’ll likely be sitting for long periods of time.
• Ensure that the workspace is free of distractions, noise, and clutter: games, toys, phones, laptops – they’re all fun, but they can be distracting to students while they try to learn. Therefore, the workspace should be spacious, quiet, clean, and clear of distractions.

For additional tips on making an ideal, remote workspace for your child, check out this guide and these suggestions.

School Supply List for New Students: For remote learning, the supply list may appear different than previous years.  Please refer to the two supply lists below:

• Middle School Students: All students are expected to have the following school supplies:
  • 5 composition notebooks
  • 10+ pencils
  • 10+ pens
  • Ruler with centimeters (science only)
  • Blank white paper
  • Colored pencils
  • New York City Public Library Card
• High School Students: High school supplies are organized by course and can be found here.  Students are expected to have the supplies listed for each of the courses they are taking.  In addition, we thank all of the families that picked up their class resource bags.  Members of our high school operations team have been contacting students and families who were unable to pick up their bags to coordinate alternative pick up times and will continue to do so this coming week.

Information on Uniforms: Students are not required to wear uniforms during virtual learning. However, uniforms and school attire may be purchased by visiting the following links below.

• Flynn O’Hara for middle school students or high school
• Unityprepuniforms.com for high school only

Recordings of Unity’s Annual Back to School Night: Recording of last night’s Back to School Night can be accessed with the links below.  If you were unable to participate in last night’s festivities, we strongly encourage you to watch the recording to be fully abreast of all supporting your child’s education in the 2020-21 school year.

• Unity Middle’s Back to School Night
• Unity High’s Back to School Night

Free Breakfast & Lunch are available for Students – Any student has access to free meals a day at more than 400 Meal Hubs across the city.  More details, including a search tool, is available by clicking here.

Helpful Guidance on Obtaining the Perfect Book for Your Child – With the Unity Library closed for the time being, our public libraries in Brooklyn offer a vast majority of their books and resources online.  Additionally, many private companies are stepping up and offering their services for free.  Check out this helpful guide to gain access to ebooks or audiobooks from the Brooklyn Public Library.  In addition, see the list of resources below:

• Do you have dyslexia, blindness, cerebral palsy, or other reading barriers? Access Bookshare’s free online ebooks.
• Are you an English Language Learner (ELL) and interested in practicing your English? Are you looking to learn a new language? Rosetta Stone is being offered free for three months to all students.
• Are you finding it difficult to spend all day looking at a computer screen? Download BeeLine reader for free, which uses color gradients to make reading just a little bit easier.
• Worried that by spending so much time alone your vocabulary is growing more and more limited by the day? Dictionary.com has free daily activities such as puzzles, quizzes, and a word of the day to keep your vocabulary skills sharp.
• Want to practice your reading and thinking skills? Scholastic has a remote learning program where you can play games and participate in activities.
• Try using Newsela, which is an online news-as-literacy platform that features high-interest articles on everything from current events to myths and legends and from literature to science. Follow this link to create an account.
• Audible is offering free audio books for students. Click here to access a huge selection of audiobooks.

Resources Regarding Unemployment Due to COVID-19 – NYC has developed a list of resources for those who may be unemployed due to COVID-19 or are seeking additional assistance. The website will be updated frequently and includes information on employment/unemployment, food assistance, financial assistance, rent arrears, health and medical assistance, and so forth.

Dear Families of Unity,

I hope that the first week of February was good to you and loved ones.  As you well know, February is recognized nationally as Black History Month.  While we, as a school, take pride in honoring, celebrating, and learning about Black history every month and each day of the calendar year, we are excited to pay special tribute to Black history over the coming weeks through a host of events and festivities within our school community and beyond.

In this edition of The Unity Scoop, I highlight a number of the events that took place this past week and preview upcoming events to honor Black history.  In addition, please join me in celebrating the recents achievements of our students and alumni.

I would like to end my introductory note with special thank you to Unity’s academic counselors as a part of National School Counseling Week.  Unity is fortunate to have an extremely talented and dedicated team of academic counselors who play a central role in supporting our students in making the most of their educational experience at Unity.  On behalf of our entire community, I would like to thank Ms. Roth, Mr. Gonzalez, Ms. Eason, Ms. Simon, and Ms. Madera for all that they do for our school and community.

Best Regards,

Josh

Josh Beauregard
Head of School / Co-founder

Updates as of February 6, 2021:

1. New – Congrats to our Middle School’s January Students of the Month!:  Kudos to our Students of Month for showing exemplary scholarship, citizenship, and growth – we are proud of you!

6th Grade:

• Elizabeth P. (citizenship)
• Emma C. (scholarship)

7th Grade:

• Elijah M. (citizenship)
• Charmaine J. (scholarship)
• Meleik M. (most Improved)

8th Grade:

• Francisco M. (citizenship)
• Junaydah H. (scholarship)
• Tatyana H. (most improved)

2. New – Unity‘s Alumni are On Campus!:  Now that spring semester at colleges has begun, some students are moving onto campus, including Unity Alumnus Nigel D.!  Nigel is one of three Unity graduates who attend Ithaca College (see the photo below).  The college was shut down in the fall for safety reasons, but they have opened up for the spring semester – and Nigel is now on campus!  We are excited for this next chapter for him and his fellow Unity Alumni/Ithaca classmates, Zariah F. and Tyrek B.  Please join us in wishing them and all of the other Unity Alumni a great, healthy semester!

3. New – Unity Celebrates Black History Month!: All month, our school community will honor and commemorate Black History Month through a variety of events. Here is what happened this past week:

• In our history classes, our teachers highlighted prominent figures in black history each day of the week, including Kamala Harris, Angela Davis, and Amanda Gorman.
• In our dance classes, our teachers honored Black/African-American dancers.  As Ms. McRae describes:

A part of Pre-AP Dance is teaching scholars about the history of dance and about iconic people within each dance genre. Many Black/African American dancers have shaped dance culture and communities as we know it today. I enjoy telling the scholars my personal stories and videos of my professional dancing experience prior to teaching to make connections. Within that, I decided that the iconic Black/African American dancers should be recognized for Black History Month. In honor of such, my class has been learning about new dancers every day through text, amazing video footage, and even great discussion questions. My regular dance classes are also being greeted as they log in with a video and quick information on a dancer.

• High school students and staff participated in BLACKOUT WEDNESDAY by wearing all black in honor of those we have tragically lost in our history and struggle with racial injustice, including but not limited to:
  • Rayshard Brooks – Atlanta, GA
  • Daniel Prude – Rochester, NY
  • George Floyd – Minneapolis, MN
  • Breonna Taylor –  Louisville, KY
  • Atatiana Jefferson – Miami, FL

• Upcoming events and festivities in honor of Black history include:

• 2/8 – Rep Your Roots (Unity High) – represent your cultural background by wearing anything that represents your background and Pan-African colors of red, black, and green
• 2/11 – One Love (Unity High) – wear pink or red as a symbol of unity
• 2/11 – Black Film – a virtual movie screening in honor of black film and cinematography
• 2/23 – The Movement (Unity High) – live performance by LEAP that features untold stories of young people living in the south during the 1960s
• 2/25 – Black Excellence (Unity High) – dress to impress or dress as a black icon who inspires you
• 2/26 – Unity‘s BHM Celebration – this is a full-school event that will feature readings, poems, videos, discussions, games, and a keynote speech by a special guest.

4. New – A Message from Mr. Coleman and our Athletics Department – Take Part in the Knicks Virtual Webinar Celebrating the Black Experience Career in Sports, Wednesday, February 10th, 4pm:  See the flyer below for details. Here is the registration link: https://www.nba.com/knicks/sign-up/2021-bhm-career-in-sports

When registering, select “group member” and Unity.  Once you register, the zoom link will be sent on the day of the event.  Contact Paul LoFaso of MSG Sports with questions.

5. New – College Information for Students and Families of Unity: See the updates below from our College & Career Readiness Team!

• Important Notes & Semester 2 Key Dates for 12th Grade Students – Please note the following KEY DATES for the remainder of the school year:
  • Quarter 3: 2/1/2021 – 3//19/2021 (February 1st – March 19th)
  • Quarter 4: 3/22/2021 – 5/28/2021 (March 22nd – May 28th)

If you do not complete your graduation requirements and pass all of your current classes in that time period, you will be programmed for a mandatory credit recovery period in June and/or mandatory summer school.  If you have ANY questions about whether or not you are on track to complete your graduation requirements by May 28th, please reach out to Ms. Roth or Mr. Gonzalez ASAP.

• If you have:

1. Not completed your college applications
2. Not completed your FAFSA and TAP applications
3. Have any questions about your graduation status

Please contact Ms. Roth and/or Mr. Gonzalez ASAP. These are time sensitive conversations and must happen immediately.

• Career Fair – A Week-Long Event! – A Unity tradition, our Annual Career Fair, has gone virtual this year.  During their lunch breaks (11:45am – 12:30pm) on February 22, 23, 24, and 25th, Unity students will be able to interact with dozens of adult volunteers who work in a variety of industries, including advertising, law, technology, airline travel, fashion, television, finance, business, sports & entertainment, social work, dance, and even farming!  Students will be able to sign up for sessions each day beginning next week!
• Unity Students Earn College Credits! – We are so proud when Unity students demonstrate initiative and resilience – two values which are so important in college and throughout life.  The following students exhibited these values by earning college credits through our partnership with CUNY City Tech last semester.  Despite being in a pandemic, learning remotely, attending to responsibilities at home and their regular high school courses, all of these students completed actual college courses and earned impressive grades!  Please join us in congratulating them!
  • Daniella W.
  • Jaemiah W.
  • Jennifer S.
  • Keon H.
  • Malika S.
  • Roshawanna S.
  • Samija T.
• Financial Aid – FAFSA and TAP – Parents/Caregivers of the Class of 2021 – please make sure that your children in the senior class complete and submit both their FAFSA and TAP applications before this Sunday, January 31!  This can lead to over $11,000 in free money for your child’s college education!  If you need help or have questions, please contact Mr. Gonzalez or Ms. Roth as soon as possible.
• College Acceptances (already!!!) – Although it is incredibly early in the college admissions process for schools to accept students, several Unity students have already been accepted to college!  So far, seniors have been accepted to: Ithaca College, LeMoyne College, Manhattanville College, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Oswego, SUNY Plattsburgh, SUNY Purchase College, SUNY University at Buffalo (one of the best schools in the nation!!!), SUNY Buffalo State, SUNY Brockport, Temple University (alma mater of three amazing Unity staff members), Drexel University, CUNY John Jay College, CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College, and CUNY Lehman College.  Please join us in congratulating them!  Stay tuned for more great news in the coming weeks!

6. Recap – A Brief Update on School Programming for the 2020-21 School Year: I am writing today to provide a brief update on our school programming for the 2020-21 school year.  Given what we now know and new information gathered over the past month, the continuation of our remote program is the best course of action for our school community.  We will extend our remote programming through at least April 12, 2021.  As I have said before, we are at our best as a small, tight-knit community when we are operating in person and we are eager to transition back to in-person programming when it is safe to do so.  With this interest in mind, we will re-evaluate conditions in early March and provide an update on how we will conclude the school year during the week of March 8th.

7. Recap – Miscellaneous Updates for our High School Families:

• Check out the Unity Prep High School Parent Corner: there are some really cool additions to the parent site this month, including a presentation on supporting your teen’s mental health, a full list of enrichment opportunities, and SUNY virtual experience information. Please remember to check the family site regularly for updates.

• SAT Updates: Many families have been reaching out with questions about the SAT. College Board introduced some very significant changes this week:
  • Subject Tests have been eliminated for all U.S. students, effective immediately. They will remain available for all international students through this summer. Beginning in Fall of 2021, they will be eliminated for international students as well.
  • The SAT Essay will be phased out after the June 2021 administration. However, it will still be offered for statewide testing when there is a state level contract (e.g., Delaware).
  • A digital version of the SAT is coming soon, likely sometime later this year. More details to follow in April. The College Board is looking at ways to “streamline and upgrade” the SAT.
• 11th Grade Academic Counseling:
  • Please remind your student to check the 11th grade academic counseling Google Classroom regularly.
  • *NEW* Open Office Hours have changed! New Hours: Tuesdays 12PM-12:30PM & Fridays 11:10AM-11:40AM (Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/8406380546) 11th grade students and families are welcome to pop in with quick academic questions and concerns.
  • To schedule an individual student or family session with Ms. Eason use this link: https://calendly.com/leason/20min

8. Recap – Unity’s School Calendar for Families through the End of June 2021: In the spirit of providing you with the information you need to best support your child with school at home, here are our updated middle and high school calendars through June 2021.

• Middle School Calendar for Families through June 2021
• High School Calendar for Families through June 2021

9. Recap – Unity’s Panther Den is Open to Middle and High School Students who Demonstrate PRIDE!: The Panther Den is where students can redeem the Core Value (PRIDE) points that they’ve earned for prizes and gifts of their choice.

• Middle school students can submit their requests for the Panther Den prizes via the following link.  Middle school students should reach out to their grade level dean with any questions.
• The High School Den is open to students on Wednesdays from 3:05-3:50pm and can be accessed using this link.

10. Recap – Income Inquiry & Housing Status Form!  We are asking for your help by completing the questions on the form below so we can best assist you and your family during this school year. Your participation in completing this form allows Unity to receive grant money from the state and federal government. The information will be kept confidential.

• Link to complete form.

11. Recap – Mental Health Counseling and Social Work Services at Unity: If you would like to speak to a social worker about your child’s mental health or if you would like your child to receive support from a social worker in school, please reach out to Ms. Del Purgatorio via phone or text (347-688-9107) or email (tdelpurgatorio@unityprep.org).

Unity social workers can also be of assistance in providing information regarding social services (for example: housing, immigration, access to community mental health services & referrals to mental health providers, food security / access to food, public assistance, crisis intervention, etc.).

If your child or family member is experiencing a mental health crisis, NYC Well is available 24 hours a day and can be accessed by phone (1-888-NYC-WELL) or text (text WELL to 65173) or by internet chat via their website: https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/.

12. Recap – Unity Middle School has 6th Grade Seats Available!: Unity’s 6th grade still has a few remaining seats available.  Please spread the word throughout your respected networks!  If you know a family looking for an amazing middle school, please encourage them to apply today, or complete the following form: Unity Prep Interest Form.  Key features in our 2020-21 program include:

• Each scholar will receive a laptop
• Engage in classes from the safety of home
• Five days of virtual, live instruction each week

Any questions? Please reach out to cbeckford@unityprep.org

13. Recap – Requests for a Laptop and Support with Technology or Internet Access: Unity will provide a laptop to all students who need one.  If you still need a Unity laptop OR do not have internet access at home, please complete the following form: https://bit.ly/Unitylaptops.  After completing this form, somebody from the school will reach out to you. Our goal is for 100% of students to have access to the technology they need to fully engage in their studies.

Relevant Information from Past Editions of The Scoop:

Unity Caregiver Checklist: Now that we are a full week into the school year, you have likely checked a number of the items below off the list.  Again, kudos to you – these are challenging times for families in balancing school from home along with all of the other commitments we are juggling in our lives.  To help you in best supporting your child to get off to a strong start this school year, here is a list of important things that you should be doing:

• Secure a functioning laptop and reliable internet service (we can help here – #10 below)
• Arrange your child’s workspace (see #11 below for tips here)
• Obtain school supplies (see #12 below)
• Purchase Unity school attire – parents and families are encouraged to purchase the Unity uniform now, as uniforms will be required whenever we return to in-person instruction.  During remote learning, students are encouraged, but not mandated, to wear a school uniform (see #13 below)
• Plan your child’s daily routine and schedule to accommodate their class schedule.
• Attend Unity’s Family Orientation Night on September 24th and/or watch the recording of the event (see #14 above for more information).

Creating the Perfect Workspace for your Child at Home: Virtual learning can be challenging, but with a welcoming, comfortable learning environment, students are more likely to engage fully in their studies without distraction. Here are three simple best practices to turn a corner of your home into a workspace:

• Find a spot that has lighting: whether it’s natural sunlight from a window or light from an overhead lamp, it’s important that your workspace has enough light so that your student won’t need to strain to see.
• Make sure the table and chair are comfortable: working while sitting in a chair at a table increases productivity and focus, but it’s just as crucial that students are comfortable, since they’ll likely be sitting for long periods of time.
• Ensure that the workspace is free of distractions, noise, and clutter: games, toys, phones, laptops – they’re all fun, but they can be distracting to students while they try to learn. Therefore, the workspace should be spacious, quiet, clean, and clear of distractions.

For additional tips on making an ideal, remote workspace for your child, check out this guide and these suggestions.

School Supply List for New Students: For remote learning, the supply list may appear different than previous years.  Please refer to the two supply lists below:

• Middle School Students: All students are expected to have the following school supplies:
  • 5 composition notebooks
  • 10+ pencils
  • 10+ pens
  • Ruler with centimeters (science only)
  • Blank white paper
  • Colored pencils
  • New York City Public Library Card

• High School Students: High school supplies are organized by course and can be found here.  Students are expected to have the supplies listed for each of the courses they are taking.  In addition, we thank all of the families that picked up their class resource bags.  Members of our high school operations team have been contacting students and families who were unable to pick up their bags to coordinate alternative pick up times and will continue to do so this coming week.

Information on Uniforms: Students are not required to wear uniforms during virtual learning. However, uniforms and school attire may be purchased by visiting the following links below.

• Flynn O’Hara for middle school students or high school
• Unityprepuniforms.com for high school only

Recordings of Unity’s Annual Back to School Night: Recording of last night’s Back to School Night can be accessed with the links below.  If you were unable to participate in last night’s festivities, we strongly encourage you to watch the recording to be fully abreast of all supporting your child’s education in the 2020-21 school year.

• Unity Middle’s Back to School Night
• Unity High’s Back to School Night

Free Breakfast & Lunch are available for Students – Any student has access to free meals a day at more than 400 Meal Hubs across the city.  More details, including a search tool, is available by clicking here.

Helpful Guidance on Obtaining the Perfect Book for Your Child – With the Unity Library closed for the time being, our public libraries in Brooklyn offer a vast majority of their books and resources online.  Additionally, many private companies are stepping up and offering their services for free.  Check out this helpful guide to gain access to ebooks or audiobooks from the Brooklyn Public Library.  In addition, see the list of resources below:

• Do you have dyslexia, blindness, cerebral palsy, or other reading barriers? Access Bookshare’s free online ebooks.
• Are you an English Language Learner (ELL) and interested in practicing your English? Are you looking to learn a new language? Rosetta Stone is being offered free for three months to all students.
• Are you finding it difficult to spend all day looking at a computer screen? Download BeeLine reader for free, which uses color gradients to make reading just a little bit easier.
• Worried that by spending so much time alone your vocabulary is growing more and more limited by the day? Dictionary.com has free daily activities such as puzzles, quizzes, and a word of the day to keep your vocabulary skills sharp.
• Want to practice your reading and thinking skills? Scholastic has a remote learning program where you can play games and participate in activities.
• Try using Newsela, which is an online news-as-literacy platform that features high-interest articles on everything from current events to myths and legends and from literature to science. Follow this link to create an account.
• Audible is offering free audio books for students. Click here to access a huge selection of audiobooks.

Resources Regarding Unemployment Due to COVID-19 – NYC has developed a list of resources for those who may be unemployed due to COVID-19 or are seeking additional assistance. The website will be updated frequently and includes information on employment/unemployment, food assistance, financial assistance, rent arrears, health and medical assistance, and so forth.