HS – Class Resource Bag Pickup on Friday

The Unity Scoop – September 11

Dear Families of Unity,

It feels great to welcome our returning students back for the 2020-21 school year, along with a special welcome to those students new to Unity.  Congratulations to our middle school students on completing the first few days of virtual classes and to our high school students for completing their virtual orientation.

Although we all would prefer to be fully onsite as we engage in school, I am proud of our community in working toward the next best option: the continuation of our successful remote learning from last spring while incorporating new features for an even better experience for all of our students.  While this school year will prove to be unique in a great many ways, the belief in the potential of our students is unwavering.

In this kick-off edition of The 2020-21 Unity Scoop, I highlight a number of items that are important for you to support your children for a strong start this September.  Please review the updates below and reach out with any follow-up questions by emailing help.ms@unityprep.org or help.hs@unityprep.org.

​​​​​​​Enjoy the weekend!

In unity,

Josh

Josh Beauregard

Head of School

Updates as of September 11, 2020:​​​​​​​

1. Unity Caregiver Checklist: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 – #2 below)
• Arrange your child’s workspace (see #3 below for tips here)
• Obtain school supplies (see #4 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.
• Plan your child’s daily routine and schedule to accommodate their class schedule.
• Attend Unity’s Family Orientation Night on September 24th (see #8 below for more information).

2. 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.  We are planning additional technology distribution sessions next week. Our goal is for 100% of students to have access to the technology they need to fully engage in their studies.
3. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

4. School Supply List: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 to these supplies, Unity is providing class resource bags to all high school students.  These bags contain specialty items for distinct courses that students are taking (ex. compasses for geometry, art materials for art class, etc.).  On Friday, September 18th, class resource bags will be available for pick-up in the gymnasium of 584 Driggs Avenue.  Please come prepared with your child’s schedule and something with which to carry supplies. If you are unable to come at the designated grade-level time (see below), you may come any time before 3:30pm.  However, we highly encourage you to arrive according to the schedule below. If you have any questions, email help.hs@unityprep.org.

High School Supply Pickup

5. Middle School Students to Complete STAR Testing for Reading and Math next Week: In order to better understand our students’ current academic levels, students will take a computer-based test for ELA on 9/17 and Math on 9/18.  These tests will take place on the computer during normal class time for those subjects.  Please see the attached guide here for more information: Administering Star Assessments Remotely: Family Guide.
6. Special Advisory Schedule for High School Students on Friday, September 18th:On Friday, September 18th, high school students will meet with their advisor at 8:30am to have time to connect and learn important information about the add/drop course period. Caregivers, please make sure that your child logs into their advisory meeting at 8:30am on Friday.
7. Unity Prep 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 toapply 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

8. Remote Family Orientation Night is Happening Next Thursday, September 24th:We are excited to host all of our families during our Family Orientation Night on September 24th.  We ask that all families tune into the virtual event to learn more about our programming during the 2020-21 school year.   Please mark your calendars – additional details on how to log into the event will be shared this coming week.

​​​​

9. Reminder– Unity’s School Calendar through December 31st: In the spirit of providing you with the information you need to best support your child with school at home, here are our middle and high school calendars through December 31, 2020.

• Middle School Calendar through December 31, 2020
• High School Calendar through December 31, 2020

10. Reminder– 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.  Our guidelines for attire during remote learning will be provided during student orientations.

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

11. Congrats to our Unity Alumni!:Members of the Great Class of 2020 embarked on their first year of college this past month.  We continue to be so proud of our founding class!  Enjoy the photos of Vladimir G. moving into his college dormitory at SUNY Oneonta and Isheanna M. on the campus of SUNY Buffalo State.

Relevant Information from Past Editions of The Scoop:

Free Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner available for Students and Adults – Any New Yorker, child or adult, has access to three free meals a day at more than 400 Meal Hubs across the city (including PS44), between 7:30am – 11:30am for children and families and from 11:30am to 1:30pm for adults. More details, including a search tool, is available by clicking here.

Resources for Mental Health and Talking to Young People About COVID-19 – The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) has provided this guide for self-care and strategies for talking about COVID-19 honestly and effectively with young people. In addition, here is a link for webinars for “Parenting During COVID-19” through the Weil Cornell Psychiatry Department. 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 (1888-NYC-WELL) or text (text WELL to 65173) or by internet chat via their website: https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/.  In addition, a mental health hotline has been established in New York City that will provide FREE emotional support, consultation, and referral to a provider. The hotline number is: 1-844-863-9314.

Mental Health Counseling and Social Work Services Available to Unity Students who Receive Counseling – Social workers will continue to hold remote counseling sessions for all students who receive counseling throughout this week.  Please reach out to Ms. Del Purgatorio via phone or text (347-688-9107) or email (tdelpurgatorio@unityprep.org) if you have any questions about the continuation of counseling services or if you are concerned about your child’s mental health. Unity social workers can also be of assistance in providing information regarding social services (for example: housing, access to food, access to community mental health services, referrals to mental health providers, crisis intervention, etc.).

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.

NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES – 9/15/20

To Whom It May Concern,

Please see below for a public notice of meeting of the Board of Trustees of Unity Preparatory Charter School of Brooklyn.

NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

OF

UNITY PREPARATORY CHARTER SCHOOL OF BROOKLYN

Notice is hereby given that there will be a meeting of the Board of Trustees of
Unity Preparatory Charter School of Brooklyn on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at 7:00pm.

Members of the public may view a livestream of the meeting by using the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRhkGzAEcDA0SHn3W1tthSg/live

Unity’s inaugural class: 99% graduation rate, 90% college-bound!

Dear friends, families, community members, and supporters of Unity,

I hope that the summer has been especially gracious to you and your loved ones.

This past June, Unity celebrated the graduation of its founding class – the Great Class of 2020. The virtual ceremony was a grand milestone for our students, families, and for our young school. Most of our graduates first entered Unity in 6th grade in 2013. One of the highlights of the ceremony for me was taking in the heartfelt congratulatory notes from graduates’ families to conclude the festivities.

I am pleased to share that 99% of our seniors have successfully earned their high school diploma. Moreover, 100% of our graduates have concrete career and college plans as they transition from Unity. This includes approximately 90% of our graduates matriculating to two- or four-year colleges such as Vassar College, CUNY Baruch College, CUNY Hunter College, Ithaca College, SUNY Purchase College, Howard University, Dickinson, and Guttman Community College.

With the city’s overall graduation rate hovering at 77% over the past several years and a citywide college matriculation rate that is significantly lower than that, we are extremely proud of what our students have accomplished alongside our families, staff, and supporters. Through our persistent and collective efforts, we have created opportunities that may not have otherwise been possible for our students. We now look forward to building on our experiences with our first graduating class to best serve our students who will soon follow in their footsteps.

Our graduates, many of whom will be first-generation college students, are preparing for their first semester of college in especially uncertain times. This uncertainty creates additional challenges that jeopardize their college and career opportunities. Recent challenges confronting our students and families have been overwhelming and largely financial, as family members have been laid off from work and/or have experienced increased demands on their time to care for loved ones young and old.

To best support our students and families in overcoming these challenges, Unity’s college counselors have initiated a support fund that directly helps students and families cover deposits, textbooks, technology, transportation, and other costs associated with their first semester. Through our counselors’ grassroots efforts, we reached our initial goal of $30,000 – and are now revising our goal to $50,000 to better provide assistance for our graduates during these challenging times. I kindly request that you support this critical cause by visiting the support fund webpage and making a donation.

Given the uncertainty of the times, your support is critical to our students’ success. On behalf of our school community, including our newest group of stakeholders – our alumni – I thank you for your continued support as we prepare to offer the very best possible educational experience to our students.

As a final note, a recent article in The New Yorker featured three of our high school students and the ways in which the pandemic has deeply affected their lives. In reading the article, I now have an even deeper admiration for these students and for all of the young people and families we serve. Enjoy the read and continue to be proud of the important work you do in supporting our school and our students.

In Unity,

Josh

Josh Beauregard

Head of School

NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES – 8/18/20

To Whom It May Concern,

Please see below for a public notice of meeting of the Board of Trustees of Unity Preparatory Charter School of Brooklyn.

NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

OF

UNITY PREPARATORY CHARTER SCHOOL OF BROOKLYN

Notice is hereby given that there will be a meeting of the Board of Trustees of
Unity Preparatory Charter School of Brooklyn on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at 7:00pm.

Members of the public may view a livestream of the meeting by using the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRhkGzAEcDA0SHn3W1tthSg/live

Remote Learning for Fall 2020

Dear Families of Unity,

Greetings to you and your families in the final week of July.  I hope that the first half of the summer season has been good to you and I wish you continued joy and well-being in your summer pursuits.

I want to thank all of our families and students who participated in Tuesday’s Family Forum to learn about our plan for the 2020-21 school year and their contributions.  In case you missed it, here is the recording and here are the slides from the Forum.  I also share below some of the highlights of the Forum and what was presented.  I encourage you to watch the recording as well as review the slides and updates below.

Regarding the slides, there are three slides that I want to bring to your direct attention.

First, here are the key features of our model for the fall; see the full deck of slides for sample weekly schedules for middle school and high school students.

Second, here are 6 things that all families should do over the month of August in supporting your child/children to get off to a strong start in the 2020-21 school year.

Third, here are two save-the-dates that all families should have in their calendars:

Any questions may be posed via email at info@unityprep.org – expect a response within 48 hours.  The next edition of the Unity Scoop will be disseminated during the week of August 10th.

Again, I hope that the summer has been good to you and your families.  We look forward to picking up where we left off in just over a month!

In unity,

Josh

Josh Beauregard

Head of School

Updates as of July 31, 2020:

1. More ProudGraduates of the Great Class of 2020!: Enjoy a few additional photos below of our proud graduates with their high school diplomas!
   
2. Congrats to our Middle School Summer Book Club Participants!:Congrats to our 60 middle school students who participated in virtual book clubs this past month.  As a result of your participation, you are now a more powerful reader than ever before.  We hope you enjoyed the books you read and the discussions with your classmates and teachers.  Enjoy the rest of your summer!  Finally, thank you, Ms. Williams, for coordinating!
3. An Important Message from Community Board 3 (CB3):The Black Lives Matter Mural on Fulton Street is a source of great community pride and has become, in little over a month, an iconic tribute to Black Lives. This week, CB3 is launching the roadway with local artists showcasing themselves through the arts. If you would like to host a workshop or activity, clickhere to register. All activities are free to families, so feel free to bring your folding chair and enjoy the vibes.

Also, starting August 1st and every Saturday through August, CB3 will have a full day of activities for all ages. Dance, roller skating, Yoga, Jam sessions and much, much more. Schedule will be posted on IG.

3. Reminder -Support our Graduates as they Transition to College!:  Our academic counselors recently created a GoFundMe campaign that has raised over $29,000 since June 15th!  Donations will support students in need of financial support as they transition to college.  Our fundraising goal is $35,000.  We aspire to the community school model, in which a school and the community it serves band together to support young people.  Please join us in our efforts by donating whatever you can to support our inaugural graduating class of students.
4. Reminder -First Day of School for the 2020-21 School Year: Wednesday, September 9th: While we are still awaiting for the New York City Department of Education calendar to be released, we wanted to provide you with the first day of school at Unity in the 2020-21 school year.   The first day of school will be Wednesday, September 9, 2020.  Our full calendar for the 2020-21 school year will be provided during the week of July 27th.
5. Reminder -Unity to Provide All Students with Laptops This Fall: As we build on our experiences and plan forward to the coming year, every Unity student in grades 6-12 will be equipped with a laptop computer this coming fall.  We are excited by this move as it will ensure that all students have full access to the technology they need to fully engage in their studies, regardless of whether classes are conducted in-person or remotely.

Relevant Information from Past Editions of The Scoop:

Air Conditioning to Select Households in NYC this Summer: If you live with any family members 60 years or older and do not already have an air conditioner, the city is providing free air conditioners. Contact New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) using the information below to find out more:

• Division: Maintenance Hotline
• Phone Number: (718) 707-7771
• Business Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week
• Staff is available at all times to handle emergencies and schedule routine maintenance repairs for Mon – Fri: 6:00 AM – midnight. Automated assistance is also available in Mandarin, Russian, and Spanish.
• https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03305

Emergency Respite Reimbursement – Funding is available to help families pay for respite services in an emergency situation.  Covered emergencies can include:

• medical hospitalization and recuperation
• attending a funeral
• family member sickness
• assistance with challenging behaviors

For more information including eligibility requirements, please email: cheryl.jones@yai.org.

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.

Free Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner available for Students and Adults – Any New Yorker, child or adult, has access to three free meals a day at more than 400 Meal Hubs across the city (including PS44), between 7:30am – 11:30am for children and families and from 11:30am to 1:30pm for adults. More details, including a search tool, is available by clicking here.

Resources for Mental Health and Talking to Young People About COVID-19 – The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) has provided this guide for self-care and strategies for talking about COVID-19 honestly and effectively with young people. In addition, here is a link for webinars for “Parenting During COVID-19” through the Weil Cornell Psychiatry Department. 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 (1888-NYC-WELL) or text (text WELL to 65173) or by internet chat via their website: https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/.  In addition, a mental health hotline has been established in New York City that will provide FREE emotional support, consultation, and referral to a provider. The hotline number is: 1-844-863-9314.

Mental Health Counseling and Social Work Services Available to Unity Students who Receive Counseling – Social workers will continue to hold remote counseling sessions for all students who receive counseling throughout this week.  Please reach out to Ms. Del Purgatorio via phone or text (347-688-9107) or email (tdelpurgatorio@unityprep.org) if you have any questions about the continuation of counseling services or if you are concerned about your child’s mental health. Unity social workers can also be of assistance in providing information regarding social services (for example: housing, access to food, access to community mental health services, referrals to mental health providers, crisis intervention, etc.).

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.

Middle School Update for 2020-21 School Year

Dear Unity Middle School Families,

As our city and nation continue to navigate this pandemic, I found some comfort in the words of Ghanian author, Lailah Gifty Akita:

“We are surrounded by adversity but we shall triumph because we have a greater spirit.”

I hope that you are all healthy, well, and finding time and space to refresh and rejuvenate your spirits during the summer months.  Mr. Burns and I are writing to provide an update regarding our latest thinking about the start of the 2020-21 school year and to invite you to an optional open forum for our families next Tuesday, July 28 at 4 PM.

Guiding Principles and Other Considerations

Over the past month, the leadership team across the middle and high school has been looking into a wide range of possibilities for fall instruction while closely monitoring recently released guidance from the state and the ongoing national debate about school reopenings.  In deciding on the best model for our community, we are using the following six design principles to guide our thinking:

• We are prioritizing the well-being and safety of our community by following state and federal guidelines (and in some cases going beyond recommended guidelines given the needs and challenges of our stakeholders).
• We are building on our recent successes with remote learning, including strong access to learning when remote, strong attendance, participation, synchronous teaching, and targeted interventions.
• We are utilizing our strengths as a school and community, including our small size and ability to adjust to unknowns and our strong relationships with students and families.
• We are planning with our most vulnerable students and community members in mind.
• We are planning with equity and culturally responsive teaching at the forefront of our minds – that is, how we ensure that ALL students are experiencing academic growth and the most comprehensive educational experience possible.
• Given the unknowns and evolving guidance we are receiving, we are striving for simplicity, feasibility, flexibility with a focus on execution and fidelity.

Fall Instructional Model:  Continued Synchronous Remote Instruction

Overall, we believe that the following model, which is largely similar to our work this spring, is the optimal model for our community given our experiences and the current situation.

We will continue with daily, synchronous, remote instruction via Zoom.  The schedule overall will be very similar to what we experienced March – June and we will actively work to build on what we developed in the spring.  We anticipate using this model until it is deemed safe to resume schooling in person. Our decision to transition back to in-person schooling will be based on health guidance from the city and state.

Please see a sample 6th grade schedule below:

Enhancements from Our Spring Instruction:

• We will shift to 45-minute classes with 15-minute breaks.  This is in response to feedback from both staff and families that students would be able to better learn with more than 10 minutes to recharge and “unplug” in between classes.
• We will provide optional in-person community building on Saturdays to expand our offerings to students and provide physical community to interested students without taking away from remote instruction during the week.
• Every student will have one assigned staff member (advisor or other staff) to be an ally who advocates for the student.  As a part of this vital work, this ally will make regular (at least weekly) outreach to check in holistically with students and families.
• We are considering utilizing our school space as a Safe Center for Online Learning (SCOL) by providing adult supervision to students taking part in remote learning while socially distanced and wearing face masks. There is an op-ed explaining the concept here.

The following questions are still unresolved.  We will gather information from our families via open forums and surveys to inform our decisions for programming in August.

• Which class start time is preferable – 8 AM or 9 AM?
• Should we have a designated lunch break in the middle of the day, or have students eat during their 15 minute breaks between classes?
• How many students and families are interested in optional in-person Saturday community building?
• How many students and families would want to take part in remote instruction in the school building while abiding by social distancing and face mask requirements?  How many can we accommodate?

Family Open Forums

Whether we are in-person or remote, Unity is here to provide our students with the best possible education in order to empower them as scholars and citizens.  Our connections with our families are the foundation of this work, and we deeply value your feedback.  We are holding an open forum next week via Zoom to hear from you before we finalize our schedule and model on Tuesday, 7/28 at 4 PM: https://zoom.us/j/98709525243.  We will send out a recording of the session and slides for any families who are not able to attend, and will gather and consider feedback from all stakeholders before finalizing our plan for the fall.

May you and your loved ones be healthy, happy, and fulfilled during these summer months.  We look forward to seeing many of you in the open forums next week!

In unity,

Ms. Gaines & Mr. Burns

The Unity Scoop – July 17

Dear Families of Unity,

I hope that this note finds you and your loved ones healthy, in good spirits, and enjoying the summer.  For me, it has been nice to spend more time with loved ones over the past few weeks, as well as spending time outside to take in the warm weather.

It has also been rejuvenating to step back from the 2019-20 school year, take a deep breath, reflect on the year and all that we experienced, and then resume planning for the 2020-21 school year.  A vast majority of our work over the past two weeks has been devoted to analyzing the feedback provided from our families and staff on their preferences for our return, reviewing state and federal guidelines and best practices for returning to school, and then thinking about our community and what is optimal for students, families, and staff in resuming our all-important collaboration in the fall.

While we are still very much in the planning stages of this preparation and will have concrete plans to report in the coming two weeks, there are five key principles that are guiding our thinking and decision-making that I want to share with you today.

1. We are prioritizing the well-being and safety of our community and following all state and federal guidelines.
2. We are building on our recent successes with remote learning, including strong access to learning when remote, strong student attendance and participation, synchronous teaching, and additional academic support for students in need.
3. We are utilizing our strengths as a school and community, including our small size and ability to adjust to unknowns and our strong relationships with students and families.
4. We are planning with our most vulnerable students and community members in mind.
5. We are planning with equity at the forefront of our minds to ensure that our students experience as rich and comprehensive an education as possible.

Again, with these principles in our hearts and our minds, we are devising our reopening plan and will share details in the next edition of the Scoop, during the week of July 27th.

There are a number of updates featured below in this edition of the Scoop, including updates on summer reading clubs, summer assignments, and various resources that may be helpful to our community.

I wish you well in your summer pursuits and look forward to providing updates on our reopening plans in the coming two weeks.

In unity,

Josh Beauregard

Head of School

Updates as of July 17, 2020:

1. Graduates of the Great Class of 2020!:Enjoy a few photos below of our proud graduates with their high school diplomas!
2. Middle School Summer Book Clubs:Research shows that reading over the summer is the most important way to prevent summer learning loss.  We are excited to launch our book clubs this week!  Teachers will be reaching out to students to share the book title for each club and schedule 4 times to meet over the month of July.  If you have any questions or would like to participate, please contact Ms. Williams at (awilliams@unityprep.org).
3. High School Summer Assignments and an Opportunity to Earn a Gift Card! According to research, students may lose as much as 2-3 months of learning over the summer, a phenomenon known as “summer slide.”  To prevent this loss, Unity faculty have designed assignments to help students stay sharp in the months of July and August!  Assignments were emailed to students via Jupiter earlier this month.  Completed assignments are due onFriday, August 21st, at 5:00pm.  The first ten students to complete their assignments and email them to Ms. Fuller at cfuller@unityprep.org will receive a $15 e-gift card.  Please email help.hs@unityprep.org with any questions.
4. Support our Graduates as they Transition to College!:Our academic counselors recently created a GoFundMe campaign that has taken in over $29,000 since June 15th!  Donations will support students in need of financial support as they transition to college.  Our fundraising goal is $35,000.  We aspire to the community school model, in which a school and the community it serves band together to support young people.  Please join us in our efforts by donating whatever you can to support our inaugural graduating class of students.
5. NYS COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program Will Be Open for Two Weeks!Governor Cuomo recently signed the Emergency Relief Act that created the COVID Rent Relief Program (RRP) which provides up to four months of rental assistance for NYS renters with the greatest rent burden.  NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) has opened the RRP application period on Thursday, July 16 and it will be open for only two weeks.  To learn more about the program and the eligibility criteria, visit  HCR’s website.
6. Reminder – Chromebooks Return and Care: All students returning to Unity for the 2020-21 school year can continue to use any laptops that were borrowed until further notice. Please continue to keep them safe and in good working condition as we look ahead to the fall.
7. Reminder -First Day of School for the 2020-21 School Year: Wednesday, September 9th: While we are still awaiting for the New York City Department of Education calendar to be released, we wanted to provide you with the first day of school at Unity in the 2020-21 school year.   The first day of school will be Wednesday, September 9, 2020.  Our full calendar for the 2020-21 school year will be provided during the week of July 27th.
8. Reminder -Unity to Provide All Students with Laptops Next Fall: As we build on our experiences and plan forward to the coming year, every Unity student in grades 6-12 will be equipped with a laptop computer this coming fall.  We are excited by this move as it will ensure that all students have full access to the technology they need to fully engage in their studies, regardless of whether classes are conducted in-person or remotely.  We will provide additional details on policies and logistics over the summer leading up to the start of the new year.
9. Reminder –Supply List for the 2020-21 School Year: Supply lists for the 2020-21 school year will be made available in late July via the Scoop and posted on our website.  Stay tuned.
10. Reminder –Air Conditioning to Select Households in NYC this Summer: If you live with any family members 60 years or older and do not already have an air conditioner, the city is providing free air conditioners. Contact New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) using the information below to find out more:

• Division: Maintenance Hotline
• Phone Number: (718) 707-7771
• Business Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week
• Staff is available at all times to handle emergencies and schedule routine maintenance repairs for Mon – Fri: 6:00 AM – midnight. Automated assistance is also available in Mandarin, Russian, and Spanish.
• https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03305

Relevant Information from Past Editions of The Scoop:

Emergency Respite Reimbursement – Funding is available to help families pay for respite services in an emergency situation.  Covered emergencies can include:

• medical hospitalization and recuperation
• attending a funeral
• family member sickness
• assistance with challenging behaviors

For more information including eligibility requirements, please email: cheryl.jones@yai.org.

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.

Free Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner available for Students and Adults – Any New Yorker, child or adult, has access to three free meals a day at more than 400 Meal Hubs across the city (including PS44), between 7:30am – 11:30am for children and families and from 11:30am to 1:30pm for adults. More details, including a search tool, is available by clicking here.

Resources for Mental Health and Talking to Young People About COVID-19 – The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) has provided this guide for self-care and strategies for talking about COVID-19 honestly and effectively with young people. In addition, here is a link for webinars for “Parenting During COVID-19” through the Weil Cornell Psychiatry Department. 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 (1888-NYC-WELL) or text (text WELL to 65173) or by internet chat via their website: https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/.  In addition, a mental health hotline has been established in New York City that will provide FREE emotional support, consultation, and referral to a provider. The hotline number is: 1-844-863-9314.

Mental Health Counseling and Social Work Services Available to Unity Students who Receive Counseling – Social workers will continue to hold remote counseling sessions for all students who receive counseling throughout this week.  Please reach out to Ms. Del Purgatorio via phone or text (347-688-9107) or email (tdelpurgatorio@unityprep.org) if you have any questions about the continuation of counseling services or if you are concerned about your child’s mental health. Unity social workers can also be of assistance in providing information regarding social services (for example: housing, access to food, access to community mental health services, referrals to mental health providers, crisis intervention, etc.).

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.

Free Internet at Home – A variety of internet providers are offering free internet  access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have an internet subscription. Internet access at home will be critical for students to complete their remote learning assignments To enroll, call

• 1-844-579-3743 for Spectrum
• 1-844-488-8395 for Charter Communications
• 1- 866-200-9522 for Optimum

Note that Installation fees will be waived for new households.

MS Summer Assignments

Dear Parents/Guardians:

As summer begins and a new normal unfolds, we hope you’re making plans to spend quality time together, safely venture outdoors, and hold space for continued learning and growing. Research shows that when students are not engaged in reading or learning activities during the summer, up to three months of learning can be lost.

This fall, it is estimated that the impact of COVID-19 and distance learning will significantly widen that gap. It is predicted that students will likely only retain up to 70% of reading and less than 50% of math learning gains. These losses can have continued and long-term effects. One of our plans to intentionally prevent regression and keep literacy skills sharp is through summer reading and Math activities.

All scholars must complete summer homework as outlined in the documents attached. An email update with the calendar for the coming school year will be sent by July 24th. For questions or concerns throughout the summer recess, please email info@unityprep.org or cburns@unityprep.org.

The Unity Scoop – July 2