Announcements

• LaGuardia's Rigorous & Relevant Offerings

  Dear LaGuardia Arts Community,

  I want to thank everyone for their commitment to LaGuardia Arts providing the finest arts and academic education to our students. It is extremely important that we always hear diverse viewpoints to ensure we are meeting the needs of our entire community.

  As you know, faculty and staff are currently engaging in the annual process of reviewing our course offerings to ensure we have rigorous, relevant course options for all of our students. This is an exciting culminating process each year that takes into account our faculty and staff’s day-to-day experiences following student progress, communicating with families, and collaborating with colleagues. We have tremendous respect for the expertise of our caring faculty and staff and are grateful for their thoughtfulness in this process.

  It is important that all stakeholders -- students, parents/guardians, and faculty/staff -- know that our work is supported by the Department of Education and our community partners who share a common commitment:

   

  Ensuring Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts provides rigorous and relevant courses in the arts and academics so that:

  • All LaGuardia students are prepared for college and industry

  • All LaGuardia students are competitive for college and industry

  • All LaGuardia students have access to earning college credits

   

  We are grateful to be working closely with the the following partners:

  • AP for All Initiative, Office of Equity and Access, New York City Department of Education

  • District Team, Manhattan High Schools, New York City Department of Education

  • Office of Arts and Special Projects, New York City Department of Education

  • College Now Program, Office of Academic Affairs, K-16 Initiatives, City University of New York

  • Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility

  • School Programs, Brooklyn Museum

  • Art and Museum Education, City College of New York

   

  These tremendous partners are also assisting with organizing historic and current data to ensure our families are well-informed about the college and industry preparatory options that are best for their students.

  We look forward to sharing valuable information regarding existing, revised, and brand-new course opportunities with our entire community by the end of the month.

   

  Best,

  Yeou-Jey Vasconcelos

  Principal

  Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts

• Morning Announcements: May 10, 2021

   

   

   

   

  Watch Morning Announcements

   

  SLT Meeting

  The next SLT meeting is tomorrow, May 11, beginning at 4:15 PM.   People are welcome to register as an observer; however, you must register as an observer tomorrow before 3:00 PM, so the meeting link can be forwarded to you.  The link can be found on the SLT calendar entry on the school website.  This is the same link used for this past meeting.

   

  Conversation with Two Scientists  

  For more information and to register, please see here. 

   

  Library Google Classroom

  Join the Library Google Classroom with Class code t3vufx for what to read, watch, meet & learn delivered right to your inbox! Highlights below

  • What to Watch - Secrets of Pompeii!  Linked below from the Smithsonian Channel on YouTube, a series of fascinating videos hosted by experts in the science raging from Anthropology, Archeology & Environmental Science explain clues as to what happened in the catastrophic natural disaster that befell an ancient urban metropolis.  https://classroom.google.com/c/NjUwOTU5MTI0OTNa/p/Mjg5MTA0NjgzMzQy/details

  • What to Read - Asian American, South Asian & Pacific Islander stories.  Linked below a list of over 200 titles from the NYC DOE eReader Sora collection with Sora instructions and additional titles from the public libraries! https://classroom.google.com/c/NjUwOTU5MTI0OTNa/p/MzMyOTg3NDI3ODQz/details

   

  SixColleges.org:  A Special College Admissions Session for First-Generation and Low-Income Students 

  IIn the spirit of cooperation, six of the nation's top liberal arts colleges —Amherst, Bowdoin, Carleton, Pomona, Swarthmore, and Williams—are teaming up to help students with their college search. Learn how our six colleges ensure that first-generation and low-income students have the resources they need to succeed—from financial aid to academic support to building a community. 

  Navigating and Belonging: A Special Session for First-Generation and Low-Income Students - May 24 at 8 pm EDT or May 26 at 8 pm EDT

  Students register here

  If you missed our Junior Jumpstart event in April you can watch the video here. We hope to see you online!

  Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts

• June 2021 Regents Update 5.7.2021

  Dear LaGuardia Community,

   

  The New York State Department of Education has formally announced their plans for Regents administration this Spring.

   

  Previously we shared that there were two possible plans under consideration by the State and City for upcoming Regents administration periods. The State had requested from the federal government to cancel all Regents Examinations. January 2021 and August 2021 Regents Exams were approved for cancellation and students received waivers.

   

  It is now confirmed that for June 2021, in all NYCDOE schools:

   

  • Any student enrolled in a Regents culminating course and receives a passing mark will receive a waiver to fulfill the examination requirement and will never be expected to take the examination. The waiver counts towards all diploma eligibility requirements.

  • For families who still wish to take Regents examinations, the Algebra I, English Language Arts, Living Environment, and Earth Science Regents examinations ONLY will be administered, in person, in school buildings. Only families who let us know that they would like their child to participate in the testing administration will be registered for the exam.

   

  New York State, New York City, and LaGuardia Arts have determined that standardized examinations cannot be safely, equitably, and fairly administered during the pandemic. While our stance is that students should not take standardized examinations this year, if you would still like to participate in any of this year’s limited State Regents exams at LaGuardia, please notify us by completing the corresponding Participation Form for the Regents Exam no later than Friday, May 21. Based on the responses to the Participation Form we will need to prepare and create a testing schedule and room assignments that ensure the health and safety of all of our students and staff following.  

   

  •   Algebra I Participation Form – Wednesday, June 23, at 8am
  •   Earth Science Participation Form– Thursday, June 24, at 8am
  •   English Language Arts Participation Form – Thursday, June 17, at 8am
  •   Living Environment Participation Form – Tuesday, June 22, at 8am

   

  Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. We are here to help.

   

  We appreciate your collaboration and flexibility as we continually work to ensure a strong, supportive education for your child and every student in our school community.

   

  Sincerely,

   

  Shoshana Seid

  Assistant Principal of Special Education, Programming, and Testing

  
  
  

  Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts

• Virtual Check In For Students on May 12

   

   

   

   

  At a recent listening meeting, students said they wanted an opportunity to express their feelings and do an emotional check-in.  We have created an optional event for students who would benefit from having a place to do a virtual "check-in" to talk openly and honestly about your feelings. Our hope is that students will feel supported and less isolated.

   

  All students are invited to attend a virtual “check in session” on May 12, 2021 at 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM, hosted by Ms. WIlliams, Assistant Principal, Guidance, and Dr. Stricklin, Assistant Principal, Engagement.  

   

  Questions you may want to consider before attending the meeting:

   

  • How are you arriving at this meeting today?  (Emotional Check-in)
  • What have been some of the challenges of the past year?
  • What have you learned about yourself?

  Join Zoom Meeting

  This is not the place to discuss school policies, events, or next school year.    This will be a safe space for an emotional check in.  

  Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts

• COVID Vaccination Survey

  Students who are 16 years and older are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. 
  
  
  To help the DOE gauge interest in the COVID-19 vaccine and possibly open vaccine hubs for students at DOE schools, families of students who are 16 years and older should complete this survey as soon as possible.  

  Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts

• DOE Family Update, May 2021

  DOE Family Update

  Read in Letter Format

   

  Week of May 3, 2021

  Contents:

  ·2021–22 School Calendar Released

  ·Vote Now in Your Community and Citywide Education Council Election 

  ·Teacher Appreciation Week Starts May 3 

  ·Register for Summer Rising 

   

  2021–22 School Year Calendar

  
  The DOE has released the 2021–22 public school calendar, available now at schools.nyc.gov/calendar. 

  Some of this year’s important dates include: 

   

  ·First Day of School for All Students: Monday, September 13 

  ·Election Day (full remote asynchronous instructional day for all students): Tuesday, November 2 

  ·Thanksgiving Recess (schools closed): Thursday–Friday, November 25–26 

  ·Winter Recess (schools closed): Friday–Friday, December 24–31 

   

  Please note the following reminders: 

  ·On “snow days” or days when school buildings are closed due to an emergency, all students and families should plan on participating in remote learning. 

  ·Your parent-teacher conference date might be different from those listed on the School Year Calendar. Your child’s teacher will work with you to schedule your conference. 

   

  You can find a printable version of the calendar along with translations at schools.nyc.gov/calendar2122.

  Vote Now in the 2021 CCEC Elections! 

  Vote Now in the 2021 CCEC Elections! 

   

  Vote Now in the 2021 CCEC Elections!

  CCEC elections voting is now open and runs through May 11. And for the first time, voting is open to parents and guardians of all students! Education Council representatives serve as the voice of our families and offer important advice to the Chancellor and the Department of Education. Now is your chance to have a say on who sits on these councils. 

   

  Parents can vote for their district councils and citywide councils that serve their students using their NYC Schools Account at MySchools.nyc. 

   

  Want to learn more about how to vote in the CCEC elections? Parent University offers a free course on the voting process at parentu.schools.nyc/course/detail/351or you can watch directly on our YouTube channel here: youtube.com/channel/UConHMOb3enWOJXaJJn7xbSQ/playlists.

   

  For more information about running for, serving on, and voting in elections, please visit schools.nyc.gov/elections2021.

  Teacher Appreciation Week Begins May 3 

   

  Teacher Appreciation Week Begins May 3

  New York City’s teachers have shown up for our students, families, and City in so many ways this past year. Teacher Appreciation Week is a time for us to show up for them. 

   

  The DOE invites students, families, and other members of the community to take a moment to thank a teacher today! 

   

  Visit our website at schools.nyc.gov/thankateachernyc, where you can send a note of appreciation to the teachers making a difference in your life. 

   

  You can also share your gratitude on social media using the hashtag #ThankaTeacherNYC. 

  Register for Summer Rising 

   

  Register for Summer Rising

  Registration is now open for Summer Rising, NYC's new free summer program for students in grades K–12. 

  Summer Rising will offer academic and social-emotional support, arts, and recreation. There will also be local field trips to parks, pools, and other enriching outdoor venues that are both educational and meet State health and safety guidelines. 

   

  Breakfast, lunch, and a snack will be served to each student. 

  Families of students in grades K-8 can sign up at nyc.gov/summerrising. For families of students in grades 9-12, high schools will reach out students in the coming weeks to discuss a summer program that meets their needs and interests. 

   

  If you are a family of a student in grades K-8 and you do not see your site listed, please complete the survey at nycenet.edu/surveys/NYCSummerRising and you’ll be contacted when a program opens in your neighborhood. We’re adding new ones every Monday through mid-May. After you sign up for a program, you’ll receive an email confirming your registration. 

   

  We look forward to seeing your child this summer!

   

  Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts

• Confirmed Case of COVID-19: Close Contacts Quarantined (5.4.21)

   

   

  
  Dear Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts at 100 AMSTERDAM AVENUE Community:

  
  The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and the NYC Test Trace Corps (T2) have determined that a member of our school community has tested positive for COVID-19, and may have exposed others while at school.

  Below you will find guidance on next steps that will help keep you, your child, and our school community healthy and safe. The information below reflects the expertise of DOHMH, T2, and the New York City Department of Education (DOE).

  What Happens Now?

  
  ●  All students and staff in the affected room(s) with the individual who tested positive are considered “close contacts,” and have been notified of the need to quarantine for 10 days from their last contact with the person who tested positive. These students and staff will transition to fully remote teaching and learning for this period.
  ●  T2 and DOHMH will complete their investigation to identify and notify any other close contacts in the building, who will also need to quarantine for 10 days.
  ●  Anyone with a positive COVID-19 test will not return to the school until they are no longer infectious.
  ●  All areas visited by the person with COVID-19 will be deep cleaned, disinfected, and reopened.
  ●  If your child is feeling sick, keep them at home.

  How do we stay healthy?
  Please remember to follow these important “Core Four” actions to prevent COVID-19 transmission: 

  1. Stay home if sick (except to get essential medical care, including COVID-19 testing).

  2. Practice social distancing: Stay at least 6 feet away from people who are not members of your household.

  3. Wear a face covering to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

  4. Practice healthy hand hygiene: Wash your hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer; avoid touching your face; and cover your cough or sneeze with your arm, not your hands.

  How can I stay updated?
  We will continue to closely follow directions from public health experts and proactively update you on any measures we are taking. To ensure we can reach you via text and email, please create a New York City Schools Account (NYCSA) as soon as possible by visiting schools.nyc.gov/nycsa.

  To help New Yorkers quarantine, the NYC Test Trace Corps partners with community-based organizations to connect individuals to resources like food, medicine, and health care.  To connect with resources, you can call 1-212-COVID19 (212-268-4319).

  For additional information on COVID-19, visitschools.nyc.gov/coronavirus or call 311. 

  Sincerely,

  YEOU JEY VASCONCELOS

   

  READ IN Letter Format

  Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts

• AP Exams: 4 Steps to Take Before Your Test

   

   

   

   

  May 3, 2021

  Re:  Four Steps to Take Before You Can Take Digital AP Exams

   

   

  Dear AP Students and Families,

   

  We hope you are all well and wanted to let you know about four steps you must complete before you can take a digital AP Exam:

   

  STEP 1: Download and Install the 2021 AP Digital Exam Application

  When to complete this step: Now

   

  Many students have already completed this step, but if you have not, please follow the directions that can be found here:  Downloading the Digital AP Exam APP 

   

  Once the AP digital testing application is on your computer, open it and log in with your College Board username and password. You’ll be asked to accept the Exam Terms and Conditions. If you’re able to log in, you’ve successfully completed the first step!

   

  *For students using school managed Chromebooks, please do not log into the Chromebook using your DOE account, but rather when you turn it on, look towards the corner for the College Board APP.

   

  STEP 2:  Practice with Example Questions in the Digital Testing Application

  When to complete this step:  Now

   

  The best part about completing step 1 is that you’re able to access digital practice for each of your AP Exams. Here’s why we strongly recommend practicing using the digital testing application:

  • You’ll see each type of multiple-choice and/or free-response question on your exam.
  • You’ll get to preview the pre-exam steps (exam setup and check-in), as well as the directions, screens, tools, features, and reminders you’ll see on exam day.
  • You’ll be able to confirm that your testing computer and any approved assistive technology works as expected before exam day.

   

  Step 3: Complete Exam Setup 1–3 Days Before Each Digital Exam

   

  For each digital AP Exam you are taking, students must complete the exam setup step in the digital testing app. This step loads your exam onto the computer you’re going to test with.

   

  Completing this step is required 1–3 days before each exam. Without taking this step for each exam, students will not be able to test.

  • You must complete exam setup on the computer you will use for testing.
  • Once you complete exam setup, you can’t share your testing computer with another student until you’ve successfully completed your exam.

   

  If you’re taking more than one exam, remember that you need to complete exam setup for each digital exam subject you plan to take.

   

  Exam setup opens 3 calendar days before each digital exam and you must complete setup no later than the day before the exam.

   

  Step 4: Check In to the Exam

  When to complete this step: 30 minutes before your digital exam starts—at 11:30 a.m. EDT for 12 p.m. exams and 3:30 p.m. EDT for 4 p.m. exams.

   

  You are required to check in to each of your digital exams 30 minutes before the start time to complete final pre-exam checks.

  • You can only check in on the device you used to complete exam setup.
  • You can’t check in on multiple devices.
  • If you aren’t able to start check-in before the start time of the exam, you won’t be allowed to test and will have to request a makeup exam.

   

  When check-in opens, log in to the digital testing app, and hit the Check In Now button next to your exam.

   

  LaGuardia’s testing schedule for AP exams can be found here:  AP Exam Schedule Spring 2021.

   

  To opt-out or decline taking one or more of the AP exams you are registered to take, fill out this form no later than May 14, 2021:  AP Exams: Decline.

   

  These steps in their entirety, along with visual guides for each step, can be found on the  College Board site here:  Four Steps to Take Before You Can Test

   

   

   Best,

   

  Shoshana Seid

  AP of Special Education, Testing, and Programming

  
  
  

  Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts

• May Updates from Principal Vasconcelos

   

   

   

   

  Dear LaGuardia Community,

   

  It is hard to believe that May is upon us!  As we work towards the end of this school year culminating with the in-person Graduation of the Class of 2021, we are also planning for the 2021 - 2022 academic school year.  We would like to keep you informed of the most up-to-date information that we have, so this letter is divided into two segments:

   

  • Spring 2021
  • Summer and Fall 2021

  As our City works towards reopening and we look forward to the future, please keep in your thoughts our most vulnerable families who struggle to access health care, are afraid to leave their homes, grieve the never-ending loss of loved ones.

  Spring 2021

   

  Teacher Appreciation Week!

  It’s teacher appreciation week! LaGuardia teachers have been incredible throughout the pandemic making meaningful, out-of-the-box adjustments to ensure that every student continues to be engaged in their education. The best way to show your appreciation for your teacher is to show them what you have learned. 

   

  Great teachers deserve to be recognized for their hard work and dedication. Complete the “teacher appreciation thank you tool” and we'll send a "thank you" note from you to the NYC DOE teacher who inspires you. 

   

  COVID Vaccinations Available to Those 16 years and Older 

  Please use the link above for information about the COVID-19 vaccination and how to schedule an appointment for sixteen and seventeen year olds.  Below is an excerpt from the DOH letter:

   

  By getting your child vaccinated, you are helping to protect them from COVID-19 and making your community safer. Also, please consider vaccination for yourself and other household members age 16 and older, if not vaccinated already. Vaccination is the most important step you can take to protect you and your family from COVID-19. While we encourage everyone age 16 and older to get vaccinated, vaccination is especially important for those with an underlying health condition, such as asthma, obesity or diabetes. The same is true for those who live in a multigenerational household or with a person who is at increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness. Vaccination is provided at no cost to all and regardless of immigration status.

   

  New Health Screening Form

  As of April 10, asymptomatic travelers entering New York from another country, US state, or territory are no longer required to test for COVID-19 or quarantine. Any symptomatic travelers, even those fully vaccinated, must immediately self-isolate, contact their health care providers, and get tested for COVID-19.  The DOE has updated the questions on the daily health-screening questionnaire to reflect the latest guidance regarding the elimination of mandatory quarantine requirements.   Please view the New Health Screening Form to see the new questionnaire.

   

  Student Schedules and Programming

  By the end of May returning families will access comprehensive course offering information for students to submit course preferences for next school year.  The school’s programming takes place over the summer, and students can access their schedules electronically via NYC Schools or Pupilpath account prior to the start of the school year.

   

  Welcome Assistant Principal (IA) Mr. Sinacori

  We are proud to announce that dance faculty Mr. Greg Sinacori has been named Assistant Principal (IA) of Dance! Mr. Sinacori has been an invaluable member of the LaGuardia community since joining the Dance Studio as a 9th grade student, and we are so pleased that he will continue to support the community in his new role. Please see introductory message from Mr. Sinacori below:

   

  Thank you to Principal Vasconcelos, Michelle Mathesius and the administration for supporting me as I transition into a new role at LaGuardia as interim acting Assistant Principal. I am thrilled, honored and grateful to be in a position surrounded by passionate educators of a world-class Arts institution within the NYC public school system. As a product of LaGuardia and as a dance educator for over ten years, I look forward to supporting the LaGuardia community as we navigate the road ahead. The next few years are sure to pose many new challenges as LaGuardia evolves from a tumultuous decade including a change in leadership, a world pandemic, a call for equity and a fight against institutional racism. There is a lot of healing to be done and changes to be made. My vision is to Repair, Reimagine and Rise! Together we can join forces as a community, build trust in one another, cultivate interdepartmental collaborations and focus on what has brought us all to work at LaGuardia in the first place; supporting  the next generation of talented young artists. I appreciate our community and I look forward to working together to uphold the legacy that is LaGuardia Arts! 

   

  Summer and Fall 2021

   

  Awaiting Guidance on Summer Rising

  The Chancellor has asked principals to begin to re-envision this summer as an opportunity to offer classes and activities to our communities, pending further guidance from the DOE. We are excited about having Summer 2021 as an opportunity to engage our community and ease the transition back to Fall 2021.  We will share more information with the community about summer programs as soon as they are approved for implementation.

   

  Room Utilization and Ventilation

  We have received the latest assessment of our ventilation systems, and I am happy to report that all rooms in the LaGuardia building have been approved for occupancy based on ventilation. At present a number of spaces are closed for renovation through partnership with the School Construction Authority - all ongoing projects are scheduled to complete and ready for use by July or September 2021. This will enable us to begin resetting our physical spaces in the summer in preparation for welcoming all students who are able to attend in person in the fall. We are grateful to our Custodial Engineer Mr. McGovern and his team for their tireless work every day since the start of the pandemic to ensure that our building continues to be maintained and upgraded.

   

  2021 - 2022 DOE School Year Calendar

  The DOE has released the 2021-2022 School Year Calendar, with the first day of school on September 13.  As is the process every year, once the DOE has released this calendar, LaGuardia can now begin the process of reviewing and scheduling our school’s internal calendar of events.

   

  Awaiting Guidance on Fall 2021

  As we do every Spring, LaGuardia is planning for five-days a week of in-person instruction in Fall 2021 for families who can participate in this option. While some families have requested that LaGuardia formally commit and guarantee that students will attend school five-days a week, iIndividual schools in the DOE do not have the authority to make this decision.  We are optimistic that the DOE will make a formal announcement soon.

   

  Best,

  Yeou-Jey Vasconcelos

  Principal

   

  Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts

• COVID-19 Potential Case (5.4.21)

   

   

   

  5/4/2021

  Dear F iorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts at 1 00 AMSTERDAM AVENUE Community:

   

  I hope you are staying healthy and safe. Today I am writing to inform you of a potential case of COVID-19 in our school community, and to let you know what will happen now.

   

  Next steps

  We are working in partnership with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health) to confirm test results. At this time there are no plans for classroom or school building closures, and students should continue to attend as regularly scheduled unless they are feeling ill. If a positive test result is confirmed, you will receive another update.

   

  What if the case is confirmed?

  In partnership with NYC Health and the NYC Test + Trace Corps, we will take all appropriate action, including:

  · Ensuring that the individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 quarantines until they are no longer infectious, and it is safe for them to return to the school building.

  · Working with to trace close contacts in our school.

  · Instructing close contacts to quarantine for 10 days since their last contact with the individual who tested positive.

   

  Please be reassured that we are taking every precaution to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including ensuring that anyone who feels sick in the school building can isolate. Our school has an isolation room where a student with symptoms associated with COVID-19 can be safely isolated and evaluated by a healthcare professional until they are picked up by a guardian.

  It’s up to all of us to help keep our school community safe and healthy. Please continue to stay home if sick, stay at least 6 feet away from people who are not members of your household, wear a face covering, and practice healthy hand hygiene.

  We will continue to closely follow directions from public health experts, and proactively update you on any measures we are taking. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions. For additional information on COVID-19, visit schools.nyc.gov/coronavirus or call 311. Finally, to ensure we can rapidly reach you via text and email, please set up a

  New York City Schools Account (NYCSA) as soon as possible by visiting schools.nyc.gov/nycsa.

   

  Thank you for your cooperation. Health and safety will always come first in New York City public schools, no matter what.

   

  Sincerely,

  YEOU JEY VASCONCELOS

   

  Read Letter on Letterhead

  Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts