It’s a new day for New York City’s public schools.
As the entire country grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, New York City’s 1,800+ public schools and 150,000 staff members continue to work every day to serve the students of our city—and, in the process, transform education as we know it.
We are proud to report that this week all City public schools, grades pre-k through 12, have taken the first important steps to fully adapting traditional school-based instruction to a new landscape of online-based remote learning.
Remote learning creates opportunities for students and teachers separated by distance to interact with one another online, and allows students to continue their education outside of school walls.
While we all know that nothing can ever replace a talented teacher in a classroom, New York City’s dedicated educators are working together to ensure that City students continue to receive great instruction in the days and weeks ahead.
This transition has been nothing short of monumental: in mere days, 150,000 staff members have managed to develop new curricula and materials for the City’s 1.1 million students, including multilingual learners and students who utilize special services. Nothing like this has ever been done before in this country, and we couldn’t be more proud of our teachers, principals, counselors, IT technicians, and all school staff members who have risen to meet this extraordinary challenge.
While remote learning won’t ever replace a talented teacher in a classroom, City educators are working hard to ensure that NYC students stay on track while schools are closed.
So how does remote learning work?
Starting Monday, March 23, NYC public school students can log into their school’s learning platform to begin receiving grade-appropriate instructions, assignments, class schedules, and lessons.
Each school is using their own online learning platform, with many schools using web services such as Google Classroom and Microsoft Teams (via Office 365). NYC students can begin using their school platforms by logging into their personal DOE Student Accounts—every NYC public school student, including 3-K and pre-k students, has one. Learn more about these log-ins by reviewing the DOE’s Student Accounts page.
To provide more detailed information about our Remote Learning transition, including FAQs, current academic and attendance policies, special education services, and more, we’ve expanded and enhanced our website’s Learn at Home hub. There, in addition to key information about remote learning with the NYC DOE, you will also find suggested activities for children, in-home exercise tips and videos, and links to websites, free magazines, and discounted books, along with other resources.
Need a device for remote learning?
Students who do not have a device that they can use for remote learning (i.e. desktop/laptop computer, tablet, smartphone, etc) can request an iPad from us—priority will be given to students most in need, and all devices are granted on a temporary basis and will need to be returned.
- There is a limit of one device per student;
- Families with multiple students will need to fill out a separate form for each device needed; and
- The device should only be used for remote learning activities.
To request a remote learning device, fill out our online Remote Learning Device Request Form TODAY, and check out our iPad Distribution webpage for more information about our lending program, including shipping/delivery information, and getting started with your iPad.
Other questions?
Check out the following resources available on our website:
Don’t forget to check our our new NYC Reads 365 lists for book suggestions that students of all ages can check out!
