Please be advised that due to our school building being located in an identified COVID-19 hotspot, our school will remain closed through at least October 21, 2020. We will provide additional information as it becomes available.

While the building is closed, all students will be taking part in remote learning. Please check you child's Google Classroom for daily lessons and for information on daily live teaching. 

 

If your child is in need of food while working remotely, they are eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch daily between the hours of 9:00am and 12:00pm from Cunningham Junior High School, which is located directly across the street from P.S. 255. 

 

Adult community meals are available daily from 3:00pm until 5:00pm at Madison High School. 

See the links below on COVID-19 Testing in Schools:

Click here for the Updated Letter for Families on COVID-19 Testing (Dated: September 29, 2020)  

Click here for the Student COVID-19 Testing Consent Form  

***UPDATED Blended Learning Cohort Calendar***

Remote Learning Orientations

On September 16 through September 18 we will be hosting two orientation sessions each day. Students will only need to attend one session each day. We will be following the following schedule:
 
Kindergarten and Grade 1: 9:00am and 12:00pm
Grades 2 and 3: 9:30am and 12:30pm
Grades 4 and 5: 10:00am and 1:00pm
 
Please check your email for a welcome letter and information from your child's teacher. 

Need help activating or resetting the password for your NYC student email address?

Each student is assigned a username followed by @nycstudents.net. This year, students will need to login to Google Classroom and Zoom using their DOE Student Account. If you have not done so yet, please visit the website https://idm.nycenet.edu/students/start.form. You can also visit the website to change your child’s password if needed.

Logging into Zoom

Log into the DOE Zoom Account via the internet

  1. Open your web browser (Chrome, Safari, etc.)
  2. Go to nycdoe.zoom.us
  3. Click "Sign In"
  4. You will be brought to the DOE sign in page (the same one we use for the InfoHub and other DOE applications)
  5. Sign in with your DOE credentials
  6. You will land on your account's profile page, where you can change your profile picture, and schedule, join, or host meetings.

Log into the DOE Zoom Account via Application

  1. Download the Zoom desktop application.
  2. Install it.
  3. Launch the application, which will display its Sign In screen.
  4. DO NOT fill in any field.
  5. Select the "Sign in with SSO" button at the top of the right-hand column.
  6. The Sign in with SSO screen will display with two fields.
  7. Type "nycdoe" in the blank field.
  8. Select the "continue" button. It will take you to the NYC DOE's Single Sign On Page.
  9. Sign in with your DOE credentials ( You can only sign in if you have an email address)

Need more directions? Check out this step-by-step guide--complete with screenshots!

 

September 11th Memorial Ceremony

Return to School 2020 Back to School Pledge!

 CLICK HERE to see the “Return to School 2020 Back to School Pledge” from Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Carranza.

For more detailed information and translated copies of the "Return to School 2020 Back to School Pledge", please click here: Translated "Back to School Pledge"

Chancellor Carranza's Messages to Families

CLICK HERE to see a letter from the Chancellor with this week's Reopening Update letter (dated August 17, 2020), which includes:

  • The latest health and safety information, including on ventilation, school nurses, and testing and tracing in schools   
  • How to stay informed on confirmed COVID-19 cases in your school community   
  • How families can change their children’s learning preference to/from fully remote learning   
  • What happens if students attend school in-person on a day they are not scheduled to attend  
  • Supports for students with Individualized Education Programs   
  • Supports for students in temporary housing and foster care   

For additional Information and previous messages to families from our Chancellor, please click here: Return to School 2020

Learning Bridges

As the New York City Department of Education resumes in-person schooling this fall, most schools and early childhood programs will operate on a blended learning model. This means that each week, students will have some school days in person, and some school days remotely. Learning Bridges is a new program that will provide free child care options for children from 3-K through 8th grade on days when they are scheduled for remote learning.

 If you are interested in the Learning Bridges program, please complete this survey.

For more information please: click here.

DOE IPad Resources

DAre you having trouble accessing the internet on the DOE iPad?

Internet access on the iPad will be limited to DOE resources until the user signs in to the Zscaler software to establish a secure connection. Please click the link below. Then Click on “Ensure Your Child's Internet Safety” and follow the instructions.

https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/learn-at-home/technical-tools-and-support/getting-started-with-your-ipad

 

Some information from Mrs. McCann...

NYC DOE and P.S. 255 Learning Preference Survey

Friday, August 7th is the last day to complete the NYCDOE Learning Preference Survey.

Click Here to complete the survey. 

 

Thank you to all of our families that have completed the PS 255 Planning Survey already!

If you have not completed our survey, it's not too late!

Below is a survey to help us gather information, while keeping your needs in mind. We ask that each family complete one survey as soon as possible.

For the blended learning option, the number of days students will be in school depends on how many families would like their children to have in-person instruction.

We will make every effort to have as many students in school as possible, while maintaining all safety guidelines.


PLEASE CLICK HERE: PS 255 Planning Survey

CEC of D22 Parent Information

From the Community Education Council of District 22:

Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at 7pm CEC D22's Educational Guide Committee is holding our first virtual meeting of the new school year 2020-2021 to address questions and concerns regarding Instructional support parents can receive for their children, Mental & Emotional Support, and other concerns for school year 2020-21.
 
Superintendent Bove, D22 Presidents' Council President, UFT Community and Parent Engagement, and IncludeNYC will present information and resources needed for parent empowerment and student success.
 
EGC works directly with every member of District 22 to provide discussions and information regarding educational policies, and provides support and guidance on how to successfully navigate the New York City public school system. Please feel free to reach out to EGC email cec22@schools.nyc.gov Attn.: EGC for more information.
 
We look forward to hearing from you on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at 7pm. Please see the link information below.
 
 
CEC D22's Educational Guide Committee (EGC) Meeting
Time: Sep 1, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
 
Join Zoom Meeting
 
Meeting ID: 950 9117 2128
Passcode: 396754
One tap mobile
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+13017158592,,95091172128#,,,,,,0#,,396754# US (Germantown)
 
Dial by your location
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Meeting ID: 950 9117 2128
Passcode: 396754
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/aN1jinoUk

summer parent and Family workshops and resources

Family and Student Information Session

Please join us for our upcoming Family and Student Information Session where our Department of Education leadership will share the latest updates as we plan for the return to schools in Fall 2020.   

Families will be able to hear re-opening updates directly from the Chancellor who will be joined by all of our Executive Superintendents. 

The event will feature a Q&A where Executive Superintendents will answer questions from families about the re-opening plans rolling out in their districts. 

Below is the link to register: 

Thursday, August 27, 2020 from 6:30-8pm 

Returning to School: The Latest Guidance from our Health Experts -

September 02, 2020 | 6:30pm-8:00pm

UFT Workshops for Parents 

During the summer, UFT will be offering a host of workshops for parents on Thursdays from 5-6pm.  The topics are below, and you can register here. 

Aug. 27: Leadership 2.0, a Second Leadership Workshop for Parents  

Sept. 2: Growing Up Cavity-Free, an Oral Health Workshop for Families 

Summer Resources

Please see the following links for summer resources:

 Summer Reading Parent Letter_English.pdf 

 additional-resources-for-families-during-summer.pdf 

District 22 summer resource page: click here

Brooklyn Public Library summer reading: click here

Grab and Go summer meal locations: click here

We have so much going on virtually at P.S. 255....

Click on this link for our new "Virtual Learning" page!

Find news, updated information, field trips, photographs and more...

Perfect Attendance and Punctuality 2019-2020

    

Congratulations!

Congratulations to the class of 2020!

Check this out! Thank you Ms. Skerbec and Ms. DiPaola!

One Hand in my Pocket from Margo DiPaola on Vimeo.

New! Family Feud Faculty Edition

Student of the Month!

  

Students of the Month! - June 2020

Student of the Month!

  

Students of the Month - May 2020

Student Of The Month!

  

Students of the Month for April

Students of the Month - March 2020

Ask the principal...

Ask the Principal from Kelly McCann on Vimeo.

Food Benefits for All NYC School Students P-EBT

Please click on the following link for information regarding:

Food Benefits for all NYC School Students P-EBT:

 Food Benefits for all NYC Students.pdf 

*Get Food NYC

Covid Emergency Food Distribution:

Get Food NYC

 

Check this out...

Click on this link to check out our new "Counselor's Corner"!

 Counselor's Corner 

Information Regarding Obtaining a Remote learning Device from the NYC Department of Education

Please click on the link below to find out how you can still receive a learning device to keep your child connected and be able to learn from home.

There is also information regarding distribution if you already filled out a form:

https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/learn-at-home/technical-tools-and-support/ipad-distribution

District 22's Weekly Email Blast, Newsletter, Website and Resources

Check out all the latest information about the Community District 22 Website!

Also check out District 22's Weekly Email Blast!

As well as the District 22 Monthly Newsletter!

Updated Daily: Resources for Families

Health Coverage, Help Now NYC and Food Resources

Health Coverage
As we work through these challenging times together, NY State of Health is committed to ensuring access to affordable, quality health insurance for all New Yorkers so they can get the care they need during this state of emergency. Please see the attached letter and link:
 
Help Now  NYC
The City has created HELP NOW NYC an online resource center that has information on helping New Yorkers affected by CoVID-19. HELP NOW NYC provides both resources for individuals and organizations on a wide range of services including: 
  1. Employment Resources
  2. Health and Medical Assistance
  3. Food Assistance
  4. Financial Assistance
  5. Rent Arrears and Public Assistance 
HELP NOW NYC also has information for those interested in helping front-line employees. It offers ways to volunteer with the Volunteer Coordination Task Force and assist in the Co-VID 19 Relief Efforts.
 
 
Additional NYC Food Resources:

Free Admission to NYC Museums- Virtually!

These New York City museums are either always free, free on specific days of the week or free for select hours. Find one near you, and take advantage of their generosity. Note that this takes into account general admission only; certain events and special exhibitions may still require a fee.

Right now you can explore many of the museums listed virtually!

Please click on this link: https://www.nycgo.com/articles/free-nyc-museums

Make time to enjoy all New York City has to offer with your family!

THRIVE NYC

I am delighted to inform you that our school has been selected to participate in the School Mental Health Consultant Program and will receive services starting this academic year. The School Mental Health Consultant Program (SMHCP) is part of Thrive NYC  the City’s strategic plan to improve and promote the mental health of its residents and facilitated by the DOE Office of School Health.  Schools are the most common point of entry for children seeking help for mental health concerns and the adults on our staff are the most reliable sources of referrals for our students.  School staff members have a perfect vantage point to observe students, notice change over time, spot concerns, and work closely with our School Mental Health Consultant to link students to supports. Building capacity in the school building for early identification of mental health issues through training, consultation, and support will increase our student’s mental health and academic success.

The School Mental Health Consultant will support our school by:

  • Promoting mental health and informing our school community about the program.
  • Identifying our school’s internal resources, gaps and creating School Mental Health Plans to connect schools with community based providers and other resources.
  • Provide training and consultation to our staff in order to raise their awareness about mental health and help them to address mental health concerns of students. 

We want to create a culture where good mental health is an essential part of the academic environment! If you have any questions please contact me or visit the website at ThriveNYC. Thank you for helping make this program a great success! 

THE FOLLOWING NEW YORK STATE TESTING HAS BEEN SUSPENDED FOR THE 2019 - 2020 SCHOOL YEAR

The following state assessments were suspended: 

- Grades 3-8 English language arts test

- Grades 3-8 math test

- Grade 4 elementary-level science test

- English as a second language achievement test in grades K-12 - NYSESLAT

  • P.S. 255's Mission and Vision statement

Upcoming Events

View Monthly Calendar

Resources and Information Regarding Public Charge and Protecting our Families

 

Click here for:  Resources for our Families 

Click here for: Additional Resources

 

FREE Homework help!

  • Free Homework Help flyer from the NYC DOE 1-212-777-3380

Free Adult Education and English Classes

Monthly Message from Principal Kelly McCann

Message From Our  Principal, Kelly McCann

March 2020

 Dear Parents and Families:

 It is hard to believe we are already welcoming March. This month is filled with activities throughout the school.

 I am happy to share that we are working with Anthropology Arts to provide our 1st and 2nd grade students with a 4 week residency. The students will be working on various STEM activities during these classes. Our 2nd graders began this past week and some of them told me they loved it. I think the rest of our students will enjoy it just as much.

 Our dance teacher, Ms. Skerbec arranged a six week residency with the Alvin Ailey Dance Company that began this week. Ms. Rachel Watson, our teaching artist will be coming weekly to teach the student’s hip-hop.

On Wednesday, April 8, 2020 parents are invited to our culminating event in our auditorium at 8:45am.

 Our Parent Association will be running their annual Book Fair from Tuesday, March 3rd through Thursday, March 5th.  The Book Fair will be open for parents during Parent/Teacher Conference Afternoon and Evening for your shopping pleasure.  A book is an ideal gift to give to any child, and one that will long be remembered. 

 Parent/Teacher Evening Conferences will be on Wednesday, March 4th from 4:30-7:30 PM.  Parent/Teacher Afternoon Conferences will be on Thursday, March 5th from 12:30-2:30 PM. Children will be dismissed at 11:30 AM. Please note that on these days there are NO afterschool programs.  We look forward to meeting with you to discuss your child’s progress. Your child’s report card will NOT be sent home.  It will be given to you when you meet with the teacher during these conference dates.  Out of classroom providers will also be available to meet with you during Parent/Teacher Conference evening and afternoon sessions.

 On Wednesday, March 18, 2020, you are invited to attend a Parent Workshop focusing on the NYSESLAT Test.

 On Tuesday, March 31, 2020, you are invited to attend a Parent Workshop focusing on the 4th Grade New York State Science Exam.

 Our 4th graders are finishing their residency with the National Dance Institute this month. You are invited to their culminating event on the evening of Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at 5:30pm. There is NO afterschool for 4th Grade students on this day due to the performance.

 I hope you will be sure to complete the NYC School Survey that was given to your child to bring home. We value your input and would appreciate it if you could complete the survey by Tuesday, March 31, 2020.

 The New York State Exams are quickly approaching.  The exam schedule is as follows:

NYS ELA Exams (grades 3-5): March 25th & 26th   

NYS Math Exams (grades 3-5): April 22nd & April 23rd

 NYSESLAT Testing:

Speaking: April 6th – May 15th

Reading, Writing and Listening: May 4th – May 15th

NYS Science Performance Test: May 18th – May 29th

NYS Science Written Exam: June 1st  

 Also, please make note of the end of year events for our Kindergarten and 5th grade students:

5th Grade Promotional Ceremony: June 23rd

Kindergarten Stepping Up: June 24th

 As the weather gets nicer, the students will be going outside for recess and leaving the building to go on more class trips. If permission slips are not signed, students will not be able to attend. The students will have more outdoor recess as well. Please make sure they wear appropriate shoes. It is good practice to have closed shoes, we prefer no open toe shoes or flip flops.

 We try to do all we can to keep our students safe and appreciate all of your assistance and understanding. The gates on East 17th Street are closed during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal, due to the dangerous flow of traffic down East 17th Street.  Our number one priority is the safety of our children and we hope this change will help our students feel safer when entering and exiting our school.

 Parents, please see to it that you pick up your children on time when dismissed from the school day and any afterschool programs.  If students are not picked up on time from afterschool, they will not be eligible to continue in any programs.  If you are unable to pick up your child, please make sure the person(s) picking up your child is on the blue card in the office.  Your child will not be released to anyone who is not on the blue card.

 Please keep in mind that this year Spring Recess is Thursday, April 9th – Friday, April 17th.  It is important that your child is in school each and every day.  Please make sure vacations take place when school is not in session.

Very truly yours,

Kelly McCann

Principal

NYC Public School Guidebook 2019 - 2020

 NYC Public School Guidebook

The NYC Public School Guidebook is an annual publication containing current information about New York City’s public schools, including:
  • Important dates in this year’s school calendar
  • Details about enrolling in City schools
  • Who to speak to in schools when you have concerns
  • What students are learning in each grade
  • Programs available to support students in & out of the classroom
  • How New York City students get to school
  • Graduation requirements
  • How to obtain financial aid for college
  • ...and more!

NYC Public School Guidebook

Mathletics Hall of Fame!

  • Student who is the Mathletics winner for September.

    Congratulations to our September Mathletics Winner!

  • Another student who is the Mathletics winner for September.

    Congratulations to our September Mathletics Winner!

  • Student who is the Mathletics winner for October.

    Congratulations to our October Mathletics Winner!

  • Another student who is the Mathletics winner for October.

    Congratulations to our October Mathletics Winner!

  • Students who are the Mathletics winners for November.

    Congratulations to our November Mathletics Winners!

  • A fifth grade student holds her certificate and prize for Mathletics!

    Congratulations to our December Mathletics Winners!

  • A first grade student holds his certificate and prize for Mathletics!

    Congratulations to our December Mathletics Winners!

  • A student proudly holds her certificate for Mathletics winner.

    Congratulations to our January Mathletics Winner!

  • A student holds the game he won and a certificate for Mathletics.

    Congratulations to our January Mathletics Winner!

  • A student stands in her classroom and holds a mathletics certificate and game.

    Congratulations to our January Mathletics Winner!

  • A student hold his certificate for being a top mathletics winner.

    Congratulations to our February Mathletics Winner!

  • A student displays their certificate and prize for winning in Mathletics.

    Congratulations to our February Mathletics Winner!

2016 SHINE VIDEO...PS 255 is Awesome!

2017 SHINE Video...Fireworks!

2018 SHINE Video...Try Everything!

NYC Schools Account

NYC Schools Account: With a NYC Schools account https://mystudent.nyc/ you will be able to access key information about your child's progress in school, including attendance, report card grades, general student information, and test scores (including test scores from your child's New York State math and English Language Arts (ELA)) in one of ten languages on a computer, phone or tablet. To register for an account in person or online, please contact Beth Rocco, Parent Coordinator

Colorful Cory...our school mascot!

  • Colorful Cory...our school mascot!

Check out or new P.S. 255 Photo Gallery!

Please click below to access our P.S. 255 Photo Gallery!

http://www.ps255.org/ps_255_photo_gallery 

Physical Exam Requirement

Calling all Parents! Did you know every child must a completed physical exam to stay in school?  Just like immunizations, a check-up is REQUIRED  and a copy of the form must go to the school nurse's office. If your child is missing this requirement, please make an appointment with your child's doctor and take care of this immediately. Thank you for your cooperation. 

A Message from Elizabeth A. Rose, Chief Executive Officer School Operations of the NYC Department of Education

A message  providing an update of the ongoing measures at the NYC Department of Education (DOE) to ensure that the water in our schools is safe for students and staff.

Please see below:

Citywide Backpack Letter Lead Testing Fall 2018_FINAL.docx 

Keeping Students Safe

November 2019

Dear Families,

At the Department of Education, our top priority is keeping students safe and healthy so they can engage in learning, every day in every school. Today we write with an important update in relation to the Department of Education’s aggressive lead remediation work in school facilities across the city.
Custodians are an integral part of our school communities, and are in our schools every day. They have always conducted visual inspections to monitor for peeling paint, and this summer another round of inspections was conducted in order to formally log the findings. By the first day of school this year, we successfully inspected and addressed any peeling paint found in classrooms serving kids under six and this fall, any necessary remediation of peeling paint was completed.
We also began our work in cafeterias and libraries earlier this fall, and these spaces were stabilized as necessary. Stabilization is an EPA- and NYC Department of Health-approved process by which deteriorating paint is removed, sealed, and repainted. This keeps these spaces safe for young children, as the impacted area of the wall is covered and inaccessible. Remediation is successful when dust wipe samples confirm the longer term safety of the room.
Our focus has always been on classrooms where students spend the most time, but we’re committed to enhancing our protocols and have expanded our work to common spaces. Beginning next month, we’re expanding inspections to include bathrooms, gymnasiums and auditoriums.
Although lead-based paint was banned in New York City in 1960, we take additional precautions and include in our monitoring any building constructed 25 years after that ban. Children under three years old are the most susceptible and vulnerable to the health effects of lead, and children under age six are at higher risk than older children.
Our response protocol keeps kids safe, and over the course of the year the DOE has increased oversight and transparency of this work. A centralized database is available online, and staff or parents can report any deteriorate paint via an online tool accessible 24/7 at schools.nyc.gov/lead-based-paint.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to PaintTesting@schools.nyc.gov with any questions about our ongoing efforts with respect to lead remediation.

Sincerely,

Office of the Chief Operating Officer

  • Page describing the hazards of car idling.

ANNUAL NOTIFICATION ABOUT CONSENT TO RELEASE INFORMATION FOR MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT

Our schools can receive additional funding for some of the services that are provided to students, like your child, who have individualized education plans (IEPs). In order for our schools to receive this funding, you previously signed a consent to (1) access and provide to the state and federal Medicaid programs personally identifiable information from your child’s special education records about the special education evaluations, programs and services that are provided to your child and (2) access your child’s Medicaid benefits to pay for these services. This letter of annual notification is to remind you that by previously signing this consent, you understood and agreed that the New York City Department of Education may access your child’s public benefits or insurance to pay for special education services provided to or on behalf of your child. Thank you for your assistance in ensuring that our schools receive as much funding as possible for the critical supports that are provided to our students. Sincerely, Carmen Fariña Chancellor ---

What information about my child will be provided to state and federal Medicaid programs? The New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE) will provide information about the special education evaluations and services provided to your child. This information may include the IEP, progress notes, attendance records, evaluations and other records and information about evaluations and services provided to your child. Is there any cost to me or to my family? There is no cost to you or your family. You will not be required to incur any expenses, premiums, costs or copayments for the provision of these services. The services that are provided to your child in and outside of school will not be affected in any way. If your family receives Medicaid benefits, your coverage will not be canceled, the lifetime coverage in place will not decrease and services that your family receives will not be affected in any way by the accessing of Medicaid benefits. You will not be required to sign up for or enroll in Medicaid for your child to receive the services on his/her IEP. You will not risk the loss of eligibility for home and community based waivers, if any, that are based on your total health-related expenditures. Can I change my mind about allowing the NYC DOE to access my child’s information and submit claims to the Medicaid program and revoke my consent? Yes - you may change your mind about this consent at any time. To change your decision, contact your child’s school and request to complete a new Medicaid consent form. The NYC DOE must still provide special education and services to your child at no cost to you even if you withdraw your consent at a later date.

Check out how we include EVERYONE at PS 255!

Student and Family Guide to 504 Accommodations

Please see below regarding 504 accommodations:

 Letter about 504s.docx 

Special Education Post-Review Announcement

Post-Review Announcement

 

The New York State Education Department: Office of Special Education completed a Special Education Quality Assurance (SEQA) Special Education Programs and Services Focused Review P.S. 255 during the 2015-2016 school year. This review examined the district's compliance with selected federal and State laws and regulations governing the education of students with disabilities.

 

The review was conducted by the SEQA for the New York City Regional Office. The review process involved a review of school records of a representative sample of students with disabilities, classroom visitations, interviews of parents and staff surveys. Meetings of the committee on special education were also observed.

 

A copy of the report may be reviewed from the Superintendent's office, located at 5619 Flatlands Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11234.

Statement on Accessibility

Statement on Accessibility: We are working to make this website easier to access for people with disabilities, and will follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0. If you need assistance with a particular page or document on our current site, please contact amandelbaum@schools.nyc.gov to request assistance.