Sunset Park School

Dear Families of Sunset Park School, PS 169,

Across our city and nation, we can anticipate changes that will affect us this year. Indeed, change can make adults and children feel anxious. However, with change, we must remember what is constant in our lives and what we can control within our reach.

Of course, it is easier to say these words than to put them into practice. The current state of our world crosses into my thoughts like crashing waves and I am distraught by my inability to control our unstable political climate and many environmental catastrophes. Blazing fires in Australia, back-to-back earthquakes in Puerto Rico, and coronavirus outbreaks are all seemingly impossible to calm, cease, and combat. But these waves eventually recede as I try very hard to think of how I can bring about positive influence.

Remembering what we can influence is important. With honest conversations at home and at school, we can comfort our children so that their world won’t feel so lonely and shaky. This school has remained here for over a hundred years. As sure as the next day, our doors will open everyday to welcome all students that walk through our hallways. We will cherish your children just the way they are and continue to show them how valuable they are; it is our mission to help them to be seen and heard.

One of our school’s cornerstones is paving our students’ journey to reading success. We read with our students every day. While children read, we ask, “What did you notice? or “What makes you think that?” Your children’s answers give us a view of their world. Children are often invited to ask questions and explore their wonderings. While our students’ questions and wonderings are shared among their classroom community they begin to learn from, and about, each other. There may be few differences and some similarities, but most important, there will be much understanding about tolerance, collaboration, and critical analysis. How wonderful it is for our students to grow in mind and spirit. When their road to reading is stable they are prepared to take on challenges and opportunities … in any kind of world.

We invest in our children because they are the future. In them, we see hope. We look forward to cultivating them as readers and writers and one day reading about their own challenges, struggles, and accomplishments. When they arrive at school with their minds open and excitement intact, we strive to guide them as best as we know how. We will always provide them with stability as best as we can; we support and love them.

Sincerely,
Jin Tang
Principal

If Your Child is Sick

Do not send your child to school if he or she is sick. If your child has fever or a cough, is vomiting, or has any illness, you must keep him or her home from school. This is for your child’s well-being and also for the protection of others. If your child has had a fever, he or she should return to school only after being fever-free without medication for 24 hours.

Information from the New York Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS):

• If you suspect a child is a victim of abuse or neglect, you can report the situation by calling this statewide toll-free hotline number for parents, guardians, and students: 1-800-342-3720.
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call TDD/TTY at 1-800-638-5163.
• If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
• For more information, see the OCFS website.