Program Policies

In case of an emergency that prevents a student from attending a session, the following criteria and rules should apply:

1. Notify in Advance (If Possible)

Immediate Communication: If you know in advance that you will miss a session due to an emergency, notify the program assistant principal or delegation leader as soon as possible, ideally at least 24 hours before the session.

Emergency Situations: If the emergency arises suddenly (e.g., medical emergency, family crisis), notify the program team as soon as you are able, preferably within 24 hours.

2. Valid Documentation

Proof of Emergency: For an absence to be excused, students must provide supporting documentation of the emergency, such as a doctor’s note, hospital records, or a signed statement from a parent or guardian detailing the situation.

3. Make-Up Work

Catch Up on Missed Content: Students who miss a session due to an emergency are responsible for catching up on any missed material. This may include reviewing session notes, completing assignments, or meeting with peers or staff to ensure they stay up to date.

It’s important to be on time for all PRHYLI sessions. Being on time shows respect for yourself, your peers, and the program. Please make an effort to arrive on time for each session!

Here’s what you need to know about being late:

1. Be On Time

You are expected to arrive on time for every session. Being late can cause you to miss important information or activities.

2. Grace Period

If you arrive within 15 minutes of the program start time, you will be marked as late, not absent.

3. After 15 Minutes

After the grace period, you will be marked late.

4. Valid Reasons for Being Late

If something unexpected happens (like an emergency or family issue) that makes you late, you need to tell the program assistant principal or delegation leader via email as soon as possible. You may need to provide a note from a parent or legal guardian or to explain the lateness.

5. Too Many Late Arrivals

Two instances of lateness will be counted as one absence. If you are late more than twice, you might need to meet with PRHYLI Assistant Principal to discuss the problem. Repeated lateness could affect your ability to attend future sessions or activities.

6. Catching Up on Missed Work

If you’re late and miss something important, it’s your responsibility to catch up. You can ask your peers, review notes, or talk to the staff for help.

This program is an after-school initiative, led by NYC Public Schools. Therefore, participants will adhere to New York City Public Schools rules and regulations. 

Students are informed of the program dates well in advance before being accepted, and they have signed a commitment to attend. Participation in this program is a commitment, and as future leaders, students are expected to take responsibility and uphold that commitment. All applicants are fully aware of the requirement to attend all training sessions, which is clearly stated in the application, and they sign an agreement to attend.

Leaving Early from the Saturday Program: Guidelines and Expectations

Students wishing to leave early must be picked up and signed out by a parent or legal guardian. PRHYLI delegates are responsible for notifying the program assistant principal and delegation leader by sending an email from their parent’s email address or submitting a handwritten note from the parent at least 48 hours in advance

Leaving early will be considered an unexcused absence.

In case of an emergency that prevents a student from attending a session, the following criteria and rules should apply:

1. Notify in Advance (If Possible)

Immediate Communication: If you know in advance that you will miss a session due to an emergency, notify the program assistant principal or delegation leader as soon as possible, ideally at least 24 hours before the session.

Emergency Situations: If the emergency arises suddenly (e.g., medical emergency, family crisis), notify the program team as soon as you are able, preferably within 24 hours.

2. Valid Documentation

Proof of Emergency: For an absence to be excused, students must provide supporting documentation of the emergency, such as a doctor’s note, hospital records, or a signed statement from a parent or guardian detailing the situation.

3. Make-Up Work

Catch Up on Missed Content: Students who miss a session due to an emergency are responsible for catching up on any missed material. This may include reviewing session notes, completing assignments, or meeting with peers or staff to ensure they stay up to date.

Eligibility is limited to juniors and seniors with a minimum of 95% attendance, who have provided evidence and demonstrated pubic speaking skills, team work, leadership and that they have completed their arguments.

Students must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum 95% program attendance

• Completion of the Bill Analysis Worksheet (in English or Spanish) for all three legislative bills, demonstrating readiness to argue for each bill if called upon during the Mock Assembly in Albany.

• Recommendations from two trainers and a PRHYLI staff member (such as the assistant principal, coordinator, or delegation leader)

• Must complete 30 hours of training 

These requirements ensure that students are well-prepared for the trip and the Mock Assembly.

PRHYLI Statewide allows the NYC delegation to bring 90 students to Albany. 

Parents are welcome to attend the public Mock Assembly at the New York State Assembly Chambers on Sunday, March 9, 2024. However, they are responsible for arranging their own accommodations and transportation. Please note that parents and guests are not permitted to interact with students, as only individuals who have been cleared and fingerprinted are allowed direct contact with participants.

No, only students in good standing will receive an invitation. Being in good standing requires students to have completed at least 30 hours of training, maintained a 95% attendance rate, active participation, submitted the legislative bill worksheet, have their arguments prepared by February 28 and adhere to PRHYLI policy and rules. 

• There are 7 delegations with over 275 students who have worked hard to prepare their arguments for the mock assembly. While it would be great for everyone to have the opportunity to speak, please understand that not everyone will be called upon during the session.