Fall Family Newsletter
PS 191Q
The Mayflower School
2024-2025
School Opening Reference Guide
Welcome Back!
We are thrilled to welcome students back to PS 191 – The Mayflower School. We understand you have many questions about this school year, and we are committed to making it a special and wonderful time for your entire family. Below, you'll find important information for the start of the school year.
Pre-K Orientation: Friday, August 30th at 9:00 AM
Kindergarten Orientation: Friday, August 30th at 10:00 AM
Principal and Assistant Principal in the Playground: Friday, August 30th at 11:00AM
First Day of School: Thursday, September 5th
Schedule for Grades K-5:
School begins at 8:15 am
September 5th and 6th: Students will meet their teachers in the schoolyards at 8:15am.
Grades K-2: Line up in the schoolyard near the playground.
Grades 3-5: Line up in the schoolyard on East Williston Avenue.
Starting Monday, September 9th: All students in grades K-5 will enter through Exit 10 on 259th Street as early as 7:55am but no later than 8:15am.
Schedule for Pre-K Students:
First day: Thursday, September 5th
To ensure a smooth transition, we will have a shortened schedule for the first two days.
September 5th and 6th: Drop-off is at 9:00 a.m., and pick-up is at 1:30 p.m. One parent can stay in the classroom until 9:30 a.m.
Starting Monday, September 9th: All Pre-K students will attend for the full day.
Pre-K will enter and exit at Exit 13, near 258th Street and the schoolyard.
Drop-Off Schedule and Procedure:
Grades K-5:
Drop-Off Start Time: 7:55 am
Expected Entry Time: No later than 8:15 am
Use exit 10
Pre-K:
Drop-Off Start Time: 8:15 am
Expected Entry Time: No later than 8:15 am
Use exit 13
Parental Guidelines:
Parents will not be allowed in the building during arrival time. Please say goodbye to your child at the door.
If you need to go to the main office, please have a photo ID and sign in at security using exit 1 located on 258th Street.
We will continue to use the safer access door at exit 1. These directions will be on the door:
To enter the school building:
Please ring the bell
You will be asked to face the camera and identify yourself
When the door is unlocked, please enter the building and stop at the main desk to complete the sign-in process.
The directions are written in different languages.
The bell is located to the left of the main entrance. Once the door is unlocked, please enter the building through the door on the right-hand side.
Once the door is unlocked and you enter the building, the school safety agent will ask for your identification and will help you sign in.
Late Arrivals:
If your child arrives after 8:15 am, they will need to enter the building using exit 1.
They will receive a late pass and will be marked late.
Dismissal Procedure:
All students will be dismissed from the exits listed below.
Teachers will dismiss one student at a time when they see a parent or authorized person.
Please be patient and instruct your child to wait until the teacher sends him/her to meet you.
For students in grades 4-5, if you would like your child to walk home, please send a note to school. Unless we have written permission, we will not allow your child to walk home.
Please be prompt at dismissal. The best way to ensure safety is to pick up your child promptly at the designated dismissal time.
Try to come 5 minutes early. It is safer for you to wait for your child than for your child to wait for you.
Dismissal times will be staggered as indicated below:
Grade Exit Dismissal Time
Pre-K 13 2:30pm
K 11 2:30pm
1st 10 2:30pm
2nd 10 2:30pm
3rd 2 2:32pm
4th 1 2:32pm
5th 4 2:32pm
Early Pick-Up:
To ensure the safety and smooth operation of our school, we kindly request that you follow these procedures for picking up your child:
1. Notification Process:
Notify your child’s teacher about the early pick-up.
Call the main office in advance to inform them of the pick-up time.
2. Arrival Protocol:
Please call the main office before arriving at the school.
Bring your Photo ID for identification purposes.
3. Authorization Requirement:
Your child will only be released to individuals listed on the authorized list (blue card).
4. Minimizing Disruption:
We ask that you only pick up your child early if it is absolutely necessary to minimize disruption to their learning and the classroom.
5. Communication with Teachers:
If you need to speak with your child’s teacher, please send a letter to schedule a call or conference.
These measures prioritize the safety and well-being of all students and staff members. We greatly appreciate your cooperation and adherence to these guidelines.
Meal Procedures:
BREAKFAST
Students will be given breakfast in a bag as they enter the school building each morning. Students will eat breakfast in their classrooms.
LUNCH
Pre-K students will eat lunch in their classroom.
Students of grades K-5 will eat lunch in the cafeteria.
Outdoor Recess Policy, Dress Code, and Footwear Recommendation:
We encourage students to wear closed shoes such as sneakers daily. Students go outside daily for recess, even in cold temperatures. Please ensure that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. All children participate in recess unless medical documentation from a physician indicates otherwise.
Student Supplies:
Students should bring their supplies daily. The grade-appropriate supply list is available on the website ps191q.com
All supplies should be clearly labeled with the child’s name and class.
Some supplies will be supplied by PS 191 and will be in your child’s classroom for them.
Student Attendance Policy
Regular daily attendance is crucial for your child's academic success. If your child is sick, please keep them at home and notify the main office of their absence by calling 718-831-4032.
Attendance letters are periodically sent home to address frequent absences. Please avoid taking your child out of school for vacations or extended periods, as this can negatively impact their academic progress and will not be approved.
Birthday parties
In-school birthday celebrations are a brief acknowledgment of a student’s birthday and not their official party. Celebrations last 15 minutes. Students may bring individually wrapped small snacks and/or mini water or juice boxes for their classmates.
Approved snacks include store-bought, single-serving treats like cupcakes, donuts, cookies, or muffins. Whole cakes, large water bottles, ice cream, and frozen desserts are not allowed. Teachers will address any food allergies.
Treats should be identical for all students. Goody bags, balloons, and decorations are not permitted.
Parents must inform the classroom teacher at least two weeks in advance via letter or email. The teacher will schedule the celebration based on class and school calendars and inform parents of any allergies.
On the day of the event, parents should bring the pre-approved snacks to the main office for delivery to the classroom.
Meeting the Teacher:
All parents will have an opportunity to meet their child’s teacher in-person on Thursday, September 12th. You will be receiving more information to follow.
Please find more information at:
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PLEASE NOTE: All procedures and protocols indicated in this document are subject to changes and revisions in an effort to improve practices.