Newsletter #25
03/24/2024
Dear parents,
The Latin adage "Si vis pacem, para bellum," translating to "If you want peace, prepare for war," is attributed to Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus in his seminal work "De Re Militari," penned in the waning days of the Roman Empire. This statement, encapsulating the essence of Roman military thought, served as a guiding principle for the empire's defense strategy, emphasizing the need for constant readiness and formidable military strength as deterrents against potential adversaries. Vegetius's work, a comprehensive treatise on Roman military tactics, organization, and strategy, aimed to revive the martial prowess of a Rome facing decline, asserting that peace could only be secured through the latent threat of overwhelming military retaliation. The enduring influence of this adage reflects a broader historical narrative where the specter of war looms large over the quest for peace, suggesting that the path to tranquility is paradoxically paved with preparations for conflict. This philosophy, deeply ingrained in the fabric of various civilizations throughout history, has often justified expansive military build-ups, with rulers and statesmen citing the need for a strong defense to maintain peace within their realms.
Historically, the application of "Si vis pacem, para bellum" has led to significant moments of tension and arms escalation, with the period leading up to World War I being a prime example. European powers, driven by mutual distrust and the desire for deterrence, embarked on an extensive militarization and arms race. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in 1914 was the spark that ignited this powder keg, leading to a devastating global conflict. The Cold War further exemplifies the adage's influence, as the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in a nuclear arms race, each amassing weapons of mass destruction under the belief that a formidable arsenal would deter the other from aggression. This period of mutual suspicion and militarization, punctuated by moments of acute crisis such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, highlighted the precarious peace maintained under the shadow of potential annihilation. These instances underscore the paradox at the heart of Vegetius's adage: the pursuit of peace through military might often escalates tensions, bringing societies perilously close to the wars they seek to avoid.
Immanuel Kant, in stark contrast to the militaristic philosophy of Vegetius, offers a vision of peace grounded in principles of mutual respect, cooperation, and the rule of law. In his essay "Perpetual Peace: A Philosophical Sketch," Kant outlines a blueprint for lasting peace, anchored in the establishment of a federation of free states governed by democratic principles. This federation, according to Kant, would operate under a collective security arrangement, where the liberty and sovereignty of each nation are respected, and disputes are resolved through legal and diplomatic means rather than war. Kant's philosophy suggests that true peace is not a state of preparedness for war but a condition arising from the shared commitment of nations to principles of justice, human rights, and international cooperation. His vision is a profound departure from the cyclical logic of deterrence, proposing instead a world order in which peace is maintained through the strength of moral and legal norms rather than the threat of military force.
Choosing between the worldview of Albert Einstein and that of Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus presents us with a stark dichotomy: the path of understanding versus the preparation for war. Einstein, a vocal advocate for peace and disarmament, famously stated, "Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding." This perspective urges us to transcend the fatalistic cycle of militarization and conflict, advocating for a collective choice towards empathy, dialogue, and mutual respect. As we stand at the crossroads of history, faced with global challenges that demand cooperation and shared solutions, the choice becomes clear. We owe it to our children to choose a legacy of peace, shaped not by the specter of war but by our collective commitment to understanding and collaboration. In making this choice, we affirm that peace is not an elusive ideal but a tangible reality within our grasp, achievable through the concerted efforts of the global community.
Pascal Vallet, Junior School Principal
Francesca Zammarano, Interim Assistant Principal
REMINDER: The UNIS Junior School Peacekeepers’ Initiative
We have been focusing on becoming good listeners and understanding different perspectives, which are some of the important qualities of peacekeepers.
We would like to place our “The Community Peace Boxes” around the school. We would like everyone in this community to participate in this initiative—students, teachers, parents, and workers. You can share your ideas and opinions about changes or initiatives that help us keep, make, and build our peaceful community. You can write or draw your suggestions, opinions, and wishes and put them in the boxes.
You will find colorful boxes like these around the Junior School Office, by the staircases, in the lobby, the Pre-K/JA area, around the theater, and more. The boxes will be there until the end of this month, March.
You are an important part of our UNIS community. Please let us hear your voice!
Junko Saito, JA homeroom teacher and teacher leader of the Peacekeeper Club.
AI Disclaimer: This newsletter's language, transcription, and content have been initially enhanced and supplemented using AI engines including OpenAI (ChatGPT), Claude.ai, Notta.ai for video transcription, and Perplexity.ai for research assistance. While these advanced technologies play a supportive role in improving language, transcription, and research, the core ideas and intentions behind this newsletter remain human-generated. Our team's oversight stays paramount to ensure quality and precision of communications, as the innovative advantages of AI serve as an aid rather than a replacement for traditional methods. The concepts and substance within this newsletter ultimately come from a human perspective, with AI functioning as a tool to streamline certain processes.
Hello UNIS family and welcome to our junior school newsletter podcast! As the flowers bloom and the days grow warmer, we're excited to share the joy and traditions of Nowruz with you. In today's podcast, we'll cover essential updates including the upcoming Student-Led Conferences and reminders about our Lost & Found. We'll delve into our thoughtful planning for the next academic year and stress the importance of keeping your emergency contact information current. Don't miss out on our special cultural events and recognitions like the UNIS Iftar and the honor bestowed upon Srta. Montero by her J1 Spanish students. Additionally, we'll provide guidance for parents on supporting children through global events, and lastly, explore opportunities for volunteering and engaging in school activities. So, let's come together and listen in for enriching discussions and information that keeps our community connected and informed. Tune in now to catch all the details and be a part of our vibrant UNIS community!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS
AFTER SCHOOL CANCELED
Note the dates when After School Classes are not in session due to Student Led Conferences:
Wednesday, March 27 - Friday, March 29 (update SchoolPass accordingly)
JS Athletics After School Classes are fully canceled from March 27 to March 29 (address questions to doconnor@unis.org and update SchoolPass).
JS Mandarin, Portuguese, Francophone, Korean & Hebrew After School classes are fully canceled from March 27 to March 29 (address questions to pbarbamoran@unis.org and update SchoolPass).
JS After School Activities & Classes, including Spanish, Japanese, Arabic, Italian, German & Swedish, are fully canceled from March 27 to March 29 (address questions to ljalilvand@unis.org and update SchoolPass).
Care Program is in session until 6:00pm on Wednesday, March 27 (address questions to ljalilvand@unis.org).
Care Program and all After School, Language & Athletics Classes are fully canceled on Thursday & Friday, March 28 and 29.
If your child has private lessons scheduled between March 27 - March 29, please coordinate with your teacher directly.
Monday, March 25 | Student-Led Conference Sign Up Closes 5:00pm
Wednesday, March 27 - Friday, March 29 | JS Student-Led Conferences
Wednesday, March 27: from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm for J1 - J4 Student-Led Conferences (not for PK or JAs)
Thursday, March 28: from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm for PK - J4 Student-Led Conferences
Friday, March 29: from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm for PK - J4 Student-Led Conferences
Thursday & Friday, March 28 & March 29 |No Classes for JS Students (Student Led Conferences)
Monday, April 1 - Friday, April 12 | No Classes for Students / Spring Break (camp registrations are in this newsletter)
IMPORTANT: YELLOW BUS service will NOT be provided by the DOE on these 3 dates:
Monday, April 22
Tuesday, April 23
Wednesday, April 24
Remember to make alternate travel arrangements and update SchoolPass with your dismissal plan for these three days (for example, choose Pick Up/Carpool or Care Program).
Private Queens & Brooklyn buses will operate as usual.
TO DO:
Keep your child's SchoolPass account up to date
Accurate dismissal information entered by you in SchoolPass
is the only way that your child
can be escorted to the correct location at dismissal.
If your child's After School Activities have changed, remember to update SchoolPass.
SchoolPass
Hourly dismissal options have been set up so that parents of students who move between multiple activities on campus between 3:00 and 6:00, after dismissal from the academic day, can select each of the activities individually and sequentially, with the time that the student is expected to attend the activity clarified.
Whenever a child stays for activities after dismissal, a "Carpool" must be designated for pick-up. The time of the pick-up does not have to be specified, but is expected that the student will be picked up and depart campus within 10 minutes of the end of that last registered activity.
Important: If your child is already registered for a bus, to avoid confusion for dismissing teachers and disruption to the flow of buses departing campus, on any day when your child stays for an activity instead of taking the bus, you must move them to a Carpool as well. Selecting Carpool instead of bus on any day when there are activities also allows you to cancel the activities and Carpool and revert back to authorize bus ridership if your plans change at short notice.
Please take the time each week to review and refine your child's daily Activities plans in SchoolPass.
To Do: Select all of the Activities (Athletics, Language, After School Classes, Care Program, Private Music Lessons, etc.) that your child attends each day after school and remember to confirm your Carpool at the end of your child's day on campus.
If you have questions please reach out to jsoffice@unis.org.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Monday, April 1 - Friday, April 12 | No Classes for Students / Spring Break (camp registrations are in this newsletter)
Monday, April 15 | Classes Resume
April 22 through April 24 | No Yellow Bus Service from DOE / Make alternate arrangements & update SchoolPass / Private Queens & Brooklyn buses will operate as usual
Friday, April 26 | Sustainable Fashion Design Show 3:30-6:00 (details to follow)
Tuesday, April 30 | J4 Spring Concert 8:45 - 9:45 (save the date)
Wednesday, May 1 | J3 Spring Concert 8:45 - 9:45 (save the date)
Thursday, May 2 | J2 Spring Concert 8:45 - 9:45 (save the date)
Friday, May 3 | J1 Spring Concert 8:45 - 9:45 (save the date)
Saturday, May 4 | International Food & Fun Fair (save the date)
Friday, May 17 | Storybook Parade & JS Book Fair
Friday, May 24 & Monday May 27 | School Closed / Memorial Day Weekend
🎶Spring Concerts - Save the Date🎶
J4 - Tuesday, April 30 (Theater) 8:45 - 9:45
J3 - Wednesday, May 1(Theater) 8:45 - 9:45
J2 - Thursday, May 2 (Theater) 8:45 - 9:45
J1 - Friday, May 3 (Theater) 8:45 - 9:45
JA Date to be Confirmed
IMPORTANT DISMISSAL REMINDERS - SEMESTER 2
Update your own calendar, your caregiver's calendar, and SchoolPass, with your JS child's:
new Semester 2 After School Athletics and After School Classes schedule
new bus ridership schedule
new Care Program or Pick-Up/Carpool schedule
If your JS child will attend the Semester 2 Athletics and After School classes that began February 5, or use Yellow or Private Bus service, your child's SchoolPass account must be updated to give your authorization to attend the new activity or ride the bus home on any date.
Dismissing teachers, transportation, and Athletics and After School instructors will follow the daily instructions that you, as parents, enter and authorize in SchoolPass each week.
IN THIS NEWSLETTER
CALL TO ACTION: LOST & FOUND
Lost and Found
Lost and Found items will be displayed in the stairwell area behind the security desk in the school lobby during the weeks of March 18 and March 25.
We hope that you can be reunited with your child’s missing clothing and water bottles. Please make time to stop by during Conferences.
All items not claimed by the end of day on Friday, March 29 will be donated.
CALL TO ACTION: STUDENT-LED CONFERENCES
SLC Deadlines - Monday, March 25
The booking system for Student-Led Conferences opened on Thursday, March 21 and will close on Monday, March 25 at 5:00. If you haven't already, we encourage you to book appointments with your JS child's homeroom and language teachers. Booking instructions can be found in this newsletter below.
If for any reason parents are not able to be on campus for conferences between March 27 and March 29 we encourage you to email your homeroom and language teachers by 8:00am Monday, March 25 to let them know. Teachers who have been alerted by Monday morning, March 25 that a student will not be available to lead their conference on campus, can arrange to have materials sent home so that students and parents can engage together at home over Spring Break, without the teacher, to celebrate their learning.
The Student-Led Conferences for our PK to J4 students take place this week.
STUDENT LED CONFERENCES: GOAL
The goal of these conferences is "to celebrate the Learning Experience and Successes of the school year, in connection with the IB attitudes and attributes". To reach this goal, as in the past, parents have a fundamental role to play as the main interlocutor with our students, your children. You will find below important information to support you in understanding the goal and organization of the conferences this year.
STUDENT LED CONFERENCES: WHY
Student benefits:
empowers students to take responsibility for their own learning
encourages reflection and self-evaluation
increases self-confidence, self-esteem and motivation
improves communication and critical thinking skills
student ownership of celebrating the learning experience
Opportunity to celebrate what students are most proud of
Parent benefits:
encourages active participation in their child’s education
provides parents the opportunity to observe their child as a learner
increases parents’ understanding of their child’s learning experience.
involves parents with realistic goal-setting
allows communication in the home language
Teacher benefits:
Keeps student wellbeing and resilience at the forefront of conversations this year
emphasizes shared responsibility and encourages partnership approach
more reflective of actual classroom learning experience where the teacher is "guide on the side"
increases parent participation
STUDENT LED CONFERENCES: WHAT TO EXPECT?
Students
Before
Students and teachers work together on reflections and choose pieces of work which are representative of the student’s learning experience.
Students work with teachers to prepare for sharing samples of their work during conferences.
Students reflect on their learning experiences and successes throughout the school year.
Students reflect on and share report on their social and emotional lives at school.
Students prepare for sharing their reflections and celebrations of the year. They will review with the teacher what they would like to celebrate and the pieces of work that will support their reflections.
During
The student is the main speaker during the conference.
Students will share their reflections and celebrations of the school year connecting them to the samples of work they chose to share with parents
Parents
Before
Parents and teachers reach out to each other with any issues or concerns well before conferences.
Parents read the Parent Newsletter to understand the goals and structure of the SLC.
During
Parents must remember to let the student lead the conversation, saving questions for the students until the end.
Parents will listen to their child’s explanations and reflections as the student presents their celebrations, reflections, and work samples.
Parents may provide feedback, ask the child questions about his/her work and offer encouragement to their child.
Parents may ask how they can help and what the student needs from them.
STUDENT LED CONFERENCES: WHEN?
The conferences will be held on Wednesday evening, March 27 (for J1, J2, J3, and J4), and during school hours on Thursday, March 28, and Friday, March 29 (for PK, JA, J1, J2, J3, and J4).
Regular JS classes will not be held on Thursday and Friday. On those two days, JS students and their families are invited to campus for the length of their conferences only.
Important SLC Dates for PK - J4:
Wednesday, March 27: from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm for J1 - J4 Student-Led Conferences (not for PK or JAs)
Thursday, March 28: from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm for PK - J4 Student-Led Conferences
Friday, March 29: from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm for PK - J4 Student-Led Conferences
Note for PK Families: PK homeroom teachers reached out to families directly to schedule their SLC appointment time. Specialist teacher work will be included in the homeroom classrooms’ immersive experience. PK families do not use the automated booking system. Look for your PK teacher's email from March 21st to book your time to visit the classroom with your PK student on March 28 or 29.
STUDENT LED CONFERENCES: THINGS TO KNOW
Parents will make appointments with the homeroom teacher and the language, ELL or learning support teacher only.
Specialists will welcome families to their classrooms during Student-Led Conferences, without appointments, for a maximum of 10 minutes.
Families may visit specialist teachers before or after their homeroom appointment. However, if your homeroom teacher conference is the last of the day, ending between 2:20 - 3:00, kindly be sure to visit your specialist teachers before then.
The specialist rooms will be open to all, so there may be students from other grades visiting at the same time.
Specialists may need to cap the number of students visiting at one time. Thank you for your understanding and note that you should only need to wait 10 minutes until another family is finished.
Specialists may have activities set up where children can demonstrate the things they have learned.
Specialists will facilitate as needed by giving prompts and asking questions related to the work samples or activities being presented.
Parents may ask the specialist teachers some general questions at this time.
Siblings are welcome. They can join in the class or wait outside on a chair.
And remember, the Student Led Conference is a time to pause and celebrate your child’s successes and understand their challenges. It is about your children, and allows them to lead and take ownership of their learning journey. It is not the time to raise significant issues, or a time to discuss class placements for next year!
SIGN UP AND SCHEDULES
Student-Led Conference Dates and Sign Up
The booking system for Student-Led Conferences opened on Thursday, March 21 and will close on Monday, March 25 at 5:00. If you haven't already, we encourage you to book appointments with your JS child's homeroom and language teachers today.
All Student-Led Conferences are in person this year, to be held on March 27 (evening conferences for J1 to J4 only), March 28 or March 29. Remote conferences are not an option and rescheduling an in-person conference for another date is not possible.
Thursday, March 28 and Friday, March 29 are considered school days although classes are not in session.
If for any reason parents are not able to be on campus for conferences between March 27 and March 29 we encourage you to email your homeroom and language teachers by 8:00am Monday, March 25 to let them know. Teachers who have been alerted by Monday morning, March 25 that a student will not be available to lead their conference on campus, can arrange to have materials sent home so that students and parents can engage together at home over Spring Break, without the teacher, to celebrate their learning.
Codes were sent to each guardian's primary email address on Tuesday, March 19 in an email titled "Parent Teacher Conferences - IDs and Links". This will also be found at myunis.vc under 'Messages'
If you find that you need support regarding your Meet the Teacher or Veracross login credentials, please send an email message to tech.support@unis.org to retrieve them.
If you have your credentials you must use Meet the Teacher to access the Conferences sign up system.
When you login to the Conference portal between March 21 and March 25, you will be able to sign up for conference slots for each of your children.
CALL TO ACTION: 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR CLASS PLACEMENT
FINAL REMINDER 2024-2025 Class Placement
The process of creating class lists for the 2024-2025 school year has begun. Homeroom teachers, specialists, the school psychologist and the counselors collaborate to create balanced classes across each grade. Friendships and social interactions from this and previous years are taken into account and care is taken to ensure that children are placed in a group with familiar friends and where they will also have the opportunity to develop new friendships.
While the Junior School does not accept requests for specific teachers, if you have any serious concerns about next year’s class placement for your child be sure to email their counselor by this Friday, March 29, prior to Spring Break, to have those concerns addressed.
PK & JA Dr. Dana Marnin dmarnin@unis.org
J1 & J3 Ms. Amy Iamundo aiamundo@unis.org
J2 & J4 Ms. Alyssa Frost afrost@unis.org and Ms. Shannon Dressler sdressler@unis.org
HIGH-PRIORITY NEWS: REVIEW YOUR FAMILY'S CONTACT INFORMATION TODAY
IMPORTANT:
REVIEW & UPDATE YOUR HOUSEHOLD CONTACT INFORMATION
All departments at UNIS, including the nurse, rely on the information that you enter in the Veracross Parent Portal to contact you.
The only way you or your caregiver can be reached in an emergency, or when there are schoolwide announcements or weather emergencies, is through the information that your family adds to our UNIS Portal.
Please review your family profile and contact information to ensure that all of your local cell phone numbers, work phone numbers, email addresses and home address are correct and are entered in the correct fields.
If you have not reviewed your information since September, we encourage you to do it today so that we can reach you quickly if needed, especially if you have relocated from abroad.
After logging into the Portal at myunis.vc , you may review and update all of your family contact information by:
Going to Veracross
Clicking on Household Information
Updating Household Profile -> Contacts.
Thank you for taking the time to review and update your contact information now, and throughout the school year. The school's ability to contact you depends on it.
If you need support in order to make updates, please email tech.support@unis.org
HIGH-PRIORITY NEWS: EARLY DISMISSAL REQUESTS
IMPORTANT REMINDER ABOUT EARLY DISMISSAL REQUESTS
Early dismissal for students is strongly discouraged. Parents are expected to schedule their child’s appointments and travel plans outside of school hours. Early dismissal is reserved for urgent needs only or exceptional circumstances approved directly by the Executive Director, Dr. Dan Brenner.
In no event should requests be made for an early dismissal to attend an athletic activity, class or lesson outside of UNIS. The expectation is that after school activities be scheduled at a time that aligns with the dismissal time for your child’s grade or, if that is not possible, your child arrives late to their after school activity:
PK & JA: 2:45
J1 - J2: 2:50
J3 - J4: 2:55
Early dismissals disrupt academics in the classroom for your child as well as all students in the class. Early dismissals pull our faculty and staff away from instruction time and tasks that affect the smooth and safe operation of the Junior School.
Thank you for supporting the UNIS community and scheduling your child’s outside activities at times that do not interfere with teaching and learning.
HIGH-PRIORITY NEWS: ARRIVAL
PK & JA Arrival Reminder
To ensuring a safe and orderly entry to the academic day for our PKs and JAs, the doors to the PK/JA area will be locked before 8:20 am and after 8:40 am, reinforcing not just the physical boundaries that protect our students, but also the temporal ones that frame their day with predictability and security.
Arrival Reminder
To accommodate JS families during winter months, caregivers arriving before 8:15 are welcome to supervise their children in the main school lobby instead of lining up outside the Stairwell D entrance to wait for the JS doors to open at 8:15/8:20.
If they wait in the lobby, caregivers of J1 - J4 students escort them to the Stairwell D entrance outside at 8:15, as usual, so students can use the D stairs to their 2nd floor homeroom.
If they wait in the lobby, caregivers of JA - PK students escort them to the Staircase D entrance outside where they will be welcomed at the door at 8:20 and escorted by their teachers to their classrooms as usual.
To maintain the safe flow and continuous supervision of all JS students at arrival please do not escort students to any other interior hallways or stairs if you have been waiting in the lobby.
All JS students must use the exterior JS entrance at Staircase D to access their homerooms in the morning.
Caregivers are expected to supervise JS students at all times until the JS doors open at 8:15/8:20 whether they wait in the lobby or outside the building.
The only change to JS arrival is the option to use the lobby to wait if caregivers arrive earlier then 8:15/8:20.
HIGH-PRIORITY NEWS: SUPPORT TEAM RESOURCES & CONTACT INFO (ISRAEL / PALESTINE)
Over the past weeks, the Student Support Team has been attuned to our students' needs concerning the situation between Israel and Palestine. In the Junior School, we emphasize listening to and following our students' lead. Conversations can evolve based on the topics and concerns they express, always ensuring our responses are appropriate for their developmental stage. We believe in the importance of addressing their inquiries directly, rather than guiding the conversation ourselves. In classes where no questions or concerns arose, especially in the lower grades, we refrained from introducing the topic, adhering to our Junior School ethos. Our primary focus in the Junior School remains to anchor our students in their regular school routines and foster their social connections.
For those of you who wish to continue these conversations at home, the team has curated a list of age-appropriate resources to assist you:
If you observe shifts in behavior or hear concerns at home, or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Support Team:
Dr. Dana Marnin dmarnin@unis.org (JS Psychologist)
Amy Iamundo aiamundo@unis.org (Counselor for J1, J3 JAS)
Alyssa Frost afrost@unis.org (Counselor for J2, J4, JAW, JAF, JAK)
IN THE LOOP: STUDENT WITHDRAWAL PROTOCOLS
If your child is not returning to UNIS in September please make the withdrawal official, and facilitate the release of the UNIS records you'll need to enroll your child in their new school, by emailing the Business Office, Registrar and JS Principal as soon as possible at:
enrollment@unis.org (Business Office)
evanaken@unis.org (Estela van Aken, Registrar)
pvallet@unis.org (Pascal Vallet, JS Principal)
When asking your child's teacher for a letter of recommendation, please copy evanken@unis.org and jsoffice@unis.org on your request. Note that recommendations are not returned to the family. They are officially transmitted from school to school through the Registrar's office.
IN THE LOOP: SPRING JACKETS & LABELS
Jacket or Sweatshirt Needed Every Day
Spring weather can be changeable and we encourage all JS families to continue to send their child to school each day with a jacket or sweatshirt (clearly labeled with your child's full name and homeroom class). Students are outside on the playground twice a day and will need an outer layer with them for chillier days.
And, once the weather heats up, the air conditioning will be on. There may be days when your child will need an extra layer indoors as well.
Label those Jacket and Sweatshirts
With the change of seasons, please take time to label all new clothing, especially outerwear, water bottles, lunch boxes, athletic gear, school supplies, etc. with your child’s first name, last name and homeroom before they are brought to school.
Students are expected to be accountable for their own possessions and we encourage clear labeling on all of your child's clothing and supplies (both first and last names). Your reinforcement of this at home with your children is encouraged.
Note that:
Families may search for and reclaim lost items in the school lobby behind the security desk
Unclaimed clothing will be periodically donated by the school
All other items will be discarded
JS faculty and staff do their best to reunite students with misplaced items, but without a full name and homeroom it is not possible.
Labels like these are recommended: Name bubbles
IN THE LOOP: SPRING BREAK ATHLETICS CAMP REGISTRATION
Spring Break Sports Camp Registration is Open!
The Spring Break camps will run from April 1 to April 5 and April 8 to April 12, with options for both half-day and full-day participation.
Whether your child is interested in basketball, multisports, soccer, or volleyball, we have something for everyone.
Here's a quick overview of the camps available:
Basketball Camp: Open to students from J4 to T4.
Multisports Camp: Open to students from PK to M2.
Soccer Camp: Open to students from J2 to T4.
Volleyball Camp: Open to students from M1 to T4.
Detailed information, including registration forms, can be found on our website and the links above. Don't miss out on this opportunity for your child to stay active, learn new skills, and make lasting memories during the spring break.
IN THE LOOP: SUMMER ATHLETICS CAMP REGISTRATION
Join us for an unforgettable summer filled with sports, friendship, and fun at our Summer Sports Camps! Our camps offer an exciting opportunity for UNIS children to stay active, learn new skills, and develop a love for sports in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Activities:
Participants will have the chance to explore a variety of sports and activities, including:
Basketball: Dribbling, shooting, passing, and teamwork drills led by experienced coaches.
Soccer: Footwork, ball control, shooting techniques, and small-sided games to improve skills and strategy.
Volleyball: Serving, passing, setting, hitting, and blocking.
Multi-Sport Challenges: Daily challenges and games that incorporate a mix of different sports and activities to keep campers engaged and entertained.
Features:
Our camp features include:
Experienced Coaches: Our team of certified coaches are passionate about teaching sports and fostering a positive learning environment for all campers.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Campers will have access to top-notch facilities, both indoors and outdoors. All activities take place at UNIS.
Small Group Sizes: With a low camper-to-coach ratio, each participant receives personalized attention and instruction tailored to their skill level.
Camaraderie and Team Building: Through teamwork activities, friendly competitions, and group challenges, campers will build confidence, sportsmanship, and lasting friendships.
Safety First: We prioritize the safety and well-being of our campers with all coaches certified in first aid and CPR, and adherence to all health and safety guidelines.
Dates & Registration:
Our camp runs weekly sessions throughout the summer, starting in June and ending in August. Flexible scheduling options are available, including full-day and half-day sessions. Registration is now open, but spaces are limited, so reserve your child's spot today!
Conclusion:
Don't miss out on the ultimate summer sports experience! Whether your child is a seasoned athlete or new to sports, our Summer Sports Camp offers something for everyone. Join us for a summer of skill-building, camaraderie, and memories that will last a lifetime!
For more information and to register, visit our website or contact us directly.
Daniel O'Connor, CAA, CIAA. | Director of Athletics and Physical Education
doconnor@unis.org | Office: 212-584-3059
IN THE LOOP: SUMMER CAMP FOR JA-J2
play:science & design engineering
UNIS Summer Camp JA, J1, J2 Students
When?
June 24-28 Five Days of STEAM Making
July 1-5 (July 4th camp closed) Four Days of Coding/Robotics
July 8-12 Five Days of Engineering a Lunar Colony
What?
Join Ms Zammarano in the CoLaboratory Jr. for a week of play through science and design engineering experiences. You can sign up for one week or all three, we guarantee fun and play throughout!
Structure:
The daily schedule will follow the design process model where the students will all be introduced to a 1) Problem to Solve, 2) Brainstorm solutions, 3) Design and Prototype, 4) Build, 5) Iterate and get Feedback finally 6) Share the Process with each other.
8:30 - 9:00 - Settle in to camp, free play
9:00 - 10:00 - Daily Problem to Solve and Brainstorm Solutions through
guided structured lessons
10:00 - 10:30 - Snack and short outside play
10:30 - 11:45 - Design and Prototype (Guided and independent work)
11:45 - 12:45 - Lunch and long outside play
12:45 - 1:45 - Build (Guided and independent work)
1:45 - 2:30 - Iterate / Test (Guided and independent work)
2:30 - 3:00 - Snack and short outside play
3:00 - 3:30 - Share Closing circle
Students will each get their own prototyping notebook and bring home design solutions - make sure you keep room for their creations at home! Snack and Lunch is not provided by the school, please plan on packing these for them. A Parent Showcase will occur at the end of each week.
Fee:
$800 per week per camper
Questions?
Please email fzammarano@unis.org
Space is limited to 20 campers per week, so please fill out the interest form as soon as possible.
IN THE LOOP: STEVE & KATE'S SUMMER CAMP AT UNIS
Steve & Kate’s Camp is coming to UNIS this summer
available for children ages 4 – 12
Since 1980, Steve & Kate’s Camp has put kids in charge of their own learning experience – allowing campers to choose from a variety of activities in real-time. Activities include sewing, stop-motion animation, coding & gaming, sports & recreation, maker crafts, water play, baking, and more.
And there’s plenty of perks for adults too. Families can attend for a day, the entire summer, or
anything in between. There’s no weekly sessions or reservations required. Plus – they’ll
automatically refund any unused Passes at the end of the summer.
Lunch, snacks, and all hours (8am–6pm) are included.
Camp at UNIS runs from June 26 – August 16.
Learn more about Steve & Kate’s Camp – Manhattan–Kips Bay,
and reserve your spot HERE !
IN THE LOOP: OUTDOOR PLAY / LABELING CLOTHING / LOST AND FOUND
Outdoor Activity - Jacket or Sweatshirt Needed Every Day
Spring weather can be changeable and we encourage all JS families to continue to send their child to school each day with a jacket or sweatshirt. Students are outside on the playground twice a day and will need an outer layer with them for chillier days.
And, once the weather heats up even more, the air conditioning will be on. There may be days when your child will need an extra layer indoors as well.
Labeling Clothing
With students wearing extra layers of clothing, it's time for families to be sure that all coats, jackets, sweaters, scarves, hats, etc. are clearly labeled with your child's first and last name and homeroom. Our faculty and staff do their best to return misplaced items to their owners, but clear labeling is needed to do that.
Lost & Found
Please visit the UNIS Lost and Found. Items are on display by the A Stairwell behind the security desk. Please stop by or send your child to be reunited with lost items. All unclaimed items will periodically be donated.
For more information on donations, please contact the PA Social Responsibility Committee at abhilasha.mahan@pa.unis.org
IN THE LOOP: SNEAKER RECYCLING CONTINUES
RECYCLE YOUR OLD SNEAKERS!
The Junior School GREEN TEAM is launching a gotsneakers recycling program.
Don’t throw away your old sneakers - donate them!
Donations will be accepted from October 16 through June 2024
gotsneakers is an organization that takes used or old sneakers and refurbishes them for reuse, or turns the unusable sneakers into playground surfaces.
We will take sneakers in any size and any condition!
Your sneakers can have holes in them and the elastic falling off! We will take them!
Any size kid and adult sneakers are accepted!
IT'S AS EASY AS 1 2 3
DONATE YOUR OLD SNEAKERS AND THE JS GREEN TEAM WILL EARN MONEY TO SUPPORT THE STUDENT’S GREEN INITIATIVES!
Donate your old sneakers by putting them in a box with the label gotsneakers. Boxes will be placed in the UNIS lobby and near the JS morning entrance.
Thank you for supporting us!
Rose Fico | JS Sustainability Coordinator
PARENTS ASSOCIATION CORNER: INTERNATIONAL FOOD AND FUN FAIR / PARENT OPPORTUNITIES / VIDEO LIBRARY / ARCHIVES
INTERNATIONAL FOOD AND FUN FAIR
The UNIS International Food and Fun Fair is just around the corner on Saturday, May 4th! This event is the crown jewel of our school's community initiatives, bringing us all together for a day filled with global flavors and camaraderie.
How Can You Help?
Volunteer with your heart home region - ←Sign up here!
Volunteer at the Food Fair in non-food areas (Regional Games, Dance and Movie set-up) Email Marie Libeson - marie.libeson@pa.unis.org
Volunteer with specific regions still needing help (French Table, Spanish Table - Details below ↓)
Regional Tables
Our team is hard at work preparing for this flagship event, and we want you to be part of the magic!
We're currently seeking enthusiastic parents to lead the French and Spanish tables, as well as individuals interested in co-chairing the US/Canada and Middle East tables.
Your involvement will play a crucial role in making this event a resounding success. If leading a region or co-chairing a table interests you, please email Shweta Ganesh Kumar at shweta.kumar@pa.unis.org.
Heart Home Survey
Ready to roll up your sleeves in other ways? Express your interest by signing up via the heart and home country survey link. This is your chance to volunteer in various capacities for your respective region and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of our school community. Click on the link below to sign up:
Heart and Home Country Survey Link
Save the Date
Let's come together to celebrate diversity, share delicious cuisines, and build lasting connections.
Save the date – Saturday, May 4th – and get ready for a day filled with international flair and fun.
Warm regards,
UNIS PA Cultural Committee | pa_culturalcommittee@pa.unis.org
Parent Engagement Opportunities
SUMMERTIME ON YOUR MIND
Have a summer camp, internship or program that your child enjoyed? Trying to figure out what activities locally or abroad could be a good match?
Please take one minute and share favorite camps and programs on our annual PA Summer Program/Camp Survey by March 4. Find parents’ recent recommendations available HERE
Staff Appreciation Luncheon and Upcoming Potluck on Friday, April 19th from 11 am-1:30 pm
Save the date for our Annual Staff Appreciation Luncheon - it is a beloved tradition and a way for parents to show appreciation for all that the UNIS teachers and staff do for our children. This year’s Staff Appreciation Luncheon will be a potluck for UNIS staff with contributions from families and will be held on Friday, April 19th from 11 am-1:30 pm in the Staff Lounge on the 3rd floor. Parent help is needed from 8 am to 2:30 pm. The success of this luncheon is entirely dependent on your contributions!
Thank you in advance for your food donation and/or volunteering to help.
SIGN UP TO DONATE AND/OR VOLUNTEER
https://forms.gle/3x5Ai21phwZJYXx17
UNIS Connect
We are inviting you to create a profile on our UNIS Connect platform where UNIS community members can create a profile. The profiles can be accessed by UNIS staff who are organizing events with students, faculty or parents and who are looking for speakers to cover themes in the range of UN work and/or values.
By utilizing this platform, teachers can search for parents, alumni, teachers, and students who possess specialized knowledge, skills, or real-world experiences relevant to their subject areas.
Please scroll down to find a “Create Your Profile” button. When your profile is finished please press the green button “Publish” so we can enter it into our catalogue.
LGBTQIA Caregiver Group
The UNIS PA invites community members to join the LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group.
What's an affinity group at UNIS? The purpose is to provide an opportunity for the adults in our community to share and explore life and experiences within safe and supportive spaces defined by membership in a specific identity group. Self-managed, members take collective responsibility for ensuring respectful interaction. Affinity group participants celebrate identities, share successes and challenges, advocate for and support the community at UNIS and engage freely. LGBTQIA+ Parents/Staff/Caregivers and Parents of LGBTQIA+ students are welcome. If interested in joining the UNIS PA LGBTQIA+ affinity group, please email Yvonne.Brown@pa.unis.org.
Cultural Events Committee Launches Supper Clubs
The UNIS PA Cultural Events Committee has launched monthly supper clubs. If you're up for delicious meals and great conversations on world culture, join us! Please email Marie at marie.libeson@pa.unis.org.
Parent Book Clubs
Want to meet other parents and talk about books? Join a UNIS Parent Book Club. Please send your name and child's grade to marie.libeson@pa.unis.org and we will get you connected with a bookclub. Happy Reading!
General Volunteering
To volunteer in any way - help sell “merch” or photographers/designers welcomed as well as potential event planners, please contact us at unispa@unis.org and we will direct your request accordingly.
If you’d like to share information about your cultures’ heritage or historical celebrations or events with the UNIS community, contact us at unispa@unis.org.
UNIS VIDEO LIBRARY
If you missed a meeting or want to review what you remember from a past meeting, UNIS maintains a library of recordings available at https://vimeo.com/unisny. Some highlights include a Fireside Chat with the Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and a This is Junior School video.
ARCHIVE
New2UNIS If you’d like to meet other parents - new or current to UNIS- sign up for the New2UNIS listserv at new2unis@unis.org Follow them Instagram too!
Book Club Join a UNIS Parent book club! We have an active parent book club in each division (JS, MS, TH) for you to join. Send an email to parenthelpnetwork@pa.unis.org to sign up.
Publicize your Business or Seek Services - UNIS marketplace. Submit your info on this form to publicize. Scroll through businesses/services here.
Never too late to volunteer with the PA. Submit your interest here.
Green the Blue. Watch this short video clip and help us keep it green at UNIS!
Top Summer Camps and Programs recommended by UNIS parents here. Share your favorites here.
Affinity Groups. Please complete this survey if you are interested in joining a parent affinity group.
Watch recordings from virtual meetings Visit the UNIS video library on Vimeo located here at https://vimeo.com/unisny
VOLUNTEER OR SUGGEST ACTIVITIES/EVENTS FOR THE PA COMMUNITY
If you have any suggestions for volunteering, events for our community or speakers to invite, please email us at unispa@unis.org.
Email unispa@unis.org
REMEMBER THIS
Semester 1 Report Cards for Junior School students were published at 5:00pm on Friday, February 2 on the Veracross Parent Portal.
If you haven't already, we encourage you to save and review this report card with your child
to celebrate his/her achievements during this past semester
and engage in conversation about their growth.
Your child’s academic achievement for each individual subject is reported separately from his/her learning skills. The descriptors for academic achievement levels ensure a greater JA to T4 alignment and provide clarity in the transition between the word-based scale used in JA to M2 and the numeric scale used from M3 to T4. Previous used Learning to Learn Skills have been replaced by the IB Approaches to Learning Skills. The skills selected for a K-12 progression (Social Skills, Communication Skills, Self-Management Skills, Thinking Skills) are developmentally defined and will be assessed from a frequency of observable behavior.
What is the purpose of the report cards?
The purpose of the report card is to communicate your student’s achievement and learning goals. It is designed to provide you with clear and specific information about your child’s academic progress and the development of behaviors that support lifelong learning. This information includes identifying your child’s level of progress; areas of strength; areas needing additional time, effort, and/or support; and opportunities for growth, based on assessments that demonstrate evidence of learning and teachers’ evaluation.
What grade descriptors are used (JA-M2 Descriptors)
MASTERING: The student is mastering the required grade level concepts, knowledge and skills by applying and extending these in a wide range of complex situations independently.
PROFICIENT: The student is proficient in demonstrating understanding of the required grade level concepts, knowledge and skills with minimal or no teacher support needed to transfer learning to new situations.
PROGRESSING: The student is progressing in demonstrating, with some gaps, understanding of the required grade level concepts, knowledge and skills by applying them in familiar situations with occasional teacher support.
EMERGING: The student demonstrates emerging understanding of the required grade level concepts. The student is beginning to apply related knowledge and skills but needs a high level of teacher support.
How do I access my child’s report cards?
Semester 1 Report Cards were published on the Parent Portal of Veracross on Friday, February 2.
To view report cards:
access the Parent Portal of Veracross (myunis.vc)
after logging in to Veracross, click on "Classes & Reports", and
click on "Report Card"
If you do not have access to the Veracross portal and need instructions on how to do so, please contact tech.support@unis.org for support.
Go to myunis.vc and login with your username and password
Click on "Can't access password" and follow instructions if you do not remember your login and password
Click on "Classes and Reports" to access the Report Card for Semester 1
REMINDER FROM ATHLETICS - APPROPRIATE PE GEAR FOR WINTER
Our Physical Education teachers remind all JS families about appropriate dress on days when their child has PE lessons.
Students in JS are expected to arrive at school wearing their full UNIS PE uniform on days when they have PE.
IMPORTANT:
If your child wears boots to school because of the weather, please pack a pair of sneakers on PE days.
They cannot safely participate in PE without them.
Uniform Expectations:
UNIS shirt
Dark shorts / athletic pants / black or blue leggings
Short athletics socks
Athletic footwear, securely closed with rubber soles (pack separately if your child wears boots to school)
Winter gear (includes full warm-ups, jacket and pants, with the UNIS logo - see below)
For Safety During PE Lessons:
In accordance with safety protocols, all types of jewelry are prohibited in all PE classes
Students with long hair should have it tied up securely when they arrive at school
UNIS IS AN ALLERGY AWARE SCHOOL
This means that students, families, faculty and staff are respectfully asked to refrain from bringing peanuts, nuts, and seeds of any kind or foods processed with these items or their by products, such as oils, into the school. This includes products which state "may contain traces of nuts/peanuts/tree nuts” or "manufactured in a facility which processes" nuts/peanuts/tree nuts.
For example, tree nuts (such as almonds, pistachios, pine nuts, cashews, brazil nuts, pecans, walnuts, etc.) and foods associated with them (such as nutella, pesto, granola bars, marzipan, macaroons, hummus (containing sesame), etc.) may present a risk to others.
Please be mindful of the type of snacks that you pack for your child. UNIS is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all the children in our school. Food allergies are becoming increasingly common among children, and we have several students with severe and/or life-threatening allergic reactions to nuts, peanuts, and seeds of any kind, as well as other allergens, including wheat, eggs, gluten and other food items.
Strict avoidance of the allergen is the ONLY way to prevent a life-threatening allergic reaction. Due to the nature of peanut/nut products, it is more challenging to prevent contamination of surfaces in the classroom, cafeteria, bathrooms, keyboards and other areas in the building.
In order to enhance safety for all students, UNIS is an “Allergy Aware” school. This means that students, families, faculty and staff are respectfully asked to refrain from bringing peanuts, nuts and seeds of any kind or foods processed with these items into the school. This includes products that state "may contain traces of" nuts/peanuts/tree nuts.
While some allergic reactions can be mild, many students with severe food allergies experience serious and potentially life-threatening reactions. You can help by not sending your child to school with foods that contain nuts, peanuts or seeds of any kind.
We ask our students and families to help make the school environment safer for all students, by following these simple suggestions:
Please remind your child never to share his/her food and drinks with other students.
If your child has eaten nuts prior to coming to school, please make sure they wash their hands and face before leaving home.
Please remind your child often to wash their hands before and after eating.
While some may perceive this as “inconvenient”, for many others it is simply a matter of life or death. We believe all families understand a parent/guardian’s concern and worry about safety and will join us in ensuring that our learning environment is conducive to this goal. Together we can make a difference!
IMPORTANT: UPDATE YOUR HOUSEHOLD CONTACT INFORMATION
All departments at UNIS, including the nurse, rely on the information that you provide in the Veracross Parent Portal to contact you.
The only way you or your caregiver can be reached in an emergency, or when there are schoolwide announcements, is through the information that your family adds to our UNIS Portal.
Please review your family profile and contact information to ensure that all of your local cell phone numbers, work phone numbers, email addresses and home address are correct and are entered in the correct fields.
If you have not reviewed your information in September, we encourage you to do it today so that we can reach you quickly if needed, especially if you have relocated from abroad.
After logging into the Portal at myunis.vc , you may review and update all of your family contact information by:
Going to Veracross
Clicking on Household Information
Updating Household Profile -> Contacts.
Thank you for taking the time to review and update your contact information now, and throughout the school year. The school's ability to contact you depends on it.
If you need support in order to make updates, please email tech.support@unis.org
Jacket or Sweatshirt Needed Every Day
Weather can be changeable and we encourage all JS families to send their child to school each day with a jacket or sweatshirt (labeled with your child's full name and homeroom class). Students are outside on the playground twice a day and will need an extra layer with them for chillier days.
And, on warm days, air conditioning will be on indoors. There may be days when your child will need an extra layer in the classroom as well.
LOST & FOUND
Please take time to label all clothing, school supplies, water bottles, lunch boxes, athletic gear, etc. with your child’s first and last name and homeroom before they are brought to school.
Students are expected to be accountable for their own possessions and we encourage clear labeling on all of your child's clothing and school supplies (both first and last names) including coats and jackets, sweaters and sweatshirts, athletic gear, backpacks, pencil cases, lunch boxes and water bottles. Your reinforcement of this at home with your children is encouraged.
Note that:
Families may search for and reclaim lost items in the school lobby
Unclaimed clothing will be periodically donated by the school
All other items will be discarded
JS faculty and staff do their best to reunite students with misplaced items, but without a full name and homeroom it is not possible.
Labels like these are recommended: Name bubbles
Lost & Found Location
UNIS Lost and Found items are on display by the A Stairwell behind the security desk. Please stop by or send your child to be reunited with their lost items. All unclaimed items will periodically be donated.
For more information on donations, please contact the PA Social Responsibility Committee at abhilasha.mahan@pa.unis.org
PreK - J4 Lunch Brought from Home
Please be mindful as you pack lunches for your Junior School child(ren) as these remain stored in their backpacks until snack or lunch time. If lunch items require cooling, please be sure to include insulated ice packs in the packaging for your child's lunch. No additional heating or cooling options are available.
No Money, Toys, Electronics, Smartwatches at School
Junior School children should not bring money to school and they are not permitted to purchase food in the Cafeteria. If they forget their lunch from home one day, they can ask the JS Office to help arrange for school lunch for that day. Parents are expected to send payment of $8.00 cash for the Food Service Director the following day in an envelope with their child’s name and homeroom.
JS students are not permitted to bring toys from home, including electronics, balls and trading cards. Aside from often being lost, these items are a distraction from learning in the classroom, and a cause of conflict at play and during after school programs.
We understand that some families provide their children with smartwatches or cell phones for safety reasons. However, upon entering the school building, all watches and phones are to be silenced and placed securely in the students backpack and remain there until they are dismissed. We ask that parents not attempt to text, call or send alerts to their Junior School child during the school day. If you need to reach your JS child on an urgent matter, please phone the JS Office at 212-584-3190 or email jsoffice@unis.org with a copy to your child's teacher.
Gum chewing is not permitted at school at any point during the school day, including during playtime, and students are not permitted to bring any gum or candy to school.
Note that the school is not responsible for the loss of any personal items, valuable or not, that students have brought from home. This includes jewelry, smart watches, cell phones, electronic devices, toys, etc.
Birthday Celebrations Outside of School
We understand the importance of celebrating our students' milestones outside of school, particularly birthday celebrations, and how they can foster stronger bonds among classmates. However, to maintain an environment focused on academics within the classroom and to preserve the feelings of all students, we kindly request your cooperation with the following policy regarding birthday invitations:
Invitations to birthday parties held outside school may not be distributed or communicated in the classroom.
Families wishing to invite classmates to a party held outside of school should utilize the WhatsApp group set up for their class, or reach out to their Class Parents for support.
This policy allows our faculty to focus on academics in the classroom and preserves student trust and confidence in them in the event that an invitation is not received.
We appreciate your understanding and compliance with this policy.
JS Birthday Celebration in the Classroom Policy
For reasons related to student allergies and health, this is the policy for JS student birthday celebrations on campus:
Birthdays will be acknowledged and celebrated in the JS Homeroom and/or with the Mother Tongue group.
Students may bring a special food treat for themself from home on their birthday to enjoy at snack or lunch time.
Instead of bringing food treats from home to be shared with classmates, the birthday student may choose from a menu of fun activities offered by the Homeroom or MT teacher for the class to participate in together. The activities will be age-appropriate and vary by grade.
At the discretion of the Homeroom teacher, there may be individual celebrations for each student, or there may be grouped, monthly birthday celebrations.
For details about the birthday celebration policy for your child’s homeroom please reach out to your teacher by email.
HEALTH NEWS FROM THE NURSE
Current COVID Guidelines
We are all excited to welcome our students back and are looking forward to a healthy and happy school year. We would like to share the current COVID guidelines for NYC schools in an effort to keep us all healthy and off to a good start.
Students and staff who are feeling sick should stay home and test (at home-tests are fine).
Please send a picture of your COVID test results to covid@unis.org
For positive COVID results:
No symptoms: Isolate 5 days and return on Day 6
With Symptoms: Isolate for 5 days
Symptoms must be improving AND Fever free (without medications) for 24 hours
Masks need to be worn on Days 6-10
When determining how long to isolate and wear a mask, Day 0 is the day of COVID-19 symptom onset and Day 1 is the first full day after when symptoms started.
For people who had no symptoms, Day 0 is the test date and Day 1 is the first full day following the test date.
Marisa Rivera, MS, RN, FNP, CPN
Mask Wearing at School
Mask wearing while on campus is optional and the discretion of your family. Be assured that all JS students whose families choose to have them remain masked at school will be fully supported by our faculty and staff.
If your child will wear a mask at school be sure you have packed at least 2 spare masks in a clean bag in your child's backpack, as well as an extra bag to hold used masks if they aren't disposable.
Health Protocols
We would like to remind everyone about our health protocols:
When your child is sick with runny nose, cough, stomach ache, fever, headache, etc. there is no expectation from the Junior School that they should attend class in person or attempt to learn from home.
If your child has symptoms that would normally have kept them at home prior to COVID-19, we ask that families not send their children to school or request for schoolwork to be sent home.
We hope that time will be taken for your child to rest and recover at home as the school believes that children recover more quickly when they are permitted to disconnect and rest, and when care is taken by everyone to avoid spreading communicable illnesses.
If your child had any symptoms that could be consistent with COVID, they need to remain at home and take a rapid test.
You may review the full protocols on our website COVID & Health Protocols.
Thank you for supporting the entire UNIS community by keeping your children at home when they are not well.
When your child will be absent, please email your homeroom teacher before 8:00am with a copy to jsattendance@unis.org, and update SchoolPass to alert all departments, especially After School Activities and Transportation, that your child is not at school.
LICE ADVICE FROM THE NURSE
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Head lice occur commonly among school age children, but can happen to anyone. This is a condition that each year affects approximately 6 to 12 million US children ages 3 to 11. Head lice are parasites, which are found on the scalp, around the ears, and at the back of the neck. Head lice cause itching, commonly at the back of the head and neck or behind the ears. The adult louse is the size of a sesame seed and can be the color of your child’s hair. Eggs, or nits, are smaller and silver in color.
Head lice are not a sign of poor hygiene, and anyone can get them. Lice do not transmit infections and do not endanger a person’s health. Lice pass from person to person by direct contact or by sharing clothing with lice on them.
There are many effective creams and shampoos available over the counter or by prescription from your doctor. You may also seek treatment at any professional lice removal salons. The UNIS health office recommends you check your children frequently, and treat immediately. After initial treatment it is important to continue combing the hair daily for 14 days to prevent reinfestation. A retreatment may be necessary 10 days after the first treatment.
UNIS has a “no head lice and no nit” policy, which means that students found to have active cases of lice (live bugs), and those with moderate/severe cases of nits (eggs) will be sent home for treatment. Treatment can be provided by any company of your choosing or done at home. Students who are sent home for treatment will be required to follow up in the nurses office prior to entering class the next day for clearance. Once your child has returned to school, we will check to ensure that they, as well as any siblings, are free of lice/nits. If lice/nits are still present, the child/children sent home again. We continue to do this until we are as sure as possible that a child has no remaining lice/nits.
We would like to recommend that all parents be vigilant in checking their children for evidence of head lice on a frequent basis, as early diagnosis and treatment is crucial to prevent widespread transmission. If your child has long hair, please pull it back or keep it braided during the school day. Please remind your child not to share personal items such as brushes, combs or hats with other students. We ask that if you have found lice or nits on your child’s head, please inform the nurse’s office as soon as possible, even if your child has already been treated and appears to be lice-free.
We ask for your cooperation in ensuring that head lice are managed successfully, through a school and parent partnership. Working together, let’s limit lice interruptions in school. If you have any questions or comments, or would like additional information, please speak to your child’s pediatrician or feel free to contact the UNIS Health Office at 212-584-3078. You may also find more information on these websites: www.cdc.org or www.healthychildren.org.
Sincerely,
Marisa Rivera RN, BSN, CPN
Director of School Health and Nursing
mrivera@unis.org
Facts about Head Lice
What are head lice?
Head lice are parasites, which are found on the scalp. Head lice cause itching,
commonly at the back of the head and neck or behind the ears. The adult louse is the
size of a sesame seed and can be the color of your child’s hair. Eggs, or nits, are
smaller and silver in color. Lice do not transmit infections and do not endanger a
person’s health.
Who gets head lice?
Head lice occur commonly among school age children. This is a condition that each
year affects approximately 6 to 12 million US children ages 3 to 11. Head lice are not a
sign of poor hygiene and anyone can get them. It doesn't matter how clean your hair or
home may be. It doesn't matter where children and families live, play, or work.
How is lice spread?
Head lice are crawling insects. They cannot jump, hop, or fly. Lice pass from person to
person by direct contact or by sharing clothing, items with lice on them. Anyone who
comes in head-to-head contact with someone who already has head lice is at greatest
risk. Lice can also be spread by contact with clothing (such as hats, scarves, coats) or
other personal items (such as combs, brushes, hair ties, sports and bike helmets, or
towels) used by an infested person.
How can lice be prevented?
If your child has long hair, it is best to have it pulled back into a bun or braid during the
school day. Avoid sharing personal items
How to check for lice?
Regular checks for head lice are a good way to spot head lice before they have time to
multiply and infest your child's head.
•Seat your child in a brightly lit room.
•Part the hair and look at your child's scalp.
•Look through hair for crawling lice and for nits.
Live lice are hard to find. They avoid light and move quickly. Nits will look like small
white or yellow-brown specks and be firmly attached to the hair near the scalp.
The easiest place to find them is at the hairline at the back of the neck or behind the
ears. Nits can be confused with many other things, such as dandruff, dirt particles, or hair spray droplets. The way to tell the difference is that nits are attached while dandruff,
dirt, or other particles are not.
What is the treatment for lice?
There are several medicated shampoos or cream rinses that are available over the
counter. Retreatment after 7 to 10 days is usually recommended to assure that no eggs
have survived. Nit combs are available to help remove nits from hair. To avoid side
effects and toxicity, dose and duration of treatment should be followed according to
label instructions. Please seek further guidance from your pediatrician when using over-
the-counter products. You may also seek professional treatment for a lice-removal salon of your choice. Many of these salons use non-toxic, all natural products.
To prevent re-infection following treatment, clothing and bedding should be laundered in
hot water (140 degrees F for 20 minutes) followed by a hot drying cycle to destroy lice
and eggs. Since lice eggs hatch within 6 - 10 days, and lice can survive for only 1 - 2
days away from a scalp, storing infested items in a sealed plastic bag for 10 days is
effective for items that cannot be laundered. Hair should be pulled back in a braid or bun
at all times to reduce re-infection.
UNIS partners with Lice Treatment Center for our screening. They also provide in home
treatment, should you wish to use them. There are many companies you can find with a
simple online search. Should you wish to treat at home please use the video to assist
you. Please remember, after initial treatment it is important to continue combing the hair
daily for 14 days to prevent reinfestation. A retreatment may be necessary 10 days
after the first treatment.
Here is a link for a video that can assist you in the at home treatment and
removal of lice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9y6c3Opr9w
Recipe for natural lice shampoo:
Kill lice by stopping their respiratory systems with a mixture of 1-part baking soda and
3-parts hair conditioner. Apply the mixture and comb the hair by sections. Use a soft tissue to wipe off the comb and remove the nits, baby lice, and adult lice.
Magnus: Make Sure Your Child's Health Records are Up-to-Date
In keeping with state laws and UNIS policy, several student health and medical forms must be completed annually and submitted directly by parents via Magnus Health Student Medical Record (SMR). These forms may be uploaded, faxed or mailed directly to Magnus. In order to protect the confidentiality of student health and related information, please note that the health office is unable to accept and upload health forms. Once completed and received by Magnus, the forms are available to our school nurses for final review and approval.
If you are experiencing delays to obtain an appointment with your regular doctor/pediatrician, note that you can also obtain these medical forms through any urgent care center in New York City without any appointment. You can always update your records at a later date once you have been able to also see your regular doctor/pediatrician.
Required health forms which MUST be uploaded/acknowledged on Magnus Health:
Annual physical exam
Up-to-date immunization record
Vital health record
Consent to treat form
Over-the-counter (OTC) medication form
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