Newsletter #27

04/21/2024

Dear Parents,

Every year, our school offers a unique and valuable experience through the UNIS Gala fundraising initiative: the chance for a student to become Principal for the Day. This opportunity allows our students to step into the shoes of a school leader, offering them firsthand insight into the complexities and responsibilities of running a school. It's an educational and formative experience that benefits the student leader and enriches our community understanding of school management. This year, we were delighted to have Bianca, a J2M student from Ms. Mercurio's homeroom class, assume this role. Bianca's day as Principal was filled with diverse activities that provided her with a broader perspective on the inner workings of our school.

Bianca started her day with Ms. Zammarano, who helped her set up her agenda for the day. Accompanied by Mr. Vallet, Bianca engaged in a series of meetings and activities that covered various aspects of school operations. Her first task involved opening the doors for students from J1 to J4 and promptly addressing a maintenance issue that arose at the JA doors. Bianca's ability to handle unexpected situations early in the morning displayed her adaptability and commitment. 

In her meetings throughout the day—beginning with Mr. Archer, our IT Director—Bianca delved into the technical operations of our school by exploring the server room and learning about the IT team’s management of student activities on Chromebooks and iPads. Mr. Archer talked to her about the daily challenges and the scope of managing over 1000 cables and 140 WiFi access points.

Her conversation with Dr. Brenner, our Executive Director, was equally enlightening. They discussed his approach to school leadership, focusing on the positive aspects and addressing any arising issues. Bianca contributed a suggestion about adjusting the school's arrival times to better suit student needs, which was warmly received.

Security measures were also part of her learning journey. Meeting with the Security Team, including Mr. Arcese and Mr. Aaron, Bianca learned about the extensive security measures in place, including the use of nearly 200 cameras to ensure everyone's safety.

The Admissions Office provided another learning angle as Bianca spoke with Mr. Walters, Ms. Ibrahim, and Ms. Mizrahi about how new families are welcomed into the UNIS community. This included a delightful moment when Mr. Walters guessed Bianca's dog's name, Gigi, from just a few hints.

A key highlight of her day was the classroom walkthrough from 12:35 to 1:50 PM, where Bianca visited multiple classes. She observed the students in J2U, J2B, J4M, and J3H engaging attentively in various educational activities. In her visit to Ms. Hunter and Ms. Skinner, she saw them brainstorming ideas for Earth Week and testing designs for bracelets made from recycled materials.

Reflecting on her day, Bianca shared that suggesting an earlier arrival time to Dr. Brenner was her highlight, while managing the greetings in the morning was her biggest challenge. We commend Bianca for her leadership and initiative throughout the day! Thank you, Bianca, for your dedication and enthusiasm!

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. 

“The Community Peace Boxes” have been placed 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.

Welcome back to the Junior School newsletter podcast! In this week's episode, we're excited to share the remarkable achievements of our students, from their confident showcases during the Student Led Conferences to their creativity in the upcoming Sustainable Fashion event. We'll also cover essential updates like early dismissal policies and arrival protocols, along with timely tips about spring weather preparedness. Plus, don't miss the community involvement highlights, including the Sustainable Fashion Show on April 26th. So, tune in for all these insightful features and more to stay connected with our school's vibrant learning journey. Remember to mark your calendars for the events and explore the full newsletter for all the details.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS

Make alternate arrangements & update SchoolPass with your new dismissal plan 

Link to register: Fashion Show Registration form | Password: unis@fashion

IMPORTANT: YELLOW BUS service will NOT be provided by the DOE 3 days this week:

Make your alternate travel arrangements and update SchoolPass with your dismissal plans for April 22, 23 and 24 (for example, choose Pick Up/Carpool or Care Program).

Private Queens & Brooklyn buses will operate as usual.

🎶Spring Concerts - Save the Date🎶

J4 - Tuesday, April 30 (Theater) 8:45

J3 - Wednesday, May 1 (Theater) 8:45

J2 - Thursday, May 2 (Theater) 8:45

J1 - Friday, May 3 (Theater) 8:45

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

IMPORTANT DISMISSAL REMINDERS - SEMESTER 2

IN THIS NEWSLETTER

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:


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:

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.

HIGH-PRIORITY NEWS: SUPPORT TEAM RESOURCES & CONTACT INFO (ISRAEL / PALESTINE)

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: SPRING CONCERTS J1 - J4

JUNIOR SCHOOL CONCERTS


All are invited to attend the Junior School concerts, taking place from April 30th to May 3rd in the 2nd Floor Theater! 


Celebrate the talents of our Junior School students as they perform songs and scenes from their classes with Ms. Andrews, Ms. McBroom, and Ms. DiMarco. We look forward to seeing you there!


J4 - Tuesday, April 30 from 8:45 - 9:30


J3 - Wednesday, May 1 from 8:45 - 9:30


J2 - Thursday, May 2 from 8:45 - 9:30


J1 - Friday, May 3 from 8:45 - 9:30


IN THE LOOP: EARTH DAY CELEBRATIONS

JS is Dedicating this Entire Week to Raise Awareness about Environmental Issues 


Monday, April 22 is Earth Day 

Our JS students will be able to connect to nature and understand how important it is to be a steward of the environment!


Music in the lobby by J1 Lukas: The week will kick off with music provided by J1 Lukas in the school lobby. This will create a lively and engaging atmosphere for students, staff, and parents.


Silent Protest: Alongside the music, there will be a silent protest happening outside. The Green Team & other clubs will participate. 


Theme: The Earth Day theme for 2024 is "Planet vs. Plastic." This theme highlights the importance of reducing plastic waste and finding sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.


Green Team tables: The Green Team will set up tables out front where they will provide games and information related to the theme "Planet vs. Plastic." These activities will help educate people about the impact of plastic on the environment and ways to protect our planet.


Sale of Reusable Tote Bags: The Green Team will also be selling reusable tote bags that they have designed. These bags are a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic bags. The cost of each bag will be $10, and the funds raised from the sales will be used to purchase a sustainable item for the school. This initiative supports both environmental awareness and fundraising for a good cause.


Time to visit the tables: We hope that everyone will allow themselves a few extra minutes when they arrive at school to stop by the Green Team tables. This will give you an opportunity to learn more about the topic, play games, and purchase the reusable tote bags.


On Monday and Tuesday, April 22 and 23, the J1s and J2s will take trips outside school to participate in gardening activities in the neighborhood. 


Throughout the week, J3s and J4s will be making birdhouses during science class and our Pre-Ks and JAs will be beautifying the UNIS garden by planting veggies and flowers seeds for the enjoyment of everyone.


Rose Fico | Junior School Sustainability Coordinator  

rfico@unis.org

IN THE LOOP: SUSTAINABLE FASHION SHOW - APRIL 26 at 3:30

Sustainable Fashion Make and Walk the Runway

Participants will have the opportunity to create garments using sustainable materials, either individually or with friends, and showcase their creations on the runway. This event is not only a chance to foster our students’ creativity but also a great way to educate them about sustainable practices.

Registration Information: Please select the number of tickets corresponding to the number of students you are registering. Remember, if you are registering three children, select three tickets from the drop-down menu. A total of 75 tickets are available. If there are no tickets available, this indicates that all tickets have been sold out.

Link to registration: Fashion Show Registration form | Password: unis@fashion

IN THE LOOP: MS WELCOME FOR J4 PARENTS - MAY 22 

MS Welcome Evening for J4 Parents: Wednesday, May 22 6-7 pm in Oman Hall


Middle School Admin and Faculty gladly invite all current J4 parents to a Welcome Evening in the Oman Hall on Wednesday, May 22 from 6:00-7:00 pm. 


This event will also be livestreamed and the link will be sent at a closer date. 


At this event, parents will have the opportunity to learn all about the life of a middle schooler and what to expect as their J4 child transitions to middle school. There will also be a Q&A session at the end. We are very much looking forward to meeting our future M1’s so we hope to see you there!


Regards,

MS Admin and M1 Faculty 

IN THE LOOP: KID'S CONCERT WITH ALLEGRA LEVY - MAY 5

Come join Allegra Levy and her all-star friendly big band live in concert at Culture Lab LIC on Sunday, May 5th at 4-5PM!


Allegra presents songs from her album, “Songs for You and Me,” the acclaimed singer/songwriter's first foray into jazz for the juvenile set, not only teaches both kids and adults how to say hello in 12 different languages. From bedtime and bath time to boogers and boo-boos, she and her all-star big band make it all sing… and swing!“


Allegra Levy sounds like a female version of Mr. Rogers on this cozy album of cozy songs for tykes … Completely charming, life affirming and inviting. Won’t you be her neighbor?” - Jazz Weekly


For Tickets: allegra-levy-her-friendly-all-star-big-band-tickets

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:

When asking your child's teacher for a letter of recommendation, please copy evanaken@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:

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:  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:

Features:

Our camp features include:

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.


UNIS Sports Camp


UNIS Hoops Basketball Camp


UNIS Excellence Soccer Camp


UNIS Aces Volleyball Camp



Daniel O'Connor, CAA, CIAA. | Director of Athletics and Physical Education

doconnor@unis.org | Office: 212-584-3059  

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 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.


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:  JS PARENT COFFEE APRIL 24 / INTERNATIONAL FOOD AND FUN FAIR MAY 4 / BOOK FAIR MAY 16 / PARENT OPPORTUNITIES / VIDEO LIBRARY / ARCHIVES

JS Parent Coffee Wednesday, April 24 8:30am - Writing in Junior School

Join Audra Robb, Curriculum Coordinator, and Louise Skinner, J1 Teacher, on Wednesday, April 24 from 8:30 - 9:20am in the Oman Hall for:


Writing in the Junior School: An Overview


Come hear about the spiral curriculum of writing in the Junior School at UNIS. Every year students learn more about expressing themselves in narrative, informational and opinion writing. You'll get to experience a short writing workshop and unpack the vertically aligned checklists and rubrics that teachers use as guidelines for feedback.  

BUY YOUR TICKETS FOR THE UNIS INTERNATIONAL FOOD AND FUN FAIR


Tickets are now available for the UNIS International Food and Fun Fair. This event brings our community together for a day of global flavors and camaraderie.


This event will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024. This is a parent volunteer run event through and through.

 

Get your tickets here     https://www.unis.org/ifff


The event sells out quickly so don't wait to secure your spot and your raffle tickets! 

How Can You Help?

 

If you have signed up via the heart home region form and have not heard from anyone yet, please email Shweta (email above) so that we can connect you to your region. 

 

Your participation is vital to making this event a success. More soon! 

 

Save the date and get ready for a day of international delicacies and fun!

UNIS BOOK FAIR May 16 and 17, 2024

 

COME READ WITH US!

 

When:

Middle School, Thursday, May 16, 8am – 3pm
Junior School, Friday, May 17, 8am – 3pm

Where: JA Gym

Students will visit the Book Fair during the school day with their classes but can also stop in before school and during breaks and lunch. 

 

Parent volunteers needed on both days. Please email us at pa_jscoordinators@pa.unis.org with your availability.

 

20% of the total sales will be donated to the Middle and Junior School. 

 

Poster By: Lola Canicio Bordas (MS student)

Parent Engagement Opportunities



SUMMERTIME ON YOUR MIND




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

REMINDER FROM ATHLETICS - APPROPRIATE PE GEAR 

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: 

Uniform Expectations:

For Safety During PE Lessons:

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:

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:


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

Spring 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 first and last 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 the 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:

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:


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:

HEALTH NEWS FROM THE NURSE

Current COVID Guidelines: April 2024 Update


The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New York City Department of Health (NYC DOH) have recently updated their guidelines for COVID-19. As a result, we are updating our protocols effective immediately.


One of the most notable changes is the isolation time. Now, you may return to campus 24 hours after you have been fever-free without using fever-reducing medications and after the other symptoms have started to improve. 


However, taking extra precautions in the following days is important, including wearing a mask, covering your sneezes and coughs, frequent hand washing, and using hand sanitizer. 


If you experience a fever again, you must leave campus immediately and isolate yourself again.


Please visit https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/updated-respiratory-virus-guidance.html for additional information. 



Marisa Rivera, MS, RN, FNP, CPN 

mrivera@unis.org

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


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 

mrivera@unis.org

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:

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:

If you experience difficulty with uploading, please contact Magnus Health SMR customer support at service@magnushealthportal.com or by phone 877-461-6831. If you have trouble accessing Magnus, please email the tech team at websupport@unis.org. 


A school nurse is available during the school day, from 8am to 6pm. You can contact our Health Office at schoolnurse@unis.org, or contact Nurse Marisa Rivera, Director of Student Health and Nursing, at mrivera@unis.org (212-584-3078).

If you have parent portal or technology issues, please send an email to tech.support@unis.org

If you have academic tech questions, please contact Ms. Zammarano at fzammarano@unis.org