Newsletter #29

Do you know Vincent? Vincent who? Vincent Chin?

Dear parents,

Back in 1982, the United States' industrial sector was sharply declining, a situation worsened by the economic recession of the early '80s. The once-thriving auto industry saw its unemployment rates skyrocket from 3.8% in 1978 to 24% by the end of 1982. Simultaneously, Japan's economy was on the rise, solidifying its position as the world’s second-largest economy. This dramatic juxtaposition fueled anti-Japanese sentiment in the U.S., which unfortunately also targeted individuals of Asian descent. The consequences of this misplaced anger were tragically embodied in the fate of Vincent Chin, a 27-year-old Chinese American. On the night of June 19, 1982, while celebrating his bachelor party in Detroit, Michigan, Chin was fatally beaten by two white autoworkers who misidentified him as Japanese. Initially, this brutal act went unnoticed by national media. However, the lenient subsequent sentencing of the perpetrators—a mere $3,000 fine and probation without any jail time—sparked a nationwide outcry from Asian American communities. The injustice suffered by Vincent Chin catalyzed a pan-Asian movement, fostering solidarity among diverse backgrounds with the unifying message, "Remember Vincent Chin." His untimely death and the community's mobilization were crucial in the establishment of groups like American Citizens for Justice. These organizations were instrumental in urging the U.S. Department of Justice to re-examine the case as a civil rights violation, marking a historic first involving an Asian American victim.

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPIHM), an important time to celebrate the rich history, diverse cultures, and significant contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to our nation's narrative. This month also offers a unique perspective on the critical role these communities have played in broader civil rights movements in the United States, highlighting not only their struggles but also their empowerment and unity.

Prior to "Asian American and Pacific Islander", the initial term "Asian American" itself was born out of activism in 1968, coined by student activists Emma Gee and Yuji Ichioka. This was during a period rife with social movements, such as the Black Power Movement, the American Indian Movement, and anti-war protests. Adopting this new identity allowed individuals of Asian descent to enhance their visibility, unify their advocacy efforts, and transition away from the derogatory term "Oriental." The activism of the 1960s, particularly among Asian Americans, paralleled other significant social justice struggles in the U.S., involving efforts to preserve Chinatown neighborhoods and oppose the Vietnam War. One noteworthy episode was the participation of Asian American students in the Third World Liberation Front strikes at San Francisco State University and the University of California, Berkeley, in 1968 and 1969. These strikes were pivotal in demanding ethnic studies programs and broader educational reforms at these institutions. A notable figure during this era was Yuri Kochiyama, a Japanese American activist whose work was significantly influenced by Malcolm X. In a 1972 radio interview, Kochiyama stressed the importance of understanding one's heritage to forge a clear future path—an ethos that deeply resonated within the Asian American community.

Yuri Kochiyama is a remarkable figure whose activism has left an indelible mark on the fight for civil rights across various communities in the United States. Her story is one of resilience, solidarity, and unwavering commitment to social justice. Her life took a dramatic turn during World War II when, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, she and her family were among the thousands of Japanese Americans forcibly relocated to incarceration camps by the U.S. government. This grave injustice profoundly impacted Kochiyama, setting her on a path of activism that would define the next fifty years of her life. After the war, Kochiyama moved to New York City, where her involvement in civil rights activism deepened. Her apartment in Harlem became a hub for activists, intellectuals, and revolutionaries from diverse backgrounds. It was here that she met and befriended Malcolm X, whose ideas on civil rights and racial justice greatly influenced her. Yuri Kochiyama's activism was not confined to a single cause but spanned a range of issues. She was a staunch advocate for the liberation and empowerment of African Americans, Asian Americans, and Puerto Ricans, viewing their struggles as interconnected pieces of a larger fight against racial and economic oppression. Her commitment extended beyond borders, advocating for global peace and nuclear disarmament. One of Kochiyama's enduring campaigns was for reparations and a formal apology from the U.S. government to the Japanese American community for their wartime incarceration. Her efforts contributed significantly to the success of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, which granted reparations to surviving Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II. Kochiyama also dedicated herself to the cause of prisoners' rights, championing the release of political prisoners whom she considered prisoners of conscience. Her advocacy was rooted in a deep belief in justice and equity, characteristics that defined her as a tireless and passionate activist.

Reflecting on these narratives of advocacy and resilience, we are reminded of the enduring struggle for civil rights and equality—a journey that demands courage and collaboration across diverse communities. This month, as we honor the legacy of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, we reaffirm our commitment to educating our students in alignment with our school's mission. In a year marked by over 60 major elections globally, often accompanied by rampant hate speech, it becomes crucial to reflect on the pivotal role played by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in combating bias and racism. Our responsibility is clear: to equip our children to contribute to a better world, one free from the absurdities of racism and rich with opportunities for unity and justice.

Vincent Chin, who tragically did not live to see the fruits of the anti-racism movements, serves as a powerful reminder of the necessity for ongoing vigilance against racial prejudice and the importance of fostering empathy and understanding across all communities. Our school’s mission to educate and inspire our students to shape a more equitable world is deeply connected to this imperative. By delving into past injustices and recognizing the substantial contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in fighting bias and racism, we arm our students with the essential knowledge and values they need to thrive. Amidst a world where major elections and public discourse often pivot around divisive issues, it is our collective responsibility to ensure they inherit a world that is more just and united than we know today.

Let us remember Vincent Chin as a symbol of the need for unity and action in the face of injustice—a reminder of the ongoing work required to achieve a society where no one is judged by their race or background.

Pascal Vallet, Junior School Principal
Francesca Zammarano, Interim Assistant Principal

• Tuesday, May 7 |  J4 Spring Concert 8:45 - 9:30 Theater 

• Friday, May 17 | Storybook Parade & JS Book Fair (details & volunteering in this newsletter)

• Monday, May 20 | Blood Drive 8:00-12:30 (details & sign up in this newsletter) 

• Wednesday, May 22 | J4 to M1 Parent Info Evening 6:00-7:00 (details in this newsletter)

• Friday, May 24 & Monday May 27 | School Closed / Memorial Day Weekend

• Friday, May 31 | J2 Wax Museum 8:30-9:30 (save the date)

• Friday, May 31 | Half Day / JS School Dismissal at 11:50 (details in this newsletter)

• Friday, June 7 | J4 Graduation 9:00-10:00 (save the date)

• Tuesday, June 18 | Last Day of Classes for JS Students

• Wednesday, September 4 | First Day of Classes 2024-2025

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

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.

Arrival Reminder

To accommodate JS families during rainy days, 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. 

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:

• NYC DOE Resources    

• Helping Children Cope With Terrorism - Tips for Families and Educators

• Common Sense - Explaining the News to Kids

• APA - Building resilience in response to indirect terrorism

• SAMHSA - Talking to kids after trauma

• Child Mind - Helping kids cope after trauma

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)

As members of the Junior School, your insights and opinions are essential in shaping a caring, effective, and collaborative environment for our students. This survey is structured to gather your thoughts on several key areas including communication, making learning visible, and our school culture/community. Thank you for taking the time to contribute to our shared vision for a brighter future for our students. 

Welcome to our Community Survey! CLICK HERE

A group of Junior School students had the brilliant idea a few months ago to create a podcast. They have already written and recorded two episodes, the latest of which has been submitted to NPR Radio for a competition. The script and the recording are completely managed by the students; the only support provided is in the editing of the podcast. However, the third episode will be fully scripted, recorded, edited, and published by the students as they learn the technical aspects of creating a podcast. The only adult intervention is in reviewing the script to ensure it aligns with our school's mission, vision, and curriculum. So far, we have not had to modify anything. This is a project by the students for the world to hear—an organic project that will surely grow as a major medium to give a voice to our students in the junior school! With the students moving to middle school next year, Ms. Kelly, the Principal of the middle school, has already agreed that they could continue to work on this project with the junior school so they can teach and train our J3 and J4 students next year. Two thumbs up for our amazing podcaster journalists. Listen below to episode 2.

STORYBOOK PARADE & BOOK FAIR - MAY 17

Junior School's "Storybook Parade," will take place on the morning of Friday, May 17, from 9:00 to 10:00. 

All parents are invited to view the Storybook Parade and we also encourage everyone, students, faculty and parents, to dress up as their favorite book character and proudly display a copy of the book. The book can be brought from home or borrowed from the Library in advance.

Spectators will follow the same directions as they did for the UN Day Parade and line up along the walls and fence outside the building, allowing plenty of space for the classes to pass them and end the parade in the playground, behind the school. 

Students will be photographed with their classes in the playground and should be back in the classroom by 10:00 to follow the special schedule for the day and visit the Book Fair.

This is a fantastic opportunity for our school community to come together and celebrate the joy of reading. Whether you dress up or not (it is certainly not mandatory to dress up), we hope you can join us that morning to watch this delightful event.  

We encourage parents and caregivers to browse the Book Fair in the JA Gym between drop off time and the start of the parade. In addition to cash, credit cards, checks, ApplePay and GooglePay will be accepted.

All JS homeroom classes will visit the Book Fair on Friday, May 17, with their teacher, and we hope that you will send your child(ren) to school that day with cash for purchase. 

For guidance, prices start at $4.99 for paperbacks, $12.99 for graphic novels and $17.99 for hardcover books.  Bookmarks will also be available and will be priced at $6.99.  Depending on how many books you wish your child(ren) to purchase, please send cash accordingly.

The Book Fair organizers invite parents to assist during the Book Fair and also with set up and take down. Please sign up here to join us Book Fair Parent Volunteer Sign Up Form 

TUT HOUSE STUDENTS BLOOD DRIVE

For the first time in our school’s history, Tutorial House students have organized to host a blood drive in collaboration with the New York Blood Center! The drive will take place on Monday, May 20th in the Oman Hall, from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm.

Students, staff, faculty, and UNIS parents with a UNIS ID can donate! Donors must be 16 or older.

If you want to sign up, please go to this link: https://donate.nybc.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/321060. 

Select 1 donation time only. Select either "Whole Blood Donation" or “Double Red”. The entire process for a “Whole Blood Donation” takes 45 minutes from start to finish, while a “Double Red” donation takes about 30 minutes longer.

Each donation can save 3 lives, so if you are a parent or staff member, we strongly encourage you to participate! If you want to know more about eligibility for donation and the entire donation process, please click here.  

Sincerely,

Lissy Vinocur, Chloe Fong, Marek Zeleny, and Sofia Bendezu (Tutorial House T3s)

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 

As part of a project on the environment, the J4 French Mother Tongue students went to Rockaway Beach on May 1st for a beach cleanup. Within the framework of this educational activity, the students deepened their understanding of the impact of waste and plastic on the seas and oceans. They did a fantastic job meticulously searching for any debris. We are optimistic about the future of the planet thanks to our students, who are making significant efforts for the environment and are ready to make a difference. 

Nehad Soliman | French Teacher

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 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.

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 

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.

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  

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 !

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  

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

JS STORYBOOK PARADE - FRIDAY, MAY 17

Junior School's "Storybook Parade," will take place on the morning of Friday, May 17, from 9:00 to 10:00. 

All parents are invited to view the Parade and we also encourage everyone, students, faculty and parents, to dress up as their favorite book character and proudly display a copy of the book. The book can be brought from home or borrowed from the Library in advance.

Spectators will follow the same directions as they did for the UN Day Parade and line up along the walls and fence outside the building, allowing plenty of space for the classes to pass them and end the parade in the playground, behind the school. 

Students will be photographed with their classes in the playground and should be back in the classroom by 10:00 to follow the special schedule for the day and visit the Book Fair.

This is a fantastic opportunity for our school community to come together and celebrate the joy of reading. Whether you dress up or not (it is certainly not mandatory to dress up), we hope you can join us that morning to watch this delightful event.  

We encourage parents and caregivers to browse the Book Fair in the JA Gym between drop off time and the start of the parade. In addition to cash, credit cards, checks, ApplePay and GooglePay will be accepted.

Parent Engagement Opportunities

SUMMERTIME ON YOUR MIND

• Find parents’ recent recommendations for over 40 programs HERE

• Have a favorite to share? Post at PA Summer Program/Camp Survey 

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. 

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.

Are you looking for information on the PA or past newsletters? 

Then visit this page https://www.unis.org/school-life/parents-association/current-member-info (you’ll have to enter your Veracross ID as we keep this information behind a firewall for current UNIS parents only)

*Past recordings of PA/UNIS meetings

Did you know that our live streamed meetings are automatically recorded? Just visit the same link circulated for livestream and you’ll see the recording.

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 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

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.

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:

• 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

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

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).