Newsletter #31
05/19/2024
Dear parents,
This Wednesday morning, as the first light of dawn broke over the horizon, I drove Lucy to school. It was 5:50 a.m., and the world was still waking up. The road stretched out before us, winding through the countryside, not far from the ocean. The sea Hemingway loved so much. The air was crisp, filled with the scent of salt and the promise of a new day. Lucy sat beside me, her eyes bright with curiosity and excitement. She was eager to share what she had learned about Rosa Parks.
"Do you know about Rosa Parks, Papa?" she asked, her voice breaking the quiet of the early morning. She didn't wait for an answer. As we navigated the empty roads, she recounted the story of Rosa Parks with a fervor that was truly inspiring. Rosa Parks, often referred to as "the mother of the civil rights movement," made history on December 1, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama. On that fateful day, she refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white man, defying the segregation laws of the time. Her quiet but resolute act of defiance sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal event that galvanized the civil rights movement in the United States. Parks' courage and dignity became a powerful symbol in the fight against racial segregation and injustice.
On Friday, May 31st, our J2 students will take part in the J2 Wax Museum. It’s an event where history breathes again, and the past meets the present in our small corner of the world. Each student will impersonate a famous individual who has made significant contributions to creating a better world. The excitement in the air is palpable as our young scholars prepare to bring these figures to life. They will stand still as statues, yet their stories will echo through the halls, reminding us all of the power of courage and determination.
As Lucy shared these details, she paused and asked me a thought-provoking question: "And you, Papa, who would you have chosen to be if you were to be at the wax museum?" I thought deeply. Many figures came to my mind—many famous, French and not, many who have inspired my life and have been celebrated for their actions to make the world a better place. But then, I knew. Roald Amundsen.
Roald Amundsen, the Norwegian explorer, led the first successful expedition to reach the South Pole in 1911. His story is one of meticulous preparation, extraordinary leadership, and unwavering determination. Unlike his contemporary, Ernest Shackleton, who is often remembered for his dramatic and perilous expedition, Amundsen's journey was remarkably smooth. His success was not due to luck but to his incredible foresight, careful planning, and the respectful treatment of his crew. His approach was methodical and calculated. He meticulously planned every aspect of the journey, from selecting the best dogs for sledding to choosing the most efficient route. His leadership style was inclusive and supportive, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and mutual respect among his team. This meticulous preparation ensured that his expedition encountered fewer problems, leading to a successful and uneventful journey to the pole.
Lucy listened intently as I explained why I chose Roald Amundsen. "We often remember Shackleton because his story was filled with incredible challenges and near-miraculous survival. But Amundsen's success was quieter, less dramatic. He made history because he was so well-prepared and such a good leader that nothing went wrong," I said. I shared with her that I had told this story to the J3 and J4 students during an assembly. The message was clear: many people have made a difference in the world, even if their names are not always remembered. Making a difference is not about having our name in a history book; it's about what we do and who we do it for. Each one of us can make a difference.
As we watch our J2 students transform into these historical figures, let us remember the many unsung heroes who have contributed to making our world a better place. It is a powerful reminder that everyone, regardless of recognition, has the potential to impact the world positively.
Think of the stories we pass on, of those who stood against injustice, those who explored the unknown, and those who quietly led by example. As our children step into the shoes of these figures, they too will learn the value of courage, of preparation, of leadership, and of quiet defiance. They will learn that history is not only made by grand gestures but by the steadfastness of those who refuse to accept the world as it is and strive to make it better. In their young hearts, a spark is lit—a spark of understanding, of empathy, of determination. It is this spark that we nurture and watch grow. For one day, these children will be the ones to make history, not by seeking fame, but by doing what is right, by leading with integrity, and by never underestimating the power of a single, resolute act. Let us celebrate this journey together and look forward to the stories yet to be told.
Pascal Vallet, Junior School Principal
Francesca Zammarano, Junior School Assistant Principal
This week, I helped Omar, one of my 4th-grade students, with his tie. It wasn’t just about the tie; it was about the quiet bond we shared. Moments like these remind me why I love being a principal.
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 to this week's edition of our school newsletter podcast, a unique blend of heartfelt stories and exciting announcements tailored for our junior school community. In this episode, we dive into the powerful influence of historical figures on our youth, exemplified by a father-daughter conversation about Rosa Parks' legacy of courage and determination. This story beautifully segues into the anticipation surrounding the upcoming J2 Wax Museum event, where our students will pay tribute to notable personalities who have shaped our world. Furthermore, we'll bring you important reminders and opportunities for parent engagement, from essential administrative updates to volunteer opportunities and special events. So, whether you're on the go or taking a moment to relax, tune in to catch up on all things exciting and inspirational happening within our school walls. Don't miss out on this enlightening journey – listen to the full podcast for more insightful stories and school news.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS
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 + LIVESTREAM LINK )
Friday, May 24 & Monday May 27 | School Closed / Memorial Day Weekend
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
HALF DAY IN JS on FRIDAY, MAY 31 (11:50 DISMISSAL)
Mark your calendars, alert your caregivers, and update SchoolPass:
JS dismissal will be at 11:50 on Friday, May 31
JS students will NOT have a formal lunchtime in the cafeteria that day
Families are asked to pack a hearty snack to eat in the classroom on the morning of May 31 instead
Yellow Buses will depart at 12:15
The Care Program will NOT be in session on May 31
All UNIS Faculty and Staff are invited to attend T4 Graduation at the UN on the afternoon of May 31. There is no supervision available for students after 11:50 dismissal on May 31.
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)
Saturday, June 1 | Summer Sports Camps Registration Deadline (links in this newsletter)
Tuesday, June 4 | PK/JA Sports Day (sign up to volunteer in this newsletter)
Wednesday, June 5 | J1 Sports Day (sign up to volunteer in this newsletter)
Friday, June 7 | J4 Graduation 9:00-10:00 (save the date)
Friday, June 14 | 8:30-9:30 PA End of Year Meeting Breakfast with Livestream
Tuesday, June 18 | Last Day of Classes for JS Students / Full Day
Wednesday, September 4 | First Day of Classes 2024-2025
AFTER SCHOOL CLASSES WILL BE ENDING - Update SchoolPass
PARENT TO DO LIST:
Note the last class dates for your child's After School classes
Alert your Caregivers
Update your child's SchoolPass with their new dismissal plan: Pick Up, Care Program or Bus
SPORTS PROGRAM AFTER SCHOOL LAST CLASS DATES (Questions: doconnor@unis.org)
MONDAY Sports Program Classes: May 20 is the Final Class
TUESDAY Sports Program Classes: May 28 is the Final Class
WEDNESDAY Sports Program Classes: May 29 is the Final Class
THURSDAY Sports Program Classes: May 30 is the Final Class
FRIDAY Sports Program Classes: May 17 is the Final Class
AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES LAST CLASS DATES (Questions: ljalilvand@unis.org)
MONDAY Classes: May 13 is the Final Class
Monday EXCEPTIONS:
COMPUTER PROGRAMMING June 3 - Final Class - note date change
SPANISH June 10 Final class / any changes will be announced by the teacher
TUESDAY Classes: May 14 is the Final Class
Tuesday EXCEPTIONS:
GERMAN & SWEDISH Final class date to be announced by the teachers
MOVEABLE MACHINE (JA-J1) May 21 - Final Class
CHESS (JS / MS) May 21 - Final Class
MONEY MATTERS (MS) May 21 - Final Class
VIDEO GAME DESIGN (J3-J4) May 21 - Final Class - note date change
WEDNESDAY Classes: May 22 is the Final Class
Wednesday EXCEPTIONS:
ADVANCED COMPETITIVE DEBATE (TH) May 30 - Final Class
ITALIAN June 5 - Final Class / Any changes will be announced by the teacher
THURSDAY Classes: May 23 is the Final Class
Thursday EXCEPTIONS:
JAPANESE May 29 - Final Class
ITALIAN June 6 - Final Class / Any changes will be announced by the teacher
FRIDAY Classes: May 31 is the Final Class
LANGUAGE AFTER SCHOOL LAST CLASS DATES (Questions: pbarbamoran@unis.org)
Wednesday, May 29 - Hebrew Program Final Class
Thursday, May 30 - Mandarin Intensive Program Final Class
Tuesday, May 28 & Thursday, May 30 - Korean Program Final Classes
Monday, June 3 - Portuguese Program Final Class
Wednesday, June 6 - Francophone Enrichment Program Final Class
*Remember to update SchoolPass with your new dismissal plan after these classes end*
Students may not ride the Bus unless SchoolPass indicates it.
IMPORTANT: DISMISSAL UPDATES for the END of SEMESTER 2
Update your own calendar, your caregiver's calendar, and SchoolPass, with your JS child's:
Last Class dates for Semester 2 After School Athletics and After School Classes
new Bus ridership schedule
new Care Program or Pick-Up/Carpool schedule
When your child's Semester 2 Athletics and After School classes end, your child's SchoolPass account must be updated to give your authorization to ride the bus home on any given date.
Dismissing teachers, the Care Program and Transportation will follow the daily instructions that you, as parents, enter and authorize in SchoolPass each week.
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:
Going to Veracross
Clicking on Household Information
Updating Household Profile -> Contacts.
Thank you for taking the time to review and update your contact information now, and throughout the school year. The school's ability to contact you depends on it.
If you need support in order to make updates, please email tech.support@unis.org
HIGH-PRIORITY NEWS: EARLY DISMISSAL REQUESTS
IMPORTANT REMINDER ABOUT EARLY DISMISSAL REQUESTS
Early dismissal for students is strongly discouraged. Parents are expected to schedule their child’s appointments and travel plans outside of school hours. Early dismissal is reserved for urgent needs only or exceptional circumstances approved directly by the Executive Director, Dr. Dan Brenner.
In no event should requests be made for an early dismissal to attend an athletic activity, class or lesson outside of UNIS. The expectation is that after school activities be scheduled at a time that aligns with the dismissal time for your child’s grade or, if that is not possible, your child arrives late to their after school activity:
PK & JA: 2:45
J1 - J2: 2:50
J3 - J4: 2:55
Early dismissals disrupt academics in the classroom for your child as well as all students in the class. Early dismissals pull our faculty and staff away from instruction time and tasks that affect the smooth and safe operation of the Junior School.
Thank you for supporting the UNIS community and scheduling your child’s outside activities at times that do not interfere with teaching and learning.
HIGH-PRIORITY NEWS: ARRIVAL
PK & JA Arrival Reminder
To ensuring a safe and orderly entry to the academic day for our PKs and JAs, the doors to the PK/JA area will be locked before 8:20 am and after 8:40 am, reinforcing not just the physical boundaries that protect our students, but also the temporal ones that frame their day with predictability and security.
Arrival Reminder
To accommodate JS families during 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.
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: JS SPORTS DAYS JUNE 3 - JUNE 12
Monday, June 3 | J2 Water Sports Day at Waterside
Tuesday, June 4 | PK/JA Sports Day at UNIS (sign up to volunteer in this newsletter)
Wednesday, June 5 | J1 Sports Day at UNIS (sign up to volunteer in this newsletter)
Thursday, June 6 | J4 Water Sports Day at Waterside
Friday, June 7 | J3 Water Sports Day at Waterside
Monday, June 10 | J2 Sports Day at Ferox
Tuesday, June 11 | J3 Sports Day at Ferox
Wednesday, June 12 | J4 Sports Day at Ferox
IN THE LOOP: PK/JA & J1 SPORTS DAY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
UNIS PK/JA & J1 Sports Days Volunteer Sign-Up
Please use this FORM to select times to volunteer for PK /JA Sports Day and/or the J1 Sports Day.
PK/JA Sports Day - Tuesday, June 4th From 8:30 am to 2:00 pm at the UNIS Campus Playground
J1 Sports Day - Wednesday, June 5th From 8:30 am to 2:00 pm at the UNIS Campus Playground
This is one of the best days of the year, full of fun activities designed by the Physical Education department. The PE Department has planned a full day of activities, they will provide colored t-shirts for each student, and the day will end with popsicles!
This day is only made possible by you, the parent volunteers.
We need your help to run the games in the morning from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on both June 4 and June 5. Mr. De Rosa (PE Teacher) will meet with volunteers on the day of the event at 8:15 at the Playground stairs and will explain the jobs for the entire morning.
If you have any questions now, please email Juan De Rosa, UNIS PK, JA, J1 PE Teacher, at jrosa@unis.org
Thank you for your help and support!! Please use the link below to sign up.
Juan De Rosa | UNIS PK - J1 Physical Education Teacher
IN THE LOOP: BLOOD DRIVE - MONDAY, MAY 20 from 8:00 - 12:30
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)
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
The J4 parent information evening is just one week away!
We are very excited to welcome your children, our future students to the Middle School in September. In preparation for this transition, the Middle School Administration and Faculty gladly invite all current J4 parents to a Welcome Evening in the Oman Hall on Wednesday May 22nd from 6-7 pm. The link to the livestream is below.
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!
Following this event, we will host the J4 students for a "Jump Up" morning where the MS admin and teachers will welcome the J4's to middle school and will present to the J4 cohort in the theater. Following this presentation, M1 representatives will join each J4 group to host a Q & A session.
We are excited to meet our rising M1 students and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Regards,
Sinéad and Elaine (MS AP and MS Principal) msoffice@unis.org
IN THE LOOP: J1 - J4 SPRING CONCERT VIDEOS
Here are the links to the JS Spring Concerts to be enjoyed by family and friends:
IN THE LOOP: IFFF 2024 VIDEO
Thanks Tinuola for this beautiful video: IFFF 2024 !
IN THE LOOP: STUDENT WITHDRAWAL PROTOCOLS
If your child is not returning to UNIS in September please make the withdrawal official, and facilitate the release of the UNIS records you'll need to enroll your child in their new school, by emailing the Business Office, Registrar and JS Principal as soon as possible at:
enrollment@unis.org (Business Office)
evanaken@unis.org (Estela van Aken, Registrar)
pvallet@unis.org (Pascal Vallet, JS Principal)
When asking your child's teacher for a letter of recommendation, please copy 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:
Families may search for and reclaim lost items in the school lobby behind the security desk
Unclaimed clothing will be periodically donated by the school
All other items will be discarded
JS faculty and staff do their best to reunite students with misplaced items, but without a full name and homeroom it is not possible.
Labels like these are recommended: Name bubbles
IN THE LOOP: SUMMER ATHLETICS CAMP REGISTRATION DEADLINE JUNE 1
Registration for Summer Sports Camps closes on June 1
Sign up for Summer Break Camps which include Sports Camp, Basketball Camp, Soccer Camp, and Volleyball Camp.
Join us for an unforgettable summer filled with sports, friendship, and fun at our Summer Sports Camps! Our camps offer an exciting opportunity for UNIS children to stay active, learn new skills, and develop a love for sports in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Activities:
Participants will have the chance to explore a variety of sports and activities, including:
Basketball: Dribbling, shooting, passing, and teamwork drills led by experienced coaches.
Soccer: Footwork, ball control, shooting techniques, and small-sided games to improve skills and strategy.
Volleyball: Serving, passing, setting, hitting, and blocking.
Multi-Sport Challenges: Daily challenges and games that incorporate a mix of different sports and activities to keep campers engaged and entertained.
Features:
Our camp features include:
Experienced Coaches: Our team of certified coaches are passionate about teaching sports and fostering a positive learning environment for all campers.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Campers will have access to top-notch facilities, both indoors and outdoors. All activities take place at UNIS.
Small Group Sizes: With a low camper-to-coach ratio, each participant receives personalized attention and instruction tailored to their skill level.
Camaraderie and Team Building: Through teamwork activities, friendly competitions, and group challenges, campers will build confidence, sportsmanship, and lasting friendships.
Safety First: We prioritize the safety and well-being of our campers with all coaches certified in first aid and CPR, and adherence to all health and safety guidelines.
Dates & Registration:
Our camp runs weekly sessions throughout the summer, starting in June and ending in August. Flexible scheduling options are available, including full-day and half-day sessions. Registration is now open, but spaces are limited, so reserve your child's spot today!
Conclusion:
Don't miss out on the ultimate summer sports experience! Whether your child is a seasoned athlete or new to sports, our Summer Sports Camp offers something for everyone. Join us for a summer of skill-building, camaraderie, and memories that will last a lifetime!
For more information and to register, visit our website or contact us directly.
Daniel O'Connor, CAA, CIAA. | Director of Athletics and Physical Education
doconnor@unis.org | Office: 212-584-3059
IN THE LOOP: 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 SURVEY / PARENT OPPORTUNITIES / VIDEO LIBRARY / ARCHIVES
TAKE THE JS PARENT SURVEY
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
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 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:
If your child wears boots to school because of the weather, please pack a pair of sneakers on PE days.
They cannot safely participate in PE without them.
Uniform Expectations:
UNIS shirt
Dark shorts / athletic pants / black or blue leggings
Short athletics socks
Athletic footwear, securely closed with rubber soles (pack separately if your child wears boots to school)
Cold weather gear includes full warm-ups, jacket and pants, with the UNIS logo - see below
For Safety During PE Lessons:
In accordance with safety protocols, all types of jewelry are prohibited in all PE classes
Students with long hair should have it tied up securely when they arrive at school
UNIS IS AN ALLERGY AWARE SCHOOL
This means that students, families, faculty and staff are respectfully asked to refrain from bringing peanuts, nuts, and seeds of any kind or foods processed with these items or their by products, such as oils, into the school. This includes products which state "may contain traces of nuts/peanuts/tree nuts” or "manufactured in a facility which processes" nuts/peanuts/tree nuts.
For example, tree nuts (such as almonds, pistachios, pine nuts, cashews, brazil nuts, pecans, walnuts, etc.) and foods associated with them (such as nutella, pesto, granola bars, marzipan, macaroons, hummus (containing sesame), etc.) may present a risk to others.
Please be mindful of the type of snacks that you pack for your child. UNIS is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all the children in our school. Food allergies are becoming increasingly common among children, and we have several students with severe and/or life-threatening allergic reactions to nuts, peanuts, and seeds of any kind, as well as other allergens, including wheat, eggs, gluten and other food items.
Strict avoidance of the allergen is the ONLY way to prevent a life-threatening allergic reaction. Due to the nature of peanut/nut products, it is more challenging to prevent contamination of surfaces in the classroom, cafeteria, bathrooms, keyboards and other areas in the building.
In order to enhance safety for all students, UNIS is an “Allergy Aware” school. This means that students, families, faculty and staff are respectfully asked to refrain from bringing peanuts, nuts and seeds of any kind or foods processed with these items into the school. This includes products that state "may contain traces of" nuts/peanuts/tree nuts.
While some allergic reactions can be mild, many students with severe food allergies experience serious and potentially life-threatening reactions. You can help by not sending your child to school with foods that contain nuts, peanuts or seeds of any kind.
We ask our students and families to help make the school environment safer for all students, by following these simple suggestions:
Please remind your child never to share his/her food and drinks with other students.
If your child has eaten nuts prior to coming to school, please make sure they wash their hands and face before leaving home.
Please remind your child often to wash their hands before and after eating.
While some may perceive this as “inconvenient”, for many others it is simply a matter of life or death. We believe all families understand a parent/guardian’s concern and worry about safety and will join us in ensuring that our learning environment is conducive to this goal. Together we can make a difference!
IMPORTANT: UPDATE YOUR HOUSEHOLD CONTACT INFORMATION
All departments at UNIS, including the nurse, rely on the information that you provide in the Veracross Parent Portal to contact you.
The only way you or your caregiver can be reached in an emergency, or when there are schoolwide announcements, is through the information that your family adds to our UNIS Portal.
Please review your family profile and contact information to ensure that all of your local cell phone numbers, work phone numbers, email addresses and home address are correct and are entered in the correct fields.
If you have not reviewed your information in September, we encourage you to do it today so that we can reach you quickly if needed, especially if you have relocated from abroad.
After logging into the Portal at myunis.vc , you may review and update all of your family contact information by:
Going to Veracross
Clicking on Household Information
Updating Household Profile -> Contacts.
Thank you for taking the time to review and update your contact information now, and throughout the school year. The school's ability to contact you depends on it.
If you need support in order to make updates, please email tech.support@unis.org
Jacket or Sweatshirt Needed Every Day
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:
Families may search for and reclaim lost items in the school lobby
Unclaimed clothing will be periodically donated by the school
All other items will be discarded
JS faculty and staff do their best to reunite students with misplaced items, but without a full name and homeroom it is not possible.
Labels like these are recommended: Name bubbles
Lost & Found Location
UNIS Lost and Found items are on display by the A Stairwell behind the security desk. Please stop by or send your child to be reunited with their lost items. All unclaimed items will periodically be donated.
For more information on donations, please contact the PA Social Responsibility Committee at abhilasha.mahan@pa.unis.org
PreK - J4 Lunch Brought from Home
Please be mindful as you pack lunches for your Junior School child(ren) as these remain stored in their backpacks until snack or lunch time. If lunch items require cooling, please be sure to include insulated ice packs in the packaging for your child's lunch. No additional heating or cooling options are available.
No Money, Toys, Electronics, Smartwatches at School
Junior School children should not bring money to school and they are not permitted to purchase food in the Cafeteria. If they forget their lunch from home one day, they can ask the JS Office to help arrange for school lunch for that day. Parents are expected to send payment of $8.00 cash for the Food Service Director the following day in an envelope with their child’s name and homeroom.
JS students are not permitted to bring toys from home, including electronics, balls and trading cards. Aside from often being lost, these items are a distraction from learning in the classroom, and a cause of conflict at play and during after school programs.
We understand that some families provide their children with smartwatches or cell phones for safety reasons. However, upon entering the school building, all watches and phones are to be silenced and placed securely in the students backpack and remain there until they are dismissed. We ask that parents not attempt to text, call or send alerts to their Junior School child during the school day. If you need to reach your JS child on an urgent matter, please phone the JS Office at 212-584-3190 or email jsoffice@unis.org with a copy to your child's teacher.
Gum chewing is not permitted at school at any point during the school day, including during playtime, and students are not permitted to bring any gum or candy to school.
Note that the school is not responsible for the loss of any personal items, valuable or not, that students have brought from home. This includes jewelry, smart watches, cell phones, electronic devices, toys, etc.
Birthday Celebrations Outside of School
We understand the importance of celebrating our students' milestones outside of school, particularly birthday celebrations, and how they can foster stronger bonds among classmates. However, to maintain an environment focused on academics within the classroom and to preserve the feelings of all students, we kindly request your cooperation with the following policy regarding birthday invitations:
Invitations to birthday parties held outside school may not be distributed or communicated in the classroom.
Families wishing to invite classmates to a party held outside of school should utilize the WhatsApp group set up for their class, or reach out to their Class Parents for support.
This policy allows our faculty to focus on academics in the classroom and preserves student trust and confidence in them in the event that an invitation is not received.
We appreciate your understanding and compliance with this policy.
JS Birthday Celebration in the Classroom Policy
For reasons related to student allergies and health, this is the policy for JS student birthday celebrations on campus:
Birthdays will be acknowledged and celebrated in the JS Homeroom and/or with the Mother Tongue group.
Students may bring a special food treat for themself from home on their birthday to enjoy at snack or lunch time.
Instead of bringing food treats from home to be shared with classmates, the birthday student may choose from a menu of fun activities offered by the Homeroom or MT teacher for the class to participate in together. The activities will be age-appropriate and vary by grade.
At the discretion of the Homeroom teacher, there may be individual celebrations for each student, or there may be grouped, monthly birthday celebrations.
For details about the birthday celebration policy for your child’s homeroom please reach out to your teacher by email.
HEALTH NEWS FROM THE NURSE
Current COVID Guidelines: 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
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
Mask Wearing at School
Mask wearing while on campus is optional and the discretion of your family. Be assured that all JS students whose families choose to have them remain masked at school will be fully supported by our faculty and staff.
If your child will wear a mask at school be sure you have packed at least 2 spare masks in a clean bag in your child's backpack, as well as an extra bag to hold used masks if they aren't disposable.
Health Protocols
We would like to remind everyone about our health protocols:
When your child is sick with runny nose, cough, stomach ache, fever, headache, etc. there is no expectation from the Junior School that they should attend class in person or attempt to learn from home.
If your child has symptoms that would normally have kept them at home prior to COVID-19, we ask that families not send their children to school or request for schoolwork to be sent home.
We hope that time will be taken for your child to rest and recover at home as the school believes that children recover more quickly when they are permitted to disconnect and rest, and when care is taken by everyone to avoid spreading communicable illnesses.
If your child had any symptoms that could be consistent with COVID, they need to remain at home and take a rapid test.
You may review the full protocols on our website COVID & Health Protocols.
Thank you for supporting the entire UNIS community by keeping your children at home when they are not well.
When your child will be absent, please email your homeroom teacher before 8:00am with a copy to jsattendance@unis.org, and update SchoolPass to alert all departments, especially After School Activities and Transportation, that your child is not at school.
LICE ADVICE FROM THE NURSE
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Head lice occur commonly among school age children, but can happen to anyone. This is a condition that each year affects approximately 6 to 12 million US children ages 3 to 11. Head lice are parasites, which are found on the scalp, around the ears, and at the back of the neck. Head lice cause itching, commonly at the back of the head and neck or behind the ears. The adult louse is the size of a sesame seed and can be the color of your child’s hair. Eggs, or nits, are smaller and silver in color.
Head lice are not a sign of poor hygiene, and anyone can get them. Lice do not transmit infections and do not endanger a person’s health. Lice pass from person to person by direct contact or by sharing clothing with lice on them.
There are many effective creams and shampoos available over the counter or by prescription from your doctor. You may also seek treatment at any professional lice removal salons. The UNIS health office recommends you check your children frequently, and treat immediately. After initial treatment it is important to continue combing the hair daily for 14 days to prevent reinfestation. A retreatment may be necessary 10 days after the first treatment.
UNIS has a “no head lice and no nit” policy, which means that students found to have active cases of lice (live bugs), and those with moderate/severe cases of nits (eggs) will be sent home for treatment. Treatment can be provided by any company of your choosing or done at home. Students who are sent home for treatment will be required to follow up in the nurses office prior to entering class the next day for clearance. Once your child has returned to school, we will check to ensure that they, as well as any siblings, are free of lice/nits. If lice/nits are still present, the child/children sent home again. We continue to do this until we are as sure as possible that a child has no remaining lice/nits.
We would like to recommend that all parents be vigilant in checking their children for evidence of head lice on a frequent basis, as early diagnosis and treatment is crucial to prevent widespread transmission. If your child has long hair, please pull it back or keep it braided during the school day. Please remind your child not to share personal items such as brushes, combs or hats with other students. We ask that if you have found lice or nits on your child’s head, please inform the nurse’s office as soon as possible, even if your child has already been treated and appears to be lice-free.
We ask for your cooperation in ensuring that head lice are managed successfully, through a school and parent partnership. Working together, let’s limit lice interruptions in school. If you have any questions or comments, or would like additional information, please speak to your child’s pediatrician or feel free to contact the UNIS Health Office at 212-584-3078. You may also find more information on these websites: www.cdc.org or www.healthychildren.org.
Sincerely,
Marisa Rivera RN, BSN, CPN
Director of School Health and Nursing
mrivera@unis.org
Facts about Head Lice
What are head lice?
Head lice are parasites, which are found on the scalp. Head lice cause itching,
commonly at the back of the head and neck or behind the ears. The adult louse is the
size of a sesame seed and can be the color of your child’s hair. Eggs, or nits, are
smaller and silver in color. Lice do not transmit infections and do not endanger a
person’s health.
Who gets head lice?
Head lice occur commonly among school age children. This is a condition that each
year affects approximately 6 to 12 million US children ages 3 to 11. Head lice are not a
sign of poor hygiene and anyone can get them. It doesn't matter how clean your hair or
home may be. It doesn't matter where children and families live, play, or work.
How is lice spread?
Head lice are crawling insects. They cannot jump, hop, or fly. Lice pass from person to
person by direct contact or by sharing clothing, items with lice on them. Anyone who
comes in head-to-head contact with someone who already has head lice is at greatest
risk. Lice can also be spread by contact with clothing (such as hats, scarves, coats) or
other personal items (such as combs, brushes, hair ties, sports and bike helmets, or
towels) used by an infested person.
How can lice be prevented?
If your child has long hair, it is best to have it pulled back into a bun or braid during the
school day. Avoid sharing personal items
How to check for lice?
Regular checks for head lice are a good way to spot head lice before they have time to
multiply and infest your child's head.
•Seat your child in a brightly lit room.
•Part the hair and look at your child's scalp.
•Look through hair for crawling lice and for nits.
Live lice are hard to find. They avoid light and move quickly. Nits will look like small
white or yellow-brown specks and be firmly attached to the hair near the scalp.
The easiest place to find them is at the hairline at the back of the neck or behind the
ears. Nits can be confused with many other things, such as dandruff, dirt particles, or hair spray droplets. The way to tell the difference is that nits are attached while dandruff,
dirt, or other particles are not.
What is the treatment for lice?
There are several medicated shampoos or cream rinses that are available over the
counter. Retreatment after 7 to 10 days is usually recommended to assure that no eggs
have survived. Nit combs are available to help remove nits from hair. To avoid side
effects and toxicity, dose and duration of treatment should be followed according to
label instructions. Please seek further guidance from your pediatrician when using over-
the-counter products. You may also seek professional treatment for a lice-removal salon of your choice. Many of these salons use non-toxic, all natural products.
To prevent re-infection following treatment, clothing and bedding should be laundered in
hot water (140 degrees F for 20 minutes) followed by a hot drying cycle to destroy lice
and eggs. Since lice eggs hatch within 6 - 10 days, and lice can survive for only 1 - 2
days away from a scalp, storing infested items in a sealed plastic bag for 10 days is
effective for items that cannot be laundered. Hair should be pulled back in a braid or bun
at all times to reduce re-infection.
UNIS partners with Lice Treatment Center for our screening. They also provide in home
treatment, should you wish to use them. There are many companies you can find with a
simple online search. Should you wish to treat at home please use the video to assist
you. Please remember, after initial treatment it is important to continue combing the hair
daily for 14 days to prevent reinfestation. A retreatment may be necessary 10 days
after the first treatment.
Here is a link for a video that can assist you in the at home treatment and
removal of lice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9y6c3Opr9w
Recipe for natural lice shampoo:
Kill lice by stopping their respiratory systems with a mixture of 1-part baking soda and
3-parts hair conditioner. Apply the mixture and comb the hair by sections. Use a soft tissue to wipe off the comb and remove the nits, baby lice, and adult lice.
Magnus: Make Sure Your Child's Health Records are Up-to-Date
In keeping with state laws and UNIS policy, several student health and medical forms must be completed annually and submitted directly by parents via Magnus Health Student Medical Record (SMR). These forms may be uploaded, faxed or mailed directly to Magnus. In order to protect the confidentiality of student health and related information, please note that the health office is unable to accept and upload health forms. Once completed and received by Magnus, the forms are available to our school nurses for final review and approval.
If you are experiencing delays to obtain an appointment with your regular doctor/pediatrician, note that you can also obtain these medical forms through any urgent care center in New York City without any appointment. You can always update your records at a later date once you have been able to also see your regular doctor/pediatrician.
Required health forms which MUST be uploaded/acknowledged on Magnus Health:
Annual physical exam
Up-to-date immunization record
Vital health record
Consent to treat form
Over-the-counter (OTC) medication form
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