Newsletter #11
DUE TO THANKSGIVING BREAK, THERE WILL BE NO NEWSLETTER ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28
Dear parents,
1781 was a happy year for Mozart: he was going to marry Constance Weber, and, leaving, without regret but after many adventures, Salzburg and his employer, the "abominable" Prince-Archbishop Colloredo. Mozart established himself in Vienna as an independent composer. He was 26 years old. The new emperor, Joseph II, who had just succeeded his mother Marie-Thérèse, wanted Mozart to develop German opera, and to compete in terms of quality and lyrism with the Italian operas. Even if Mozart had already composed few "Singspiel" (a form of German light opera, typically with spoken dialogue, popular especially in the late 18th century) which has fallen into oblivion, we can safely say that "Die Entführung aus dem Serail" is one of the first German operas of the classical era, and possibly the most famous one, at a time when most German-born composers still avoided writing opera in their own language.
Bordeaux, France, a Saturday afternoon 215 years later.
If the city is well known for its wine, it is also famous for its great universities, and outstanding Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. As a student into pop, rock, and electronic music, Bordeaux was an amazing city to be in: the opportunities to see artists live on stage were limitless. I was also nurturing a passion for classical music but, at that time, was not a fan of opera. The human voices were, to me, interference with the mesmerizing sounds of the violin, flute, and contrabass. Like Claude Debussy, I believed that "in opera, there is always too much singing". While I was walking Rue Sainte Catherine, the longest pedestrian street in Europe, I reached its end and stood, minuscule, in front of the majestic Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux. Inaugurated in 1780, this opera house designed by architect Victor Louis, features a number of neoclassical elements with a vestibule, Corinthian columns as part of its facade, and a monumental staircase which served as an inspiration to the prestigious Paris Opera Garnier.
I am not certain what pushed me that particular day to climb the stairs. The doors were already closed, and I dared to ask the security guard standing there if he could let me in with the sole justification that "I love classical music, I have never seen an opera before". Maybe it was because no one before me had ever asked this bold question, but he struggled to find the obvious answer: "Not without a ticket". Instead, he let me in and guided me discreetly to a private "Lôge de côté" on the second floor.
My first opera was Mozart's German opera: "Die Entführung aus dem Serail". I had missed only few minutes, and with honest curiosity, and being open-minded, I challenged my reticence towards opera and let myself be vulnerable to it. While I could appreciate the staging, the quality of the direction, the clarity of the voices, I did not have the emotion I was looking for.
And then this exact moment happened.
"I have always believed that opera is a planet where the muses work together, join hands and celebrate all the arts." - Franco Zeffirelli
At that exact moment, something struck me: I felt that, while each male singer was singing to his female partner and ignoring the other couple, that the couples were also communicating to one another. And this combination of voices and multiple directions in which their dialogue was happening was simply totally absolutely mesmerizing. I do not believe, in English or even in French, that I am able to explain why, but at that exact moment, I became fascinated by opera and entered a new universe of emotions that I had never before been able to access. This remains one of the best memories of my 20's, regardless of the fact that I couldn't completely make sense of it. And for anyone who shares this experience with opera with me, know that we are lucky to have feelings that even Mark Twain was never able to reach!
"I have never heard enough classical music to be able to enjoy it; and the simple truth is, I detest it. Not mildly, but with all my heart. To me an opera is the very climax and cap-stone of the absurd, the fantastic the unjustifiable. I hate the very name of opera - partly because of the nights of suffering I have endured in its presence, and partly because I want to love it and can't." - Mark Twain
You may now wonder why I took the time to share with you this very personal story. Ask Joyce, Ms. Mercurio's J2 student! Joyce recently won a first place award of the Apex International Music Competition and performed at the winners' recital at the Kaufman Center. Her mother was proud of the level of confidence and focus that Joyce demonstrated, and kindly shared the video of the performance with me.
Interestingly, even though Joyce was playing a Sonatina, the old memory of my experience of Mozart's "Die Entführung aus dem Serail" came back to me. There is something about Joyce's communion with her piano that feels like she is part of this multi-dimensional "dialogue" I was describing earlier. Her playing forced upon me the same overwhelming emotion I felt more than 20 years ago. I shared in a few words my experience with Joyce's mother while asking her permission to share this beautiful video in the weekly newsletter. With her authorization, here is her answer:
I talked to Joyce. She said that to her, this piece—Kuhlau’s Sonatina in C Major, Op.22, No.1—is a dialogue among family members. It opens with Joyce speaking in a high-pitched voice in the right hand. Then, Joyce’s grandpa enters with a low pitch in the left hand. After that, mom, dad, older brother, grandma, and the whole family joins this lively dialogue.
Since the pandemic, we have not been able to go back and visit Joyce’s grandparents in China in the summer as we used to do, so Joyce has been having weekly video calls with them. This piece is a way for Joyce to stay connected with them - such is the power of music, isn't it?
The power of music unifies us around a common understanding, even when words cannot describe it: Joyce, our talented student, was able to communicate with her audience through her piano this intense emotion: her dialogue with her family. And without any explanation, she invited me to feel it too. Beyond the academic rigor and excellence we aim for with all our students, UNIS is a place of emotion, talent, creativity, and opportunities. Never hesitate to share with us the extraordinary experiences of your children beyond our school walls, as it is also these experiences they carry within them that make our school unique, and that makes our Junior School the Junior School we love.
Pascal Vallet, Junior School Principal
Alessandra Camilo, Junior School Assistant Principal
IMPORTANT DATES
THIS WEEK | WEEK A
REMINDER
JS students are expected to arrive at the gate no later than 8:20
Arrival after 8:20 is considered late & interrupts the start of the school day
Wednesday, November 24 - Friday, November 26 | Thanksgiving Break - School Closed
THE FOLLOWING WEEK | WEEK B
Monday, November 29 | Classes Resume
UPCOMING EVENTS
Thursday, December 9 | PA Meeting In Person with Guided Tours and DEI Director Dr. King-Calnek | 6:30pm
Wednesday, December 15 | Deadline to Opt for Remote Learning January 3 - 7 | Remote Learning Request Form
December 20 - December 31 | Winter Break - No Classes for Students
Monday, January 3 | Classes Resume
January 3 - January 7 | Hybrid Model of Learning Option (Request Deadline: Dec 15)
Monday, January 17 | School Closed (MLK Day)
February 21 - February 25 | February Break - School Closed
THE NEWS
INFORMATION: STUDENT SUPPORT TEAM MESSAGE: PEDIATRIC VACCINATION
As more and more 5 - 10 year olds are receiving their first pediatric dose of the COVID vaccine, we have seen an increased need to support our JS students with worries and fears about receiving the COVID vaccine, which is in addition to their usual flu, and other scheduled vaccinations. Some of the students' fears have been typical injection fears, and some worries are specific to receiving the COVID vaccine.
Due to this wave of vaccinations, it is not surprising that children's anxieties and/or feelings of unease are going to be higher than usual. Children may not even be able to articulate their fears or apprehension, but you may notice their behavior change which may be related to these worries or fears. We want to alert families to this as more and more children become vaccinated.
The counselors and I are on hand to help any child if they seem or indicate to be anxious about the vaccine. Please reach out if you feel your child needs additional support.
Dr. Dana Marnin (PK/JA Counselor / JS Psychologist) dmarnin@unis.org
Amy Iamundo (J1 & J3 Counselor) aiamundo@unis.org
Alyssa Frost (J2 & J4 Counselor) afrost@unis.org
PARENT ASSOCIATION CORNER: PA MEETING & MORE
Next PA meeting will be in person on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 6:30pm
Guided tours of the Manhattan school campus and light refreshments will be available to meeting attendees. Our special guest that evening will be Dr. Judith King-Calnek, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Have a question or suggestion for the PA? Email us at unispa@unis.org.
Virtual Fundraising for City Harvest by UNIS Community: November 15 - January 17
In these times of the pandemic, with restricted access to the school, we understand that physical donations may not be possible for everyone. We have also created a Virtual Fundraising Drive - we would love for our UNIS community to come together and support this cause. Whatever your age you can use your talents to raise awareness and funds--ask your family and friends to sponsor your push-ups, jumping jacks, playing a musical instrument, running a mile, singing, dancing, creating art and help feed our fellow New Yorkers. So, make your team using the instructions below, and let's get going!
Every $1 donated helps City Harvest feed two New Yorkers for a day. Together, we can make a difference one day, one meal, one New Yorker at a time. Thank you for your compassion, generosity, and support the UNIS City Harvest Drive!
Here is the link to the virtual Drive: http://secure.cityharvest.org/goto/unis
Questions?
Please contact the PA Social Responsibility Committee Co-chairs:
· Abhilasha Mahan (Abhilasha.mahan@pa.unis.org)
· Giulia Celli (Giulia.Celli@pa.unis.org)
· Melissa Chow (Melissa.Chow@pa.unis.org)
Promote UNIS parent-owned businesses at UNISPA Marketplace
Are you a UNIS parent/relative/alum and a small business owner of a restaurant, goods or services? Do you have current student-led enterprises that you'd like other families to know about? Then advertise for free in the UNIS marketplace found at https://www.unis.org/school-life/parents-association/marketplace. Submit your business description, website and image on this form to advertise your company. Work opportunities you or your child may be seeking, like child-sitting or tutoring, are welcomed.
New2UNIS
All parents - whether you are new to UNIS or not - are welcomed to all events!
· 11/16 Lunch: Next week, New2UNIS heads to New York's oldest and most historic restaurant for our annual Thanksgiving Lunch. A favoured watering hole for many of America's Founding Fathers including George Washington, Fraunces Tavern is also home to a small museum dedicated to this nation's revolutionary past. Join us for a sumptuous lunch and a tour on November 16th.
· 11/30 Evening Book Club: After Thanksgiving break join the New2UNIS book club at the East Village's part bookstore, part wine bar haunt - The Book Club Bar. Join us as we discuss 'Evvie Drake starts over' over wine and handcrafted drinks on the evening of November 30th.
· RSVP through the New2UNIS evites. Send us an email at new2unis@unis.org to get on our mailing list for these and more upcoming events. Follow on Instagram too!
REMINDER: REMOTE LEARNING JANUARY 3-7 SIGN UP
Reminder from Dr. Brenner: UNIS will offer a hybrid model of learning from January 3 through January 7 only (the week after Winter Break). Families can opt either to have their children attend classes on campus, or to log in remotely for that full week. All requests for remote will be accommodated.
If you will travel internationally over Winter Break, your child can receive instruction remotely from January 3 through 7 while in quarantine. Any student whose family has not opted in for remote learning by submitting the request form by December 15 will be expected on campus on January 3. Teachers will be using the Polys, similarly to last year, during that first week of January.
To opt in for Fully Remote learning from January 3 - January 7 only,
the school requires submission of this
no later than Wednesday, December 15 so that we can plan accordingly.
REMINDER: STUDENT QUARANTINE & ILLNESS PROCESSES
PROCESS FOR QUARANTINE, CONTACT TRACING & RETURN TO SCHOOL
The Junior School Office, in collaboration with the Nurse's Office and Security Team, has set in place a process for contact tracing in the event of a positive case and for informing the family:
Parents are asked to inform the Nurse's Office schoolnurse@unis.org and the Junior School Office jsattendance@unis.org in the event that their child tests positive for COVID or is a contact of a positive case.
The Nurse's Office and the Director of Security, in collaboration with the Junior School, identify the students who may need to quarantine
The Nurse's Office and the Director of Security call the parents of any students who need to quarantine and give any information related to the quarantine over the phone.
The Principal sends an email containing important information about the quarantine (reiterating the phone call) and all the information needed to connect remotely to the student's class. However, students who are not feeling well are expected to rest and not to connect remotely to their class until they feel better.
The Junior School Office informs the student's teachers so they can be ready to connect the student(s) remotely during their quarantine.
The Parents send their child's PCR test results by email to jsattendance@unis.org with a copy to schoolnurse@unis.org. The Junior School Office will collect test results submitted by families.
The Principal sends an email acknowledging receipt of the negative test to the family with the updated return to campus date.
The Junior School Office informs teachers of student return dates.
PROCESS FOR STUDENT ILLNESS AND RETURN TO SCHOOL
The Junior School Office, in collaboration with the Nurse's Office and Security Team, has set in place a process for clearing students to return to campus after an absence due to illness.
Parents are asked to inform the Junior School Office at jsattendance@unis.org if their child is sick.
The Junior School Office sends an email containing important information about the protocol in order for the student to return to campus.
When the student feels better and has tested negative for COVID, the parents send the rapid test results by email to jsattendance@unis.org with a copy to the schoolnurse@unis.org. The Junior School Office will collect test results submitted by families.
The Principal sends an email acknowledging receipt of the negative test result to the family.
The Junior School Office informs the student's teachers that the rapid test result has been received.
With a rapid test negative result, and without any symptoms, the students is welcome back on campus.
STUDENTS WHO MAY CONNECT TO CLASS REMOTELY
Following Dr. Brenner's direction, access to fully remote learning is an option offered only to students from PK to T4 who have opted in for fully remote for a full marking period, or those who need to quarantine due to direct contact with a positive case, or in the case of a student who tested positive and is asymptomatic. Online learning may also be offered in exceptional or medical circumstances.
Students who have returned from an international trip and are required to quarantine due to travel, do not have access to fully remote learning. Thank you for your understanding.
Note: The exception regarding remote learning is the week of January 3 which must be requested no later than December 15. See sign up form above.
REMINDER: QUARANTINED STUDENT ACADEMIC TECH SUPPORT
For families with a JS child connecting remotely to class while under quarantine, a daily Academic Tech Support session has been scheduled.
Junior School Remote Student Live Support for ACADEMIC TECH
Monday - Friday from 8:20 - 8:40am
Join Zoom Meeting
https://unis.zoom.us/j/9673245905
Meeting ID: 967 324 5905
Francesca Zammarano & Javier Alvez, JS Design Engineering Teachers, and/or a member of the JS office, will be available for the support or guidance that you and your child may need regarding connecting to the JS academic technology learning tools such as Seesaw, Dreambox, etc.
REMINDERS: WHEN YOUR CHILD IS SICK / LEARNING MODEL CONSISTENCY
When Your Child is Sick
When your child is sick with stomach ache, fever, headache, etc. there is no expectation from the school that they should attempt to learn remotely. If your child has symptoms that would normally have kept them at home prior to COVID-19, parents should not request to join classes remotely. We hope that time will be taken for your child to rest and recover as the school believes that children recover more quickly when they are permitted to disconnect and rest.
Learning Model Consistency
The expectation is that Junior School students attend school consistently, through the end of this marking period, in accordance with the learning model the family has opted for at this time (either fully in person or fully remote). Inconsistent in person attendance is disruptive for the class as a whole and for the individual student. The school believes that a consistent schedule reinforces learning and appropriate classroom behavior, and reduces anxiety.
Dismissal for Parents and Guardians
At dismissal please stay in motion, circling through the tents as you wait to pick up your children, or wait outside the main gate between pick ups. The school has not relaxed it's policies regarding gatherings. Please do not linger or sit down in the tents to wait for a second child, or gather within the school gates to speak with other parents or teachers. At dismissal our goal is to have as few people on campus for the shortest time possible, and always in motion. Thank you for understanding and support as we work to keep our community safe.
REMINDERS: COVID PROTOCOLS (UPDATED 9/21)
REMINDERS: HEALTH AND SAFETY
1. Arrival: To speed arrival for everyone, please have your child take possession of their backpack and lunch before they approach the entry gate in the morning and check to see that their mask is on, fits well, and is covering their nose.
2. Late Arrival: The late arrival of students in the morning delay our faculty and staff moving back to their positions. JS students are expected to arrive no later than 8:20 and the front gates should be closing no later than 8:30. Please ensure that you arrive at the time assigned for your child's grade.
3. Masks: Be sure you have packed 2 or 3 spare masks in a clean bag in your child's backpack, as well as an extra bag to hold used ones. For the safety and peace of mind of all, do not send your child to school in a vented mask. We understand that many of you use vented masks with filters inserted. But our teachers cannot be certain that every vented mask has the filter necessary to keep them safe. Please respect our community and do not send your child to school in a vented mask.
4. Days with Appointments or Travel:
Because parents and caregivers are not permitted inside the school gate, a request for either late arrival or early dismissal for a JS student requires that school personnel leave their work in order to escort your child.
Please support the school by arranging appointments and travel outside of school hours.
Of course, if your child falls ill during the school day, the nurse's office will coordinate an early pick plan with families.
5. Returning to Campus After Illness:
We appreciate your cooperation in keeping the community safe!
Please use the guidance shared by our Nursing Staff in this newsletter in coordination with your physician to address any illness.
For health related questions please email: schoolnurse@unis.org and mrivera@unis.org
6. Social Distancing Outside of UNIS: Exercise caution and, whenever possible, to stay clear of gatherings where social distancing or face masks might not be the norm. We advise students and families to be particularly vigilant on playgrounds and during play dates, keeping in mind the impact they may have on the safety of everyone in our community.
7. COVID Testing: We recommend that students be tested at least ONCE a month, preferably every two weeks. All UNIS Faculty and Staff will be pool-tested regularly on campus.
Thank you for your support.
REMINDERS: REMOTE LEARNERS
Instruction begins at 8:40 each morning. Remote learners are expected to connect with their homeroom no later than 8:40 to participate in Morning Meeting. Students who try to connect after that time disrupt the class and pull the teacher away from the rest who are already engaged in person or remotely. It is tremendously important that students are ready to join at 8:40. Meanwhile, we recognize that due to technical glitches or late arrivals, not all teachers will always be able to start at 8:40. We thank you for your patience. But, once the class begins, students who join between 8:40 and 9:00 are missing important direction and are inevitably disrupting the class. Let's try our best together!
Question related to technology should be addressed by email to tech.support@unis.org and fzammarano@unis.org only. Tech Support will need your child's full name, teacher name and grade in order to assist you quickly. Please do not disrupt your teacher's instruction time to address tech support issues for your family. We understand it can be frustrating sometimes; we recognize it and work hard to address the glitches we face. But we have noticed teachers trying to troubleshoot a system while teaching, a system that really requires technician intervention. They do it out of caring and concern about their students not being able to connect. Please help them by reaching out to our Tech Department for support instead.
All families should check their internet connection. The audio when your child connects from home should never be distorted - it is disruptive to the class when that happens and is likely the result from a poor connection at home. You should have at least 3mbps up and download. A 5mbps up and download will ensure optimal quality. You can check your bandwidth here: fast.com
If you have 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
All other times: If you are having trouble logging in at any other time, please call 212-584-3100 for technology support.
REMINDER: UPDATE YOUR CHILD’S DISMISSAL PLANS in SDM
Our homeroom teachers follow the instructions entered by parents in School Dismissal Manager (SDM) each day. Please update your SDM account to regularly indicate what the plans are for your child each day of the week. SDM is always mandatory for Dismissal but can easily be used for Attendance as well.
On days when your child will not engage in classes, either remotely or in person, please use SDM to mark your child "Absent".
SDM is the only way of letting the dismissing teacher know where your child should go at dismissal. In addition to indicating that your child has an After School Activity, you must enter a description of the activity in the box below. If the activity name is not entered in SDM your child may be placed in the Care Program instead.
No student will be placed on a bus at dismissal if their SDM account does not authorize their ridership on that date. They will be placed in the Care Program instead.
School Dismissal Manager (SDM) is the sole method of communicating dismissal plans to UNIS JS.
JS Parents are asked to use School Dismissal Manager (SDM) to keep the dismissal process safe and orderly for all of our JS students. Emails, notes or verbal instructions to inform the homeroom teacher and the JS Office (except after 1 pm, see below) of dismissal plans are not accepted.
Parents have been issued a username and temporary password by email. Please use these to log in to SDM and set up your JS child's account. If you cannot locate the email sent to you by SDM, contact jsoffice@unis.org to have your login info re-sent to you.
Parents are first required to set their “Default Dismissal” for the remainder of the school year.
Parents can set “Recurring Exceptions” if needed.
Parents can set any “Exception” to the default dismissal if needed.
Parents are required to check every week to confirm that the information provided on SDM is accurate for the week ahead.
The cut-off to add a one-time “Exception” to any day’s dismissal is 1:00 pm. If a change in your plans occurs after 1:00 pm on any day, you may phone the JS Office up until 2:30 pm. But the expectation is that all changes will be made by parents directly in SDM before 1:00 pm.
After 2:30 pm the School cannot guarantee that dismissal changes will be relayed to all relevant departments in time for your child's dismissal.
Parents are encouraged to download the SDM Apps for Apple and Android and update their child's dismissal instructions with a click or two from their phone.
REMINDER: UPDATE YOUR PARENT CONTACT INFORMATION
Please take the time to review your family profile and contact information to ensure that your cell phone numbers, email addresses and home address are correct and are entered in the correct fields. You may update your information at any point throughout the year, but if you have not reviewed your information recently, we encourage you to do it today.
All departments at UNIS rely on the information that you provide in the Veracross Parent Portal to contact you. The only way you can be reached in an emergency, or when there are school wide announcements, is through the information that you have entered in the Portal.
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.
If you need support in order to make your updates, please email veracross@unis.org