Embedded Files
BREAKING NEWS!
BREAKING NEWS!
THE JS TALENT SHOW WAS A HUGE SUCCESS! NEXT WEEK'S NEWSLETTER WILL BE DEDICATED TO IT. STAY TUNED!
THE JS TALENT SHOW WAS A HUGE SUCCESS! NEXT WEEK'S NEWSLETTER WILL BE DEDICATED TO IT. STAY TUNED!
During an official trip to the United States, French President Charles de Gaulle was received in Washington DC at the Capitol by members of the House of Representatives and the Senate. He delivered a speech in which he celebrated Franco-American friendship and cooperation while recalling the dangers of confrontation, which threatened the international community.
"My journey takes place on the eve of an international meeting where the destiny of humanity may turn either towards misfortune or towards peace. This shows the importance I attach to the talks I have just had with the President and the government of the United States. So gentlemen senators and gentlemen representatives, in the contact that I have with you at the Capitol in Washington, I do not, in fact, believe that, at any time, the human species has been so threatened: the machine has taken the power on earth. It launched an immense material progress there but, at the same time, it provoked the appearance of two apparently irreconcilable systems which claim, each on its own, to define the only valid way of transforming society. France, for her part, has chosen: she has chosen to be on the side of the free peoples, she has chosen to be there with you. But Americans, in the very serious game that is taking place, know this: nothing counts more for France than the reason, the resolution, and the friendship of the great people of the United States. I came to tell you."
- Charles de Gaulle, Remarks to the United States Congress, April 25, 1960
Dear parents,
A few days ago, two unexpected invitations reached my mailbox. Both were sent by the French Embassy in Washington, D.C. They were addressed to me, but they were an invitation to all of us. To our UNIS school community. They were calling me to represent all of you at two unique events celebrating French President Macron's State Visit at the White House.
A State Visit is the official visit that a foreign head of state makes to another country. It is considered the highest form of diplomatic relations between two countries. This visit is prepared well in advance and many protocol events are scheduled, such as commemorative ceremonies, visits to memorial sites, and various official receptions. UNIS, through the Junior School Principal, was graciously invited to participate in two of those official receptions celebrating the unbreakable relationship between France and United States of America.
Since the Revolutionary War, France and the United States have had a deep, productive and symbiotic relationship. This relationship was memorialized in 1884 by France’s gift to the USA, the Statue of Liberty (a monument that many of us see every day). France’s (and Haiti’s) motto is Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity and, this past week, the third word of the motto, fraternity, was on full display in Washington, D.C. Fraternity is a concept at the foundation of the French constitution and is defined as “the state or feeling of friendship and mutual support within a group.” The global community, now more than ever, needs to support one another and show fraternity in the face of shared global issues. UNIS, through its school mission and embodiment of Fraternity, “fosters innovation, creativity and cross-cultural communication, educating and inspiring its students to become an active force in shaping a better world: peaceful, compassionate and sustainable.” President Macron and President Biden, through their shared conversations and speeches, echo and validate the ideals that UNIS is striving to achieve and show us all how beautiful Fraternity can be.
With the support of Dorian Lacombe, UNIS parent, former Head of the Communications Unit, New York Office of UN High-Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Michelle Bertrand, Director of School Events at UNIS, and Danae Adam, Junior School Administrative Assistant, we decided to transform this invitation into an opportunity: we would seize this moment to invite Président Macron to visit UNIS and participate in major events organized by and for our students.
After consulting with the High School students in charge of the UNIS-UN conference this coming March, dedicated to the question of Education, and after asking Molida Khuon's J3 French Mother Tongue students what they would like to share with President Macron, I was ready to head to Washington, UN pin attached to my suit, with the goal of handing Monsieur le President our students' invitation to UNIS.
30 November 2022
Monsieur Emmanuel Macron
Président de la République française
Monsieur le Président,
I write on behalf of the students, faculty and staff of the United Nations International School. We would be honored if you would accept an open invitation to visit our school whenever you are in New York. Among our PreK - 12 grade students, approximately 7% declare themselves French nationals and 43% study the French language in either our Mother Tongue program or as a second language.
There are three occasions during the coming year, very important to UNIS, when your presence would be a special highlight.
First, it is our great honor to invite you to be a speaker for the 47th Annual UNIS-UN International Student Conference on Tuesday, 14 March 2023, and Wednesday, 15 March 2023 in the United Nations General Assembly Hall. This year’s conference topic will be titled Turning the Page: A New Chapter in Education. Our conference will address the education-related situation we are in today through meaningful discussions and debates that develop solutions to education's leading issues. Education is one of the fundamental human rights, and the lack of education for the 72 million children worldwide has a huge global impact on our growing population. An inadequate education can be linked to poverty, cultural relativism, war, and more; without advances in a sustainable education, these inequalities will only increase. The conference will feature captivating presenters who will speak on the future of education, addressing such topics as tackling the intricacies of mental health and special education, the role of opinion in the classroom, the rights of educators, and the development of education in various countries. Furthermore, we will investigate how climate change, the migration crisis, and the Coronavirus have indefinitely impacted education and the possible approaches toward a more equitable and accessible education in the future.
Second, we would be honored to have you celebrate the UNIS Class of 2023 at their graduation in the United Nations General Assembly Hall, scheduled to occur on Friday, 2 June 2023. As an important voice and leader in the international community, your presence makes for an unforgettable experience for our graduating class. On behalf of this year’s graduating class, we respectfully extend this invitation and hope that your schedule will permit you to attend.
Third, the UNIS community is honored to invite you for a visit to our campus, at your convenience, when you are in New York, to attend the 78th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) opening on Tuesday, 12 September 2023.
Président Macron, we look forward to an opportunity to share the UNIS mission with you. Please accept, Monsieur Président, the assurances of our highest consideration.
Yours sincerely,
Pascal Vallet
Junior School Principal
United Nations International School
cc: Dr. Dan Brenner, PhD, Executive Director
George Bernard Shaw believed that we should not wait for opportunities but should create them. While waiting for President Macron to arrive, I was trying to locate the "Chargé du Protocole" for the President. The "Chargé du Protocole" intervenes for the Elysée (the French White House) to ensure the smooth running of official events. The person in that role coordinates external relations in accordance with state protocol and sets up the official events of the organization. This was when I realized that the Chargé du Protocol, Mr. Arnold Rocke, had been the Consul of France in South Korea, during the same period when I was Principal at the Lycée Français in Seoul. I called out to him. He recognized me. I handed him the invitation from UNIS, the letters from our J3 students, and a book celebrating our school and community. A few minutes later, President Macron approached me to shake my hand and that was the opportune moment to hand him a duplicate of our invitation letter while introducing myself and the UNIS-UN conference that our high school students are organizing in the UN General Assembly in March 2023. Macron paused and seemed intrigued by an invitation to the UN, expressed his gratitude, and continued his journey to the podium. While we recognize the challenges of convincing President Macron to join us, the UNIS-UN students committee will follow up with Mr. Rocke in the next few days. As we say in French: Qui ne tente rien n'a rien! (Nothing ventured, nothing gained!)
It is hard to find adequate words to describe my experience, walking towards the White House to participate in a historical moment: a State Visit by America's first ally, my home country. But, mixed with my powerful personal connection to this event, I was honored and proud to represent the students, parents, teachers and staff of the UNIS community, the reason I was chosen to be there. And while I was overwhelmed by the journey to the White House, I kept in mind my second goal for this journey: sharing the experience with the Junior School students by attempting to live stream, if protocol allowed.
We hoped I could live stream from my smartphone for a few minutes starting at 8:40 am, before the Presidents' speeches began. I was overwhelmed to see the number of classes, teachers, and administrators who connected to this Zoom event, hoping that it would work. While I was planning to share just a few brief anecdotes with my students, I was able to live stream for more than 30 minutes, encouraged by some of the attendees and moved by the realization that our JS students in New York were able to share the experience with me. With 2% remaining on my phone battery, I ended the live stream. Happy.
President Macron: “We stand together, shoulder to shoulder, precisely to be entitled to say, at the same time, “We the people” and “Liberté, égalité, fraternité.”..” this is how to build our future and how to work together for climate, to fight against inequality, for inclusive societies, to unify our nations. Shoulder to shoulder, we will do so and we will prevail.”
President Biden: “Today, we’re still united by the greatest causes: democracy, liberty, equality, opportunity, and freedom. We stand together against oppression and injustice. We stick up for one another in our — and democratic values to which Washington and Lafayette dedicated their lives. And we still strive to build a world that’s worthy of our highest hopes and of our future, knowing that we can always, always count on one another as allies and friends”.
At the end of the ceremony, I walked away feeling grateful for the opportunity to participate in a historical moment. And, feeling satisfied to have been able to virtually include our UNIS students in this event in Washington. President Biden and President Macron continued to celebrate the important visit while I headed back to New York. But the story for the UNIS community does not end then...
Suleika Jaouad is an American writer, advocate, and motivational speaker. She is the author of the "Life, Interrupted" column in The New York Times and has also written for Vogue, Glamour, NPR's All Things Considered, and Women's Health. Her 2021 memoir Between Two Kingdoms was a New York Times Best Seller. Her husband, Jon Batiste is an American musician and songwriter with outstanding achievements: Grammy Awards, Academy Awards, British Academy Film Awards, and Golden Globe Awards. Suleika and Jon are very special to our community. Suleika is M1 teacher, and former J4 teacher, Adam Jaouad's sister. As some of you may recall, Jon supported the UNIS JS during the Pandemic, in the spring of 2020, when he sang to cheer up our students.
Jon Part 1.movJon Part 2.MOVJon Part 3.MOVJon Batiste was invited, with his family, to perform at the White House for the convivial and fraternal proceedings of the state dinner between France and the United States of America. UNIS had the opportunity to speak with Jon and Suleika regarding the historic proceedings:
UNIS: [For Jon + Suleika] First and foremost, in a couple sentences what were the VIBES like.
“Stately: It was full of decorations for the christmas season: candles, statues chandeliers, red carpets. Incredible historic artifacts in every room. The White House staff IS the VIBE.”
“Festive: Despite the grandeur and the history I was struck by the warmth and hospitality.”
UNIS: [For Suleika + Jon] What does the word Fraternity mean to you? Was it on display during the State Dinner? Why?
“Fraternity to me is really about community and the ways in which we can each show up in the spirit of generosity, mercy and compassion. It was on display from the second we walked through security and were greeted with big smiles by the secret service to the incredible fleet of waiters who served us delicious cross-cultural meals with a French and American twist. Of course with President Biden and President Macron and their wives who made it feel like we were at a family gathering.”
“My band, with whom I've been playing music with for almost 20 years is a fraternity in my own life. Fraternity is when everyone brings their life to the table and feels welcome. I felt that [fraternity] was on display at the end of the dinner when everyone was standing, singing, and dancing. Music is just one of the many powerful cultural forces that is available to us us to deepen our sense of fraternity.”
UNIS: [Suleika] You are half Tunisian, half Swiss, live in America, speak French at home and have experienced many different cultures throughout your life. You are like many of our students here at UNIS! One of our missions here at UNIS is enabling and fostering cross-cultural communication. You have had a lot of experience and opportunity for cross-cultural communication. Was there a sense of that during the state dinner? If so, how? What/who benefits from this?
“I think that Jon is a great cross cultural translator and embodies it in his music. The very first thing he played which was a blend of the French, American and Black national anthems. I think our power lies not in assimilation but in celebrating the beautiful fusion of different cultures, customs, languages, traditions, legacies from which we all come from. I think that we all benefit from examples of cross-cultural communication and gatherings. We all participate in them every day in both big and small ways. How we show up to those interactions, ideally with an open heart and mind, ultimately has a ripple effect beyond us.”
UNIS: [Jon] Your 7 year old nephew attended the dinner. What did he have to say about everything going on?
“He thought that it was fun. He also was very tired at the end of the night because it was a very long day. He got up on stage - he was lifted up by President Macron! He was studying the White House at school last week and wasn't sure of the president's name… but he sure knows it now.”
UNIS: [Jon] You were asked to play the piano for the presidents and the attendees. What did you play and why?
“I wanted to play pieces that spoke to the Franco-American influence in all styles of music that I play- from classical all the way to contemporary music. In particular, New Orleans is an excellent example of the Franco-American blend of music. At the end of the night, in the New Orleans tradition, we did a second line through the crowd as we played “as the saints go marching in”
UNIS: [Jon] You are from New Orleans. A city that is a mix of French and American in its heritage, culture and history. How do you perceive/live/exhibit this beautiful mix of cultures in your life, music and history?
Jon: “Laissez les bon temps rouler: We grew up with the belief that celebration is important. Let the good times roll!”
UNIS: [Jon] You sat and spoke with President Macron and President Biden. What was the biggest takeaway from what they said? Does it make you optimistic for the future? Why?
“They said that they wanted to come together, not just in this time, but for many generations to come. I’m always optimistic about the future. I like hearing politicians feel that way as well and not be divisive.”
UNIS: [For Jon+Suleika] Thank you both for your generous time. One last question: What is your favorite American food? What is your favorite French food?
“I am gonna go with a perfect example of cross-cultural communication-the grilled cheese and the croque monsieur. Similar, but with their own individual twist.”
“French Fries and French Fries.”*
*Editor's note: Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to Belgium what belongs to Belgium! French fries are Belgian!
This journey to Washington was an opportunity to meet great men and great women. Great men and women have great responsibilities. Great women and men have great power. It is easy, with great responsibilities and great power, to lose sight of where those responsibilities and power come from: the people they serve. When sitting among people with responsibilities and power it might be easier to lose sight of where we come from and our true purpose. That's why an essential quality of great leaders, and all great people, is humility.
"Le grand homme est comme l'aigle; plus il s'élève, moins il est visible, et il est puni de sa grandeur par la solitude de l'âme." - Stendhal
The great man is like the eagle; the higher it rises, the less it is visible, and it is punished for its greatness by the loneliness of the soul.
Back home, I take off my Principal's hat and put on the hat of a son. I call my dad to tell him the story of the last 48 hours. He smiles and he is proud of me. But he always is, as long as I am happy, as long as I am kind, as long as I am thoughtful. Then he shared a story with me.
Great people are not only those who, with one decision, change the world for millions. Great people are those who change the lives of their neighbors, their friends, their spouse, their son and their daughter. To me, my dad is a humble man, but the greatest of all.
Pascal Vallet, Junior School Principal
Adam Jaouad, M1 teacher
Danae Adam, Junior School Administrative Assistant
Alessandra Camilo, Junior School Assistant Principal
COLD WEATHER REMINDERS: IMPORTANT INFORMATION
COLD WEATHER REMINDERS: IMPORTANT INFORMATION
As cold weather has arrived, the Junior School has important transitions and reminders to bring to your attention:
STUDENTS ARRIVING BY YELLOW BUS
With colder weather, Junior School students who ride the yellow bus in the morning will now assemble in the tents in front of the school after leaving the bus and then, instead of remaining outdoors in the tents, will be escorted by school personnel to line up indoors in the cafeteria area until 8:15/8:20 when they transition to their homeroom classes.
Note that at arrival, designated school personnel are assigned to the supervision of bus riding students only.
STUDENTS ARRIVING WITH A CAREGIVER
Students who arrive with a caregiver in the morning may continue to line up outside Stairwell D to wait to enter the building at 8:15/8:20 or, if the weather is too cold or wet, may wait accompanied by their adult caregiver at all times in the cafeteria. At the 8:15/8:20 start time for their grade, students who are waiting in the cafeteria with their caregiver can transition to their homeroom by walking through Stairwell D.
UNACCOMPANIED JS STUDENTS
We have recently noted a number of Junior School students entering the school gates unaccompanied by an adult caregiver. These students are arriving between 8:00 - 8:15, which is too early for them to transition to their homeroom. School personnel are not available to supervise them prior to them joining their homeroom class.
As a reminder:
8:15 is arrival time for J2, J3, J4: Students must be with an adult caregiver at all times on campus up until 8:15 when they transition to their homeroom.
8:20 is arrival time for PK, J1, J2: Students must be with an adult caregiver at all times on campus up until 8:20 when they transition to their homeroom.
IMPORTANT DATES
IMPORTANT DATES
THIS WEEK: DECEMBER 5
PURCHASING JS STUDENT PORTRAIT PHOTOS FROM STOMPING GROUND
Details about purchasing your child's photos from Stomping Ground can be found on their School Photo Page.
TO DO: Update SDM for the weeks ahead
December 5 - December 9 | Toy & Book Sale Collections in the Lobby 8:00 - 8:30 am (details in this newsletter)
December 5 - December 7 | Auditions for J3 & J4 Musical Newsies Jr. (details in this newsletter)
Friday, December 9 | International Animal Rights Day & Charity Sale (details in this newsletter)
See the PA's section of this newsletter for PA-sponsored events & information.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Tuesday, December 13 | Toy & Book Sale (details in this newsletter)
Monday, December 19 - Monday, January 2 | No Classes for Students / Winter Break
Tuesday, January 3 | Classes Resume
Tuesday, January 10 | JS Parent Coffee 8:30am (Save the Date)
Monday, January 16 | School Closed / Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Saturday, February 4 | Lunar New Year Celebration (details in this newsletter)
Thursday, February 16 - Monday, February 20 | No Classes for Students / President's Day Break
Thursday, February 23 - Friday, February 24 | No Yellow Bus Service (update SDM)
DATES WITHOUT YELLOW SCHOOL BUS SERVICE DURING 2022-23
Note these dates in February and April when bus service will not be provided by the DOE.
Thursday & Friday, February 23 and 24, 2023
Monday, April 10 through Friday, April 14, 2023
IN THIS NEWSLETTER
IN THIS NEWSLETTER
INFORMATION: J3 & J4 AUDITIONS FOR NEWSIES JR.
INFORMATION: J3 & J4 AUDITIONS FOR NEWSIES JR.
EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!
UNIS Junior School Theatre Department Presents: Newsies Jr.
Hello J3 and J4 Parents!
It was with great excitement that we had audition sign ups taking place this past week during your child's Music and Theatre class for the J3 & J4 Musical "Newsies Jr".
Auditions will be taking place on Monday, December 5, Tuesday, December 6, and Wednesday, December 7 during the students' Long Play (11:00 - 12:05 pm).
Things to know for the Audition:
1. Each student will have a 2-3 minute slot to sing a short cut of a song. The song can be as simple as "Happy Birthday"or a favorite song that they can sing well.
2. We would love to know if your child takes acting class, dance class, gymnastics or has past performance experience.
3. Every student who auditions will have a part in the show as a principal or ensemble role.
4. If your child is interested in being on the Production Crew please email Madeline McBroom directly at mmcbroom@unis.org
INFORMATION: TOY SALE - DEC 13
INFORMATION: TOY SALE - DEC 13
The Toy Sale Returns!
After a 2-year hiatus, the Toy Sale is back!
This year’s Sale will be held on Tuesday, December 13, when JS students will be visiting the Fair with their homerooms. MS students are also invited to visit the Sale during break. In addition to toys, there will also be a range of used children’s books available. In addition to promoting sustainability, the Toy Sale will be a wonderful introduction to financial literacy. Even the youngest learners will benefit from an in-person opportunity to understand money, savings and purchase decisions. Good financial habits start by being able to distinguish between a “must have” and a “nice to have”. By teaching children how to differentiate between needs and wants, they become more aware of their choices from a very young age.
The PA will be collecting gently used toys and books in the lobby during the week of December 5 - December 9 during drop off. This is a school-wide effort and TH and MS families are encouraged to donate.
JS Parents are also asked to send $5 in an envelope written with your child’s name and homeroom to your class teacher by December 12. Toys and books will be sold for nominal amounts ($1, $2, $3), with proceeds raised from the Sale going towards activities organized for our school community by the PS. Any unsold toys or books will be donated. We hope you will continue to support this much-loved tradition.
Any questions on the Toy Sale can be directed to our JS Coordinators at pa_jscoordinators@pa.unis.org.
Zhenzhen Huang, Mindy Tan, Sue Jing and Conwell Tam
INFORMATION: INTERNATIONAL ANIMAL RIGHTS DAY & CHARITY SALE - DEC 9
INFORMATION: INTERNATIONAL ANIMAL RIGHTS DAY & CHARITY SALE - DEC 9
INTERNATIONAL ANIMAL RIGHTS DAY is celebrated on Saturday December 10!
The JS Animal’s Rights club (aka A Squad) will celebrate Animal Rights Day on Friday, December 9 in the school Lobby between 8:00 - 9:00 am and also during Lunch.
Our celebration will include the following:
We will be collecting signatures to ask Governor Hochul to sign the Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill that has passed in the Senate but needs her signature in order to close all puppy mills in New York State.
Information table on animal shelters, endangered animals, and volunteering.
A sale that will include homemade baked goods (individually wrapped), jewelry, notebooks, dream catchers, sock dolls, slime, paper flowers and many other items.
Why is the club having a sale? The club wants to support shelters that have a no kill policy, bring awareness to adopting pets instead of buying them, and support endangered animals.
Please mark December 9 on your calendar and consider sending your child with $5 - $10 to spend that day to support this important charity.
Rose Fico, Club Coordinator
Anika and Edie, Club Founders
INFORMATION: TAIGA PERFORMS IN THE NUTCRACKER
INFORMATION: TAIGA PERFORMS IN THE NUTCRACKER
We are very proud and excited for Taiga, J3 Melillo student and Nutcracker performer, featured in The New York Times article entitled "The Tiny Dancers Who Make "The Nutcracker" Sparkle".
INFORMATION: HOST FAMILY FOR T3 STUDENT NEEDED
INFORMATION: HOST FAMILY FOR T3 STUDENT NEEDED
Yusuke Kamimura (T3) has been a long-standing UNIS student, and a beloved member of our student body. Unfortunately, his family had to move back to Japan unexpectedly last summer, preventing from joining UNIS during the first semester as was expected. Yusuke and his parents are eager to have him return to UNIS to complete his T3 and T4 years with us, so he can graduate from UNIS: they are actively looking for a host family who could welcome Yusuke starting no later than Jan 30. If you are able to help or would like more information, kindly contact our T3 Counselor Demmy Lukas at dlukas@unis.org. Thank you so much in advance!
PARENT ASSOCIATION CORNER: JS PARENT COFFEES / JS TOY & BOOK SALE / LUNAR NEW YEAR / VIDEO LIBRARY / ARCHIVE LINKS
PARENT ASSOCIATION CORNER: JS PARENT COFFEES / JS TOY & BOOK SALE / LUNAR NEW YEAR / VIDEO LIBRARY / ARCHIVE LINKS
Junior School Parent Coffees
Save the Date: Tuesday, January 10 at 8:30 am
Mark your calendar to join us on Tuesday, January 10 at 8:30am in the Cafe for the next JS Parent Coffee. The topic will be confirmed in the upcoming newsletters.
Science & Design Engineering Curriculum (November 30)
For those of you not able to join us on Wednesday, November 30 at 8:30am in the Cafe, you can watch the video of Ms. Zammarano, Mr. Alvez and Ms. Mourlot to learn about our Design Engineering and Science Curriculum here JS Parent Coffee Nov 30 2022
JS Books & Toy Sale: Tuesday, December 13 (Donation Period: Week of December 5 - 9)
JS Books & Toy Sale: Tuesday, December 13 (Donation Period: Week of December 5 - 9)
Save the date for the return of this UNIS classic event! We are now including Books for the sale!
Parents/students bring in gently used books and toys that they would like to donate from Monday (12/5) to Friday (12/9) between 8-8:30am. Drop off in the school lobby.
Books and toy sale will take place on Tuesday (December 13). Students will visit the sale with their homeroom.
Items will be sold at nominal amounts ($1, $2, $3 or $5). Please send in some money with your children so they can participate in real life purchase decisions and can work on their math skills. Proceeds from the sale will go towards activities that the PA will organize for the children and the school.
Unsold items will be donated before the holidays.
We’re also looking for parent volunteers to help with toy collection and storage during 12/5 - 12/9 between 8-8:30 am daily, as well as the toy sale on 12/13 from 8:30 am – 1:00 pm. Please email pa_jscoordinators@pa.unis.org with your availability if you’re interested.
Lunar New Year - Saturday, February 4
Lunar New Year - Saturday, February 4
UNISPA Cultural Committee invites you to bring in the Lunar New Year with us to celebrate the arrival of spring and the year of the Rabbit!
It is the time to reunite with the family and we would like to come together with our UNIS Family! Join us at UNIS on Saturday, February 4, 2023, from 4 - 7pm
Tickets are $25 per person and free for kids 4 and under. Buy your tickets here: https://www.unis.org/cf_forms/view.cfm?formID=901
To usher in a year full of abundance, good luck and fortune, there will be a food feast, Lion dance, Korean dances, student led musical Performances, lantern making, calligraphy and more….
We are excited to see you all in person!
Abhilasha & Sabrina
Cultural Committee Co-Chairs
abhilasha.mahan@pa.unis.org; sabrina.zancan@pa.unis.org
UNIS VIDEO LIBRARY
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 recent This is Junior School video.
ARCHIVE
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 us on Instagram too!
Publicize your Business or Seek Services - UNIS marketplace. Submit your business description, website and image on this form to publicize. Scroll through services here.
Never too late to volunteer with the PA. Submit your interest here.
Buy UNIS merch online. Visit https://store.unis.org/ And if you want to join the UNIS PA swag team, email unis@unispa.org.
IMPORTANT:
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 the start of this school year, we encourage you to do it today so that we can reach you quickly if needed, especially if you have relocated from abroad.
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 enters in our UNIS 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.
Thank you for taking the time to review and update your contact information now, and throughout the school year if your contact information changes.
If you need support in order to make your updates, please email veracross@unis.org
REMINDER: HEALTH REMINDERS
REMINDER: HEALTH REMINDERS
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. Students can return to school under the following conditions:
they have tested negative on a rapid antigen
are afebrile for at least 24 hours
their symptoms have resolved or are greatly improving
If your child's test is positive, please email a picture of the test to covid@unis.org.
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 . We also encourage families to update SDM in order to alert all other departments, especially After School activities and Transportation.
REMINDER: PREPARING FOR COLDER WEATHER
REMINDER: PREPARING FOR COLDER WEATHER
Outdoor Activity & Recess Policy During Cold Weather
Throughout the winter season, please be sure your child is dressed for outdoor play every day, with a warm coat, sweatshirt, gloves and hat as needed.
UNIS JS follows the Dept of Health guidelines for outdoor play: "New York City Department of Health Guidelines regarding outdoor play in cold weather policy states “Children benefit from vigorous exercise and should be given the opportunity to play outside whenever possible. Unless it is snowing or there is ice on the playground low temperatures should not be a barrier to outside play, as long as children are appropriately dressed. The City’s Health Department strongly encourages principals to maintain outdoor play periods on the vast majority of winter days.”
Recommendations are as follows: If the wind chill factor is above 20 degrees, it is safe to play outside. If the wind chill factor is 0-20, outside play is advised provided that students are appropriately dressed and under observation to make sure that they are wearing their coats, hats and gloves."
From: New York City Department of Education and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
Labeling Clothing
With students wearing extra layers of clothing now, it's time for families to be sure that all coats, jackets, sweaters, scarves, hats, etc. are clearly labeled with your child's first and last name and homeroom. Our faculty and staff do their best to return misplaced items to their owners, but clear labeling is needed to do that.
REMINDER: ARRIVAL
REMINDER: ARRIVAL
IMPORTANT REMINDER:
Be on time for class:
J2, J3, J4 enter the building at 8:15 at the door near Stairwell D
PK, JA, and J1 enter the building at 8:20 at the door near Stairwell D, where teachers will be waiting for them. Teaching Assistants will guide students along the way to their classrooms.
LATE ARRIVAL
LATE ARRIVAL
The late arrival of students in the morning is disruptive for faculty and staff and your child's classmates.
J2, J3 and J4 students are expected to arrive at 8:15 and proceed directly to their homeroom.
PK, JA and J1 are expected to arrive at 8:20 and proceed directly to their homeroom.
Please ensure that your child arrives at the time assigned for your child's grade.
- AS A JS PARENT, WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
IF YOU DROP OFF YOUR CHILD AT ARRIVAL TIME FOR THEIR GRADE
IF YOU DROP OFF YOUR CHILD AT ARRIVAL TIME FOR THEIR GRADE
IF YOU GO TO THE CAFETERIA BEFORE DROPPING OFF YOUR CHILD
IF YOU GO TO THE CAFETERIA BEFORE DROPPING OFF YOUR CHILD
2. RULES
2. RULES
Legal guardians may access the school building to wait near the drop-off zone, and remain in the company of their children until the announcement is made for students to line up with their classes at 8:15 (J2/J3/J4) or 8:20 (PreK, JA, J1).
Legal guardians may access the school building to sit in the cafeteria, beginning at 7:30 am, and remain in the company of their children until the announcement is made for students to walk independently to their classes at 8:15 (J2/J3/J4) or to line up outside Staircase D to meet their teachers and walk to their classrooms at 8:20 (PreK, JA, J1).
Legal guardians may remain in the cafeteria until 9:00 am.
Legal guardians who arrive earlier than 8:15/8:20 in order to have breakfast in the cafeteria must supervise their children at all times while on the premises until an announcement is made for students to line up with their teachers or proceed directly to their classrooms (dependent upon grade).
At no time is playground access permitted for students being supervised by their guardians. Playground access is reserved solely for students arriving by Yellow Bus who are in the care of school personnel.
At no time may legal guardians enter the 2nd floor or access any classrooms.
Legal guardians and students are expected to arrive at the campus no later than the arrival time for their grade as shared by the school's administration. Late arrivals impact the efficiency of our protocols designed for smooth transitions, as well as to detract from our community's safety. Families are strongly encouraged to ensure that their child(ren) arrives at UNIS at the time assigned for their grade, and no earlier or later.
Students arriving at school by bus will be welcomed and supervised in the playground.
3. ARRIVAL TIME
3. ARRIVAL TIME
J2, J3 and J4 students arriving at 8:15 am walk independently to their classrooms. If J2, J3 and J4 students have arrived earlier and are in the cafeteria supervised by their legal guardians, an announcement will be made at 8:15 for those students to proceed to their classrooms independently using Staircase D.
J1 students arriving at 8:20 walk independently to their classrooms. If J1 students have arrived earlier and are in the cafeteria supervised by their legal guardians, an announcement will be made at 8:20 for those students to line up outside Staircase D with their legal guardians and then proceed to their classrooms independently.
PK and JA are welcomed by their teachers at 8:20 at Staircase D and proceed directly to their classrooms.
PK and JA students who are in the cafeteria being supervised by their legal guardians will hear an announcement at 8:20 to meet their teachers at Staircase D to proceed to their classroom.
REMINDER: DISMISSAL
REMINDER: DISMISSAL
IMPORTANT NOTICE: JUNIOR SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO LEAVE THE CAMPUS ALONE, OR WITH A SIBLING IN M1 or M2. JS STUDENTS ARE ONLY PERMITTED TO LEAVE CAMPUS WITH ADULTS IDENTIFIED IN THE UNIS DATABASE AS PARENT, LEGAL GUARDIAN, M3 - T4 SIBLING, OR CAREGIVER/RELATIVE AUTHORIZED BY PARENTS TO PICK UP THE STUDENT.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: JUNIOR SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO LEAVE THE CAMPUS ALONE, OR WITH A SIBLING IN M1 or M2. JS STUDENTS ARE ONLY PERMITTED TO LEAVE CAMPUS WITH ADULTS IDENTIFIED IN THE UNIS DATABASE AS PARENT, LEGAL GUARDIAN, M3 - T4 SIBLING, OR CAREGIVER/RELATIVE AUTHORIZED BY PARENTS TO PICK UP THE STUDENT.
2. RULES
2. RULES
There is a strict hand-to-hand policy in the Junior School for dismissal:
JS teachers will only dismiss at the end of the day to a parent, authorized caregiver, after school/after care/athletics teacher/coach, or bus supervisor. JS students are not permitted to leave the front gate of the campus without adult supervision. Only a sibling in M3 or older may be given permission to escort their sibling from campus.
During Dismissal time, legal guardians should not gather inside the school premises to wait for their child. If their child is not at the designated location, they should continue to walk, following the flow, until their child arrives.
PreK through J4 students are not permitted to meet parents or caregivers outside the school’s front gate. Teachers must release students whose dismissal is indicated as being “Pick-up” in SDM, to parents, or another adult authorized by the parents, following the dismissal guidelines as indicated below.
Please note that parents and caregivers are expected to arrive at UNIS no later than the time indicated in this section. If parents or caregivers are not able to arrive on time on a regular basis, please contact our Office of Special Programs to register for the Care Program. If you or your caregiver is running late in unusual circumstances and will arrive later than the time indicated, the school will place your student in the Care Program. Parents are aware that Non‐Registered Care Program drop off has a specific cost (see After Care protocol for most updated fees).
To give permission for a new caregiver to enter UNIS to pick up or drop off your child, please log in to the Veracross Parent Portal at myunis.vc:
Log in to Veracross
Click on Household Information
Update Household Profile by clicking on Contacts for My Children and +Add New
Enter that caregiver’s details under the Contacts section (add as many additional contacts and caregivers as you need)
Next, grant the contacts Pickup Authorization as needed by clicking on Pickup Authorization on the right and +Add New.
After you enter that information in Veracross, your caregiver can have a UNIS ID made that will allow him/her access to the school to pick up and drop off. In the interim, until the caregiver information is populated by IT to the Security Access card system, fill in this ID Authorization Form, print and sign it, and have the caregiver carry this form along with a photo ID to present to Security at the front gate until a physical UNIS ID card is printed.
Parents are asked to retrieve and turn in ID cards issued to caregivers who are no longer employed.
ID Authorization Form for Caregivers
3. DISMISSAL TIME
3. DISMISSAL TIME
PK and JA are dismissed by their teachers at 2:45 pm
J1 and J2 are dismissed by their teachers at 2:50 pm
J3 and J4 are dismissed by their teachers at 3:00 pm
To support our Security team and ensure a smooth transition, parents and guardians arriving to pick up their children at dismissal should avoid entering the school building.
4. DISMISSAL PICK-UP
4. DISMISSAL PICK-UP
Parents/legal guardians arriving on time at school for dismissal can pick up their child at designated areas indicated in the Dismissal Map.
After JS dismissal and before 5:45pm: parents may pick up their child in the cafeteria by following the directions given by the security guards.
Parents are required to indicate in the note field in SDM the identity of the parent/caregiver who will pick up their child, providing both the first and last name as it appears on that person’s identification. This information needs to be accurate on any given day. If the information is not provided correctly by the family, but the parent/caregiver is registered as a parent or an authorized caregiver in Veracross, and UNIS personnel are able to verify that information, the student will be allowed to leave with him/her. This information is required at dismissal as well as when the pick-up is scheduled after an After School, Care Program or Athletic activity.
Parents are required to list all caregivers/babysitters on the portal in Veracross. Security will not allow entrance to caregivers/babysitters who are undocumented/not listed in Veracross. To avoid delay and complications at pick-up, please make sure to maintain an updated list of all caregivers/babysitters in Veracross on the portal. In case of an emergency, parents are required to call and email the JS Office or After School program (depending on the pick up time) providing the full name of the individual who is picking up their child and confirming that that person will carry a government issued photo ID.
Any student scheduled to be picked up at school by the parent/caregiver, and that parent/caregiver fails to collect the child at dismissal, will be brought to the Care Program and the family will be billed accordingly. Parents are aware that Non‐Registered Care Program drop off has a cost (see After Care protocol for most updated fees).
At dismissal please stay in motion, circling around the outside of 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.
REMINDER: WHEN YOUR CHILD IS SICK
REMINDER: WHEN YOUR CHILD IS SICK
When Your Child is Sick
When your child is sick with runny nose, cough, stomach ache, fever, headache, etc. there is no expectation from the school that they should attend school 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.
Pack a Jacket or Sweatshirt Every Day
Pack a Jacket or Sweatshirt Every Day
The weather can be changeable and we encourage all JS families to send their child to school with a warm jacket or sweatshirt every day. Students are outside on the playground twice daily and they will need an outer layer with them on most days. They should be dressed appropriately for rainy days as well.
REMINDER: PK-J4 LUNCH BROUGHT FROM HOME
REMINDER: PK-J4 LUNCH BROUGHT FROM HOME
Please be mindful as you pack lunches for your Junior School child(ren) as these will 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.
REMINDER: JS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION POLICY
REMINDER: JS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION POLICY
For reasons related to student allergies and health, the policy for JS student birthday celebrations on campus has been updated.
Birthdays will continue to 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.
Details about the birthday celebration policy for your child’s homeroom were discussed in more detail with parents at Back to School Night on September 28.
REMINDER: MASK WEARING AT SCHOOL
REMINDER: MASK WEARING AT SCHOOL
At this time, 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.
REMINDER: UNIS IS AN ALLERGY AWARE SCHOOL
REMINDER: 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.
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