The DOE’s Parent University seeks to educate and empower all families from early childhood through adulthood, with free courses, resources, events, and activities. Translated versions are available in all DOE-supported languages on the Family and Community Empowerment (FACE) family-facing webpage.
Emergency Broadband Benefit Program to Families
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched a short-term Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program, which will provide reduced cost broadband internet service for eligible New York City households during the COVID-19 pandemic. All families with a student enrolled in a DOE school or program are eligible for this benefit, and funds will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis until the program has exhausted available funds or six months after the US Department of Health and Human services declares an end to the COVID-19 health emergency.
Families can find out if they are eligible, apply for the program, and find participating broadband providers via the USAC website. There are two types of benefits available to eligible households:
- Monthly Benefit: a discount of up to $50/month for broadband service, equipment, and device rentals; or
- One-time Device Discount: up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of $10 – $50), where available.
Families can visit the FCC’s EBB webpage and view this FAQ to learn more about the EBB program. Translated materials are available via the following links: Spanish, Arabic, Amharic, Burmese, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.
If families have questions or require support with an application, they can email EBBHelp@usac.org or call (833) 511-0311
Message from the Principal
I’d like to extend to all of our students, families and friends a warm welcome to our virtual classrooms. Administrators, teachers and staff have worked very hard to ensure that even in the midst of all the changes we’ve all endured, there is stability and continuity in the instruction delivered via our professionals here at IS303. This has been a clear example of not only beginning with the end in mind but also putting first things first. We all synergized and proactively supported each other to make virtual classrooms a reality at our school.
As the instructional leader, my message to parents and students is a very simple one- stay safe, healthy and focused. Now more than ever we will rely on our parents who are our partners to ensure that they supervise that our students are logging on and completing assignments. We will continue teaching and our children will continue learning via. We are extremely excited about this new venture and we look forward to seeing the beautiful opportunities this will yield. Seeking first to understand then to be understood will be critical to working together and learning from each other. I’m sure our students will share with teachers some of their skills and knowledge using online platforms which will only make our offerings better.Our motto continues to stand true now more than ever “High Expectations, Children First, No Excuses.” There is no better time to put first things first than now! Together we will accomplish our very important mission of educating our students and it is up to each and everyone of us to get this done.
Finally, please remember to sharpen the saw while still practicing social distancing. We want to all stay healthy and keep our family members healthy. Take care of yourselves and never forget that here at 303 it is our pleasure to serve YOU.
Special Education Parent Letter
303 Voices Speak
During this extremely trying time, I would like to wish everybody health and peace. It may seem daunting with the current situation in the country and especially New York City, but one should not lose faith. Use these days at home as a way to self reflect, build a stronger resolution and begin a better chapter coming out of this pandemic. With every great energy you encounter, pay it forward and the good karma will come back to you in a positive cycle. Continue to check on each other and offer compassion ,since everyone is not as fortunate, but they can be as loved and respected.
Be well and see you all soon.
Mr. Armondo
Dear Students,
It has been almost a month since we have seen each other. I hope you are well and doing the best under such difficult conditions. After this pandemic settles, you will notice what amazing and resilient people you have become and I, for one, cannot wait to meet the NEW you! My prayer remains for you and your family to stay well, stay home and stay safe!
Forever Friends,
Ms. Angela
Dear Students
Today will never come again.
Be a blessing. Be a friend.
Encourage someone.
Take time to care. Let your words heal, and not wound.
Ms. Debbie