Letter from Pete

Dear ICE Families:

I hope that everyone in your families are healthy and well right now and I know we all are paying close attention to the news coming out about Coronavirus. I wanted to update you and let you know about our discussions and actions here at ICE and pass on requests of NYC families coming from DOE central.

First and foremost - if your child is exhibiting flu-like symptoms they should stay home without question. Please know the DOE has produced attendance codes related to this situation so children are not penalized or accountable for absences during this time. We will make sure that all kids' attendance records reflect this. If you or your child has come into contact with anyone who has tested positive for Covid-19 please keep your child home as well. Please do not send kids to school out of concern for their record. If you choose to keep your children home please let us know and if you have your child tested for covid-19 please let me know as soon as possible.

Each day in our building the custodial staff disinfects all bathroom surfaces and door knobs twice during school hours and once after. We have ample soap and towels for children to wash their hands. Teachers are disinfecting computer keyboards and tables twice a day with wipes or sprays to make sure that we reduce the potential for infection. 

Today in advisory we handed out the NYC health department's essential information about coronavirus so that all ICE kids have basic scientific information about the virus and how to help prevent transmission. We redacted information about telecommuting and other adult-focused info. Here is the link:  Coronavirus Fact Sheet.

On Monday after school we will continue our discussions of contingency plans and finalize arrangements for student learning in the event that ICE is closed for any period of time. At this time there is no indication there will be a large scale closure, but as you all know new information becomes available daily. I will reach out if any related information comes available and I will communicate ICE's plan for learning for any student not attending school. 

I wish everyone some peace as you think this all through. Please let me know if you decide to keep children home from school and please expect more updates from me in the near future.

Take Care

Pete