For the first time in 18 years, I’m not sending a kid to a NYC public school today. (Our daughter Rosa is off to college this fall). Despite all the anxieties and challenges of a third year of schooling in the pandemic -- and frustrations with preparations that I wish had been far better -- I’m still jealous. No institution has meant more in the life of our family, or the chance for Marek and Rosa to thrive, than NYC’s public schools.  

For the students I greeted at PS 131 and PS 179 in Kensington this morning, for so many of your kids, and for hundreds of thousands of kids walking into classrooms across the city, many for the first time in 18 months and some for the first time in their young lives, I know the same is true.

  

The new school year always brings some uncertainty, and even trepidation. But it also holds a magic aura of potential too. Of new teachers who spark curiosity and imagination, and draw out best selves. Of hearing about old friends’ summers, and the anxious thrill of making new friends. There’s no place that makes it clearer that, at our best, we can do things collectively, through public action, that give each of us a chance to grow in predictable and surprising ways.

This year, of course, has far more uncertainty and trepidation than most. But the first day’s potential is still something to savor -- and work as hard as we can to live up to. 

I wish that the Mayor and Department of Education had listened to our pleas and prepared far better for this year. That the FDA had already approved vaccines for younger kids (fingers crossed so hard that recent reports are true that the Pfizer vaccine may get emergency approval for kids as young as five by the end of October), and that the DOE had required vaccination for all kids 12+. That a more robust Covid testing policy was in place. That school staff had been paid over the summer to reach out to families, especially those whose students were remote or largely absent last year, to build stronger connections. That many high school students weren’t walking back in through metal detectors this morning. That we were using American Rescue Plan funding for guidance counselors, mentoring, and 1:1 tutoring to help meet the needs and draw out the potential of every one of those kids.

But for all that, I remain immensely grateful to the teams of educators and staff mobilizing today to welcome all our kids, and hopeful that the start of this new academic year can be an opportunity for reconnection, inspiration, support, and learning for your students and young people across the city. I am excited that in person experiences such as science fairs, school plays and sports can return. I am thrilled to see so many schools using nearby streets and parks for learning, lunch and recreation. I know that school budgets will benefit from the infusion of ARP funds and the increase in Fair Student Funding. 

Of course we will need to watch the Covid data very closely, keeping health and safety as a critical north star. Hopefully, the number of cases in schools will stay very low. But we need to watch extremely carefully, and be prepared to move quickly if they rise.  

Our office is here to support as best we can as you navigate this new year in your school communities. We will be keeping a close eye on issues at schools in my Council district which includes much of District 15, and bits of Districts 13 and 20. We will continue to problem-solve with you on any school related issues you may have -- you can contact our Education Liaison Lara Lai at 718.499.1090 or [email protected] 

Citywide, I’ll be asking questions and paying close attention to how the influx of new funding from the federal rescue plan and the state is being spent, and continuing to push hard alongside many of you for investments in Covid safety, thoughtfully tailored academic and mental health supports, smaller classes, outdoor and experiential learning, team-building, and so much more. I remain eager to hear from you about what you’re seeing, good and bad, and what you want me to be pushing harder for.

For all the challenges, our public schools are still the best democratic institutions we have to offer our next generation. I can’t think of a time when we need to commit to them more. 

Best of luck in the new school year, 

Brad

P.S. Please save the date, spread the word, and get your school team ready for the 13th Annual Brooklyn PTA Fun Run in Prospect Park, Saturday, October 23. Join us for this 5K+ run/walk/stroll/toddle/scoot in Prospect Park and help raise money for our public schools! Registration is coming soon!

Covid-19 Updates and Resources

• Latest Virus Data: An average of 1,362 cases per day were reported in New York City, a decline of 16% vs. the average two weeks ago. Since the beginning of the pandemic, at least 1 in 8 residents have been infected, a total of 1,051,595 reported cases. Right now, New York City is at a very high risk for unvaccinated people

• Vaccine Data: As of today, 5,606,805 (67%) of eligible New Yorkers received at least one dose of vaccine, and 5,045,725 (61%) have received two doses.  For more information on vaccine eligibility, locations, and data, visit the NYC Vaccine Command Center’s Website. (And you can review our office’s Vaccine FAQ here).

• Masks: Because of high spread in New York City the CDC recommends that both vaccinated and unvaccinated people wear masks, especially at indoor events. And you must be wearing a mask on public transport at all times, regardless of vaccine status. 

• Vaccine Entry Requirements: You must now present a vaccination card or a vaccine passport on your phone to enter restaurants, entertainment venues, gyms and other  places even if you are wearing a mask. Full list of places here. 

• FDA Approval of the Pfizer Vaccines: On August 23rd, the FDA approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for use for individuals 16 and up. Individuals 12 and up can and should still receive the vaccine due to the emergency use authorization. This is a huge milestone in the fight against COVID-19 and getting more people vaccinated. Schedule your vaccination here.  

• In-Home COVID Vaccines for 12+: People age 12 and over are able to book an appointment for an in-home COVID vaccine appointment. This also includes folks who are immunocompromised and eligible for the third dose. You can sign up here.

• Booster shots: A third dose is currently approved through emergency use authorization for certain immunocompromised individuals. If you believe you are included in that group, speak with your doctor. Beginning in the fall, it is hoped that individuals who are not immunocompromised will be eligible for a booster shot starting 8 months after they have received their second dose of an mRNA vaccine (either Pfizer or Moderna). The FDA is currently conducting an independent evaluation to determine the safety and effectiveness of a booster dose of the mRNA vaccines. If the FDA authorizes this booster dose the goal is for the first people eligible for a booster dose to be those who were first to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, which includes: healthcare providers, residents of long-term care facilities, and other older adults. It is likely that individuals who received a Jonhson & Johnson vaccine will need to receive a booster shot, but the CDC is still collecting data and we will update you when the information is available. 

• Flu Shots: It’s always important to get a flu shot, but especially so during the pandemic as a way to help prevent overburdening the healthcare system. You can get flu shots, at your doctor’s office, most pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens, or through this map here 

• Self Senior Sign up: If you are a senior or know a senior who would benefit from free friendly calls from the Neighbor Network during this isolating time, you can now sign up here by filling out this form or calling 914.572.5526.

Schools

• Vaccine Mandates: New York City has mandated that all school staff and contractors who work in schools be vaccinated. They must have received at least one dose of vaccine by September 27th. All people entering school buildings will also be required to wear masks and be vaccinated (if they are at least 12 years old).

• School vaccination sites: Many schools with students 12+ will have on-site vaccinations available this week, and again the week of October 4 for the second dose. More information on locations can be found here.

• Pandemic EBT food benefits: P-EBT benefits for the 2020-21 school year are currently being issued by New York State to NYC school children. For more information please visit the New York P-EBT information site which includes a FAQs page with many helpful topics.

Other Updates and Resources

• Eviction Moratorium: The existing patchwork of federal and state eviction moratoriums have officially expired or been struck down by courts. The Governor and state legislature are going back into a special session to extend the moratorium, and working to speed up the process of getting the beleaguered rent relief program moving faster to help tenants and landlords alike. Currently you cannot be evicted while your rent relief application is pending (and if approved you will be protected from eviction for a year).

• Emergency Rental Assistance Program: Applications are open for rent relief for tenants and will provide for lower and middle income tenants who are at risk of experiencing homelessness or instability due to rental and/or utility arrears.  You can apply anytime here

• CAMBA ERAP: CAMBA’s tenant support service program is currently assisting the community with completing and submitting their ERAP (Emergency Rent Assistance Program) applications.  They are located at 2244 Church Ave 4th Floor, Brooklyn NY and you can email them with additional questions at [email protected] or call 718.287.2600. You can also reach out to our office and we will connect you 

• Excluded Workers: Workers who were not eligible for stimulus checks or unemployment benefits can apply for Excluded Worker’s Fund (EWF). The EWF provides assistance for New Yorkers who can demonstrate their work history, regardless of immigration stations. You can apply here 

• Legal Services Hotline: NYC Financial Justice Hotline is a free legal hotline for low-income NYC residents.  The hotline is staffed in English and Spanish, provides free legal information, advice, and referrals on a wide range of financial justice issues--from discriminatory banking practices to predatory debt collection. You can find more information here.

• Access Benefits Helpline through Legal Aid: Anyone having trouble with an application to apply for or recertify for HRA cash assistance, SNAP, or Medicaid benefits, can call the Legal Aid Society’s Access to Benefits Helpline at 888.663.6880 M-F 10 AM-3 PM.

• Small Businesses: Small business owners can apply for grants of up to $50,000 to reimburse COVID-19 related expenses incurred between March 1st 2020 and April 1st 2021.  You can learn more and apply here. 

• Return of Curbside Composting: Curbside compost collection is returning! You can sign up for curbside pick up and a brown compost barrel here. In the meanwhile New Yorkers can drop off their compost at any of these locations. 

• The Carroll Park Fair is back: Saturday, September 18, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Clear out your closets, promote your business, sell your product (sorry, no food). Meet your neighbors and local organizations while browsing for housewares, books, music, clothes, jewelry, antiques, art and collectibles! Valentino Ballfield, Court Street between Carroll and President. Space available for only $35. All funds raised through space fees and donations benefit Friends of Carroll Park. For more information: [email protected], 917.574.0745