Frequently asked questions about parent engagement
The DOE issued guidance on parent-teacher conferences during remote learning. Read the guidance »
The DOE distributed this information in an FAQ on March 24, 2020.
Q:Â Can school supervisors require that teachers/paraprofessionals continue parent engagement outreach?
A:Â Yes. Parent engagement and outreach may be more essential than ever. This work should be embedded in the contractual work week.
Q:Â Are there any resources to share with families?
A:Â There are several DOE letters (in multiple languages) that may be shared with parents as well as DOH/CDC links.
Q:Â What is the DOE doing to protect against bias and/or harassment or discrimination toward students, families and staff in communities with a large Asian immigrant population?
A: One of the primary ways to prevent stigma is to stay informed – principals should reiterate
the DOE messages; encourage staff to review DOE InfoHub; and rely on reliable sources of information (e.g. NYC Health Department, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO). BCO Health Director or the Office of School Health). All staff, parents, guardians, and students can report concerns regarding school-based harassment, intimidation, discrimination, and/or bullying behavior by completing one of the following steps below:
- Contacting the DOE’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Management at 718- 935-3320Â
- For complaints about students, do one of the following:
- Notify the school’s principal, Respect for All (RFA) liaison(s), or any other
school employee. - File a report via the online portal
- Email the Office of Safety and Youth Development (OSYD) at
RespectforAll@schools.nyc.gov
- Notify the school’s principal, Respect for All (RFA) liaison(s), or any other
- Families can also get guidance about how to reach out to the appropriate people in their school or district for assistance.
Q:Â Should principals conduct information sessions for parents/families?
A:Â It is recommended that only official materials posted on the DOE website be shared. COVID 19 issues and policies are rapidly evolving and our website hosts the most up to date information we have available.
Q:Â Can schools disclose if a student or staff member is quarantined or diagnosed with Coronavirus?
A:Â According to the NYC Department of Health, there is now widespread community transmission of COVID-19 in New York City, meaning the sources of new infections are unknown. Everyone in New York City should act as if they have been exposed to COVID- 19. That means monitoring your health closely and staying home if you are sick. New Yorkers who are not sick should also stay home as much as possible and avoid all unnecessary social interactions.
- Under no circumstances should individual information be disclosed.Â