June 6, 2022

 

Dear PS 124 Community,

 

This school year has been challenging with so many ups and downs, yet we made it through!!  Here are some of the events that happened after school reopened in September and in person learning restarted:

 

• Vaccination required of all school staff

• Daily health screening to enter building & face masks mandated to be worn

• Breakfast in classrooms with 3 ft. social distancing in classrooms and lunchroom

• Weekly random COVID testing for Gr. 1-5 students and staff

• Return of special programs (NDI, Harmony Program, Theatre Club, Chess, Running club)

• Vaccination for students ages 5 offered in school with $100 incentive

• CPC Lion Dancers performing to celebrate Lunar New Year

• New School Chancellor David Banks along with policy changes

• Breakfast resumed in cafeteria and social distancing no longer required

• Boosters available to adults

• Changes to quarantine periods for students and adults who test positive

• Rapid test kits sent home weekly

• Wearing face masks optional in school (except in PK classes)

• Field Days for all grades

• Upcoming Moving Up celebrations and Graduation

 

It has been wonderful seeing the children re-establishing friendships and blossom over the past 10 months.  Although we continue to maintain health and safety protocols throughout the school community, there is some sense of relief that we are returning to a new kind of ‘normalcy’.

 

On behalf of the staff and students, I’d like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the PTA Executive board members and parent volunteers who have done so much this year to help in resuming school-wide activities and fundraisers to benefit teaching and learning in our classrooms.  While it has been difficult with scheduling and planning meetings much of the time virtually, they persevered and were able to organize successful events.

 

At this time, I’d also like to recognize our school staff that includes teachers, office personnel, related service providers, cafeteria workers, custodial workers and safety agents.  Their dedication, flexibility  and collaborative efforts this year have kept our school open, safe and thriving.  While there are still uncertainties about the next school year, the staff here will work hard to maintain the excellence in education that Yung Wing Elementary PS 124 is known for.

 

I want to congratulate our 5th grade students and their families as their final year here at Yung Wing Elementary comes to an end.  We wish them much success as they move on to middle school. 

 

As you are aware, I will be retiring as of September 1st.  It has been a privilege and honor to be the Principal of this incredible school for the last 19 years.  To know that so many students entered our school and have gone on to achieve success in different fields brings lots of joy and happiness to my heart.  In the words of Shai Reshef, “When you educate one person you can change a life, when you educate many, you can change the world.”   

 

On behalf of Ms. Helman, the school staff and myself, I wish everyone a safe, healthy and relaxing summer! 

 

 

Alice Hom

Principal