We would like to take this opportunity to revisit several important school-wide practices and procedures that support student safety, protect instructional time and ensure that our children have the opportunities they need to be successful.
Technology and Digital Literacy
Our use of technology is guided by NYC Public Schools instructional expectations and the 2026–2027 screen-time guidance.
For students in Kindergarten through Grade 2, the guidance does not support routine individual one-to-one screen time. For students in Grades 3–5, NYCPS recommends limiting individual screen time to a maximum of 30 minutes per day, with exceptions for approved assessments, accessibility needs, and other authorized instructional purposes. Teacher-directed technology used for whole-group or small-group instruction is considered separately from individual device use.
We recognize the importance of preparing students with the foundational skills they will need as they progress through school. These include age-appropriate keyboarding skills, navigating educational resources, conducting research, understanding online safety, and demonstrating responsible digital citizenship.
Technology is used with a clear instructional purpose and is not a replacement for explicit teaching, independent reading and writing, student discourse, hands-on learning or opportunities for movement and social interaction.
Our teachers use professional judgment and follow NYCPS guidance when incorporating technology into instructional activities. Our focus remains on providing a balanced instructional program that develops strong literacy and mathematical skills while preparing students to use technology responsibly.
Strengthening Our Home-School Partnership
We value the partnership we share with our families and recognize that ongoing communication between parents and teachers is essential to student success.
Lunch and Recess
Our lunch period is divided into two separate portions. Students have designated time to eat in the cafeteria, followed by approximately 20–25 minutes of recess.
Our goal is always to have students outdoors in the schoolyard whenever weather and safety conditions permit. School aides and designated members of our administrative team supervise students during this time.
As you know, P.S. 81 is an overcrowded school, and we have two designated spaces for recess: our schoolyard and auditorium. This requires careful coordination of lunch schedules, transitions, staffing, and supervision to ensure that students are safe and that the program runs smoothly.
Decisions regarding outdoor recess are made in accordance with NYC Public Schools guidance and take into consideration rain, snow, ice, wind chill, and the condition of the schoolyard. Cold weather alone does not necessarily prevent students from going outdoors. We make every effort to provide outdoor recess when conditions are appropriate.
When weather conditions do not permit outdoor recess, students participate in a variety of supervised activities. These may include movement to music, drawing, artwork, reading, games, and opportunities to talk and interact with classmates. On occasion, brief, age-appropriate music or movement clips may be incorporated as one of several activities.
We recognize that recess is an important part of the school day. Children need opportunities to move, develop friendships, engage in play, and enjoy time with their peers.
Movement and Social-Emotional Learning Throughout the Day
I also want to emphasize that opportunities for movement and social interaction are not limited to the lunch and recess period.
Our teachers intentionally incorporate movement breaks, mindfulness activities, partner discussions, and opportunities for student discourse into their daily instructional plans. These opportunities are increased on days when inclement weather limits outdoor activity.
We recognize that children learn in different ways and that movement and brief mental breaks support student engagement and readiness to learn.
Equally important is the development of social skills. We provide opportunities for students to communicate, collaborate, develop friendships, and build confidence. Teachers are especially mindful of students who may be shy or need additional encouragement to participate and interact with their classmates.
Student-interest surveys and classroom observations help us better understand our students' interests and how we can continue to strengthen their sense of belonging.
These practices are consistent with our schoolwide commitment to social-emotional learning and creating classroom environments where every child feels included and supported.
I would like to remind families that every Tuesday is designated for parent-teacher communication. This is an important opportunity for families to connect with their child's teacher, discuss progress, ask questions, and gain a better understanding of the curriculum, instructional practices, and the specific programs and systems that support their child's learning.
Our teachers work diligently to implement a rigorous instructional program that includes explicit teaching, differentiated instruction, targeted small-group support, and ongoing assessments to monitor student progress.
We recognize that families may not always be familiar with the instructional approaches, resources, and programs that are part of their child's daily learning experiences. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher if you have questions or would like clarification about the curriculum, instructional expectations, or supports being provided.
Our teachers are in the best position to explain the day-to-day instructional practices and the learning experiences taking place in their classrooms. Our staff is dedicated to strengthening the partnership between home and school and ensuring that families are informed about their child's educational program.
We will continue to highlight our Tuesday parent-teacher communication opportunities in our school-wide communications as a reminder that ongoing dialogue is an important part of supporting student success.
Families are also encouraged to participate in our School Leadership Team meetings, Parent Association meetings, Coffee with the Principal, and other schoolwide workshops and activities. These opportunities provide valuable information about our instructional priorities, schoolwide initiatives, and the decisions that guide our work.
We encourage all families to take advantage of these opportunities, share their perspectives, and remain informed about the many programs and initiatives taking place at P.S. 81.
Our decisions are guided by NYC Public Schools policies, student safety, available resources, and, most importantly, our responsibility to meet the needs of all children.
We are fortunate to have a dedicated staff who work tirelessly to provide a rigorous instructional program while ensuring that our students have opportunities to develop socially, emotionally, and physically.
As always, our goal is to know every child, maintain high expectations, and provide the support and opportunities necessary for all students to succeed.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership.