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Student Family Update

BCS Student/Family Update – 9/6

Published September 6, 2026 by Scill Chan

9/6 – Dear BCS Students and Families, we look forward to seeing you Thurs 9/10 for the first day of school!  Look out for a phone call from your child’s crew leader on Wed!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Start and end time of day – 8:45am-3:05pm

  • The first day of school is Thursday 9/10 – our school day begins at 8:45AM and ends at 3:05pm.  Students should arrive by 8:35am to be on time.

School Supplies – Families do NOT need to purchase supplies

  • We provide all supplies for students.  You do NOT need to purchase anything – students just need a book bag and writing utensils (pens, pencils).  There are no supply lists.

Crew Assignments/Rooms, Student Schedules – New students emailed by Tues 9/8

  • New students to BCS (Grades 6 and 9 and transfers into other grades) will receive their crew assignment with room number by email by Tues 9/8.  Students may not request a crew or to be in the same crew with their friends.
  • Returning students in Grades 7-8 and Grades 10-12 are in the same crew as last year and you already know your crew leaders and rooms.
  • The first two days of school (Thurs 9/10 and Fri 9/11) are full crew days for orientation and students will be in their crew room (8:45am-3:05pm).
  • Students will receive their schedules during the full crew days.  (Note: Students in Grade 6 and 9 will have temporary schedules for up to 2 weeks so that we can get to know students before we make equitable final cohorts.)
  • New students – if you do not receive an email by Tues 9/8, please email scill@bcs448.org

OMNY card distribution first week of school

  • If your child qualifies for the OMNY card, they will receive the card during the first week of school.
  • Additionally, students who ride the school bus should check their NYCSA accounts at the end of the summer – School bus ridership information will be available to families beginning August 25.  

New Family Orientation – Wed 9/9 at 4pm and Thurs 9/10 at 9am

  • If you are a new family to BCS (and you did not attend our orientations in June), there are two opportunities to come see the building and meet admin.  Optional – all are welcome!  Please email our Assistant Principal Imani with questions: imani@bcs448.org
  • Wed 9/9 at 4pm
  • Thurs 9/10 at 9am (after student drop-off)
  • Location – Cafeteria

Arrival to School – First Day of School Thurs 9/10

  • Doors open at 8:30am.  School begins at 8:45am.
  • On the first day of school, Grade 6 students enter through the cafeteria doors (middle of Henry St) where Crew leaders will pick the students up at 8:35AM from the cafeteria.
    • After the first day of school, Grades 6 students enter through the Coles Street yard and go to their Crew classroom directly (do not wait in the cafeteria).
  • Grades 7 & 8 students enter through the Coles Street back yard at 8:35AM and go directly upstairs to the 4th floor to their Crew rooms.
  • Grades 9-12 students enter on Henry Street at 8:35AM at the doors farthest to the left when facing the building (MAIN ENTRANCE, by Coles Street, by the gym) and go directly upstairs to the 5th floor to their Crew rooms.
  • We will have signs and staff posted to help you find your way around!

Breakfast and Early Yard

  • Hot breakfast is available from 8:15-8:35am in the cafeteria daily.
  • Students can come daily for supervised recess in the yard starting at 8:15am.  Come and play before school starts!

Dismissal from School – daily

  • School ends at 3:05pm daily.  Students can leave the building via the main entrance or the entrance on Rapelye Street to support with traffic flow.
  • All middle and high school students are permitted to self-dismiss at 3:05pm, they do not need to wait for a parent pick-up.  If you are picking up your child, please make sure they know to wait for you.  

Lunch/Snacks/Water

  • All students should bring a refillable water bottle and a snack daily.
  • Grades 6-8 students eat in the cafeteria – students eat home lunch or a school lunch.  Each grade rotates through the cafeteria for 20 min, and there is 25 min of recess in the yard/gym.
  • Grade 9 students eat in the cafeteria – please bring a home lunch or plan to eat school lunch.  
  • Grades 10, 11, 12 eat home lunch or a school lunch.  They also have the privilege of going out to lunch within an 8-block radius of the school to ensure that they arrive to their Pd 7 class on time.  Students who are late to afternoon classes lose the privilege to go outside.

Donate to our PTA Annual Appeal – we need you!

Donate from our Amazon wish list – WE NEED MASKS AND TISSUES!

Electronics policy – no phones, no personal laptops, and no headphones/earbuds

  • The 2026 NYC DOE cell phone policy requires all students to keep personal internet-enabled devices stored away from the school day, from bell-to-bell. All personal electronic devices, including smartphones and smartwatches and personal laptops, must be stored and inaccessible during the entire school day. 
  • Middle school students – hand in their phones to Pd 1 teacher and get it back Pd 8 – here is the Middle School Electronics Policy
  • High school students – pouch their phones at entry in the provided Yondr, carry their pouch all day, unpouch when exiting the building at dismissal.  Students must carry their pouches to and from school daily.  Lost or damaged pouches cost $20 for replacement.  Here is the High School Electronics Policy.
  • Students who hand in fake phones or attempt to use electronics during the school day are subject to progressive disciplinary action.
  • No personal student laptops are permitted and no video games.  Students who need laptop access must use the school laptops, available in every classroom every class period.  Additionally headphones and earbuds are not permitted.
  • Distraction-free schools without internet-enabled devices increase academic achievement, decrease mental health concerns, increase positive socialization, and decrease behavior incidents for all

NYCPS – Screen Time & AI Policy

  • NYC Public Schools has restricted AI use by students – please note that one of the exceptions to AI use is with one of five Centrally-approved pilot programs – BCS is partnered with Playlab, which is one of the five approved AI pilots.
  • All high school students across the city will be required to complete two 45-minute AI literacy modules every year that cover the basics of AI, as well as issues related to bias and misinformation. More details to follow.
  • NYC Public Schools has also recommended limitations to screen time.  We will work with teachers to be mindful of screen use during class time.  Note that exceptions to screen time are with Centrally-approved programs, testing / screeners, assistive technology related to student IEPs or MLLs, and out of school time (including remote learning days).  Teacher-led use of tools—such as computers, tablets, and interactive smart boards—is allowable for whole or small group instruction.

MS Afterschool – Free Programming for all students Grades 6-8 (Mon-Fri 3:05pm-6pm)

  • We have an amazing afterschool program with Inspiring Minds for all students Grades 6-8 (free for all students) everyday Mon-Fri from 3:05pm-6:00pm in the building
  • There is academic help, fun activities, workshops led by experts like professional chefs, programmers, etc.
  • Stay tuned for more information and application – email Leah McClain – lmcclain@inspiringmindsnyc.org.  The first day of MS afterschool programming is Tues 9/22.

MS Tuesday Afterschool Clubs for Middle School

  • MS staff offer clubs afterschool on Tuesdays.  We welcome all students to stay afterschool on Tuesdays for a variety of clubs with their teachers.  More details to follow with this year’s offerings.
  • All Grade 6 students stay for Tuesday clubs (Tues until 3:50pm) for community building and student onboarding.

HS Afterschool – Free IM Programming for all students Grades 9-12 (times vary)

  • We have an amazing afterschool program with Inspiring Minds NYC for all students Grades 9-12 (free for all students).  Students can join one day or everyday for 10 week cycles.
  • Any questions and for the application – please email our Afterschool Director Ashley Armand at aarmand@inspiringmindsnyc.org 

Yellow bus service or IEP questions

  • Check NYCSA for updates on your child’s yellow bus service if mandated by the IEP
  • Email Imani@bcs448.org for questions about your child’s IEP.  

NYCPS – Annual Privacy Notices and Forms with Families

NYCPS – fill out the Family Income Inquiry Form to help us secure Title I funding

  • All New York City public school students receive free breakfast and lunch in the cafeteria every day. However, completing the Family Income Inquiry Form is a key factor in determining whether BCS is eligible to receive Title I and other funding. Title I provides essential funding for programs and services. By submitting this form, you can help ensure that funding for your child’s school is properly calculated for these resources.
  • Please complete the Family Income Inquiry Form online at myschoolapps.com, enter your zip code, and select “New York City Schools” as the district. Our school number is 15K448 – Brooklyn Collaborative Studies.  The information you provide will not be used by any other agency or for any other reason than to provide additional funding to our school.  

NYCPS Calendar

  • The 2026-27 NYCPS school year calendar is available here: calendar
  • Our BCS calendar is on our website- bcs448.org

NYCPS – Parents, sign up for your NYC Student Account (NYCSA)

  • Parents can sign into their New York City Student Account (NYCSA) to access information from DOE systems about your child.  In your NYCSA account, you can find your child’s grades, attendance, test scores, schedules, transportation information, and more— from anywhere, and in all nine standard DOE language translations. 
  • Introducing the NYCSA Mobile App! Download NOW and stay connected.
  • If you have not previously created an account, you will need an account creation code.  Please email Scill@bcs448.org with your child’s full name and grade (and OSIS number if you know it) and your request for a code.  

NYCPS – Student Health: Immunization Required by DOE

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

City Cinema’s Fall 2026 Weekend Program

  • City Cinema is a fully-funded, year-round filmmaking and acting program for high school students in New York City. 
  • FILM LAUNCH: offers an exciting introduction to the dynamic world of digital media. Students will embark on a journey through the rich legacy of cinematic storytelling, exploring everything from the origins of the first moving images to the evolution of film, all the way to the video content we consume on our phones today. As the storytellers of tomorrow, you will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on technical filmmaking, culminating in a collaborative project where you will work in teams to write, direct, and produce a short film. Apply now!
    • Dates: Every Saturday 11am – 6pm | September 19 – December 5, 2026
    • Cost: Completely FREE
    • Experience: Beginners welcome
    • Availability: Limited spots remaining
  • WHY CITY CINEMA?

✓ No cost barrier – Accessible to students of all economic backgrounds

✓ Hands-on experience – Students learn by creating and collaborating

✓ Professional training –  Learn from working artists and industry professionals

✓ College & career preparation – Build skills and experience in the creative industries

✓ Continued opportunities – Students can continue with City Cinema through future Spring and Summer programs

Girls for Gender Equity Paid Opportunities

  • We are a Brooklyn-based intergenerational nonprofit organization committed to the physical, psychological, social, and economic development of girls and women, particularly cisgender and transgender girls and gender non-conforming/non-binary (GNC/NB) youth of color. 
  • Programs begin in October and run two days a week from 4:30-6:30 through June.
  • Participants receive a monthly stipend, care packages, metrocards and more!
  • Application links: bit.ly/YWAC2027 and bit.ly/SIS2027
  • RSVP for the Open House on Friday, September 18th at 4:00pm
  • The Young Women’s Advisory Council (YWAC) is a paid leadership program for young people ages 16–24. Through YWAC, participants help shape policy, programs, research, and funding recommendations across New York City while building skills in leadership, advocacy, civic engagement, and community organizing.
  • Sisters in Strength (SIS)is a paid program for young people ages 15–18. SIS supports survivors of child sexual abuse and their allies through healing-centered programming, joy, community building, leadership development and advocacy skill-building. 
  • Applications for YWAC and SIS are now open.

Published in BCS News