FAQ - School Re-opening 2023-2024

2023 - 2024 FAQ

Updated July 2023

When is the first day of school for students? September 7, 2023

Where can I find the DOE School Calendar? DOE School Calendar

What time does school begin? School begins at 8:00 a.m. for all students

Does my child qualify for bus service? Bus service is determined by the home address of the child. Click on this link to see if you meet the criteria: Bus Eligibility

Where can I locate my child's bus route? To view information on your child’s transportation services and busing information log into your NYCSA account. My Student NYC Account

What is the social distance guideline? No

How will meals be at PS 144? Students will use the cafeteria and sit at round tables with their class. Students will have 30 minutes to eat their lunch. Breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m. using the Main Entrance doors. Breakfast is a hot meal between 7:30 - 8:00 a.m. After 8:00 a.m. students will be provided a cold Grab and Go meal; which they eat in their classroom. Lunch will be a hot lunch. Students will eat snack in the classrooms.

Arrival? We will have 4 gates open for access to the courtyard area. 2 on Kessel and 2 on Juno. Students will line up and then enter the building no earlier than 7:55 a.m.

Grade 3-K and Pre-K: 3K/PreK ramp by Juno St.
Kindergarten, Grade 2, Grade 5 - Exit 11, enter through Back Courtyard by Juno St.
Grades 1, 3 and 4 - Exit 5 & 6, Enter through Kessel Street

What doors will the students be using for dismissal in the afternoon? Each teacher is assigned to a specific space in which they will line-up. We ask the parents to please not call your child from afar and instead walk up to the teacher and ask for your child. Signs will be posted where each class will be dismissed from. To make dismissal run smoothly we ask parents come with a sign with your child's name the first week of school.

3K & Pre-K: 2:00 p.m. Big Yard
K: 2:05 p.m. Kessel Door on 69th Street (K-223, K-221, K-225), Juno Door on 69th St (K-224, K-222, K/1/2-315)
1st grade: 2:10 p.m.- Big School Yard (Look for class numbers)
2nd grade: 2:10 p.m.- Kessel Door on 69th St (2-327, 2-326), Juno Door on 69th St (2-324, 2-323)
3rd grade: 2:15 p.m. Big School Yard (Look for class numbers) Class room-425 will be dismissed by Kessel Door on 69th St.
4th grade: 2:15 p.m. - Big School Yard (Look for class numbers)
5th grade: 2:15 p.m. - Juno Door on 69th St

What is the weather guideline for students to go outside? Children benefit from vigorous exercise and should be given the opportunity to play outside whenever possible. . Unless it is snowing, or there is ice on the playground, or the wind chill factor produces an effective temperature below zero degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius), temperature alone should not be a barrier to outdoor play.

The staff is encouraged to maintain outdoor play periods. Please make sure your child dresses warm and ensure that they are appropriately dressed on very cold days. When outdoors, ensure that your child covers exposed skin, wear warm clothing, and use multiple layers to maintain warmth. Students should also continue to adhere to physical distancing requirements by remaining at least six feet apart at all times.

Do students have to wear a mask all day? No, masks are optional.

Will my child be permitted to use the bathroom during the day? Students in 3K, Pre-K and Kindergarten have bathrooms in their classrooms and can use the bathroom anytime during the school day. Students in Grades 1 – 5 can also go to the bathroom at any time during the school day. Students will be reminded of proper hand washing throughout the day.

What supplies does my child need? Click on the link and scroll down to your grade. 3K and Pre-K does not need to bring in any supplies. Supply List

When will we be notified who my child's teacher is? On the first day of school you will find out who your child's teacher is. As stated on the report card class placements are subject to change as we get closer to the opening of school. If your child is in 3K, Pre-K or Kindergarten letters will be emailed to the families at the end of August by August 30th.

My child will no longer be attending PS 144 and I need to return the iPad or Chromebook; how do I do it? We would prefer all iPads and Chromebooks of students moving be returned to our building. If that is not possible please click on this link on how to return the iPad. IPAD Return

My child did not get a seat in the G and T class but qualifies for the program. How will PS 144 help my child be challenged?

All teachers have

knowledge and understanding of the characteristics of gifted students;
the skills for planning, providing and coordinating differentiated teaching and learning environments that appropriately challenge gifted students so they achieve at high levels; and
abilities to collaborate with families and school staff to provide individualized instruction for gifted students

Students will receive instruction with adjustments to content, process, products, activities to meet their individualized needs.

Will parents of 3K and Pre-K be able to drop off at the classroom door? 3K and PreK will meet staff by the ramp in the small courtyard.

Will there be afterschool in the building this year? CommonPoint Queens will run the Afterschool Program 5 days a week for the 2023-2024 school year at P.S. 144Q. Please visit our afterschool page for more information: Afterschool Information

Where does the Afterschool Program dismiss? The afterschool program will use the main entrance on Juno Street for dismissal. Please wait on the sidewalk until the children exit the building.

Where do I find information on PA events and meetings? Please visit the events page on our website for more information: PA Events Page

What is the visitor policy? As per the DOE all visitors to the building must show Government issued I.D.

What is the student Behavioral Expectations? P.S. 144 follows the Citywide Behavioral Expectations. For move information: Behavioral Expectations