OCS Middle School Appeal Update

Dear OCS Parent/Caregiver,

On Thursday, May 25, 2017, a Manhattan Supreme Court extended the temporary injunction. The court’s ruling is a very positive and an important outcome for several reasons: it ensures that OCS will receive a fair review of our appeal from an impartial third-party (unaffiliated with the DOE); and it prevents the DOE from taking any further action against OCS to close our middle school, until the court makes a final determination to uphold or overturn the DOE’s decision.
 
The court will conduct a full review OCS’s appeal and render a decision at a later date (TBD). While we are hopeful that the court will make a quick decision about the future of our middle school, it is important to note that it can take up to several weeks or more before a final determination is made.
 
As a practical matter, it is becoming clear that the DOE will be unable to place students for the 2017-2018 school year.
 
We will keep you updated with any new information related to this matter.
 
Thank you again for your resilience, patience and support during this difficult time.

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Call your elected officials and encourage them to tell Mayor Bill de Blasio to support OCS. We thank you for your support as we continue the fight to keep our middle school open.

Congress Member Adriano Espaillat (13th Congressional District)
718-450-8241 (Bronx Office)
212-663-3900 (Harlem Office)

Public Advocate Letitia James
212-669-4301

Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer
212-669-7085​

Council Member Bill Perkins (District 9)
212-678-4505 (District Office)
212-788-7397 (Legislative Office) 

Assembly Member Inez E. Dickens (District 70)
212-866-5809 (District Office)
518-455-4793 (Albany Office)

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Parent-Student Handbook

We are honored that you have chosen OCS for your child’s education. We look forward to sharing this year with you. 

Below you can download our Parent-Student Handbooks that are filled with essential information for reaching the highest levels of success at OCS. Please these materials together as a family. in its entirety.  All students and families are responsible for being aware of and abiding by the information provided in the Parent-Student handbook.

OCS Parent-Student Handbook

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Parent Involvement Policy

School Parent Compact

Internet Acceptable Use Policy

Title I: Right to Know Notification

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Family Involvement Policy

Important Reminders

OCS recognizes that family involvement is a critical component of education. Parents of OCS students are vital contributors in the education of their children. Accordingly, parents are encouraged to participate in the development of programs and activities, and to stay informed about programs in which their students participate. It is through mutual understanding and close cooperation between the school and home that a student’s academic success will thrive.

There are several scheduled events throughout the school year where students and families gather together to celebrate in the interest of increasing the value of education while building community spirit.

Some of these include:

• Admissions Open Houses: OCS families are invited to come out to promote the school to prospective families seeking admission to OCS.
• Advocacy Day: Parents are bused to Albany to show support for Charter Schools.
• Parent-Teacher Conferences: See the school calendar for dates.

• Emergencies: Please make sure that the phone numbers we have are current and up-to-date so that in the event of an emergency, we are able to contact you immediately.
• ​Inclement Weather/Snow days:In the event that school will be closed due to inclement weather, you will receive a phone call, email and text the evening before or in the morning. You are also encouraged to check the local news for New York City school updates. Please make sure your telephone number and email address are listed with our office.
• Notes: Sign all notes that are brought home, and send in a note anytime your child is absent.
• Personal Electronics Policy: All non-OCS electronic devices must be stored in student lockers for the entirety of the school day, including lunch, recess, and off-campus school-sponsored trips. If a non-OCS electronic is visible or audible during any part of the school day (even if it is outside of school), this policy shall be followed.
  
• Planners: Please make sure that your student is bringing home his/her planner every night and that you are signing it after seeing that the homework is completed.