Getting Ready for 2017-18: What Families Need to Know
The following information was e-mailed to enrolled BFS families on Aug. 1, 2017, along with a welcome letter from Head of School Larry Weiss.
START-OF-SCHOOL FACT SHEET FOR 2017-18
Important Note: Class placements for Preschool and Lower School and Advisory Placements for Middle School will be sent to parents by e-mail on August 24, 2017
My BackPack and Accuracy of Data
Every parent has an online account with BFS’s Senior Systems “My BackPack.” If you haven’t done so already, please log on to your account to check for accuracy of data. Be sure to update mailing address, phone number, email addresses, and especially work information, if outdated.
Include contact information for grandparents and family members in the “Additional Contacts” section, so that we may send them school publications and invitations to special events. Questions should be addressed to: seniorsystems@brooklynfriends.org
All forms need to be completed and returned to Magnus Health (not the school) by August 15. Follow-up questions should be addressed to: magnusadmin@brooklynfriends.org
Returning Parents and Students should use last year’s cards.
Returning caregivers or new caregivers (Affiliates) need to have parents fill out an online form authorizing the card for reactivation at https://brooklynfriends.org/bfsid
Requests for replacement ID cards, need to be made at https://brooklynfriends.org/bfsid
New Parents should go online to https://brooklynfriends.org/bfsid to request a card. You will need your BFS Household ID number to complete the process. Your household ID number was sent to you by email on July 24. We ask new parents to complete the online form by August 15 so they may receive their cards on the first day of school, or by August 29. If that is not done, we will take your photo on Parent Orientation evenings in September, but your card will be delayed.
The online forms require that parents provide a Household ID (as an extra security measure). Parents are given this number when they are new to the school. If you forgot your Household ID, send an e-mail to info@brooklynfriends.org and you will receive a prompt reply.
BFS Website and Parent Dashboard
Every parent has an account for the BFS website’s password-protected Parent Dashboard, which provides direct and secure access to divisional information, links to Magnus, TADS, My BackPack and other parent-specific resources. Returning parents should continue to use the login that was set up previously. All new parents will receive an e-mail message to set up an account by August 15, 2017. If you need assistance, please email jstanley@brooklynfriends.org
The new 2017-18 School Calendar has a sesquicentennial theme with archival photographs. Each family will receive a printed copy in the mail shortly. To view a PDF of the calendar, go to: https://brooklynfriends.org/150calendar
Welcome from the Parent and Teacher Association
Read a letter from the PAT Co-Presidents that describes the work of the PAT, the services they offer and events they plan, and the many opportunities for parent involvement in the upcoming year.
https://brooklynfriends.org/patwelcome
Student Metrocards
Grade K-12 students eligible for NYC Student Metrocards receive the cards from their classroom teacher or advisor on, or shortly after, the first day of school. The NYC Department of Education (DOE) determines eligibility based on grade and walking distance from home to school. Half-fare Student Metrocards are good for bus only. Any questions should be referred to Cheryl Foote at the 375 Pearl Street front desk.
Parking Vouchers for the Marriott Hotel Parking Lot
Due to NYU’s long-term construction project at 370 Jay Street, vehicular traffic and parking are prohibited on Pearl Street. Parents who need to travel by car to drop off and pick up their children may park in the Marriott Hotel Parking Lot (Adams Street entrance). Upon leaving Pearl Street to return to the parking lot, you may request a parking voucher from the front desk (Cheryl); this will cover the parking fee up to 30 minutes. Charges for more than 30 minutes must be paid directly to the parking lot cashier.
Afterschool Programs and Music Lessons
Registration for Preschool, Lower School, and Middle School afterschool programs and specialty classes begins on August 8 at 11am and closes on Sept. 1.
The Afterschool Music Lesson program has the same registration schedule.
For music lessons, go here.
For Preschool Afterschool, go here
For Lower School Afterschool, go here
For Middle School Afterschool, go here
Middle School Supply List
The Middle School has a start of school Supply List for each grade, which may be found here
Athletics for Students in Grades 7-12
All students in Grade 7-12 are encouraged to “Join the Team.” Upper School athletes begin practicing on Aug. 21, 2017, and 7th/8th grade athletes begin practicing on August 28, 2017.
The complete athletics packet may be found here
Required Summer Reading for Middle & Upper School Students
For Required Summer Reading Lists, go to https://brooklynfriends.org/readinglists