SMART Week: Students Making a Real Transition November 2023

November 2023

 

Dear Families,

 

We are recognizing our students in temporary housing during the week of November 13

through November 17, 2023 in all New York City public schools.

 

SMART Week: Students Making a Real Transition is about raising awareness to our

more than 100,000 students in temporary housing. Our goal is to help students be more

kind, supportive, and respectful towards each other. Stigma, bullying, and hostility toward

students and families in temporary housing has no place in NYC schools.

 

As you may know, the housing status of your child is private information and will not be

shared or made public during this week by any school staff. We will not single out any

student currently in a transition to share their experience. SMART Week is simply an

opportunity to show these students that school is a safe place for them.

 

The Department of Education’s Students in Temporary Housing team is working with schools

to engage students and families in activities, discussions, and service during SMART Week to

create a more welcoming environment in their school.

 

If you have any concerns about your child participating in these discussions, please contact

your school. For answers to your questions about support services available to families in

temporary housing, please email [email protected].

 

Sincerely,

The Office of Students in Temporary Housing & Foster Care

 

If a child is experiencing homelessness or in a temporary living situation, please see Ms. Gattuso in room 168.