It has been a tremendously stressful time for our students, our families and us. The Department of Education agreed with the UFT that a change of pace and focus was in order during the seven days that would have been the spring break in a normal year.

Many of you have reached out to me with questions while we are working remotely during these unprecedented times. Those of you who are mandated service providers have inquired about parent/guardian contact, specifically regarding obtaining parent consent. I've also received questions about counseling supports, group counseling, confidentiality and recording encounter attendance for remote sessions in SESIS.

Thank you again for your patience and for all the hard work you're doing during this challenging period of remote learning. I know there are still some unanswered questions about our rights and responsibilities. Here are some updates from the union's conversations with the city Department of Education.

The State Education Department announced on April 7 that students affected by the cancellation of the June Regents exams will be able to graduate without making them up.

The UFT has been advocating on your behalf with the city Department of Education, the State Education Department and the state Department of Health to establish new protocols that recognize your professional expertise and need for discretion so you can tailor your services to each student’s particular needs and circumstances.We hope the guidance below that we hammered out with the DOE will address many of your concerns and questions.

Today is National Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, so it is a perfect time to say thank you for all that you're doing to make remote learning possible for your students and their families. I know it's been a rocky transition under unprecedented circumstances, but you've stepped up to the plate in a big way. I'm so proud to be your UFT chapter leader.