Dear UACHS family,
We are eagerly anticipating our first day of school on September 1. As of now, we will be fully in-person, and we look forward to welcoming your student to the school building for a successful and healthy school year.
We will be following all orders and guidance issued by state and local authorities, particularly with regard to two key issues. First, everyone entering the school building is required to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth at all times, except while eating and drinking during lunch and any granted mask breaks. Second, all instruction will be in-person at the school; remote learning will not be offered.
Our two top priorities for the school year will be to provide excellent instruction that supports all students in their academic progress and to do so in a way that supports the health and well-being of everyone in the UACHS family. To that end, we ask that parents emphasize with their student the importance of complying with all of the school’s health and safety practices. We also strongly encourage every member of the UACHS family to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Vaccines are free and available to anyone age 12 and over in several locations throughout Jersey City: https://jerseycitynj.gov/CityHall/health/covid19vaccines
Over the last year and a half, we have worked very hard to make sure that our school building is a safe place to learn. Our HVAC filters have all been replaced, every classroom has an ultraviolet air purifier, and hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes are available throughout the school and in every classroom. Everyone entering the building is required to complete a COVID-19 screener on the UACHS app and to have their temperature checked.
Students must arrive by 8am on the first day of school. To facilitate distribution of class schedules and completion of health and safety checks, students in grades 9 and 10 must line up outside the front entrance on West Side Avenue, while 11th and 12th grade students will line up outside the back entrance of the school.
Students will receive their class schedules when they arrive on the first day of school. They will also receive a new Chromebook and a new Yondr pouch. Students must bring their Chromebook and their Yondr pouch to school every day. Students are required to turn off and lock up their phones and any smart watches and/or wireless earbuds in their Yondr pouch for the duration of the school day. Parents can call the school at 201-200-3200 if they need to reach their student during the school day.
While the Chromebooks will have all of the programs and apps that students need to complete their assignments, they do not have their own internet service. If your student does not have access to reliable, high-speed internet service at home, please contact Ms. Chenelle ([email protected]) to receive a tablet that will provide free, unlimited Internet service.
Lunch applications were mailed out and must be filled out and returned for each student. Every student will receive free lunch this year, but the applications still must be completed and returned, as they determine school funding for student programming. Students should bring their completed lunch form with them on September 1.
As always, my door is always open if you have any questions or concerns. Please call the school at 201-200-3200 if you wish to schedule an appointment to meet.
Here’s to a successful and healthy new school year!
Sincerely yours,
Mr. Erie Lugo, Jr.
Dean/Principal