Back to School Resources for New York Parents During Covid Pandemic

School during the pandemic has presented many challenges to New York residents due to the coronavirus pandemic. From school plans to support groups, we know that community is critical. We gathered a variety of resources and tips for our residents, whether class is in session at home or at school this year.

Property managers can help connect parents with other parents within the same community.
If your child or household gets sick, it is important for management to know so that all health and safety precautions are accounted for within the community association. Names and other personal information such as the unit or address are never shared with other residents.
By knowing that a resident is attending school at home, management can expect homes to produce a little extra noise than usual. If a noise issue comes up, this extra context is helpful to know.

Register for E-billing (Go Paperless): How to Register For E-Billing

Pay Your Common Charge or Maintenance Fees Electronically: How to Register for ClickPay / ClickPay Portal

Reach out to other parents in your community association and create a support group within the community. Create a phone/email list and share it with other parents (with their permission first).
Create virtual study groups amongst parents and students.
Kids within the same community can stay connected via virtual family game nights (to play with other households, you need a way to stream the game, like steam, and a video tool like Zoom or Google Hangouts), video chats, etc.

Make sure your home is equipped with proper Wi-Fi prior to school starting.
Check with your school to find out what students need. Schools may require more than just pencils and notebooks this year. Make sure your child is prepared for the digital needs of a virtual classroom. For example, students may need a laptop or computer, webcam, keyboard, mouse, etc.

Find out if your school district is lending any computers out to households if you are unable to afford one.
Connect with teachers before classes begin to make sure you have all other learning tools set up beforehand. For example, the computer may need installations such as zoom or other software.
If possible, set up a distinct “classroom” space or setting at home to help minimize distractions.
Have headphones at the ready to help minimize distractions and noise in your home and within the community association.

Acquire your school’s safety plan and review it with your children (school plans are subject to change based on coronavirus cases and safety needs).
Please notify your property manager if your child or household may have been exposed to coronavirus or if someone in your household has tested positive. Even if you are not sure, this communication is critical in keeping virus spread from occurring within the community. We will never reveal your identity or personal information to other residents.
Equip students with hand sanitizer, a mask, and other safety/sanitization items.
Remind kids to social distance, wash their hands, and avoid touching their faces while they are at school.

Have a plan B in case schools close and your child needs to come home. This should include a travel plan.
College students should pack a “go pack” in case they get sick, or in case they need to come home without a lot of notice.
If college students come home from out of state, they must also adhere to New York State quarantine requirements upon their return.

Wear masks whenever you leave your home, continue to social distance, and encourage good cleaning and hygiene habits at home.
Use Trello boards to organize your household’s homework, house chores, to-do lists, meal planning, etc.! This is a tool you can access from your phone and across multiple family members.