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Student Handbook

Our School Campus & Building

Overview
Our school campus is located at the intersection of Dekalb and Bushwick avenues in Bushwick, Brooklyn. We are accessible by train (Kosciuszko St. and Gates Ave. stations on the J/Z line) and by bus (the B38, B24, B47 bus lines). Our main entrance is located at 797 Bushwick Avenue. Our school building itself has an extensive history beginning over 160 years ago. The building was converted into Bushwick Leaders High School by Principal Catherine Reilly in 2004. You can learn more about our building’s history here. Combined, our school campus and building has so much to offer our students and families, including our renovated gym, library, recreation room, computer lab, barbershop and large courtyard which has picnic tables, a basketball hoop and a multipurpose green space that can be used during lunch/recess and after school.

What You’ll Find by Floor
First Floor:

  • Main Office (Room 115)
  • Gym
  • Cafeteria
  • Student Recreation Room and Library (121)
  • AP Beauford’s Office (Room 109)
  • Parent Coordinator (Room 112)
  • GSS Space (Room 103)
  • SYEP Office (Room 105)
  • Technology Office (106)

Second Floor:

  • Principal’s Office (Room 207)
  • Counselors’ offices
  • SAPIS Counselor

Third Floor:

  • AP Wilson’s Office (305)
  • Special Education Office (322)
  • School Psychologist Office (320)
  • School Social Worker (315)

4th Floor:

  • GSS Space
  • In-School Suspension Room (Room 401)
  • YES Program and Puerto Rican Family Institute (Room 406)
  • College Office (Room 403)

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Organization of School Day and Year

The School Year, Terms and Marking Periods
The School Year, Terms and Marking Periods
For the 2025-26 school year, the first day of school is Thursday September 4th, 2025. A calendar of major school events, holidays, parent-teacher conferences and more is shared on our website here.
Term 1 begins September 4th, 2025 and ends on January 21, 2026. Term 2 begins February 2, 2026 and ends on June 14, 2026.
Below are the dates for the start and end of each marking period for term 1.

Marking Period Start Date End Date Teacher Grade Submission Date
1 9/4/25 10/17/25 10/22/25
2 10/18/25 11/26/25 12/3/25
3 11/27/25 1/16/25 1/21/25
4 (Term Grade) 1/21/25

Dates for the start and end of marking periods for Term 2 will be shared at a later date.

Bell Schedule
Below is our bell schedule for the school year.

Period Start End
1 8:00 8:45
2 8:48 9:33
3 9:36 10:21
4 10:24 11:09
5 11:12 11:57
6 12:00 12:45
7 12:48 1:32
8 1:35 2:20

Lunch/Recess
Students are scheduled for 45 minutes of lunch during period 4 through 7. Typically, 9th graders have lunch during period four, 10th graders have lunch period five, 11th graders have lunch period six and 12th graders have lunch period seven.
During lunch students are expected to remain in the cafeteria unless they are participating in the Lunch on the Avenue program, are using the Good Shepherd Services recreation room located on the first floor of the library or are outside in the courtyard, which opens when the weather is nice.

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School Programs

Afterschool Program
Our After-School program promotes education, youth development, leadership skills, critical thinking, and high school readiness, while also allowing participants to explore their creativity through subjects like art and music or learn about topics such as nutrition community service. As the school year develops, we host showcases and various celebrations where students present what they are learning and are given the opportunity to practice their public speaking, explore their creative side and build their confidence, all while having a wonderful time together. Our school community, parents, and friends come together for evenings such as Friendsgiving, Holiday Showcase, Black History Month, Women’s Month, and our annual Talent Show. Finally, to close out the school year, we organize a community carnival event for the entire neighborhood of Bushwick
Here are some of the different clubs/activities offered in the program:

  • Anime Club
  • Art Club
  • Barbershop
  • Boxing
  • Dance Group
  • Drama/Theatre
  • Film & Digital Photography
  • Sports/Team Building
  • Cooking Class
  • Study Hall/Tutoring

Lunch on the Avenue Program
At Bushwick Leaders High School, we are committed to providing our students with a balanced and enjoyable school experience. As part of this effort, we are offering students the opportunity to go outside for lunch during their designated lunch periods. The name of this outside lunch program is entitled, “Lunch on The Ave” also known as Bushwick Avenue. This allows students to enjoy fresh air, socialize in an open environment, and take a break from the indoor school setting.
To participate in this program parents must agree and sign a consent form that is returned to the school. Once we have the consent form, the student will be issued a blue card that indicates they have permission to participate in the program. When a student leaves the building during their assigned lunch period, they will hand the blue card to a staff member that will return the card to the student when they return from outside. If a student arrives late, the date and time is indicated on the back of the card. Parents are also notified if the student arrives late. If the student develops a pattern of arriving back to the building late, their participation in the Lunch on the Ave program can be suspended temporarily or permanently.

Student Responsibilities:

  • Students are expected to follow all school rules while outside.
  • Students must return to the building 10 minutes before their next period class.
  • Students must stay within the designated outdoor areas.

Any form of misbehavior or failure to comply with the school’s guidelines may result in the revocation of this privilege.

PM School
Our PM School program provides an excellent opportunity for students to recover credits needed to meet graduation requirements outside of the regular school day. Students can also prepare for Regents exams or accelerate their progress toward graduation. This year we will also offer classes for students to enhance their English Language proficiency. The classes are small, and the teachers provide personalized instruction to make sure all students are successful. Most classes meet at least two afternoons per week between 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm. We will provide additional details when school starts. Feel free to contact your school counselor or Mr. Beauford at abeauford@schools.nyc.gov for more information.

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School Policies

To learn about the school policies listed below please visit our school policies page.

  • Attendance
  • Grading
  • Dress Code
  • Use of Electronic Devices

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Digital Hall Pass System & Policy

Overview
Bushwick Leaders’ High School has adopted a digital hall pass system. When students need to leave the classroom for any reason including use of the bathroom, they should first ask permission from their teacher or other appropriate staff member. Once they have been given permission, the teacher will provide the student with a digital hall pass using Smart Pass: https://www.smartpass.app/. Teachers may also ask the student to generate their own digital hall pass if they have a Smart Pass Kiosk set up in the back of the classroom. Students have 10 minutes to return to their classroom. When they return they are expected to end their pass themselves using the Smart Pass Kiosk or ask the teacher to end their pass. Students that do not return within 10 minutes will be flagged in the Smart Pass system as being overtime. Students that develop a pattern of being overtime will face disciplinary consequences.

Hallway Checks
On a regular basis and as needed, BLHS staff will conduct hallway checks. During hallway checks, BLHS staff will review the Smart Pass system to see which students have permission to be outside of the classroom. If BLHS staff encounter a student that does not have a pass, they will be directed to an administrator’s office where they will be asked to complete a short survey that is used to gather more
information from the student about why they are in the hallway. Likewise, BLHS staff will also search for students who are overtime on their pass. These students will be directed to an administrator’s office and asked to complete the survey so we can gather more information about why they are still out of the classroom. Students will face disciplinary consequences consistent with the NYCDOE discipline code should BLHS staff determine that they are either cutting class or out of class without permission from a staff member.

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Bathroom Policy

BLHS bathrooms are located only on the first floor. To help maintain a focused learning environment, students are not permitted to use the bathroom during the first or last 10 minutes of any class period. Frequent or extended bathroom visits may lead to disciplinary action and loss of bathroom privileges. Additionally, any vandalism or littering in the bathrooms will result in serious consequences, including suspension and a required family conference.

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Locker Policy

All students are assigned a locker and lock by BLHS. If a lock is lost or damaged, there is a $10 replacement fee.
Students may choose to store clothing or personal items in their locker upon entering school. Lockers must be kept clean and organized at all times.
Locker sharing is not allowed. Students may access their lockers before school, during lunch, and between classes. Access during class time requires permission from a staff member.
Locker decorations must follow BLHS and DOE guidelines—stickers are not permitted.
Please note that BLHS staff and school security reserve the right to conduct random locker searches or searches based on probable cause.
At the end of the year students are expected to remove all items from their locker and remove their lock, which they can keep and reuse if they return to BLHS the following school year. Locks that are not removed by the end of the year will be removed by school staff and the contents of the locker will be removed and disposed of.

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Student Behavior Expectations

Overview
At Bushwick Leaders’ High School we expect the best from our students. This applies to behavior and character. To help students be their best, we have adopted a set of school norms and behavior expectations that every student is expected to meet and live up to. More information about our school norms and behavior expectations are shared below.
School Norms
To promote pro-social behavior that helps students achieve high levels of academic success our school has adopted five school norms. These are listed below with a brief description of what they mean. Students who most embody these norms are recognized each marking period during grade assemblies.

  • Stay Present: Focus on the moment—whether you’re in class, a conversation, or an activity. Avoid distractions and give your full attention to what’s happening around you.
  • Practice Empathy: Treat others with kindness and understanding. Try to see things from their perspective and support one another.
  • Show Grit: Keep going, even when things get tough. Work hard, stay determined, and don’t give up easily.
  • Spread Love: Create a positive and welcoming environment. Be respectful, inclusive, and encouraging to everyone in the school community.
  • Be Excellent: Strive to do your best in everything—academics, behavior, and relationships. Excellence means showing integrity, responsibility, and pride in your work.

Student Behavior Expectations
At Bushwick Leaders’ High School students are expected to:

  • attend school regularly and punctually and make every effort to achieve in all areas of my education;
  • be prepared for class with appropriate materials and properly maintain textbooks and other school equipment;
  • follow school regulations regarding entering and leaving the classroom and school building;
  • help maintain a school environment free of weapons, illegal drugs, controlled substances, and alcohol;
  • behave in a manner that contributes to a safe learning environment and which does not violate other students’ right to learn;
  • share information with school officials regarding matters which may endanger the health and welfare of members of the school community;
  • respect the dignity and equality of others and refrain from conduct which denies or impinges on the rights of others;
  • show respect for school property and respect the property of others, both private and public;
  • behave in a polite, respectful, truthful, and cooperative manner towards all students and staff;
  • promote good human relations and build bridges of understanding among the members of the school community;
  • use non-confrontational methods to resolve conflicts;
  • refrain from obscene and defamatory communication in speech, writing, and other modes of expression, including electronic expression, in their interactions with the school community;
  • express myself in speech, writing, and other modes of expression, including electronic expression in a manner which promotes cooperation and does not interfere with the educational process;
  • bring to school only those personal possessions which are safe and do not interfere with the learning environment;
  • adhere to the school’s guidelines established for dress;
  • adhere to the school’s “Away for the Day” policy in the use of electronic devices;
  • be familiar with the school Discipline Code and abide by school rules and regulations;
  • provide leadership to encourage fellow students to follow established school policies and practices;
  • keep parents informed of school-related matters, including progress in school, social and educational events, and ensure that parents receive communications that are provided by school staff to students for transmittal to their parents.

At the beginning of each school year students will be provided with a behavior agreement contract that outlines the expectations listed above. Students and parents both sign the agreement, which must be returned to school.

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Disciplinary Responses

Overview
Students that do not meet our behavior expectations and/or do not follow school policies including but not limited to the policies listed below are subject to progressive disciplinary consequences that are consistent with the NYCDOE discipline code.

School Policies & Expectations Students are Expected to Meet and Comply With:

  • Behavior Expectations
  • Dress Code
  • Use of Electronic Devices
  • Bathroom Use
  • Digital Hall Pass System
  • Attendance Policy
  • Grading Policy (i.e. academic dishonesty)

Example Ladder of Disciplinary Response
When students do not meet our behavior expectations or follow established school policies they are subject to a disciplinary response. Below is an example of what a disciplinary response can look like if a student fails to meet behavior expectations or follow a school policy.

  • First Offense: Parent meeting and/or restorative conference
  • Second Offense: Exclusion from school trip or extracurricular activity and mandatory parent meeting
  • Third Offense: In-School Suspension 1-4 Days
  • Fourth Offense: Out of School Suspension 1-5 Days
  • After Fourth Offense: Superintendent’s Suspension 5 or more days

Determining Disciplinary Response & Disciplinary Committee
If a student’s misbehavior happens in a classroom or affects a staff member directly, a committee comprised of an administrator, dean, school counselor and any teachers impacted by the student’s behavior will convene a meeting to conduct the following:

  • Review the incident
  • Review the student’s prior incidents
  • Review supports the student has already been provided with
  • Brainstorm and recommend support(s) in response to latest incident (must align with NYCDOE Discipline Code)
  • Brainstorm and recommend a disciplinary consequence in response to the latest incident (must align with NYCDOE Discipline Code)

The administrator supervising the student’s grade will decide on what support(s) and disciplinary consequence will be given to the student based on the committee’s recommendation. Any recommendation for a principal’s or superintendent’s suspension must be reviewed and approved by the principal. The principal will make a decision that is based on the best interest of the school community, consistent with the NYCDOE Discipline Code and consistent with Chancellor’s Regulation A-443.

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HS Graduation Requirements

Overview
To graduate from high school with a Regents diploma students need to accumulate a total of 44 credits by the end of their senior year. One credit is earned for each course taken. The 44 credits must be earned in specific subjects as shown in the table below.

Subject Credits Needed for Regents Diploma Credits Needed for Advanced Regents Diploma
English 8 8
Mathematics 6 6
Science 6 6
Social Studies 8 8
Art 2 2
Physical Education 4 4
Health 1 1
Languages Other Than English (LOTE) 2 6
Electives 7 3
Total 44 44

In addition to credit requirements students must also take and pass Regents exams to graduate from high school. These exam requirements are shown in the table below.

Subject Exams Score Needed for Regents Diploma Score Needed for Advanced Regents Diploma
English
  • English
 65+ 65+
Mathematics
  • Algebra I
  • Geometry
  • Algebra II
 65+ on one exam 65+ on three exams
Science
  • Living Environment
  • Earth Science
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
 65+ on one exam 65+ on Living Environment and one other exam
Social Studies
  • US History
  • Global History & Geography
 65+ on one exam 65+ on one exam
Languages Other Than English (LOTE)
  • Spanish
 Not Required 65+ on one LOTE exam
+1 Option
  • Any additional Regents exam
  • State-approved +1 Option
 Requirements Vary Requirements Vary
Total Exams Passed 5 9

At the beginning of each term students are provided with a Progress-To-Graduation (PTG) Report that shows their progress towards meeting credit and exam requirements needed for graduation. This report is reviewed with each student individually at least once a year with the principal and/or school counselor to ensure they are on track to graduate on time.
For more detailed information about graduation requirements please review this resource.

Progress to Graduation Milestones by Grade
Students can use the milestones below to ensure they are on the right track to graduate high school within four years with a Regents diploma.

9th Grade Milestones

  • Have earned 2 credits in English
  • Have earned 2 credits in Math
  • Have earned 2 credits in Science
  • Have earned 2 credits in Social Studies
  • Have earned 1 credits in Physical Education
  • Have passed 2 Regents exam

10th Grade Milestones

  • Have earned 4 credits in English
  • Have earned 4 credits in Math
  • Have earned 4 credits in Science
  • Have earned 4 credits in Social Studies
  • Have earned 2 credits in Physical Education
  • Have passed 3 Regents exams

11th Grade Milestones

  • Have earned 6 credits in English
  • Have earned 6 credits in Math
  • Have earned 6 credits in Science
  • Have earned 6 credits in Social Studies
  • Have earned 3 credits in Physical Education
  • Have passed 4 Regents exam

12th Grade Milestones

  • Have earned 8 credits in English
  • Have earned 6 credits in Math
  • Have earned 6 credits in Science
  • Have earned 8 credits in Social Studies
  • Have earned 4 credits in Physical Education
  • Have earned 1 credit in Health
  • Have earned 2 credits in Art
  • Have earned 2 credits in LOTE
  • Have earned 7 elective credits
  • Have passed 5 Regents exam

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Technology

Overview
Bushwick Leaders High School uses technology extensively to help provide a high-quality academic program and experience to our students. Every classroom is equipped with a smart board, and every student is provided with a school-issued Chromebook. Students are also provided with a DOE email address they can use to communicate electronically with peers and school staff. Every class also has a Google Classroom that is used to share classwork and resources.

BLHS One-to-One Device Initiative
Every student is provided with a school issued Chromebook and charger when they first enroll at Bushwick Leaders High School. This device is provided free of charge. Students are responsible for the following:

  • Bringing their Chromebook to school every day fully charged.
  • Safely storing their Chromebook and charger.
  • Notifying school staff if their Chromebook and/or charger are lost, stolen or damaged.
  • Use their Chromebook responsibly at school and at home in accordance with established NYCDOE policies.

Students can be provided with one free replacement of their Chromebook if the first one provided to them is lost, stolen or damaged beyond use. However, after that, parents will need to pay for any additional Chromebooks issued to their child.

Use of Personal Internet-Enabled Devices
The use of personal internet-enabled devices at school is prohibited in accordance with our school’s policy on the use of electronic devices. This includes personal laptops. Students are required to use a school issued Chromebook while they are in school.

Student NYC Public Schools Account
Every New York City public school student has an NYCPS account. It is created automatically when you enroll in school. Your NYCPS account stays the same the entire time you are in school, and with it you can access all NYCPS technology platforms. Platforms include:

  • TeachHub
  • Google for Education
  • iLearnNYC
  • Microsoft Office
  • Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Adobe Express
  • LucidChart and Lucid Spark
  • PearDeck
  • Zoom
  • and more

For more information about your NYC Public Schools Account click here: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/digital-learning/doe-student-accounts.
To manage your student profile, find your student username or reset your password click here: https://selfservice.schools.nyc/.

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Sports Teams

Bushwick Leaders’ High School is part of the NYC PSAL (Public School Athletic League) and partners with EBC High School and Brooklyn High School for Law & Technology. We are proud to offer our students sports teams in the following:

Students interested in joining any PSAL sports team should pick up forms from the main office in September and ensure all documentation is done by October 1.
For more information on PSAL, please see Assistant Principal Avery Beauford.

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Student Clubs and Organizations

Bushwick Leaders’ National Honor Society Chapter
The National Honor Society (NHS) elevates a school’s commitment to the values of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. These four pillars have been associated with membership in the organization since its inception in 1921. Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments but challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service. As such, NHS chapters and students are in schools that care not only about student achievement, but also community engagement. NHS students and their peers volunteer in their communities at the highest rates and make connecting with and serving within the community a priority. NHS organization quickly developed into one of the country’s leading educational groups.
In 2021 NHS celebrated its centennial anniversary. Visit the NHS page to learn more.

Bushwick Leaders’ local chapter information can be found here. Our NHS Constitution can be found here. For more information about National Honor Society at Bushwick Leaders HS you can reach out to Mr. Schettini at eschettinijr@schools.nyc.gov.

My Brother’s Keeper
My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) and the MBK Alliance is a national initiative created by President Obama in February 2014. MBK addresses opportunity gaps that young men of color face for young men of color to reach their full potential. New York State is the only state in America that has MBK codified in our state law; MBK New York State is championed by Dr. Lester Young and a team of committed individuals throughout our state.

BLHS has an official MBK chapter. Our chapter initially began as a student club during the 2017 school year. Our club became an official chapter during the 2019 school year.

Many of our founding members have graduated from BLHS and we are looking forward to building a strong MBK chapter at BLHS once again. Our MBK chapter meets twice a month for social gatherings, and special trips and chapter members work together on a school improvement project of their choice. Interested students may also contact Mr. Robert Bartee (rbartee@schools.nyc.gov or Avery Beauford abeauford@schools.nyc.gov.

Here are some additional resources about MBK:

My Sister’s Keeper
My Sister’s Keeper (MSK) is a New York City Department of Education initiative dedicated to promoting gender equity, while empowering and engaging girls and young women across high schools. Here is more information!

At Bushwick Leaders High School, our MSK chapter is proudly advised by ELA and Special Education teacher, Ms. Chavala Simon. The BLHS MSK chapter serves as a powerful fellowship that unites young women across all grade levels. Our goal is to create a safe, supportive, and inspiring space where students can uplift one another, build meaningful connections, and grow together as leaders.

Through MSK, our members are encouraged to embrace sisterhood, celebrate womanhood, and step into their own greatness. We believe in the importance of mentorship and collaboration across grades—where younger students are inspired by upperclassmen and everyone contributes to a culture of empowerment.

At BLHS, My Sister’s Keeper is more than just a program—it’s a movement rooted in fellowship, leadership, and the belief that when we uplift each other, we all rise. We are excited to continue fostering this legacy of strength, unity, and empowerment throughout the school year.

Student Government/Students in Action
Student voice is extremely important at BLHS. Our Student Government is a space for student leaders in our school community to manage a wide range of events, activities, programs, policies and initiatives around school. Here at BLHS our student government has worked collaboratively with our Students in Action Club to provide students with platforms and information to discuss current events surrounding social injustices, community events and issues, and ways to make a difference. Additionally our student government works with various programs supported by the Civics for All initiative, our SLT (school leadership team), and GSS programs. If interested, please reach out to Mr. McCabe or Mr. Marrone for more information.

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Student Trips

Overview
Trips are an important part of the student experience at BLHS. Fortunately, we’re in New York City which affords us many opportunities to explore many diverse educational and cultural institutions. As New York City re-opens we look forward to going on trips with you. We believe in trips as a powerful educational opportunity as well as providing an opportunity for our community (students, staff, and faculty) to bond over a shared experience.

Participation in Trips
At BLHS, we believe that school-sponsored trips are a privilege that support student learning, engagement, and personal development. To ensure that students represent the school positively while off-campus and to maintain high academic and behavioral standards, the following criteria outlines the conditions under which a student may be excluded from participating in a school trip.

  • Suspended students
    – Students that have been suspended (including in and out of school suspension) within the past two weeks.
  • Involvement in recent behavior-related incidents
    – Students that have been involved in any concerning behavior related incident(s) as reported by school staff within the past two weeks.
  • Concerning Academic Performance
    – Students who are off-track for graduation
    – Students who have failed 3 or more courses on the last report card.
  • Concerning Attendance
    – Students who have an attendance rate below 80% (i.e. severely chronically absent).
    – Students who have an unexcused absence from school of 5 or more consecutive school days.

Prior to a school trip, school administrators will seek input from teachers and counselors about which students should be considered for exclusion from the trip. The principal or designated school administrator will consider the input gathered from school staff and make the final decision regarding which student(s) should be excluded from the trip that is in the best interest of the school community. The parent/guardian of any student excluded from a trip will be notified by school administration.

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School Rituals

Brotherhood/Sisterhood
Two of the most coveted traditions at BLHS is our Annual Celebration of Brotherhood and our Annual Celebration of Sisterhood. These day long events provide powerful discussions, resources, and celebrations with our school community, community organizations, families, our alumni, and most importantly ourselves as student leaders! The themes align with the global celebrations and the
Sisterhood event generally happens in March and the Brotherhood event in April. The day always ends with advisory presentations and celebrations.

Noche de Gala
Every June, our school community celebrates our students, teachers and staff at our annual awards night! The evening includes dinner, dancing and distinction! It is an event you absolutely want to be a part of!

African & Indigenous Heritage Celebration (Formerly Hispanic Heritage)
Every fall, the BLHS community formally celebrates the cultures of our school and community. Students and staff, with the support of their families, share stories, dances, poems, songs, and a traditional country flag celebration during an evening showcase.

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Student Resources

Counseling Services

  • The Door- services providing reproductive health care and education, mental health counseling, and crisis assistance: https://door.org/
  • New York Psychotherapy & Counseling Center- a community-oriented mental health organization that provides exceptional services to NYC children, adolescents, and adults: https://nypcc.org/
  • Safe Horizon – Mental Health services, specializes in the treatment of trauma https://www.safehorizon.org/
  • The Trevor Project — LGBTQIA+ mental health resource, crisis hotline, and text services https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/
  • NYC Well — NYC based Crisis hotline and text, referral to other mental health resources https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/
  • Bleuler Psychotherapy –Quality Mental Health Care and Substance Abuse Services https://www.bleulerpc.org/
  • The Center: At The Center we believe that you should celebrate who you are, what makes you unique and why you matter. For members of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth community, we provide a safe, inclusive and affirming environment to foster relationships, personal and professional skills and the evolution of identity. Open to young people between the ages of 13-21, our programs build self-esteem and help ready you for various life stages. We also offer a first-of-its kind substance use treatment program to help LGBTQ young people, ages 13 and older, make healthy decisions about drugs and alcohol. https://gaycenter.org/family-youth/youth/

Family Assistance

  • The Safe Homes Project- services for domestic violence survivors in our community that provides an assistance hotline, shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and support groups: http://goodshepherds.org/program/safe-homes/
  • Single Stop- a Good Shepherds program that assists students and their families with applying for social services, including SNAP, unemployment benefits, NYCHA lease renewals, and health insurance. Contact Person- Rosanna Cruz: rosanna_cruz@goodshepherds.org
    Tel: 718-346-200 Ext. 20104 (Office) 646-784-0990 (cell)
  • Family Assessment Program- Any family can get help from the ACS Family Assessment Program. FAP provides support to families that are struggling with everyday challenges. FAP works to strengthen families, reduce conflict, and connect your family to many services that provide ongoing support in your community. It helps families handle concerns such as a child running away, skipping school, or disruptive behavior, without having to go to court. https://www1.nyc.gov/site/acs/justice/family-assessment-program.page
  • Homebase: Homebase provides New Yorkers experiencing housing instability with various homeless prevention services and aftercare services to families and individuals exiting NYC DHS shelter to permanent housing. You may be eligible for Homebase services if you:
    • Are at imminent risk of entering the New York City shelter system
    • Are low-income
    • Want to remain stably housed in your community

    https://www1.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/homebase.page

  • Make the Road NY: Education, Health and Legal Services
    https://maketheroadny.org/

Mental Health and Wellness

Sexual Health
Teens in New York State have a legal right to get any of these services without the permission or knowledge of parents, guardians, boyfriends, girlfriends, relatives or anyone else.

  • Call 311 or text 311NYC (311692) for a Teens in NYC clinic referral, at any time.
  • Teens in NYC (PDF), a wallet-sized guide of the clinics listed is linked here:
  • Get free condoms and sexual health information from your health resource room. Health Resource Room Information will be posted online as well as on posters in the school building.
  • Teen Speak (Sexual Health) brochure in English and Spanish.

Substance Abuse

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