Welcome (Back) to EChem!

Dear EChem Families,

In just a few days, we will begin another exciting school year together. On Thursday, September 4, 2025, we open our doors to more than 150 new freshmen, 24 tenth grade transfer students, and our returning upperclassmen. We are preparing for a year of academic excellence, growth, and new opportunities.

At The Early College High School of Emergency Medicine (EChem), we are committed to a vision of Strong Start, Strong Plan, Bright Future. Our mission is to expand opportunities for every student — preparing them for college, career, and life after high school. We deeply believe  that every student can and will succeed when they are challenged, supported, and held to the highest expectations.

I am Dr. Rasheed Bility, PROUD Principal of EChem. It is my pleasure to welcome you to our vibrant school community. This year is particularly meaningful as we continue building our innovative P-TECH program, which gives students the unique opportunity to:

Earn an Associate’s Degree in Paramedicine, Public Health, or Science from BMCC
Together with our dedicated faculty and staff, I am excited to guide our students on this journey. Below, you will find everything you need to know to begin the school year successfully.

First Day of School

  • Thursday, September 4, 2025 is the first day of school for all NYCPS students.
  • Doors open: 7:30 a.m. (breakfast available)
  • Classes begin promptly: 8:20 a.m.
  • Dismissal: 2:40 p.m.
  • Students should arrive no later than 7:45 a.m.

On this day, students will receive their class schedules and important materials. Families can also view schedules in their NYC Schools Account (NYCSA), though final adjustments may still be in progress. If you need help with your NYCSA account, please contact our Parent Coordinator, Ms. Diaz, at [email protected]. Click here to access the NYCPS Academic Calendar

Attendance Expectations

  • Attendance and punctuality are non-negotiable. Success starts with being present and on-time.
  • Students must arrive by 7:45 a.m. to allow time for scanning in, visiting lockers, and securing devices in Yondr pouches.
  • Students arriving after 8:20 a.m. will not be permitted outside lunch privileges that day.
  • Chronic absenteeism has a lasting impact on learning, graduation, and future opportunities. Please ensure your child is on time, every day.

Emergency Forms

All students must have:

  • Updated emergency (blue) forms
  • Current immunization records
  • Completed lunch forms (essential for funding)
  • Please ensure you fill out the lunch application each year

Forms are available in the Main Office. Please complete them promptly.

Grading Policy

We maintain high standards of college readiness. Grades will be based on:

  • 70% Assessments (tests, essays, labs, projects, presentations, discussions)
  • 10% Midterms/Finals
  • 20% Practice (classwork, homework, exit tickets, peer/self assessments)

School Supplies

We do not issue a single schoolwide list. Teachers will provide course-specific lists during the first week. To be prepared, students should bring:

  • Notebooks, binders/folders, pens, pencils, highlighters
  • Students will have access to DOE laptops or iPads — personal devices are not permitted.

NYCPS Student Email Account

Each student is issued a DOE email, which is their gateway to digital learning tools including:

  • TeachHub
  • Google for Education
  • Microsoft Office
  • Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Zoom, PearDeck, LucidChart, and more

Students will use these accounts for all communication with teachers and professors. For login assistance, contact Ms. Joos at [email protected].

To begin using your DOE account, simply sign into TeachHub, where you can access all DOE applications with one click, requiring only a single sign-in. Click here to learn more. 

Electronic Device Policy & Yondr

In alignment with the New York State’s “distraction-free schools” mandate all personal electronic devices (phones, smartwatches, earbuds) must be stored in Yondr pouches throughout the school day.

  • Students must bring last year’s pouch on Day One.
  • New students will receive theirs on the first day.
  • Lost or damaged pouches = $25 replacement fee.
  • Personal Laptops, iPads, tablets are not permitted
  • Electronic devices that are confiscated will not be returned until a parent/guardian comes in to retrieve the device. Electronic items will not be returned to individuals, family, or friends not listed on the student’s emergency contact form/blue card.

JupiterEd

JupiterEd, is our digital grading platform and web-app that helps keep students and families informed about your child's progress. You can login anytime to check your child's current grades, homework, missing assignments, test scores, and report cards. It is completely secure, so no one else can see your personal information. Teachers utilize JupiterEd to communicate with students and parents. Each student and parent have their own respective accounts, and are asked to use JupiterEd to communicate with teachers, view assignments, and view grades.

You will receive a JupiterEd parent sign up via e-mail in the coming weeks.

Student OMNY Cards

All eligible students receive OMNY tap-to-go cards for free subway and bus travel, including weekends and summer.

  • Distributed by EChem only
  • Valid for 4 free rides daily
  • Cards remain active all year long

Student IDs

All new students will receive school IDs within the first two weeks. If delayed, students must complete the Be Your Own Ally Form. If you are experiencing a delay in receiving your ID please complete the Be Your Own Ally Form.

Uniform Policy & EChem Swag

EChem does not have a school uniform. However, many of our students choose to wear school-branded apparel (“swag”) throughout the year. If you're interested, you can browse and purchase items here: https://idealuniform.com/ECHEM?p=2

Outside Lunch Policy

We embrace a culture of academic excellence, college and career readiness, social-emotional learning, and restorative approaches to discipline. To balance hard work with the opportunity for socialization and relaxation, we allow all students the privilege of attending “Outside Lunch.” This time permits students to leave the building, spend time with friends, and enjoy meals from neighborhood establishments. However, in order to maintain this privilege, students must adhere to our attendance and behavioral expectations

Outside lunch is a privilege, not a right.

  • Students must be on time (before 8:20 a.m.) to keep privileges.
  • Returning after 1:04 p.m. means loss of outside lunch the next day.
  • Freshmen may begin outside lunch on September 16, 2025, if all required documentation is submitted:
    • Signed parental consent form
    • Updated blue card
    • Photo consent form
    • Housing questionnaire
    • Signed handbook forms
    • Health office permission slip

Family Engagement

  • Weekly communication from teachers on student progress
  • Monthly newsletters from our Parent Coordinator 
  • Back to School Night: September 26, 2025
  • First PA Meeting: September 25, 2025, 5–7 p.m.

Staying in the Loop

Stay connected by:

EChem Families — this is our year. We are raising the bar and expecting every student to rise to the challenge. With your partnership, our staff’s dedication, and our students’ determination, we will achieve nothing less than excellence.

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year at EChem. Let’s make it our best yet.

In Collaboration,

Dr. Rasheed Bility 

Principal 

The Early College High School of Emergency Medicine (02M135)

411 Pearl Street, New York, NY 10038

Office: (212) 225-0998 | Fax: (212) 225-0998