| March 20, 2023 Dear Parents and Families, New York’s women have always driven our state and nation forward in positive ways. This March, in honor of Women’s History Month, the New York State Museum is showcasing the talent of several female artists whose work inspires and uplifts. We invite you to join us in learning about the significant contributions of women by exploring the State Museum’s extensive resource page for Women’s History Month. These resources include research from historians and scientists, access to digital collections, virtual lessons and activities for the classroom, CTLE-certified professional development videos for educators, and information about public programming. To commemorate International Women’s Day, the State Museum recently unveiled a new display featuring a one-third scale model of the Women’s Rights Pioneers monument, the first statue of actual women in New York City’s Central Park. Designed by the group, Monumental Women, the statue depicts three historic women’s rights leaders—Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Sojourner Truth—all of whom hailed from the Empire State. You can learn more about the Women’s Rights Pioneers monument, watch the donation ceremony, and visit the State Museum to view this inspirational monument in person as part of the Women Who Lead exhibition. I hope you will use these extraordinary resources to help celebrate Women’s History Month in your homes and your communities. April has once again been designated the Month of the Military Child – also known as Purple Up! For Military Kids. Across the nation, states and school districts will celebrate the important role of military families through special events and by wearing the color purple. Please visit our Month of the Military Child web page to learn more and to get some great ideas for celebrating these special children. Every family must have access to high-quality, affordable health care coverage. This insurance is essential to ensuring that children are ready and able to learn and thrive in school and at home. The NY State of Health, New York’s official health plan Marketplace, remains committed to ensuring access to affordable, high-quality health insurance for all New Yorkers. Students and their families who currently have health insurance through New York State Medicaid, Child Health Plus, or the Essential Plan will soon see significant changes to their coverage options. New York State will resume eligibility reviews and renewals for people enrolled in these programs beginning in spring 2023. As a result, families may need to act to renew their coverage. Families that are enrolled in these programs should make sure that their address and other contact information is up to date with NY State of Health or their local Department of Social Services office to ensure they receive a renewal notice. To learn more, please visit the NY State of Health website or the Department of Health’s Medicaid website. Thank you to the women of New York who continue to inspire and uplift us all. In the words of Sojourner Truth, “because of them I can now live the dream.” Sincerely, Betty A. Rosa Commissioner |