November is recognized nationwide as Child Safety Month — and here at the High School of Fashion Industries, we are reinforcing this message in a way that connects to our unique community of young, creative designers. Our students travel across multiple boroughs every single day — riding subways, buses, ferries, and walking through some of the busiest streets in the world. Travel safely. Keep phones fully charged or carry a portable charger, avoid pulling out cash or valuables on crowded trains, and whenever possible, travel with a buddy or classmate. We encourage students to confidently know alternate routes and to trust their instinct — if something feels wrong, step away and seek help from an adult, MTA staff, or a safe business or school building.
At the same time — November marks the beginning of heavy cold and flu season. Staying healthy is not just personal — it protects our school community. Wash hands often — for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer after touching railings, MetroCard readers, doorknobs, or elevator buttons. Students should avoid sharing makeup, brushes, lip gloss, or personal grooming tools. Good habits protect not only your health, but your skin and appearance.
Families also play a critical role. Please ensure emergency contact phone numbers and emails are up to date. Even more importantly — make sure medical consent forms are submitted and current. If a student becomes sick or is injured, an active consent allows our trained school medical team to safely and immediately provide care on school grounds without delay. This is not a small detail — it can make a real difference in an emergency.
Finally — as days get darker earlier, wear reflective accessories, bright pops of color, or light outerwear that can be easily seen by drivers, bikers, and scooters. Use earbuds wisely — volume should always be low enough to hear traffic and your surroundings.
Our school community is filled with talent, voice, style, and vision — and safety is a critical part of that. This month we remind students that prioritizing safety and wellness is not just smart — it is powerful. Every choice you make to protect yourself, support a friend, or stay healthy contributes to the strongest, most confident version of you.