We hope that you find the following information helpful in preparing your child to join City to Sanctuary:

What Your Child Needs at City to Sanctuary

  • Dress for the Weather: Please ensure that your child dresses appropriately for the weather (we always recommend long pants and closed-toe shoes/boots).

  • Change of Clothes: Each child needs one change of clothes packed in their backpacks.

  • Mask and Hand Sanitizer: Children are required to bring their face mask and one additional mask (in case one gets lost). We recommend that they carry their own hand sanitizer with them.

  • Backpack: Please send a backpack that your child can carry comfortably and that can hold your child's snack, lunch and water bottle, and change of clothes.

  • Food: Please pack a snack and lunch for your child. We ask that you not send candy/sugary treats with your child or any of the food items listed in the food allergies section below.

  • Labels: We ask that you label your child's lunchbox, water bottle, and winter accessories (mittens, hats, scarves, etc.). This helps to ensure everyone's items return home with them!

COVID-19 Procedures

  • COVID-19 Test: All children need to have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result before they join City to Sanctuary. Vaccinated children are asked to provide proof of vaccination. Non-vaccinated children are asked to submit a negative COVID test prior to each trip.

  • Questionnaire: On the day of the trip, your child’s teacher will text you a link for a COVID-19 questionnaire. In order for your child to attend City to Sanctuary, we will need to receive your completed questionnaire confirming that your child has not tested positive for COVID-19 or experienced any symptoms of COVID-19 in the past 5 days. Please submit your questionnaire by 9:00 am that morning.

  • Masks: When on the bus everyone is required to wear face masks. Students may remove their face masks outside.

  • Note: Our COVID-19 procedures might change slightly depending on the current COVID status in New York City. You will be notified of any changes at your child’s admissions meeting.

Health and Wellness

  • Allergy Information: We ask that children NOT bring the following foods to Pono because of allergy concerns: All nuts. Please note that Pono keeps an allergy/dietary restrictions document. Please contact us if you have any updated information for us to add. 

  • Wellness Policy: If a child is not feeling well, we ask that she/he stays home. Please note that if your child displays any symptoms of illness while at Pono, we will call for you or a designee to pick up your child.

  • Ticks: Pono has tick repellant spray that we use on the children. We ask that you check your child for ticks after each trip.



Drop Off/Pick Up Schedule

  • City to Sanctuary’s general pick-up time is 10 am and drop-off is 4 pm. Exact drop-off/pick-up times will slightly differ for different locations, but this information will be emailed to you and shared in the admissions meeting.

  • Our bus will leave at the designated times. Pono offers no make-up days should your child miss the bus. We will send a text message if we are arriving late at your location.

  • Current City to Sanctuary Stops are the following:

    • Long Island City Stop (In front of Bricktown Bagel and Cafe)

       5106 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101.

      For drop-off, please make sure you are there by 9:50 am. Bus leaves at 10:00 am sharp. Pick-up time is 4:00 pm.

    • Harlem Stop (In front of Sylvia’s)

      328 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10027.

      For drop-off, please make sure you are there by 10:25 am. Bus leaves at 10:30 am sharp. Pick-up time is 3:30 pm.

    • Meet Us There (at Westmoreland Sanctuary)

      260 Chestnut Ridge Rd, Mt Kisco, NY 10549.

      Drop off is at 11:30 am and pick up is at 2:30 pm.