I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend, and enjoying their Mother's Day. This weeks message is in honor of my mother, Alice.

So much of who I am is due to my mother. I could go on and on about her; her strength, her intelligence, her beauty, and most of all, her love for her family. It will be 20 years this summer that she is gone, but there isn't a day that goes by that I don't live by the lessons she taught me. She encouraged my sister and I to be ourselves, to never worry what others thought, and to stand up for what we believe in. She was a hard worker, but her family always came first. She sacrificed in ways I never truly knew or understood until I was older. Although my children were only five and three when she passed, I speak of her often, and they hold on to their core memories of her. Being a mother to my two daughters is my true love. Watching them grow up, and become independent and fiercely passionate in life is the largest blessing of my life.

Our PS 88Q community is filled with amazing mothers and are daughters and sons of remarkable mothers. A mother is the one person who always has your back, is the most honest with you, and guides you. I wish all of you a Happy Mother's Day!

This weeks newsletter has a lot of information! Make sure you check out the links to sign up for special events at PS 88Q's Wellness Fair (below). Massage, Yoga and Reiki

“Every child is an artist; the problem is staying an artist when you grow up” – Pablo Picasso.

Ms. Fogarty has been working hard for months for this absolutely amazing Art Show. Every single student in PS 88q is represented, and will proudly be displayed. We welcome everyone to PS 88Q on May 16th for Opening Night!

Dear P.S.88Q Families,

P.S.88Q is connecting with many communities to bring you resources to support you in living a healthier,

more fulfilling life by promoting mental and physical health and wellness. In honor of May being Mental

Health Awareness Month, in order for us to share these resources in the most direct way possible, the

P.S.88Q S.M.I.L.E. and Social Justice Committees invite you to participate in the 2024 Wellness Fair on

Tuesday, May 21st from 5:15pm –7:00pm!

At this event, you will have access to several exciting stations which include:

- 2 Sessions of Yoga (Advance sign-up through google form which will be provided)

- A licensed Massage Therapist (Advance sign-up through google form which will be provided)

- Mental Health Resources provided by various local community organizations

- Fitness Station to learn the Why’s and How’s of staying fit

- “Up-cycling” T-shirts to re-purpose them into reusable bags to promote environmental wellness

(please bring your own T-shirt)

- Making calming “Sensory Bottles” for self-regulation

- Creating Affirmation Rocks for building self-esteem and staying positive

- Raffles and goodie bags

Come find ways to help you and your family stay well in every way imaginable!

We hope you can make it!

Sincerely,

The P.S.88Q S.M.I.L.E. and Social Justice Committees

Reiki with Deanna

https://forms.gle/SXF8WaimaWgVs7TD6

Massage with Francisco

https://forms.gle/hiETvj6UysmTka9m8

Yoga with Anna

https://forms.gle/moDD2WakhnBgwSPN8

4 Caminos, Catalpa Chemists Pharmacy and Optical, Benny's Cuban Cafe, Chavela's, Cold Picnic, Everyone Yoga, Jireh Handicrafts, La Cantine, Marantha Baptist Church, Mama's Got Heart, Mil-Rue Pharmacy, Rolo's, Sofia Gourmet, Stay Forever/Forever Young, Teachers Choice Plus, The Seneca, Varenyk House, Variety Coffee Roasters, Las Margaritas

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“I’m convinced of this: Good done anywhere is good done everywhere. For a change, start by speaking to people rather than walking by them like they’re stones that don’t matter. As long as you’re breathing, it’s never too late to do some good.”- Dr. Maya Angelou

PS 88 Social Justice Committee is excited about their latest initiative:"May The Change Be With You." We're excited to share more details about this upcoming event and how you can get involved.

"May The Change Be With You" is scheduled for Friday, May 24th, 2024, and it's set to be a transformative day for our students. This initiative is designed to empower our students to explore and take action on important social justice issues. Each class will be conducting research tailored to their age group and interests, focusing on topics such as Social Emotional Learning (SEL), anti-bullying strategies, animal welfare, poverty, support for Students with Disabilities (SWD), and mental health awareness—particularly addressing anxiety, which is crucial for our fifth graders transitioning to middle school in the fall.

Here are the topics:

Grade K

Community clean-up: Organizing litter clean-ups in parks and neighborhoods to promote a clean and healthy environment

Grade 1

Animal welfare: Promoting kindness towards animals through responsible pet ownership, supporting local animal shelters, and raising awareness about animal rights.

Grade 2

Environmental conservation: Encouraging kids to participate in activities like recycling, conserving water, and planting trees.

Grade 3

Bullying prevention: Educating peers about the effects of bullying and promoting kindness, empathy, and inclusion in schools.

Grade 4.

Supporting children with disabilities: Educating others about inclusion, organizing fundraisers or events to benefit local disability organizations, and advocating for equal opportunities for children with disabilities

Grade 5

Mental health support: Promoting activities that reduce stress and anxiety, organizing events to raise awareness about mental health, and advocating for improved access to mental health resources in schools.

May being Mental Health Awareness Month adds significance to our efforts, highlighting the importance of promoting well-being and resilience among our students. Through engaging activities and discussions, we aim to equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and empathy to effect positive change in our school and community.

The culminating event will be an outdoor presentation—a Community Learning Walk—where students will showcase their learning and share their insights with peers, families, and community members. We invite you to participate in guiding students' research, facilitating discussions, and providing mentorship to ensure the success of "May The Change Be With You."

We're encouraging our families to "cheer" our students on as they showcase their learning, and walk around the perimeter of the school on May 24, 2024.

Thank you for your dedication to our students and our school community. Together, we can inspire change, foster social justice, and empower our students to make a positive impact in the world.

PTA GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

May 16th, 6pm-7pm, Auditorium, in person ONLY

Activities for kids during the meeting led by PS88 Teachers and Staff!

(RSVP for kids appreciated but *not* required.)

On the Agenda: ELECTIONS!! PTA EXECUTIVE BOARD, 2 PARENT SEATS ON SLT, PAC CHAIRPERSON

We will be holding elections for these parent positions at the next meeting on May 16th.

These are wonderful ways to get involved in the school and make sure the work being done truly reflects the desires of our parents. They all have varying levels of time commitment and different length terms.

The SLT seats are for a 3 year term. Obligations consist of a monthly 2-3 hour in person meeting and a once a year training session held by the District via Zoom.

Info here: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/get-involved/families/school-leadership-team

The PAC Chairperson is a 2 year term. Obligations consist of deciding on parent and family engagement activities which are funded by 1% of our Title 1 funding. The PAC is intended to have a full board/council to share the workload. There is currently no council, so we need a Chairperson at minimum.

Info here: https://infohub.nyced.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/protocols-and-timeline-for-title-i-parent-and-family-engagement-activities.pdf

The PTA Executive Board is a 1 year term. Obligations are broad but can be split amongst other volunteers and co-board members.

Info here: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/get-involved/families/parent-associations

Parents can fulfill the positions for more than one term, but elections must be held once the term length is over.

- If you would like to nominate yourself or someone else for the SLT or PAC Chairperson, please email Sam at PTA88President@gmail.com.

- If you would like to nominate yourself or someone else for President, Recording Secretary, or Treasurer on the PTA Executive Board, please email Ms. Ivett at IPerezlopez@schools.nyc.gov.

- If you have any questions or would like more information, feel free to reach out to Sam (PTAPresiden@gmail.com), Ms. Ivett (IPerezlopez@schools.nyc.gov), or Principal O’Shaughnessy (LOshaughnessy@schools.nyc.gov).

Last year, District 24 hosted a wonderful day at the bandshell in Forest Park. All school participated, performed and created a fun day for all. This year, it is being held on June 8th and it will be even better! Our band and our GRYC dancers will be performing again. Stay tuned for more details!

With hundreds of submitted performances around the borough, PS 88q was selected to perform at the 10th Annual Queens Borough Arts Festival! Mr. Handell's class, under the direction of Mr. Alboum will perform "The Ridgewood Bound M Train Rag". The performance is May 31st from 6pm to 8pm. We are so proud of the work the students are doing, in all aspects of the arts.

CEC24 would like to invite you to Join NYC School District 24 for a virtual discussion on

Class Size Law and proposed changes to enrollment priorities for the 2025-2026 school year

on Monday, May 13, 2024, from 6pm – 7:30pm.

To register visit: https://csd24.com/messages.

Dear New Yorkers,

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! This week, we’ve been especially focused on uplifting and celebrating our teachers. Teachers impact our students, schools, and communities in countless ways, and far too often, these contributions go unnoticed. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our teachers for showing up for our kids, both in and out of the classroom. Here’s why I’m grateful to our teachers here in New York City:

• Our teachers are role models. They are often among the most trusted adults in our students’ lives. Students seek their teachers’ help on problems big and small. If students are stressed, if they are upset, if they are confused, they often turn to their teachers.
  
  
• Our teachers are focused on excellence. They push every student to give their best. They teach our children the essential skills for success in life, and they inspire in our students a love of learning and discovery.
  
  
• Our teachers are engaged. Teachers collaborate with students’ families and communities, because they know we’re all a team. They also find ways to get to know students outside the classroom, whether by coaching sports or running extracurricular clubs.
  
  
• Our teachers help students become leaders. Our world faces many challenges, and our teachers prepare our students to solve them. Teachers unlock the potential that lies within each and every one of our students.
  
  

I could go on, but the takeaway is: our teachers are invaluable. I know that firsthand, as a former teacher and principal and as a New York City Public Schools graduate. I owe so much to the teachers who shaped me into the person I am today.

Teachers, I am so appreciative of all that you do. Thank you for giving our students bright starts and bold futures.

Soaring high,

David C. Banks

Chancellor