I hope everyone is keeping warm on this freezing Sunday! It is indeed January.

On Monday, January 15th, New York City Public Schools are closed in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. He was born in 1929, and in a short period of time, as he was only 39 years old when he was assassinated in 1968, he created a movement and impact that lives today. It is our job as a community, a school, and a population to ensure that his dream indeed is not forgotten and lives on. It is not enough to say we remember, but for us to keep that dream alive, and continue to work towards equality and respect for all.

As the students have been learning about Dr. King's dream, I have reflected on what peace means to me. In my office, a quote has hung since day one;

“Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.”

This quote, which is visible the second you walk through the door, is a reminder that there are so many factors that will create noise, trouble and hard work, but core values, and knowing what is just is the answer. How lucky am I, and all staff at PS 88q to have to opportunity to let students know that they are the changemakers, the dreamers, who can make a difference. Those core values, that calm in your heart, is what brings change. And they know it! Our student council are not the only students bringing change and new ideas. Each and every students voice advocates for what is right. Standing up for others, creating situations where all students feel welcome, and most importantly, understanding that we all have more in common than we have in difference is cleary visible.

But what is your idea of peace? I would love to hear your thoughts. Please share here! https://forms.office.com/r/jamFbUZ2Rn

Have a great week!

Although it is only cold, the NYC DOE has shifted possible snow days to remote learning days if necessary. Please full out this 2 question survey regarding devices.

Thank you

https://forms.office.com/r/p4YR4MDi2P

Our Social Justice Committee has created a wonderful video lesson. Check it out!

Our basketball team hosted the first game of the season this week! It was so exciting to watch our Eagles first tip off in a game against PS 91. Tuesday was the game, but our entire school celebrated them with a pep rally on Monday. The entire grade 5 were able to cheer them on during the game. Thank you to Mr. Tripotseris and Mr. Nolan for their dedication in coaching this student athletes. Check out the game below and some of the highlights.

We are planning for our schoolwide Lunar New Year Celebration! We want to connect to all of our families who celebrate, and add your story and traditions to our celebration. If you celebrate, please click this link or scan the QR code below to share your story.

https://forms.gle/3v4n18VuBgBSWDL36

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. — Martin Luther King, Jr.

We are so excited about our next performance. Our students have begun working on their music performance that celebrates love. February 14th is Valentines Day, but that shouldn't be the only day we recognize the power of love. As we prepare to celebrate Respect For All Week (February 12-16) this very week, we focus on the power of love. Respect For All Week highlights the following:

Monday, February 12: Wear Yellow Celebrating Kindness/Be an Ally (Kindness Ties us Together). All students will create a link in the Kindness Chain

Tuesday, February 13: Wear Blue Anti-Bullying/Cyberbullying:Students will take part in the Wrinkled Heart Activity

Wednesday, February 14: Wear pink, red or white. Students will enjoy the All You Need is Love Performance and share their "love stories"

Thursday: Wear Cultural Attire or Rainbow: Respect for Diversity Students will share their "This is Me" collage

Friday: Wear Green. Nobody Eats Alone/Make a New Friend. Students will take part in class to class partnerships or Wear Red in honor of Lunar New Year

We are hosting Open House's every Thursday at 9:00am. Please reach out to loshaughnessy@schools.nyc if you have any questions.

If your child was born in 2019 and lives in New York City, they are eligible to attend kindergarten in Fall 2024.

Learn more about all the resources available and apply by January 19: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-grade-by-grade/kindergarten

If your child was born in 2020 and lives in New York City, they are eligible to attend Pre-Kindergarten in Fall 2024.

https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-grade-by-grade/pre-k

If your child was born in 2021 and lives in New York City, they are eligible to attend 3K in Fall 2024

https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-grade-by-grade/3k

UPCOMING PTA EVENTS IN JANUARY

COZY FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT!

Friday January 26th

5:30pm-7:30pm in the Auditorium

Join us for a cozy PS88 Family Movie Night with popcorn, snacks, and hot cocoa!

We'll be sending out a survey soon where you can vote on the movie.

GRADUATION PICTURES

Monday January 29th

Cap and gown graduation photos! Cap and gown will be provided. Makeups will be March 19th.

SLT MEETING

Wednesday January 31st

2:45pm-5pm in Room 103

The SLT Meeting is always open to all parents. For more info on the SLT and what it does go here: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/get-involved/families/school-leadership-team

The newly formed Library committee will be starting up this month. Stay tuned for more details and updates!

Reach out any time with any questions, concerns, or feedback!

Email us here:

Sam at pta88president@gmail.com

Camila at pta88secretary@gmail.com

Sabita at pta88reasurer@gmail.com

Apply to 3-K, Pre-K, and Kindergarten for the 2024-2025 School Year!

Dear New Yorkers,

It’s only the first month of 2024, but we’re already thinking ahead to September and the start of next school year, when we’ll welcome approximately 150,000 3-K, Pre-K and Kindergarten students into our classrooms.

For families with students turning three, four, or five this calendar year, you have a wide range of options. Consider Kindergarten as an example. From Gifted and Talented Kindergarten programs in every district to dual language programs in 12 different languages, there are so many opportunities to explore. This September, we are opening new elementary schools with dual language programs in Arabic, Mandarin, and Spanish and our first-ever Montessori district public school. You can learn more about these Kindergarten options on our website.

Our 3-K and Pre-K portfolio is equally rich. We provide programs in district schools, community-based organizations, family childcare centers, and more. Pre-K also offers dual language programs in 12 languages, and eligible families have the option of both extended day and year-round 3-K and Pre-K programming.

At NYC Public Schools, we value choice—that’s why families can list up to 12 programs on their applications. Since we do our best to match your child to your top preference, it's critical to ensure the order of your program list matches your true preferences. Typically, about 95% of our Kindergarten applicants are placed into one of their three highest-ranked programs!

Now is the time to start preparing for the upcoming school year. For our families with students entering 3-K, Pre-K, or Kindergarten, I encourage you to review the application process on our website. Kindergarten applications for the 2024-2025 school year are due January 19, and 3-K and Pre-K applications just opened earlier this week. (If you need a seat for your child for the remainder of this school year, visit our website or contact a Family Welcome Center for support.)

We look forward to welcoming your children to our schools this fall!

Soaring high,

David C. Banks

Chancellor