This Week @ PS 88Q

Each week that passes, my pride in our community only deepens. There is so much love, joy, and energy in our school, and this past week truly showcased all that makes PS 88Q special.

We hosted our annual We Are PS 88Q Event, and what a celebration it was! Our incredible Art Show, curated by Ms. Fogarty, transformed our school into a gallery worthy of any museum — with every single student’s artwork proudly on display. It was nothing short of amazing.

Then came the performance art — and yes, you read that right! Mr. Nolan, Ms. Corniel, Ms. Bawer, and I suited up in all white and became living canvases as students splashed us with color in a joyful expression of creativity. What a moment!

We also launched our newest student club, The Eagle’s Lens, led by Mr. Seeger — a space for students to explore storytelling through photography and film. The Disney Theater crew offered show-stopping previews, and our band welcomed families into their rehearsal space, giving a sneak peek into the magic they’re preparing for their upcoming performance.

Our incoming families had the chance to walk our halls and see what PS 88Q is all about, while our current families explored everything from our Wellness Room (complete with massages!) to classroom visits that brought their children’s daily experiences to life.

And to top it all off — the Class of 2020 came back to visit! It was heartwarming to see our alumni walk through their elementary school with pride and nostalgia.

As if that wasn’t enough, we ended this amazing day under the stars with Outdoor Movie Night, surrounded by community, laughter, and memories in the making.

At PS 88Q, we’re proud of many things — our programs, our performances, our innovation — but most of all, we are proud of being a true hub for our families. This is what community looks like, and it is a joy to be part of it with all of you.

🌞 June Celebrations & Events

🎓 June 9: Grade 5 Picnic
🏀 June 9: PS 88Q Basketball Game (Away)
🏫 June 9: SLT Meeting @ 5:00 PM
💌 June 11: Gifted & Talented Offers Released
🦁 June 12–13: The Lion King Evening Performances
🏃‍♀️ June 14: PS 88Q Fun Run! (9:30 AM) & Free Basketball Clinic with Hot Shots
🤝 June 17: PTA Meeting (Open Discussion: Charter vs Public School)
🎶 June 18: Band Performance @ 6:00 PM
✊ June 19: No School – Juneteenth
🍽️ June 20: Grade 5 Breakfast & Final Walk-Through
🎓 June 23: Grade 5 Commencement Ceremony
📅 June 26: Last Day of School – Let Summer Begin!

🌴 Looking Ahead
☀️ July 2: Summer Rising Begins

This past Wednesday, we welcomed back the extraordinary students of our Class of 2020 — a group whose journey was unlike any other. These young people walked the halls they once called home, reuniting with their former teachers, reconnecting with one another, and sharing stories filled with laughter, nostalgia, and growth.

It was a truly special moment. Their energy filled the building, and for a while, it felt like time stood still. Many of them didn’t want to leave — a testament to the deep connection they share with each other and with PS 88Q. Their families joined in as well, making the day even more meaningful as they celebrated the roots that shaped their early years.

But amid the joy, there was also a moment of reflection. One beloved classmate, Alam Reyes, was missing. Alam tragically lost his life last year, and his absence was deeply felt. He was lovingly remembered and spoken about throughout the day, his spirit very much present in every hug, every smile, and every shared memory.

This group of students has a bond like no other. They are the class that carried each other through an uncertain time and came out stronger for it. PS 88Q will always be their home — a place where their stories began, and where they are always welcomed back with open arms and full hearts.

Our incredible Disney in Schools theater team is ready to ROAR! After months of hard work and dedication, our students are bringing The Lion King to life on stage. This remarkable group has already been featured on ABC World News with David Muir and will be showcased again this weekend on NY1!

Join us for opening night performances on Thursday and Friday at 6:00 PM — open to everyone! Come support our talented performers and experience the magic they’ve created. You won’t want to miss it!

Dear Families,

I’m so excited to welcome you to Summer Rising 2025 at PS 88Q! My name is Ms. Linda O’Shaughnessy, and I have the pleasure of serving as the Principal of PS 88Q. I will also be leading our Summer Rising program—and I couldn't be more thrilled to spend the summer with your children.

This year, we are expecting approximately 790 students, and together with our incredible partners at GRYC, we are planning to provide the best summer experience possible—one that blends academics, enrichment, and FUN in a safe, supportive, and joyful environment.

As principal, my first priority is always safety. I will be communicating regularly throughout the summer to keep you informed about important updates, reminders, and highlights. You can always reach me directly at loshaughnessy@schools.nyc.gov—please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

To help us prepare and support your child in the best way possible, please take a moment to fill out the form linked below. You can share any important details such as allergies, busing plans, or anything else you think we should know:

👉 Click here to share important info about your child

Thank you for joining us this summer—we can’t wait to get started!

Warmly,
Ms. Linda O’Shaughnessy
Principal, PS 88Q

loshaughnessy@schools.nyc.gov

This June, New York City honors and celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride under the theme: “Rise Up: Pride in Protest.” This year’s theme reminds us that Pride began as protests in the late 1960s, when LGBTQ+ people and their allies stood up against unfair treatment and fought for respect, equality, and freedom. Pride Month was first recognized on a federal level in 1999. It remains a time to remember those early pioneers and to celebrate and support LGBTQ+ communities with pride and unity.

New York City Public Schools supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ+) students, families, and staff across the five boroughs through a variety of policies and programs. For more information, please visit:

• The NYC Public Schools Pride Month webpage for resources, events, and other ways to commemorate Pride
• LGBTQ+ Supports

June 2025

Dear Grade 5 Parents,

It is almost time for the Class of 2025 to begin their next chapter, but not before we celebrate their commencement. Please see the below information regarding graduation.

• Guests: Each graduate may have two guests for the ceremony. Graduates will sit together, and their guests will be assigned seats. Each graduate is limited to two tickets each for the ceremony. Please complete the form below so that we have all of the information to make this day as seamless as possible. There is also an opportunity to request additional tickets.

• https://forms.office.com/r/CSz89rVDDC

Graduation Day Procedure:

• Parents will begin to line up on Catalpa Road (outside the Main door) Families will enter through the Old Main Entrance.

• Guests will present their tickets and check in at the table at the entrance to the old main entrance. Staff will have the spreadsheet with the graduate’s name and guests. All guests must check in and present a ticket.

• Student volunteers will escort families to their seats. Upon reaching your seats, you will receive a program for the commencement.

• Students may attend school that day,or can choose to come with their families.

• Students will be called, row by row, in order by school staff to walk across the stage. and have their name called as they walk. A staff member will take the graduates picture as they cross the stage and all pictures will be shared the next day on an exclusive Grade 5 site. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1VqqTAt5CreOJ0Q2_PMlxJIVzvJ0kRMPL?usp=sharing

• When the ceremony is over, families may take pictures in our large schoolyard. Photo props and decorations will be set up.

• There will be a live link on YouTube for family members.

Any questions, please feel free to reach out to me anytime!

Linda O’Shaughnessy

Principal, PS 88Q

loshaughnessy@schools.nyc.gov

On Monday, June 9th at 6:00PM, FACE will be hosting “Finding 'Just Right' Books", a 45-minute, virtual session that will help families understand what makes a text a good fit for their child’s reading level and interests. They will learn what a “just right” book is, why it’s important to find books that aren’t too easy or too frustrating and learn to find books their child will enjoy and learn from, even if they’re not fluent readers or English speakers themselves.

Workshop Details:

• 📅 When: Monday, June 9th at 6:00PM

• 💻 Where: Online (join from home!)

• 👉 Register here: Registration Link

On Tuesday, June 10th FACE will host "Making the Most of Read Alouds and Storytelling "! This 45-minute, virtual session will help families understand how read-alouds can build literacy, connection, and critical thinking. Families will learn how to turn read-aloud time into a learning opportunity, build routines that support bonding and literacy at once, and learn simple techniques for growing vocabulary and comprehension—even if parents don’t speak much English.

We are holding this session twice, so please join the session that fits your schedule!

Workshop Details:

· When: Tuesday, June 10th at 12:00 PM AND 6:00PM!

· Where: Online (join from home!)

· Register here: Registration Link

Register to secure your spot now if you haven't, and please see the attached flier for more information! Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Be sure to visit the 🥳 PTA table at the WE ARE PS88 Event 🥳 on June 4th for sign-ups, info, and more!

The ✨✨ last PTA Meeting of the 2024-25 school year ✨✨ will be Tuesday, June 17, 6pm-7pm, in person and on Zoom.

As always, during the meeting there will be activities for the kids with our amazing PS88 staff so the parents can really focus.

On the agenda:

🕘 Recap of 2024-25 PTA events and final budget and preliminary overview of potential 2025-26 PTA calendar

🗳️ Vote on approval of: updated ByLaws to include new Executive Board roles; money to spend on back to school decorations/open house event

🗣️ Guided conversation about public schools vs. charter schools:

With a charter school coming to Ridgewood next year, there has been a lot of talk, a lot of questions, and a lot of misinformation floating around. So let's talk about it!

The conversation will feature parents and teachers who have taught in and/or had children in charter schools, including the specific school opening up in our neighborhood. The goal is to host an open, non-judgemental space for parents to learn, ask questions, voice concerns, clear up confusion and rumors, and overall have an honest, calm conversation in the spirit of giving parents what they need to help their children thrive.

Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns!

Your 2024-25 PTA Executive Board,

Sam PTA88President@gmail.com

Sabita PTA88Treasurer@gmail.com

Camila PTA88Secretary@gmail.com

Preparing Students to Achieve their Dreams

Dear Families and Colleagues,

"What do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s a question many of us have asked the young people in our lives—and at New York City Public Schools (NYCPS), we are no exception. As part of our focus on college and career pathways, we ask this question early and often—and we take concrete steps to ensure our students can make their dreams a reality.

On May 29, for instance, schools had the opportunity to celebrate 529 Day, encouraging families to take advantage of our Save for College Program. This program, created in partnership with NYC Kids RISE and the city, has resulted in nearly 280,000 NYC Scholarship Accounts to-date, with over $42 million saved for college and career training.

Last month we also marked Decision Day, recognizing our high school seniors for their hard work and celebrating their next steps toward college and career. Just as professional athletes commit to sports teams, our students are committing to their new “teams”—universities, the workforce, and more.

And last but certainly not least, I’m thrilled to share that our college and career pathways work will grow significantly this fall, when we’ll expand our signature FutureReadyNYC initiative to 50 additional schools! These students will have access to coursework, internships, and advising in high-demand fields like healthcare, technology, business, education, and more.

So, let’s keep asking our kids what they want to be when they grow up, because at NYCPS, we are helping them answer that question—and achieve their dreams—every single day.

In partnership,

Melissa Aviles-Ramos

Chancellor