This Week @ PS 88Q

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. The weather has been amazing! Temperatures look to be in the 70's for Thursday, which will make it a wonderful Halloween! No coats over those costumes!

This past week, our amazing Assistant Principals organized a secret mission, one they knew I would never allow! They organized a school wide effort to recognize Principal Appreciation Month. The theme of the day was growth, and staff and students dressed as something that grows. Those two ladies, with the help of Mr. Canales know that I NEVER want any attention, but also know that a day celebrating growth, growth mindset, and progress is something I would never disagree with. Smart, smart team!

I wanted to thank you all , for that absolutely overwhelming show of gratitude you showed me. The amount of thought, work, and effort that goes into that is not lost on me. In a jam packed, hectic schedule you already keep, taking the time to create the many cards, video messages, and dress for the day is not lost on me. Thank you just doesn't seem enough.

It is humbling, the words you shared, and the time you took to make me feel appreciated. I truly feel appreciated every day. Most of you know my story, I started teaching at 22 years old (1993) and stepped back from the DOE when I was 30 (2001). I even resigned in 2006, when my child care leave was up. My new role, the mother of two girls, became my priority. I found a lot of "other jobs" during that break, ones that kept me in the educational loop, but never out of the mom game. I returned back to the DOE when I was 36 (2007), and felt like a new teacher. In all ways, I was, as so much had changed, and it has changed about 10 more times since then. And I suspect it will change at least 10 more times before I go (god willing not anytime soon)

Why am I telling you this? Your cards, and actions, and words signified what I truly believe...growth. I not only know how much I need to grow as a human being, as a mother, as a leader, and as a wife for sure! I have no false beliefs that I have reached the peak of what I know, and what is best. And every day, I learn the best way, by my mistakes. We are all learning and growing, and that acceptance that I may not know today, but I will sure find out and try tomorrow is what has sustained me. So, for the theme to be growth, well that's just amazing.

Ms. Lowe, Ms. Herman, and Mr. Canales brainstormed this day and this theme, and I truly couldn't do this without them. They have all witnessed me at my most vulnerable, and most doubtful. They have patience with me when I am not so clear on what I think, or not as prepared as I should be. Winging it is sometimes my style, which my daughter still wonders how I function. And yes, you could fill a bucket with tears I have shed, reflecting on days when I feel I didn't do enough or could have done it better. But that is growth, I guess. Growing enough to know that what we do matters, and that 700 little pairs of eyes are watching us, and taking their lead from us.

Thank you again for making Monday special, and most important, for allowing me to do this work alongside you!

October 20, 2024

Dear PS 88Q Families,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inform you about our upcoming report card distribution and parent-teacher conference schedule.

Report cards will be distributed during the week of December 2nd (through your NYCSA). We believe that taking this additional time allows us to provide a more accurate reflection of your child's progress. While the citywide report card day is typically held on November 7th, we have opted to extend this period to better serve our students and families. WE HAVE A FULL DAY OF SCHOOL ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH, 2024

Please note that on December 5th, there will be no school for students as we will hold our parent-teacher conferences. This is an excellent opportunity for you to discuss your child’s progress and any questions you may have with their teachers.

For your convenience, PS 88Q will be in session for a full day on November 7th. We appreciate your understanding and support as we strive to provide the best educational experience for our students.

Thank you for your continued partnership. We look forward to seeing you at the conferences.

Warm regards,

Linda O'Shaughnessy
Principal
PS 88Q

This past week, the Ridgewood Community, and specifically two of our Middle Schools (IS 93 and IS 77) shared a loss as a student passed away due to subway surfing. This is something that the community is aware of, as it is not the first death of one of our own District 24 students. So many families share with me that this is a common sight on the M train. This is something we must address with our students. This dangerous behavior is becoming something more prevalent. I must say, social media is playing a huge part in behaviors we are seeing in our students. As a community, we will be addressing this with our students and our families. Please see the press release from our Chancellor this week.

STATEMENT FROM CHANCELLOR AVILES-RAMOS ON THE RECENT PASSING OF TWO NYC PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS

New York, NY – Chancellor Aviles-Ramos today made the following statement regarding the recent deaths of two New York City Public School students:

“Overnight, I learned of the tragic deaths of two New York City Public Schools students - one died while subway surfing, and the other as the result of violence in his community. I’ve directed our team to provide grief counseling and other supports to each school impacted by these devastating losses. We often say we want the community to wrap its arms around our schools, and that is most important in moments like these.

When one school loses a student, it impacts the entire city. This is why I am making student safety and wellness my top priority as schools chancellor. Too many young lives are being cut short by violence in our communities due to the negative impacts of social media or mental health challenges.

True safety comes when the entire community is engaged. Together, we will ensure that safety is the last thing our students must think about – inside or outside of school.”

On Thursday, October 31, we will be hosting our Fall Festival. Throughout the day, students will be celebrating the beauty of the Fall Season. Students may come in costume to celebrate. Some of our families do not celebrate Halloween, but we want to assure you that your child does not have to participate in the Fall Costume Parade. If you do not want your child to take part in the parade, we have staff who stay in school, and will be with the students. Please complete the Fall Costume Parade Permission slip below:

https://forms.office.com/r/cAK3bV2tGu

Details of the day:

• Parade: Students will exit the building through the main door at 9:00am and walk counterclockwise around the perimeter of the building once.
• Parents can walk with their child's class, or observe from the sidelines.
• Pumpkin Distribution: Catalpa Avenue will be closed to traffic beginning at 1:30pm. In conjunction with the Italian American Federation, we will distribute pumpkins and or goody bags to all families. Please pick up you child first, and then proceed to the corner of Catalpa and Fresh Pond Road.

The Caring Closet was a huge hit!! So many donations and so many families came to shop! The parent volunteers and staff volunteers made it flow beautifully. Looking forward to our next one!

This week our students (and staff) had the pleasure of not only watching, but participating in the fun that the NYPD Jazz Band bring! All students from 3K to Grade 5 were dancing in the aisles and singing along with the band.

Ms. Ivett Perez-Lopez is collecting any costumes you would like to donate! Please see below:

What a busy week we had!

Picture Day was Tuesday and Wednesday. And the Fall/Winter Caring Closet was Saturday. It was our biggest Caring Closet yet and was a huge success!

Thank you to all of the parents that volunteered for Picture Day and for the Caring Closet. YOU made these events happen.

There were quite a few first time volunteers! We hope to see you at many more upcoming events and meetings!

Remember: EVERY parent at PS88 is a member of the PTA. Get involved and make your voice heard!

Ways to get involved:

INFORMAL PTA SURVEY: PARENT AND FAMILY NEEDS

This survey is informal and anonymous - it is a place to share your thoughts, experiences, and needs openly and frankly. Feedback received before 2pm on Monday 11/18 will be included in the formal survey being prepared by the SLT (School Leadership Team). Make your voice heard!!

Please share your thoughts in this important initiative: bit.ly/ParentNeeds202425

SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR

The Scholastic Book Fair is almost here! It will take place 11/12-15 during school hours, AND a soon to be announced Family Shopping Evening.

As part of our new initiative of assigning events to different grades...Now's your time to shine Kindergarten and 1st Grade Parents!

We'll be sending out a letter to your class teachers with a little more info so keep an eye out for that.

In the meantime, volunteer SignUps for K/1 parents are OPEN: bit.ly/3Uk6aNh

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

The next General Membership Meeting is Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at 6pm, in person and on Zoom.

Spanish interpretation during the meeting.

See you there!

Subject: District 24 Middle School Fair on November 20th

Dear 5th Grade Families,

We are excited to invite you to the District 24 Middle School Fair, which will be held on Wednesday, November 20th, at I.S. 5. This event is a wonderful opportunity for you and your child to interact with district and school staff, learn more about the middle schools in our district and explore the various programs and opportunities they offer your child.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, November 20th

• Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

• Location: I.S. 5 (50-40 Jacobus St, Elmhurst, NY 11373)

To ensure we can accommodate everyone, please register for the event using the link below. You will also find more information about our middle schools and the programs they offer. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing what makes our schools special.

Link to MS School Information: https://csd24.com/msapply.html

Link to Fair Registration Form: https://forms.office.com/r/kDjhjMBKsQ

Thank you,

Community School District 24

________________________________

Dear Families:

Research shows that 1 in 5 students experience bullying, with many cases escalating without early intervention. By hosting this district-wide workshop, we are working together to create safe and supportive environments for all students.

Attached are the flyers for Wednesday’s D24 Bullying Awareness Workshop.

Dear Families and Colleagues,

I’m thrilled and honored to be your new Chancellor. In my first few days in the role, I’ve had the opportunity to visit schools across the five boroughs, engage with families and staff, and share my story and vision for NYC Public Schools with our communities. It’s been a whirlwind!

In less than two weeks, I’ve seen a community school in the Bronx; an early childhood center in Brooklyn; a Nest program in Manhattan; an Adult Learning Center in Queens; and two Staten Island schools, one engaged in NYC Reads and the other in NYC Solves. These visits have been a true joy, and they’ve underscored for me the incredible diversity and breadth of our school system. I invite you to follow us online at X, Facebook, and Instagram to see pictures and videos from these visits.

No matter your age, interests, or learning style, there is truly something for everyone at NYC Public Schools, and that’s something I’d like to highlight going forward in this newsletter. To that end, we’ll be rethinking PS + You over the next few weeks, with a fresh format and focus starting next month. In the meantime, I encourage you to share your feedback with us here, so we can ensure this newsletter reflects the amazing work happening in our school communities. I look forward to reviewing your input and ideas.

In partnership,

Melissa Aviles-Ramos

Chancellor