As we enter the final stretch of the school year, this marks our second to last weekly newsletter of the 2024–2025 school year. Thank you all for your energy, dedication, and the incredible support you've shown our students, families, and one another. Let’s finish strong together!
🌟 A Big Congratulations!
Please join me once again in congratulating Ms. O’Donnell, who was recently recognized by CBS News as the FLAG Teacher of the Year! Her incredible impact on our students and school community continues to make us proud.
🎥 Click here to watch the CBS News feature: https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/video/queens-teacher-uses-chickens-to-help-teach-special-needs-students/#x
🎉 Staff Party - June 19 at K. Pacho!
We hope to see you all on Wednesday, June 19th at K. Pacho as we celebrate the end of a successful school year and honor our retirees. It will be a great evening of laughter, memories, and community. Let’s celebrate all we’ve accomplished!
🌺 Moana Jr. Takes the Stage!
Good luck to our student performers in Moana Jr. this week! We are incredibly proud of the hard work and talent our students and staff have poured into this production. Break a leg to our stars!
✊🏽 Honoring Juneteenth
This week, we honor Juneteenth — a day that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It is a time to reflect on freedom, justice, and the ongoing work toward equity and inclusion. We encourage all to take a moment to learn, reflect, and celebrate this important day in our nation’s history.
As always, thank you for your commitment and care. One more newsletter next week… let’s make this week count!
Compensatory Teaching Positions SY 25/26 & 26/27:
UC - Main Site - Jocelyn Payne
UC - MVB - Stacy Wilson
UC - 209Q - Maria Marrero
UC - 295Q - Geeta Ganesh
School Based Coaches - Jamie Mayer, Megan Krebs, Tyler Larsen.
Special Education Coordinator - Shelby Dua
Coordinator of Student Activities (COSA) - Ms. Gina Rice
*Please note, the Life Skills/Home Economics Cluster Position is now open for the Martin van Buren HS Site* - Please submit all letters of interest by Friday, June 20, 2025 by 3pm
School Time 25/26:
Our school time at Main Site, MVB, 295 and 209Q will be the same as this year for all staff and students. For our 3 inclusion sites 139, 190 and FLHS, please check with the building administration for your specific time.
As we approach the end of the school year, we are implementing the following protocols to ensure that all technology devices are properly returned by students and staff who are transitioning out of our organization:
For Students:
Graduating or Aging Out: All students who are graduating or aging out must return any school- or district-issued devices (e.g., iPads, AAC devices, Chromebooks) in order to receive their official diploma. Please make sure this is clearly communicated to families.
Transitioning to a New School or Not Attending Summer School: Students who are articulating to another school in September or who will not be attending summer school should also return their devices before the end of the school year.
For Staff:
Any staff member who is not working summer school or is leaving the organization is expected to return any school-issued devices. Administration will determine if any exceptions apply for device retention.
- We are so excited to see so many faces taking advantage of the updated sensory garden. Please take advantage of all the games located in the shed. Enjoy lunch under the umbrella. Please clean up after yourself and your class. If you should use the sandbox please make sure you place the cover on it before you leave, we want to ensure that no critters get inside. Thank you and enjoy!
- Thank you to the 70 plus staff members who have completed the PBIS Survey! Please make sure to complete the survey this week as it will help guide implementation of PBIS next school year. All input is greatly appreciated!
On behalf of our entire team, we want to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you for the incredible work you do every single day. We wish we could shine a spotlight on every single amazing classroom this year. We truly appreciate being welcomed into your classrooms and allowing us to be part of your students' educational journey. Your openness and collaboration have been invaluable. We've learned so much by observing your dedication and passion firsthand. Your hard work, patience, and commitment to student growth is inspiring. We see how much you care about your students, and it truly makes a difference. It's been a pleasure working alongside you this year and we look forward to working with all of you next year!
Have a wonderful summer!
Audrey Peduzzi
Jamie Mayer
Katie Noon
Abir Bousaid
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for these three wonderful years. I wish you the best of luck, and I will miss you all!”
(Abir Bousaid)
Here are some useful links that will help support your practice and HR functions:
HR
Personal Business Days - Email Principal Duffy and Payroll Secretary 48 Hours Prior
Curriculum/Educational
Miscellaneous
