As we step into June, I want to take a moment to share something that has been on my heart—gratitude.

Every single day, I witness the incredible dedication, creativity, and love that our staff pours into this building. The recognition they are receiving—from district leaders, community members, and beyond—is so well deserved, but what fills me with the most pride is the work that often goes unseen: the kind words, the extra time, the belief in every child. I am beyond proud of what our staff is creating here at PS 88Q. This is not just a school—it’s a community, a home, and a place where children thrive because of the care and commitment of the adults around them.

Now, I want to share a little tradition I use both at school and at home. As a mom, I know all too well how tough it is to get any details out of your child when you ask, “How was your day?” The answer is usually a quick “good,” followed by “nothing” when you ask what they did. A few years ago, I found a better way. I started asking my girls—and I use this with our students too—What was your rose today? Your thorn? Your bud?

🌹 The rose is something that made you happy.
🌵 The thorn is something that was hard or didn’t go as planned.
🌱 The bud is something you’re looking forward to.

That small shift opens the door to reflection, conversation, and connection. It’s become a treasured part of our routine—and I encourage you to try it at home. You may be surprised by what your child shares.

Last week was filled with joy and meaningful moments, and June is just as packed! I want to personally invite every family to join us this Wednesday, June 4th from 3:30–6:30 PM for our #WeArePS88Q Celebration. It’s an evening to celebrate all your children have accomplished this year. Our Annual Art Show is nothing short of incredible—every student has artwork on display! Visit your child’s classroom, explore our STEM lab, music rooms, library, wellness room, and see the work and joy happening in every space. We’ll have raffles, giveaways, crafts, food, and even a DJ. The weather looks perfect, so enjoy time in the playground and schoolyard, and then join us at 6:30 PM for Outdoor Movie Night under the stars.

Let’s celebrate this amazing year together. You and your children deserve it.

🌞 June Celebrations & Events
🎤 June 3: PS 88Q Talent Show @ 6:00 PM
🎉 June 4: #WeArePS88Q Celebration (3:30–6:30 PM)
🎬 June 4: Outdoor Movie Night (6:30–8:00 PM)
🕌 June 5: No School – Eid-al-Adha
📝 June 6: No Students – Clerical Day
🎓 June 9: Grade 5 Picnic
🏀 June 9: PS 88Q Basketball Game (Away)
🏫 June 9: SLT Meeting @ 5:00 PM (Open Discussion: Charter vs Public School)
💌 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
🎶 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 24: Grade 5 Party!
📅 June 26: Last Day of School – Let Summer Begin!

🌴 Looking Ahead
☀️ July 2: Summer Rising Begins

🎉 You’re Invited to the PS 88Q Open House Celebration! 🎉
📅 Date: Tuesday, June 4th
🕒 Time: 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM and the Outdoor Movie Night from 6:30pm-8:00pm
📍 Location: PS 88Q – The Heart of Our Community

• Join us for a fun-filled, schoolwide celebration where YOU get to experience what your child sees every day! Our amazing staff has curated an afternoon of learning, laughter, and community connection. It’s a true open house—and we’re adding more excitement every day!

  🌟 What’s in Store:
  🎨 Ms. Fogarty’s Annual Art Show – Every student’s artwork will be on display in our spectacular PS 88Q Gallery!
  🏫 Visit Current & Future Classrooms – Tour where your child learns now and peek into what’s next!
  🎭 Sneak Peek at This Year’s Disney Performance – A magical preview you won’t want to miss!
  🎶 Explore the Music Rooms & STEM Lab – Get hands-on with the spaces that spark creativity and innovation.
  🤝 Meet All of Our Amazing Teachers – Connect with the educators who make PS 88Q special.
  🛝 Playground Open for Families – Let the kids play while you explore!
  🎨 Family Craft Activity – Get creative and make something memorable together.
  💆 Relax in the Wellness Room – Yes, we’ll have a real masseuse on site!
  🎓 Incoming Pre-K, 3K & Kindergarten Orientation – A warm welcome to our newest families!
  🎉 Class of 2020 Welcome Back – A special moment to celebrate our returning alumni.
  📚 Resource Fair – Discover community programs and school services available to your family.

  This is your moment to celebrate all the incredible work our students, staff, and families have accomplished together. We can’t wait to welcome you!

  
  

To the Class of 2020, PS 88Q will always be your home!

Five years ago, you left PS 88Q on a regular Friday in March, not realizing it would be the last time you say in your grade 5 classroom. We entered a time period that was not easy, and for you all, you didn't get the traditional graduation, party and farewell. We want you to know that PS 88Q will always be part of your story, and you are all part of our story .

On Wednesday, June 4th we are holding an open house for all our families, to see how amazing PS 88Q really is. All of the teachers will be there, and showcasing many things, such as band with Mr. Dumont, Art with Ms. Fogarty, Coding with Mr. Nolan, Disney Theater, but most of all, the opportunity for you to see some of your teachers, walk the hallways again, and return to your elementary school. At 6:00pm. we will gather you all in the auditorium and celebrate you! Feel free to bring your family!

I would love to gather any pictures you may have. I am adding the ones I have. Feel free to drop some pictures of then, and now in the link below.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1O__AEHlxzJ7G_5QF16bcuJpmIOW3t7bo?usp=sharing

We are thrilled to share that PS 88Q was proudly represented at the NYCPS Central Office for the PBL with ELLs in Mind Culminating Event at Tweed. This powerful day spotlighted the incredible work of multilingual learners across the city—and our students shined brightly.

Our scholars, Dmyto Gorachko, Nil Shahaj, Maria Ramirez, and Paulina Rios, showcased the results of their Saturday Academy project titled "Creating a Smart and Sustainable Garden for Our School." Their innovative work was recognized citywide and earned them the honor of being selected as main stage presenters, in addition to sharing their process and outcomes during the round table exhibition.

The project, now in its second year, involved the thoughtful integration of science, technology, and sustainability. Students explored ways to increase the efficiency of our school garden by designing and 3D-printing tools to support plant growth, conserve water, and track environmental data. The process was not only academically enriching but also built language, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

This culminating event was made even more meaningful by the presence of Ms. Cybura, Ms. Harvey, and Ms. Heras-Torres, who supported the students throughout their journey, as well as the families who traveled with us to celebrate this moment.

One of the highlights of the day came during the presentation segment, when a student confidently explained her team’s collaborative design process to none other than Dr. Veronica Boix Mansilla, a Harvard expert in Global Competence and the event's keynote speaker.

The pride in the room was palpable. We celebrate the brilliance of our students and educators who are not only deepening their learning but leading it—and doing so with creativity, purpose, and joy. PS 88Q is proud to be part of this vital work, and we can’t wait to see where our next year of Project-Based Learning takes us!

This May, PS 88Q hosted our annual “May the Change Be With You” Advocacy Walk—an empowering event where every student, from kindergarten through grade 5, took part in walking for a cause close to their hearts. This year, our fifth-grade students chose to advocate for senior citizens, raising awareness about their needs, dignity, and the importance of intergenerational connection.

In a touching and unexpected turn, local seniors joined the walk—not only to thank the students, but to advocate for them in return. They voiced their support for strong public schools, youth programs, and safe spaces for children to grow and thrive.

The day was a powerful reminder that advocacy has no age limit—and that change happens when communities come together, walking side by side.

Our partnership with The Joffrey Ballet brought the beauty and discipline of dance to our youngest learners this year. For eight months, students in grades K, 1, and 2 studied under a resident Joffrey instructor, building confidence, coordination, and a love for the arts. Their hard work culminated in a stunning performance on Tuesday, May 27th, where they danced with heart, pride, and poise. The entire PS 88Q community was in awe! We are proud to announce that this inspiring partnership will continue next year—bringing even more opportunities for our students to shine.

Field Day was a huge success at PS 88Q! All of our students had an incredible time rotating through 16 exciting stations, thoughtfully designed by Ms. Corniel and Mr. Tripotseris. While we were initially concerned about the weather, it turned out to be absolutely perfect—especially after last year’s sun and heat brought extra challenges. This year, the breeze was on our side, and the energy was high! A big thank you to all the families who came out to cheer us on and join the fun. And truth be told… the staff might have had the most fun of all!

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

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

Dear Families and Colleagues,

As the days get warmer and the trees are in bloom, I know summer is top-of-mind for many. I’m thrilled about the summer opportunities available to our students through Summer Rising and other programs, and we will have more to share about these experiences in upcoming issues of this newsletter.

But before we get there, I want to share a critically important reminder: school is in session through June 26, and every day counts! Attendance is an essential foundation for learning—not just at the start of the school year but through the very last day.

Attendance matters at all grade levels; it is linked to academic success and long-term outcomes. Even missing 2 to 3 days of school a month can add up—and can result in a student being chronically absent. We know consistent attendance takes true partnership, and we are here to help families overcome attendance barriers however we can. Families, you can always contact your school’s parent coordinator to ask questions and request support.

June is an especially important time for your child to build their skills and celebrate successes with their school community. Our teachers and staff are here to help your child learn, grow, and prepare for the steps ahead.

Our schools are better places when all our children are there. Let’s finish strong together—because every day counts!

In partnership,

Melissa Aviles-Ramos

Chancellor