Get Ready for Day One
Ready for the first day of school on Thursday, September 10?
The Month Ahead (September 2026)
As we welcome you back to school for the 2026–27 school year, take a look at what's happening after the first day of school.
Previewing the Year Ahead (2026–27 School Year)
See what's in store for NYC Public Schools for the entire 2026–27 school year, courtesy of our official 2026–27 School Calendar, and get set for the year ahead!
Free Summer Meals for NYC Kids Until September 4
Even after the 2025–2026 school year ends, anyone 18 years old and under can still enjoy free breakfast and lunch throughout the summer, starting Monday, June 29, 2026.
Start the 2026–27 School Year Right at NYC Public Libraries
Opportunities for Students (July and August 2026)
The second half of summer is just about here—check out what programs, workshops, and special deals are available for City students throughout the remainder of July and August, and register/apply for them today!
A Fun Summer Starts With Safety
Monday, September 7 is Labor Day! First celebrated in 1882 right here in New York City, this federal holiday honors the contributions of workers across the United States and recognizes those who fought tirelessly for fair wages, safer working conditions, and a better quality of life for all.
As we approach the unofficial “end of summer” this year, we’re sharing reading recommendations for students of all ages to explore the history and impact of labor movements, the people who led them, and the issues that motivated them.
Early Readers (3-K–Grade 2)
- Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909, by Michelle Markel; illustrated by Melissa Sweet
- Click, Clack, Moo, Cows That Type, by Doreen Cronin; illustrated by Betsy Lewin
- On Our Way to Oyster Bay: Mother Jones and her March for Children’s Rights, by Monica Kulling; illustrated by Felicita Sala
- The Only Woman in the Photo: Frances Perkins and Her New Deal for America, by Kathleen Krull; illustrated by Alexandra Bye
Elementary (Grades 3–5)
- Bog Myrtle, by Sid Sharp
- Dolores Huerta Stands Strong, by Malene Targ Brill
- I’m Gonna Paint: Ralph Fasanella, Artist of the People, by Anne Broyles; illustrated by Victoria Tentler-Krylov
- Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop: The Sanitation Strike of 1968, by Alice Faye Duncan; illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
Middle School (Grades 6–8)
- Fannie Never Flinched: One Woman’s Courage in the Struggle for American Labor Union Rights, by Mary Cronk Farrell
- Kids on the March, by Michael Long
- The Pecan Sheller, by Lupe Ruiz-Flores
- Undocumented: A Worker’s Fight, by Duncan Tonatiuh
Upper Grades (Grades 9–12)
- Fight to Win! Heroes of American Labor, by Kim Kelly
- The Mine Wars: The Bloody Fight for Workers’ Rights in the West Virginia Coalfields, by Steve Watkins
- Shift Happens: The History of Labor in the United States, by J. Albert Mann
- Uprising, by Margaret Peterson Haddix
You can find these books and many more great reads on Sora, our Citywide Digital Library, which provides free access to thousands of digital e-books and audiobooks for our students!
Missed our previous book recommendations?
Check them out in the "What We're Reading" Archive!
SPOTLIGHT ON OUR SCHOOLS
This past June was one for the history books for New Yorkers—not only did our City commemorate a long-awaited championship and host the start of the biggest sporting event in the world, but we also marked the end of the 2025–26 school year!
From graduation ceremonies and award celebrations, to final project presentations and end-of-year exams, City public schools were buzzing with activity and excitement all month long! Check out some of the snapshots we took over the past month, and join us in thanking all of the incredible educators, school leaders, volunteers, and students who made the past year truly special for NYC Public Schools!
2026–27 NYCPS Calendar Now Available
The official New York City Public Schools calendar for the 2026–2027 school year is now available! Learn more about next year's calendar, and start making your plans for the upcoming school year TODAY!
Stay Informed with a NYC Schools Account (NYCSA)
With a NYCSA, you can:
- Access your child's school information on the go
- See your student’s grades, test scores and more
- Complete important forms
- Take classes in Parent University
- Get technology support through SupportHub
Ready to Read: Literacy Resources for Families
NYC Reads is reshaping the way that we teach our students to read, but the learning doesn't have to stop at the classroom door! Whether it's a family book club or a phonics-based 20 questions game, you can bring the "science of reading" home by using any of our helpful resources that will help your children continue to develop their literacy skills, like:
- Reading Games
- Phonics, Vocabulary, and Storytelling Practice
- And more!
