Messages for Families

Important Upcoming Dates

• October 12 : Italian Heritage/Indigenous Peoples' Day, schools closed
• November 3 : Election Day, school will be in session remotely for all students
• November 5 : Afternoon/Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences (PTCs) for elementary schools*
• November 11 : Veterans Day, schools closed
• November 12 : Afternoon/Evening PTCs for middle schools and D75 schools*
• November 19 : Evening PTCs for high schools, K–12, and 6–12 schools
• November 20 : Afternoon PTCs for high schools, K–12, and 6–12 schools*

*(students will be dismissed three hours early)

2027 High School Admissions

Starting October 6 , current eighth graders and first-time ninth graders can participate in this year's NYCPS high school application process . Fall 2027 high school applications will close on Friday, December 4 . Learn more at schools.nyc.gov/HS .

Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT)

Students interested in attending one of the eight testing Specialized High Schools must register to take the SHSAT entrance exam between October 6 and October 30 . The SHSAT will be administered in November. Learn more and access practice materials at schools.nyc.gov/SHSAT . For information about specialized high schools, visit schools.nyc.gov/SHS .

2027 Middle School Admissions

Starting Wednesday, October 14 , students currently in fifth grade (or sixth grade, for students in K–6 elementary schools) can participate in fall 2027 middle school admissions. Fall 2027 middle school applications will close on Friday, December 11 . Learn more at schools.nyc.gov/MS .

Mark Twain-District 21 Talent Test

Students interested in attending Mark Twain I.S. 239 for the Gifted & Talented (21K239) or the six screened middle schools in District 21 must register to take the Mark Twain Talent Test by November 2 . Learn more at schools.nyc.gov/MSAuditions .

Preparing for Remote Learning on Election Day

Students will participate in remote learning on Tuesday , November 3 . Ensure your child has a working, internet-enabled device at home and that they know how to access their NYCPS Student Account ( schools.nyc.gov/StudentAccounts ). Visit selfservice.schools.nyc or ask your school for help.

If you need a NYCPS-loaned device, contact your school directly now . Learn how to start using your loaned device at schools.nyc.gov/NYCPSDevices . Learn more at schools.nyc.gov/DigitalLearning .

November 2027 Parent-Teacher Conferences

This year’s second round of parent-teacher conferences (PTCs) begins on Thursday, November 5 . PTCs will be conducted remotely. However, schools may arrange an in-person conference upon request. Dates and times can vary depending on school and grade level—speak with your child’s school to confirm their PTC schedule and to set up your meeting. Visit schools.nyc.gov/PTC for tips and guidance.

Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy

Per New York State law, students may not use their cell phones and other personal internet-enabled electronic devices during the school day. Make sure you are familiar with and following your school’s policy on device storage. Visit schools.nyc.gov/DevicePolicy to learn more.

Stay Up to Date with Your Child’s Vaccinations

All NYCPS students who are 2 months to 18 years old must meet both State and City immunization requirements to attend school. Review requirements by grade at schools.nyc.gov/Immunizations . Talk to your child's health provider to learn more. Find a provider at pndslookup.health.ny.gov .

Keep Up with NYC Public Schools

Bookmark The Morning Bell blog at schools.nyc.gov/MorningBell and be sure to follow @NYCSchools on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube for the latest news and resources for NYC families!

Dear Families:

Welcome back! I am so excited to begin the 2026–27 school year together.

The first day of school is one of my favorite times of the year; it brings so many possibilities and new beginnings. Whether your child is a kindergartner proudly carrying their oversized backpack into class for the first time, a middle school student trying out their new locker combination, or a high school senior taking their last first-day photos with friends, I hope your family feels that same sense of promise and possibility.

Over the years, I've experienced many first days as an educator and parent. In each of these roles, I’ve learned firsthand how much trust our families place in New York City Public Schools every day. We all share the same hopes for our children: that they will walk into school feeling welcomed, supported, and ready to learn. On my first “first day” as Chancellor, my commitment is to make that experience a reality for every child at every school.

Since taking on this role, I've had the privilege of listening to hundreds of students, families, educators, and community members across all five boroughs. My conversations with all of you have shaped my priorities for the year ahead: to create safe, academically rigorous, and truly integrated schools. In other words, we want to ensure that every student feels a sense of belonging and has the support they need to reach their fullest potential in a robust, culturally responsive learning environment.

As we begin the new school year, please know that we are here to answer questions and provide any support you may need. Your parent coordinator, principal, teachers, and school staff are here to help you every step of the way. Our schools welcome all students, and we want every family to know that they belong here.

I wish you and your family a wonderful year of learning and growth. I am eager to continue engaging with all of you, and I look forward to everything we'll accomplish together this school year.

In partnership,

Kamar H. Samuels
Chancellor

Dear Families,

Welcome back to school! I am writing to share important information on our efforts to support the safety and learning of all of our students, especially for our immigrant and undocumented families. As an immigrant myself, I want to be clear: New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) welcomes and serves every child, regardless of immigration status.

Our schools belong to all of our families. NYCPS does not ask about or track the immigration status for our students. We protect student information, and non-local law enforcement, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), is not permitted to access our students, schools, or records unless required by law and after consultation with NYCPS attorneys.

We know that immigration-related concerns can create uncertainty for children and families. We also recognize that some members of our school communities may be affected by changes to immigration programs, including Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Your school is here to support you. If you or a family member has questions or concerns about changes that could impact your family, talk to your Principal to connect you with Project Open Arms. Through Project Open Arms and our city partners, families can access Know Your Rights information and free, confidential immigration legal assistance to help them understand their options and connect with trusted resources.

As the school year begins, we also encourage families to make sure their school's emergency contact information is up to date and to review the resources available through NYCPS's Project Open Arms. Families have access to free translation and interpretation services if needed. For more information, visit schools.nyc.gov/ProjectOpenArms.

Additionally, NYCPS continues to partner with the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA). We encourage families to use the MOIA Legal Support Hotline at 1-800-354-0365 which is free, safe, and confidential or visit nyc.gov/immigrants to learn more.

I am proud to welcome you and your children to the 2026–27 school year. Every student deserves to learn in a school where they feel safe, valued, and supported.

In partnership,

Kamar H. Samuels
Chancellor