Messages for Families

November 6, 2024: Reflecting on This Election

Dear New York City Public Schools Community,

As a public school system, I believe we have a set of core responsibilities to our students and families. We must, first and foremost, keep students safe. We must also prepare them to become leaders of the next generation. For these reasons, a presidential election represents an especially important moment in our school communities.

As I highlighted in last week’s PS + You newsletter, our Civics team has done tremendous work to civically engage our students throughout this election. We are instilling in our children a deep appreciation for and understanding of democracy.

As we prepare for the presidential transition in January, our children may be wondering what these election results mean for them. First, I want to reassure you that we remain steadfast in our commitment to maintain safe and supportive environments for our students, staff, and families. That is our top priority and our first responsibility as a school system.

Additionally, I encourage us all—educators, school leaders, families, and community members—to discuss this election with our students and to model thoughtful civil discourse in doing so. We must support our students to ask questions, learn the facts, and express their perspectives respectfully. Please visit schools.nyc.gov/currentevents for resources that will be helpful in creating space for discussion.

Finally, as community members, we will continue to take care of our students and each other. Every school has on-site mental health support (see schools.nyc.gov/mentalhealth), and if you need assistance yourself, you can call or text 988. If you have questions or concerns about student safety and support, please contact your principal or district superintendent. 

In partnership,

Melissa Aviles-Ramos
Chancellor

October 28, 2024: What's Happening in NYC Public Schools

This update provides important information regarding NYC Public Schools (NYCPS), including key upcoming dates from the 2024-25 School Year Calendar, admissions deadlines, planning for remote learning, New York State vaccination requirements, and details about where you can get the latest news regarding NYCPS.

Important Upcoming Dates

• November 1: Diwali, schools closed
• November 5: Election Day, no classes for NYCPS students
• November 7: Afternoon and evening PTCs for elementary schools*
• November 11: Veterans Day, schools closed
• November 14: Afternoon/evening PTCs for middle schools and D75 schools*
• November 21: Evening PTCs for high schools, K-12, and 6-12 schools
• November 22: Afternoon PTCs for high schools, K-12, and 6-12 schools*
• November 28-29: Thanksgiving Recess, schools closed
• December 24-January 1: Winter Recess, schools closed

*students in these schools dismissed three hours early

2025 High School Admissions

Planning to enroll in one of NYC's 700+ public high school programs in fall 2025? As of October 1, current eighth graders and first-time ninth graders can participate in this year's NYCPS high school application process.

This year, MySchools (myschools.nyc) offers a new feature to help applicants understand their chances of receiving an offer from a particular program (schools.nyc.gov/OfferChances). Additionally, students may now list any number of program choices on their application, expanded from the previous limit of 12.

Fall 2025 High School applications will close on Wednesday, December 4. Learn more at schools.nyc.gov/HS.

2025 Middle School Admissions

As of October 15, students currently in fifth grade (or sixth grade, for students in K-6 elementary schools), can participate in fall 2025 middle school admissions.

New this year, families can now list ANY City public middle school on their application. While zoned and district priority schools will continue to prioritize zoned and/or district students, applicants from other zones/districts will now be considered for remaining seats.

Fall 2025 Middle School applications will close on Friday, December 20. Learn more at schools.nyc.gov/MS.

November 2024 Parent-Teacher Conferences

This year's second round of Parent-Teacher Conferences will begin on Thursday, November 7. Speak with your child's teachers to schedule your conference times. Visit our Parent-Teacher Conferences page (schools.nyc.gov/ptc) for tips and additional guidance.

Preparing for Remote Learning

In the event that NYCPS buildings must close due to the weather, all K-12 students will be expected to participate in their classes from home. Please ensure your child has a working internet-enabled device at home-prepare by reaching out to your school directly now if your child needs a device loaned from NYCPS; do not wait for a building closure. Learn how to get started using your loaned iPad or laptop at schools.nyc.gov/NYCPSdevices.

To participate in remote learning, students will need to log on using their NYCPS Student Account (schools.nyc.gov/StudentAccounts). If you do not know your child's username and password, please visit selfservice.schools.nyc or ask your school for help. For information about the applications and platforms we use, please visit schools.nyc.gov/DigitalLearning.

Stay Up to Date with Your Child's Vaccinations

All NYCPS students, from Infant and Toddler programs through grade 12, must meet both State and City school immunization requirements in order to attend school. Review the requirements for students in your child's grade level at schools.nyc.gov/immunization.

Remember: a healthy school setting gives all students the best opportunity to learn, and vaccines are among the most effective tools we have to protect our children from diseases that can make them sick. Talk to your child's health provider to learn more, or find a health provider who fits your family's needs at pndslookup.health.ny.gov.

Have You Checked Out The Morning Bell?

Did you know that the latest news and helpful resources for NYC families can all be found online on The Morning Bell? Don't miss out-bookmark us at schools.nyc.gov/MorningBell.

Fall 2024: Climate Action Day

Dear Families,

At New York City Public Schools, our job is to nurture the next generation—and that includes caring for the environment around us. That’s why we are launching our second year of Climate Action Days in our schools. We are building on our commitment to sustainability to keep our communities clean, green, and safe for our children—today and into the future.

Every school will have the opportunity to take part in four Climate Action Days this year. The first Climate Action Day theme is “Waste,” and most schools will participate on Tuesday, November 19.

There are many ways our schools can prevent waste and reduce what we send to landfills. This year, one way we’re taking action is by providing all K-12 schools with curbside composting service five days a week.

I want to encourage you to engage with your child about climate change and how we can all be part of the solution:

1. Learn more about Climate Action Days at on.nyc.gov/ClimateActionDays.
2. Ask your child’s school about:
   • Climate Action Day plans: Students will participate in climate-related activities organized by school-based Sustainability Coordinators.
   • Plastic Free Lunch Day: Many schools will also take part in National Plastic Free Lunch Day on November 19. If your child brings food from home, pack it in reusable containers, paper bags, or aluminum foil. Unlike plastic bags or wrap, these items can be composted or recycled.
   • Food Donation: Ask your school principal if they have opted into the food donation program. Schools can provide unopened food and beverages to families and local organizations, preventing food waste.

By working together, we can build a brighter, more sustainable future. Thank you for being our partners and for all you do to support our children!

Best,
Meredith McDermott
Office of Energy & Sustainability

October 16, 2024: My Commitment to You

American Sign Language (video)

Dear Families,

I am honored and excited to be your new Chancellor. As a lifelong educator and mom of a New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) student, I am eager to work with and serve you.

When I was a child growing up in the Bronx, my mother taught me that education was the ticket to a life of prosperity and fulfillment. I decided to become a teacher in 2007 because I, like my mother, believe in the power of education to change lives.

I began my career in the classroom at Harry S. Truman High School and went on to become an administrator at both the school and district levels. As chief of staff to former Chancellor Banks, I spearheaded Project Open Arms, a multi-agency effort to welcome and support our 45,000-plus newest New Yorkers. In my most recent role, I served as the Deputy Chancellor of Family and Community Engagement and External Affairs, fostering partnerships between families, schools, and communities.

I know this school system inside and out—and with each passing year, I grow even more amazed at the talent of our staff, the innovation in our classrooms, the dedication of our families and parent leaders, and the brilliance of our students. To become the next Chancellor is the culmination of my life’s work.

I want to thank Mayor Adams for this opportunity and Chancellor Banks for his immense contributions to our school system. The initiatives we’ve launched—from NYC Reads to our reimagined Student Pathways—have been truly transformative, and I am eager to continue these programs. Please know that I am committed to stability and consistency in the day-to-day operation of our schools.

As an NYCPS parent myself, I will work my hardest to ensure our schools are safe and welcoming spaces for our children, that they set a high academic bar, and that they provide rich opportunities for learning and growth. I commit to advocating for each of our children just as I would for my own daughter. And I commit to listening to the wisdom of our families and ensuring we are doing our part as an agency to communicate clearly and often.

I’m excited to continue building bright starts and bold futures for the children of our city, and I look forward to all that we will achieve together. Thank you for choosing New York City Public Schools for your children.

In partnership,
Melissa Aviles-Ramos, Chancellor

September 26, 2024: A Message from Chancellor David C. Banks

First and foremost, I want to thank you for entrusting your children to New York City Public Schools. I am writing to share the news that after nearly 40 years serving the children and families of this city, I have made the decision to retire at the end of this calendar year.

From my earliest days as a school safety agent through my time as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, founder of the Eagle Academy network, and finally, as Chancellor, I have worked relentlessly to give our city’s children the educational experiences they deserve—from the fundamentals of learning to read to groundbreaking opportunities for career-connected learning.

I’m a product of the New York City Public Schools myself, and I believe deeply in the transformative impact of an excellent public education. Although I am retiring, I know that the critical work we have started will continue and that its impact will be felt for years to come.

I entered this role nearly three years ago guided by four pillars: to reimagine the student experience; to scale, sustain, and restore what works; to prioritize wellness and its links to student success; and to engage families and communities as true partners. I am proud to say that we have made significant progress in all these areas. We launched NYC Reads and NYC Solves, built innovative and immersive college and career pathways, created the Division of Inclusive and Accessible Learning, welcomed over 45,000 of our newest New Yorkers, expanded student mental health supports, invested $1.5 billion in our school communities, and so much more. Through it all, we kept students, families, and communities at the center.

I want to congratulate Deputy Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, who will be taking the helm as Chancellor beginning in January. Melissa is a New York City Public Schools parent, a lifelong New Yorker, and most importantly, a champion for our students and school communities. I am fully confident that Melissa is the right person for the job, and I believe that under her leadership, the best is yet to come for New York City Public Schools.

It has been the honor of a lifetime to build bright starts and bold futures for our city’s children. I have felt blessed every day to work with the most incredible team—140,000 strong—on behalf of the most incredible kids and families. I will remain your staunch advocate and supporter, and I thank you—our families, parent leaders, and community members—for your partnership and dedication.