Important Reminders

Here are some things to check on before the end of the school year.

Families with children in kindergarten through grade 4: Activate your child's NYC Scholarship Account by June 30. The account starts with $100 for college & career training and you can earn $25 more when you activate.
Does your child still need working papers for their summer job? Connect with a Family Support Coordinator at your district office to help get them.

Did you know all that’s going on at NYCPS this summer? Learn more at Summer 101.

If your child has been using a Student OMNY Card for the 2025–26 school year, make sure the card is working properly this summer before your school building closes. Your current card will expire at the start of the new school year.

Check out and participate in summer activities and events hosted at NYC public library locations throughout the City.

Funky red crab holding a pair of sunglasses over their eyes with their left claw

To celebrate Disability Pride Month, we're highlighting a story from our Hidden Voices series about Judith Heumann, an advocate who earned the nickname “the Mother of the Disability Rights Movement” for her important role in the fight for equal access for people with disabilities. 

Learn more about Judith Heumann on Hidden Voices

Photo of Judy Heumann in front of a sign reading 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.'

The Month Ahead (July 2026)

School is out but the summer is in session at NYCPS! From academics to recreational activities, check out what your child can participate in this season!


PSAL Invites NYC High School Students to Join in on a Summer of Sports!

With the 2026 World Cup underway in our own backyard, there’s never been a better moment for NYC students to get involved in sports. That’s why we’re excited that this year, the Public Schools Athletic League’s (PSAL) High School Summer Sports, Fitness, and Recreation Program is back!

Our Schools, Your Voice: The Chancellor's Engagement Tour Report Is Here!

Earlier this year, Chancellor Samuels embarked on an engagement tour to speak directly with families, students, educators, and community members about what was important to them about education and schools here in New York City. Check out what we heard from you and how it shapes how we move forward.


Celebrate 250 Years of the United States with NYC Public Libraries

New York, Brooklyn, and Queens Public Library branches are preparing to celebrate the the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with special exhibitions, free programs and events, educational offerings, reading recommendations, and more to enjoy all summer long!


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.


Opportunities for Students (June 2026)

The school year may soon be coming to an end, but these great learning and earning opportunities sure aren't! Check out what's available for City students this month, including scholarship, free workshops, and great local events, and register/apply for them today!


Join NYC Public Libraries for Free Activities for the Whole Family This Summer

School's almost out, but there are plenty of ways for students to stay engaged with reading and get creative all summer long! Explore our summer reading resources and discover free programs, activities, and events for families at more than 200 NYC public library branches across all five boroughs—from reading challenges and arts and crafts to contests and giveaways. 

June is Pride Month! Celebrate with some of our favorite books that feature LGBTQ+ characters from fiction and real-life for students of all ages to enjoy this month, which marks the 57th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, and all year long! 

Early Readers (3-K–Grade 2)

  • And Tango Makes Three, by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell; illustrated by Henry Cole
  • Julián is a Mermaid, by Jessica Love
  • Kapaemahu, by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer, and Joe Wilson; illustrated by Daniel Sousa
  • Ritu Weds Chandni, by Ameya Narvankar
  • Sewing the Rainbow: The Story of Gilbert Baker and the Rainbow Flag, by Gayle E. Pitman; illustrated by Holly Clifton-Brown

Elementary (Grades 3–5)

  • Ana on the Edge, by A.J. Sass
  • Different Kinds of Fruit, by Kyle Lukoff
  • Rabbit Chase, by Elizabeth LaPensée; illustrated by K.C. Oster
  • This Is Our Rainbow: 16 Stories of Her, Him, Them, and Us, edited by Katherine Locke and Nicole Melleby
  • The Witch Boy, by Molly Knox Ostertag

Middle School (Grades 6–8)

  • Alice Austen Lived Here, by Alex Gino
  • In the Role of Brie Hutchens, by Nicole Melleby
  • Nikhil Out Loud, by Maulik Pancholy
  • A Queer History of the United States for Young People, by Michael Bronski; adapted by Richie Chevat
  • Troublemaker for Justice: The Story of Bayard Rustin, the Man Behind the March on Washington, by Jacqueline Houtman, Walter Naegle, and Michael G. Long

Upper Grades (Grades 9–12)

  • Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
  • The Black Flamingo, by Dean Atta
  • Loveless, by Alice Oseman
  • Love Letters for Joy, by Melissa See
  • Stonewall: Breaking Out in the Fight for Gay Rights, by Ann Bausum
Female student reading a book at lunch.

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. You can also find even more recommendations on our Pride Month Page and in LGBTQ+: Come as You Are Collection on Sora!

Missed our previous book recommendations?
Check them out in the "What We're Reading" Archive!


SPOTLIGHT ON OUR SCHOOLS

Over the past month, we've seen some incredible examples of teamwork from our students!

On Earth Day, Chancellor Samuels stopped by PS 14 in Queens, where students and teachers worked together with NYC Parks staff members to plant six new trees! It was great seeing everyone work together to help beautify the PS 14 campus—thank you, NYC Parks, for partnering with us to make this year's Earth Day a memorable one for PS 14!

And in early May, PS 111 in the Bronx hosted District 11's Fifth Annual Soap Box Derby, where groups of students from schools across the Bronx built soap box cars for bragging rights and a shot at racing glory! At every participating school, students worked together in teams to research and build their soap box cars—what we saw at this year's Derby was the result of hundreds of hours of dedicated engineering work by our students and staff members. It was great fun seeing students' competitive spirits on full display, and we thank everyone who made this year's Soap Box Derby possible!

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Chancellor Samuels and a PS 14 student grabbing a tree sapling together to plant in a nearby plot.
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PS 14 student using a shovel to settle soil for a newly planted tree sapling
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Group of PS 14 students and community members standing with Chancellor Samuels as they water a newly planted tree sapling together
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Side view of a row of over a dozen soap box cars
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Wide view shot of two soap box cars built by PS 160 students
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Student helping another student put on a helmet
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Chancellor Samuels climbing into a gold soap box car
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Chancellor Samuels smiling after settling into a gold soap box car
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Chancellor Samuels riding in a soapbox car

Chancellor Samuels and a PS 14 student grabbing a tree sapling together to plant in a nearby plot.
PS 14 student using a shovel to settle soil for a newly planted tree sapling
Group of PS 14 students and community members standing with Chancellor Samuels as they water a newly planted tree sapling together
Side view of a row of over a dozen soap box cars
Wide view shot of two soap box cars built by PS 160 students
Student helping another student put on a helmet
Chancellor Samuels climbing into a gold soap box car
Chancellor Samuels smiling after settling into a gold soap box car
Chancellor Samuels riding in a soapbox car

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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

Get Ready for More Learning and Less Scrolling

Beginning this September, NYC Public Schools will be implementing its new Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy across all K–12 City public schools, including charter programs, in accordance with New York State law. Learn more about this "cell phone ban," and start getting ready for distraction-free schools this fall!

Square banner that reads, 'New Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy'

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!

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