The Month Ahead (August 2026)
August is a busy time at NYCPS, with many summer programs thriving before coming to a close ahead of the new school year. Check out our key dates before you finish up your summer break.
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
PSAL Invites NYC High School Students to Join in on a Summer of Sports!
Celebrate 250 Years of the United States with NYC Public Libraries
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.
Join NYC Public Libraries for Free Activities for the Whole Family This Summer
August might be the dog days of summer, but summer reading is still in full swing! While you’re enjoying your last few weeks before returning to the classroom, check out these books featuring summer adventures, traditions, and mysteries! We hope you enjoy them as much as we do.
Early Readers (3-K–Grade 2)
- Churro Stand, by Karina N. González; illustrated by Krystal Quiles
- Hello There, Sunshine, by Tabitha Brown; illustrated by Olivia Duchess
- Summer is for Cousins, by Rajani LaRocca; illustrated by Abhi Alwar
- Tala Learns to Siva, by Kealani Netane
- When You Can Swim, by Jack Wong
Elementary (Grades 3–5)
- The Best and Worst Summer of Esme Sun, by Wendy Wan-Long Shang
- Camp Frenemies: Bunkmates for Never, by Liz Montague
- Farah Rocks Summer Break, by Susan Muaddi Darraj; illustrated by Ruaida Mannaa
- The Lemonade War, by Jacqueline Davies
- Mother of Sharks, by Melissa Cristina Marquez; illustrated by Devin Elle Kurtz
Middle School (Grades 6–8)
- The Forgotten Summer of Seneca, by Camryn Garrett
- Miss Camper, by Kat Fajardo
- Operation Sisterhood, by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich
- Summer at Squee, by Andrea Wang
- The Summer of Lost Letters, by Hannah Reynolds
Upper Grades (Grades 9–12)
- Brownstone, by Samuel Teer and Mar Julia
- Cool for the Summer, by Dahlia Adler
- The Counselors, by Jessica Goodman
- Dragonfruit, by Makiia Lucier
- The Summer I Ate the Rich, by Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite
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 in the Summer Reading Collection on Sora. Have a happy and safe rest of your summer!
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!
