PS8 Weekly Upd8 10.26.26
PS8 Weekly Update 10.26.26
10-26-26
Important Dates
PS 8 Family Calendar (Please Subscribe)
October
- 29, Tag Sale Donation Dropoff, 8:00-8:45AM
- 30, PS8 Halloween Parade, 8:50AM
- 3, Remote Instruction Day (Election Day)
- 5, Tag Sale Donations, 8:00-8:45AM - final dropoff!
- 5, Parent Teacher Conferences, half day
- 11, Veterans Day, No School
- 14, Super Sidewalk Sale, MPR
- 20, PTA Meeting, 8:30AM, NPR
- 26-27, Thanksgiving Break, No School
PS 8 School News
First Grade Dismissal
On Monday, October 26th first grade classes will dismiss in the back of the school yard in the same spot used by kindergarten, just 10 minutes later. Classes will exit via the blue doors and line up at the cones by class for dismissal. We believe that this will help to alleviate some of the crowding taking place in the front of the school. Thank you for your support of this change!
PS8 Virtual Learning Information
Please refer to the PS8 Virtual Learning Information 26-27 for all zoom links and google classroom information.
Fall Family Administration Meetings: Thank you to those who were able to attend our grade level family administration meetings earlier in the month. Please see the Fall Family Administration Meeting Slides that were shared at the meetings.
Student Led Conferences Grades 2-5
A student-led conference (SLC) is a meeting where your child takes the lead in sharing their learning with you and their teacher(s). During the conference, your child will show work from different subject areas, reflect on their progress, celebrate their achievements and discuss goals for growth. SLCs allow students to take meaningful ownership of their learning while building important skills such as communication, self refection and responsibility. For more information, please refer to the Parent Facing Conferences FAQ 2026
Morning Safety Patrol Launch
This month we will launch our Morning Safety Patrol program. Fifth grade children who are interested in arriving early to assist with arrival procedures and help to ensure a safe and welcoming start to the day are encouraged to participate. This leadership opportunity allows children to contribute to the wellbeing of our school community while learning the importance of responsibility, teamwork, and service. If your child expresses interest please complete the quick sign-up form.
Arrival and Dismissal
A reminder that our school day runs from 8:20 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. (2:30 p.m. for kindergarten). Children are given time each morning to unpack, organize their belongings, and prepare for Morning Meeting before instruction begins.
To make the most of this important transition time, students should be entering the building at 8:15 a.m. and arriving in their classrooms by 8:20 a.m. Students who enter the building at 8:20 a.m. or later miss part of their classroom routine and are considered late. We appreciate your support in helping children arrive on time and ready to learn.
October Book of the Month: Hey, Wall by Sarah Verde.
Please read the October Book of the Month letter. Each month, our K–5 school community comes together around a shared text, with students participating in related activities and discussions throughout the month.
Halloween 2026
Children and staff are welcome to wear Halloween costumes to school on Friday, October 30th. We recognize that some families will choose not to have their child participate in dressing in costume and that is OK.
All classes will participate in a Character Costume Parade around the PS 8 block beginning at 8:50AM. Please review the Halloween FAQ for more details. Classes will walk along the side walks. We know that some children may find seeing their parents during the school day challenging and we ask that you bear that in mind when deciding whether or not to attend.
The 30th is a typical day of learning for all children. If your child has PE on Fridays, please make sure to wear sneakers. Keep in mind that your child will be in the classroom, cafeteria and recess yard, when selecting a costume.
School Picture Day Photos Are Ready!
School picture day photos are ready to view and order! A flyer with ordering instructions should have been sent home (or will be coming home soon) in your child's folder.
To access your photos, visit pictureday.com and enter 515256 followed by the first three letters of your child's first name and the first three letters of their last name. For example: Jillian Jones = 515256JilJon
Picture retake day is December 7. If your child was absent and did not have their photo taken or you would like your child's photo retaken, please use this form.
Students Who Need Medication At School
Medication Administration Forms (MAF) for the 26-27 School Year are available now. Please have the forms completed by your child’s physician in time for the new school year. Make sure you sign the second page of the MAF. Submit the forms to our school nurse once the school year begins. Do not send in medications until the nurse lets you know that the MAF is approved. All medications must be in their original packaging, unopened and with a pharmacy label.
Electronic Devices Policy
ALL NYC public schools are phone-free spaces. This is in accordance with New York State Law and aligns to our values. We believe in the importance of fostering meaningful interpersonal interactions, encouraging play, and cultivating moments of joy throughout the school day. These values help support the overall well-being and development of your children. You may read the PS 8 Electronic Devices Policy for all the details.
Here are a few key points to know ahead of the upcoming school year. At PS 8:
We encourage families to send their children to school without electronic devices.
All children that bring electronic devices (phones, watches, & tracking devices) to school will be provided with a secure, personal Yondr pouch that locks.
Upon entering the school building all children with devices must turn off their devices, place them in their Yondr pouch and lock it. They’ll keep the pouch in their backpack all day, but won’t be able to unlock the pouch and access their devices until they are being dismissed. This includes all on-site after-school programs. Children will bring their pouches to and from school and will be responsible for them every day. Children can always use the school phone to contact families in case of an emergency. Families can also always call the school.
There are certain exceptions to this policy, including when devices are used for medical, emergency, or specific educational purposes.
Returning families should make sure their emergency contact information is up-to-date in their New York City Schools Account (NYCSA).
From the PTA
Thank you to all who attended the PS8 Community Diversity Potluck on Friday, especially to those who helped make it such a huge success! Our hearts (and bellies) are full.
🍁 Our Fall Fundraising Campaign has begun! Please be sure you are subscribed to the PTA mailing list, and keep an eye out for our emails.
👗PS8’s 3rd Annual Second-Hand & Vintage Marketplace
We’re gearing up for the Heights Super Sidewalk Sale on November 14 and looking for more special finds to make this year’s event an exciting treasure hunt! Think beautiful housewares, antiques, original art, and high-end men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories.
Donations will be accepted every Thursday, 8–8:45am, in front of PS8. Visit here for details on what to donate! All proceeds will go to PS8 PTA to benefit the school.
District 13 Events
District 13 Community Education Council (CEC) Meetings Schedule
D 13 CEC meets Monthly on the third Tuesday from 7:00 to 8:00 PM. Join Zoom Meeting: https://nycdoe.zoom.us/j/94342113714?pwd=x9j9zohJaayLt5qXQRYKjDSxTNGo0G.1
Meeting ID: 943 4211 3714. Passcode: 376177
Meeting dates for 2026-2027 school year: 11/17, 12/15, 1/19, 2/16, 3/16, 4/20, 5/18, 6/15, 7/20, 8/17
Community and NYCPS Events
New York City Public School (NYCPS) Website
Please take time to explore the NYCPS website. You will find answers to many of your questions abouit school there. There is a very helpful "Back to School" page.
Brooklyn Book Bodega
Brooklyn Book Bodega's mission is to increase the number of 100+ book homes for kids 0-18 in NYC because reading is transformative. Research shows that children who grow up in homes with books are more likely to succeed in school and in life. However, for many families, access to books is limited. That's where the bodega comes in. They are always on the hunt for donated kids' books in giftable condition. Please check out their book drop sites and donation guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions & Common Situations
Absences
Please let your child's teacher know that your child is absent. Also email Keisha Worrell (nworrell2@schools.nyc.gov) if your child is absent because of an illness. If your child has an appointment with a physician, another school, etc, ask for a letter stating why the child is absent. Be sure to share that letter with Keisha. This will still be considered an absence but will be coded to explain the absence. Students should aim to miss no more than 10 days of school during the year. If your child will miss school because of travel, please share travel information with Keisha as well. She is tasked with documenting where a child is if not at PS 8.
Family Income Inquiry Form
Lunch and Breakfast are free for all students. However, funding for PS 8 is partially determined by families’ completion of Family Income Inquiry Form. You can decline to share income. Simply completing the form helps PS 8. You do not need to list your child's ID (OSIS) number to complete. We expect 100% completion for PS 8.
Lost and Found
The lost and found is located inside the main entrance at 37 Hicks Street. The PS 8 PTA also leaves merchandise in bags on the top shelf of the lost and found; no need to check in if you have ordered anything from the PS 8 shop. Please label your child's lunchbox, water bottle, clothing.
School Bus
There is a stop-to-school bus available for students in grades K-2 who live at least 0.5 miles from school. The bus picks up at the corner of Joralemon and Hicks at 8:12 AM. The bus leaves PS 8 around 2:45 PM. It is expected that children take the bus to and from school. If you think your child qualifies for the bus, please reach out to Keisha Worrell, our school secretary, at nworrell2@schools.nyc.gov. Only students who are formally on the Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT) bus list are able to ride on the bus.
Schoolyard Use After School
The PS 8 schoolyard is not a public playspace. After school, New York Edge and Kids' Orbit students and staff should be the sole users of the schoolyard. Please share this information with any sitter or other care takers. Legally, only the afterschool programs have the right to use the spaces and play structure of the front and rear schoolyards.
Students Who Need Medication At School
Medication Administration Forms (MAF) for the 25-26 School Year are available now. Please have the forms completed by your child’s physician in time for the new school year. Make sure you sign the second page of the MAF. Submit the forms to our school nurse once the school year begins. Do not send in medications until the nurse lets you know that the MAF is approved. All medications must be in their original packaging, unopened and with a pharmacy label.
Transcript Requests
Please email Lauren Coe for 5th grade requests (she will be back before transcripts are needed!) and Keisha Worrell for Kindergarten to 4th grade requests. Transcripts will be completed based on the order the email requests are made. If you want to know if the transcripts were sent, please contact the receiving school. Also, allow teachers 2 weeks notice for all receiving school documentation.
Need to Contact PS 8?
The fastest way is via email!
School Secretary, Keisha Worrell, can be reached at 718 834 6740 X 1081 or nworrell2@schools.nyc.gov
Guidance Counselor, Lauren Coe can be reached at 718 834 6740 X 3012 or lcoe@schools.nyc.gov.
The School Nurse, Rosie can be reached at 718 834 6740 X 1002. Please know that when the nurse calls, the number displayed is 718-834-8110, not the school number.
Almost Everything Else You Need to Know
- PS 8 website
- 25-26 Virtual Classroom Information
- TeachHub
- Weekly Upd8 Archive
- Monthly Grade Newsletters Archive
- New York City Schools Account (NYCSA) (Report Cards, Attendance, Student Information)
- KidsRISE Save for College
- NYCPS Website
- District 13 Website
- NYCPS Calendar 2027-2026
- School Meals Menu - Breakfast and Lunch