This Week @ PS 88Q

What a wonderful week it has been! It was truly heart-warming to see so many of our families in the classrooms for our Thanksgiving celebrations. And oh my—the food! Thank you to each of you who shared your family’s traditional dishes. Our students and staff loved learning about and tasting the many flavors that make our community so special.

As we head into these next few weeks of 2025, the calendar will certainly be full. Finding balance during the holiday season isn’t always easy, but I hope we can all carry the spirit of Thanksgiving with us—gratitude isn’t just for one day, but something we can practice daily.

This month also brings a variety of celebrations observed by our families. Our Social Justice Committee is preparing an initiative to honor these traditions, and we hope you’ll take a moment to share yours using the link below.

Wishing everyone a wonderful week ahead!

📌 Please click below to share your celebration with us.

December Holiday Celebrations Survey – Fill out form

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

❤️ Upcoming Reminders

🕰️ December 4: Half-Day for Parent-Teacher Conferences — dismissal at 11:20 AM

We are looking forward to our upcoming Parent–Teacher Conferences on Thursday, December 4th. This is a wonderful opportunity to discuss your child’s progress not only with their classroom teachers, but with all of the educators who support them—including physical education, music, art, coding, speech, PT or OT providers, and our guidance counselor, Mr. Canales. We deeply value these conversations and the partnership we share with each of you.

Please note that students will be dismissed at 11:20 a.m. on Thursday, December 4th.

Teachers will be conducting conferences either in person or remotely through Google Classroom. Each teacher will communicate directly with you regarding the time, location, and meeting format. To ensure smooth communication, all families must be connected to each teacher’s Google Classroom. I have included the steps below to help you access or join your child’s classrooms.

Report cards will be available through your NYCSA on Wednesday, December 3, and a paper copy will also be sent home with your child.

If you are in need of translation services, please let your child’s teacher know in advance—translation will absolutely be provided.

As you prepare for your conference, you may find these guiding questions helpful in supporting a meaningful and productive conversation about your child’s growth:

• How do you prefer to communicate? (Email, phone, text, school app, planner)

• In what moments do you see my child thriving and struggling?

• How does my child get along with other students and teachers? (Do they have friends, include others, being left out, etc.)

• Does my child ask questions and advocate for themselves when they don’t understand?

• What are the key grade-level math and reading skills my child is expected to learn this year?

• How will I, as a parent/guardian, know if and when my child is struggling or excelling academically?

• How can I best support my child at home?

• How can I best support you, the teacher?

Thank you, as always, for your partnership, your engagement, and your commitment to your child’s learning. Conferences are such an important part of the home–school connection, and we look forward to speaking with each of you.

Getting Started in Google Classroom

• Where to start

• Go to TeachHub(Open external link)
• Enter your DOE student account email (it ends in @nycstudents.net)

• If you don't know your DOE student account email, visit DOE Student Accounts

• Enter your password.
• Click Sign In.
• If the username and password entered are correct, you will be signed into the remote learning portal successfully.
• Click on the Google Classroom icon.
• Now you are in Google Classroom!

Video Tutorial

You can also watch a quick video on how to access your Google Classroom:>

https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/digital-learning/applications-and-platforms/google-classroom

Each week, I complete a similar newsletter for our staff, with all the information they need for the week. Part of the newsletter is a Shout Out section, which is always full! If you have a shout out for any of our staff, please click here, and I will be sure to share it in the Staff Newsletter!

In the spirit of kindness and community, we are once again hosting The Giving Tree at PS 88Q. Each year, this tradition helps us support our own families who may be in need during the holiday season. With your help, we hope to make this season a little brighter for everyone.

This year, we will be fulfilling holiday wishes and winter needs, including:

🧤 Winter clothing (coats, hats, gloves, scarves, boots)
🎁 Holiday gifts (toys, books, games, etc.)
🍎 Food items and other essentials

We invite you to participate in one of two ways:

✨ If your family needs support, please complete the link below.
💙 If you are able to help another family, please also complete the same link.

Together, we can lift each other up and make the holidays truly meaningful for our PS 88Q community.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and community spirit.
💙💛 We are PS 88Q.

It is hard to believe, but we are already planning for the 2026-2027 School Year! We are so proud of the many opportunities we have for 3K, Pre-K and Kindergarten.

Choosing a school for your child’s earliest years is a big decision, and we are so proud to share all that PS 88Q offers our youngest learners! From 3-K through Kindergarten, our students experience a warm, joyful, and developmentally rich early childhood program—right here in the heart of an elementary school community.

🌼 Our Early Childhood Programs (3-K & Pre-K)

At PS 88Q, our littlest learners have access to everything an elementary school provides while still enjoying an authentic early childhood experience. Students benefit from:

✔ Daily outdoor gross motor play in our schoolyard
✔ A sensory room designed to support emotional regulation and exploration
✔ A team of licensed providers, including Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Physical Therapy
✔ Specialized supports for students with IEPs
✔ After-school childcare through Supermoon
✔ Hands-on, play-based learning that nurtures curiosity and independence

🐣 Kindergarten at PS 88Q

Our kindergarteners take a big step forward with opportunities that build creativity, confidence, and strong academic foundations. We proudly offer:

🔹 ICT STEM Discovery Program
🔹 ICT NEST Program (NYU Affiliation) supporting students across all learning needs
🔹 ICT I-Read Program, specializing in early literacy with a focus on characteristics of dyslexia
🔹 Daily arts and enrichment, where students participate in Visual Arts, Theater, Music, STEM, or Coding

🎨🎭🎻🎶 A New Two-Year Arts & Performance Residency

We are thrilled to announce that both our Pre-K and Kindergarten students have begun a two-year arts residency with esteemed partners:

✨ Studio in a School (Visual Arts)
✨ 92nd Street Y Dance Education Laboratory (DEL) (Creative Movement & Dance)
✨ Third Street Music Settlement (Music Instruction)
✨ New Victory Theater (Theater & Creative Expression)

These partnerships bring expert educators into our classrooms, giving our students access to some of NYC’s most renowned arts organizations—right here at PS 88Q!

We are excited to welcome new families and continue growing with those already part of our school community. PS 88Q is a place where children are seen, supported, and inspired every day.

If you have any questions or would like a tour, we are always happy to help!
We can’t wait to learn, play, and grow together. 🌟

We are planning our Open House Events, and want to hear from you! Please sign up for our specific mailing list, so that you are first to know when!

Open House Timing and Preferences Survey – Fill out form

Kindergarten Admissions

• Tuesday, December 9, 2025: Kindergarten Application Opens
• Friday, January 23, 2026: Kindergarten Application Closes
• Tuesday, March 31, 2026: Kindergarten Offer Release

3-K Admissions

• Wednesday, January 14, 2026: 3-K Application Opens
• Friday, February 27, 2026: 3-K Application Closes
• Tuesday, May 19, 2026: 3-K Offer Release

Pre-K Admissions

• Wednesday, January 14, 2026: Pre-K Application Opens
• Friday, February 27, 2026: Pre-K Application Closes
• Tuesday, May 12, 2026: Pre-K Offer Release

Fundraiser: An Evening at il Gigante—Monday, December 8

Only a week left until our fundraiser with local restaurant il Gigante! Join us for a private evening for PS88 families (adults only) on December 8 from 4-7 pm. All proceeds support classroom micro-grants and our Spring Fling celebration. For more information, check our Linkinbio and make sure you're signed up for our newsletter and our WhatsApp group! (Links below.)

RSVP: PTA General Membership Meeting—Thursday, December 18

RSVP to our next PTA General Membership Meeting on Thursday, December 18, from 6p–7p in the PS88 Auditorium. We’ll share updates on upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and how your support helps make our school even stronger.

Fun activities will be available for kids during the meeting, so bring the whole family! All parents and caregivers are welcome—come be part of the conversation!

RSVP + Add to your calendar: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ps88q-pta-november-general-meeting-dec-18-tickets-1975217066417?aff=oddtdtcreator

Keep in Touch!

Stay connected with the latest PTA news, events, and announcements—we’d love for you to be part of the conversation!

WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/ILNl02KhJQb3mcy8C9Gb63

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ps88q.pta

All Things PTA + Newsletter Signup: linkin.bio/ps88pta

Dear Families and Colleagues,

We are quickly approaching Thanksgiving, and I’ve been filled with a deep sense of gratitude for our NYC Public Schools community. As Chancellor, I have the privilege of engaging with that community every single day, from visiting schools and classrooms to meeting with our families. And while we are the largest district in the nation, we maintain a strong sense of care and warmth, because our community works tirelessly to ensure that every child is cherished, understood, and supported.

To our staff members: Your expertise and commitment are what make our system run. You serve in a vast array of roles across our city, but you are united in the goal we all share: delivering bold futures for our students. I believe this work is both a privilege and a responsibility, and I know you feel the same way. Thank you for all you do.

To our families: You are our true partners and our students’ first teachers. Whether you are signing up for a parent leadership position or reading with your child in the evenings, you play an essential role in the development and success of our young people. Thank you for trusting us with your children and for choosing NYC Public Schools.

To our students: You are the reason why we are here. You are learning and growing each day, and we are so proud of your progress. Thank you for giving your best effort in everything you do. We are here to cheer you on, both in and beyond the classroom.

And to all those in our communities who help our schools deliver equity and excellence, thank you. I’m honored to do this work alongside you. I hope you can spend this season with loved ones and get some well-deserved rest.

In partnership,

Melissa Aviles-Ramos