This Week @ PS 88Q

The end of the school year is always busy, and for good reason. It seems like every day in June is booked, and honestly, why wouldn't it be? PS 88Q has filled this year with a wonderful mix of academics, arts, athletics, service, and community. It only seems right that these final weeks are packed with opportunities to celebrate, reflect, and make a few more memories before summer arrives.

There is so much to be proud of. I am incredibly proud of this school, this staff, our students, and this community. This week alone, seeing so many families in our building, visiting classrooms, exploring hallways filled with student work, attending performances, and experiencing learning firsthand, was something truly special. Not all schools have been able to recreate these meaningful in-person family experiences, and I am grateful that PS 88Q continues to be a place where families are welcomed as partners in learning.

As I reflect on the journey from September to June, I am amazed by the growth our students have made. The percentage of students performing at or above grade level is the highest it has ever been. Beyond academics, I am equally proud of the creativity, acceptance, kindness, and understanding our students show one another each day. Their ability to celebrate each other's uniqueness is one of our greatest strengths.

The arts, our clubs, performances, athletics, and enrichment opportunities have helped bridge students across grade levels and create a true sense of belonging. These experiences have strengthened our school community and helped our students discover passions, talents, and friendships.

While there is much to celebrate, there is also much to look forward to. We still have ideas to explore, programs to strengthen, and exciting plans to develop for the future.

I invite you to join me on Monday, June 15th, for coffee, bagels, and conversation as we reflect on the 2025-2026 school year and begin planning together for 2026-2027. Your voice, ideas, and partnership continue to help make PS 88Q the special place it is.

And of course....LETS GO KNICKS!!!!!

June is Pride Month, Immigrant Heritage Month, and Caribbean-American Heritage Month

🎶 June 10 Last Band and Chorus Performance 6:00pm
👋 June 12 Last Day of GRYC
☕ June 15 Coffee with Mrs. O'Shaughnessy

🎶 June 16th and 18th: Disney Performance Beauty and The Beast

June 18th: Kindergarten Stepping Up
🖤 June 19 Juneteenth No School
🎓 June 22 Grade 5 Commencement 9:00am
💃 June 23 Grade 5 Dance 12:00pm to 2:00pm

🎉 June 26 Last Day of School

Field Day at PS 88Q is more than just a day of games, it's a cherished tradition! A huge shout-out to Ms. Corniel and Mr. Tripotseris, who plan what is, hands down, the most organized, most exciting, and most fun Field Day around. Since 2019 (with only a brief pause due to COVID restrictions), they have created a day that students, staff, and families eagerly anticipate each year.

Held outdoors at the park, Field Day brings our community together for a day filled with laughter, teamwork, and friendly competition. Best of all, there isn't a device in sight, just children running, playing, cheering, and making memories. Families are always welcome to join us, and many have just as much fun as the students! It is a wonderful reminder of the joy that comes from being active, spending time together, and enjoying the outdoors.

Thank you, Ms. Corniel and Mr. Tripotseris, for taking fun seriously and for creating a tradition that our students will remember for years to come!

The PS 88Q Art Show was once again a breathtaking celebration of student creativity under the direction of Ms. Fogarty. Through her collaboration with Studio in a School this year, every student had the opportunity to showcase their artistic talents in a truly special way. From vibrant collages and intricate sculptures to imaginative paper mâché creations and stunning watercolor cityscapes, the exhibit highlighted the incredible range of artistic expression found throughout our school.

Walking through the display felt like visiting a museum, with each piece thoughtfully presented and every student represented. The creativity, effort, and pride shining through the artwork were evident at every turn.

A huge shout-out to Ms. Fogarty, whose dedication, vision, and attention to detail transform our gym into a museum-quality gallery each year. Her passion for the arts inspires our students to take creative risks, express themselves, and see themselves as artists. Thank you, Ms. Fogarty, for creating such a beautiful experience for our school community, you are truly amazing!

Ms. Harvey’s Garden and Nature Club is helping students develop a deep appreciation for the natural world while taking ownership of the PS 88Q garden. Club members actively care for and maintain both our outdoor garden spaces and indoor hydroponic growing systems, learning firsthand how plants grow and thrive. Through hands-on experiences, students explore the responsibilities of planting, nurturing, and sustaining living things while also understanding the important role gardens play in our environment and community. Coming off the heels of the exciting bird show, where students learned about caring for wildlife and nature, the club continues to inspire curiosity, stewardship, and a love of the outdoors. Through Ms. Harvey’s guidance, students are growing much more than plants, they are growing into thoughtful caretakers of the world around them.

The PS 88Q Civics for All Team proudly represented our school at the District 24 Civics for All Showcase, where they highlighted the powerful work happening in our classrooms around advocacy, student voice, and civic engagement. Under the guidance of Mr. Rodeschin, students shared how they investigate issues that matter to them, develop solutions, and take action to create positive change in their communities. The showcase provided a wonderful opportunity for our students to celebrate their accomplishments while learning from the innovative civic projects taking place across District 24. We are incredibly proud of how they represented PS 88Q and demonstrated that student voices can make a meaningful impact.

OME JOIN US ON THURSDAY! LAST PTA MEETING OF THE SCHOOL YEAR

Thursday, June 11 at 6:00 PM—PS88 Auditorium

Please join us this Thursday, June 11 at 6:00 PM in the PS88 auditorium for our final PTA General Meeting of the 2025–2026 school year.

We know it’s a busy time, though we’d love to see as many parents and caregivers as possible for our last meeting. We'll have PTA Executive Board updates, a message from Principal O’Shaughnessy, and a chance to talk together before we break for summer.

This is also a great moment to share questions, feedback, and ideas for the incoming PTA Executive Board as we begin thinking about the 2026–2027 school year.

For example:

What would be helpful to you or your child next year?
What events, programs, communication, support, or resources would make PS88 feel even more connected and welcoming?

You can share thoughts at the meeting or submit feedback at your convenience through our Anonymous Feedback Form:

https://bit.ly/ParentNeeds2025_26

SAY HELLO TO YOUR 2026–2027 PTA EXECUTIVE BOARD

A few weeks ago, PS88 families voted in the incoming PTA Executive Board for the 2026–2027 school year.

Please join us in welcoming the new board, starting in September:

President: Liliana
Treasurer: Daliza
Co-Recording Secretaries: Jenni + Becky
Communications Director: Zack
Co-Fundraising Directors: Tania + Arianna
Events Director: Erin
PAC Chairperson: Anna

More to come as the new board gets ready for next year.

PTA EXECUTIVE BOARD ROLES, EXPLAINED

As we look ahead to the new school year, here is a reminder of how each member helps support PS88 families, students, teachers, staff, and our larger school community.

The President helps guide the PTA’s overall direction and works closely with school leadership and the Executive Board.

The Treasurer manages PTA finances, budgeting, and reporting to help keep everything organized and accountable.

The Recording Secretary takes meeting minutes, maintains records, and helps keep PTA business running smoothly behind the scenes.

The Events Director helps plan and coordinate fun, welcoming events for PS88 families.

The Fundraising Director leads fundraising efforts and works with volunteers to support PTA goals and school needs.

The Communications Director helps keep families informed through newsletters, flyers, social media, and other PTA updates.

The PAC Chairperson helps represent parent voices, supports planning around Title I funds, participates in the School Leadership Team, and connects PS88 families to district and citywide parent leadership.

STAY INFORMED

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

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

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ps88q.pta/

Anonymous Feedback Form:
https://bit.ly/ParentNeeds2025_26