remove_red_eye 3.1K
page background
Logo

Superintendent's E-Newsletter

Lawford Cunningham, Superintendent

Superintendent's E-Newsletter Lawford Cunningham, Superintendent
Superintendent'sE-NewsletterLawford Cunningham, Superintendent

"April is the time to turn over a new leaf." ~ Terri Guillemets "April is the time to turn over a new leaf." ~ Terri Guillemets

~Message from Superintendent Cunningham~ ~Message from Superintendent Cunningham~

Dear Icahn Families,


As we step into the month of May, I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible dedication and resilience of our students, families, and the amazing staff at the Icahn Charter Schools. With each school visit I’ve made, I’ve witnessed teaching and learning at its finest—engaging, inspiring, and purposeful.


A special shout-out goes to Mrs. Carasquillo-Silen and her wonderful team at Icahn Charter School 2 for inviting me to their annual Science Fair. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there, learning about the students' projects and listening to their thoughtful presentations. Each student was well-prepared and eager to share both their work and the inspiration behind it. It was truly a testament to the hard work of our students and the guidance of their educators.


April is also a time of important academic milestones—state exams, spring projects, and end-of-year preparations are all in full swing. We continue to encourage our students to stay focused and give their very best. I ask that you, too, continue to support and motivate them as we move through this critical time.


As the days grow longer and the weather begins to warm, I hope you’ll also take the opportunity to enjoy our beautiful city—whether that’s by visiting a zoo, a museum, or simply spending time in a local park.


As always, thank you for your continued support.


Best,

Mr. Cunningham

LOTTERY LOVE LOTTERY LOVE

Thank you to all the families who applied to Icahn Charter Schools for the upcoming 2025–2026 school year. We had an incredible turnout this year, and we’re truly grateful for your interest in our schools.


We are excited to welcome your children and begin building strong partnerships with our new families. I look forward to meeting many of you in the months ahead.


If you have not yet received information from the school(s) you applied to, I urge you to reach out directly and inquire about your child’s placement status or waitlist number.


Once again, thank you for considering Icahn Charter Schools- we are looking forward to embarking on this journey with you.

DID YOU KNOW? DID YOU KNOW?

April has two birth flowers - the daisy and the sweet pea. The sweet pea signifies blissful pleasure, while daises represent childhood innocence, loyalty, and purity.

zoom_out_map

Sweet Pea

zoom_out_map

Daisy

~Dr. Vasquez, Deputy Superintendent~ ~Dr. Vasquez, Deputy Superintendent~

Supporting Your Child During the Spring State Exams Supporting Your Child During the Spring State Exams

Each spring, students across New York State in Grades 3–8 take the annual English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, and Science Tests. These assessments are required for all public and charter school students in these grades and are an important way to measure how well students are mastering the learning standards that guide instruction.

The tests help identify academic strengths and areas that may need additional support, allowing schools to better tailor instruction and services. While they are only one measure of progress, the exams play a role in preparing students for future success in high school, college, careers, and beyond.

New York State Exams Dates New York State Exams Dates

ELA: April 30 & May 1

Math: May 7 & May 8

Science: May 14 (Grades 5 & 8 only)

Testing Format for Spring 2025 Testing Format for Spring 2025

● Grade 3 students will take paper-based tests

● Grades 4, 5, 6, and 8 will participate in computer-based testing (CBT) for ELA, Math, and Science.

All tests will be untimed. Students who are working productively will be allowed as much time as needed to complete each session during the regular school day.

Encouraging Success: What Families Can Do Encouraging Success: What Families Can Do

Prioritize Rest and Nutrition

Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep before testing days. A healthy breakfast helps students stay focused—and while you're welcome to provide breakfast at home, we also offer breakfast at school for those who prefer to eat once they arrive.


Ease Testing Anxiety

It’s normal for students to feel nervous. Talk with your child about the test and reassure them that it’s okay not to be perfect. Practicing deep breathing and using positive affirmations like “I am prepared”and “I can handle this” can help shift their mindset. Help your child visualize success by having them close their eyes and picture themselves calmly taking the test and doing well.


Create a Calm Environment

Children often absorb the emotions of those around them. Keep things relaxed at home the night before—play calming music, avoid stressful conversations, and encourage downtime to help set the tone for a peaceful morning.


Celebrate Their Effort

No matter the outcome, celebrate your child’s hard work and dedication. Recognizing their effort promotes a growth mindset and builds resilience for future challenges.

Information adapted from the New York State Education Department’s 2025 Parent Handout on Grades 3–8 Assessments.


https://www.nysed.gov/sites/default/files/programs/state-assessment/2025-handout-for-parents-3-8-tests.pdf

SCIENCE FAIR FUN SCIENCE FAIR FUN

Icahn Charter School 2 Science Fair: A Celebration of Inquiry and Innovation!

We are thrilled to share the success of our Icahn Charter School Science Fair! Over the past few months, our young scientists have been hard at work researching, experimenting, and creating their Project-Based Learning Science (PBLs). Their dedication and curiosity truly shined as they presented their projects to their classmates, showcasing their understanding of the scientific method and their innovative ideas.


Each class selected two outstanding student projects to represent them at the Science Fair, where families were invited to witness the incredible work of our budding scientists. It was an exciting evening filled with engaging presentations, hands-on demonstrations, and plenty of enthusiasm for discovery!


The following day, our winners had the opportunity to present their projects once more—this time to the entire student body. This gave all students a chance to learn from their peers and celebrate the amazing scientific achievements within our school community.


We are so proud of all our students for their hard work, creativity, and perseverance in making this year’s Science Fair a huge success. A big thank you to our dedicated teachers, supportive families, and of course, our brilliant young scientists!

zoom_out_map
zoom_out_map
zoom_out_map
zoom_out_map
zoom_out_map
zoom_out_map
zoom_out_map
zoom_out_map

Saturday Academy Saturday Academy

zoom_out_map

Our Successful Saturday Academy Program began in January. Below, please see the last date for Saturday Academy for the 2024-2025 School Year:



Saturday, May 3, 2025

LOOKING AHEAD... LOOKING AHEAD...

zoom_out_map
  • April 30th - May 1st | NYS ELA Exams (Grades 3-8)
  • May 5th - 9th | Teacher Appreciation Week
  • May 7th - 8th | NYS Math Exams (Grades 3-8)
  • May 22nd | Remote Day
  • May 23rd | Remote Day
  • May 26th | Memorial Day - School Closed
Icahn Charter Schools
www.Icahncharterschools.org
Loading indicator

close
Powered by