P.S. 23 Eagle Monthly

We had a wonderful time bringing our Box Out Bullying Parent Workshop to your school! Scan the QR code to access our Parent Education Portal, which is filled with resources to keep the conversation about respect and bullying prevention going at home.

Dear Eagle Families,

Welcome to October!As leaves fall and pumpkin spice hits coffee shops, don't forget to make time to be present in your child's life. Please take time to Sharpen Your Saw by joining us October 19 & 26 for our 7 Habits for Families parent learning series; see the above flyer for more information.

While listening to bestselling author John C. Maxwell discuss why followers follow leaders, he shared three key questions:

1. Do you care about me?

2. Can you add value to me?

3. Can I trust you?

As I listened, I thought about how powerful it would be to apply these questions to my role within my family. I urge you to reflect on your own household:

• Do my children know I truly care about them?

• Do they know how I add value to their lives?

• Do they know they can count on and trust me?

If you hit the "mute button" on what you say and only look at your daily actions, how would you answer these questions?

Our positive impact as educators and parents shapes the world when we equip our children with our virtue of the month, Compassion, alongside our book of the month, "Be Kind" by Pat Zietlow Miller.

Below are a few ideas for spending quality time with your child this season, such as reading together and baking fall treats:

• Holiday Cooking & Language Tips: I recently learned about a wonderful resource from LENA that can help guide you. I particularly like their tip sheet, You, Me, & Something Yummy: Holiday Recipes for Quality Time. Their site also offers free resources on early language development, what a developing brain needs, and conversation cards for reading and pretend play.

• Hands-On STEM Baking: If you are looking for a fun, hands-on activity to blend learning and baking at home, check out I'm the Chef Too: Educational Cooking Adventures Kits. These interactive kits blend cooking with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) concepts, giving kids an engaging way to explore educational themes right in the kitchen!

I truly appreciate everyone's efforts, positive attitudes, and dedication to helping our students grow into the best learners and leaders they can be. We know how deeply you love your children and want the best for them. From my 27+ years in education, I can honestly say that when parents are actively engaged in their child's learning, the results are incredible!

We are fully committed to helping your child become a thoughtful, kind human being, and we are so grateful to have you as partners in this worthwhile endeavor.

With gratitude,

Principal Paul J. Proscia

P.S. 23 – The Richmondtown School

As a proud Leader in Me Legacy School 🌟, we are deeply committed to teaching 21st-century leadership and life skills 🚀. Our Legacy designation reflects a culture of student empowerment grounded in the unwavering belief that every child can be a leader 👑 and that every single student has genius within them ✨.

Maintaining this high standard of excellence requires continuous reflection and partnership 🤝. As part of our Comprehensive Educational Plan (CEP) Goals, we will conduct surveys three times this year (Fall 🍁, Winter ❄️, and Spring 🌸) to celebrate our strengths 🎉 and pinpoint areas where we can grow together 📈. To get a complete picture of our school community, we are inviting all full-time staff 🏫, parents/guardians 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, and students in Grade 4 and above 📚 to participate.

Parent Participation Goals: 🎯

Because family partnership is at the heart of our Legacy culture, we are striving for 100% participation from our families! 🙌

• 🔗 Please take the survey using this link:

  https://www.leaderinme.com/s/ps-23-the-richmondtown-ny/families

• ⏱️ Time: Approximately 12 minutes

• 📝 Details: The survey is completely anonymous 🔒. If you have multiple children at PS 23, please complete the survey with your oldest child’s experiences in mind. We encourage one parent/guardian per household to participate.

While participation is voluntary, your honest feedback is essential in helping us uphold our Legacy status 🏅 and shape the future of PS 23 🏫✨.

Thank you for your continued partnership, leadership, and dedication to our students! ❤️

We’re in This Together: Helping Every PS 23 Eagle Soar!

Dear Eagles Families,

Welcome to a wonderful new school year at PS 23, The Richmondtown School! Every morning, our favorite moment is seeing your children’s bright faces light up our hallways. Each student brings something special to our school family, and we love watching them learn, grow, and build friendships.

Because your children mean so much to us, we want to ensure they are here for every learning moment possible. We know morning routines, health checks, or transportation can occasionally present hurdles. We want you to know you are never in this alone—we are always here to help your family overcome daily challenges.

Why Every Day and Minute Matters

When our Eagles arrive on time and attend regularly, they build strong friendships, stay connected to classroom routines, and engage deeply in every lesson. Missing just 2 or 3 days early in the term—or arriving late a few mornings—can create unexpected learning gaps.

Our Family Attendance Success Pathway

To support our families whenever attendance or lateness becomes tricky, we use a simple, supportive 4-step collaborative process:

1. Reaching Out with Care: If we notice missing days or frequent lateness, we will reach out to check in.

2. Listening & Learning: We sit down together to hear your experiences and learn about your child's interests.

3. Co-Creating Goals: We build a supportive plan with short-term (1-week) and long-term (6-week) goals for both school staff and your family.

4. Celebrating Growth: We schedule a follow-up check-in to celebrate progress and offer ongoing support.

Please see the Family Attendance Success Pathway flowchart below to see how we partner together.

If you ever need support getting to school on time, please call us at 718-351-1155 to speak with Guidance Counselor Stacy Madaio or Social Worker Kristen Valletta. Together, we can make this a bright, successful year for every Eagle!

With Gratitude,

Paul J. Proscia

Principal, Public School 23- The Richmondtown School

Dear Eagles Families,

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! A new school year brings a fresh start and amazing opportunities to learn and grow. We want to empower our students to be the best version of themselves. The best way to start that journey is by being “Chronically Present!” Being “Chronically Present” means showing up for school, for friends, and your own bright future on time.

When students achieve an attendance rate of at least 90% (missing fewer than 18 days of school in the whole school year), incredible things happen:

• Activating Academic Superpowers: Academic performance, particularly reading and mathematics soar to new heights when students catch every lesson.

• Focused Today, Ready Tomorrow: Showing up daily means your child is naturally building the powerful practices that fuel success in higher education and future dream jobs.

• Connected, Confident, and Ready to Shine: Being in class every day keeps your child feeling at home with friends and in the learning groove, boosting their confidence and filling them with pride.

This year, our collective goal is to boost our overall school attendance rate to 85% or greater. We know that with your encouragement, our students can absolutely hit this goal. We are in this together!

If your family is facing barriers that make getting to school difficult, you are welcome to call the school at 718-351-1155 and speak with Guidance Counselor Stacy Madaio or Social Worker Kristen Valletta. From morning motivation strategies to family resources, we are ready to collaborate to ensure your child can be “Chronically Present.” When families and schools team up, we give students a foundation of skills that take them to great heights!

With Gratitude,

Paul J. Proscia

Principal, Public School 23- The Richmondtown School

Emergency Readiness & Safety Procedures Letter

Dear Eagles Families,

I am writing to provide you with information about the Emergency Readiness Initiatives that are in place in all NYC Public Schools.

Every school currently has procedures for emergencies. In 2000, New York State Education Law Section 2801 was enacted, requiring schools to develop safety plans regarding emergency response. In July of 2001, the law was amended to require that plans include information for evacuation and sheltering. In accordance with this, “schools need to conduct drills and other exercises to test components of the emergency response plan.” In July of 2024, the Education Law was revised to include Trauma-Informed Care in the training and practice of all emergency drills.

Our school has a Building Response Team that is trained to activate and respond to different incidents that may occur at our school. In addition, school staff members are trained in various procedures that are outlined in the School Safety Plan, and we currently conduct a variety of drills throughout the year to prepare our staff and students. Section 807 of the New York State Education Law requires all schools to conduct a minimum of 12 emergency drills each year. Section 917 of the State Education Law states that schools are required to provide and maintain automated external defibrillator (AED) equipment, and drills are conducted during the year to assess the use of AED units in an emergency. In accordance with Section 3623 of the State Education Law, drills are also conducted at schools that focus on safety on a school bus.

Under the General Response Protocol (GRP), every school will conduct specific drills designed to help prepare all school communities for four different types of response to emergencies that may occur: evacuation, shelter-in-place, hold, and lockdown.

Emergency readiness training in schools takes place in September and continues for staff and students throughout the school year. Student training is designed by grade level to ensure that students understand the importance of these drills without causing unnecessary alarm. In accordance with our Trauma-Informed Care approach, our drills will not include any props, actors, simulations, or other tactics intended to mimic a school shooting, incident of violence, or other emergency. Our staff will review the proper actions in either an evacuation or lockdown drill to discuss any concerns or fears a student may have, and we will provide notice to parents and those in parental relations regarding drills within one week before each drill. Drills will not occur until after annual training in emergency procedures has been provided to students and staff.

It is important for families to update the Emergency Contact Cards that are on file in our main office. You are also encouraged to create and maintain an accurate NYC Schools Account. This information includes providing and updating information indicating phone numbers and the names of adults to whom the school may release children in an emergency. Families are also encouraged to register with Notify NYC (https://a858-nycnotify.nyc.gov/notifynyc/) to receive information about emergency events, and call 311 for additional information about a school during an emergency.

We encourage you to play a role in our trauma-informed approach by reviewing the General Response Protocols attached to this letter. Opportunities for parent engagement are available at our school to ensure that families are involved in our school-based emergency readiness program. Parent versions of the School Safety Plan are available upon request in the main office, and information explaining the GRP is included with this letter. Many other important resources for families are also available by visiting https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/safe-schools.

We are required to conduct the following drills between now and the end of November to comply with New York State and City laws:

• Evacuation Drills: at least 6
• Soft Lockdown Drills: at least 2
• Bus Drills: at least 2

Sincerely,

Paul J. Proscia

Principal of P.S. 23- The Richmondtown School

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Family Handbook & Traffic Safety

Our updated Family Handbook outlines key school policies and expectations to help support your child’s education. To simplify the process, we have consolidated all required parent sign-offs onto the final two pages (front and back). Please complete, sign, and return this form to your child’s teacher as soon as possible.

Traffic Safety & Drop-Off Rules

For the safety of our entire school community, please follow all local traffic laws. The NYPD patrols the area and may issue tickets without warning for illegal parking or moving violations.

Please keep the following rules in mind:

• Natick Street is Stop & Drop Only: Do not park on either side of Natick Street during morning arrival.

• No Double-Parking or Blocking Driveways: Do not double-park, make U-turns in the middle of the Drop-Off Lane, or block our neighbors' driveways during morning arrival or afternoon pick-up.

• Be Courteous: Avoid cutting off other vehicles in the Morning Stop & Drop Lane, and remain patient during peak drop-off times.

2026–2027 Dismissal Updates- Please note that the 3rd-grade dismissal location has changed for this school year.

Below our Promises and Priorities section, you will find a map illustrating all dismissal locations for the 2026–2027 school year.

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School Vision & Mission

Welcome to our extraordinary school! At PS 23, we CULTIVATE a love for LEARNING and LEADING! We believe in the power of COLLABORATION and SERVICE, embracing a GROWTH MINDSET, CARING for one another, and EMPOWERING and INSPIRING each other. Our school mantra sums it all up:

"We are Learners, We are Leaders, We are the Richmondtown Eagles!"

• Our mission is to help every student discover their unique talents, share their voice, and participate in meaningful learning. Through targeted systems of support, we empower our students to achieve academic excellence and develop as confident leaders.

  This year, we are focusing on three main goals:

  1. Every student will learn to read with confidence.

  2. Every student will build strong mathematical thinking skills.

  3. Our school community will remain safe, inclusive, and focused on preparing students for the future.

To learn more about our goals, click the image below to access our Promises & Priorities.

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As a proud Leader in Me Legacy School, we are excited to continue cultivating a strong culture of learning and student leadership this year.

We are kicking off the school year with "The First 8 Days," a framework designed to set your child up for social, emotional, and academic success. Rather than jumping straight into academic content, teachers will spend these initial days embedding the 7 Habits of Happy Kids, building classroom culture, and establishing routines. This creates a safe, structured environment where students learn to set goals, manage emotions, work as a team, and unlock their leadership potential.

PS 23: Launch into Leadership- The First 8 Days Guide

PS 23 Leaders: A Family Roadmap

Students will also continue building their Student Leadership Portfolios to take ownership of their learning, set goals, and track their progress. Tied directly to our school’s one-word focus this year—Authenticity—these portfolios give students a space to reflect on their achievements and celebrate what makes them unique.

7 Habits Refresher Booster Shot

Here’s a quick refresher on the 7 Habits of Happy Kids (they have since added an 8th Habit):

1. Be Proactive: "You're in charge" – Pause and respond based on values; focus on what you can influence.
2. Begin With the End in Mind: "Have a Plan" – Define outcomes before acting, develop a personal mission statement.
3. Put First Things First: "Work First, Then Play" – Prioritize schoolwork and relationships, block out distractions.
4. Think Win-Win: "Everyone Can Win" – Build relationships, balance courage with consideration, and aim for mutual benefit.
5. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood: "Listen Before You Talk" – Value others' input, listen with empathy, and express yourself respectfully.
6. Synergize: "Together is Better" – Value differences and seek solutions that benefit everyone.
7. Sharpen the Saw: "Balance Feels Best" – Take care of your body, mind, and spirit to stay at your best.
8. Find Your Voice: "Inspire Others" – Use your gifts to encourage others to discover their own potential and contribute positively to the world.

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Attendance & the Safer Access Door Procedures

As stated in our Family Handbook and in compliance with the NYC DOE Attendance Policies, regular attendance is essential to your child’s learning and long-term success. Our goal is for every student to maintain excellent attendance, as missing school frequently prevents children from fully benefiting from their educational experience. Parents and guardians must ensure their children arrive on time every day.

Please follow these important attendance guidelines:

• School Hours & Arrival: Instruction begins promptly at 8:10 AM. Students should arrive no later than 8:10 AM. Any student arriving after 8:15 AM will be marked late on their permanent record.

• School Breakfast: Doors open for breakfast at 7:45 AM. Students eating breakfast must arrive between 7:45 AM and 8:05 AM.

• Late Arrival & Security Procedures: The Safer Access Door Locking System is active from 8:25 AM to 2:15 PM (as well as during After-School and Latchkey hours). If arriving after 8:25 AM:

  • Parents must accompany their child to the main right-side entrance (the Safer Access door).

  • Press the camera doorbell and wait for the School Safety Agent (SSA) to buzz you in.

  • You must present a valid driver’s license or photo ID (required by the NYC Department of Education) and sign your child in on the late log.

  • Note for Registered Morning Latchkey students: Enter through the Pinewood Avenue doors, which are monitored by an SSA.

  • Absences: When your child returns from an absence, please send a written note explaining the reason. Medical notes are requested for absences exceeding three consecutive days. All notes are saved in the student's cumulative file. You will receive an automated notification each day your child is absent.

We are excited for the year ahead and look forward to partnering with you to ensure a successful school year!

This is a free and easy way to set-up a college savings account for your child if they are currently in grades K-2.

Please use these activation letters (translated into several languages) to help you activate your child's NYC Scholarship Account @ NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program today. If you need further assistance please contact Parent Coordinator Sharon Fink @ sfink7@schools.nyc.gov or (718)351-1155.

Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year!

Dear Families,

We're so excited to kick off another amazing year at P.S. 23! The PTA plays an important role in our school community. We host fun events, fund educational programs, and support activities that benefit all of our students.

💡 Did you know?

Every parent/guardian of a P.S. 23 student is already a member of the PTA! There's no sign-up required. You're automatically part of the team. We host fun events, fund educational programs, and support activities that benefit all of our students.

📱 Stay Connected

The best way to keep up with PTA news, fundraisers, and events is by following our official pages:

Facebook @ PS23 , Instagram @ps23pta

(Please keep these groups for school/PTA-related updates only.)

✉️ Contact Us

Have questions, ideas, or want to get involved? Email us anytime at: PS23RichmondtownPTA@gmail.com

2026-2027 PTA Executive Board

Amanda Como - Co-President

Alyssa Reilly - Co-President

Julia Li - 1st Vice President

Dana Dileo - Treasurer

Dara Cowhig - Recording Secretary

✨ Here's to a healthy, successful, and fun school year together! We can't wait to see you at our events and work with you to support our Eagles! 🦅

With appreciation,

Your P.S. 23 PTA Board

We want to help your child succeed with their schoolwork! In our Afternoon Latchkey program, students get homework assistance from a teacher or paraprofessional from the start of the program until 4:30 p.m.

This help is provided in a group setting, so our staff will do their best to help your child get started and work through their assignments. However, staff members are not responsible for the full completion of homework. At 4:30 p.m., students will transition to more recreational activities, like sports and games.

To ensure your child's success, we encourage you to review their homework with them when they get home.

🏫Crafted by the student leaders of class 5-311 🎒

October is a month of remembering that one small act of kindness can brighten someone’s whole day. A smile, a kind word, or helping someone can make a bigger difference than you realize. You never know when your kindness might turn someone’s difficult day into a better one!

That is why our virtue of the month is Compassion. Compassion means noticing when someone needs help, understanding their feelings, and choosing to care.

To help us stay on track, use our Habit of the Month, Habit 4: Think Win- Win. This means working together, respecting one another, and finding solutions where everyone can succeed.

Let’s make it a great month of Learning & Leading, Richmondtown Eagles remember: Always choose kindness, lift each other up, and make our school a place where everyone feels valued, seen and loved!

Due to the volume of students and staff getting settled in for the new school year, there may be a delay in the system responding to password resets. To reset your child's password click here .

🎃 October 2026 🎃

10/19 - Part 1 of 7 Habits for Happy Families Workshop @ 8:30-10:30 AM

10/23 - TRUNK or TREAT @ 6 PM 👻🎃🍬 🧙‍♀️🦸

10/30 - Halloween Parade 🎃👻 Wear your Halloween costumes!
🚫 No face coverings, masks, or plastic weapons (swords, guns, staffs, handcuffs)

🍂 NOVEMBER 2026 SCHOOL EVENTS & SPIRIT DAYS 🍂🦅

11/3 - 🗳️Election Day; 💻 REMOTE LEARNING DAY for Students

11/4 - Part 2 of 7 Habits for Happy Families Workshop @ 8:30-10:30 AM

11/5 - HALF-DAY ⏰11:30 AM dismissal for all students

11/5 - Remote Parent-Teacher Conferences👨‍👩‍👧‍👦💻

11/10 - Spirit Day 🪖 Wear camo and/or your favorite superhero shirt for Veteran's Day

11/11 - ⭐SCHOOL CLOSED - Honoring and remembering our Veterans ❤️🤍💙

11/12 - General PTA🗳️Meeting & Book Fair Setup

11/13 - Scholastic Book Fair 📖🎉!

11/16 - World Diabetes Awareness Day🌎 - Wear BLUE💙to show your support!

11/18 - Picture Re-Take Day📸😁

11/19 - Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day- 💜 Wear PURPLE to raise awareness and show support.

11/20 - School 🌾Harvest Fair🍁 & Fall Flannel Friday

🍂 Wear your favorite flannel and join in the Fall fun!

11/26–11/27 ⭐ SCHOOL CLOSED 🦃 — Thanksgiving Recess 🍂🍁

1. NYC Schools Account (NYCSA) - all parents need to sign up for this account

2. School Foods Forms

3. School Lunch

4. NYCDOE SupportHub

   
   

Email: sfink7@schools.nyc.gov
Website: https://www.ps23r.org/
Location: 30 Natick Street, Staten Island, NY, USA
Phone: (718)351-1155
Twitter: @23Richmondtown