The Yellow Sheet
Calendar
22 SEP, MON
PSAT Payment Deadline (Optional Test, 11th Grade Only)
23 SEP, TUE
Rosh Hashanah (Schools Closed)
24 SEP, WED
Rosh Hashanah (Schools Closed)
2 OCT, THU
Yom Kippur (Schools Closed)
3 OCT, FRI
Dance Young Arts Filming; Concert Hall
4 OCT, SAT
Dance Young Arts Filming; Concert Hall
6 OCT, MON
Conference Schedule (Department). LATE START FOR STUDENTS
View the laguardiahs.org monthly calendars, as well as subscript to iCal
Dear LaGuardia Families, Students, Alumni, and Community Partners,
I hope you're doing well as we'll settle into an extraordinary school year. It has been wonderful to see everyone finding their rhythm during this second full week of classes, and I wanted to share some exciting updates and observations from our vibrant school community.
School Operations and Culture
Our morning entry and dismissal procedures have fallen into a nice groove, though I do ask for your continued partnership, parents, in helping some of our students arrive at school a bit earlier to ensure they're ready for their first period classes.
I'm particularly pleased to report that our internet-connected device ban continues to positively shift our school culture toward a place that is more human-centered and focused on instruction and meaningful conversations. The impact has been remarkable – our library circulation this month has already surpassed circulation rates from September 2024. Our students are reading more, engaging more deeply, and connecting more authentically with one another and their learning.
Distinguished Visitors and Recognition
This week, we had the honor of hosting former US Representative Jamaal Bowman and Superintendent Tim Stowe from Torrance Public Schools in California. Both visitors came to see our students in action and left feeling genuinely inspired and impressed by our programs and the caliber of our student body. Their enthusiasm for what they witnessed here speaks volumes about the exceptional work happening in our studios and classrooms every day.
Community Partnerships
I also had the opportunity to meet with our Parents Association and the Board of the Alumni & Friends Foundation this week. It was immediately apparent during both meetings that each group is ready and eager to partner with our school to ensure we have the resources needed to make the 2025-26 school year truly spectacular. This level of community support is what makes LaGuardia special.
Program Changes Update
I want to thank everyone for their patience during our program change period, which has now concluded. Our counseling support and programming teams worked tirelessly to accommodate requests, and I'm proud to report that we were able to satisfy approximately 93% of program change requests. We even added additional sections of courses to better meet the needs of our students.
That said, this still leaves 7% of our community in a position where they were unable to receive exactly what they requested. As principal, I truly wish I could meet 100% of requests, but given the complexity of our scheduling – with block scheduling for three of our studios, a comprehensive arts program where students spend 3-4 periods daily, 23 different AP courses, plus graduation requirements such as health and physical education – achieving 100% satisfaction is simply not possible, especially considering our limited financial resources.
I hope that students and parents who received program changes will share this good news among the chat groups and join me in thanking our counseling support and programming teams for their dedicated work to make this happen.
Holiday Break and Special Moments
Please note that we have Tuesday and Wednesday off this week for Rosh Hashanah. I wish all families who celebrate a sweet and meaningful new year – L'Shanah Tovah!
One of my favorite moments this week was watching Mr. Swope (aka G.Ben) from our Technical Theater studio lead our incoming tech students through "bootcamp," where they continue learning about the nuts and bolts of the program. Students engaged in hands-on exploration throughout the Little Flower Theater and worked with our amazing Technical Theater team, which includes a wonderful new member, Abigail Epprecht.
Abigail brings exceptional professional experience to our program, with an impressive background spanning Broadway, Off-Broadway, and national touring productions. Her Broadway credits include work as Stage Manager for Blue Man Group and assistant stage manager roles on productions like Mondo Drama and Shanghai Moon. She has extensive experience with major touring productions including The Scarlet Pimpernel and The Wizard of Oz Tour, and has worked at prestigious regional theaters including the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Beyond her performance venue experience, Abigail has demonstrated strong leadership and organizational skills through her work as Director of Operations/Site Manager for Young Judaea Sprout Westchester Day Camp, where she managed operations for 80 children across 21 acres and 13 buildings. She holds a BFA from SUNY Purchase in Theatre Arts and Film Conservatory with a concentration in Stage Management, and brings specialized skills in sound, lights, rigging, scenic construction, and properties. Her comprehensive expertise in both the artistic and operational aspects of theater production will be invaluable as our students develop their technical skills and professional understanding of the industry.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
As always, I want to express my deepest gratitude to our students for being absolutely the best in NYC, and to our larger parent and alumni community for being such dedicated and passionate partners in supporting your students' education. It's this collaborative spirit that makes LaGuardia High School the remarkable institution it is.
Here's to continuing this momentum as we build toward an incredible year together!
With appreciation and pride,
Principal Marwah
OMNY Card Support
OMNY Card issues can be addressed after 9th Period in the Attendance Office, Room 201.
Applications to Form Clubs for 25-26 are Now Available
Each year all Clubs at LaGuardia must apply/reapply and receive permission to form. Only once permission is granted by SGO can clubs begin to meet. This Club Application is now available for the 2025-2026 school year.
Students may fill out the application using their nycstudents.net account.
Students wishing to participate in clubs can do so once permission is granted. You do not need to fill out this form. A Club Catalog will be distributed once information is finalized. Then you just attend clubs you are interested in. To help you understand this year's club, the annual Club Fair will be held on September 30.
If you have any questions, now, about the Club Application, please email Ms. Greene, our Coordinator of Student Activities (COSA) at ygreene@schools.nyc.gov.
Optional PSAT Administration for 11th Graders Only
Students in the 11th Grade can take the optional PSAT/NMSQT on 10.18.2025 using their own device at LaGuardia.
If you would like for your child to take this optional test, please have them submit the PSAT/NMSQT Registration Form including the $10.00 + convenience fee, by September 22, 2025 at 4:00 PM.
How to Reset Your Child’s Password in NYCSA
You can reset your student password easily by following these instructions:
- Click on Settings.
- Click on Student Password.
- Select the child whose password you want to update.
- Enter a new password. Your password must:
- Contain between 8–32 characters.
- Contain at least one number (0–9).
- Contain at least one lowercase letter (a–z).
- Contain at least one uppercase letter (A–Z).
- Retype the new password.
- Click on Save.
- That’s it! Your password has been reset.
Week 3 of School Year
As we enter the third week of school, we will begin implementing our cell phone policy to ensure all students are adhering to the new state law. Please be aware of the following important information:
Current Procedures
All students have been provided with a secure pouch and/or instructions on how to obtain their pouch. Students who have forgotten or lost their pouches have been turning in their phones at the start of the school day and retrieving them at dismissal.
New Implementation Starting This Week
Beginning this week, students who repeatedly forget or lose their pouches will not be able to retrieve their phones until approximately 30 minutes after regular dismissal time. Please ensure that all students bring their pouches daily to avoid late dismissal.
Non-Phone Students
Students who are not bringing phones to school are required to sign a daily form confirming they do not have a phone with them. Any student who signs this form and is later found with a phone will face immediate disciplinary action. Parents will be contacted and must come to school during regular school hours to retrieve the device.
Pay Yondr Pouch Replacement Fee
Students must secure their cell phone inside a Yondr pouch upon entry into the school. All students have been issued their Yondr pouch in September 2025, at LaGuardia's expense. Lost or damaged Yondr pouches must be replaced by the student through the Student tab on the school's website. The cost is $30 plus service charge by credit card processor.
We wanted to share this year's theme: GET ON YOUR FEET! We are so excited to see all of your auditions on October 24, 25, and 27.
Here are some tips for your audition:
1. Prepare prepare prepare -> Start preparing now for your act, the most successful auditions are well thought out and prepared so they could be open to notes and adjustments in rehearsals.
2. Bring yourself! -> You are all such incredibly unique people! Bring yourself to the audition and show us who you are! Why is this act special to you? Why did you get on your feet to share this act with us?
3. Have fun! --> Rising stars is such a great performance experience to truly share your voice. It's a great audition opportunity too! Enjoy every moment of it!
Audition information will be emailed and follow us on instagram @lagrisingstars
Thank you for tuning in and we hope to see you in the audition room on October 24, 25, and 27!
Fall School Food Survey
You and/or your designated staff are invited to encourage your students and families to provide their feedback regarding cafeteria offerings, their dining experience, and suggestions for additions to the menu via the fall survey (available in all DOE languages, which can be chosen by the top right drop-down menu). The survey will remain open until December 19. You and your school community can visit the Menus page for the latest updates on school food menus.
Girls Bowling
The Bowling Team strikes again with another tie breaking victory to remain unbeaten at 4-0. The team was led by Sarah Ye and Xilina Ortiz who both went over 100 pins in the win against Seward Park. Go Lions"
The Girls Bowling team strikes again with a clean sweep of Rustin to push their record to 5-0 as they clinched a playoff spot. The A-Team was led by Veronica Deng and Michelle Lou who both went over 100; Skye Wright and Xilina Ortiz hit career high marks in pins by both going over the 120 mark, capping off the 3-0 victory. For perspective, Coach Steffa bowls a 29, so 120 is incredible! This Friday the Lions face Beacon in an undefeated showdown for tops in the division. Roar, Lions, roar."
When it's game day, I always remind myself: "I can do this." No matter how nervous I feel or who we're up against, I try to keep a clear head and trust my practice. Pressure is always there but I do my best not to let it get to me.
One thing that really helps me is keeping a bottle of water next to me. I know it sounds simple, but just sipping water between frames helps me stay grounded and calm. I also make it a point to take deep breaths, especially if I’m feeling tense after a shot. Breathing slowly and intentionally (taking deep breaths) resets my focus and
keeps me from spiraling.
It’s okay to feel nervous. But remember: you’re prepared, you’ve got this, and you’re not alone. "Game days are about more than just scores they’re about growing, learning, and showing up for your team.
Read more from The Ultimate Bowling Guide, by Michelle Lou. For information about joining Girls Varsity Bowling, please see Coach Lardner, JLardner@schools.nyc.gov
Girls Volleyball
The Girls Varsity Volleyball Team has started off the season with a strong win! After losing the first set with 21-25, they made a close comeback, winning the last two sets with scores of 25-23 and 25-16. Shoutouts to Ilayda Atmaca with 12 assists, Maya Makahara with 7 Kills, and Victoria Shvager with 9 service points and 4 aces. Mama Greene is sooo proud of you! Go Lions!
Prom is Now On the Calendar
The Class of 2026 Prom will be held at City Winery at Pier 57 on June 18, 2026, from 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM. Seniors may bring one guest, and the cost will be $225 (projected). Tickets must be purchased between April 16, 2026 and May 15, 2026.
