HSSL Weekly Parent Update

Just a reminder to all parents and families that there will be no school Monday September 21st in observance of Yom Kippur classes will resume on Tuesday September 22nd. Please also note that due to the holiday Tuesday classes will run on a Monday schedule so all students will have their advisory on Tuesday.

Dear High School for Service & Learning Parents and Guardians,

We are excited to invite you to our first Parent-Teacher Conference Night on Thursday, September 24, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

This first conference serves as a Meet & Greet and Curriculum Conference, providing families with an opportunity to learn about what students will be studying throughout the school year and to connect with some of their child's teachers.

In addition, we will be hosting grade-level family meetings throughout the evening, including our first Senior Class Meeting for 12th-grade students and families.

Grade-Level Meeting Schedule

• 9th Grade Meeting: 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
• 10th Grade Meeting: 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM
• 11th Grade Meeting: 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
• 12th Grade (Senior) Meeting: 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM

During the Senior Class Meeting, we will discuss important information regarding:

• Senior dues
• Senior portraits/photos
• Yearbook
• Senior trips
• Graduation-related events and activities
• Other important senior year updates

Schedule a Conference Call with Your Child's Teachers

All parent-teacher conferences will take place virtually by phone. Teachers will call parents and guardians at the phone number provided on the registration form.

Please complete the conference registration form below to request a phone conference with your child's teachers:

👉 Conference Registration Form:
Register for a Parent-Teacher Conference

Join the Curriculum Conference & Grade-Level Meetings

Families can attend the curriculum conferences and grade-level meetings via Zoom using the meeting link below.

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/99704073911?pwd=3succU8rPfveqmADMoA0zhvLV3O1c4.1
Meeting ID: 997 0407 3911
Passcode: 000000

We encourage all families to participate in this important evening as we begin another successful school year together.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Warm regards,

Patrick Sykes-Craig (They/Them)
Parent Coordinator
High School for Service & Learning
718-564-2551 ext. 13401
PCraig2@schools.nyc.gov

The back to school kickoff pep rally is an annual HSSL tradition where we ring in the new school year with a bang! We play team building games, have our advisory class competitions, give out prizes, give out shout outs, and some small awards in the beginning of the school year to get students excited about the year to come. will take place Monday September 28th during 6th period advisory in auditorium.

Dear High School for Service & Learning Parents and Guardians,

We are excited to announce that Field Day 2026 will take place on Friday, October 2 at Sid Luckman Field (1469 McDonald Avenue).

Field Day is a special day filled with fun, team building, school spirit, and friendly competition as advisory classes compete for bragging rights and the title of Field Day Champion. May the best advisory win!

Permission slips will be distributed to students during their Monday 6th Period Advisory class. For your convenience, a PDF version of the permission slip is also attached to this email.

Completed permission slips may be returned to:

• Your student's Advisory Teacher
• Mx. Craig
• Ms. Lewis

Please note that Field Day T-shirts will be distributed on Monday, September 28.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Warm regards,

Patrick Sykes-Craig (They/Them)
Parent Coordinator
High School for Service & Learning
718-564-2551 ext. 13401
PCraig2@schools.nyc.gov

Hello, HSSL Students and Families,

I hope you are doing well.

As many of you know, we have a wonderful partnership with the Community Counseling and Mediation (CCM) organization that runs the Neighborhood Development Area (NDA) after-school program right here at HSSL! NDA offers tutoring, mentoring, career-readiness training, and PAID internships throughout the year.

Submit your Application NOW to Enroll in the NDA Program!

Please see below for more information about the program. Applications are attached to this email and can also be picked up from Mx. Craig, Ms. Celestin, Ms. Dorancy, or Ms. Locke. If you have any questions about the program, please contact Ms. Victor, NDA Director, at rvictor@ccmnyc.org.

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Want to earn up to $600, gain real-world experience, and prepare for your future career?

The NDA Program is more than just an after-school program—it's an opportunity to build the skills you need to succeed in life, school, and the workplace.

As a participant, you will:
✅ Explore career interests and internship opportunities
✅ Earn up to $600 while gaining valuable experience
✅ Learn how to create a professional resume and cover letter
✅ Practice interview skills and receive tips on landing your dream job
✅ Connect with mentors who can support your goals and personal growth
✅ Build leadership, communication, and teamwork skills
✅ Participate in fun activities, trips, and hands-on learning experiences

Whether you're planning for college, a career, or both, the NDA Program can help you take the next step with confidence.

Spaces are limited! Sign up now! Don't miss out on this opportunity to invest in your future!

Best Regards,

Nadine Locke
Assistant Principal
High School for Service & Learning
911 Flatbush Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11226
718.564.2551 Ext. 23192 (office)

Dear HSSL Students and Families,

We are excited to share a wonderful opportunity for NYC teens through the Adler Youth Program, a free weekend theater program offered by the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. This program is designed for qualifying students and provides a unique opportunity to develop confidence, creativity, communication skills, and a love for the performing arts.

The application deadline has been extended to Wednesday, September 23, and students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Part of the application process includes memorizing and performing a short monologue, so early preparation is recommended.

If your child is interested in theater, acting, public speaking, or creative expression, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn from industry professionals in a supportive environment.

Free Theater Program Opportunity for NYC Teens

Apply now! Free for qualifying students.

Learn more about the program:
Adler Youth Program Information

Application Process

Step 1: Complete the application
Apply Here

Step 2: Schedule a short Zoom interview with China Pharr or Nina Capelli. [Free theat..., Sept. 23 | Outlook]

Step 3: Share a one-minute memorized monologue from a contemporary published play. [Free theat..., Sept. 23 | Outlook]

We encourage families to discuss this opportunity with their students and consider applying if they have an interest in theater and the arts.

Thank you for supporting your child's growth and exploration of new opportunities.

Warm regards,

China Pharr
Director, Adler Youth [Free theat..., Sept. 23 | Outlook]

Nina Capelli
Director of Cultural Programming [Free theat..., Sept. 23 | Outlook]

This program is supported in part by public funds from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. [Free theat..., Sept. 23 | Outlook]