This Week @ PS 88Q
April 27 2026
Well, here we are—ready to say goodbye to April and hello to May this week! This rollercoaster of temperatures has certainly kept us guessing, but one thing is clear… spring has officially sprung. With that comes sunshine, fresh air, and yes, those seasonal allergies (I’m right there with you!).
We’ve been making the most of the warmer weather, especially by bringing our Physical Education classes outside. Our students absolutely love using our outdoor spaces, and it’s been wonderful to see them active, engaged, and enjoying time together in the fresh air.
This week, our Grade 3, 4, and 5 students will take the NYS Math Test—and they are ready. Our teachers have prepared them in the most authentic and meaningful way possible. One of the greatest strengths of PS 88Q is, without question, our staff. Their deep understanding of what students know and what they need next drives everything we do.
While there are many trends in education that emphasize technology, we remain grounded in what matters most: strong, in-person teaching and learning. Yes, there are times when technology is required, such as certain assessments, but we do not rely on test prep platforms or excessive screen time to prepare our students. Instead, we prioritize real instruction, thoughtful conversations, and meaningful practice.
At PS 88Q, screen time is intentionally limited in all areas and all grades. We know that students already spend a significant amount of time on screens both in and out of school. That’s why our classrooms—and even our afterschool programs—focus on hands-on learning, creativity, collaboration, and real experiences with peers.
If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of reducing screen time for children, I encourage you to take a look at this article.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10353947/
Dates to Remember:
🧮 April 28 and April 29 NYS Math Test Grades 3 to 5
🎓 May 2 Last Saturday Academy
📝 May 4 NYSESLAT Testing Window Opens
🍎 May 4 to May 8 Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week
🎈 May 12 Grade 5 Science Test
🎉 May 16 PTA Presents Spring Fling 10:00am to 12:00pm
🚒 May 18 and May 19 FDNY Smokehouse In house Trip
🎭 May 20 Class 3 203 Performance
🎪 May 20 T School Carnival All Grades
May 21: Brain Power Student Leaders Trip to Camelback
🇺🇸 May 25 Memorial Day No School
🌙 May 27 Eid Al Adha No School
🏃 June 2 Field Day Grades K to 2 Rain Date June 9
🥞 June 2 Grade 5 Breakfast and Picnic
🏃 June 3 Field Day Grades 3 to 5 Rain Date June 10
🎉 June 3 We Are PS 88Q Event 3:30pm to 6:30pm
🏫 June 4 Chancellors Day No Students in Attendance
📂 June 5 Clerical Day No Students in Attendance
🎶 June 10 Last Band and Chorus Performance 6:00pm
👋 June 12 Last Day of GRYC
☕ June 15 Coffee with Mrs. O'Shaughnessy
🎶 Week of June 15th: Disney Performance Beauty and The Beast
🖤 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
