This Week @ PS 88Q

Oh, what a week we had!

As we step into 2026 together, I find myself reflecting with pride on what an extraordinary year 2025 was for our school community.

PS 88Q is a building rich in history — built in 1908, making this year our 117th year of educating children.
117 years of students, successes, memories, growth, and accomplishments.
And 2025 added some truly remarkable chapters to that story.

This past year, PS 88Q was highlighted on the national stage when our Disney Theater Team was featured not only on ABC World News with David Muir, reaching over 7 million viewers, but also on NY1, which brought our full production team of staff and students to Broadway. The media attention continued when Mayor Eric Adams chose PS 88Q as the site to launch his citywide announcement on small class size — something we proudly provide for our students. Our auditorium was filled with the Chancellor, union representatives, superintendents from across the city, and members of the press as the eyes of NYC focused on our school.

Yet, just as powerful were the moments that happened every single day inside our classrooms.

Our students reached new academic heights, achieving the highest proficiency scores ever on the NYS ELA and Math exams.
Our Saturday Academy students proudly presented their Project-Based Learning work on horticulture and food sustainability at Tweed, the headquarters of NYC Public Schools.
Our basketball team fought their way to the championship game.
Our band and chorus filled our school and community — and even the halls of the Peter Cardella Senior Center — with music and joy.

Our Student Council advocated for PS 88Q and through the Participatory Budget initiative, bought a new scoreboard and PBIS store back.
We welcomed inspiring performers, including Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of Run-DMC.

Our students explored this incredible city through unforgettable trips and experiences.

Our school continued to grow and evolve:

• NEST classes expanded into Kindergarten, Grade 1, and Grade 2

• Dual Language grew into Kindergarten and Grade 1

• Our new I-Read program launched this September

• Gifted & Talented continues strong in Grades 3–5

Our students took their learning into the community through the Social Justice Committee’s “May — The Change Be With You” initiative, showing the world how young voices advocate for what matters. Our before- and after-school programs flourished with over 20 choices, and our calendar was filled with joyful traditions — the Art Show, #WeArePS88Q, Movies Under the Stars, Winter Wonderland, concerts, and a summer packed with fun through Summer Rising.

And in between all of these big moments were the thousands of small victories — a child mastering a new skill, a teacher inspiring curiosity, friendships forming, confidence growing, and the daily excitement of learning that lives in our school.

At the end of the day, that is our mission:
to create a school filled with joy, curiosity, belonging, and the excitement that comes from walking through our doors each morning.

With a community like this — our families, our staff, and our incredible students — how could 2026 be anything but even brighter?

Here’s to another year of growth, discovery, and unforgettable moments together.

One of the highlights of our holiday season each year is watching our PS 88Q Band and Chorus take the stage alongside the talented students of IS 77 for their annual holiday concert — and this year was no exception!

This partnership is such a special experience for our students. Performing with a middle school band and singing with an older chorus gives our young musicians the opportunity to grow in confidence, stretch their skills, and truly feel what it’s like to be part of something bigger. It allows them to see what’s possible in their musical journey and to imagine themselves continuing their love for music as they move on to middle school and beyond.

The excitement in the room, the pride on their faces, and the beautiful music they created together was a true reflection of the power of collaboration and community. We are so grateful to IS 77 for opening their doors and creating such a meaningful experience for our students each year.

A huge thank you to Mr. Dumont and Mr. DeCastro for preparing our students and for fostering such a strong love of music at PS 88Q. Moments like these stay with our children long after the final note is played — and remind us how fortunate we are to be part of a school community that values the arts so deeply.

Our amazing Eagle’s Lens team has been busy capturing the heart of PS 88Q — and last week they asked everyone one simple, joyful question:
“What is your favorite holiday memory?”

A heartfelt thank you to all of our families who joined us for PS 88Q’s Winter Wonderland on December 20th — what a joyful afternoon it was!

From the crafts and dancing to the special visitors who stopped by (Ho Ho Ho), our school was truly glowing with the spirit of the season. As families sipped hot chocolate, enjoyed warm pizza on a chilly day, and shared smiles and laughter, our building was filled with exactly what makes PS 88Q so special — community, connection, and celebration.

A very special shout-out to our incredible PS 88Q staff, whose dedication, creativity, and hard work made the entire event unforgettable. Their commitment to creating these magical moments for our students and families does not go unnoticed.

Thank you for making Winter Wonderland such a beautiful memory for our school community. We are so grateful to celebrate this season with all of you! 💙✨

At PS 88Q, we believe that learning extends far beyond the classroom — and that even our youngest students have the power to make a difference. In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., our school community will take part in a special MLK Day of Service, focused on kindness, justice, and giving back.

This day is an extension of the important social justice work our students engage in throughout the year. Dr. King taught us that service is one of the most powerful ways to create change. On this day, our students will not only learn about his legacy — they will live it.

Throughout the month, students will participate in meaningful service projects such as:

• collecting winter items for local organizations,

• creating artwork focused on fairness, hope, and community, and

• reflecting on how their actions help make the world a kinder and more just place.

Students will also engage in classroom discussions and reflections centered on what it means to notice problems, care about others, and take action — the very heart of social justice.

We are so proud of our students as they continue to grow not only as learners, but as compassionate leaders and changemakers. Thank you for supporting this important work and for being such an incredible partner in your child’s education.

Together, we are building the world Dr. King dreamed of — one small act of kindness at a time.

Each week, I complete a similar newsletter for our staff, with all the information they need for the week. Part of the newsletter is a Shout Out section, which is always full! If you have a shout out for any of our staff, please click here, and I will be sure to share it in the Staff Newsletter!

Great news for our Kindergarten and newly enrolled grade 1-4 NYCPS students! Your child has been automatically enrolled in the Save for College Program, a college and career scholarship and savings program. This opportunity is made possible through a partnership between NYC Kids RISE, New York City Public Schools (NYCPS), the City of New York, and each participating school.

The next step is to activate your child's NYC Scholarship Account to see the funds already saved for their future college and career dreams – no personal information is required! Their account starts with $100, and they will also receive a $25 reward for activating it.

Activate your child’s account by following the steps below or by watching this short video guide:

1. Go to nyckr.org/act-now

2. Enter your child’s ZIP code, birthdate, and Student ID or OSIS number, then click Submit

3. Enter your name, email, and create a password

4. Read and accept the Terms of Use, then click Create User Profile

That’s it! Within a week, you will see the $25 reward from NYC Kids RISE. You can log in anytime to check funds and earnings. Need help? Call or email Ms. Ivett at 718-821-8121 or email iperezlopez@schools.nyc.gov

After activating, you can also open your own college and career savings account to save alongside the NYC Scholarship Account. For support, contact NYC Kids RISE at 833-543-7473 or info@nyckidsrise.org.

We’re saving for your child’s college and career training, together!

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

What we will talk about:

• Understand the transition from early intervention to preschool special education and from preschool to kindergarten special education services
• Discover how to access support for children ages 3 to 5 who have disabilities or developmental delays that affect learning.
• Learn about eligibility criteria, evaluations, timelines, and the important roles families and school teams play in helping children with disabilities prepare for kindergarten.

Zoom link to register(Open external link)

Hosted by: The Special Education Office

To be the first to know about upcoming online events, complete this short form to join our contact list(Open external link).

Language Access: For all Sessions

Families can access interpreters via a conference call line during this online event.

Spanish Language Line

• 1 347-966-4114
• Phone conference ID: 474 208 707#

Mandarin Language Line

• 1 347-966-4114
• Phone conference ID: 702 744 359#

Albanian Language Line

• 1 347-966-4114
• Phone conference ID: 341 110 28#

Arabic Language Line

• 1 347-966-4114
• Phone conference ID: 870 056 490#

Bangla Language Line

• 1 347-966-4114
• Phone conference ID: 133 222 398#

French Language Line

• 1 347-966-4114
• Phone conference ID: 536 896 981#

Haitian-Creole Language Line

• 1 347-966-4114

• Phone conference ID: 339 617 810#

Korean Language Line

• 1 347-966-4114
• Phone conference ID: 377 218 898#

Russian Language Line

• 1 347-966-4114
• Phone conference ID: 608 952 257#

Urdu Language Line

• 1 347-966-4114
• Phone conference ID: 109 796 896#

Uzbek Language Line

• 1 347-966-4114
• Phone conference ID: 511 641 746#

Ukrainian Language Line

• 1 347-966-4114
• Phone conference ID: 328 881 227#

Happy New Year!

Welcome back, families! We hope the break brought some rest, good moments together, and a chance to recharge. We’re looking forward to seeing you and hearing from you soon. Remember YOU are the PTA and we’re only as strong as our members.

Here’s what’s coming up as we kick off the new year!

GET READY: PS88 Cozy Family Movie Night—January 23

Family Movie Night is back on Friday, January 23 in the school auditorium!

What to know:

- Doors open at 5:00 PM, movie starts at 5:30pm, no admittance after 6pm.

- Current PS88 students and families only, please!

- Entry is FREE, but a ticket is required.

- FREE drinks and snacks for kids will be available. Food and drink from home is welcome!

- *** PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a drop-off event. Children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times. ***

And now…

Vote! → bit.ly/VOTEMovieNight26

What movie should we watch? The winner will be announced at the 1/15 PTA Meeting!

Help! → bit.ly/HELPMovieNight26

Volunteer to help during movie night. We quite literally can’t have movie night without a team of dedicated parent volunteers! Sign-up to help!

Tickets! → bit.ly/TICKETSMovieNight26

Reserve FREE tickets for your family. Any remaining tickets will be released at the door. We’ll keep you updated!

NEXT MEETING: PS88 PTA General Meeting—January 15

Mark your calendars! Our first PTA meeting of 2026 takes place on Thursday, January 15 from 6pm-7pm. In person at PS88 and on Zoom.

You can RSVP and add to your calendar here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ps88q-pta-january-2026-general-meeting-jan-15-tickets-1979143098284

MORE IMPORTANT DATES

● Graduation Photos for Kindergarten and 5th Grade will be happening either January 26th or 27th. Please stay tuned for more information.

● January CEC24 Meeting: Tuesday, January 27 | Starting at 6:00pm Location TBA. Use this link for future meeting dates and zoom info: https://www.cec24.org/schedule.html

KEEP IN TOUCH

Stay connected with the latest PTA news, events, and announcements—and be part of the conversation!

● WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/ILNl02KhJQb3mcy8C9Gb63

● Instagram: www.instagram.com/ps88q.pta

● All Things PTA + Newsletter Signup: linkin.bio/ps88pta

● Anonymous Feedback Form: bit.ly/ParentNeeds2025_26

It is hard to believe, but we are already planning for the 2026-2027 School Year! We are so proud of the many opportunities we have for 3K, Pre-K and Kindergarten.

Choosing a school for your child’s earliest years is a big decision, and we are so proud to share all that PS 88Q offers our youngest learners! From 3-K through Kindergarten, our students experience a warm, joyful, and developmentally rich early childhood program—right here in the heart of an elementary school community.

🌼 Our Early Childhood Programs (3-K & Pre-K)

At PS 88Q, our littlest learners have access to everything an elementary school provides while still enjoying an authentic early childhood experience. Students benefit from:

✔ Daily outdoor gross motor play in our schoolyard
✔ A sensory room designed to support emotional regulation and exploration
✔ A team of licensed providers, including Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Physical Therapy
✔ Specialized supports for students with IEPs
✔ After-school childcare through Supermoon
✔ Hands-on, play-based learning that nurtures curiosity and independence

🐣 Kindergarten at PS 88Q

Our kindergarteners take a big step forward with opportunities that build creativity, confidence, and strong academic foundations. We proudly offer:

🔹 ICT STEM Discovery Program
🔹 ICT NEST Program (NYU Affiliation) supporting students across all learning needs
🔹 ICT I-Read Program, specializing in early literacy with a focus on characteristics of dyslexia
🔹 Daily arts and enrichment, where students participate in Visual Arts, Theater, Music, STEM, or Coding

🎨🎭🎻🎶 A New Two-Year Arts & Performance Residency

We are thrilled to announce that both our Pre-K and Kindergarten students have begun a two-year arts residency with esteemed partners:

✨ Studio in a School (Visual Arts)
✨ 92nd Street Y Dance Education Laboratory (DEL) (Creative Movement & Dance)
✨ Third Street Music Settlement (Music Instruction)
✨ New Victory Theater (Theater & Creative Expression)

These partnerships bring expert educators into our classrooms, giving our students access to some of NYC’s most renowned arts organizations—right here at PS 88Q!

We are excited to welcome new families and continue growing with those already part of our school community. PS 88Q is a place where children are seen, supported, and inspired every day.

If you have any questions or would like a tour, we are always happy to help!
We can’t wait to learn, play, and grow together. 🌟

We are planning our Open House Events, and want to hear from you! Please sign up for our specific mailing list, so that you are first to know when!

Open House Timing and Preferences Survey – Fill out form

Kindergarten Admissions

• Tuesday, December 9, 2025: Kindergarten Application Opens
• Friday, January 23, 2026: Kindergarten Application Closes
• Tuesday, March 31, 2026: Kindergarten Offer Release

3-K Admissions

• Wednesday, January 14, 2026: 3-K Application Opens
• Friday, February 27, 2026: 3-K Application Closes
• Tuesday, May 19, 2026: 3-K Offer Release

Pre-K Admissions

• Wednesday, January 14, 2026: Pre-K Application Opens
• Friday, February 27, 2026: Pre-K Application Closes
• Tuesday, May 12, 2026: Pre-K Offer Release

Dear District 24 Community,

We invite you to attend our upcoming Community Education Council (CEC24) hybrid meeting on:

📅 Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Location: Public School 7, Louis F. Simeone 80-55 Cornish Avenue, Elmhurst, New York 11373 ( Use Exit 1- Main Entrance)
💻 Zoom Link: Join Here

Https://nycdoe.zoom.us/j/92102973851?pwd=wimTNfQIm0CNIMwXV7JVKPQ8N1w3ZQ.1

Meeting ID: 921 0297 3851 Passcode: 096182

Interpreters will be available in Spanish and Mandarin.

CEC meetings are a vital opportunity for parents to stay informed about decisions that impact our schools, programs, and students. Your voice matters in shaping the future of education in District 24. By participating, you help ensure transparency and collaboration between families and the council.

We look forward to your participation—whether in person or online!

---------------------------------------------

Estimadas familias del Distrito 24:

Te invitamos a asistir a nuestro próximo Reunión híbrida del Consejo de Educación Comunitaria (CEC24) en:

📅Fecha:Martes 16 de diciembre de 2025

🕕Tiempo:18:00 – 22:00

📍Ubicación: Public School 7, Louis F. Simeone 80-55 Cornish Avenue, Elmhurst, New York 11373 ( Use Exit 1- Main Entrance)

💻Enlace de Zoom:Únete aquí

https://nycdoe.zoom.us/j/92102973851?pwd=wimTNfQIm0CNIMwXV7JVKPQ8N1w3ZQ.1

ID de la reunión:921 0297 3851Código de acceso:096182

Habrá intérpretes disponibles en español n ingles.

¿Por qué es importante asistir?

Las reuniones del CEC son una oportunidad vital para que los padres se mantengan informados sobre las decisiones que afectan a nuestras escuelas, programas y estudiantes. Su voz es fundamental para definir el futuro de la educación en el Distrito 24. Al participar, contribuye a garantizar la transparencia y la colaboración entre las familias y el consejo.

¡Esperamos contar con su participación, ya sea en persona o en línea!

----------------------

我们诚挚邀请您参加即将举行的社区教育委员会（CEC24）线上线下混合会议：

📅 **日期：**2026年1月27日（星期二）
🕕 **时间：**下午6:00 – 晚上10:00
📍 **地点：**纽约皇后区艾姆赫斯特 Public School 7, Louis F. Simeone
地址：80-55 Cornish Avenue, Elmhurst, NY 11373（请使用 1号出口 — 主入口）
💻 **Zoom 链接：**点击加入
https://nycdoe.zoom.us/j/92102973851?pwd=wimTNfQIm0CNIMwXV7JVKPQ8N1w3ZQ.1

**会议 ID：**921 0297 3851
**密码：**096182

会议将提供西班牙语和中文口译服务。

CEC 会议是家长了解影响学校、项目和学生的重要决策的关键机会。您的声音对塑造第24学区的教育未来至关重要。通过参与，您可以促进家庭与委员会之间的透明度与合作。

我们期待您线上或线下的参与！

Dear Families and Colleagues,

As we approach the end of 2025, I want to reflect on what we’ve accomplished and what lies ahead. Together, as a New York City Public Schools community, we’ve worked incredibly hard to realize our mission, that all students graduate with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in their careers and communities.

This year, in line with the three commitments I made when becoming Chancellor, NYC Public Schools:

1) Ensured safety and promoted wellness

• Through NYCPS Cares, we kicked off student-led anti-bullying and anti-vaping campaigns, grew Every Child and Family is Known, expanded trauma-informed care training, and more.
• We promoted thoughtful use of technology in our schools, making our classrooms cell phone-free while also creating a framework for leveraging artificial intelligence safely and productively.
• We ensured that every child had access to mental health support at school, whether through a social worker, school counselor, school-based mental health clinic, or community-based mental health provider.

2) Strengthened comprehensive teacher supports

• With NYC Reads active in elementary schools citywide, NYC Solves in nearly all high schools, and both initiatives continuing to grow across our middle schools, we provided high-quality reading and math instruction. We’re already seeing results, with a 7.2 percentage point increase in reading proficiency and a 3.5 percentage point increase in math proficiency on our 2025 state exams.
• We launched new NYC Reads curricula for English Language Learners at 80 schools and a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to give every child the instructional resources they need.
• We expanded college and career pathways programming, including FutureReadyNYC, financial literacy instruction, and early college credit opportunities, to ensure students are prepared for bold futures in high-demand fields.
• We created new Hidden Voices curricular materials to teach about the diverse communities that make up our city.
• We set new records for services provided to our students with disabilities, opened more seats for specialized autism programs, and expanded preschool special education, including new models for inclusive early childhood education.

3) Fostered family and community empowerment

• We found new and innovative ways to partner with families, recruiting approximately 3,800 Family Connectors and training nearly 2,500 NYC Reads Family Ambassadors this year alone (for a total of over 5,000 ambassadors since the program began!).
• We increased language access, adding more languages to our standard translation/interpretation services and developing an app to support real-time translation for schools and families.
• We published an Accountability Tool to increase transparency about progress toward our goals.

Our website highlights these accomplishments and more. I want to thank our entire community—students, staff, families, and community members—for partnering in this work over the past year.

As we prepare for the transition to a new mayoral administration, I am confident that our children—and the staff and families supporting them—will remain front and center, regardless of who leads our school system. I hope to continue to serve all of you, and I am forever grateful to be part of the NYC Public Schools family.

In partnership,

Melissa Aviles-Ramos

Chancellor