This Week @ PS 88Q

What a wonderful and busy time of year! These past few weeks — and the weeks ahead — are filled with learning, laughter, and celebration as we wrap up 2025 together. There is truly nothing like an elementary school in the month of December. Our halls are buzzing with curiosity, excitement, and the joy of being part of this community.

This week, we had the incredible honor of welcoming Darryl McDaniels, aka DMC from Run DMC! 🎤✨ He shared his new book “Christmas in Hollis” with our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders, visited Mr. Dumont’s music room, and even spent time talking with Mr. Rodeschin’s class. The students were captivated — and yes, our staff was definitely starstruck too! What a memorable moment for our Eagles!

As we count down these final 12 school days of 2025, each day will be filled with meaningful learning and joyful experiences — both within our classrooms and all around our amazing city. We are so grateful for the partnerships, families, and talented educators who make this such a special place everyday!

Please see the important upcoming dates below:

📅 December Dates to Remember

• December 8th: Kindergarten Open House at 2:45pm

• December 9th: Kindergarten Open House at 9am

• December 10 & 11 – ChessKid Visits to Classrooms & Digital Chess Program Launch

• December 12 – Parent Workshop (Hybrid): Stress & the Holidays

• December 15–23 – Holiday Spirit Week 🎉 (Flyer below!)

• December 16 – Holiday Band & Chorus Concert – 6:00 PM

• December 17 – Basketball Pep Rally 🏀

• December 18 – First Home Basketball Game vs. PS 91

• December 18 – PTA Meeting

• Saturday, December 20 – Family Holiday Celebration
  10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | All families welcome! (Flyer below!) https://forms.office.com/r/tJgSSz3EvZ

• December 22 – Grade 5 Ballroom Basix Performance at St. John’s University

• December 24 – January 4 – Winter Recess
  ➜ All staff and students return January 5th

📌 Please click below to share your celebration with us.

December Holiday Celebrations Survey – Fill out form

We are still buzzing with excitement over our amazing visit from Darryl 'DMC' McDaniels — and we wanted to share a few highlights and some information about his wonderful new book with you!

DMC visited our school this week and read his recently released children’s book Darryl’s Christmas in Hollis to our students. In the story, a young Darryl heads to the eye doctor — and when he tries on new “cultural frames,” he suddenly sees holiday celebrations from all around the world: from colorful Hanukkah dreidels to sparkling Diwali lights to Christmas decorations. This eye-opening journey leads him to realize that festive joy comes in many shapes and traditions, and that the true spirit of the season is about kindness, generosity, and community. Along the way, when he sees a homeless child longing for a bicycle — the very bike Darryl had his eye on — he chooses to give up his dream gift and give it to the child instead. Through that single act of giving, young Darryl learns the real meaning of the holidays: sharing, caring, and thinking of others.

When DMC visited us, he didn’t just read — he shared his personal journey, talked about the history of hip-hop and its roots in creativity and community, and explained how art, music, storytelling, and culture are all connected. He visited classrooms, listened to some of our talented student-musicians, and took pictures with a wave of happy, smiling fans. The joy on our students’ faces and the excitement in the halls was unforgettable.

It was a powerful reminder of how books — and stories — can open hearts and minds. DMC’s visit was not only fun and engaging, but deeply meaningful. We are so grateful for these kinds of experiences that bring our school community together, and help our Eagles grow in empathy, curiosity, and understanding.

He also signed copies of his book, which we will be distributing to all classrooms. We will also be distributing his book to families at our Family Holiday Celebration on December 20th!

To hear his entire read and presentation, follow us on Instagram!

The holiday season is here, and we are excited to celebrate together! Please join us for our PS 88Q Winter Wonderland Family Party — a fun and festive event for all of our families!

We’ll have:
🎧 A DJ and dancing
🍕 Pizza for everyone
☕ A delicious Hot Cocoa Bar
🎨 Winter crafts and activities
📸 A Photo Booth to capture all the memories

This event is free for all families, and we can’t wait to kick off the holiday fun with you! To help us plan food, supplies, and seating, please click the link below to confirm your attendance.

✨ Let’s make joyful memories together as we celebrate the season and our incredible PS 88Q community!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Outside When It Is Cold

In cold weather, students should still be allowed to play outside whenever possible. Unless it’s snowing, there is ice on the playground, or the wind-chill factor is below zero degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius), schools should not prohibit outdoor play based on the outdoor temperature alone. On very cold days, school staff should make sure that students cover up skin, wear warm clothing, and use several layers to stay warm.

Outside When It Is Warm

When the outdoor temperature is above 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius), children are at increased risk for heat-related illness and may have lower tolerance for exercise. When outdoor temperatures are in the 90s and humidity is high, school staff should:

• Limit children's outdoor recess and playtime between the sun's peak hours (10:00 a.m. to at least 2:00 p.m.);
• Reduce the intensity of outdoor activities lasting more than 15 minutes;
• Make sure students have easy access to water and encourage them to drink often;
  • Pay special attention to students who may be more susceptible to heat related illness, like those with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes.
• When planning outdoor activity, schools should follow air quality recommendations provided by NYCPS.

December 2025

Dear Families,

The Social Justice Committee invites all families to contribute to PS 88’s “Winter and Holiday Highlights” wall display. You may send in a family seasonal photo card (with the student’s name on the back with the class number) or design a quilt square that showcases favorite family winter and/or holiday moments.

Please submit your contributions to your child’s classroom teacher. Submissions will be collected until January 6, 2026.

Instructions for Quilt Square:

1. Decorate one family quilt square. (Squares were sent home this past week)

2. Write the names of all students on the back of the quilt along with class numbers.

3. Cut out the square.

4. Be creative and have fun!

Thank you for your willingness to help create this vibrant showcase.

Respectfully,

The Social Justice Committee

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!

In the spirit of kindness and community, we are once again hosting The Giving Tree at PS 88Q. Each year, this tradition helps us support our own families who may be in need during the holiday season. With your help, we hope to make this season a little brighter for everyone.

This year, we will be fulfilling holiday wishes and winter needs, including:

🧤 Winter clothing (coats, hats, gloves, scarves, boots)
🎁 Holiday gifts (toys, books, games, etc.)
🍎 Food items and other essentials

We invite you to participate in one of two ways:

✨ If your family needs support, please complete the link below.
💙 If you are able to help another family, please also complete the same link.

Together, we can lift each other up and make the holidays truly meaningful for our PS 88Q community.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and community spirit.
💙💛 We are PS 88Q.

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

Fundraiser: An Evening at il Gigante—Monday, December 8

Only a week left until our fundraiser with local restaurant il Gigante! Join us for a private evening for PS88 families (adults only) on December 8 from 4-7 pm. All proceeds support classroom micro-grants and our Spring Fling celebration. For more information, check our Linkinbio and make sure you're signed up for our newsletter and our WhatsApp group! (Links below.)

RSVP: PTA General Membership Meeting—Thursday, December 18

RSVP to our next PTA General Membership Meeting on Thursday, December 18, from 6p–7p in the PS88 Auditorium. We’ll share updates on upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and how your support helps make our school even stronger.

Fun activities will be available for kids during the meeting, so bring the whole family! All parents and caregivers are welcome—come be part of the conversation!

RSVP + Add to your calendar: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ps88q-pta-november-general-meeting-dec-18-tickets-1975217066417?aff=oddtdtcreator

Keep in Touch!

Stay connected with the latest PTA news, events, and announcements—we’d love for you to 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

Dear Families and Colleagues,

For many, this time of year is about warmth, joy, and celebration—but it can also present real challenges for our mental health and wellness. Now that winter is here, with its shorter days and colder temperatures, some of us may find that we need more support to feel our best.

That's one reason why, at NYC Public Schools, we continue to prioritize our students’ mental and emotional well-being. Here are some key resources that I encourage you to share with the young people in your lives:

• NYC Teenspace is a free program connecting New Yorkers ages 13-17 to virtual mental health support by licensed therapists, all via a secure online platform. Students and families can learn more at nyc.gov/teenspace.
• Nearly 400 of our schools have access to school-based mental health clinics, which offer clinical mental health treatment and services to students. Learn more about these clinics in our Chancellor’s Spotlight and Highlight Video.
• Hundreds of schools also partner with community-based organizations and/or school-based health centers that provide mental health support. Talk to your school’s parent coordinator to learn more about school-specific partnerships, as well as support available from school staff such as counselors and social workers.
• And for New Yorkers of all ages, NYC 988 is a free, 24-hour mental health resource accessible via phone call, text, or online chat.

Both this season and year-round, it is essential that we keep our students safe—physically and emotionally. At NYC Public Schools, our commitment to student safety and wellness is unwavering.

In partnership,

Melissa Aviles-Ramos

Chancellor