Week of Nov 10

                                                             

Volume: XIII

Issue: 12

November 10, 2025

SCHOOL LEADERSHIP MESSAGE

It's been an incredibly busy start to the school year! This week we held two beautiful evening family events - MS Literacy Night and the induction Ceremony for Future Ready students! Both these events highlighted our commitment to creating spaces where students feel seen, families feel connected, and learning is celebrated beyond the classroom. These events reminded us that our work extends far past academics, it’s about building belonging, purpose, and pride in every student.

Now that we've closed the first marking period, we've reach an important checkpoint in our year - a chance to reflect on student progress and plan for what’s ahead. With it comes an opportunity to understand where our students are academically and how we can help them move forward. 

Taking the time to analyze what the data and our daily observations show us gives us clarity and direction. When we understand where our students are - their strengths, gaps, and learning habits - we can better tailor instruction, adjust supports, and differentiate in ways that meet them where they are. This understanding helps us ensure that every student feels both challenged and capable, and that no one slips through the cracks.

Grades and numbers are only part of the picture. The deeper value comes from connecting that information to what we see in class - the small moments of growth, the emerging confidence, and the persistence that doesn’t always show up in a gradebook. Together, this gives us a fuller, more authentic view of learning and progress.

As we move into the next marking period, let’s use this understanding to refine our practice, celebrate the growth we see, and keep pushing our students (and ourselves) toward excellence. The start of MP2 marks the opportunity for a fresh start, I am looking forward to hitting the ground running this week.

UPCOMING DATES

• NOV10: NHS Induction Ceremony
• NOV11: Veteran's Day
• NOV12: MP1 Grades Due
• NOV20-21: Parent-Teacher Conferences

*All Student Engagement activities for the year will now be listed in this spreadsheet and on the UAI School Calendar! Thanks to Shan, Jen, Sue and the RPET team for bring our community to life through their planning of these events.

UPCOMING TRIPS

Trip Requests.  Here's the trip request protocol...

• Step 1:   Read the DOE FAQ on Field Trips
  https://infohub.nyced.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/faqs-regarding-school-trips.pdf
• Step 2:   Get Pre-Approval from Kiri according to the timeline below
  - 1 week (Trips within NYC)
  - 2 months (Trips within the Tri-State Area)
  - 6 months (Trips outside of the Tri-State Area)
  - 9 months (International Trips)
• Step 3:  Complete the Trip Form (ALL TABS)
  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1U3i3fgENVCpX6MA51r_1jsmxVavRm12-oaB9ieiNA8Q/edit?usp=sharing
• Step 4:  Share form (anyone with link can view) with Kiri so she can share in announcements to let everyone know who is on the trip and what trips are expected when

Friday 14NOV: 6th grade to MET

Wednesday 19NOV: Hamilton Trip

Friday 05DEC: African Diaspora International Film Festival

  

FUTURE READY HIGHLIGHTS

Upcoming FRNYC Events

FRNYC Induction Ceremony! Our first annual induction ceremony was a hit! Thanks to Kelly for organizing and to all who worked the event! It was a beautiful evening and a fantastic way to get students and families excited for the pre-nursing program!

WBL Career Exposure Trips. Through NYC Service's speed mentoring program, all students in the Career Explorations course will select one trip to attend. After learning about each field and connecting with current employees, students will receive 1:1 mentoring to discuss their post-secondary goals and backwards plan the steps needed to get there. We'll share trip lists once they are finalized!

• Reschedule pending - (January Digital - Marketing Agency)
• November 20th from 10-12 (Climate Tech Company - Energy Hub)
• November 25th from 1-3 (LVMH)

TO DO THIS WEEK

Food Pantry. This week we continued to distribute aid from our pantry - we handed out hundreds of pounds of food (including some fresh produce from our farms) and loads of toiletries (see donation page link here). We've reached out to all of our STH (students in temporary housing) families and will continue to do outreach to ensure all families who need support will receive it. We were also featured on News12 - see here for the story! Since it aired on Friday night, we've raised another $3000!

In order to keep the momentum going, we are still looking to stock our shelves with the following items.

• All non-perishable food items: Shelf-stable milk, flour, sugar and spices, coffee and tea, baby food, bouillon cubes, instant oats, instant mashed potatoes, etc. 
• Sanitary napkins, diapers, baby formula
• Women's clothing and shoes, winter jackets, gloves, hats

Turkey Drive. Thank you to everyone who has already donated to UAI's pantry. Your support has been vital, and our families are incredibly grateful. As the holiday season approaches, we are once again holding our annual Turkey Drive. 

• Our Goal: Last year, we provided a turkey dinner to over 25 UAI families. Our hope is to surpass that number this year!
• How You Can Help: Spread the word. Every contribution makes a difference. A simple $10 donation can cover the cost of a turkey for a family. Click here to donate and help us reach our goal.

Student Profiles are visible in OASIS. Click here to view students' academic, attendance, schedule... you name it, it's here - this is your one stop shop for all student info!

Parent Conference Outreach. This week please prioritize scheduling conferences for students who are achieving a 80% or less in your course. This families MUST be met with to ensure they are aware and supportive of the next steps you're taking with their student to support growth in your course. 

Again, Family conferences (remote) are on Thursday 20NOV in the evening 5-8PM and Friday 21NOV 11:50-2:50PM (this time frame includes your lunch and travel home time. You can decide to work from school or home).

Grades DUE.   Grades are due Wednesday by 3pm! If you have questions about how to input your grades please check in with your ILT lead.

Purchasing Requests. In an effort to better track and streamline purchasing, we ask that you fill in this form for all purchasing requests. You can find the form on our staff Google Classroom as well.

PER SESSION POSTINGS

FOR ALL PER SESSION JOBS:  You must apply by completing THIS FORM

None.

Week of Nov 3

                                                            

Volume: XIII

Issue: 11

November 3, 2025

SCHOOL LEADERSHIP MESSAGE

I just want to take a moment to celebrate what a JOYful week this has been. Seeing our students light up in their Halloween costumes, seeing their big smiles on field trips, and watching the creative energy you all poured into these experiences, it reminded me of how powerful JOY can be in a school community. You made space for fun, connection, and belonging, and it was contagious. Thank you for that.

At the same time, I know this joy can sometimes feel like a bright spot against a heavier backdrop. Many of our families are facing new challenges, especially with the recent news of the cancellation of SNAP benefits. Food insecurity is real and growing in our community, and that reality can weigh on us as educators who care so deeply for our students. And in turn, our students and their families are relying on us to be at our best.

I know things can feel hard for us, too. This work is HARD. Grades coming due, parents conferences on the horizon, conflicts with colleagues, long days that seem to stretch endlessly. In those moments, I hope we can all remember to lean into the joyful moments - the small wins, the laughter with students, the teamwork we build together. Those moments help us recenter, refill our cups, and remind us why this work matters so much.

Thank you for continuing to show up with heart, creativity, and compassion. The JOY you bring into this building every day makes a lasting difference.

UPCOMING DATES

• MON 03NOV - MS Literacy Night
• TUES 04NOV25 - Election Day (Remote)
• THURS 06NOV25 - Future Ready Induction Ceremony
• FRI 07NOV25 - End of MP1

*All Student Engagement activities for the year will now be listed in this spreadsheet and on the UAI School Calendar! Thanks to Shan, Jen, Sue and the RPET team for bring our community to life through their planning of these events.

UPCOMING TRIPS

Trip Requests.  Here's the trip request protocol...

• Step 1:   Read the DOE FAQ on Field Trips
  https://infohub.nyced.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/faqs-regarding-school-trips.pdf
• Step 2:   Get Pre-Approval from Kiri according to the timeline below
  - 1 week (Trips within NYC)
  - 2 months (Trips within the Tri-State Area)
  - 6 months (Trips outside of the Tri-State Area)
  - 9 months (International Trips)
• Step 3:  Complete the Trip Form (ALL TABS)
  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1U3i3fgENVCpX6MA51r_1jsmxVavRm12-oaB9ieiNA8Q/edit?usp=sharing
• Step 4:  Share form (anyone with link can view) with Kiri so she can share in announcements to let everyone know who is on the trip and what trips are expected when

Friday 14NOV: 6th grade to MET

Wednesday 19NOV: Hamilton Trip

Friday 05DEC: African Diaspora International Film Festival

FUTURE READY HIGHLIGHTS

Upcoming FRNYC Events

FRNYC Induction Ceremony! To celebrate our inaugural cohort of Pre-Nursing students (30 tenth graders). Families will enjoy dinner and learn more about the Pre-Nursing program trajectory before the induction ceremony begins at 6pm on Nov 6th. Chanel LeFleur, lead Nurse at Brooklyn hospital will speak and students will be called up to receive UAI scrubs and a certificate.

WBL Career Exposure Trips. Through NYC Service's speed mentoring program, all students in the Career Explorations course will select one trip to attend. After learning about each field and connecting with current employees, students will receive 1:1 mentoring to discuss their post-secondary goals and backwards plan the steps needed to get there. We'll share trip lists once they are finalized!

• Reschedule pending - (January Digital - Marketing Agency)
• November 20th from 10-12 (Climate Tech Company - Energy Hub)
• November 25th from 1-3 (LVMH)

TO DO THIS WEEK

Food Pantry. We have raised over $3200 this week!! What an incredible start to our fundraising efforts (see donation page link here). Many thanks to all who have made the pantry's success possible. To date, we have supplied eight families with pantry products and financial support and we have several additional requests to fulfill. Please do keep donating to the pantry and spread the word! We currently have a large order of toiletries being processed (purchased through school funding) but there's some items we still need.

• All non-perishable food items: Shelf-stable milk, flour and spices, coffee and tea, baby food, granola bars, broth or bouillon cubes, instant oats, instant mashed potatoes, peanut butter, rice, pasta, etc. 
• Sanitary napkins, tampons, diapers, baby formula
• Women's clothing and shoes, winter jackets, gloves, hats

Check in on Enrollment. I know it seems like we are losing kids left and right and I want to make sure you're aware of where we stand financially. We started the year 50 students above projection - which is a huge amount of money that we were not expecting to have. Even with some students discharging we are still WAY over projections. Some of the discharges have also been pending for a long time. So, budgetarily, we are doing very well. If you have questions or concerns about the budget, please come see me.

Benchmarks are this week!   Our first round of benchmarks are here! Each exam will be one period in class → extra time kids (ENL & SWD) should receive extra time the day after benchmark in class if needed. Here's the HS schedule:

• Monday - Social Studies, Wednesday - Math, Thursday - Science, Friday - ELA

Student Profiles are visible in OASIS. Click here to view students' academic, attendance, schedule... you name it, it's here - this is your one stop shop for all student info!

MP1 is coming to an end on 07NOV.   TO DO! Sync your grade books with OASIS. Then, you can use the NYC DOE student profile to look at student’s grades in other classes. Grades are due next Wednesday! Family conferences (remote) are on Thursday 20NOV in the evening 5-8PM and Friday 21NOV 11:50-2:50PM (this time frame includes your lunch and travel home time. You can decide to work from school or home).

Purchasing Requests. In an effort to better track and streamline purchasing, we ask that you fill in this form for all purchasing requests. You can find the form on our staff Google Classroom as well.

PER SESSION POSTINGS

FOR ALL PER SESSION JOBS:  You must apply by completing THIS FORM

None.

Week of Oct 27th

                                                             

Volume: XIII

Issue: 10

October 27, 2025

SCHOOL LEADERSHIP MESSAGE

What an incredible week we’ve had as a community! From the laughter and creativity shared during our Pumpkin Painting and Pumpkin Picking events to the meaningful moments spent Bridging the Gap between our Police Officers and Students, this week was filled with connection, joy, and purpose. Each activity reminded us of the strength, unity, and compassion that define our school family.

We also proudly celebrated the official launch of our Future Ready Pathway, an exciting milestone that represents our ongoing commitment to preparing students for life beyond the classroom. 

This week truly reflected who we are: a caring, connected, and forward-thinking school community. Thank you to everyone who participated, supported, and helped make these experiences so memorable. Your energy and involvement continue to make UAI such a special place for our kids to learn and grow.

And the excitement doesn’t stop here! We have another busy week ahead filled with great opportunities to learn, engage, and celebrate together. And of course, to top it all off, we’ll wrap up with the most anticipated day of the year at UAI… HALLOWEEN!!! 🎃 Get ready for costumes, creativity, and plenty of fun as we close out October in true UAI spirit!

 

UPCOMING DATES

• FRI 31OCT25 - Halloween!!!
• MON 03NOV - MS Literacy Night
• TUES 04NOV25 - Election Day (Remote)
• THURS 06NOV25 - Future Ready Induction Ceremony
• FRI 07NOV25 - End of MP1

*All Student Engagement activities for the year will now be listed in this spreadsheet and on the UAI School Calendar! Thanks to Shan, Jen, Sue and the RPET team for bring our community to life through their planning of these events.

UPCOMING TRIPS

Trip Requests.  Here's the trip request protocol...

• Step 1:   Read the DOE FAQ on Field Trips
  https://infohub.nyced.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/faqs-regarding-school-trips.pdf
• Step 2:   Get Pre-Approval from Kiri according to the timeline below
  - 1 week (Trips within NYC)
  - 2 months (Trips within the Tri-State Area)
  - 6 months (Trips outside of the Tri-State Area)
  - 9 months (International Trips)
• Step 3:  Complete the Trip Form (ALL TABS)
  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1U3i3fgENVCpX6MA51r_1jsmxVavRm12-oaB9ieiNA8Q/edit?usp=sharing
• Step 4:  Share form (anyone with link can view) with Kiri so she can share in announcements to let everyone know who is on the trip and what trips are expected when

Fall College Trips: Seniors will have first priority, however the trips are also open to juniors.

• Tuesday 10/28 - Lehman College, 11am

Thursday 30OCT: Venture Capital Trip

Thursday 30OCT: 6/7th grade trip to Pumpkin Patch!

Friday 31OCT: Senior Trip to Fright Fest

Wednesday 19NOV: Hamilton Trip

FUTURE READY HIGHLIGHTS

Upcoming FRNYC Events

WBL Career Exposure Trips. Through NYC Service's speed mentoring program, all students in the Career Explorations course will select one trip to attend. After learning about each field and connecting with current employees, students will receive 1:1 mentoring to discuss their post-secondary goals and backwards plan the steps needed to get there. We'll share trip lists once they are finalized!

• Reschedule pending - (January Digital - Marketing Agency)
• October 30th from 3-5 (Venture Capital firm)
• November 20th from 10-12 (Climate Tech Company - Energy Hub)
• November 25th from 1-3 (LVMH)

FRNYC Induction Ceremony! To celebrate our inaugural cohort of Pre-Nursing students (30 tenth graders). Families will enjoy dinner and learn more about the Pre-Nursing program trajectory before the induction ceremony begins around 6pm. Chanel LeFleur, lead Nurse at Brooklyn hospital will speak and students will be called up to receive UAI scrubs and a certificate.

Need: 5-6 staff to work 3:30-7:3

TO DO THIS WEEK

Benchmarks and Grades are coming Soon!   Our first round of benchmarks are coming JUST around the corner (03NOV-07NOV).  Your ILT lead will be able to provide you with more detailed information about your courses' specific exam.  As a reminder, this first round is a 1-period benchmark (with 2 periods in January, and for the HS - a full 3 hours benchmark in the spring).  Look at your pacing guides for the full schedule.  If you used the Pacing Guide template from this year, those dates were built into the calendar for your planning purposes already!


MP1 is coming to an end on 07NOV.  If you have not posted grades (at all or recently), you ABSOLUTELY MUST post grades to your Google classroom ASAP - AND you must have an instructional lesson to ALL of your classes that show kids how to see their grades.  COMMUNICATION is key to driving student performance.  Please get on top of this now! 

TO DO! Sync your gradebooks with OASIS. Then, you can use the NYC DOE student profile to look at student’s grades in other classes.

Instructional Rounds continue on October 27! Our next round of IR is Monday!

Please see below for our schedule and reach out with questions!

• October 27:  Denyda, Fatima, Matt, Mary, Laura, Brett, Martine, Noelle, Liza, Celeste
• October 29:  Sarah M, Elena, Shan, Amanda, JRob, Tom W, Patricia, Allison, Kelly, Yasmeen

Purchasing Requests. In an effort to better track and streamline purchasing, we ask that you fill in this form for all purchasing requests. You can find the form on our staff Google Classroom as well.

PER SESSION POSTINGS

FOR ALL PER SESSION JOBS:  You must apply by completing THIS FORM

Need: 5-6 staff to work 3:30-7:30 to work FRNYC Induction Ceremony (see info above). Please email Kelly if you're able to work.

Week of OCT 20

                                                             

Volume: XIII

Issue: 9

October 20, 2025

SCHOOL LEADERSHIP MESSAGE

This week's message is a short one!  We’ve got a lot happening this week!

On Wednesday, 10th graders will be heading out on a Digital Marketing trip, while our 8th and 9th graders will enjoy a visit to an upstate Pumpkin Patch. 

Also on Wednesday, the Youth Leadership Council (YLC) is hosting their third annual Bridging the Gap event at Tillary Park, directly after school at 3pm. The kids have been working INCREDIBLY hard to pull this event together. If you are able, please do come and show them your support. If you have a club that day, bring them! Raising Canes is catering and there will be games and music and it is an overall amazing opportunity to connect as a larger downtown Brooklyn community. Please do encourage students to attend!

Then on Thursday, October 23rd at 5:00 PM, we’re excited to kick off Future Ready NYC with a celebration for all 8th and 9th grade families - light snacks and beverages will be provided.

Finally, we’ll wrap up the week with our next round of IR on Friday.

Phew, it's a busy one!

UPCOMING DATES

• MON 20OCT25 - Diwali - No School
• WED 22OCT25 - 10am Fire Drill!
• THU 23OCT25 - Future Ready Kick-off Celebration, 5pm
• FRI 31OCT25 - Halloween!!!

*All Student Engagement activities for the year will now be listed in this spreadsheet and on the UAI School Calendar! Thanks to Shan, Jen, Sue and the RPET team for bring our community to life through their planning of these events.

UPCOMING TRIPS

Trip Requests.  Here's the trip request protocol...

• Step 1:   Read the DOE FAQ on Field Trips
  https://infohub.nyced.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/faqs-regarding-school-trips.pdf
• Step 2:   Get Pre-Approval from Kiri according to the timeline below
  - 1 week (Trips within NYC)
  - 2 months (Trips within the Tri-State Area)
  - 6 months (Trips outside of the Tri-State Area)
  - 9 months (International Trips)
• Step 3:  Complete the Trip Form (ALL TABS)
  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1U3i3fgENVCpX6MA51r_1jsmxVavRm12-oaB9ieiNA8Q/edit?usp=sharing
• Step 4:  Share form (anyone with link can view) with Kiri so she can share in announcements to let everyone know who is on the trip and what trips are expected when

Fall College Trips: Seniors will have first priority, however the trips are also open to juniors.

• Thursday 10/23 - Queens College, 10am
• Tuesday 10/28 - Lehman College, 11am

Wednesday 22OCT: Digital Marketing Trip

Wednesday 22OCT: 8/9th grade trip to Pumpkin Patch!

Thursday 30OCT: Venture Capital Trip

Thursday 30OCT: 6/7th grade trip to Pumpkin Patch!

Friday 31OCT: Senior Trip to Fright Fest

Wednesday 19NOV: Hamilton Trip

FUTURE READY HIGHLIGHTS

Upcoming FRNYC Events

WBL Career Exposure Trips. Through NYC Service's speed mentoring program, all students in the Career Explorations course will select one trip to attend. After learning about each field and connecting with current employees, students will receive 1:1 mentoring to discuss their post-secondary goals and backwards plan the steps needed to get there. We'll share trip lists once they are finalized!

• October 22nd from 10-12 (January Digital - Marketing Agency)
• October 30th from 3-5 (Venture Capital firm)
• November 20th from 10-12 (Climate Tech Company - Energy Hub)
• November 25th from 1-3 (LVMH)

FRNYC Kickoff Celebration. On October 23rd from 5-6:30pm in the cafeteria. Join UAI 8/9 graders & their families (and prospective students!) to learn about FRNYC and the Pre-Nursing and Education Pathways available to students at UAI. Light snacks and beverages provided.

• Email Kelly if you'd like to support with the event - we're looking for 3-4 people to assist.

TO DO THIS WEEK

SDC is Starting. The School Development Committee is starting back up. Join us to plan PDs (we will focus on Student-led IEP planning) monthly at 7:45am in room 301. Our first meeting will be October 23rd! If you'd like to join in as a principal appointee to the School Development Committee (SDC) to plan upcoming rounds of SL-IEP and PD for the staff, please say yes and leave your name!  https://forms.gle/FgbHWvCBQ8pZpHNN6

Instructional Rounds continue on October 24! Our next round of IR is Friday!

Please see below for our schedule and reach out with questions!

• October 24:  Mike, Freida, Patti, Jasmine, Yasmeen, Mayisha, Meg, Camryn, Judy
• October 27:  Denyda, Fatima, Matt, Mary, Laura, Brett, Martine, Noelle, Liza, Celeste
• October 29:  Sarah M, Elena, Shan, Amanda, JRob, Tom W, Patricia, Allison, Kelly

Sign up for Brooklyn PTA Fun Run! Every year, there is a Brooklyn PTA Fun Run in Prospect Park to raise money for PTAs at schools around Brooklyn, and UAI will have a team running this year! The race is a 5k Fun Run around the Prospect Park loop, starting from the Lefrak Center at 10:00am on Saturday, October 25th (participants should arrive at 9:00AM to pick up race bibs). All are welcome to join our team and support our school, whether you plan to run, run/walk, walk, scooter, bike, or just cheer our team on at the finish line! Race info can be found here.

Race registration costs $25 plus a small fee, but free tickets are available to those for whom this would be a hardship - just let me know and I'll reach out to the race organizers. Our school needs to register a certain amount of participants to get a share of the proceeds, so spread the word to staff and families so we can have a great turnout! You can register to be a part of the UAI team here. 

Please reach out to Mike if you have any questions. I hope you'll be able to join!  

Purchasing Requests. In an effort to better track and streamline purchasing, we ask that you fill in this form for all purchasing requests. You can find the form on our staff Google Classroom as well.

PER SESSION POSTINGS

FOR ALL PER SESSION JOBS:  You must apply by completing THIS FORM

None