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.