Week of JAN19

                                                          

Volume: XIII

Issue: 21

January 19, 2026

SCHOOL LEADERSHIP MESSAGE

As we begin the third marking period, we officially launch the second half of the school year, a moment that invites both reflection and renewed commitment. This is the point in the year when our impact becomes especially powerful, as students rely on our consistency, clarity, and belief in their ability to grow.

Last week’s professional development reminded us that our work goes far beyond delivering content. By intentionally using thinking routines and explicitly teaching students how to think, we are equipping them with skills that extend well beyond our classrooms - skills like curiosity, reflection, problem-solving, and perspective-taking. These routines help students make meaning, find their voice, and see themselves as capable thinkers.

We also spent time last week grounding ourselves in the practice of wise feedback - feedback that is both honest and affirming, that communicates high expectations and our belief that students can meet them. Wise feedback is not about softening rigor; it is about making rigor accessible. When we name what a student is doing well, clearly articulate what needs to improve, and explicitly state our confidence in their ability to grow, we reinforce a powerful message: you belong here, and you are capable of excellence. This kind of feedback is especially critical for students who may doubt their academic identity or perseverance.

As we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this week, this connection feels especially meaningful. Dr. King believed deeply in education as a force for justice and liberation - not just the accumulation of knowledge, but the development of critical consciousness. Teaching students how to think, question, and engage thoughtfully with the world, while holding them to high expectations and supporting them with belief, is one of the most powerful ways we continue his legacy.

The months ahead will move quickly and bring both challenges and opportunities. By grounding our instruction in strong thinking routines, high expectations, and purposeful relationships, we help ensure that every student, especially those who may struggle, has access to the tools they need to succeed.

In the weeks ahead, push yourselves to intentionally plan and implement thinking routines as part of daily instruction. Ask yourselves, "Where can I prompt kids to make their thinking stronger and clearer?" Be explicit about the purpose of each routine, model the thinking you expect to see, and provide students with regular opportunities to explain, revise, and deepen their ideas, both in writing and through discussion.

Onward.

Check out some photos from last week's Theater class Fashion Show!

UPCOMING DATES

• JAN19: MLK Jr. Day 
• JAN20: 8th & 12th Grade Senior Portraits
• JAN21: Grades DUE - 3pm
• JAN26: Staff REMOTE PD Day (no students)
• JAN27: First Day of Spring Term
• JAN30: Senior Slumber Party

*All Student Engagement activities for the year will now be listed in this spreadsheet and on the UAI School Calendar! 

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 
  
• 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

Upcoming Trips:

JAN21: MS Snow tubing!

JAN28: Art trip to the Whitney

FEB10: Trip to NY Historical Society

FEB 12: HS Snow tubing

FEB25-27: 7th grade overnight trip to Taconic Outdoor Education Center

 

TO DO THIS WEEK

Reminder - Grades are due by 3pm on Thursday, JAN22.

January Regents Schedule. The schedule is complete - please check here and reach out to Kiri with errors you see!

Hiring Season is Starting. We'd like to invite interested teachers to join us in shaping the future of our school. Committee members will collaborate with school leadership to review candidates, participate in interviews, and help ensure we hire educators who align with our mission, values, and commitment to students. Your voice and perspective are critical to building a strong, inclusive team. See below for the persession posting.

 

Project Cafe. This week we are going to be sending home new opt-out letters to all students of teachers who use Project Cafe. These letters have been edited to be more clear about opting out of the program. See here for the updated letter.

HS MAP Dates. Grades 8-12 will take MAP during the weeks of 27JAN (Math) and 02FEB (ELA). 

MS MAP. 6th and 7th grade make-ups will be done on JAN 17th with Phillan proctoring 

REPOSTED ITEMS

Students and Snacks. Across all grades the snacking is beginning to interfere with instructional time. This week on several occasions students were late to class (or using needing a snack as an excuse for lateness) and it's becoming problematic. We are asking that no snacks be given out or sold to students until 2:50pm. If a student is in dire need of food at any point, please reach out to the deans and they will support the student. Thank you for understanding. 

Food Pantry. We are still going strong! 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. 

Upcoming PD Dates. Looking ahead, below are the topics for all of our PD for January

• 26JAN - Remote PD - Launch of Round 3 SL-IEP

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!

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 

Hiring Committee. Interested in having a voice in who joins our school community? Join the School Hiring Committee and partner with leadership to interview candidates and help select educators who will best serve our students and school mission. Please fill out the persession form if interested.