Week of June 23 - last blog!

Happy Sunday, everyone!

It’s hard to believe, but here we are, at the close of the 2024-25 school year! Time truly flew by, and as we wrap up this year, I just wanted to take a moment to reflect on the incredible work we've done together. There’s so much to celebrate, and I'm incredibly proud of everything we've accomplished. Here are some of the highlights from this school year:

1. Building Stronger Staff-Student Relationships
   One of the most significant areas of growth this year was in our relationships with students. We saw double-digit increases in students’ positive responses on the Tripod survey - this is a testament to the strong, meaningful connections you’ve all worked so hard to cultivate. These relationships don’t just contribute to a positive school climate, but they lay the foundation for our students’ success, both academically and personally.

2. Impressive Gains in Student Attendance
   We've made remarkable progress in increasing student attendance. This year, we saw a 2% increase in daily attendance, a huge achievement! Even more impressive, we made a significant dent in chronic absenteeism. Your consistent efforts to engage students, keep them motivated, and provide the support they need have had a tangible impact. Thank you for everything you’ve done to make this possible.

3. Senior Class Perseveres
   This year, our seniors truly showed resilience and determination. I’m thrilled to announce that all current seniors are on track to graduate this year, including two who will be graduating in August. They’ve faced challenges, but with your unwavering support, they are persevering and will soon cross the finish line.

4. Middle School Literacy Growth
   While the official middle school testing results won’t be released until the fall, there’s already a clear sign of growth in our 6th and 7th grades, particularly in literacy. We’ve seen impressive gains in MAP testing scores, and I can’t wait to see what the fall data reveals. This is a direct reflection of your dedication to our students’ growth, and it’s something we should all be proud of.

As we look forward to the summer, I encourage everyone to take some time to rest, recharge, and reflect on all the positive strides we’ve made. The work we’ve done together this year is something to be incredibly proud of. I’m grateful for each of you and for your continued commitment to our students' success. I can't wait to celebrate our kids oand the UAI community at this week's graduations.

UPCOMING DATES

• Monday, 23JUN
• 11:30am - 8th Grade Graduation (UAI Gym)
• 9AM - Spanish Regents 
• Tuesday, 24JUNE
• Chemistry Regents
• MS Trip to BRIC Art installation
• 10am - 12th grade graduation rehearsal in Gym
• WED 25JUN
• Algebra 2 Regents
• 10am - 12th Grade Graduation (City Tech Theater)
• Thursday, 26JUN - Last Day of School for Students, Teachers, and Paraprofessionals
  
• Monday, 30JUN - Last Day of School for Counselors, School Psychologists, Social Workers, and Secretaries

IMPORTANT ANNOUCEMENTS

8th Grade Stepping Up Assignments. Please refer to the June Regents schedule to see staff assignments. All staff scheduled to be at the ceremony starting at 1st period should report to the gym at 8:30a to support with rehearsal prior to the ceremony. Staff specific assignments will be reviewed at that time. If you are scheduled to report to the ceremony for 4th period, please do so to celebrate our 8th graders. The ceremony begins at 11:30am.

Senior Graduation Assignments.  As we approach 12th grade Graduation on June 25th, here's some important logistical information:

• 8:00 AM: 12th graders will report to the theater, along with Kiri, Annie, Jen, Patricia, and Patti.
• 8:30 AM: All staff should be at the theater and ready for the event. And be in their assigned roles for dress rehearsal.
• 9:30 AM: Doors will open for families. Staff will need to be at their assigned positions at this time. MS students & staff should leave school for the theater at this time.
• 10:00 AM: The ceremony will begin promptly.
• 11:30 PM (approximately): Once the ceremony concludes, all ushers will assist in moving families and any remaining staff outside the building.

Please click here view your staff assignments. If you encounter any issues viewing the link, please request access as needed. If you know in advance that you will be unavailable on graduation day, please let us know as soon as possible so we can make adjustments as necessary.

Shippy Grants!  The Urban Assembly is pleased to announce that the Shippy Foundation will once again be soliciting proposals for Teacher Passion Projects from UA Schools. Grants will be awarded for up to $5,000 per teacher project. Applications from multiple teachers from one school are allowed. 

The kinds of projects we are looking for include (but are not limited to) the following:

● Project-based learning;

● Experiential learning;

● Collaborative learning;

● Projects that foster a growth mindset and self-efficacy;

● Initiatives that foster socio-emotional learning;

● Creative partnerships – either cross-curricular or with external organizations;

● Dissemination of promising and evidence-based practices based on demonstrated impact.

● Projects that are Standards-based

This is a great grant for your classroom projects and clubs AND it is open to ALL disciplines!

ALL Staff are encouraged to apply!!!

Please submit your proposals by July 1st. You can find the link to the proposal template in the overview section of the Google: Form HERE

Feel free to contact David Demarco at ddemarco@urbanassembly.org if you have any questions. 

EOY Checklist.  Please use your non-teaching time during these next final days to begin prepping for the close of the school year.  Review this EOY Checklist.  Please do not seek out Kiri before the last day of school. Annie & Kir will come around to rooms on the last day of school from 8-10AM to sign off on these sheets.  We'll come find you in your rooms.  Please make sure you are have completed the checklist by 8:30AM on Jun 26th!  

End of Year Celebration! Please join us at Randolph's post senior graduation if you are able! 

REPOSTED IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Room Pack Up.  To be ready for the summer, all staff are responsible for stowing and securing classroom technology and materials.  Additionally, any personal items are NOT secure over the summer.  So, if you value it, bring it home.  Otherwise you are welcome to roll the dice and put it in your closets.  As a reminder, we are a public school, and our rooms are used by other schools and programs during the summer.  They cannot be used to store private items.  So, please make sure anything that is yours and that you value is taken home.  You can slowly begin doing this over the next few weeks so that you don't find yourself stuck lugging out loads of stuff on the last day of school.  Stay tuned for the specific checklist in next week's blog post.

The Last Day of School.  The last day of school for students, teachers, and paraprofessionals is Thursday, June 26th.  However, the last day of school for all other staff (secretaries, social worker, and guidance counselors) is Monday, June 30th.  Please let Kiri & Annie know by the end of this week if you are planning to take the 27th or 30th off.  

   

PER SESSION POSTINGS

None

Week of June 16th

Happy Father's Day to all the incredible fathers & father figures on staff! Today, we celebrate you and the love, guidance, and support you provide every day. Whether you're a dad, a mentor, or a father figure, your impact is immeasurable. Wishing you a day full of joy, relaxation, and the love you deserve!

Hope everyone is having a great Sunday! We’re so close to the finish line, and the energy is building! Plans for 12th Grade Graduation and 8th Grade Stepping Up are coming together beautifully (special thanks to Patti, Patricia, and Jen for all your hard work). We’re truly excited to celebrate the achievements of our graduating students.

One of the unique strengths of being a 6-12 school is the opportunity to connect students across grade levels in meaningful ways. Inviting our youngest students to witness their older peers graduate is a powerful example of that. When 6th and 7th graders see 12th graders walk across the stage, it gives them a tangible sense of what lies ahead. Graduation becomes more than just a word, they see it as a real, reachable goal.

It shows them that their daily efforts, even in middle school, are part of a much larger journey toward something worth celebrating. For many, especially those who haven’t yet seen academic milestones recognized in their own circles, this moment can plant a crucial seed: “That could be me someday.”

This experience can motivate students early on and strengthen their sense of purpose in school. It’s not just about attending an event, it’s about nurturing a school culture grounded in aspiration, connection, and achievement.

Thank you all for helping to make these moments possible. Can't wait for next week!

UPCOMING DATES

• Monday, 16JUN25 
• MP4 Ends - for ALL grades
• 9am - 8th Grade graduation rehearsal in Gym 
• Tuesday, 17JUN25 thru 25JUN25 - 8-12 Regents Week
  
• TUE 17JUN
• 9AM - ELA Regents
• 1PM - Living Environment
  
• WED 18JUN
• 9AM - GLO Regents
  
• 1PM - Algebra 1 Regents
  
• THU 19JUN - Juneteenth - NO SCHOOL
  
• FRI 20JUN
• 9AM - USH Regents
  
• MON 23JUN
• 9AM - Spanish Regents 
  
• TUE 24JUN
• 9AM - Chemistry Regents
  
• WED 25JUN
• Algebra 2 Regents
  
• Thursday, 19JUN - NO SCHOOL! Happy Juneteenth.
• Monday, 23JUN - 8th Grade Graduation (UAI Gym)
  
• Tuesday, 24JUNE
• MS Trip to BRIC Art installation
• 10am - 12th grade graduation rehearsal in Gym
• Wednesday, 25JUN - 12th Grade Graduation (City Tech Theater)
  
• Thursday, 26JUN - Last Day of School for Students, Teachers, and Paraprofessionals
  
• Monday, 30JUN - Last Day of School for Counselors, School Psychologists, Social Workers, and Secretaries

IMPORTANT ANNOUCEMENTS

MP4 Ends 16JUN and Grades are DUE 20JUN at 3PM.   Please make sure your grades are uploaded into GAMA/NGSIS/OASIS and transferred into STARS by 3PM on Friday, 20JUN.   

As a reminder, you want to click the "YTD" button (year to date) to transfer the average of all four marking periods into STARS.

Also, before transfer, please review each grade to insure that they follow these grading practices

ONLY "55" or "F" are used for failing grades.

Any grade >55 but <65 - you must decide to give them a 55 or 65 (or F/P)

All final grades should be numeric grades for the final marking period.

Senior Graduation Assignments.  As we approach 12th grade Graduation on June 25th, here's some important logistical information:

• 8:00 AM: 12th graders will report to the theater, along with Kiri, Annie, Jen, Patricia, and Patti.
• 8:30 AM: All staff should be at the theater and ready for the event. And be in their assigned roles for dress rehearsal.
• 9:30 AM: Doors will open for families. Staff will need to be at their assigned positions at this time. MS students & staff should leave school for the theater at this time.
• 10:00 AM: The ceremony will begin promptly.
• 11:30 PM (approximately): Once the ceremony concludes, all ushers will assist in moving families and any remaining staff outside the building.

Please click here view your staff assignments. If you encounter any issues viewing the link, please request access as needed. If you know in advance that you will be unavailable on graduation day, please let us know as soon as possible so we can make adjustments as necessary.

Shippy Grants!  The Urban Assembly is pleased to announce that the Shippy Foundation will once again be soliciting proposals for Teacher Passion Projects from UA Schools. Grants will be awarded for up to $5,000 per teacher project. Applications from multiple teachers from one school are allowed. 

The kinds of projects we are looking for include (but are not limited to) the following:

● Project-based learning;

● Experiential learning;

● Collaborative learning;

● Projects that foster a growth mindset and self-efficacy;

● Initiatives that foster socio-emotional learning;

● Creative partnerships – either cross-curricular or with external organizations;

● Dissemination of promising and evidence-based practices based on demonstrated impact.

● Projects that are Standards-based

This is a great grant for your classroom projects and clubs AND it is open to ALL disciplines!

ALL Staff are encouraged to apply!!!

Please submit your proposals by July 1st. You can find the link to the proposal template in the overview section of the Google: Form HERE

Feel free to contact David Demarco at ddemarco@urbanassembly.org if you have any questions. 

EOY Checklist.  Please use your non-teaching time during these next final days to begin prepping for the close of the school year.  Review this EOY Checklist.  Please do not seek out Kiri before the last day of school. Annie & Kir will come around to rooms on the last day of school from 8-10AM to sign off on these sheets.  We'll come find you in your rooms.  Please make sure you are have completed the checklist by 8:30AM on Jun 26th!  

REPOSTED IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Room Pack Up.  To be ready for the summer, all staff are responsible for stowing and securing classroom technology and materials.  Additionally, any personal items are NOT secure over the summer.  So, if you value it, bring it home.  Otherwise you are welcome to roll the dice and put it in your closets.  As a reminder, we are a public school, and our rooms are used by other schools and programs during the summer.  They cannot be used to store private items.  So, please make sure anything that is yours and that you value is taken home.  You can slowly begin doing this over the next few weeks so that you don't find yourself stuck lugging out loads of stuff on the last day of school.  Stay tuned for the specific checklist in next week's blog post.

The Last Day of School.  The last day of school for students, teachers, and paraprofessionals is Thursday, June 26th.  However, the last day of school for all other staff (secretaries, social worker, and guidance counselors) is Monday, June 30th.  Please let Kiri & Annie know by the end of this week if you are planning to take the 27th or 30th off.  

   

PER SESSION POSTINGS

None

Week of June 9

 We've got lots happening over the next two and a half weeks - I am going to be brief but will ask you pay special attention to the two to-dos (nothing new) below. 

1. Testing This Week.  This is the first draft of the Regents Schedule. Please reach out to Liza if you have any scheduling conflicts.  Any student that is currently failing your class must come in each and every day that you have MP4 Potential Failures scheduled on your program.  Our SST will also be providing backup support to get kids into the building.  The kids will be called every day until they finish all required work to your satisfaction.


2. Communicate Regents Info.  Please refer to the Regents Schedule tabs (you'll see lists of kids by tests - look at the tabs).  These lists will also be hung in the hallways this week, but please make sure you are sending messages home and having face-to-face conversations with your students in classes so that they know which test they are supposed to go to for your classes.

UPCOMING DATES

• Tuesday, 03JUN25 thru  Thursday, 12JUN25 - 8-12 Finals Week
• NOTE:  These are in-class finals - no special schedule.  So that kids do not have too many exams on the same day, here's the schedule:
• Monday, 09JUN - ELA Classes
• Thursday, 12JUN - Breadth Classes (PE, Spanish, Theater)
  
• Tuesday, 10JUN25 - Regents Day - No 8-12th grade students (6/7 normal classes)
• 9AM - Biology (All enrolled students - 8/9 and up) sit for the Biology Regent
• 1PM - Earth & Space Science (All enrolled students - 8/9 and up) sit for Earth & Space
  
• Wednesday, 11JUN25 - Regents Day - No 8-12th grade students (6/7 normal classes)
• 9AM - Geometry (Teacher-selected and student self-selected Geometry students)
  
• Thursday, 12JUN25 - Senior Awards Brunch
• AM PE Classes relocated or outside
  
• Friday, 13JUN25
• Harbor Middle School School Visit
• 8th Grade Prom
• UA Walkathon
  
• Monday, 16JUN25 - MP4 Ends - for ALL grades
  
• Tuesday, 17JUN25 thru 25JUN25 - 8-12 Regents Week
  
• TUE 17JUN
• 9AM - ELA Regents
• 1PM - Living Environment
  
• WED 18JUN
• 9AM - GLO Regents
  
• 1PM - Algebra 1 Regents
  
• THU 19JUN - Juneteenth - NO SCHOOL
  
• FRI 20JUN
• 9AM - USH Regents
  
• MON 23JUN
• 9AM - Spanish Regents 
  
• TUE 24JUN
• 9AM - Chemistry Regents
  
• WED 25JUN
• Algebra 2 Regents
  
• Monday, 23JUN - 8th Grade Graduation (UAI Gym)
  
• Wednesday, 25JUN - 12th Grade Graduation (City Tech Theater)
  
• Thursday, 26JUN - Last Day of School for Students, Teachers, and Paraprofessionals
  
• Monday, 30JUN - Last Day of School for Counselors, School Psychologists, Social Workers, and Secretaries

UPCOMING TRIPS

• Wednesday, 24JUNE25
• MS Trip to BRIC Art installation

• NOTE - NO MORE TRIPS ALLOWED for 8-12

REPOSTED IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

UA Walk-a-thon. Friday June 13th is the walk-a-thon!

To sign up - please Use this link

• Flyer (Internal, for RSVP's) - For you Guys
  
• Flyer (External, for Sponsorships) - To Share with Folks/Business who would like to sponsor you!
  
• Sponsorship Levels - FYI for Sponsors
  
• External Flyer + Sponsorship Levels Combined - FYI For Sponsors
  
• Social Media Kit - Resources for your Social Media to Promote the Walkathon!
  
• GiveLively Link - Where folks can donate
  
  

Project Cultivate SignUp.   Are you interested in adding a SPED cert to your license AND earning an AI MicroCert?  Then Sign up today for this FREE (sponsored by UA) program.   The program starts this summer and continues into the fall.  

Learn More Here, Sign Up Here

8-12 Final Exams.  This week continues final exams for grades 8-12.  These will be in class final exams and will be the last performance grade of the year.  If you would like to offer something in place of a traditional final, please just shoot me and email or stop by 401 to share your plans.  

Room Pack Up.  To be ready for the summer, all staff are responsible for stowing and securing classroom technology and materials.  Additionally, any personal items are NOT secure over the summer.  So, if you value it, bring it home.  Otherwise you are welcome to roll the dice and put it in your closets.  As a reminder, we are a public school, and our rooms are used by other schools and programs during the summer.  They cannot be used to store private items.  So, please make sure anything that is yours and that you value is taken home.  You can slowly begin doing this over the next few weeks so that you don't find yourself stuck lugging out loads of stuff on the last day of school.  Stay tuned for the specific checklist in next week's blog post.

The Last Day of School.  The last day of school for students, teachers, and paraprofessionals is Thursday, June 26th.  However, the last day of school for all other staff (secretaries, social worker, and guidance counselors) is Monday, June 30th.  Please let Kiri & Annie know by the end of this week if you are planning to take the 27th or 30th off.  

Stepping Up and Graduation Assignments.  Our graduations and stepping up ceremonies are celebratory rites that the entire school enjoys. Our MS students and staff are expected to join both ceremonies, and all of our 8-12 staff will have specific assignments for that day.  Please remember to dress for our families and students' special day.  Stepping up is Monday, 23JUN and Graduation is Wednesday 25JUN.  

PER SESSION POSTINGS

None

Week of June 2

 

It’s hard to believe, but we’re down to our final eight instructional days of the school year for our High School students (sorry MS) and 17 for grades 6 & 7. As we enter this final stretch, I want to thank each of you for the energy, patience, and professionalism you've brought to every day.

These last days are critical, not just for wrapping up curriculum and preparing students for Regents, but for reinforcing the sense of purpose and pride we’ve cultivated all year. Your presence and consistency make a real difference in helping students finish strong.

I know this time can feel overwhelming, but please remember to take care of yourselves as well. You’ve gone above and beyond, and I’m deeply grateful for all that you do.

Let’s finish the year with the same dedication and heart that has carried us this far.

UPCOMING DATES

• Monday, 02JUN25 - UAI Senior Parade and Assembly
• Thursday, 05JUN25 - Eid al-Adha - NO SCHOOL
  
• Tuesday, 03JUN25 thru  Thursday, 12JUN25 - 8-12 Finals Week
• NOTE:  These are in-class finals - no special schedule.  So that kids do not have too many exams on the same day, here's the schedule:
  
• Tuesday, 03JUN - Social Studies Classes
• Wednesday, 04JUN -  Science Classes
  
• Friday, 06JUN - Math Classes
  
• Monday, 09JUN - ELA Classes
• Thursday, 12JUN - Breadth Classes (PE, Spanish, Theater)
  
• Tuesday, 10JUN25 - Regents Day - No 8-12th grade students (6/7 normal classes)
• 9AM - Biology (All enrolled students - 8/9 and up) sit for the Biology Regent
• 1PM - Earth & Space Science (All enrolled students - 8/9 and up) sit for Earth & Space
  
• Wednesday, 11JUN25 - Regents Day - No 8-12th grade students (6/7 normal classes)
• 9AM - Geometry (Teacher-selected and student self-selected Geometry students)
  
• Thursday, 12JUN25 - Senior Awards Brunch
• AM PE Classes relocated or outside
  
• Friday, 13JUN25
• Harbor Middle School School Visit
• 8th Grade Prom
• UA Walkathon
  
• Monday, 16JUN25 - MP4 Ends - for ALL grades
  
• Tuesday, 17JUN25 thru 25JUN25 - 8-12 Regents Week
  
• TUE 17JUN
• 9AM - ELA Regents
• 1PM - Living Environment
  
• WED 18JUN
• 9AM - GLO Regents
  
• 1PM - Algebra 1 Regents
  
• THU 19JUN - Juneteenth - NO SCHOOL
  
• FRI 20JUN
• 9AM - USH Regents
  
• MON 23JUN
• 9AM - Spanish Regents 
  
• TUE 24JUN
• 9AM - Chemistry Regents
  
• WED 25JUN
• Algebra 2 Regents
  
• Monday, 23JUN - 8th Grade Graduation (UAI Gym)
  
• Wednesday, 25JUN - 12th Grade Graduation (City Tech Theater)
  
• Thursday, 26JUN - Last Day of School for Students, Teachers, and Paraprofessionals
  
• Monday, 30JUN - Last Day of School for Counselors, School Psychologists, Social Workers, and Secretaries

UPCOMING TRIPS

• Wednesday, 24JUNE25
• MS Trip to BRIC Art installation

• NOTE - NO TRIPS ALLOWED for 8-12 after May 30

TO DO THIS WEEK

Testing This Week.  This is the first draft of the Regents Schedule. Please reach out to Liza if you have any scheduling conflicts.  On Monday, you will be using PD time to conduct outreach to students who are potential failures and letting them know what their schedule for Regents week is expected to be (i.e. precisely which days they should come in to see you). Any student that is currently failing your class must come in each and every day that you have MP4 Potential Failures scheduled on your program.  Our SST will also be providing backup support to get kids into the building.  The kids will be called every day until they finish all required work to your satisfaction.


Communicate Regents Info.  Please refer to the Regents Schedule tabs (you'll see lists of kids by tests - look at the tabs).  These lists will also be hung in the hallways this week, but please make sure you are sending messages home and having face-to-face conversations with your students in classes so that they know which test they are supposed to go to for your classes.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Persession Update.  This pay period will mark the end of per session activities for everything except hiring, and already scheduled events (e.g. 8th grade prom and testing coordinator for regents exams).  There is no other approved per session in June.  If you need an exception, please see Annie.  We need to close down the budget for the year and that does take time. 

UA Walk-a-thon. The UA wants to give us T-shirts,  SO.. they need to know who is planning on participating by June 4th AND they need to know what T-shirt size you are!  Please email Kiri asap!  

Even if you cannot participate, please help us get the word out and encourage folks to donate or sponsor those who are joining in!  

Preferably - we WOULD love for everyone at UAI to participate!! But it is a quick turnaround, so I know that it might be hard!  Try your best to join, or if you cannot - please pitch in to sponsor or promote sponsorship!  THANK YOU ALL!!

To sign up - please Use this link

• Flyer (Internal, for RSVP's) - For you Guys
  
• Flyer (External, for Sponsorships) - To Share with Folks/Business who would like to sponsor you!
  
• Sponsorship Levels - FYI for Sponsors
  
• External Flyer + Sponsorship Levels Combined - FYI For Sponsors
  
• Social Media Kit - Resources for your Social Media to Promote the Walkathon!
  
• GiveLively Link - Where folks can donate
  
  

Project Cultivate SignUp.   Are you interested in adding a SPED cert to your license AND earning an AI MicroCert?  Then Sign up today for this FREE (sponsored by UA) program.   The program starts this summer and continues into the fall.  

Learn More Here, Sign Up Here

REPOSTED ANNOUNCEMENTS

8-12 Final Exams.  This week is the start of final exam week for grades 8-12.  These will be in class final exams and will be the last performance grade of the year.  If you would like to offer something in place of a traditional final, please just shoot me and email or stop by 401 to share your plans.  

Room Pack Up.  To be ready for the summer, all staff are responsible for stowing and securing classroom technology and materials.  Additionally, any personal items are NOT secure over the summer.  So, if you value it, bring it home.  Otherwise you are welcome to roll the dice and put it in your closets.  As a reminder, we are a public school, and our rooms are used by other schools and programs during the summer.  They cannot be used to store private items.  So, please make sure anything that is yours and that you value is taken home.  You can slowly begin doing this over the next few weeks so that you don't find yourself stuck lugging out loads of stuff on the last day of school.  Stay tuned for the specific checklist in next week's blog post.

The Last Day of School.  The last day of school for students, teachers, and paraprofessionals is Thursday, June 26th.  However, the last day of school for all other staff (secretaries, social worker, and guidance counselors) is Monday, June 30th.  Please let Kiri & Annie know by the end of this week if you are planning to take the 27th or 30th off.  

Stepping Up and Graduation Assignments.  Our graduations and stepping up ceremonies are celebratory rites that the entire school enjoys. Our MS students and staff are expected to join both ceremonies, and all of our 8-12 staff will have specific assignments for that day.  Please remember to dress for our families and students' special day.  Stepping up is Monday, 23JUN and Graduation is Wednesday 25JUN.  

PER SESSION POSTINGS

None

Week of May 27th

UAI Staff News

Volume XII

Issue 24

May 27th, 2025

As we approach the final weeks of the school year, I want to take a moment to pause, not just to recognize how far we’ve come, but to truly feel the meaning behind the work we’ve done together.

This time of year is filled with moments that can easily slip by in the rush to the finish line - final projects, performances, trips, award ceremonies, proms, etc. Each of these is a celebration of our students - of their growth, their courage, their voices, and the community we’ve helped them build.

It’s easy to overlook our role in those moments when we're juggling so many responsibilities. But behind every achievement is a quiet act of care, a lesson re-taught, a nudge of encouragement, a well-timed check-in, and countless hours of preparation. That’s you. That’s the impact of what you’ve done day in and day out.

So I invite you to soak it in. Stand in those moments with pride. Let the joy of our students - their energy, their laughter, their progress, fill your tank. Because in the face of exhaustion, it’s not just about finishing the year. It’s about finishing it knowing the value of what we’ve built, feeling the purpose behind the work, and remembering that this profession is as much about heart as it is about skill.

There is still important work ahead, but there is also time to celebrate. Let’s notice the wins, big and small, and let them be the reminder that your presence, your consistency, and your care matter more than you know.

We still have some kids to get across the finish line - let's continue to push them this week. Be a constant thorn in their shoe until they show enough mastery to complete your course. Call home, hold them for tutoring, offer one on one support, help them prioritize the important assignments to complete, and reach out to the SST for support.

Thank you for all you do.

UPCOMING DATES

• Tuesday, 27MAY25 - All My Sons UAI Theater Performance
• Tuesday, 27MAY25 - May PLOPs Due
• Wednesday, 28MAY25 - Consolidated School District of New Britain
  
  
  
  
• Monday, 02JUN25 - UAI Senior Parade and Assembly
• Thursday, 05JUN25 - Eid al-Adha - NO SCHOOL
  
  
• Tuesday, 03JUN25 thru  Thursday, 12JUN25 - 8-12 Finals Week
• NOTE:  These are in-class finals - no special schedule.  So that kids do not too many exams on the same day, here's the schedule:
  
  
• Tuesday, 03JUN - Social Studies Classes
• Wednesday, 04JUN -  Science Classes
  
• Friday, 06JUN - Math Classes
  
• Monday, 09JUN - ELA Classes
• Thursday, 12JUN - Breadth Classes (PE, Spanish, Theater)
  
  
• Tuesday, 10JUN25 - Regents Day - No 8-12th grade students (6/7 normal classes)
• 9AM - Biology (All enrolled students - 8/9 and up) sit for the Biology Regent
• 1PM - Earth & Space Science (All enrolled students - 8/9 and up) sit for Earth & Space
  
  
• Wednesday, 11JUN25 - Regents Day - No 8-12th grade students (6/7 normal classes)
• 9AM - Geometry (Teacher-selected and student self-selected Geometry students)
  
  
• Thursday, 12JUN25 - Senior Awards Brunch
• AM PE Classes relocated or outside
  
  
• Friday, 13JUN25
• Harbor Middle School School Visit
• 8th Grade Prom
• UA Walkathon
  
  
• Monday, 16JUN25 - MP4 Ends - for ALL grades
  
  
• Tuesday, 17JUN25 thru 25JUN25 - 8-12 Regents Week
  
  
• TUE 17JUN
• 9AM - ELA Regents
• 1PM - Living Environment
  
  
• WED 18JUN
• 9AM - GLO Regents
  
• 1PM - Algebra 1 Regents
  
  
• THU 19JUN - Juneteenth - NO SCHOOL
  
  
• FRI 20JUN
• 9AM - USH Regents
  
  
• MON 23JUN
• 9AM - Spanish Regents 
  
  
• TUE 24JUN
• 9AM - Chemistry Regents
  
  
• WED 25JUN
• Algebra 2 Regents
  
  
• Monday, 23JUN - 8th Grade Graduation (UAI Gym)
  
  
• Wednesday, 25JUN - 12th Grade Graduation (City Tech Theater)
  
  
• Thursday, 26JUN - Last Day of School for Students, Teachers, and Paraprofessionals
  
  
• Monday, 30JUN - Last Day of School for Counselors, School Psychologists, Social Workers, and Secretaries

UPCOMING TRIPS

• Wednesday, 28MAY25 - 
• 6/7th Trip to the Cyclones (Fatima)
• YLC/RPET Trip (Kelly)
• Thursday, 29MAY25 -  
• 8-11th Trip to Barclays (Freida)
• 12th Grade Overnight Trip (Patricia)
  
  
• NOTE - NO TRIPS ALLOWED for 8-12 after May 30

TO DO THIS WEEK

Testing This Week.  This is the first draft of the Regents Schedule. Please reach out to Liza if you have any scheduling conflicts.  On Monday, you will be using PD time to conduct outreach to students who are potential failures and letting them know what their schedule for Regents week is expected to be (i.e. precisely which days they should come in to see you). Any student that is currently failing your class should come in each and every day that you have MP4 Potential Failures scheduled on your program.  Our SST will also be providing backup support to get kids into the building.  The kids will be called every day until they finish all required work to your satisfaction.


Communicate Regents Info.  Please refer to the Regents Schedule tabs (you'll see lists of kids by tests - look at the tabs).  These lists will also be hung in the hallways this week, but please make sure you are sending messages home and having face-to-face conversations with your students in classes so that they know which test they are supposed to go to for your classes.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

8-12 Final Exams.  Next week is the start of final exam week for grades 8-12.  These will be in class final exams and will be the last performance grade of the year.  If you would like to offer something in place of a traditional final, please just shoot me and email or stop by 401 to share your plans.  

Room Pack Up.  To be ready for the summer, all staff are responsible for stowing and securing classroom technology and materials.  Additionally, any personal items are NOT secure over the summer.  So, if you value it, bring it home.  Otherwise you are welcome to roll the dice and put it in your closets.  As a reminder, we are a public school, and our rooms are used by other schools and programs during the summer.  They cannot be used to store private items.  So, please make sure anything that is yours and that you value is taken home.  You can slowly begin doing this over the next few weeks so that you don't find yourself stuck lugging out loads of stuff on the last day of school.  Stay tuned for the specific checklist in next week's blog post.

The Last Day of School.  The last day of school for students, teachers, and paraprofessionals is Thursday, June 26th.  However, the last day of school for all other staff (secretaries, social worker, and guidance counselors) is Monday, June 30th.  Please let Kiri & Annie know by the end of this week if you are planning to take the 27th or 30th off.  

Stepping Up and Graduation Assignments.  Our graduations and stepping up ceremonies are celebratory rites that the entire school enjoys. Our MS students and staff are expected to join both ceremonies, and all of our 8-12 staff will have specific assignments for that day.  Please remember to dress for our families and students' special day.  Stepping up is Monday, 23JUN and Graduation is Wednesday 25JUN.  

Remaining Teacher Evaluations. There still a small handful of teacher observations that need to be done - these will be completed this week!

PER SESSION POSTINGS

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

REPOST:  Summer School Planning has Started.  Summer school planning is beginning.  We will not be hosting Girls Inc and DYCD summer camp this summer, and our students who need an all-day placement can register for DYCD programs at the Montauk School this summer.   

We are currently looking for folks who are interested in doing some enrichment work (6-12) this summer.  AND we will also have regents prep this summer.  If you are interested in working this summer, please complete THIS FORM ASAP.  

Week of May 19

 FYI - It's Annie writing again this week - I am taking over the blog moving forward!

There was something powerful about this week's Honor Roll Night that I want to lift up. The atmosphere was warm, full of pride and connection. Families came together, not just to witness achievement, but to be part of something - to celebrate the outcomes we all work so hard for. It felt like a true community moment. It felt like what school should feel like.

And as I looked around at the smiles, the hugs, and the pride in the room, I couldn’t help but think: This is the space where we’re strongest - not when we retreat behind conference room tables and clipboards, but when we show up side by side, united by care and hope for our kids. I hope you all felt that too. As we move away from traditional PTCs, we’re not just rethinking conferences. We’re reimagining the entire relationship between school and home. I am proud of us for making this shift.

Now, with the final stretch of the school year upon us (we only have about 6 more weeks!), our focus remains steadfast on supporting the growth and achievement of our students. We are in the home stretch, and while the days may feel long and the tasks demanding, please know that the seeds you have planted throughout the year are blossoming beautifully. Let us continue to cultivate this growth with the same passion and focus that has defined our work thus far.

As we aim to finish the year strong, I want to gently emphasize the critical importance of consistent teacher attendance - especially on Mondays and Fridays. These days often set the tone for the week or help close it on a strong note, and our students rely on your presence and stability to stay engaged and on track. Each day in the classroom counts tremendously at this time of year, and your continued presence makes a measurable difference in sustaining momentum and ensuring every student feels supported. Let’s commit to being here for each other and for our students every step of the way. Please remember to keep pushing. We are a team, and together, we can make these last weeks impactful and rewarding.

UPCOMING DATES

• Monday, 19MAY - Smile Dental Visit to UAI

• Thursday, 22MAY - Senior Prom

• Friday, 23MAY - 8th Grade Trip to Great Adventure
  

• Monday 26MAY - Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL

• Week of June 2nd - Finals Week

• Remaining PD Dates
1. 19MAY - CEP PD - Checking in on our School Goals, and Setting for 2025-26
2. 02JUN - Last Huddle of the Year
3. 09JUN - Regents Week Orientation
4. 16JUN - Grading Time for All/Room Set up for Testing
   

UPCOMING TRIPS

• 23MAY - 8th Grade Trip to Great Adventure (Fatima, Sarah R, Phillan, Jermaine)
• 28MAY - 6/7th Grade Trip To Cyclones (Freida)
• 29MAY - 8-12th Grade Trip to Barclays Center (Freida)
• 29-30MAY - 12th Grade Overnight Trip (Patricia)

TO DO THIS WEEK

Testing This Week.  This week we have more testing.

• NYSESLAT testing continues this week. See the link for the schedule.

Tracking Potential Failures in MP4.  

• A second push of outreach to families is DUE to be completed by Monday, May 19th for all students at risk of failing your course. Please document that outreach here in Column W.
• Make sure you are using THIS DOCUMENT to link to the work that students must complete in order to satisfactorily pass your course for those students who could potentially fail.  PLEASE MAKE SURE ALL LINKS ARE ACCESSIBLE! The deans and counselors are having a hard time gaining access to some documents.  Once they have access they will print out the work, meet with the student and call home. You can track their outreach in the linked spreadsheet.

Advance Observations.

Heads up for those teachers who have not yet had all Advance evaluations completed for the year, you should expect to be observed this week! 

Summer Programming 🌞.

There are a ton of fun electives being offered for summer programming this year: Crowned with Confidence, Mural Painting, Film, and so much more! Summer Splash runs from July 10-31st and is open to all UAI kids in grades 6-12. It is only a half-day program, though, so kids who need full-day programming should not register. Please spread the word and share the registration form! 

Feedback from Monday PD.

Only 19 staff responded to Monday's feedback form for PD. If you haven't yet responded, please take a moment to do so ASAP here.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Communicate Regents Info - Who is Taking What?

• All 9-12 kids signed up for a course ending in a required regent (ELA, ALG 1, USH, GLO, Earth, Bio) will be automatically signed up to take that regent
• All 8^th graders MUST take ALG 1 and their science (Bio or Earth)
• All 8^th graders who have >50 in USH, GLO or ELA will be registered for that test
• All other regents are with teacher/student discretion (teachers should make list and give to Liza & JJR no later than Friday)
• We aim to post testing lists next week so kids know what exams they're signed up for!

It's Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month.  

              RPET continues the celebration this week!

• We will show movies in 507, 509 and 511 on all four Friday's in May during 4th period lunch. We'll be showing Mulan on 5/23 and 5/30.
  
  
• We will host another crafting event in the cafeteria (see poster at left) on 5/20.

PER SESSION POSTINGS

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

NEW Per Session Posting: NYSESLAT Grading after school. 4 hours worth and hiring 3-4 people. All teachers are eligible to apply. 

REPOST:  Summer School Planning has Started.  Summer school planning is beginning.  We will not be hosting Girls Inc and DYCD summer camp this summer, and our students who need an all-day placement can register for DYCD programs at the Montauk School this summer.   

We are currently looking for folks who are interested in doing some enrichment work (6-12) this summer.  AND we will also have regents prep this summer.  If you are interested in working this summer, please complete THIS FORM ASAP.