Week of JUNE 08

                                                          

Volume: XIII

Issue: 40

June 08, 2026

SCHOOL LEADERSHIP MESSAGE

As we move closer to the close of another school year, the reality of our leadership transition is becoming more tangible with each passing week. While change can bring a mix of emotions, I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible foundation that has been built at UAI under Kiri's leadership.

Kiri's impact on this school is hard to put into words. As the founding principal, she has spent the last 20 years building a school community that has changed the lives of thousands of students and families. What has always stood out to me most about Kiri is her unwavering commitment to doing what is best for kids -regardless of who is watching, how difficult the decision may be, or whether she receives recognition for it. She has consistently led with courage and a deep belief in the potential of every child.

The school we are today - the love the care for students and families, the commitment to equity, and the relentless focus on student success - did not happen by accident. They are the result of years of intentional leadership and countless decisions made with children at the center. Kiri has modeled what it means to lead with both heart and conviction, and her legacy will continue to be felt throughout this school for years to come.

As we honor that legacy, I am also beginning the important work of looking ahead. While we are still focused on finishing this school year strong, I have already started visioning for next year and thinking deeply about how we can continue to build on the school's many strengths without changing the fabric of our mission or who we are. Over the last many weeks, the PAG (formerly known as ILT) has been partnering closely with me to help define what we hope to achieve together and to shape priorities that reflect both our values and our aspirations. 

This week marks another step in the transition as I begin taking over morning announcements and coverages. It may seem like a small shift, but it is one of many intentional moves designed to support a thoughtful and successful transition over time.

Transitions are rarely seamless, and ours has certainly had moments that have required adjustment and flexibility. Thank you for your partnership, your patience, and your commitment during this time. I look forward to continuing this work together as we write the next chapter of our school's story - grounded in our mission, our values, and the love that has defined this amazing little community from the very beginning.

IMPORTANT DATES

• JUN12: 8th Grade Prom!
• JUN12: Last day of Girls Inc programming
• JUN12: Nerds for Literacy book fair for MS
• JUN18: Kiri's Retirement Party!
• JUN18: Grades are DUE by 3pm
• JUN19: Juneteenth, no school
• JUN24: 8th Grade Graduation!
• JUN25: 12th Grade Graduation!

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

UPCOMING TRIPS

• JUN09: 7th Grade trip to Jewish Heritage Museum

TO DO THIS WEEK

Regents Schedule. The Regents Week schedule is listed on the "Staff Schedules" tab of the June Regents doc. Student schedules are posted in the hallway. If you notice there is an error, please submit the change request form on the staff google classroom (and attached Here). 

 

IMPORTANT REMINDERS: 

• Please announce to students (over and over) that the Earth Science Regents is starting at 11am on June 18!
• All classrooms must have all items removed from walls by EOD Monday in preparation for the Tuesday ELA Regents administration.

Art Gallery Walk. To celebrate their hard work and completion of their final projects, there will be a gallery walk and final, informal "critique" in each Art class next week. In this period, students will have an opportunity to share what they've been working on, give feedback to each other, and reflect on their growth over the past year.  If you are free any of the following periods, please feel free to stop by 315 any time after the first 10 minutes of the period! 

• Monday, June 8th: 1st, 3rd (8th grade) periods
• Thursday, June 11th: 5th, 6th periods
• Friday, June 12th: 3rd, 7th periods

Culture Day 2026 Feedback.  RPET's activities are winding down but we're looking to next year and would love your feedback on Culture Day! Please answer this 5 question multiple choice survey. 

Final Exam Schedule.  Final exams are optional for courses.  If you do opt to offer a final exam, please keep the exam to a single period, and please adhere to this schedule so that students can manage the load.

• June 8: Science
• June 11: Social Studies
• June 12: Math
• June 15:  Breadth 
• June 16: Finals Make Up

Last Day Of Extracurricular Per Session.  All after and before school activities will end on June 12th (8th grade prom will be the last thing!)  Final per session sheets for the year will be due on June 15th.  Per session sheets will not be accepted after June 15th.  Please make sure you set a calendar reminder for yourself NOW so you do not miss the last per session submission for 2025-26 extracurricular activities.  NOTE:  The only exception will be testing coordination during regent week.  

Remaining PD Dates.  Only two more PD Mondays.

• June 8: CEP Goals - 3pm in Farm
• June15: CEP Goals - 3pm in Farm

Outreach & Tracking for MP4.  See here for the lists of the exact tasks that the students must successfully complete in order to pass by June.  Please continue to reach out to failing students and update the attached log.

End of the Year Checklist.  Are you the type of person who likes to get a jumpstart on To Do lists early?  Well then, this list is FOR you!

Here are the big things you need to do that take the most time:

• TWO ShopDoe Wish Lists (NYSTL approved is list one, everything else is list two) they must be submitted into the new 26-27 UAI Purchasing Form
• Cleaning and Stowing.  Things cannot be stored on the floors (even on the closet floors).  They will be destroyed by the wax that seeps in if you leave boxes of things on the floor. Store on shelf...or better yet, pair down things you no longer need (give to a colleague!).  Books and materials need to be stored on shelves or in closets.

Week of June 01

                                                           

Volume: XIII

Issue: 39

June 01, 2026

SCHOOL LEADERSHIP MESSAGE

Wow, it's June! It's been a whirlwind of a Spring semester and we are down to 17 days until the end of the school year. The next few weeks are packed - please pay very close attention to the To Dos listed below for this week!!

IMPORTANT DATES

• JUN04: Remote Chancellor's PD Day
• JUN12: 8th Grade Prom!
• JUN12: Last day of Girls Inc programming
• JUN12: Nerds for Literacy book fair for MS
• JUN18: Kiri's Retirement Party!
• JUN19: Juneteenth, no school
• JUN24: 8th Grade Graduation!
• JUN25: 12th Grade Graduation!

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

UPCOMING TRIPS

• JUN01: 6th Grade trip to MET
• JUN02-03: Senior Overnight trip to Villa Roma
• JUN09: 7th Grade trip to Jewish Heritage Museum

Trip Form.  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1U3i3fgENVCpX6MA51r_1jsmxVavRm12-oaB9ieiNA8Q/edit?usp=sharing

TO DO THIS WEEK

Regents Schedule. The Regents Week schedule is listed on the "Staff Schedules" tab of the June Regents doc. You should already have access, but request it if you can't access.  During regents week, folks do have altered start and end times.  So please review closely.  If you need to change your schedule, please contact Liza ASAP.

Student schedules are posted in the hallway. If you notice there is an error, please submit the change request form on the staff google classroom (and attached Here).

Final Exam Schedule.  Final exams are optional for courses.  If you do opt to offer a final exam, please keep the exam to a single period, and please adhere to this schedule so that students can manage the load.

• June 5: ELA
• June 8: Science
• June 11: Social Studies
• June 12: Math
• June 15:  Breadth 
• June 16th: Finals Make Up

Last Day Of Extracurricular Per Session.  All after and before school activities will end on June 12th (8th grade prom will be the last thing!)  Final per session sheets for the year will be due on June 15th.  Per session sheets will not be accepted after June 15th.  Please make sure you set a calendar reminder for yourself NOW so you do not miss the last per session submission for 2025-26 extracurricular activities.  NOTE:  The only exception will be testing coordination during regent week.  

Remaining PD Dates.  Only three more Mondays (plus June 4th Remote Chancellor's Day).

• June 1: Lynn Jeudy facilitates last SEL PD
• June 4 - full day remote PD: 
• AM Outreach & Worktime, Roadmaps training (for some)
• PM Review Proctor Expectations and Regents Schedule, ENL Groups feedback review
• June 8: CEP Goals
• June15: CEP Goals

Outreach & Tracking for MP4.  See here for the lists of the exact tasks that the students must successfully complete in order to pass by June.  As a reminder, students who are not yet passing will be required to attend school every day during Regents week to work one-on-one with you for the help they need to successfully finish.  Please continue to reach out to failing students and update the attached log.

End of the Year Checklist.  Are you the type of person who likes to get a jumpstart on To Do lists early?  Well then, this list is FOR you!

Here are the big things you need to do that take the most time:

• TWO ShopDoe Wish Lists (NYSTL approved is list one, everything else is list two) they must be submitted into the new 26-27 UAI Purchasing Form
• Cleaning and Stowing.  Things cannot be stored on the floors (even on the closet floors).  They will be destroyed by the wax that seeps in if you leave boxes of things on the floor. Store on shelf...or better yet, pair down things you no longer need (give to a colleague!).  Books and materials need to be stored on shelves or in closets.

Week of May 25

                                                           

Volume: XIII

Issue: 38

May 25, 2026

SCHOOL LEADERSHIP MESSAGE

It was a busy week! Between Parent-Teacher Conferences, Senior Prom, and the 8th grade trip to Six Flags and the HEAT, there has been a lot happening across the building - and the pace is not slowing down anytime soon. The next several weeks will continue to be filled with events, celebrations, trips, and end-of-year responsibilities that can make this time of year feel especially hectic for both students and staff.

While all of these experiences are important and meaningful parts of the school year, it is critical that we continue to keep our focus on instruction and student preparation. Regents exams are now just a few weeks away, and our students need structure, consistency, and purposeful academic support more than ever.

Please continue to prioritize strong classroom routines, clear expectations, and opportunities for students to engage in meaningful Regents prep. Whether through review activities, practice questions, writing tasks, small-group support, or targeted feedback, every opportunity for focused practice matters. Students benefit greatly from predictable classroom environments during busy periods like this, and your consistency helps keep them grounded and academically focused.

I also recognize that this stretch of the year can be demanding for staff as well!!! Thank you for your continued flexibility, professionalism, and commitment to supporting students through all of the moving pieces that come with May and June. The work you are doing each day is helping our students stay on track and build confidence as they approach their exams and the finish line of the school year.

Let’s keep the momentum going and finish the year strong.

IMPORTANT DATES

• MAY25: Memorial Day, no school
• MAY 26: Culture Day, rapid dismissal 2:15pm
• MAY27: Eid, no school
• MAY28: Senior Awards Breakfast
• MAY29: Spring Play
• JUN04: Remote Chancellor's PD Day
• JUN12: 8th Grade Prom!
• JUN12: Last day of Girls Inc programming
• JUN18: Kiri's Retirement Party!
• JUN19: Juneteenth, no school
• JUN23: 8th Grade Graduation!
• JUN25: 12th Grade Graduation!

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

UPCOMING TRIPS

• MAY28: MS Brooklyn Cyclones Trip
• MAY29: MS CUNY Explorers Visit 
• JUN01: 6th Grade trip to MET
• JUN02-03: Senior Overnight trip to Villa Roma
• JUN09: 7th Grade trip to Jewish Heritage Museum

Trip Form.  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1U3i3fgENVCpX6MA51r_1jsmxVavRm12-oaB9ieiNA8Q/edit?usp=sharing

TO DO THIS WEEK

Remaining PD Dates.  Only three more Mondays (plus June 4th Remote Chancellor's Day).

• June 1: Lynn Jeudy facilitates last SEL PD
• June 4: 
• AM Outreach & Worktime, Roadmaps training (for some)
• PM Review Proctor Expectations and Regents Schedule, ENL Groups feedback review
• June 8: CEP Goals
• June15: CEP Goals

Outreach & Tracking for MP4.  Thanks to all who have linked in their tasks lists, we are still missing a few so if that's you, get it linked ASAP.

By now you should have sent a copy of the task list home to FAMILIES in your outreach. Again, see below for instructions on that:

Create and Link a document here that lists the exact tasks that the students must successfully complete in order to pass by June.  This task list will be what students work on during summer school should they not complete by the end of June.  As a reminder, students who are not yet passing will be required to attend school every day during Regents week to work one-on-one with you for the help they need to successfully finish.  

Culture Day Plan. As a reminder, UAI's RPET, Student Activities, and Student Government teams are hosting Culture Day on Tuesday, May 26^th during periods 4-7. The adjusted schedule for the day is below with additional links & info for each period. We'll review this on Monday's PD but please reach out with any additional questions!

Periods 1–2: Regular class schedule for all students.

Period 3: Grades 8–12 will have regular class & Grades 6–7 will have learning lab to ensure the whole school can eat together next period.

Period 4: Lunch for all grades

• Catered lunch with food options from different cultures
• SGA run activities for AAPI month
• Music & dancing!

Period 5: RPET Activities in Classes

• All students attend their regularly scheduled classes.
• Teachers run an opening circle and then select (or have kids select) the activity for the rest of the class. RPET students have created THIS DOCUMENT with explicit directions for the circle and lesson plans for each activity. As a heads up - any tab without an emoji is still in development but will be completed by May 19.
• Any student performing in the assembly should report to the gym at 12:45 and no earlier. We want to ensure they get to participate in the circle too. A list will be shared by May 22.

Period 6: Culture Day Assembly

• All students (except performers already in the gym) report to their regular 6th-period class. Students will be called upstairs for the Culture Day Assembly shortly after.
• So far, the assembly will include two Bengali dances, a Mexican dance, an Afro-Carribbean inspired dance and the step team. The assembly will end with a multicultural fashion/show parade. We already have 14 countries/cultures represented but want to add more! Please encourage your students to sign up by emailing Kelly or going to 507 after school any day. Staff are more than welcome to participate too!!

Period 7: Early dismissal at 2:15 PM. Girls Inc. will begin immediately following dismissal.

Regents Lists are Posted. Students are being directed to ask their classroom teachers about their questions/concerns. If you notice there is an error, please submit the change request form on the staff google classroom (and attached Here).

If you have any questions about regents lists, you can also reach out to your PAG (formerly ILT) member for clarification! 

June Final Exams. We’ve updated the UAI Pacing Calendar to reflect changes caused by Regents Days on June 9 and 10. Below is the revised final exam schedule by content area. Teachers may choose whether or not to give a final exam. If you do, please administer it on the assigned date so students aren’t overloaded. All finals should fit within one class period, and there will be no modified schedule.

• June 5: ELA
• June 8: Science
• June 11: Social Studies
• June 12: Math & Breadth

UPCOMING TEST DATES.

• NYESLAT - See here for the tracking spreadsheet
• Regents: 
• June 9: ELA
• June 10: Algebra II
• Week of June 17

Week of May 18

                                                           

Volume: XIII

Issue: 37

May 18, 2026

SCHOOL LEADERSHIP MESSAGE

Team, 

It’s the end of the year, and the burnout is real. I see it on your faces, we’re all feeling it. You’ve spent the last nine months playing teacher, coach, and detective, and it is beyond exhausting to feel like you’re caring more about a student's grade than they are. When you’ve made the phone calls, sent the emails, and tracked them down in the hallway only to see those failing grades still staring back at you, it’s tempting to just throw in the towel. BUT we have to remember that for a lot of these kids, "failing" isn't about laziness, it’s about being overwhelmed. Since COVID some of them are still just trying to find their footing, and that "55" on the screen feels like a mountain they’ll never be able to climb.

Right now, we are the only ones holding the door open for them. If we stop pushing now, we’re basically telling them they were right to give up on themselves. We aren't "handing out" grades by giving them one more chance, we’re showing them what it looks like to not quit when things get tough. Ten years from now, they won’t remember the specific worksheet they turned in late, but they will absolutely remember that you were the one person who didn't stop believing they could make it. You are the bridge that gets them from where they are to where they need to be.

We know you're running on fumes, and we aren't asking you to perform miracles. Just stay in the fight with them for a few more days. This school is a place where we don't let kids fall through the cracks, and that mission matters most right now, in the eleventh hour. Lean on your teammates, vent when you need to, and let’s help each other find that last bit of momentum. We’ve come this far together, let’s make sure we drag, carry, or cheer every single one of these kids across that finish line.

We are ALMOST there. 

Onward.

IMPORTANT DATES

• MAY20: Remote Parent Conferences
• MAY21: 12th Grade Prom!
• MAY25: Memorial Day, no school
• MAY 26: Culture Day, rapid dismissal 2:15pm
• MAY27: Eid, no school
• MAY28: Senior Awards Breakfast
• MAY29: Spring Play
• JUN12: 8th Grade Prom!
• JUN12: Last day of Girls Inc programming
• JUN18: Kiri's Retirement Party!
• JUN19: Juneteenth, no school
• JUN23: 8th Grade Graduation!
• JUN25: 12th Grade Graduation!

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

UPCOMING TRIPS

• MAY22: 8th Grade Trip to Six Flags
• MAY28: MS Brooklyn Cyclones Trip
• MAY29: MS CUNY Explorers Visit 
• JUN01: 6th Grade trip to MET
• JUN02-03: Senior Overnight trip to Villa Roma
• JUN09: 7th Grade trip to Jewish Heritage Museum

Trip Form.  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1U3i3fgENVCpX6MA51r_1jsmxVavRm12-oaB9ieiNA8Q/edit?usp=sharing

TO DO THIS WEEK

Monday PD in Farm.  During Monday PD your team will debrief the student meeting and then call home to inform the parent and get their insight on student progress and goals. 

Remote Parent Conferences. On May 20th we have our final parent-teacher conference opportunity of the school year. See here for the conference scheduling document. Debbie will support in scheduling conferences that have not been arranged - please keep an eye on this document and update as appointments are made.

Regents Lists are Posted. Students are being directed to ask their classroom teachers about their questions/concerns. If you notice there is an error, please submit the change request form on the staff google classroom (and attached Here).

If you have any questions about regents lists, you can also reach out to your PAG (formerly ILT) member for clarification! 

Shippy Grant. 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 Shippy Foundation is interested in making smaller grants directly to teachers and staff who are committed to improving student learning, increasing student engagement, and codifying and disseminating their work so that others may benefit.

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;
• Rigorous and documented Collaborative Inquiry – (such as a formal Japanese Lesson Study);
• 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

Please submit your proposals here by June 5th. You can find the link to the proposal template in the overview section of the Google Form. 

Outreach & Tracking for MP4.  Thanks to all who have linked in their tasks lists, we are still missing a few so if that's you, get it linked ASAP.

By now you should have sent a copy of the task list home to FAMILIES in your outreach. Again, see below for instructions on that:

Create and Link a document here that lists the exact tasks that the students must successfully complete in order to pass by June.  This task list will be what students work on during summer school should they not complete by the end of June.  As a reminder, students who are not yet passing will be required to attend school every day during Regents week to work one-on-one with you for the help they need to successfully finish.  

Dream Squads. The Office of Multilingual Learners is accepting applications for new “Dream Squads,” which are school-based teams focused on creating more welcoming and inclusive environments for multilingual and immigrant students and families. Dream Squads are made up of 3 or more staff members in different roles (teachers, counselors, parent coordinators, administrators, etc.) who work together throughout the year to develop and implement strategies that better support immigrant and first-generation students. The initiative includes professional learning sessions, coaching support, and the creation of a school-wide plan focused on inclusion and engagement.

For more info please reach out to Emily Payamps. Applications are due May 22, 2026. If anyone is interested in learning more or potentially participating, here is the application link:

https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8732621/Dream-Squads-Application-SY-26-27

Culture Day Plan. As a reminder, UAI's RPET, Student Activities, and Student Government teams are hosting Culture Day on Tuesday, May 26^th during periods 4-7. The adjusted schedule for the day is below with additional links & info for each period. We'll review this on Monday's PD but please reach out with any additional questions!

Periods 1–2: Regular class schedule for all students.

Period 3: Grades 8–12 will have regular class & Grades 6–7 will have learning lab to ensure the whole school can eat together next period.

Period 4: Lunch for all grades

• Catered lunch with food options from different cultures
• SGA run activities for AAPI month
• Music & dancing!

Period 5: RPET Activities in Classes

• All students attend their regularly scheduled classes.
• Teachers run an opening circle and then select (or have kids select) the activity for the rest of the class. RPET students have created THIS DOCUMENT with explicit directions for the circle and lesson plans for each activity. As a heads up - any tab without an emoji is still in development but will be completed by May 19.
• Any student performing in the assembly should report to the gym at 12:45 and no earlier. We want to ensure they get to participate in the circle too. A list will be shared by May 22.

Period 6: Culture Day Assembly

• All students (except performers already in the gym) report to their regular 6th-period class. Students will be called upstairs for the Culture Day Assembly shortly after.
• So far, the assembly will include two Bengali dances, a Mexican dance, an Afro-Carribbean inspired dance and the step team. The assembly will end with a multicultural fashion/show parade. We already have 14 countries/cultures represented but want to add more! Please encourage your students to sign up by emailing Kelly or going to 507 after school any day. Staff are more than welcome to participate too!!

Period 7: Early dismissal at 2:15 PM. Girls Inc. will begin immediately following dismissal.

June Final Exams. We’ve updated the UAI Pacing Calendar to reflect changes caused by Regents Days on June 9 and 10. Below is the revised final exam schedule by content area. Teachers may choose whether or not to give a final exam. If you do, please administer it on the assigned date so students aren’t overloaded. All finals should fit within one class period, and there will be no modified schedule.

• June 5: ELA
• June 8: Science
• June 11: Social Studies
• June 12: Math & Breadth

UPCOMING TEST DATES.

• NYESLAT - See here for the tracking spreadsheet
• Regents: 
• June 9: ELA
• June 10: Algebra II
• Week of June 17