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.