Messages for Families

Dear Students, Families, Educators, Leaders, and Community Members,

As the Chancellor of NYC Public Schools (NYCPS), an educator for more than two decades, and an NYCPS parent, I believe our students deserve schools that are safe and academically strong. Today, that also means learning how to use artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly.

For our early learners, elementary, and middle school students, this means developing critical thinking and digital literacy skills. For our high school students, it means preparing for a world where AI is already shaping careers and entire industries. Across all ages, it means partnering with students, educators, leaders, and families to ensure AI is used safely, enhances student learning, and supports, not replaces, educators. AI is here, and our responsibility is to put strong systemwide safeguards in place, use it transparently and responsibly, and in an age-appropriate manner.

To move this work forward, we have released preliminary guidance on how AI can be used in our schools. This guidance aims to set clear expectations to protect our students, support educators, and keep families informed. 

Your feedback matters—please share it as we continue this work. This spring, we will build on this guidance with a more comprehensive AI Playbook, shaped by community voices like yours.

Please visit schools.nyc.gov/AI to review the preliminary guidance and complete a short feedback survey. The survey will be open for 45 calendar days through May 8, 2026.

I know AI raises new questions for all of us. As we move forward, we will continue to listen, reflect, and make thoughtful adjustments while always keeping students’ safety and learning at the center.

If you have any questions regarding access to the feedback survey, please review the information available on schools.nyc.gov/AI. Thank you for partnering with us to help our students stay safe, learn, and grow.

In partnership,

Kamar H. Samuels
Chancellor

Summer Rising 2026

NYCPS is partnering with the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) to offer Summer Rising in 2026. Summer Rising connects elementary and middle school students to fun, hands-on experiences that strengthen their academic, social, and emotional skills. Summer Rising is free, and open to any NYC student currently in kindergarten through grade 8. More information regarding programming dates and hours will be shared at schools.nyc.gov/SummerRising when the application opens on March 3.

Summer Rising includes NYCPS-led academics and enrichment activities held by DYCD Community Based Organizations (CBOs). Free breakfast and lunch are provided. For more information, please visit schools.nyc.gov/SummerRising .

Summer Rising MySchools Application

The application is open from March 3–March 27, 2026. To apply, log in to your MySchools.nyc account if you already have one, or create one using your email address, your child’s nine-digit student ID number, and their MySchools account creation code, which you can get from your child’s school. If you have used MySchools to apply for summer or school year programs, your child may already be added to your account. Note that MySchools is a separate account from your NYCSA.

There are no limits to how many programs families can add to their application. Adding more programs increases your chances of being placed in a program of your choice.

This process is not first-come, first-served; all applications received by the deadline will be treated the same based on admissions priorities. You can make changes to your application any time within the application period. For further questions, visit schools.nyc.gov/SummerRising https://supporthub.schools.nyc/ or contact your school.

Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans

Students attending 12-month/Extended School Year (ESY) special class, Nest, or Horizon programs will receive the services recommended on their IEP at an ESY, District 75 (D75), Nest, or Horizon Summer Program site.

Families who wish to participate in a 12-month IEP program (including ESY, D75, Nest and Horizon) and extended-day CBO-led enrichment through Summer Rising should apply using MySchools. Specific instructions will be placed in MySchools.

If your child will only be participating in Nest or Horizon (until 12:00 p.m.), D75 (until 2:30 p.m.), or ESY programming (until 2:00 p.m.), and you do not want extended day enrichment for your child, contact their school instead of using MySchools to apply.

High School Offers for Fall 2026

If your child applied to high school for fall 2026 by the December 3, 2025, deadline, you will receive their offer on March 5, 2026. Log into your MySchools account to view the offer and any waitlist placements (if applicable), along with information on next steps. To learn how offers are made, visit schools.nyc.gov/HS.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

March parent-teacher conferences (PTCs)  are a great opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and ways to support them at home with their teachers. PTCs are remote this school year, but in-person options may be available. Translation and interpretation services are also available upon request. PTC dates may vary by school; your child’s teachers will help you schedule your PTC. Visit schools.nyc.gov/ptc for more guidance.

• Thursday, March 5: Afternoon and evening conferences for elementary schools and Pre-K Centers
• Thursday, March 12: Afternoon and evening conferences for middle schools and D75 schools
• Wednesday, March 18: Evening PTCs for high school students, K–12, and 6–12 schools
• Thursday, March 19: Afternoon PTCs for high schools, K–12, and 6–12 schools

Civics Week

From March 9–13, join us for Civics Week with activities that celebrate youth voice, civic empowerment, and voter registration. Learn more and check out our Civics for All comics series at schools.nyc.gov/CivicsForAll .

2026 NYC School Survey

Complete the annual NYC School Survey by April 1, 2026! NYCPS families and students in grades 6–12 can provide direct feedback regarding your experiences in our schools that helps us improve learning environments, curricula, support services, and more. Submit your survey today by mail or online in one of 13 available languages at NYCSchoolSurvey.org or log in to your New York City Schools Account ( NYCSA ) at SchoolsAccount.nyc

Important Admissions Dates for Fall 2026

Remember to submit your 3-K and/or pre-k application at MySchools.nyc by Friday, February 23, 2026! If your child was born in 2023, they can attend 3-K this fall. If your child was born in 2022, they can attend pre-k this fall.

Learn more about free 3-K and pre-k education, how to locate a program, and how to apply at 3-K or Pre-K. Find a virtual admissions event to attend.

2026 NYC School Survey

Beginning February 9, 2026, NYCPS will hold its annual NYC School Survey. NYCPS families and students in grades 6–12 can provide direct feedback regarding their experiences in our public schools. Your confidential survey responses help your school better understand what its students, educators, and community members need and improve their learning environments, curricula, support services, and more.

To complete the survey, visit NYC School Survey or log in to your New York City Schools Account (NYCSA) beginning February 9. You will also receive a printed copy of the survey with instructions on how to complete it on paper or online. The 2026 Survey will close on April 1, 2026. Learn more at NYC School Survey.

February Events and Reminders

• Our "Energy" Climate Action Day is February 4! Find fun activities at Climate Action Days.
• Respect for All (RFA) Week is on February 9–13, 2026! Visit Understanding Respect for All for creative activity ideas to highlight better appreciation of one another, regardless of different beliefs or backgrounds.
• Schools will be closed from February 16–20, 2026 for Midwinter Recess.

Dear Families,

You may have seen information in the news about recent updates to federal childhood vaccination recommendations. These updates do not affect the vaccines required for school attendance in New York City. The current New York State and New York City immunization requirements for students attending school during the 2025–26 school year remain unchanged.

You can find information in multiple languages about the vaccines that students must have at the start of the school year, as well as the New York City vaccine schedule for children of all ages at Immunizations.

Families with questions about their child's immunization status should contact their school or health care provider.

Sincerely,

Kevin Moran
Acting Deputy Chancellor for Operations

Dear Families,

As an immigrant myself, I know how essential our school communities are to immigrant students and families—and how much our immigrant students and families contribute to our schools.

At New York City Public Schools (NYCPS), we provide a robust, inclusive, and supportive education to every student and family, regardless of immigration status.

As a reminder, NYCPS does not provide non-local law enforcement with access to students, school facilities, or records unless required by law, and only after consultation with NYCPS' lawyers.

In New York City, our schools are safe places for our children. If any student or family has questions or concerns related to an immigration incident, we encourage them to reach out to their school's principal to be connected with the appropriate supports.

We also have many resources available to our staff and families through our Project Open Arms initiative, which provides support to immigrant students and their families.

Additionally, NYCPS continues to partner with the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA). We encourage families to use the MOIA Legal Support Hotline at 1-800-354-0365 or visit the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs to learn more.

As your Chancellor, I am committed to ensuring our schools remain safe and inclusive spaces for students and families.

In Partnership,

Kamar H. Samuels
Chancellor

Dear Families,

As a lifelong educator who has served our system as a teacher, principal, and superintendent, and as the parent of two New York City Public Schools students, I know firsthand that our schools are the heart of our communities. At their best, schools are places where our children are cherished, supported, and encouraged to grow. They are places where you, our families, are welcomed and valued, and where opportunity and possibility are made real every day.

I also know that as a school system, we still have work to do to ensure our schools live up to that promise for every child in every classroom. I step into this role with humility, urgency, and a clear understanding of that responsibility, and I am deeply honored to serve as your New York City Public Schools Chancellor.

I believe that our students—from early childhood through graduation—deserve schools that are safe, academically rigorous, and truly integrated. Families should feel confident that their children are safe and cared for, both in and beyond the school building. They should know that their children are learning the fundamentals—starting with reading—and are being challenged academically, guided by high expectations, strong instruction, and teachers who believe in them. And they should be able to expect that their children’s schools reflect what makes New York City so special, embracing our city’s rich diversity through learning experiences grounded in cultural understanding and respect. This is what we mean by true integration.

Achieving this vision requires deep partnership with families. Too often, our system has made it harder than it should be for families to engage meaningfully in their children’s education. I believe that parent voice and family participation are essential, not optional. While we have made some progress in recent years, we need to accelerate this work and find new, more effective ways to empower families and strengthen our school communities.

So, as we begin this new chapter, I want to hear from you, and I invite you to join me as partners. I’ll have more to share soon about opportunities to convey your insights, experiences, and perspectives. We have important work ahead, and the strongest schools are built when families and educators work together in trust and collaboration.

In partnership,

Kamar H. Samuels
Chancellor

Important Admissions Dates for Fall 2026

The beginning of 2026 includes key admissions dates for our youngest students to enroll in school for fall 2026. Join one of our elementary admissions virtual events listed at schools.nyc.gov/ESevents, where we'll guide you through the 3-K, pre-k, and kindergarten admissions processes.

Kindergarten Application Deadline

If your child was born in 2021, they can attend kindergarten starting in September 2026. Submit your application by Friday, January 23, 2026-you can add kindergarten Dual Language and Gifted and Talented programs directly to your child's application at MySchools.nyc.nyc.

3-K and Pre-K Applications Open

Get ready for your little ones to begin their educational journey-NYCPS 3-K and pre-k applications open Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

• If your child was born in 2023, they can attend 3-K starting in September 2026.
• If your child was born in 2022, they can attend pre-k starting in September 2026.

To learn more about 3-K and pre-k education in New York City, how to locate a program near you, and how to apply, visit our website at schools.nyc.gov/3K and schools.nyc.gov/PreK

NYC Teenspace

Did you know there are free mental health services available for NYC teenagers? NYC Teenspace is for New Yorkers aged 13-17 who struggle with mental health challenges or want somebody to talk to about their concerns. Connect with a licensed therapist for ongoing support, access online mental health exercises to complete at your own pace, and more. Sign up at nyc.nyc.gov/Teenspace to access these services at no cost regardless of school, income level, or insurance status. Our schools also partner with community-based organizations and school-based health centers to provide mental health support to students. Talk to your parent coordinator to learn more about partnerships at your school, as well as support available from school staff such as counselors and social workers.

Climate Action Day

The second NYCPS Climate Action Day for the 2025-26 school year is coming up on Wednesday, February 4! Each Climate Action Day, NYC public school communities engage in activities highlighting climate education and sustainability practices connected to the theme of the day. The theme for February, "Energy," encourages schools to plan activities throughout the month that teach students and families about energy conservation and renewable energy sources. Visit schools.nyc.gov/ClimateAction to learn more.

Respect for All Week

This year, Respect for All (RFA) Week will be February 9-13, 2026! Throughout the week, schools across the City will highlight and build upon ongoing programs to help students, staff members, and communities gain a better appreciation of one another, regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds. In addition, students will participate in lessons and activities which focus on preventing bullying, intimidation, and bias-based harassment culminating in "National No One Eats Alone Day" on Friday, February 13.

To learn more about Respect for All Week, and to find out more about NYCPS initiatives and resources to combat bullying and harassment, please visit schools.nyc.gov/RespectForAll.

The Morning Bell

Did you know that the latest news and helpful resources for NYC families can all be found online on The Morning Bell? Bookmark us at schools.nyc.gov/MorningBell and share your school's Climate Action Day (#ClimateActionDay) and RFA Week plans (#RespectforAllWeek or #RFAWeek) on social media (@nycschools) for us to spotlight!

Dear Families,

New York City Public Schools has been my home for nearly two decades. It's the place where I found my professional purpose, where I enrolled my own school-aged daughter, and where I've had the immense privilege and honor of being your Chancellor.

When I reflect on this role, I am filled with so much pride and gratitude. I am proud to be an NYCPS parent-watching my own daughter reach her fullest potential in our classrooms. I am proud to work alongside dedicated colleagues-professionals with unparalleled expertise and care for our young people. And I am proud to have empowered our incredible families and communities through meaningful partnership and action.

As the first Puerto Rican woman to lead the nation's largest school system, I have tried my best to make our system work in service of our nearly one million students and their families. The changes we've made, from supporting parents through our Family Connectors model to reimagining literacy instruction with NYC Reads, add up. Together, they are transforming our school system, making it stronger, more effective, and more equitable.

The work is not done, but I am confident that the voices, advocacy, and brilliance of our young people and our families will continue to shine through. It is not through me or any individual leader, but rather through the collective impact of our communities, that we will fulfill the promise of a high-quality education for every child. This vision-one where students are physically and emotionally safe, where they are both challenged and celebrated, and where they are prepared to graduate and take on the world-is one worth fighting for.

I am deeply grateful to Mayor Adams for appointing me to this role, and I thank Mayor-elect Mamdani for his thoughtful consideration as he prepares to lead our city. I want to also congratulate Kamar Samuels, the current superintendent of District 3, who will assume the role of Chancellor on January 1, 2026. I am committed to ensuring a smooth leadership transition, and I look forward to engaging with him and his team going forward in my capacity as a public school parent.

To our entire community: thank you. I am rooting for your success and am proud to be a part of the NYCPS family.

With great admiration,

Melissa Aviles-Ramos
Chancellor

Dear Families,

As we reach the end of 2025, I want to thank you for being part of New York City Public Schools and for entrusting us with your children’s learning and growth. It’s a responsibility we take extremely seriously—and it’s one we can only fulfill in partnership with each of you.

This year, we’ve worked together to ignite the spark of curiosity and deep learning across our schools. With NYC Reads and NYC Solves, we are ensuring students across the city receive high-quality literacy and math instruction. With our Student Pathways work, we’re preparing students for careers in high-demand fields like technology and healthcare. And with our NYCPS Cares initiative, we’re supporting both the whole child and the whole family.

This work aligns to the three core commitments I made when I first became Chancellor, commitments that create environments for deep learning and growth: 1) ensuring safety and promoting wellness, 2) strengthening comprehensive teacher supports, and 3) fostering family and community empowerment. I am grateful to our school leaders, educators, and staff who have been hard at work bringing these commitments to life in our school communities.

We’ve seen real progress as a result. Last spring, reading and math proficiency rose to their highest levels in over a decade. Since 2022, students have earned over $30 million from work-based learning, such as internships and apprenticeships. And within the past year, approximately 3,800 family volunteers have signed up to be Family Connectors, helping other families access resources and support. For a full summary of our progress, please visit our website: schools.nyc.gov/NYCPSProgress.

As Chancellor and as a New York City Public Schools parent myself, I thank you for your partnership, and I wish you a joyful holiday season. As we look ahead to the new year, I am confident our young people will continue to grow and thrive. 

With gratitude, 
Melissa Aviles-Ramos
Chancellor

Kindergarten Admissions Opens December 9

Reminder: Upcoming Admissions Deadlines

There are two important admissions deadlines coming up in early December! The high school application will close on Wednesday, December 3, and the middle school application will close on Friday, December 12. Learn about each admissions process.

Reminder: Parent-Teacher Conferences

Reminder that this year’s second round of virtual parent-teacher conferences (PTCs) begins on Thursday, November 6. On the dates of afternoon parent-teacher conferences, students are dismissed three hours prior to the regular dismissal time. Evening parent-teacher conferences will be held between 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Please note that dates and times can vary depending on school and grade level—reach out to your child’s school to confirm their PTC schedule and how to set up your conference, including an in-person meeting if you prefer. View more tips and guidance on PTCs.

Climate Action Day

The first NYCPS Climate Action Day for the 2025–26 school year is coming up on Wednesday, November 19! Each Climate Action Day, NYC public school communities engage in activities highlighting climate education and sustainability practices connected to the theme of the day. The theme for November, “Waste,” encourages schools to plan activities throughout the month that help students and their families understand the importance of reducing the amount of waste they produce. Learn more about Climate Action Day.

Prepare for Remote Learning

As winter approaches, it’s important to remember that if school buildings must close due to an emergency, such as inclement weather, all K–12 students will participate in remote learning from home. Children attending LYFE or a 3-K or Pre-K program in an elementary school or Pre-K Center should participate in the remote learning experiences outlined by their program.

Speak to your school directly if your child still needs a working, internet-enabled device from NYCPS. Find guidance on how to use your loaned device.

Familiarize yourself ahead of time with the resources your child needs to participate in remote learning:

• Every active NYCPS student is assigned a NYCPS Student Account, which connects them to all NYCPS digital learning tools with a single login. Learn more about Student Accounts.
  • Visit the Self Service website If you are not sure of your child’s NYCPS Account username and password, or ask your school for help.
• Learn more about the digital learning tools NYCPS uses.

New York City Schools Account (NYCSA)

View instructions on signing up for a NYC Schools Account (NYCSA). You can use NYCSA to stay updated about your child’s grades, transportation, attendance, Individualized Education Program (IEP) if applicable, and more. Your child’s school uses the contact information provided in NYCSA and the annual “blue card” form to reach you, so make sure your emergency contact information is updated and accurate!

With NYCSA you can also:

• Fill out and sign digital forms for your child’s school.
• Access technical support with NYCPS devices and platforms via SupportHub.
• Receive information from parent groups such as Community and Citywide Education Councils (CCECs) and your school’s Parent Association/Parent Teacher Association (PA/PTA).

This update from New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) includes important dates on the 2025-26 school year calendar, upcoming admissions information, parent-teacher conferences, preparing for remote learning, vaccination requirements, and the new electronic device policy.

2026 High School Admissions

Starting October 7, current eighth graders and first-time ninth graders can participate in this year's NYCPS high school application process.

Fall 2026 High School applications will close on Wednesday, December 3.

Digital Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT)

This fall, the SHSAT-the entrance exam required for admission to one of NYC's eight Specialized High Schools-will be administered digitally for the first time. Students who wish to take the SHSAT when it is administered in November must register for the test between October 7 and October 31.

2026 Middle School Admissions

Starting Wednesday, October 15, students currently in fifth grade (or sixth grade, for students in K-6 elementary schools) can participate in fall 2026 middle school admissions. Fall 2026 Middle School applications will close on Friday, December 12.

New Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy Reminder

Remember: per New York State law, starting this school year, students may not use their cell phones and other personal internet-enabled electronic devices during the school day. These devices must be stored somewhere like a locker or magnetic pouch. Make sure you are familiar with and following your school's policy on device storage.

November 2025 Parent-Teacher Conferences

This year's second round of parent-teacher conferences (PTCs) begins on Thursday, November 6. PTCs will be conducted remotely in 2025-26, however, schools may arrange an in-person conference upon request. Please note that dates and times can vary depending on school and grade level-speak with your child's school to confirm their PTC schedule and to set up your meeting.

Preparing for Remote Learning

If NYCPS school buildings close due to emergency conditions, all K-12 students will attend classes remotely. Ensure your child has a working, internet-enabled device at home. If you need a NYCPS-loaned device, contact your school directly now; do not wait for a building closure.

Students will need to use their NYCPS Student Account for remote learning. Get login help, or ask your school. Learn more at our Digital Learning page.

Stay Up to Date with Your Child's Vaccinations

All NYCPS students who are 2 months to 18 years old must meet both State and City immunization requirements to attend school. Review vaccine requirements by grade and talk to your child's health provider to learn more. Find a provider who fits your family's needs.

Keep Up with NYC Public Schools

Bookmark The Morning Bell blog and be sure to follow @NYCSchools on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube for the latest news and resources for NYC families!

Dear Families,

Welcome back! I'm thrilled to be starting the 2025-26 school year, and I hope you are as well. As both an educator and a parent, I've experienced many first days of school–but this one has special meaning for me, because it's my first "first day of school" as Chancellor. Our community has so much to accomplish together this year, and I can't wait to get started.

First, we're going to continue to expand upon our key initiatives: NYC Reads, NYC Solves, Student Pathways, and NYCPS Cares. NYC Reads and NYC Solves, which reimagine literacy and math instruction, are coming to 186 additional schools, and our FutureReadyNYC program, which offers high-demand career pathways for our high schoolers, will grow to 50 more schools. NYCPS Cares, our newest initiative, is all about creating a culture of care in our communities; as part of this work, we've launched student-led anti-bullying and anti-vaping campaigns, along with a program called Family Connectors, in which family members and community volunteers help other families access city resources.

These initiatives are already having an impact–just look at our 2025 state exam results, which show promising gains in both reading and math. The percentage of students scoring "proficient" in grades 3-8 grew 7.2 points in literacy and 3.5 points in math, leading to our highest proficiency rates in these subjects since 2012. I'm immensely proud of our students, staff, and families, whose hard work and commitment are directly reflected in these results. We certainly have more to do, but these improvements show we're on the right track.

This year, we'll build on this progress by emphasizing intellectual curiosity and academic rigor, filling our classrooms with rich discussion, deep thinking, and lots of "Aha!" moments. We are also implementing the new state law prohibiting student use of personal internet-enabled devices during the school day, which will help minimize distractions so students can fully engage. Sparking our students' love of learning is a key ingredient in fulfilling our mission: to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in their careers and communities.

I'm so excited to begin this journey with you as my partners. Thank you to our staff, our families and parent leaders, and our entire New York City Public Schools community for your dedication to our students. Happy first day of school, and here's to an incredible year ahead!

In partnership,
Melissa Aviles-Ramos
Chancellor