Principal's weekly Letter 11/14/25
Principal's weekly letter 11/21/25
Dear Families,
We hope you are doing well. Please take a moment to review these important updates and celebrations from the IS 230 community.
🌐 School Website Update
Our school website address has changed and IS230.ORG is no longer active.
Please visit our new website:
➡️ https://is-230.echalksites.com/
🎓 8th Grade High School Application Update
The High School Application process opened on October 7th and the deadline is December 3, 2025.
As of November 18th, 106 out of 344 8th grade students have submitted their applications. That means 238 students still need to complete the process.
Applications must be completed online by parents/guardians through your NYC MySchools account.
While we will continue to support families through workshops and one-on-one appointments with our 8th grade Guidance Counselor, Mr. Gellard, the responsibility to complete the application ultimately rests with families.
To learn more, visit:
https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-grade-by-grade/high-school
🥫 Thank You for Supporting Our Can Food Drive
Thank you to all the families who donated to our Annual Can Food Drive. We were overwhelmed by your kindness and support. Your generosity will make a meaningful impact on families in need this season.
🎺 HONK NYC! Family Band Performance
On Wednesday, November 20th, HONK NYC!’s Family Band treated our 7th and 8th grade band students to an interactive and energetic performance. Students sang, clapped, and learned about different musical styles, techniques, and the journeys of professional musicians.
A huge thank you to our PTA for sponsoring this wonderful experience!
To learn more about HONK NYC, visit:
https://www.honknyc.com/
🗣 Debate Team Celebration
Congratulations to our incredible IS 230 Debate Team for their amazing performance at this weekend’s competition on the topic:
“This house believes that the benefits of AI in artistic expression outweigh the harm.”
🏆 Award Winners
Top Speakers:
Aliya T.
Dinara I.
Carina N.
Catherina P.
Sanjida Z.
Sodey T.
Shareen R.
1st Place Team:
Sodey T.
Aliya T.
Shareen R.
3rd Place Team:
Catherina P.
Sanjida Z.
Dinara I.
If your child is interested in joining debate, please see Ms. Avila or contact our afterschool program.
✍️ New 21st Century Program: Story Makers Lab
Starting December 2nd, we are excited to launch a new 21st Century afterschool class:
Story Makers Lab with Ms. Ram (for 6th grade students).
🗓 Meets: Tuesdays & Thursdays
⏰ Time: 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
This SEL-based creative writing program will help students explore their identity through short stories, poetry, reflections, and art. By the end of the year, students will co-create a published anthology of their work.
A completed 21st Century Enrollment Form is required to participate.
🎭 Broadway Juniors – Legally Blonde Jr.
Auditions for our Broadway Juniors production of Legally Blonde Jr. will take place on:
📅 November 25th
⏰ 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
📍 Main Building Auditorium
Students should see Ms. Bentley, Mr. Morrone, or Ms. Otlowski for a permission slip.
Legally Blonde Flyer.pdf
🎮 E-Sports Tryouts
We are excited to announce E-Sports tryouts as we pursue our goal of becoming three-peat city champions!
📅 7th & 8th Grade: December 2nd (2:30 – 4:30 p.m.)
📅 6th Grade: December 3rd (2:30 – 4:30 p.m.)
📍 Main Building
No make-up tryouts. For permission slips, see Mrs. Otlowski in Room 307 (Main) or Room 311 (Annex).
E Sports Team Try Outs .pdf
🍽 Family Income Inquiry Form
Even though NYC students receive free lunch, completing the Family Income Inquiry Form helps IS 230 receive its fair share of federal Title I funding.
Please complete the form as soon as possible at:
➡️ www.myschoolapps.com
🚨 Emergency Preparedness
All required Fire Drills and Lockdown Drills for the Fall have been successfully completed.
🌍 Restorative Practices / CRSE Corner
This month, we are celebrating the diverse cultural heritages of our school community. Heritage connects our past, present, and future, and we are excited to honor it through special lunchtime events.
We continue to use the Morningside Cultural Affirming Wheel as our framework.
To learn more, visit:
https://www.morningsidecenter.org/
📅 Important Upcoming Dates
- November 25, 2025: Virtual Family Workshop (6:00 – 6:45 p.m.)
- November 26, 2025: School Closed – Thanksgiving
- November 27, 2025: School Closed – Thanksgiving Break
- December 1, 2025: School Reopens
- December 3, 2025: High School Application Deadline
We look forward to continuing to strengthen communication and relationships within the IS 230 community.
Visit our website for more information and to sign up for E-Chalk notifications:
https://is-230.echalksites.com/home_page
Have a wonderful weekend!
Mr. Ajith Satyanarayana
