Our Pre-K students, guided by Teacher Ms. Rani Skopelitis and Paraprofessional Mr. Daniel Bustos, have been deeply engaged in an exciting Tree Study—a hands-on exploration of nature, science and creativity.

Through this unit, students have been learning new vocabulary about tree parts and exploring big questions such as: What do we know about trees? What do we want to find out? How do trees grow? Who lives in a tree?

At each learning center, children are discovering the wonders of nature through play and inquiry:

• Science Center: Observing and comparing pumpkins, acorns, twigs and animals such as squirrels, birds and spiders.

• Art Center: Painting trees using inspirational photos, shaping leaves with playdough and describing textures like soft, rough and pointy.

• Block Center: Building trees of different sizes—big, medium and small—and exploring balance and design.

• Dramatic Play Center: “Picking apples” and pretending to bake apple pies, connecting play to real-life experiences.

• Math & Sensory Center: Practicing 1:1 counting with pinecones and acorns and exploring measurement and quantity in the sand table.
  
  

Students also enjoyed a nature walk along 87th Street, where they observed neighborhood trees and discussed how trees give us shade, oxygen, and homes for animals.

This study not only enriches science learning but also builds language, fine motor and social-emotional skills, helping our youngest learners grow curious, confident and connected to the world around them. 

Our school community came together on Tuesday, November 25 to celebrate one of our most cherished traditions—Multicultural Day. The halls were filled with vibrant colors, joyful conversations and an incredible sense of pride as students arrived wearing clothing that represented their family’s cultural heritage.

From Ecuador to Vietnam, Spain to Bangladesh, Colombia to Mauritania, and many other countries, families shared stories, traditions, foods and artifacts that brought cultures to life in each classroom. Parent volunteers played a central role, offering engaging presentations that captivated students and deepened their appreciation for the diverse world around them.

While grades 1–2 enjoyed classroom-based presentations, our Kindergarteners gathered in the multipurpose room for a shared cultural experience filled with Q&A, discussion and meaningful interaction. Many families also contributed delicious dishes from their home countries, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that felt like a true community celebration.

Multicultural Day once again reminded us of the richness within our school—our traditions, our shared values and the beauty of learning from one another. We are grateful to every family who participated and helped make this special day an unforgettable experience for our students.

On Friday, November 14, Assistant Principal Ms. Dorvil led an informative and engaging parent workshop on MTSS — the Multi-Tiered System of Supports. This workshop helped families understand how P.S. 222Q identifies student needs and provides targeted interventions in both academics and social-emotional learning.

Using examples, visuals and data from classroom practices, Ms. Dorvil explained how Tier 1 instruction supports all students, how Tier 2 small-group interventions are determined and delivered and when Tier 3 individualized supports are considered. Parents learned how reading and math screeners like Acadience help us monitor progress and ensure that students get the right support at the right time.

Families also appreciated learning how social-emotional needs are supported through classroom routines, counseling cycles and collaborative problem-solving. The workshop helped clarify how teachers, administrators and support staff work together to create an inclusive environment where every child can thrive.

Parents left with a clearer understanding of the MTSS process, how decisions are made and how they can partner with the school to support their child’s continued growth. It was a strong example of our commitment to transparency, communication and family partnership.

From November 17–21, students across P.S. 222Q took part in SMART Week, an initiative dedicated to raising awareness and empathy for students and families experiencing temporary housing. Throughout the week, children wore purple or green to show support and solidarity, and engaged in thoughtful classroom activities designed to build understanding, compassion and community responsibility.

Using age-appropriate videos, discussions and read-alouds—including lessons from the DOE’s SMART Week materials—teachers guided students in reflecting on what it means to help others, how families may experience housing transitions and how our school community can respond with kindness and respect. Students asked insightful questions, shared their own observations and connected deeply with the stories and examples presented.

Each day highlighted a different aspect of empathy-building, from understanding basic needs to recognizing how small actions can make a big difference. The conversations were meaningful, gentle and empowering—helping students develop a stronger lens of inclusion and social awareness.

SMART Week continues to be an essential part of our school’s commitment to nurturing emotionally intelligent, socially conscious students. We are proud of how thoughtfully our children embraced the learning and how warmly they expressed care for others.

On Friday, November 21, our school social worker, Ms. Mayra Palacios-LaRosa, led a powerful and uplifting virtual workshop titled “Helping Children Build Confidence & Stay Safe Through Strong Voices and Smart Choices.” Parents joined via Zoom for a compelling session focused on teaching children how to speak up, set boundaries and respond safely in a variety of situations.

Ms. Palacios-LaRosa guided families through strategies for building self-esteem at home, encouraging open communication and helping children differentiate between safe and unsafe situations. She also shared practical language families can use to help children assert themselves respectfully and confidently.

Parents appreciated the warm, judgment-free space to ask questions and reflect on the challenges children face today—from peer pressure to online interactions. Ms. Palacios-LaRosa emphasized the importance of trusted adult relationships—making sure every child knows exactly which adults they can go to at home, at school or in the community when they feel uncertain, unsafe or need support. Parents learned how to name those adults clearly with their children and reinforce the message that seeking help is a sign of strength. 

The workshop concluded with actionable tips families could begin using at home right away. It was a timely and meaningful session that supported our community’s shared goal of raising confident, self-aware and safe children.

On September 3, 2025, the staff of P.S. 222Q came together to reflect deeply on our shared purpose as educators and to reignite our school’s mission and vision. This collaborative process reaffirmed what we believe about teaching and learning, and how we bring those beliefs to life every day in our classrooms.

Our Vision
At P.S. 222Q, we teach so that every child feels safe, engaged and excited.

Our Mission
      Our mission is to provide daily opportunities for language-rich talk, cultivate joy and belonging through classroom routines and strengthen learning through strong family partnerships.

To make our mission visible in every classroom, we identified three daily practices that guide our work:

1. Daily Opportunities for Language-Rich Talk
   Students engage in meaningful conversation across all subjects through turn-and-talks, partner routines, songs, chants and structured sentence frames that build vocabulary and confidence.
   
   

2. Joy and Belonging
   Classrooms are joyful spaces where students feel seen, heard and valued. Each day includes positive greetings, affirmations, movement breaks and opportunities for self-expression and reflection.
   
   

3. Strong Family Partnerships
   We believe learning is strongest when families are involved. From Meet the Teacher Nights and publishing parties to family workshops and ongoing communication through ClassDojo, we actively partner with parents to celebrate and support every child’s growth.
   
   

Together, these practices reflect our commitment to creating a safe, language-rich and joyful learning community—one where children, families and educators learn and thrive together.