Weekly Newsletters

Happy Friday Halsey!

This was a long and exciting week! And this is a long and exciting newsletter! I hope I don't miss any important information, but if I do, just reach out and let me know.

I am also making another push to have all parents sign a Media Consent form on the Halsey website. This allows the school to share images and videos of events in our school. Please take a moment to fill out the form: https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.uTdgPnP.1aj_

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

• Ms. Lisa's Message
• Upcoming School Closures
• Upcoming School Events 
• NYC School Survey
• PTA - Spring Auction & Spirit Store
• Clubs at a Glance - Robotics, 7th&8th Grade Baseball Tryouts, 6th Grade Yoga, Clue Set Building Day, Mural Club, 6th Grade Dance Performance, Chess Club
• Summer Arts Institute Deadline Extended! - 7th & 8th Graders
• Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp - 7th Graders ONLY
• NYSSMA Registration
• 8th Grade Spotlight - Forest Hills High School Peer-Assisted Tutoring Hub, Last Call for Yearbooks!
• Lost & Found - Did you lose something?
• Community Corner - Webinar for The Evaluation Process in Children with ASD, Commonpoint Basketball, Kweller

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

Celebrating Our 8th Graders

I want to take a moment to express just how proud I am of our 8th graders and the way they have navigated this year’s high school application and acceptance process. From start to finish, they demonstrated maturity, responsibility, and a level of composure that truly reflects the strength of their character. Whether they were preparing for auditions, sitting for the SHSAT, or carefully researching their options, our students showed dedication and heart every step of the way.

Their hard work has led to outstanding results, and we are thrilled to celebrate their accomplishments:

71 of our students received offers to Specialized High Schools! 

• 24 to Stuyvesant High School
• 14 to Bronx High School of Science
• 18 to Brooklyn Technical High School
• 11 to Queens High School for the Sciences at York College
• 2 to HS of American Studies @ Lehman College
• 1 to Brooklyn Latin School
• 1 to HS for Math, Science & Engineering @ City College

And these are just the Specialized High Schools! Our students also earned seats in specialized programs across outstanding high schools throughout New York City—programs in the arts, the sciences, STEM, humanities, and so much more.

Among the many highlights, our students received acceptances to the Baccalaureate School for Global Education (5 students), Bard High School Early College (7 students), Beacon High School (5 students), and Eleanor Roosevelt High School (4 students). Forest Hills High School’s Carl Sagan Program welcomed 43 of our students, while 27 students were accepted to Townsend Harris High School.

Students were also accepted to a variety of strong academic and themed programs across the city, including the Academy of American Studies — Intensive (25 students) and Academic Humanities (11 students), Aviation High School (12 students), Art & Design High School (8 students), Maspeth High School (6 students), Talent Unlimited High School (4 students), NYC Lab School (3 students), NYC iSchool (3 students), NYC Museum School (2 students), and the Special Music School (2 students). Additional acceptances include Forest Hills High School’s Drama Academy (3 students) and Academy of Instrumental Music (11 students).

Our students also received impressive acceptances to the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts across several programs: Film & Media Arts (1 student), Fine Arts (6 students), Instrumental Music (3 students), Dance (2 students), and Drama (1 student).

Students also earned acceptances to the prestigious Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in several artistic studios, including Fine Arts (6 students), Dance (1 student), Instrumental Music (4 students), Vocal Music (3 students), Drama (2 students), and Technical Theater (2 students).

Their success reflects not only their talent, but their passion and perseverance in pursuing the opportunities that inspire them. This is an incredible achievement for our students, our staff, and our entire school community. We celebrate not only the impressive numbers, but the determination, effort, and growth behind them.

Congratulations to all of our 8th grade families! I couldn’t be more proud of our 8th grade class.

Women’s History Month Spotlight: Judaline Cassidy Inspires Halsey

This week, our Halsey community had the incredible honor of welcoming Judaline Cassidy—a groundbreaking feminist plumber, tradeswoman activist, and powerful voice for equity in the skilled trades. Born and raised in Trinidad, Ms. Cassidy became one of the first women accepted into Plumbers Local 371 on Staten Island, breaking barriers in a field historically closed to women and reshaping the conversation about who belongs in construction and the trades.

During her visit, Ms. Cassidy spoke to our students with honesty, humor, and unwavering encouragement. She reminded them that “jobs don’t have genders,” and that excellence comes not from talent, but from grit, effort, and pride in your work. She reinforced that anything they dream of—any path they choose—they are capable of achieving when they show up fully and give their best.

Her message was one of empowerment and possibility. Our students left her presentation inspired, energized, and ready to challenge stereotypes with confidence and courage. We are so grateful to Ms. Cassidy for sharing her story and helping our children see the strength within themselves.

Halsey's Talent Show

On Wednesday night, our school community came together for an unforgettable Talent Show. The show reminded us just how brightly our students shine both inside and outside of the classroom. The evening was filled with incredible performances that showcased the wide range of gifts, passions, and creativity our students bring to our community.

Just to highlight a few of the many standout moments:

• Sophia’s beautiful performance of Concerto in G captivated the entire audience with her poise and skill.
• Michael’s stunning rendition of Flute Sonata filled the auditorium with artistry and emotion.
• DJ’s powerful performance of Rise Up gave me chills and had the crowd cheering.

These were just a few of the remarkable talents shared on stage. Every performer brought something unique, and we left the auditorium feeling inspired, proud, and deeply impressed by our students’ dedication and courage.

Closing Out This Week-Girls Basketball!

As I write this newsletter, our girls’ basketball team is still undefeated in the playoffs and gearing up for an exciting afternoon game. If we win today, we advance to another big matchup on Tuesday—and if we take that one, we’re heading straight to the finals! I’ll be there cheering for them and hoping to watch our team continue this incredible run. Go Bulldogs!

Upcoming School Closures

Please mark your calendars for the following days when school will be closed or early dismissals. This information is also available at Halsey157.org. 

Parent Teacher Conferences - Early Dismissal on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Students will be dismissed at 11:20AM. There will be bus service. 

Eid al-Fitr - Schools Closed Friday, March 20, 2026. Schools reopen on Monday, March 23.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Date

D28 Town Hall with Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels - Monday, March 16 at 6:30PM - The Town Hall will be live streamed. Please register for this event by clicking the following link https://zoomgov.com/j/1618456797 More information can be found on the attached flyer. 

March PTA Meeting - Wednesday, March 18th at 7PM on Zoom.

Clue Performance - Monday, March 30th and Tuesday, March 31st. More details to come!

Marking Period 3 Report Card Distribution - Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Pottery Painting with Mr. Lober:
Halsey Middle School is proud to offer a pottery painting experience on Saturday, March 21st, 2026, at Ellys Arts & Crafts at 12 Noon (Address: 10031 Metropolitan Ave. Forest Hills, NY 11375) This includes a set 2–3-hour experience (as long as you need) to choose the pottery of your choice and hand paint it with Mr. Lober and the Halsey Community! Each student that would like to come must come with at least one parent/guardian chaperone. Each person is $10 to reserve the studio space, then it is priced per item you paint (which you may handle at the studio). If you are interested, please fill out the Microsoft form. We will start accepting payments on Monday, February 6th, 2026, and finalize roster March 7th, 2026. This is a first come, first serve basis since the studio can only hold 20 people at a time. 

Link to apply: Pottery Painting With Mr. Lober! – Fill out form

Link: Pottery Painting With Mr. Lober! – Fill out form

Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober
Halsey Middle School is proud to offer a private tour of the world`s famous Queens Night Market on Saturday, May 30th, 2026, at Flushing Meadow Park at 3:45PM (Address: it is right behind the Hall of Science) This includes a tour of the Queens Night Market with Mr. Lober as your guide to some of the best food from all over the world found right in your backyard! Each student that would like to come must come with at least one parent/guardian chaperone. We will be meeting right outside the Queens Night Market at 3:30 PM to brief about the experience and then walk around as it opens (make sure to come hungry!) After, I will have a large, blanketed area set up on the grass so people can sit and mingle as they enjoy their food! Understand that the Queens Night Market is in a flood-zone and is prone to cancellation, so weather is a factor. If the forecast do not look great, Mr. Lober will reach out via email to let families know not to attend. There is no cost to attend, but each item you purchase is typically 4-6 dollars, and cash is your best friend. If you are interested, please fill out the Microsoft form. We will start accepting applications on Monday, February 6th, 2026, and finalize roster May 7th, 2026. 

Link to apply: Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober – Fill out form

Link: Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober – Fill out form

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 school. Your confidential survey responses help our 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 nycschoolsurvey.org or log in to your New York City Schools Account (NYCSA) at schoolsaccount.nyc 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 nycschoolsurvey.org.

If a child’s family completes the survey, they can print out the confirmation page or bring in the paper survey in the sealed envelope so they can be entered into our school raffle:

• One $50 amazon gift card winner per grade
• One $200 amazon gift card winner for the school

PTA

Spring Auction - The Halsey Spring Auction is in the works!  If you would like to join the auction committee or donate an item, please email [email protected].  Our first committee meeting will take place within the next two weeks (date to be announced). We are especially looking for experience-based donations - tickets to events, camps, enrichment classes, or other activities our students would enjoy.  Thank you, as always, for supporting Halsey!

Spirit Store Open

Welcome to Halsey JHS 157’s spirit wear shop! We are so excited to present to you all these new styles and colors. Thank you for supporting our school. Please allow 3 weeks for delivery. All orders will be delivered to the school and distributed. Should you have any questions you can email the PTA @ [email protected]

** ALL SALES ARE FINAL NO RETURNS NO EXCHANGES.  Since these are custom printed please make sure you order the correct size.

Clubs at a Glance

Robotics - This weekend, our Robotics Team will be presenting at the Robotics Exhibition at IS 61 Leonardo Da Vinci Intermediate School. Team members have been hard at work preparing their presentation, fine-tuning their robot, and organizing the details for the big day. We’re excited for them to showcase their skills and represent our school community!

We will also be holding Robotics tryouts beginning March 17. Be sure to keep an eye out for additional information about times and specific details. We look forward to welcoming new members to the team!

7th and 8th Grade Baseball Tryouts - Any 7th or 8th grade student interested in trying out for Halsey's Varsity Baseball team should see Mr. Suh in room 212 to get a permission slip. Permission slips must be returned BEFORE the tryouts. You must have your own glove and protective equipment. 8th grade tryouts are on Tuesday, March 10 and 7th grade tryouts are on Thursday, March 12.

6th Grade Yoga has been postponed until the Test Prep classes finish. Ms. Ruzicka let students know when the club will resume.

Clue Set Building Day - Last Saturday, February 28, we had a group of amazing parents, alumni and staff who came to help build, craft and paint sets for our upcoming production of Clue which will be performed on March 30 & 31^st at 6:30pm. A big shout out to our these awesome volunteers!

Here are some photos from the day and a funny video of Ms. Schwarz being stuck!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zkl_ZF_fQWVMDL3WNHCHbj-6zq2CgMdo/view?usp=sharing

Mural Club - We are happy to announce Halsey Mural Club!  Mural Club is a team of student artists who work together to design and paint a large mural that will be permanently displayed in our school! The club will take place on Thursdays 2:30-4:30 p.m.  You can pick up an application in room 249.  Applications are due by Wednesday, March 11th. Please keep in mind that a submission of application does not guarantee acceptance into the club.   You can return the application to Ms. Cala in room 249 or Ms. Stellatos in room 251. 

6th Grade Dance Performance - 6th Grade Dance students had their first performance at Halsey on Friday, 2/27 during the 6th Grade Assembly! They were joined by top scoring Hip Hop Teams, and even joined onstage by some special guest 8th graders. It was a great show! Congratulations to all the performers!  More photos are available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TgLMUpgRwlTR2kmTVGC_Zq-t2nQ9cKug

Halsey Chess Club - Halsey’s Chess Club is ending its winter session and starting a spring session on Wednesday, March 11^th. This second session will allow students who were not able to participate for the last couple of months the chance to join the Chess Club. As with the first session, meetings will be facilitated by a representative from ChessNYC (https://chessnyc.com/ ).

All students, including students currently in Chess Club, need to apply if they would like to be considered. Those students currently enrolled in ELA and Math State Test Prep can still apply. If accepted, they will begin in April after test prep sessions end.

Families can use this link to sign up for the second session: https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.v4wtQcY.2x5_.

Please note, limited seats are available. For this second session, we will give priority to students who were not accepted into the first session. Any remaining seats will be open to current Chess Club students who have applied. Students accepted into the program will be emailed confirmations by Tuesday, March 10th. Any students not enrolled will be placed on a waiting list.

Summer Arts Institute

Attention 7th and 8th Graders!

The Summer Arts Institute 2026 Application is now live! The Summer Arts Institute is a FREE four week summer arts program for rising 8-12th grade students administered by the NYCPS Arts Office. Admission to the Summer Arts Institute is by application and audition. Students may apply and audition for only ONE studio. 

Student Application Deadline Extended: Monday, March 9, 2026

Virtual Audition Submission Deadline Extended:  Monday, March 9, 2026

For More Information and to Apply Visit: https://www.tinyurl.com/SummerArtsInstitute2026

Questions?: Please e-mail cmcglone2@schools.nyc.gov

See the attached flyer for more information!

Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp - 7th Graders ONLY

The application to Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp 2026 is open until April 3 and available in 14 languages.  Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp is a free, two-week summer arts program for New York City Public Schools students entering grade 8 in September 2026. The program also includes one weekend in the fall for follow-up sessions before high school auditions begin.   Please see the flyer attached. Translated copies of the flyer can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1glTx2J-vfBfQxmtu3iv2_5_2gj4Zx5lC

NYSSMA Registration

NYSSMA registration for solo evaluations will open soon! NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) evaluations are a place where students who play an instrument and/or sing perform for a judge and receive feedback. Students must perform something from the NYSSMA manual and are typically students who take private lessons (although that is not mandatory). The private teachers typically have a manual and choose a song for the students. Please note that the manual is now digital and can be purchased on the NYSSMA website if you are a NYSSMA member.

NYSSMA is on May 29th OR May 30th at Corona Arts & Sciences Academy 98-11 44th Ave, Corona 11368, for all instruments and voice EXCEPT PIANO. 

NYSSMA piano solos will be held at Queens College. The piano festival will be held at Queens College on June 12th OR June 13th. This festival is for ONLY PIANO. 

The registration deadline for both festivals is Monday, March 23rd, 2026.

Please click the link below to fill out an information form, which Ms. Shikowitz will then use to register your child on the official site once it is available.

Information form link: https://forms.gle/Eau4wCURZKBXYLms6

Questions? Please contact Ms. Shikowitz at [email protected]. 

8th Grade Spotlight

Are you ready for Algebra I? - The Forest Hills High School Peer-Assisted Tutoring Hub (PATH) is offering free tutoring for 7th and 8th graders to prepare them for the Algebra I curriculum. Sessions will take place at Halsey on Wednesdays from 2:30-3:30 PM from March 11th to May 6th. Please see the attached flyer for more information. To sign up, please click here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxIQFM-TW1nzXejMN5fzeD1xwB4ADZxcg1xrkiVJtdS-U3iw/viewform

This is a reminder that the deadline to personalize your child’s yearbook is March 13th. If you would like to add a name, icons, or any custom features, please make sure to complete that by the deadline.

The final day to purchase a yearbook is April 17th. After April 17th, the ordering window closes and we are not able to reopen it. Last year, several students were disappointed because they missed the deadline. Link to order: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1053211/JHS-157-S-A-Halsey-Junior-High-School/2026-Yearbook/20251007041826433145/CATALOG_SHOP/

Thank you for helping us ensure all students who want a yearbook are able to get one. If you need any assistance, please reach out to Mrs. Lamere and Mrs. Slaney.

Lost & Found - Important Items

I'm happy to report that several items have been claimed, including a wallet, glasses, keys, headphones and AirPods, and there are still plenty of items here!

When items like keys or glasses are found around the building, the items are usually brought to the Parent Coordinator office. Here are a few items that were recently found and may belong to one of our students. If you recognize the item, come see Coach Sue in Room 100.

If you believe an item may be yours, please reach out to Coach Sue - [email protected]. 

Community Corner

Family Connect is hosing a free webinar on Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 10-11:30AM on The Evaluation Process in Children with ASD. This presentation will focus on the different diagnostic evaluations available to diagnose ASD. Dr. Gorenstein will discuss what parents should look for when seeking an independent evaluation for his or her child and provide an overview of what types of evaluations are needed to access services. You can register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cCMCYdVDQdOR2illkml77Q#/registration 

Commonpoint Central Queens Basketball is offering 3 leagues: 

• Co-ed (Ages 9–11)
• Co-ed (Ages 12–15)
• All Girls (Ages 8–12)

They are also offering a 20% discount from today through March 7th. To receive the discount, families can reach out directly to Dina Goldstein at [email protected] or contact [email protected]

Kweller Prep - Kweller Prep is offering many classes, including:

• Algebra 1 Regents Crash Course - https://www.kwellerprep.com/product/regents-exam-prep-april-18th-june-6th-2026/
• SHSAT Summer Camp - https://www.kwellerprep.com/tutoring-services/shsat-exam-prep/

FanfaireNYC 2026, the High School for Art & Design's Premier Pop Culture Event, will be held the weekend of April 25-26. See artists, illustrators, animators and others in professions that related to one of the school's 8 design majors. Purchase your ticket in advance to take advantage of the Early Bird Ticket Pricing. Use code: EARLY2026 for 15% off. More information can be found on their website: https://www.fanfairenyc.com/

Happy Friday Halsey!

It feels like a really long week, and I can only imagine it's because of the blizzard!

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

• Ms. Lisa's Message
• NYCPS March Family Letter
• Upcoming School Closures
• Upcoming School Events - School Spirit Day, Talent Show, Women's History Month Assemblies
• NYC School Survey
• St. Jude Math-A-Thon
• PTA - Volunteers Needed, Spring Auction & Spirit Store
• Clubs at a Glance - Robotics, Queens Borough Arts Festival, Baseball Tryouts
• Summer Arts Institute Deadline Extended! - 7th & 8th Graders
• Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp - 7th Graders ONLY
• NYSSMA Registration
• 8th Grade Spotlight - Last Call for Yearbooks!
• Lost & Found - Did you lose something?
• Community Corner - Kweller, INCLUDElive, FanfaireNYC 2026

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

Spotlight on Inspiration: Our Assembly with Paralympic Champion Blake Leeper

This week, our Halsey community had the tremendous honor of welcoming Blake Leeper, Paralympic medalist, world-record-breaking sprinter, and a living example of what it means to rise above every obstacle placed in your path. Blake’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. Born without legs below the knee, his parents were told he would never walk. Yet Blake not only learned to walk, he learned to run, and to chase dreams far bigger than anyone imagined for him.

His message to our students was powerful and beautifully simple: anything is possible, believe in yourself, build resilience, and dream huge.

Blake reminded us that no great achievement happens alone. He encouraged our students to build their own “gold medal team,” to surround themselves with people who lift them higher, cheer for their success, and challenge them to be their best selves. Just as importantly, he urged them to be that kind of friend for others.

Watching our students connect with Blake’s energy, humor, honesty, and passion was truly moving. His words sparked reflection, laughter, hope, and a sense of determination that filled the auditorium. Moments like these remind us why special assemblies are important, because when students see someone who has defied every odd imaginable, they begin to see all that they too are capable of becoming.

We are so grateful to Blake Leeper for sharing his story, his heart, and his belief in the limitless potential of every young person. His visit will stay with our students for a long time, and I know many walked away feeling inspired to work a little harder, dream a little bigger, and believe a little more deeply in themselves. 

Reflecting on a Meaningful February

As we close out the month of February, I want to take a moment to recognize just how vibrant and inspiring this month has been at Halsey. Our school was filled with powerful conversations, joyful celebrations, and experiences that brought our community even closer together.

During Respect for All Week, our students and staff embraced the values that define who we are as a school family. Through activities, classroom discussions, and daily affirmations, our community leaned into kindness, empathy, inclusivity, and the understanding that every person deserves to feel valued and seen. Watching our students lead with compassion was a reminder of the culture we continue to build together.

We also spent the month honoring Black History Month, celebrating the extraordinary achievements, contributions, and enduring legacy of Black leaders, innovators, artists, and changemakers. Our classrooms and hallways were alive with learning, storytelling, reflection, and student-centered projects that centered both historical and contemporary voices. Most importantly, our students had opportunities to see themselves reflected in the brilliance, strength, and excellence of Black history and culture.

This month, we were fortunate to host two incredible assemblies that deepened our students’ learning and added even more meaning to our February celebrations.
Students heard from Cheryl Wills, award-winning journalist and author, who encouraged them to know their story and understand the history and legacy that shape who they are. Then this week, Blake Leeper, Paralympic medalist and world-record-breaking sprinter, inspired our students with his message that anything is possible when you believe in yourself, build resilience, dream big, and surround yourself with people who lift you higher. Both speakers left a powerful impact on our school and reminded our students of the importance of identity, perseverance, and purpose.

February has been a month full of pride, learning, unity, and joy. While this month offers a special opportunity to shine an even brighter light on Black history and culture, we celebrate Black excellence every single day at Halsey!

Now Onto March!

As we welcome the month of March, we look forward to another exciting stretch of learning and celebration at Halsey. March is College Awareness Month at our school, and our students will participate in a variety of activities designed to spark curiosity, expand their aspirations, and help them envision their future pathways. This month will culminate in our very own Halsey student‑run College Fair on March 27th, where our students will proudly represent different colleges for the entire school community.

March is also Women’s History Month, a time to honor the remarkable achievements, resilience, and leadership of women throughout history and around the world. 

We look forward to an exciting month of March!

NYCPS March Family Letter - Attached please find the NYC Public Schools family letter for March. Translations of this letter are available at https://www.schools.nyc.gov/about-us/messages-for-families Included in the letter is information about Summer Rising 2026, High School Offers, Parent-Teacher Conferences, Civics Week and the NYC School Survey.

Upcoming School Closures

Please mark your calendars for the following days when school will be closed or early dismissals. This information is also available at Halsey157.org. 

Parent Teacher Conferences - Early Dismissal on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Students will be dismissed at 11:20AM. There will be bus service. 

Eid al-Fitr - Schools Closed Friday, March 20, 2026. Schools reopen on Monday, March 23.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Date

School Spirit Day - Monday, March 2, 2026 - Everyone is invited to share their college pride by wearing something that represents a college or university - sweatshirt, t-shirt, jersey or school colors!

Talent Show - Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 6PM in the Auditorium. Tickets are $5 and available on the website at https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.vcgdWPW.sc_

Women’s History Month Assemblies - As part of Halsey's recognition of March’s Women's History Month, on Friday March 6^th (Day 1) each grade will meet with Judaline Cassidy, feminist plumber, Tradeswoman activist, and author. She will share her story, explaining the importance of giving women and girls opportunities in every field, including male-dominated fields. 

Marking Period 3 Report Card Distribution - Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Pottery Painting with Mr. Lober:
Halsey Middle School is proud to offer a pottery painting experience on Saturday, March 21st, 2026, at Ellys Arts & Crafts at 12 Noon (Address: 10031 Metropolitan Ave. Forest Hills, NY 11375) This includes a set 2–3-hour experience (as long as you need) to choose the pottery of your choice and hand paint it with Mr. Lober and the Halsey Community! Each student that would like to come must come with at least one parent/guardian chaperone. Each person is $10 to reserve the studio space, then it is priced per item you paint (which you may handle at the studio). If you are interested, please fill out the Microsoft form. We will start accepting payments on Monday, February 6th, 2026, and finalize roster March 7th, 2026. This is a first come, first serve basis since the studio can only hold 20 people at a time. 

Link to apply: Pottery Painting With Mr. Lober! – Fill out form

Link: Pottery Painting With Mr. Lober! – Fill out form

Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober
Halsey Middle School is proud to offer a private tour of the world`s famous Queens Night Market on Saturday, May 30th, 2026, at Flushing Meadow Park at 3:45PM (Address: it is right behind the Hall of Science) This includes a tour of the Queens Night Market with Mr. Lober as your guide to some of the best food from all over the world found right in your backyard! Each student that would like to come must come with at least one parent/guardian chaperone. We will be meeting right outside the Queens Night Market at 3:30 PM to brief about the experience and then walk around as it opens (make sure to come hungry!) After, I will have a large, blanketed area set up on the grass so people can sit and mingle as they enjoy their food! Understand that the Queens Night Market is in a flood-zone and is prone to cancellation, so weather is a factor. If the forecast do not look great, Mr. Lober will reach out via email to let families know not to attend. There is no cost to attend, but each item you purchase is typically 4-6 dollars, and cash is your best friend. If you are interested, please fill out the Microsoft form. We will start accepting applications on Monday, February 6th, 2026, and finalize roster May 7th, 2026. 

Link to apply: Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober – Fill out form

Link: Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober – Fill out form

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 school. Your confidential survey responses help our 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 nycschoolsurvey.org or log in to your New York City Schools Account (NYCSA) at schoolsaccount.nyc 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 nycschoolsurvey.org.

If a child’s family completes the survey, they can print out the confirmation page or bring in the paper survey in the sealed envelope so they can be entered into our school raffle:

• One $50 amazon gift card winner per grade
• One $200 amazon gift card winner for the school

St. Jude Math-A-Thon

The Halsey 2026 St. Jude Math-A-Thon is here! St. Jude Math-A-Thon is a school-based fundraiser that supports St. Jude's Research Hospital, an organization dedicated to treating and defeating childhood cancer and other life threatening diseases. The fundraiser will run from Friday, January 16 through Friday, March 6, 2026. More details were shared with students during assemblies and in their math classes and in a dedicated email this week. 

Families can also support fundraising efforts online by sharing the following link on social media (Instagram, Facebook, etc.): https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/Math/Math?pg=entry&fr_id=163522

PTA

Volunteers Needed - If you would like to volunteer to help out at the school, we have an upcoming event that need staffing:

Talent Show (March 4)  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B44ADAF2FA1FD0-61855178-talent

Spring Auction - The Halsey Spring Auction is in the works!  If you would like to join the auction committee or donate an item, please email [email protected].  Our first committee meeting will take place within the next two weeks (date to be announced). We are especially looking for experience-based donations - tickets to events, camps, enrichment classes, or other activities our students would enjoy.  Thank you, as always, for supporting Halsey!

Spirit Store Open

Welcome to Halsey JHS 157’s spirit wear shop! We are so excited to present to you all these new styles and colors. Thank you for supporting our school. Please allow 3 weeks for delivery. All orders will be delivered to the school and distributed. Should you have any questions you can email the PTA @ [email protected]

** ALL SALES ARE FINAL NO RETURNS NO EXCHANGES.  Since these are custom printed please make sure you order the correct size.

Clubs at a Glance

Robotics - We hope everyone had a wonderful break and stayed safe during the snow!

Our robotics team jumped right back into action this week. They are getting ready for an upcoming exhibition where they will proudly present their robot. As part of the event, students will give a presentation explaining how they worked together as a team to design and build their robot. They’ll be sharing their hard work in front of an auditorium filled with future robotics members!

We will begin recruitment for the 2026–2027 Robotics Team later in March. Be on the lookout for more information if your student is interested in joining!

Queens Borough Arts Festival - Congratulations to Alani in 8T3 whose artwork "Sea of Lies" was chosen for the Queens Borough Arts Festival at the Queens Museum. The exhibition opens on April 28, 2026!

7th and 8th Grade Baseball Tryouts - Any 7th or 8th grade student interested in trying out for Halsey's Varsity Baseball team should see Mr. Suh in room 212 to get a permission slip. Permission slips must be returned BEFORE the tryouts. You must have your own glove and protective equipment. 8th grade tryouts are on Tuesday, March 10 and 7th grade tryouts are on Thursday, March 12.

Summer Arts Institute

Attention 7th and 8th Graders!

The Summer Arts Institute 2026 Application is now live! The Summer Arts Institute is a FREE four week summer arts program for rising 8-12th grade students administered by the NYCPS Arts Office. Admission to the Summer Arts Institute is by application and audition. Students may apply and audition for only ONE studio. 

Student Application Deadline Extended: Monday, March 9, 2026

Virtual Audition Submission Deadline Extended:  Monday, March 9, 2026

For More Information and to Apply Visit: https://www.tinyurl.com/SummerArtsInstitute2026

Questions?: Please e-mail cmcglone2@schools.nyc.gov

See the attached flyer for more information!

Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp - 7th Graders ONLY

The application to Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp 2026 is open until April 3 and available in 14 languages.  Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp is a free, two-week summer arts program for New York City Public Schools students entering grade 8 in September 2026. The program also includes one weekend in the fall for follow-up sessions before high school auditions begin.   Please see the flyer attached. Translated copies of the flyer can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1glTx2J-vfBfQxmtu3iv2_5_2gj4Zx5lC

NYSSMA Registration

NYSSMA registration for solo evaluations will open soon! NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) evaluations are a place where students who play an instrument and/or sing perform for a judge and receive feedback. Students must perform something from the NYSSMA manual and are typically students who take private lessons (although that is not mandatory). The private teachers typically have a manual and choose a song for the students. Please note that the manual is now digital and can be purchased on the NYSSMA website if you are a NYSSMA member.

NYSSMA is on May 29th OR May 30th at Corona Arts & Sciences Academy 98-11 44th Ave, Corona 11368, for all instruments and voice EXCEPT PIANO. 

NYSSMA piano solos will be held at Queens College. The piano festival will be held at Queens College on June 12th OR June 13th. This festival is for ONLY PIANO. 

The registration deadline for both festivals is Monday, March 23rd, 2026.

Please click the link below to fill out an information form, which Ms. Shikowitz will then use to register your child on the official site once it is available.

Information form link: https://forms.gle/Eau4wCURZKBXYLms6

Questions? Please contact Ms. Shikowitz at [email protected]. 

8th Grade Spotlight

This is a reminder that the deadline to personalize your child’s yearbook is March 13th. If you would like to add a name, icons, or any custom features, please make sure to complete that by the deadline.

The final day to purchase a yearbook is April 17th. After April 17th, the ordering window closes and we are not able to reopen it. Last year, several students were disappointed because they missed the deadline. Link to order: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1053211/JHS-157-S-A-Halsey-Junior-High-School/2026-Yearbook/20251007041826433145/CATALOG_SHOP/

Thank you for helping us ensure all students who want a yearbook are able to get one. If you need any assistance, please reach out to Mrs. Lamere and Mrs. Slaney.

Lost & Found - Important Items

I'm happy to report that several items have been claimed, including a wallet, glasses, keys, headphones and AirPods, and there are still plenty of items here!

When items like keys or glasses are found around the building, the items are usually brought to the Parent Coordinator office. Here are a few items that were recently found and may belong to one of our students. If you recognize the item, come see Coach Sue in Room 100.

If you believe an item may be yours, please reach out to Coach Sue - [email protected]. 

Community Corner

Kweller Prep - Kweller Prep is hosting a series of free webinars and free high school tours designed to support students as they prepare for state tests, entrance exams, and the high school admissions process. These opportunities are completely free for families. Free High School Tours:

• Trip to York High School: https://conta.cc/4bwkMCZ 
• Trip to Brooklyn Tech: https://conta.cc/3Zo6soJ

INCLUDElive Series - INCLUDEnyc is hosing conversations with experts in the disability community and the next live is on March 5 at 12 noon. The topis is Anxiety in Children and Youth: What Parents Need to Know and will feature a discussion with Michael L. Costa, Psy.D. on learning how to recognize signs of anxiety in young people, insights on parenting a child with anxiety, when and how to seek help, and how cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) works. Sign up here: https://includenyc.org/events/anxiety-in-children-and-youth-what-parents-need-to-know/

FanfaireNYC 2026, the High School for Art & Design's Premier Pop Culture Event, will be held the weekend of April 25-26. See artists, illustrators, animators and others in professions that related to one of the school's 8 design majors. Purchase your ticket in advance to take advantage of the Early Bird Ticket Pricing. Use code: EARLY2026 for 15% off. More information can be found on their website: https://www.fanfairenyc.com/

Happy Friday Halsey!

We made it to mid-winter break! When we get back, I'm hosting a parent workshop (details below). And if you haven't yet signed up for NYCSA, do that over the break!

A note to students (and your parents), take some time over the break to CLEAN OUT YOUR BACKPACKS! I know my own kids' backpacks are full of sorts of things that don't need to be there. Take a few minutes and go through what's in there and make some decisions about what you need and what can be left at home!

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

• Ms. Lisa's Message
• Upcoming School Closures
• Upcoming School Events - Parent Workshop, Black History Month Assembly, Talent Show, Women's History Month Assemblies
• OPERATION Backpack Clean Up
• NYC School Survey
• ELA & Math Test Prep
• St. Jude Math-A-Thon
• PTA - Volunteers Needed & Fundraisers - Regal Cinema & Instacart Gift Cards
• Sprit Store Open
• Clubs at a Glance - Boys Volley Ball, NYSSMA, All Star Basketball
• Summer Arts Institute - 7th & 8th Graders
• Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp - 7th Graders ONLY
• NYSSMA Registration
• Field Trip Highlights
• Lost & Found - Did you lose something?
• Community Corner - Kweller & NYC Parks

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

PS. I will be traveling and will reply to emails when I return to school on 2/23!

Ms. Lisa's Message

Respect for All Week at Halsey

This was a truly wonderful week at Halsey, filled with positive energy, joy, and meaningful learning experiences as we celebrated Respect for All Week. Our students participated with enthusiasm, creativity, and kindness, and the spirit they brought each day made our school shine.

We began the week with our Respect Defined activity. Each homeroom received a word connected to the theme of respect and spent time brainstorming what their word meant to them. Students then created beautiful poster boards that showcased their ideas and artistic talents. These posters now form a giant Respect for All mural in our main hallway. The mural is filled with powerful messages and incredible artwork that show how deeply our students understand the importance of treating one another with kindness and dignity.

Throughout the week, every homeroom also signed a No Place for Hate pledge. By signing this pledge, students committed to standing against hate and helping ensure that Halsey remains a welcoming and supportive place for everyone.

On Wednesday, we celebrated Multicultural Day. So many of our students honored their culture, ethnicity, or gender identity through their clothing, while others proudly wore shirts and accessories with positive and uplifting messages. As students passed through the halls, we also enjoyed music from many different countries, which created a joyful atmosphere and highlighted the beauty of our global community. It was a wonderful reminder of the diversity that makes our school so special.

Thursday brought even more meaningful activities. Our Respect for All Club hosted an information table during lunch where they shared resources and gave out pins to promote kindness, understanding, and inclusion. Class 821 also held a bake sale to support the Equal Justice Initiative after reading the novel To Kill a Mockingbird. They were inspired to take action and raise awareness about individuals who have been wrongfully accused. The Equal Justice Initiative works to confront racial disparities in the judicial system and support victims of discrimination. The students raised 625 dollars for the organization, and we could not be prouder of their compassion and leadership. We extend a very special thank you to Ms. Gordon, Class 821's amazing ELA teacher, who encouraged and guided this powerful act of student activism.

Today we closed out Respect for All Week with P S I Love You Day. This day focuses on promoting mental health awareness, spreading kindness, and reminding one another that no one is ever alone. Students wore purple in recognition of the day and created purple hearts with messages of gratitude, encouragement, and kindness. These hearts are displayed throughout the building, and our beautiful heart tree outside the main office is filled with heartfelt messages from our students. During lunch, students made an effort to sit with peers they may not usually talk to as we also recognized National No One Eats Alone Day. Our incredible PTA added to the joy by hosting the annual P S I Love You candy gram sale, and students loved sending sweet messages to one another all afternoon.

As we wrap up this special week, I know our students will carry these lessons forward and continue to help our community spread kindness, acceptance, and love throughout the rest of the school year. 

Meanwhile in Spain....

Meanwhile in Spain, our students are having a truly fabulous time exploring Ronda, Seville, Granada, and Toledo. Yesterday, they even Face Timed me while making beautiful, hand-crafted fans, and I loved to see their excitement. They have been fully immersed in the culture of Spain, enjoying the history, taking in the breathtaking sights, and practicing the language with confidence and enthusiasm.

I cannot wait to hear all of their stories and reflections when they return. This experience is giving them memories that will last a lifetime, and we are so proud of the way they are embracing every moment of their adventure.

Halsey-Sage Disney Trip Returns!

Today our students returned to school full of smiles and wonderful stories after spending an unforgettable week in Disney with students from Russell Sage JHS 190. Throughout the trip, they had the incredible opportunity to participate in a variety of arts workshops hosted by Disney, where they explored creativity, performance, and teamwork in truly magical ways. Students also visited the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and EPCOT Center, with many sharing that EPCOT was their absolute favorite. They had an amazing time, built new friendships, and created memories they will carry with them for years to come. We are so happy to have them back and so proud of the way they represented Halsey on this exciting trip.

Wishing Our Families a Wonderful Winter Break

As we head into winter break, I want to wish all of our Halsey families a lovely break. To everyone who celebrates, I wish you a beautiful Lunar New Year filled with hope, renewal, and good fortune. I also want to extend warm wishes to our families preparing for Ramadan. May this sacred time bring peace, reflection, and blessings to you and your loved ones. However you spend this break, I hope it is filled with moments that bring you joy.

When we return to school on Monday, February 23rd, we will resume our regular morning routines, with both the school yard and the cafeteria opening at seven thirty in the morning for students.

Upcoming School Closures

Please mark your calendars for the following days when school will be closed or early dismissals. This information is also available at Halsey157.org. 

Midwinter Recess - Schools Closed Monday, February 16 through Friday, February 20. Schools reopen on Monday, February 23.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Date

Parent Workshop - "Staying Informed at Halsey" With a school as big as Halsey, parents and guardians need to stay informed. This workshops will focus on the various communication methods and tools used at Halsey. Parents will walk away with an understanding of where to find the information they need. The workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25 at 9AM in Room 110. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/sSQKW7nvueZNvbzW6

Black History Month Assembly - Thursday, February 26^th (Day 1) Blake Leeper, 8-time Paralympic Track & Field international medalist, author of Why Not Me, and motivational speaker will visit Halsey to share his life’s story, and to talk to students about the power of resilience and inclusion.

Talent Show - Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Women’s History Month Assemblies - As part of Halsey's recognition of March’s Women's History Month, on Friday March 6^th (Day 1) each grade will meet with Judaline Cassidy, feminist plumber, Tradeswoman activist, and author. She will share her story, explaining the importance of giving women and girls opportunities in every field, including male-dominated fields. 

OPERATION Backpack Clean Up

A note to students (and your parents), CLEAN OUT YOUR BACKPACKS!

Here are some suggestions to cleaning up and lightening up the bag:

• Take a few minutes to go through what is in the backpack and make decisions about what you need and what can be left at home. Here's a hint: you probably don't need 96 markers and 48 pencils, a handful is probably enough.
• Place heavier items towards the back of the bag (like laptops and heavy books) so they are near the back, and put lighter items on the outer side of the bag. This helps evenly distribute the weight.
• Use both straps of the backpack and choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps. Make sure that the straps are tight so the back is not hanging too low. 
• Use a small or lighter water bottle. Big stainless steel water bottles that are full are quite heavy. Opt for a bottle that is smaller and refill.

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 school. Your confidential survey responses help our 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 nycschoolsurvey.org or log in to your New York City Schools Account (NYCSA) at schoolsaccount.nyc 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 nycschoolsurvey.org.

If a child’s family completes the survey, they can print out the confirmation page or bring in the paper survey in the sealed envelope so they can be entered into our school raffle:

• One $50 amazon gift card winner per grade
• One $200 amazon gift card winner for the school

ELA & Math Test Prep

Halsey is pleased to offer ELA and Math test prep sessions to our students preparing for the ELA and Math state tests in April and May:

English Language Arts (ELA) state test dates:

• Grade 6:  Tuesday April 14^th and Wednesday, April 15^th
• Grade 7: Thursday, April 16^th and Friday, April 17^th
• Grade 8: Monday, April 20^th and Tuesday, April 21^st

Mathematics state test dates:

• Grade 6: 7th. Thursday, April 30^th and  Friday, May1^st
• Grades 7 and 8: Tuesday, May 4^th and Wednesday, May 5^th

Test prep sessions will take place beginning the week of March 2^nd and run through the last week in March, with a make-up session on Wednesday April 1^st: 

• Wednesdays 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM: March 4^th, 11^th, 18^th, 25^th
• Thursdays 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM: March 5^th, 19^th, 26^th, with Wednesday April 1^st as the make-up session for Thursday March 12^th (no session due to PT Conferences)
• Wednesday mornings 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: March 4^th, 11^th, 18^th, 25^th
• Thursday mornings 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: March 5^th, 19^th, 12^th, 26^th

If you would like to register your child for test prep for either or both ELA and Math, visit the following link: https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.vahPTwL.3R_ . You must indicate your preferences before Friday, February 13^th. Final registrations will be emailed to parents the week of February 23^rd. Please note that spaces are limited. If we cannot accommodate all students, registration will be prioritized based on need.

Parents of 8^th grade Algebra Regents students, this is NOT Algebra Regents Test preparation. Algebra test prep will be organized later in the school year and an email regarding test prep for Algebra will be sent out at a later date. 

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Dechongkit ([email protected]).

St. Jude Math-A-Thon

The Halsey 2026 St. Jude Math-A-Thon is here! St. Jude Math-A-Thon is a school-based fundraiser that supports St. Jude's Research Hospital, an organization dedicated to treating and defeating childhood cancer and other life threatening diseases. The fundraiser will run from Friday, January 16 through Friday, February 27, 2026. More details were shared with students during assemblies and in their math classes and in a dedicated email this week. 

Families can also support fundraising efforts online by sharing the following link on social media (Instagram, Facebook, etc.): https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/Math/Math?pg=entry&fr_id=163522

PTA

Volunteers Needed

If you would like to volunteer to help out at the school, we have an upcoming event that need staffing:

Talent Show (March 4)  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B44ADAF2FA1FD0-61855178-talent

Fundraisers

The PTA Fundraiser with GroupRaise & Regal Cinemas runs from December 15, 2025 through February 15, 2026.

Fundraiser link: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/69227

The PTA Fundraiser with GroupRaise & Instacart runs from December 19, 2025 through February 27, 2026.

Fundraiser link: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/69228

For more information, see the attachment!

Spirit Store Open

Welcome to Halsey JHS 157’s spirit wear shop! We are so excited to present to you all these new styles and colors. Thank you for supporting our school. Please allow 3 weeks for delivery. All orders will be delivered to the school and distributed. Should you have any questions you can email the PTA @ [email protected]

** ALL SALES ARE FINAL NO RETURNS NO EXCHANGES.  Since these are custom printed please make sure you order the correct size.

Clubs at a Glance

Boys Volleyball - Open to boys in grades 6, 7 and 8, the tryouts for Boys Volleyball will be on Thursday, Feb. 26 from 2:30-5:00PM. All boys who are interested should pick up a permission slip and return it to Ms. McGuckin in room 213 or MR. Kagen in Gym B. 

NYSSMA

Congratulations to our wonderful students who participated in the NYSSMA Zone 12 Queens Junior Area All State Festival last weekend! We were the only school to have student participants in all five ensembles. 

Queens vs. Brooklyn Allstar Game

Congratulations to the students, Nyla Moore, Sabrina Gomez, Mason Diaz, Zarshed Najmiddinov, chosen to represent Halsey at the Queens vs. Brooklyn Allstar basketball game. Our own Ms. Palmieri was chosen to coach the girls team!

Summer Arts Institute

Attention 7th and 8th Graders!

The Summer Arts Institute 2026 Application is now live! The Summer Arts Institute is a FREE four week summer arts program for rising 8-12th grade students administered by the NYCPS Arts Office. Admission to the Summer Arts Institute is by application and audition. Students may apply and audition for only ONE studio. 

Student Application Deadline: February 25, 2026

Virtual Audition Submission Deadline:  March 1, 2026

For More Information and to Apply Visit: https://www.tinyurl.com/SummerArtsInstitute2026

Questions?: Please e-mail cmcglone2@schools.nyc.gov

See the attached flyer for more information!

Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp - 7th Graders ONLY

The application to Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp 2026 is open until April 3 and available in 14 languages.  Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp is a free, two-week summer arts program for New York City Public Schools students entering grade 8 in September 2026. The program also includes one weekend in the fall for follow-up sessions before high school auditions begin.   Please see the flyer attached. Translated copies of the flyer can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1glTx2J-vfBfQxmtu3iv2_5_2gj4Zx5lC

NYSSMA Registration

NYSSMA registration for solo evaluations will open soon! NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) evaluations are a place where students who play an instrument and/or sing perform for a judge and receive feedback. Students must perform something from the NYSSMA manual and are typically students who take private lessons (although that is not mandatory). The private teachers typically have a manual and choose a song for the students. Please note that the manual is now digital and can be purchased on the NYSSMA website if you are a NYSSMA member.

NYSSMA is on May 29th OR May 30th at Corona Arts & Sciences Academy 98-11 44th Ave, Corona 11368, for all instruments and voice EXCEPT PIANO. 

NYSSMA piano solos will be held at Queens College. The piano festival will be held at Queens College on June 12th OR June 13th. This festival is for ONLY PIANO. 

The registration deadline for both festivals is Monday, March 23rd, 2026.

Please click the link below to fill out an information form, which Ms. Shikowitz will then use to register your child on the official site once it is available.

Information form link: https://forms.gle/Eau4wCURZKBXYLms6

Questions? Please contact Ms. Shikowitz at [email protected]. 

Field Trip Highlights

Select chorus went to see the NY Philharmonic today!

Lost & Found - Important Items

When items like keys or glasses are found around the building, the items are usually brought to the Parent Coordinator office. Here are a few items that were recently found and may belong to one of our students. If you recognize the item, come see Coach Sue in Room 100.

If you believe an item may be yours, please reach out to Coach Sue - [email protected]. 

Community Corner

Kweller Prep

Kweller Prep is hosting a series of free webinars and free high school tours designed to support students as they prepare for state tests, entrance exams, and the high school admissions process. These opportunities are completely free for families.

Free Webinars (Online):

• SAT Exam Webinar: https://conta.cc/4rskim5 

Free High School Tours:

• Trip to York High School: https://conta.cc/4bwkMCZ 
• Trip to Townsend Harris High School: https://conta.cc/4a2bUma 
• Trip to Brooklyn Tech: https://conta.cc/3Zo6soJ

NYC Parks - Little Hearts, Big Smiles!

Bring your family and friends to the Al Oerter Recreation on Friday February 20, to celebrate love and friendship at our Little Hearts, Big Smiles event. This event will feature arts & crafts, fun games and activities, and a musical performance by our afterschool program.
Friday, February 20, 2026
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Al Oerter Recreation Center | (718) 353-7853
131-40 Fowler Ave., Flushing, N.Y. 11355

Happy Friday Halsey!

I am hosting another workshop for families. See the details below!

Also, I'm working to make sure all our parents and guardians have access to NYC Schools Account (also known as NYCSA or My Student). Individual letters were sent home to parents/guardians with instructions for setting up an account. If anyone has any questions, please reach out to me!

And I have a lot, and I mean A LOT, of lost items in my office. If you've misplaced your wallet, your car keys, your AirPods, please take a look if they are in the photos below. 

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

• Ms. Lisa's Message
• Upcoming School Closures
• Upcoming School Events - Parent Workshop, Black History Month Assembly, Talent Show, Women's History Month Assemblies
• NYC School Survey
• ELA & Math Test Prep
• St. Jude Math-A-Thon
• PTA - Volunteers Needed & Fundraisers - Candy Grams &Regal Cinema & Instacart Gift Cards
• Sprit Store Open
• Clubs at a Glance - Math Team, Robotics, Hip Hop Battle
• Summer Arts Institute - 7th & 8th Graders
• Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp - 7th Graders ONLY
• NYSSMA Registration
• Field Trip Highlights
• 8th Grade Spotlight - Senior Due
• Lost & Found - Did you lose something?

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

February is always a special month at JHS 157, and this year’s celebration of Black History Month began with an unforgettable experience for our students. Today, we had the honor of welcoming Cheryl Wills, Emmy winning journalist, author, and proud New Yorker (Queens born and raised) to our school. She shared her deeply moving journey of uncovering her family’s history, a story that left our students inspired, emotional, and brimming with admiration.

Cheryl’s presentation focused on her extraordinary discovery of her great great great grandfather, Sandy Wills, a man born into slavery in Tennessee who self emancipated, joined one of the Union Army regiments made up of Black soldiers during the Civil War in 1863, and fought for the freedom of others.

For 135 years, Sandy Wills rested in an unmarked grave; his service and sacrifice nearly lost to history. Cheryl spent many years researching, working with genealogists and archaeologists, tracing census records, military documents, and burial grounds to find and honor him. Her persistent efforts ultimately led to his proper reburial with full military honors in 2024, a tribute long overdue for a man whose bravery shaped generations.

As Cheryl recounted this journey, of reclaiming a story buried by time, of honoring an ancestor denied dignity, and of reconnecting the pieces of a family legacy, our students listened with intense attention. After the assembly, several students came to me wanting to talk about what they heard:

• “She is such a strong woman Ms. Lisa.”
• “That was such an amazing story about her life.”
• “I never knew this history.”

Their reactions said everything. Today was not just a presentation, it was a lesson in resilience, justice, and the power of knowing where we come from.

As we continue our month-long celebration of Black history, I want to extend heartfelt gratitude to Cheryl Wills for sharing her family’s story and reminding our school community that history lives within all of us. Her message of perseverance aligns beautifully with the values we strive to teach our students every day: courage, curiosity, and the determination to see things through to the end, as Cheryl herself says.

We look forward to a month filled with learning, reflection, and appreciation for the countless contributions Black Americans have made and continue to make to our nation’s story.

Respect for All Week Begins Next Week!

Next week, we will proudly participate in Respect for All Week, a time dedicated to uplifting our community values of kindness, empathy, and inclusivity. This year, our theme is Kindness Over Bullies, aligning with the citywide initiative to promote a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all students. This special week gives our students meaningful opportunities to celebrate who they are, honor one another’s differences, and strengthen the positive culture we work so hard to build every day.

The link below contains a letter from Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels regarding Respect for All Week:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1O7vr8o-dg_zfELT4Ln-Zq0NOQhggg_t6

Below is our schedule of events for a meaningful and engaging Respect for All Week. Alongside these special activities, teachers in every content area will incorporate lessons on effective communication, confidence building, developing personal power, decision making, staying healthy, and additional skills that support students' well-being.

2026 Respect for All Week Activities

Wednesday, February 4th – Friday, February 6th:

P.S. I Love You Day Grade Assemblies

Grade teams will introduce the story behind P.S. I Love You Day, an annual movement dedicated to spreading love, increasing awareness about mental health, and reminding students that they are never alone. The message behind this day encourages communities to lift one another up and make kindness the norm. These assemblies build toward Friday’s activity, in which students will create purple hearts describing a time they helped someone—or someone helped them.

Monday, February 9th (Day 5):

RESPECT Defined Activity – Wear Red or Pink (Kindness)

Students will remain in their AM homeroom through 1st period to complete our “RESPECT Defined” activity. Each homeroom receives a word connected to the concept of respect and will brainstorm what that word means to them. Classes will create posters that will be displayed along the first-floor hallway, forming our Kindness & Respect for All mural.

Tuesday, February 10th (Day 6):

Halsey’s “No Place for Hate” Pledge – Wear Orange (Anti-Bullying)

Students will sign the No Place for Hate Pledge in their homeroom and continue working on their RESPECT Defined posters. Completed posters should be displayed outside each homeroom.

Wednesday, February 11th (Day 1):

Multicultural Day – Wear Cultural Attire (Celebrate our Diversity)

Students and staff are encouraged to proudly represent their culture, ethnicity, gender identity, or heritage. If students do not have cultural attire, they may wear clothing with positive or uplifting messages. We will play music from different countries during passing throughout the school day. 

Thursday, February 12th (Day 2):

Respect for All Club in the Cafeteria – Wear Rainbow Colors (RFA)

During all lunch periods, the Respect for All Club will host an informational table in the cafeteria.

Friday, February 13th (Day 3):

P.S. I Love You Day & No One Eats Alone Day – Wear Purple

Students will remain in homeroom to complete their P.S. I Love You Day purple heart activity. P.S. I Love You Day promotes mental health awareness, compassion, and unity, encouraging schools to create spaces where every student feels cared for.

We will also be participating in National No One Eats Alone Day, a Positive Prevention Initiative that fosters inclusion by encouraging students to sit with peers they may not usually connect with. The goal is to build friendships, reduce social isolation, and create a school culture where every student feels valued and seen.

In addition, our PTA will host a Candygram Sale, giving students the opportunity to send a sweet message that brightens someone’s day.

Each day on the morning news, we will remind students of the upcoming activities and the color they should wear the following day. 

Spring ’26 Academic Outcomes Sprint

We are excited to share that beginning February 9th, our students will participate in the Spring ’26 Academic Outcomes Sprint, which will run through April 10th, 2026. This citywide initiative is designed to strengthen literacy skills and build student confidence through focused instruction and intentional support.

Throughout the Sprint, students will work with the i‑Ready platform, engaging in personalized reading instruction tailored to their individual needs. They will receive dedicated time during the school day, or within additional support sessions, to work toward their literacy goals.

Our amazing ELA teachers will be closely monitoring progress, encouraging students, and celebrating their hard work. Families can support the Sprint by encouraging daily reading at home and having their child use their i‑Ready individualized learning path each day. More information about the Academic Outcome Sprint will be shared at our upcoming PTA meeting!

We look forward to seeing how much progress our students make this spring!

Halsey Travels to Spain!

And finally, this afternoon our students are heading off on their trip to Spain! I am so excited for them. They are going to have an amazing experience exploring a new country, learning together, and making memories that will last a lifetime.

Wow, this was a long one-but February is packed with so much excitement!

Upcoming School Closures

Please mark your calendars for the following days when school will be closed or early dismissals. This information is also available at Halsey157.org. 

Midwinter Recess - Schools Closed Monday, February 16 through Friday, February 20. Schools reopen on Monday, February 23.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Date

Parent Workshop - "Staying Informed at Halsey" With a school as big as Halsey, parents and guardians need to stay informed. This workshops will focus on the various communication methods and tools used at Halsey. Parents will walk away with an understanding of where to find the information they need. The workshop is scheudled for Wednesday, February 25 at 9AM in Room 110. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/sSQKW7nvueZNvbzW6

Black History Month Assembly - Thursday, February 26^th (Day 1) Blake Leeper, 8-time Paralympic Track & Field international medalist, author of Why Not Me, and motivational speaker will visit Halsey to share his life’s story, and to talk to students about the power of resilience and inclusion.

Talent Show - Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Women’s History Month Assemblies - As part of Halsey's recognition of March’s Women's History Month, on Friday March 6^th (Day 1) each grade will meet with Judaline Cassidy, feminist plumber, Tradeswoman activist, and author. She will share her story, explaining the importance of giving women and girls opportunities in every field, including male-dominated fields. 

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 school. Your confidential survey responses help our 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 nycschoolsurvey.org or log in to your New York City Schools Account (NYCSA) at schoolsaccount.nyc 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 nycschoolsurvey.org.

If a child’s family completes the survey, they can print out the confirmation page or bring in the paper survey in the sealed envelope so they can be entered into our school raffle:

• One $50 amazon gift card winner per grade
• One $200 amazon gift card winner for the school

ELA & Math Test Prep

Halsey is pleased to offer ELA and Math test prep sessions to our students preparing for the ELA and Math state tests in April and May:

English Language Arts (ELA) state test dates:

• Grade 6:  Tuesday April 14^th and Wednesday, April 15^th
• Grade 7: Thursday, April 16^th and Friday, April 17^th
• Grade 8: Monday, April 20^th and Tuesday, April 21^st

Mathematics state test dates:

• Grade 6: 7th. Thursday, April 30^th and  Friday, May 1^st
• Grades 7 and 8: Tuesday, May 4^th and Wednesday, May 5^th

Test prep sessions will take place beginning the week of March 2^nd and run through the last week in March, with a make-up session on Wednesday April 1^st: 

• Wednesdays 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM: March 4^th, 11^th, 18^th, 25^th
• Thursdays 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM: March 5^th, 19^th, 26^th, with Wednesday April 1^st as the make-up session for Thursday March 12^th (no session due to PT Conferences)
• Wednesday mornings 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: March 4^th, 11^th, 18^th, 25^th
• Thursday mornings 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: March 5^th, 19^th, 12^th, 26^th

If you would like to register your child for test prep for either or both ELA and Math, visit the following link: https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.vahPTwL.3R_ . You must indicate your preferences before Friday, February 13^th. Final registrations will be emailed to parents the week of February 23^rd. Please note that spaces are limited. If we cannot accommodate all students, registration will be prioritized based on need.

Parents of 8^th grade Algebra Regents students, this is NOT Algebra Regents Test preparation. Algebra test prep will be organized later in the school year and an email regarding test prep for Algebra will be sent out at a later date. 

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Dechongkit ([email protected]).

St. Jude Math-A-Thon

The Halsey 2026 St. Jude Math-A-Thon is here! St. Jude Math-A-Thon is a school-based fundraiser that supports St. Jude's Research Hospital, an organization dedicated to treating and defeating childhood cancer and other life threatening diseases. The fundraiser will run from Friday, January 16 through Friday, February 27, 2026. More details were shared with students during assemblies and in their math classes and in a dedicated email this week. 

Families can also support fundraising efforts online by sharing the following link on social media (Instagram, Facebook, etc.): https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/Math/Math?pg=entry&fr_id=163522

PTA

Volunteers Needed

If you would like to volunteer to help out at the school, we have two upcoming events that need staffing:

Candy Grams - Valentines Day (February 13)  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B44ADAF2FA1FD0-61854721-volunteers

Talent Show (March 4)  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B44ADAF2FA1FD0-61855178-talent

Fundraisers

Candy Grams – Valentine’s Day Fundraiser 💌

This Amazon wish list supports our Valentine’s Day Candy Gram fundraiser, which will take place February 13 during the school day.

On Valentine’s Day, students will be able to purchase candy, chocolates, small treats, and Valentine cards during lunch periods.
They can send a Candy Gram to a friend, a teacher, a family member — or even treat themselves.

A small gesture.
But it matters.

All items from this wish list will be used to assemble Candy Grams for students and help make the day festive, fun, and inclusive for everyone.

Your donation helps:

• Keep prices affordable for students
• Ensure a wide variety of treats and cards
• Support PTA fundraising for school programs and student activities

Every item donated makes a difference — whether it’s candy, cards, or small Valentine treats.

Thank you for helping us spread a little joy at school this Valentine’s Day 💝
Your support means so much to our students. https://a.co/hRK3Icj

The PTA Fundraiser with GroupRaise & Regal Cinemas runs from December 15, 2025 through February 15, 2026.

Fundraiser link: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/69227

The PTA Fundraiser with GroupRaise & Instacart runs from December 19, 2025 through February 27, 2026.

Fundraiser link: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/69228

For more information, see the attachment!

Spirit Store Open

Welcome to Halsey JHS 157’s spirit wear shop! We are so excited to present to you all these new styles and colors. Thank you for supporting our school. Please allow 3 weeks for delivery. All orders will be delivered to the school and distributed. Should you have any questions you can email the PTA @ [email protected]

** ALL SALES ARE FINAL NO RETURNS NO EXCHANGES.  Since these are custom printed please make sure you order the correct size.

Clubs at a Glance

Math Team - Our students took part in Perennial Math, an international competition for grades 3–8 (with some offerings for grades 3–12) designed to strengthen problem-solving skills through monthly online contests, live on-site tournaments hosted at universities, and virtual competitions.

Several of our students performed exceptionally well and have been recognized on Perennial Math’s Wall of Fame for their high scores.

Congratulations to the following students for their outstanding achievement:

Alex Kocon
Kyle Xu
Brandon Cheung
Thomas Bradshaw
Ryan Rhee
Andrew Lee
Ariel Kalantarov
Swara Jayawant
Gia Lin
Ryan Xu
Oscar Soon
Jerry Sun
Kaden Zhang
Emma Hui
Amirlan Bassandorj
Ricky Huang
Elnura Jalilova
Yirui Guo
Daniel Sun

Their hard work and dedication to mathematics are truly commendable, and we are very proud of their accomplishments.

Robotics Club - Although the competition season has ended, the Robotics Team is still hard at work. We have been invited to participate in additional competitions later this year and are currently upgrading our robot by adding a new motor to improve ball-shooting performance during matches.

Our fundraising efforts are also continuing. We are reaching out to local businesses for support, and anyone interested in donating to the Robotics Team can email Ms. Golden at [email protected].

We are proud to continue our partnership with Forest Hills High School. Their team has won their competitions and is advancing to the next round. We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with them and learn new skills along the way.

Hip Hop Battle

The Halsey Hip Hop Battle was fierce this week! 7th and 8th grade dance students brought the house down with their incredible projects showcasing rap, graffiti, mixing music, dance and even costume design! Big shout out to all the performers! And congratulations to the top placing teams: 7T2 Motion 6, 8T3 Limitless and 8T3 Top Level! Take a bow!!!

Check out videos here https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wX9f0zMkdF-aolnXtQYkn16q_sxbIeQt?usp=drive_link

Summer Arts Institute

Attention 7th and 8th Graders!

The Summer Arts Institute 2026 Application is now live! The Summer Arts Institute is a FREE four week summer arts program for rising 8-12th grade students administered by the NYCPS Arts Office. Admission to the Summer Arts Institute is by application and audition. Students may apply and audition for only ONE studio. 

Student Application Deadline: February 25, 2026

Virtual Audition Submission Deadline:  March 1, 2026

For More Information and to Apply Visit: https://www.tinyurl.com/SummerArtsInstitute2026

Questions?: Please e-mail cmcglone2@schools.nyc.gov

See the attached flyer for more information!

Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp - 7th Graders ONLY

The application to Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp 2026 is open until April 3 and available in 14 languages.  Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp is a free, two-week summer arts program for New York City Public Schools students entering grade 8 in September 2026. The program also includes one weekend in the fall for follow-up sessions before high school auditions begin.   Please see the flyer attached. Translated copies of the flyer can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1glTx2J-vfBfQxmtu3iv2_5_2gj4Zx5lC

NYSSMA Registration

NYSSMA registration for solo evaluations will open soon! NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) evaluations are a place where students who play an instrument and/or sing perform for a judge and receive feedback. Students must perform something from the NYSSMA manual and are typically students who take private lessons (although that is not mandatory). The private teachers typically have a manual and choose a song for the students. Please note that the manual is now digital and can be purchased on the NYSSMA website if you are a NYSSMA member.

NYSSMA is on May 29th OR May 30th at Corona Arts & Sciences Academy 98-11 44th Ave, Corona 11368, for all instruments and voice EXCEPT PIANO. 

NYSSMA piano solos will be held at Queens College. The piano festival will be held at Queens College on June 12th OR June 13th. This festival is for ONLY PIANO. 

The registration deadline for both festivals is Monday, March 23rd, 2026.

Please click the link below to fill out an information form, which Ms. Shikowitz will then use to register your child on the official site once it is available.

Information form link: https://forms.gle/Eau4wCURZKBXYLms6

Questions? Please contact Ms. Shikowitz at [email protected]. 

Field Trip Highlights

We had no field trips this week. Check back soon!

8th Grade Spotlight

Senior Dues

Don't forget to pay your senior dues! Check the email for more details!

Lost & Found - Important Items

When items like keys or glasses are found around the building, the items are usually brought to the Parent Coordinator office. Here are a few items that were recently found and may belong to one of our students. If you recognize the item, come see Coach Sue in Room 100.

If you believe an item may be yours, please reach out to Coach Sue - [email protected]. 

Happy Friday Halsey!

What a snowy week! Please let this be the last of the snow and ice!

Also, there are a couple volunteer opportunities for any parents who want to get involved. Check out the requests below in the PTA section!

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

• Ms. Lisa's Message
• Upcoming School Closures
• Upcoming School Events - Hip Hop Battle, Black History Month Assemblies, Talent Show, Women's History Month Assemblies
• St. Jude Math-A-Thon
• PTA - Volunteers Needed & Fundraisers - Candy Grams &Regal Cinema & Instacart Gift Cards
• Sprit Store Open
• Clubs at a Glance - AM Clubs & Mouse AI League
• Summer Arts Institute - 7th & 8th Graders
• Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp - 7th Graders ONLY
• NYSSMA Registration
• Field Trip Highlights
• 8th Grade Spotlight - Senior Due
• 6th Grade Spotlight - Hoops and Hearts
• Lost & Found - Did you lose something?
• Community Corner - FHYAA Softball, Kew-Forest School Radio Bingo, Kweller Prep and NYC Parks Events

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

A Successful Pivot to Remote Learning

I could not be prouder of our students, teachers, and the entire Halsey community for the incredible success of our pivot to remote learning on Monday, January 26th. Despite not being in the school building, our students showed resilience, responsibility, and enthusiasm for learning, attending their classes, participating actively, and engaging in meaningful instruction throughout the full school day.

I want to highlight an extraordinary accomplishment: 1,561 students logged into their virtual classes and were fully engaged in learning. This level of attendance and participation speaks volumes about our students’ dedication and the strong instructional practices our teachers bring to every setting, whether in person or remote.

To our teachers, thank you for your flexibility, preparation, and unwavering commitment to keeping learning seamless and impactful. To our parents and families, your support makes all the difference. Thank you for helping ensure this remote learning day was a success.

Together, we continue to show what makes Halsey such an outstanding school community.

6^th Grade Assembly-Holocaust Remembrance Day

During our Grade 6 Assembly this week, students shared original poems they thoughtfully created in their ELA classes in recognition of Holocaust Remembrance Day, using their voices to honor the memories of the millions of lives lost and to reflect on the lessons of history. Their writing demonstrated deep empathy, maturity, and a strong sense of responsibility to remember the past and learn from it, as students explored themes of resilience, humanity, and the importance of standing against injustice. As they courageously shared their work aloud, students showed how literacy can be a powerful tool for remembrance, reflection, and understanding, reminding our school community of the importance of compassion, respect, and historical awareness.

Another amazing but COLD week at Halsey!

Upcoming School Closures

Please mark your calendars for the following days when school will be closed or early dismissals. This information is also available at Halsey157.org. 

Midwinter Recess - Schools Closed Monday, February 16 through Friday, February 20. Schools reopen on Monday, February 23.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Date

Halsey Hip Hop Battle

Halsey’s Annual Hip Hop Battle is proud to announce an exciting lineup of competing teams and guest performances! The 7th and 8th grade dance students have chosen the top teams to represent each class. Now come see them battle it out on the dance floor on Weds, 2/4! The show starts at 6:30, the lobby will open at 6pm. Tickets are $5 sold online and at the door. Click the link below to reserve your tickets. Be sure to catch this highly anticipated event! 

 https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.v99dBBV.Vx_?_=1769188861972

Black History Month Assemblies

This year, we have two separate Black History Month assemblies:

Friday, February 6^th (Day 4) ***Periods 5-7*** Emmy award-winning journalist, author, and public speaker Cheryl Wills will be here to speak about events detailed in her book Emancipated: My Family’s Fight for Freedom. These include the discovery that her ancestor was a slave in Tennessee who fought for freedom as a Soldier during the Civil War, as well as her trip to the location where that family member was buried. Her book is relevant to all teenagers today who are learning about the importance of freedom in people’s lives.

Thursday, February 26^th (Day 1) Blake Leeper, 8-time Paralympic Track & Field international medalist, author of Why Not Me, and motivational speaker will visit Halsey to share his life’s story, and to talk to students about the power of resilience and inclusion.

Talent Show - Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Women’s History Month Assemblies

As part of Halsey's recognition of March’s Women's History Month, on Friday March 6^th (Day 1) each grade will meet with Judaline Cassidy, feminist plumber, Tradeswoman activist, and author. She will share her story, explaining the importance of giving women and girls opportunities in every field, including male-dominated fields. 

St. Jude Math-A-Thon

The Halsey 2026 St. Jude Math-A-Thon is here! St. Jude Math-A-Thon is a school-based fundraiser that supports St. Jude's Research Hospital, an organization dedicated to treating and defeating childhood cancer and other life threatening diseases. The fundraiser will run from Friday, January 16 through Friday, February 27, 2026. More details were shared with students during assemblies and in their math classes and in a dedicated email this week. 

Families can also support fundraising efforts online by sharing the following link on social media (Instagram, Facebook, etc.): https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/Math/Math?pg=entry&fr_id=163522

PTA

Volunteers Needed

If you would like to volunteer to help out at the school, we have two upcoming events that need staffing:

Candy Grams - Valentines Day (February 13)  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B44ADAF2FA1FD0-61854721-volunteers

Talent Show (March 4)  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B44ADAF2FA1FD0-61855178-talent

Fundraisers

Candy Grams – Valentine’s Day Fundraiser 💌

This Amazon wish list supports our Valentine’s Day Candy Gram fundraiser, which will take place February 13 during the school day.

On Valentine’s Day, students will be able to purchase candy, chocolates, small treats, and Valentine cards during lunch periods.
They can send a Candy Gram to a friend, a teacher, a family member — or even treat themselves.

A small gesture.
But it matters.

All items from this wish list will be used to assemble Candy Grams for students and help make the day festive, fun, and inclusive for everyone.

Your donation helps:

• Keep prices affordable for students
• Ensure a wide variety of treats and cards
• Support PTA fundraising for school programs and student activities

Every item donated makes a difference — whether it’s candy, cards, or small Valentine treats.

Thank you for helping us spread a little joy at school this Valentine’s Day 💝
Your support means so much to our students. https://a.co/hRK3Icj

The PTA Fundraiser with GroupRaise & Regal Cinemas runs from December 15, 2025 through February 15, 2026.

Fundraiser link: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/69227

The PTA Fundraiser with GroupRaise & Instacart runs from December 19, 2025 through February 27, 2026.

Fundraiser link: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/69228

For more information, see the attachment!

Spirit Store Open

Welcome to Halsey JHS 157’s spirit wear shop! We are so excited to present to you all these new styles and colors. Thank you for supporting our school. Please allow 3 weeks for delivery. All orders will be delivered to the school and distributed. Should you have any questions you can email the PTA @ [email protected]

** ALL SALES ARE FINAL NO RETURNS NO EXCHANGES.  Since these are custom printed please make sure you order the correct size.

Clubs at a Glance

New AM Clubs!
Halsey is exited to offer three new morning clubs for our students:

• Stepping / Step Club (Mondays 7:00-8:00 AM)
• Bucket Drumming (Thursdays 7:00-8:00 AM)
• Martial Arts  (Friday 7:00-8:00 AM)

These clubs will meet weekly beginning the week of February 9th, and continue through June. Outside professionals will work with students under the supervision of Halsey staff. Students who are enrolled in each club are expected to arrive the morning of their activity at 7:00 AM, and are expected to attend weekly. 

 Applications will be accepted on our website: https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.v9NU978.1pl_

Requests will be open through Wednesday, February 4th. If more students sign up than can be accommodated, club members will be selected randomly on Thursday, February 5th. Students and families will be notified of their club application status on the afternoon of Thursday, February 5th. 

Please email any questions to [email protected].

Mouse AI League - Stephen A. Halsey 157 JHS is excited to offer the Mouse AI League, an after-school program focused on artificial intelligence, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Program Details:
• Instructor: Mr. Liu
• Day: Thursdays
• Time: 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
• Location: Stephen A. Halsey 157 JHS
• Dates: February 5, 2026 – May 14, 2026

About the Program: The Mouse AI League introduces students to foundational AI concepts through hands-on activities and collaborative projects. Students will develop critical thinking, computational skills, and teamwork in a supportive learning environment.

Eligibility: We are seeking 20 independent, motivated, and responsible students. Priority will be given to 8th grade Computer Talent students. If space allows, 7th grade students may be accepted.

Special Opportunities: Students will participate in a school-based presentation day. Additionally, 8th grade students will submit their final projects to the Mouse Citywide Virtual Showcase.

Permission Slips: Permission slips are required and will be posted in the Computer Talent Google Classroom. Printed copies are available in Room 301. Students are expected to follow all school rules and behavior expectations during the program.

Summer Arts Institute

Attention 7th and 8th Graders!

The Summer Arts Institute 2026 Application is now live! The Summer Arts Institute is a FREE four week summer arts program for rising 8-12th grade students administered by the NYCPS Arts Office. Admission to the Summer Arts Institute is by application and audition. Students may apply and audition for only ONE studio. 

Student Application Deadline: February 25, 2026

Virtual Audition Submission Deadline:  March 1, 2026

For More Information and to Apply Visit: https://www.tinyurl.com/SummerArtsInstitute2026

Questions?: Please e-mail cmcglone2@schools.nyc.gov

See the attached flyer for more information!

Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp - 7th Graders ONLY

The application to Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp 2026 is open until April 3 and available in 14 languages.  Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp is a free, two-week summer arts program for New York City Public Schools students entering grade 8 in September 2026. The program also includes one weekend in the fall for follow-up sessions before high school auditions begin.   Please see the flyer attached. Translated copies of the flyer can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1glTx2J-vfBfQxmtu3iv2_5_2gj4Zx5lC

NYSSMA Registration

NYSSMA registration for solo evaluations will open soon! NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) evaluations are a place where students who play an instrument and/or sing perform for a judge and receive feedback. Students must perform something from the NYSSMA manual and are typically students who take private lessons (although that is not mandatory). The private teachers typically have a manual and choose a song for the students. Please note that the manual is now digital and can be purchased on the NYSSMA website if you are a NYSSMA member.

NYSSMA is on May 29th OR May 30th at Corona Arts & Sciences Academy 98-11 44th Ave, Corona 11368, for all instruments and voice EXCEPT PIANO. 

NYSSMA piano solos will be held at Queens College. The piano festival will be held at Queens College on June 12th OR June 13th. This festival is for ONLY PIANO. 

The registration deadline for both festivals is Monday, March 23rd, 2026.

Please click the link below to fill out an information form, which Ms. Shikowitz will then use to register your child on the official site once it is available.

Information form link: https://forms.gle/Eau4wCURZKBXYLms6

Questions? Please contact Ms. Shikowitz at [email protected]. 

Field Trip Highlights

We had no field trips this week. Check back soon!

8th Grade Spotlight

Senior Dues

Don't forget to pay your senior dues! Check the email for more details!

6th Grade Spotlight

We are excited to announce that Halsey’s Grade 6 Hoops & Hearts Celebration will take place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the school gym and cafeteria.

Tickets can be purchased on the Halsey school website for $10 per child, plus a $0.75 surcharge. The deadline for purchasing tickets is Friday, February 6, 2026. Please note that no tickets will be sold after this date. https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.v7rr1Xz.n2_

Lost & Found - Important Items

When items like keys or glasses are found around the building, the items are usually brought to the Parent Coordinator office. Here are a few items that were recently found and may belong to one of our students. If you recognize the item, come see Coach Sue in Room 100.

• multiple pairs of AirPods

If you believe an item may be yours, please reach out to Coach Sue - [email protected]. 

Community Corner

FHYAA Softball

Don't miss out on all the excitement of FHYAA's 2026 Girls Softball league. This is the ultimate place for the girls to learn real skills, make friends, and have fun! No experience necessary! Register by FEBRUARY 1 at: https://registration.teamsnap.com/form/47660

Kew-Forest School Radio Bingo

The Kew-Forest School, a cornerstone of Queens for over 100 years, invites adults 21+ to a Community Radio Bingo Night! Enjoy a fun night out with live music, bingo, exciting raffles, and amazing prizes on Saturday 31 January 2026. Doors open at 6:00 pm. BYO food and drinks. Tickets $40 (bundles available). All proceeds will support student learning. Learn more and register here.

Kweller Prep

Kweller Prep is hosting a series of free webinars and free high school tours designed to support students as they prepare for state tests, entrance exams, and the high school admissions process. These opportunities are completely free for families.

Free Webinars (Online):

• State Test Webinar: https://conta.cc/3YNd0wS 
• ISEE Exam Webinar: https://conta.cc/4jQljl1 
• SHSAT Exam Webinar: https://conta.cc/4smoqVM 
• SAT Exam Webinar: https://conta.cc/4rskim5 

Free High School Tours:

• Trip to York High School: https://conta.cc/4bwkMCZ 
• Trip to Townsend Harris High School: https://conta.cc/4a2bUma 
• Trip to St. Francis Prep: https://conta.cc/4a8iSHg 

NYC Parks - Little Hearts, Big Smiles!

Bring your family and friends to the Al Oerter Recreation on Friday February 20, to celebrate love and friendship at our Little Hearts, Big Smiles event. This event will feature arts & crafts, fun games and activities, and a musical performance by our afterschool program.
Friday, February 20, 2026
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Al Oerter Recreation Center | (718) 353-7853
131-40 Fowler Ave., Flushing, N.Y. 11355

Happy Friday Halsey!

Are you ready for a long weekend? I know I am! 

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

• Ms. Lisa's Message
• Upcoming School Closures
• Upcoming School Events - PTA Meeting and Hip Hop Battle 
• St. Jude Math-A-Thon
• PTA Fundraisers - Regal Cinema & Instacart Gift Cards
• Sprit Store Open
• Clubs at a Glance - Robotics Club, Halsey's Got Talent
• Summer Arts Institute
• NYSSMA Registration
• Field Trip Highlights
• 8th Grade Spotlight - Senior Dues & Yearbook
• 6th Grade Spotlight - Class of '28 Sweatshirts
• Lost & Found - Did you lose a ring or a key fob for your car?
• Community Corner - Commonpoint 3v3 Basketball Youth Tournament, INCLUDEnyc Fair, Kew-Forest School Radio Bingo, Kweller Prep and NYC Parks Events

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

Classroom Spotlights: World Language in Action

This week, I had the pleasure of visiting Ms. Duarte and Ms. Smiljanic’s World Language Spanish class with 809, where students were immersed in using action words and vocabulary to describe different parts of the body. It was good to see our students actively engaging with the New York State World Language Standards, using the key elements of communication to participate in conversations, deepen understanding, interpret meaning, and analyze language in context. Their confidence and willingness to take risks with Spanish was a testament to the strong, supportive environment created in the classroom.

I then stopped by Ms. Aristy’s classroom with Class 727, where students were working with the Reporteros curriculum. Students were purposefully communicating with one another in Spanish, applying vocabulary and grammar structures in real‑time interactions. Their conversations were authentic, student‑driven, and reflective of the thoughtful planning and high expectations in the lesson.

Our World Language team continues to inspire students to see themselves as global citizens, and I’m proud of the strong language‑learning community they are building.

Social Studies Spotlight

In Mr. Blomquist’s Social Studies class 726, students explored the perspectives of the Federalists and Anti‑Federalists. Each student was assigned a side and read documents to understand their group’s position. Using these texts, students identified a clear claim and selected evidence to support their ideas.

They then engaged in discussions with classmates representing the opposing side. Throughout their conversations, students consistently referenced text evidence to explain and defend their viewpoints, showing strong reasoning and thoughtful analysis. They also took notes on the claims and reasoning shared by the other group before completing reflection questions to bring their learning together.

I was impressed by the level of engagement and accountable conversation in the classroom. I am so proud of Class 726!

Student Leadership Spotlight

This week, grade representatives from our Halsey Student Lighthouse Team attended their first School Leadership Team (SLT) meeting. Samuel Co of Class 626, Andrew Godman of Class 724 and Abbygail Tarigan of Class 824, confidently shared the Lighthouse Team mission statement and updated the SLT team on what they’ve been working on.

Halsey Student Lighthouse Team Mission Statement:

Our mission as student government is to make Halsey a better place for the entire community by celebrating diversity, empowering students equally, and allowing student voices to be heard. The Leader in Me program is socially enriching, and we strive to open doors that were closed before. We are committed to taking on projects and ideas that will help the student body and our community grow together.

Our student leaders spoke about the progress of the school store and the presentations they have been leading at grade‑level assemblies. Their voices and ideas added so much to the meeting, and they represented Halsey with pride and maturity.

I am so proud of these students and the leadership they demonstrated at the SLT meeting this week.

As we head into the long weekend, I’m thinking about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the powerful reminders his life continues to offer about kindness, fairness, and lifting others up. His message encourages us to look for everyday moments to make a positive difference, and our students show me this every day.

Wishing you all a peaceful and meaningful weekend in honor of Dr. King.

Upcoming School Closures

Please mark your calendars for the following days when school will be closed or early dismissals. This information is also available at Halsey157.org. 

Monday, January 19 - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day - School is closed. School will reopen on Tuesday, January 20.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Date

PTA Meeting - Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 7PM on Zoom. Details will be emailed out a day before the meeting.

Halsey Hip Hop Battle  - Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 6PM in the auditorium.

St. Jude Math-A-Thon

The Halsey 2026 St. Jude Math-A-Thon is here! St. Jude Math-A-Thon is a school-based fundraiser that supports St. Jude's Research Hospital, an organization dedicated to treating and defeating childhood cancer and other life threatening diseases. The fundraiser will run from Friday, January 16 through Friday, February 27, 2026. More details were shared with students during assemblies and in their math classes and in a dedicated email this week. 

Families can also support fundraising efforts online by sharing the following link on social media (Instagram, Facebook, etc.): https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/Math/Math?pg=entry&fr_id=163522

PTA Fundraisers

The PTA Fundraiser with GroupRaise & Regal Cinemas runs from December 15, 2025 through February 15, 2026.

Fundraiser link: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/69227

The PTA Fundraiser with GroupRaise & Instacart runs from December 19, 2025 through February 27, 2026.

Fundraiser link: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/69228

For more information, see the attachment!

Spirit Store Open

Welcome to Halsey JHS 157’s spirit wear shop! We are so excited to present to you all these new styles and colors. Thank you for supporting our school. Please allow 3 weeks for delivery. All orders will be delivered to the school and distributed. Should you have any questions you can email the PTA @ [email protected]

** ALL SALES ARE FINAL NO RETURNS NO EXCHANGES.  Since these are custom printed please make sure you order the correct size.

Clubs at a Glance

Robotics Club - Our Competition Is This Sunday!

The Halsey Robotics Team has been working tirelessly in preparation for this weekend’s tournament. Through dedication and teamwork, our students have successfully built, designed, and programmed a fully functioning robot. In addition, the outreach team completed the engineering notebook and prepared team members for the presentations they will deliver to the judges.

Halsey is proud to be the only middle school team competing against high school students in this tournament. We are incredibly proud of our students’ hard work and determination and look forward to sharing their exciting competition experience.

Halsey's Got Talent!

More than 40 students took the stage to audition for this year’s talent show and the level of talent on display was truly incredible. From powerful vocal performances and energetic dance routines to impressive musical pieces, each act showcased the creativity and dedication of our students. Just as inspiring as the performances was the atmosphere in the room—students cheered one another on, offered encouragement, and celebrated each other’s courage and skill. It was a joyful reminder of the talent and strong sense of community within our school. 

Summer Arts Institute

Attention 7th and 8th Graders!

The Summer Arts Institute 2026 Application is now live! The Summer Arts Institute is a FREE four week summer arts program for rising 8-12th grade students administered by the NYCPS Arts Office. Admission to the Summer Arts Institute is by application and audition. Students may apply and audition for only ONE studio. 

Student Application Deadline: February 25, 2026

Virtual Audition Submission Deadline:  March 1, 2026

For More Information and to Apply Visit: https://www.tinyurl.com/SummerArtsInstitute2026

Questions?: Please e-mail cmcglone2@schools.nyc.gov

See the attached flyer for more information!

NYSSMA Registration

NYSSMA registration for solo evaluations will open soon! NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) evaluations are a place where students who play an instrument and/or sing perform for a judge and receive feedback. Students must perform something from the NYSSMA manual and are typically students who take private lessons (although that is not mandatory). The private teachers typically have a manual and choose a song for the students. Please note that the manual is now digital and can be purchased on the NYSSMA website if you are a NYSSMA member.

NYSSMA is on May 29th OR May 30th at Corona Arts & Sciences Academy 98-11 44th Ave, Corona 11368, for all instruments and voice EXCEPT PIANO. 

NYSSMA piano solos will be held at Queens College. The piano festival will be held at Queens College on June 12th OR June 13th. This festival is for ONLY PIANO. 

The registration deadline for both festivals is Monday, March 23rd, 2026.

Please click the link below to fill out an information form, which Ms. Shikowitz will then use to register your child on the official site once it is available.

Information form link: https://forms.gle/Eau4wCURZKBXYLms6

Questions? Please contact Ms. Shikowitz at [email protected]. 

Field Trip Highlights

We had no field trips this week. Check back soon!

8th Grade Spotlight

Senior Dues

Don't forget to pay your senior dues! Check the email from Monday for more details!

2025–2026 HALSEY JHS YEARBOOK

Halsey Junior High School’s yearbook sales are officially up and running for this school year.

All purchases will be made online only — we will not be collecting any funds in person. Included in this email are both a purchase link and a QR code, so families can easily place their orders.

Here are the details:

• Yearbook Price: $37 per book
• Personalization (optional): $7
• Icons (optional): $3 each
• Deadline for personalization and icons: January 30

LINK: Https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A05652800.

6th Grade Spotlight

🎉 Class of 2028 Sweatshirt – Winning Design 🎉
The winning Class of 2028 sweatshirt design, selected by a student vote, was designed by Isabella Narain of Class 628. The Class of 2028 sweatshirt is now available for purchase.
🛒 Order your sweatshirt here:https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.v7x5R4c.1OM_

Important Details:

• Cost: $18
  • Order Deadline: January 30, 2026
  • A separate order form must be completed for each sweatshirt purchased

Lost & Found - Important Items

When items like keys or glasses are found around the building, the items are usually brought to the Parent Coordinator office. Here are a few items that were recently found and may belong to one of our students. If you recognize the item, come see Coach Sue in Room 100.

• A set of keys found in the school yard on Monday, January 12 during 6th period lunch.
• A gold necklace was turned in on Thursday, January 15.

If you believe an item may be yours, please reach out to Coach Sue - [email protected]. 

Community Corner

Commonpoint 3v3 Basketball Tournament

Commonpoint is hosting a Youth Basketball 3v3 Tournament for players ages 9-15 on Monday, January 19 at 2:30PM. Register here: https://www.commonpoint.org/event/cq-youth-basketball-3v3-tournament-monday-january-19-2025

2026 INCLUDEnyc Fair

The 2026 INCLUDEnyc Fair is on Saturday, January 24, 10:30 AM to 3 PM at the Shed at Hudson Yards! Meet face-to-face with recreational programs, summer camps, health agencies, educational organization, plus other supports and services for young people with disabilities. Sign up today here!

Kew-Forest School Radio Bingo

The Kew-Forest School, a cornerstone of Queens for over 100 years, invites adults 21+ to a Community Radio Bingo Night! Enjoy a fun night out with live music, bingo, exciting raffles, and amazing prizes on Saturday 31 January 2026. Doors open at 6:00 pm. BYO food and drinks. Tickets $40 (bundles available). All proceeds will support student learning. Learn more and register here.

Kweller Prep

Kweller Prep is excited to share four free, in-person high school visits for NYC 6th–7th graders and their families.  

The Brooklyn Latin School 

• Thursday, January 29 | 5:30 pm -6:30 PM
• Sign up: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Free-Tour-of-The-Brooklyn-Latin-Specialized-High-School.html?soid=1125981902198&aid=nSLCZSz3e5Y

Important notes for families:

• A parent/guardian must attend with the student.
• Please arrive before 5:30 PM for check-in and a prompt start. 

Also, Kweller Prep is hosting a webinar on the New Adaptive SHSAT on February 4, 2026. Sign up here: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/New-Adaptive-SHSAT-Webinar-on-February-4--2026.html?soid=1125981902198&aid=BqhMEA08M_s

NYC Parks - Little Hearts, Big Smiles!

Bring your family and friends to the Al Oerter Recreation on Friday February 20, to celebrate love and friendship at our Little Hearts, Big Smiles event. This event will feature arts & crafts, fun games and activities, and a musical performance by our afterschool program.
Friday, February 20, 2026
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Al Oerter Recreation Center | (718) 353-7853
131-40 Fowler Ave., Flushing, N.Y. 11355

Happy New Year Halsey!

This week in Ms. Schwarz's class, she and 7th grade student Ava channeled their inner Charlie's Angels. No notes. 10/10

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

• Ms. Lisa's Message
• Upcoming School Closures
• Upcoming School Events - Parent Workshop, SPYSCAPE Museum Trip, Free Tickets to NYC Ballet, and Hip Hop Battle 
• PTA Fundraisers - Regal Cinema & Instacart Gift Cards
• Sprit Store Open
• Clubs at a Glance -  Debate Team, Robotics Club, Halsey's Got Talent, Intergenerational Choir
• Summer Arts Institute
• Field Trip Highlights
• 8th Grade Spotlight - Yearbook
• Lost & Found - Did you lose a ring or a key fob for your car?
• Community Corner - Kweller Prep and NYC Parks Events

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

Happy New Year!

Welcome back, Halsey community! I hope everyone enjoyed a restful and joyful winter break. We are excited to be back in school and ready for an amazing 2026.

Student Lighthouse Team Shines Bright

The Student Lighthouse Team is off to a fantastic start! Today, our Grade 7 representatives took the stage at the 7th grade assembly for their very first presentation. They introduced the Student Lighthouse Team mission statement and delivered an engaging presentation on Habit #2: Begin with the End in Mind. They encouraged their peers to start thinking about creating their own personal mission statements, a powerful step toward leadership and goal setting.

This impressive presentation was the result of a thoughtful collaboration with Ms. Broker and Mr. Robinson, and our students presented as true professionals. I am incredibly proud of their hard work, confidence, and commitment to leadership. Check out the videos here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1glTx2J-vfBfQxmtu3iv2_5_2gj4Zx5lC

Looking ahead, next Wednesday, members of the Lighthouse Team will attend their first School Leadership Team (SLT) meeting. I cannot wait to see them share the Lighthouse Team work with the school community!

Upcoming School Closures

Please mark your calendars for the following days when school will be closed or early dismissals. This information is also available at Halsey157.org. 

Monday, January 19 - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day - School is closed. School will reopen on Tuesday, January 20.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Date

Parent Workshop - Thursday, January 15 9AM, Day 1 - Into to Jupiter for Parents and Guardians: In this is interactive workshops, parents and guardians will be guided through logging into Jupiter, Halsey’s new system for managing student assignments and grades. Parents will have an opportunity to explore platform and learn more about how to communicate with teachers. Participants are encouraged to bring a mobile device to use. Sign up at: https://forms.gle/2XSmJJMrwCbhCvwEA

SPYSCAPE Museum Trip - January 17, 2026

Halsey Middle School is proud to offer a trip to the SPYSCAPE Museum on Saturday, January 17th, 2026, at SPYSCAPE at 12 Noon (Address: 928 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019) This includes interactions with the museum itself as well as spy games that's fun for the whole family! Each student that would like to come must come with at least one parent/guardian chaperone. Each ticket for children is $34 and each adult is $39, If you are interested, please fill out the Microsoft form. We will start accepting payments after Dec 22nd, 2025, and finalize roster Jan 9th, 2026. 

Free Tickets to New York City Ballet - January 31, 2026

Ms. Gruet has arranged for a limited number of FREE tickets to the New York City Ballet at the David H. Koch Theater | Lincoln Center in Manhattan on Saturday, January 31, at 1:15PM. Tickets are available to any student, regardless of talent, and are limited. Below are the details.

Link to request tickets - https://forms.gle/jYDpNZVm7LDDXny66

Halsey Hip Hop Battle  - Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 6PM in the auditorium.

PTA Fundraisers

The PTA Fundraiser with GroupRaise & Regal Cinemas runs from December 15, 2025 through February 15, 2026.

Fundraiser link: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/69227

The PTA Fundraiser with GroupRaise & Instacart runs from December 19, 2025 through February 27, 2026.

Fundraiser link: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/69228

For more information, see the attachment!

Spirit Store Open

Welcome to Halsey JHS 157’s spirit wear shop! We are so excited to present to you all these new styles and colors. Thank you for supporting our school. Please allow 3 weeks for delivery. All orders will be delivered to the school and distributed. Should you have any questions you can email the PTA @ [email protected]

** ALL SALES ARE FINAL NO RETURNS NO EXCHANGES.  Since these are custom printed please make sure you order the correct size.

Clubs at a Glance

The Halsey Debate team competed in the December Citywide Competition this past month Below are the results.

Top Speakers Middle School Public Forum JV out of 40 Students 

11th: Nicholas Kendt

8th: Jasper Traub

6th Benjamin Callahan

2nd: Alina Mithani

1st: Charlie Cohen 

Top Speakers Middle School Parliamentary JV out of 40 Students 

10th Alyssa Polakovich

9th Caitlin Han 

8th Camilla Quinteros

5th: Leo Cohen

3rd: Natan Wecel

2nd: Jacquelyn Chew

1st: Juliet Kujo 

Top Teams Middle School Public Forum JV

13th: Alexa Fink and Benjamin Callahan

9th Beryl Petersen and Jasper Traub

1st Charlie Cohen and Alina Mithani

Top Teams Middle School Parliamentary JV 

5th: Adam Hammani, Jonathan Looby  and Leo cohen

3rd: Natan Wecel  and Samy Sharma

2nd Juliet Kujo, Skivikaa Agrawal and  Camilla Quinteros 

1st: Jacquelyn Chew, Caitlin Han, Alyssa Polakovich 

Congratulations to the Halsey Debaters and their coaches Ms. Farrone, Mr. Monaco and Mr. Sarris. Go Bulldogs! 

Robotics Club - The countdown is on—only one week until our robotics competition!

Our students are hard at work and making incredible progress. The team has successfully completed the coding needed to bring the robot to life, and they are now practicing how it will move and perform during the competition. Collaboration has been key as students fine-tune their strategies, test their robot, and support one another.

In addition, the team is gearing up for their competition presentation by assigning roles and rehearsing, making sure everyone is confident and ready to shine. We can’t wait to see all their hard work in action!

Halsey's Got Talent!

Get ready to shine, Halsey! We’re excited to announce Halsey’s Got Talent, our all-school talent show!  Whether you sing, dance, juggle, play an instrument, perform magic, or have a unique skill to share, this is your moment to take the stage. Auditions will be held on January 12 and January 13 at 2:30.
All students are welcome to try out and show us what you’ve got! Come ready to show your act. See the attached flyer for more information and the permission slip!

Let’s make this an unforgettable Talent show! 🌟

Intergenerational Choir

Parents: Do YOU like to sing? Are you looking for an educational way to bond with your child? If so, then Intergenerational Choir is for you! Parents, students and teachers come to Halsey and learn a song in a chorus setting. All family members are welcome. Students are also allowed to come on their own, without a parent. Parents can come without their child. Any student in any grade or talent can join. Alumni are also welcome. We have also hosted students and families from other schools. This is a community choir that is welcoming to all. 

Intergen will meet on the following Saturdays from 12:00 PM-12:50 PM: February 28th, March 14th, March 21st, April 18th, April 25th, May 9th, May 16th. We will perform one song as a group at the spring concert on May 19th at 7:00 PM at JHS 157. You can still participate even if some of the dates do not work for you, including the concert date.

You do not need to be an excellent singer. You only need to be someone with an open mind that is interested in music making. We are always telling our students to step outside of their comfort zone, and I am encouraging you to do the same. Come make memories with your child that you and they will never forget!

Click here to register once you are sure you can attend. We can only accept 60 members. Once we reach capacity, we will form a wait list. 

Please contact Ms. Shikowitz at [email protected] with any questions. 

Summer Arts Institute

Attention 7th and 8th Graders!

The Summer Arts Institute 2026 Application is now live! The Summer Arts Institute is a FREE four week summer arts program for rising 8-12th grade students administered by the NYCPS Arts Office. Admission to the Summer Arts Institute is by application and audition. Students may apply and audition for only ONE studio. 

Student Application Deadline: February 25, 2026

Virtual Audition Submission Deadline:  March 1, 2026

For More Information and to Apply Visit: https://www.tinyurl.com/SummerArtsInstitute2026

Questions?: Please e-mail cmcglone2@schools.nyc.gov

See the attached flyer for more information!

Field Trip Highlights

In Ms. Iemma’s 7th grade ELA class, students have been learning about the big question: Is space exploration a daring adventure or a dangerous risk? At the end of the unit, students will choose a side and write an argumentative essay explaining what they believe.

To help bring this topic to life, students in classes 702 and 705 took a trip to the Hall of Science. There, they learned about what humans need to survive, how our world is connected, and what cities need to run smoothly. Students also had a blast seeing the Mars Rover and exploring the rocket park!

8th Grade Spotlight

2025–2026 HALSEY JHS YEARBOOK

Halsey Junior High School’s yearbook sales are officially up and running for this school year.

All purchases will be made online only — we will not be collecting any funds in person. Included in this email are both a purchase link and a QR code, so families can easily place their orders.

Here are the details:

• Yearbook Price: $37 per book
• Personalization (optional): $7
• Icons (optional): $3 each
• Deadline for personalization and icons: January 30

LINK: Https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A05652800.

Lost & Found - Important Items

When items like keys or glasses are found around the building, the items are usually brought to the Parent Coordinator office. Here are a few items that were recently found and may belong to one of our students. If you recognize the item, come see Coach Sue in Room 100.

• A key fob for a car
• A ring was found at the Chorus Concert.

If you believe either of these items may be yours, please reach out to Coach Sue - [email protected]. 

Community Corner

Kweller Prep

Kweller Prep is excited to share four free, in-person high school visits for NYC 6th–7th graders and their families.  

1) Townsend Harris High School

• Thursday, January 15 | 5:30–6:30 PM
• Sign-up: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Great-News--In-Person-Trip-to-Townsend-Harris-High-School-.html?soid=1125981902198&aid=RZnL6W2I_YA

2) The Brooklyn Latin School 

• Thursday, January 29 | 5:30 pm -6:30 PM
• Sign up: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Free-Tour-of-The-Brooklyn-Latin-Specialized-High-School.html?soid=1125981902198&aid=nSLCZSz3e5Y

Important notes for families:

• A parent/guardian must attend with the student.
• Please arrive before 5:30 PM for check-in and a prompt start. 

Also, Kweller Prep is hosting a webinar on the New Adaptive SHSAT on February 4, 2026. Sign up here: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/New-Adaptive-SHSAT-Webinar-on-February-4--2026.html?soid=1125981902198&aid=BqhMEA08M_s

NYC Parks - Little Hearts, Big Smiles!

Bring your family and friends to the Al Oerter Recreation on Friday February 20, to celebrate love and friendship at our Little Hearts, Big Smiles event. This event will feature arts & crafts, fun games and activities, and a musical performance by our afterschool program.
Friday, February 20, 2026
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Al Oerter Recreation Center | (718) 353-7853
131-40 Fowler Ave., Flushing, N.Y. 11355

Happy Holidays Halsey!

We made it through the fall and now we get a long break!

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

• Ms. Lisa's Message
• Upcoming School Closures
• Upcoming School Events - Parent Workshop
• PTA Fundraisers - Regal Cinema & Instacart Gift Cards and Sprit Store (Last minute gift ideas)
• Girls Basketball Cookie Swap & Media Day
• CLUE! Cast List
• Dance Assembly

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

Chorus Caroling

This morning, our halls were filled with the sounds of the season as Ms. Shikowitz and our talented chorus brought holiday cheer to every corner of the school. I had the good fortune of catching them in the main office, and their beautiful voices put me in the holiday spirit. It was a wonderful reminder of the joy and community that make Halsey so special.

Here’s a short video of their performance—take a moment to enjoy and let it brighten your day as much as it did mine!

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1glTx2J-vfBfQxmtu3iv2_5_2gj4Zx5lC

Happy Holidays to Our Halsey Family

I want to extend warm wishes to our entire Halsey family whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, or simply enjoy this time of year in your own way. I hope you take this break to relax, recharge, and most importantly, spend quality time with your loved ones. Our lives are so busy that we often don't spend enough time with our children and families—this is the perfect opportunity to catch up, create memories, and do something meaningful together.

Reflecting on 2025, what an incredible year it has been! We experienced growth, learning, and countless achievements as a school community. While we were sad to say goodbye to Mr. Suraci (and I still miss him every day), I am truly honored and excited to have stepped into the role of Principal of our amazing school. I am deeply grateful for the support, collaboration, and spirit that each of you bring to Halsey every day. Together, we’ve built something extraordinary for our children, and I can’t wait to see what the new year holds for us.

Wishing you all a joyful holiday season, a wonderful break, and a happy, healthy New Year. I will see you in 2026!

Upcoming School Closures

Please mark your calendars for the following days when school will be closed or early dismissals. This information is also available at Halsey157.org. 

Wednesday, December 24 through Sunday, January 4 - Winter Recess - School is closed. School will reopen on Monday, December 5.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Date!

Parent Workshop - Thursday, January 15 9AM, Day 1 - Into to Jupiter for Parents and Guardians: In this is interactive workshops, parents and guardians will be guided through logging into Jupiter, Halsey’s new system for managing student assignments and grades. Parents will have an opportunity to explore platform and learn more about how to communicate with teachers. Participants are encouraged to bring a mobile device to use. Sign up at: https://forms.gle/2XSmJJMrwCbhCvwEA

SPYSCAPE Museum Trip - January 17, 2026

Halsey Middle School is proud to offer a trip to the SPYSCAPE Museum on Saturday, January 17th, 2026, at SPYSCAPE at 12 Noon (Address: 928 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019) This includes interactions with the museum itself as well as spy games that's fun for the whole family! Each student that would like to come must come with at least one parent/guardian chaperone. Each ticket for children is $34 and each adult is $39, If you are interested, please fill out the Microsoft form. We will start accepting payments after Dec 22nd, 2025, and finalize roster Jan 9th, 2026. 

Halsey Hip Hop Battle  - Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 6PM in the auditorium.

PTA Fundraisers

The PTA Fundraiser with GroupRaise & Regal Cinemas runs from December 15, 2025 through February 15, 2026.

Fundraiser link: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/69227

The PTA Fundraiser with GroupRaise & Instacart runs from December 19, 2025 through February 27, 2026.

Fundraiser link: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/69228

For more information, see the attachment!

Spirit Store

Welcome to Halsey JHS 157’s spirit wear shop! We are so excited to present to you all these new styles and colors. Thank you for supporting our school. Please allow 3 weeks for delivery. All orders will be delivered to the school and distributed. Should you have any questions you can email the PTA @ [email protected]

** ALL SALES ARE FINAL NO RETURNS NO EXCHANGES.  Since these are custom printed please make sure you order the correct size.

Girl Basketball Cookie Swap and Media Day

On Monday, the girls basketball team gathered to celebrate the holidays with a cookie swap! They also took their media photos. Check it out!

CLUE! Cast List

After 2 auditions and 2 callbacks, in which over 125 very talented students auditioned for 15 parts, it made for a very challenging decision… 

Drum Roll Please!!! The moment everyone has been waiting for!!! 

The Cast List for Spring Play CLUE has been announced!!! CLUE CAST LIST!!!

Be sure to check the Cast list to see who is who in the cast!

Congratulations to the Cast of Clue and good job all the amazing student who auditioned!!!

The first rehearsal will be Monday, January 5 at 2:30pm in the Theatre Arts Rm.119

Dance Assembly

Halsey had an amazing day with guest artists Kid Glyde and 2 members of the Dynamic Rockers! First, they held a special workshop to teach breakdance skills to 7th and 8th grade dance students. Then all dance students got to watch - and some even got to participate - in a demonstration onstage! Check out some pics and videos here

Happy Final-Friday-of-December Halsey,

Congratulations to the students who performed in the winter concerts this week! For any student who would like a ticket as a memento, I have extra tickets in my office. Come by to pick up a ticket!

Don't forget our spirit days next week - Pajama Day and Festive Holiday Sweater Day! And I'm excited to host a parent workshop on 1/15/26, more info below!

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

• Ms. Lisa's Message
• Upcoming School Closures
• Upcoming School Events - Parent Workshop
• PTA Fundraisers - Regal Cinema & Instacart Gift Cards
• Sprit Store Open
• Clubs at a Glance -  Debate Team, Graphic Novel Club, Robotics Club, Halsey's Got Talent, Intergenerational Choir, Career Club, and Breakdancing!
• Summer Arts Institute
• Field Trip Highlights
• 8th Grade Spotlight - Yearbook
• Lost & Found - Did you lose a ring or a key fob for your car?
• Community Corner

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

Magical Evenings with Our Chorus and Band Concerts

The highlight of my week was experiencing the incredible talent of our students during the Chorus and Band concerts. I love watching them shine in the classroom every day, but there is something truly special—and so much fun—about seeing them shine on the stage. These performances were a beautiful celebration of their hard work, creativity, and the joy that the arts bring to our school community.

On Tuesday night we had our winter Chorus Concert, and it was nothing short of spectacular! The talent and dedication of our students truly shone on stage. When our chorus sang Smile, a song dedicated to those who may be having a difficult holiday season, it brought tears to my eyes. Their voices carried a message of hope and compassion that touched everyone in the auditorium. Then, when they sang and danced to the lively Candy Cane song, the joy and holiday spirit were absolutely contagious! And their beautiful Hanukkah songs filled the auditorium with celebration.

It was such an amazing night—I loved every single minute of it. Our students reminded us of the power of music to bring people together and lift spirits during this special time of year.

A special thank you goes to our incredible chorus teacher, Ms. Shikowitz. Her passion for music is evident in every note sung, but what makes her truly exceptional is the way she builds meaningful, lasting relationships with her students. She not only teaches them to sing with professionalism and grace, but she also nurtures their confidence and sense of belonging. We are so fortunate to have her guiding our chorus singers and creating such unforgettable concerts for our school community.

Then, on Thursday night, we were treated to an absolutely fabulous Band Concert! The energy in the auditorium was electric as our talented musicians showcased their hard work and dedication. It’s always inspiring to see how much they grow as musicians throughout the year, and Thursday night was a true celebration of their skill and passion.

We enjoyed the beautiful melodies of The Rust Belt and On the Colorado Trail, which transported us to different landscapes through music. And when the jazz bands took the stage, the crowd couldn’t help but to rock out! Their performance was a perfect blend of talent and enthusiasm.

A huge thank you to our band teacher, Ms. Zaffery, for guiding our band students with expertise and heart. It takes extraordinary talent to teach and direct hundreds of students playing different instruments—and she does it with such grace, enthusiasm, and care. Ms. Zaffery not only brings out the best in our musicians, but she also fosters confidence, teamwork, and a love for music that will stay with them for a lifetime. We are so fortunate to have her leading our band program and creating unforgettable band concerts for our school community.

Highlighting our Multilingual Learners in Science and ELA

This week I had the pleasure of visiting Ms. Bennett’s Science classroom, where Class 605 was actively engaged in a hands-on science lesson as they prepared to learn about density. Before introducing this new concept, Ms. Bennett reviewed volume, focusing on how to measure the volume of liquids. Students practiced measuring both regular and irregular objects using graduated cylinders and applied their learning by solving word problems to determine the final volume. It was wonderful to see our multilingual learners in Class 605 confidently using academic vocabulary and problem-solving skills during this meaningful, interactive learning.

This week, I also visited Class 705 during their English Language Arts lesson with Ms. Iemma. Students were deeply engaged in reading an informational text about space exploration. They worked diligently to identify an argument’s claim, reasons, and supporting evidence, while also analyzing how the author strengthened their argument through rhetorical devices.

I am so proud of their hard work and focus. These students are not only learning English but also building strong literacy skills that will serve them well across all subjects. Their commitment to understanding complex texts and expressing ideas clearly was outstanding. Keep up the great work, Class 705!

"Bulldogcast" Shirts for the Halsey News Team

And finally, our Halsey News Team is looking sharper than ever in their brand-new News Team shirts! The "Bulldogcast" shirts look amazing on set and we love them! The team is so excited about this new look as they continue to deliver the morning news to our school community. 

That’s a wrap on another amazing week at Halsey!

Upcoming School Closures

Please mark your calendars for the following days when school will be closed or early dismissals. This information is also available at Halsey157.org. 

Wednesday, December 24 through Sunday, January 4 - Winter Recess - School is closed. School will reopen on Monday, December 5.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Date!

Pajama Day - Monday, December 22. Wear your comfy holiday jammers!

Holiday Sweater Day - Tuesday, December 23. Let's see your most festive (ugly) holiday sweaters to finish out 2025!

Breakdance Guest Artist Visit - Tuesday, December 23, Day 4, Period 2-5.

Parent Workshop - Thursday, January 15 9AM, Day 1 - Into to Jupiter for Parents and Guardians: In this is interactive workshops, parents and guardians will be guided through logging into Jupiter, Halsey’s new system for managing student assignments and grades. Parents will have an opportunity to explore platform and learn more about how to communicate with teachers. Participants are encouraged to bring a mobile device to use. Sign up at: https://forms.gle/2XSmJJMrwCbhCvwEA

SPYSCAPE Museum Trip - January 17, 2026

Halsey Middle School is proud to offer a trip to the SPYSCAPE Museum on Saturday, January 17th, 2026, at SPYSCAPE at 12 Noon (Address: 928 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019) This includes interactions with the museum itself as well as spy games that's fun for the whole family! Each student that would like to come must come with at least one parent/guardian chaperone. Each ticket for children is $34 and each adult is $39, If you are interested, please fill out the Microsoft form. We will start accepting payments after Dec 22nd, 2025, and finalize roster Jan 9th, 2026. 

Halsey Hip Hop Battle  - Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 6PM in the auditorium.

PTA Fundraisers

The PTA Fundraiser with GroupRaise & Regal Cinemas runs from December 15, 2025 through February 15, 2026.

Fundraiser link: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/69227

The PTA Fundraiser with GroupRaise & Instacart runs from December 19, 2025 through February 27, 2026.

Fundraiser link: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/69228

For more information, see the attachment!

Spirit Store Open

Welcome to Halsey JHS 157’s spirit wear shop! We are so excited to present to you all these new styles and colors. Thank you for supporting our school. Please allow 3 weeks for delivery. All orders will be delivered to the school and distributed. Should you have any questions you can email the PTA @ [email protected]

** ALL SALES ARE FINAL NO RETURNS NO EXCHANGES.  Since these are custom printed please make sure you order the correct size.

Clubs at a Glance

Debate Team - The Halsey Debate team competed in the November Citywide Competition this past November. Below are the results.

Top Individual Speaker Middle School Public Forum JV

16^th: Jasper Traub

15^th: Beryl Petersen

13^th: Nicholas Kendt 

12^th: Ethan Gelman

6^th: Alina Mithani 

2^nd: Charlie Cohen

Top Individual Speaker Middle School Parliamentary JV

20^th: Juliet Kujo

16^th: Camilla Quinteros

15^TH: Shivikaa Aggarwal

11^th: Natan Wecel

7^th: Jacquelyn Chew

Top Teams Middle School Public Forum JV 

7^th: Jasper Traub and Beryl Petersen

1^st: Charlie Cohen and Alina Mithani

Top Teams: Middle School Parliamentary JV

5^th: Natan Wecel 

2^nd: Caitlin Han, Jacquelyn Chew and Alyssa Polakovich

Congratulations to the Halsey Debaters and coaches Mr. Sarris, Ms. Farrone and Mr. Monaco. Go Bulldogs!

Graphic Novel Club -Halsey's Graphic Novel Club is starting on January 8th! Please pick up a permission slip in Room 201. Please see the attached PDF with more information.

Robotics Club - 

This week, the Robotics Team had the exciting opportunity to visit PS 196! We showed the 5th graders how our robot works and even let them try coding and moving the robot themselves. They had a blast and learned a lot about robotics. Our team did an amazing job presenting to the students, staying calm and confident. They represented Halsey in the best way possible!

We also made great progress on our robot. Our team created a strategy for the upcoming competition to help us earn as many points as possible. The engineers successfully installed the control hub and team number plates, which are key parts of our robot.

Meanwhile, the coding team focused on improving the autonomous code, which allows the robot to move on its own without a controller.

There’s only one month left until the competition! We’re getting closer and working harder every day!

Halsey's Got Talent!

Get ready to shine, Halsey! We’re excited to announce Halsey’s Got Talent, our all-school talent show!  Whether you sing, dance, juggle, play an instrument, perform magic, or have a unique skill to share, this is your moment to take the stage. Auditions will be held on January 12 and January 13 at 2:30.
All students are welcome to try out and show us what you’ve got! Come ready to show your act. See the attached flyer for more information and the permission slip!

Let’s make this an unforgettable Talent show! 🌟

Intergenerational Choir

Parents: Do YOU like to sing? Are you looking for an educational way to bond with your child? If so, then Intergenerational Choir is for you! Parents, students and teachers come to Halsey and learn a song in a chorus setting. All family members are welcome. Students are also allowed to come on their own, without a parent. Parents can come without their child. Any student in any grade or talent can join. Alumni are also welcome. We have also hosted students and families from other schools. This is a community choir that is welcoming to all. 

Intergen will meet on the following Saturdays from 12:00 PM-12:50 PM: February 28th, March 14th, March 21st, April 18th, April 25th, May 9th, May 16th. We will perform one song as a group at the spring concert on May 19th at 7:00 PM at JHS 157. You can still participate even if some of the dates do not work for you, including the concert date.

You do not need to be an excellent singer. You only need to be someone with an open mind that is interested in music making. We are always telling our students to step outside of their comfort zone, and I am encouraging you to do the same. Come make memories with your child that you and they will never forget!

Click here to register once you are sure you can attend. We can only accept 60 members. Once we reach capacity, we will form a wait list. 

Please contact Ms. Shikowitz at [email protected] with any questions. 

Career Club - This week the Career Club welcomed their first guest speaker. Eric Yu, MBA, CPA Head of Finance & Operations, Galaxy Interactive joined us this past Tuesday to speak to the students about his career as a finance manager. He spoke about his education and career path, which eventually led to his current position. The students were able to ask him insightful questions, allowing them to gather knowledge for potential future decisions. Thank you, Mr. Yu! Career Club will meet after winter break to decide who our next speaker will be. See you in January!

Dance - Check out Dance Class 8T3 Breakdancing as we gear up for our Annual Hip Hop Battle!

Summer Arts Institute

Attention 7th and 8th Graders!

The Summer Arts Institute 2026 Application is now live! The Summer Arts Institute is a FREE four week summer arts program for rising 8-12th grade students administered by the NYCPS Arts Office. Admission to the Summer Arts Institute is by application and audition. Students may apply and audition for only ONE studio. 

Student Application Deadline: February 25, 2026

Virtual Audition Submission Deadline:  March 1, 2026

For More Information and to Apply Visit: https://www.tinyurl.com/SummerArtsInstitute2026

Questions?: Please e-mail cmcglone2@schools.nyc.gov

See the attached flyer for more information!

Field Trip Highlights

There were no field trips this week, but we have several coming up!

Upcoming Visual Art Field Trips

8t1 will be going to the  MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025

Students will attend their period one class, then report to the auditorium, where we will meet and take attendance before boarding the bus. We anticipate arriving back at school sometime during period 8. All students are aware of completing all class work missed that period.

Thanks for your patience and understanding. Feel free to contact Mrs. Lamere if you have any questions. 

8th Grade Spotlight

2025–2026 HALSEY JHS YEARBOOK

Halsey Junior High School’s yearbook sales are officially up and running for this school year.

All purchases will be made online only — we will not be collecting any funds in person. Included in this email are both a purchase link and a QR code, so families can easily place their orders.

Here are the details:

• Yearbook Price: $37 per book
• Personalization (optional): $7
• Icons (optional): $3 each
• Deadline for personalization and icons: January 30

LINK: Https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A05652800.

Lost & Found - Important Items

When items like keys or glasses are found around the building, the items are usually brought to the Parent Coordinator office. Here are a few items that were recently found and may belong to one of our students. If you recognize the item, come see Coach Sue in Room 100.

• A key fob for a car
• A ring was found at the Chorus Concert.

If you believe either of these items may be yours, please reach out to Coach Sue - [email protected]. 

Community Corner

Kweller Prep

Kweller Prep is excited to share four free, in-person high school visits we’re running for NYC 6th–7th graders and their families.  

1) Queens High School for the Sciences at York College (QHSS @ York)

• Tuesday, January 6 | 5:30–6:30 PM
• Sign-up: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Great-News--Free-Trip-to-QHHS-Specialized-High-School-.html?soid=1125981902198&aid=ZTrhKZH3xws

2) Stuyvesant High School

• Thursday, January 8, 2026 | 5:30–6:30 PM
• Sign-up: https://conta.cc/49bBBBj

3) Townsend Harris High School

• Thursday, January 15 | 5:30–6:30 PM
• Sign-up: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Great-News--In-Person-Trip-to-Townsend-Harris-High-School-.html?soid=1125981902198&aid=RZnL6W2I_YA

4) The Brooklyn Latin School 

• Thursday, January 29 | 5:30 pm -6:30 PM
• Sign up: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Free-Tour-of-The-Brooklyn-Latin-Specialized-High-School.html?soid=1125981902198&aid=nSLCZSz3e5Y

Important notes for families:

• A parent/guardian must attend with the student.
• Please arrive before 5:30 PM for check-in and a prompt start. 

Happy Friday Halsey,

WHAT A WEEK!? Time feels like it's flying by and 2026 will be here before we know it. I'm trying to take a moment to breathe to enjoy the holidays!

For any student who took a retake photo, your photos should now be available in your gallery at https://pictureday.com/. The proof sheets should be available next week and will be sent home as soon as we receive them. If anyone missed the retake day, you can open a case at https://www.irvinsimon.com/contact-us/customer-care-for-parents/ and request a retake during the In-Studio sessions at the Irvin Simon studios.

Also, I'm personally asking you all to fill out the Media Consent form for your child so we can share photos! You can find the form here - https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.uTdgPnP.1aj_ Pretty please, with a cherry on top?

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

• Ms. Lisa's Message
• Upcoming School Closures
• Upcoming School Events - Save the Dates, including Halsey's Got Talent!
• Winter Concert Details - Tickets now on sale!
• Sprit Store Open
• Clubs at a Glance -  E-Sports, Graphic Novel Club, Robotics Club, and CLUE Call Backs!
• Summer Arts Institute
• Field Trip Highlights
• 8th Grade Spotlight - 8th Grade Class Photos, Yearbook and baby photos
• Lost & Found - Did you lose glasses?
• Community Corner -  Forest Hills High School Winter Concerts and Kweller Prep School Visit

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

The Halsey Student Lighthouse Team Shines Bright

This Thursday morning, our Student Lighthouse Team held their very first meeting—and what an incredible start! Together with members of our staff Lighthouse Team, students worked thoughtfully to establish protocols for gathering input from their peers. As grade-level representatives, they were eager to ensure that every student has a voice in shaping ideas to strengthen our school community.

The team came up with creative plans to use grade assembly periods as a platform for collecting feedback and sharing ideas. This week, each grade assembly will introduce the Student Lighthouse representatives so everyone knows who to turn to with suggestions.

We also kicked off their first big project—the School Store! The team jumped right into a brainstorming session, generating exciting ideas and possibilities. Their energy, leadership, and commitment were truly inspiring. I couldn’t be prouder of these students—they hit the ground running and are ready to make a real difference in our school community.

Student Spotlight: Leadership in Action

I am thrilled to share an incredible example of leadership and initiative from two amazing students in Class 722—Anna Plotnik Friedman and Abha Thapaliya. These remarkable young leaders came to me with a thoughtful proposal for a new after-school program called Helping Hands.

Their vision is truly inspiring: they want students of all ages, ethnicities, religions, and beliefs to come together to make a positive impact on our community and in the lives of those in need. Through fundraisers and volunteer projects, their goal is to create opportunities for Halsey students to give back and make a real difference in the world.

I am so impressed by their passion and commitment to service. Once the club is up and running, we’ll share sign-up information—so keep an eye out! I couldn’t be prouder of Anna and Abha for their leadership and initiative. They are shining examples of how our students can lead with heart and purpose.

The Halsey Girls Basketball Team Kicks Off the Season with a Big Win

On Wednesday, I had the absolute pleasure of watching our Girls Basketball Team play their very first game of the season—and what a game it was! The team played with incredible heart, determination, and true Halsey school spirit.

Facing off against IS 5, our players gave it their all and came out on top with an impressive 42–15 victory! Their teamwork, energy, and sportsmanship were inspiring to watch. I can’t wait to cheer them on throughout the season as they continue to make us proud. Go Bulldogs!

Wishing Our Debate Team the Best of Luck

Tomorrow, our talented Debate Team will compete in the NYC Urban Debate League competition at Gotham Tech High School. We know they’ve worked hard to prepare, and I have no doubt they will represent Halsey with excellence, confidence, and school pride.

Good luck to all our debaters—you’ve got this! We can’t wait to hear about your success.

Upcoming School Closures

Please mark your calendars for the following days when school will be closed or early dismissals. This information is also available at Halsey157.org. 

Wednesday, December 24 through Sunday, January 4 - Winter Recess - School is closed. School will reopen on Monday, December 5.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Date!

Winter Chorus Concert - Tuesday, December 16th, 7:00 PM in the Auditorium. Price: $5.00 On Sale Now - See Below!

Winter Band Concert - Thursday, December 18th, 6:00PM in the Auditorium. Price: $5.00 On Sale Now - See Below! 

Pajama Day - Monday, December 22. Wear your comfy holiday jammers!

Holiday Sweater Day - Tuesday, December 23. Let's see your most festive (ugly) holiday sweaters to finish out 2025!

Breakdance Guest Artist Visit - Tuesday, December 23, Day 4, Period 2-5.

SPYSCAPE Museum Trip - January 17, 2026

Halsey Middle School is proud to offer a trip to the SPYSCAPE Museum on Saturday, January 17th, 2026, at SPYSCAPE at 12 Noon (Address: 928 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019) This includes interactions with the museum itself as well as spy games that's fun for the whole family! Each student that would like to come must come with at least one parent/guardian chaperone. Each ticket for children is $34 and each adult is $39, If you are interested, please fill out the Microsoft form. We will start accepting payments after Dec 22nd, 2025, and finalize roster Jan 9th, 2026. 

Halsey Hip Hop Battle  - Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 6PM in the auditorium.

Halsey's Got Talent!

Get ready to shine, Halsey! We’re excited to announce Halsey’s Got Talent, our all-school talent show!  Whether you sing, dance, juggle, play an instrument, perform magic, or have a unique skill to share, this is your moment to take the stage. Auditions will be held on January 12 and January 13 at 2:30.
All students are welcome to try out and show us what you’ve got! Come ready to show your act. More details coming soon!

Let’s make this an unforgettable Talent show! 🌟

December Calendar is available at Halsey157.org.

Winter Concert Details

Tickets for the Winter Concerts will be sold online on our school website and at the door that night for $5. Tickets sold online have a small service fee. This fee is standard for all ticket sale websites. Please note there is a separate link for each concert. 

You must bring the ticket to the concert as proof of purchase. There is no limit on the number of tickets a family can purchase. There are no assigned seats.

Chorus Concert on Tuesday, December 16 at 7PM Please click here to purchase tickets for the Chorus Concert:  https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.v4qNMzO.1Bm_ Online ticket sales to the Chorus concert will close on Friday, Dec. 12. Online ticket sale purchases will be distributed to your child in homeroom on Monday, 12/15. Tickets will be available at the door for $5. 

Please see the attached here to see some FAQ's about our chorus concerts: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-D51cH9IXUTZe2Bj7Kmv8m2sv7n90RL-jHWZS2AsAIo/edit?usp=sharing 

Band Concert on Thursday, December 18 at 6PM Please click here to purchase tickets for the Band Concert: https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.v4wVGkL.eJ_ Online ticket sales to the Band concert will close on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Online ticket sale purchases will be distributed to your child in homeroom on Wednesday, December 17. Tickets will be available at the door for $5. 

Please read through the Helpful Hints attachment! Students are to arrive at 5PM. Please note that this concert is just 7th Grade Select Concert Band (featuring 7T1 and 7T3), 8th Grade Concert Band, PB Band and JAM Band. 

Spirit Store Open

Welcome to Halsey JHS 157’s spirit wear shop! We are so excited to present to you all these new styles and colors. Thank you for supporting our school. Please allow 3 weeks for delivery. All orders will be delivered to the school and distributed. Should you have any questions you can email the PTA @ [email protected]

** ALL SALES ARE FINAL NO RETURNS NO EXCHANGES.  Since these are custom printed please make sure you order the correct size.

Clubs at a Glance

Halsey E-Sports - There will be a new Esports team starting up for the 2025/26 school year. The main focus of this team is to compete in the 2025/26 Mayor’s Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs competition. 25 students, who excel both in the engineering thought process and Minecraft, will be chosen to compete. Students will be planning, designing/redesigning, and building structures in Minecraft Education that can achieve one or more of the 17 United Nations sustainability goals, While Minecraft Education and engineering skills are paramount to a competitive team, other skills, such as video editing, leadership, presentation, and creative thinking will be evaluated and considered when picking the team members. There will be two tryouts for the team to accommodate all students. All 6th, 7th, and 8th graders are allowed to try out. Only one tryout per student. Please see the PDF for more information. 

Graphic Novel Club -Halsey's Graphic Novel Club is starting on January 8th! Please pick up a permission slip in Room 201. Please see the attached PDF with more information.

Robotics Club - Our outreach team has been hard at work planning our upcoming visit to PS 196, where we will work with 5th graders to spark their interest in robotics. The coding team made great progress as well—they can now successfully control the robot’s motors through their programming. Meanwhile, the engineering team is close to completing their design. They spent the week collaborating to test and fit different components together. Overall, it’s been an exciting and busy week for our robotics team!

CLUE! Call Backs - This week, over 125 students auditioned for the Spring Play CLUE!!

There will be Call Back Auditions for Clue on Tuesday, December 16 at 2:30 pm in Auditorium.  Please check the Call Back Audition list to see if you need to attend the audition.  

Summer Arts Institute

Attention 7th and 8th Graders!

The Summer Arts Institute 2026 Application is now live! The Summer Arts Institute is a FREE four week summer arts program for rising 8-12th grade students administered by the NYCPS Arts Office. Admission to the Summer Arts Institute is by application and audition. Students may apply and audition for only ONE studio. 

Student Application Deadline: February 25, 2026

Virtual Audition Submission Deadline:  March 1, 2026

For More Information and to Apply Visit: https://www.tinyurl.com/SummerArtsInstitute2026

Questions?: Please e-mail cmcglone2@schools.nyc.gov

See the attached flyer for more information!

Field Trip Highlights

There were no field trips this week, but we have several coming up!

Upcoming Visual Art Field Trips

Art Class 6T3, 8T1, & 8T3 and Mrs. Lamere will be attending a field trip in December. 

8t1 will be going to the  MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025

8t3 will be going to the  MOMA   (Museum of Modern Art)on Monday, Dec. 19, 2025 

Students will attend their period one class, then report to the auditorium, where we will meet and take attendance before boarding the bus. We anticipate arriving back at school sometime during period 8. All students are aware of completing all class work missed that period.

Thanks for your patience and understanding. Feel free to contact Mrs. Lamere if you have any questions. 

8th Grade Spotlight

8th Grade Class Photos

📸8TH GRADE CLASS PHOTOS ARE COMING!

2025–2026 HALSEY JHS YEARBOOK

We’re excited to announce that 8th Grade Class Photos (including teachers!) will be taken for this year’s school yearbook, along with your induvial photo that was taken.

📅PHOTO DATES START MONDAY, DECEMBER 15

Please remind your child to arrive at school on time and be photo-ready photo will be taken during AM Homeroom.

CLASS PHOTO SCHEDULE

MONDAY, DECEMBER 15 — A.M. HOMEROOM

• 802
• 805
• 803
• 807
• 804
• 809

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19

• 808
• 802
• 810
• 806
• 826
• 823

The remainder 8th-grade classes will be scheduled at a later date and will be announced shortly.

QUESTIONS?  Please reach out before December 15 to Mrs. Lamere or Mrs. Slaney

8th Grade Baby Photos - submit your baby photo (12 months or younger). Submit just one photo with you in it alone!!!! 

Please go to the link in your YEARBOOK Google Classroom- if you're not in the YEARBOOK GOOGLE Classroom room please see Mrs. Lamere room 141

• ENTER: Student’s name( FIRST & LAST) and HR class # on subject line
• That MEANS YOUR NAME, NOT YOUR PARENTS!!!!!!

Please do not miss the deadline. DUE DATE DEC. 15TH

We then may not be able to guarantee your eighth grader's baby photo in the yearbook. Please reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions. DO NOT EMAIL BABY PHOTOS!!!!! THEY WILL NOT BE ENTERED!!!!!!

Halsey Junior High School’s yearbook sales are officially up and running for this school year.

All purchases will be made online only — we will not be collecting any funds in person. Included in this email are both a purchase link and a QR code, so families can easily place their orders.

Here are the details:

• Yearbook Price: $37 per book
• Personalization (optional): $7
• Icons (optional): $3 each
• Deadline for personalization and icons: January 30

LINK: Https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A05652800.

Lost & Found - Important Items

When items like keys or glasses are found around the building, the items are usually brought to the Parent Coordinator office. Here are a few items that were recently found and may belong to one of our students. If you recognize the item, come see Coach Sue in Room 100.

Community Corner

Forest Hills High School will be having their Winter Concerts on Wednesday, December 17 and Thursday, December 18. See the attached flyer for more details.

Kweller Prep will host and in-person walking tour of Townsend Harris High School on Thursday, January 15, 2026 from 5:30-6:30PM. Parents and Guardians, if you can attend with your 6th or 7th grader, please meet by teh main enterance to Townsend Harris by 5:30PM. Siblings are welcome to join. Wear your sneakers! Sign up here - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgQxKjSisnOkJnEtsK3-SCvzQxVKfl-9r-1cyS3z5lwGNQrA/viewform

Happy Friday Halsey,

You all know I'm kind of the "New Girl" and I don't always know what I don't know. Such as, apparently we have a pajama day and an ugly holiday sweater day before winter break. I'm officially adding these to the calendar!

Also, I'm personally asking you all to fill out the Media Consent form for your child so we can share photos! You can find the form here - https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.uTdgPnP.1aj_ Pretty please, with a cherry on top?

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

• Ms. Lisa's Message
• Upcoming School Closures
• Upcoming School Events - Save the Dates, including info on the trip to SPYSCAPE Museum
• Winter Concert Details - Tickets now on sale!
• Sprit Store Open
• Clubs at a Glance -  Clue Auditions, Chess Club, and Robotics Club 
• Field Trip Highlights
• 8th Grade Spotlight - Yearbook and baby photos
• 6th Grade News - Sweatshirt Design Contest
• Lost & Found - Did you lose glasses?
• Community Corner -  Commonpoint Basketball, Kweller Prep for Hunter High School Entrance Exam and SHSAT Prep, and AAPI-CARE

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

Celebrating Excellence: District 28 Leaders Visit Halsey

On Wednesday, we had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Patrick Awosogba, our District 28 principals’ mentor, along with several District 28 principals, to our school. Visiting principals included Principal Lombard of PS 175, Principal Fishburne of PS 206, Dr. Lewis of PS 174, Principal Mack of PS 101, Principal Sferrazza of PS 303, Principal Hanley of PS 54, Dr. Green of PS 86, Principal Walter of PS 50, and Principal Elkarany of MS 358.

The visit began with a mentoring session led by Dr. Awosogba, followed by classroom walkthroughs that highlighted the incredible work happening at Halsey.

We visited Ms. Iemma and Ms. Spindel’s Class 709, where students were engaged in a warm-up activity and an accountable conversation about the text A Long Walk to Water. The discussion focused on how Nya’s repeated trips to the pond for water impacted her life and shaped her experiences. Students demonstrated deep thinking and strong text-to-world connections during this dialogue.

Next, we observed Class 620 in Science with Dr. Coppola and Ms. Pignataro, where students were engaged in the topic of scientific writing. They explored the scientific method of Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning (CER). Students learned how to respond to a research question by making a clear and definite claim. They then practiced analyzing data and text to gather evidence that supported their claim. Finally, they worked on connecting the evidence to the claim through reasoning, using precise and descriptive language to strengthen their explanations.

Finally, we visited Ms. Gavilanes-Palma’s Math class with Class 624, where students were actively writing algebraic expressions and explaining their reasoning.

Dr. Patrick Awosogba and the District 28 principals were extremely impressed with our students. They noted their high level of engagement and the clear evidence of literacy skills being applied across all content areas. They also praised the students’ sense of agency in their learning—taking ownership of their ideas and confidently sharing their thinking. 

This visit was a wonderful affirmation of the hard work and dedication of our teachers and students. I am always so proud to showcase the incredible efforts of our teachers and students!

Upcoming School Closures

Please mark your calendars for the following days when school will be closed or early dismissals. This information is also available at Halsey157.org. 

Wednesday, December 24 through Sunday, January 4 - Winter Recess - School is closed. School will reopen on Monday, December 5.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Date!

Winter Chorus Concert - Tuesday, December 16th, 7:00 PM in the Auditorium. Price: $5.00 On Sale Now - See Below!

Winter Band Concert - Thursday, December 18th, 6:00PM in the Auditorium. Price: $5.00 On Sale Now - See Below! 

Pajama Day - Monday, December 22. Wear your comfy holiday jammers!

Ugly Holiday Sweater Day - Tuesday, December 23. Let's see your most festive (ugly) holiday sweaters to finish out 2025!

SPYSCAPE Museum Trip - January 17, 2026

Halsey Middle School is proud to offer a trip to the SPYSCAPE Museum on Saturday, January 17th, 2026, at SPYSCAPE at 12 Noon (Address: 928 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019) This includes interactions with the museum itself as well as spy games that's fun for the whole family! Each student that would like to come must come with at least one parent/guardian chaperone. Each ticket for children is $34 and each adult is $39, If you are interested, please fill out the Microsoft form. We will start accepting payments after Dec 22nd, 2025, and finalize roster Jan 9th, 2026. 

December Calendar is available at Halsey157.org.

Winter Concert Details

Tickets for the Winter Concerts will be sold online on our school website and at the door that night for $5. Tickets sold online have a small service fee. This fee is standard for all ticket sale websites. Please note there is a separate link for each concert. 

You must bring the ticket to the concert as proof of purchase. There is no limit on the number of tickets a family can purchase. There are no assigned seats.

Chorus Concert on Tuesday, December 16 at 7PM Please click here to purchase tickets for the Chorus Concert:  https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.v4qNMzO.1Bm_ Online ticket sales to the Chorus concert will close on Friday, Dec. 12. Online ticket sale purchases will be distributed to your child in homeroom on Monday, 12/15.

Please see the attached here to see some FAQ's about our chorus concerts: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-D51cH9IXUTZe2Bj7Kmv8m2sv7n90RL-jHWZS2AsAIo/edit?usp=sharing 

Band Concert on Thursday, December 18 at 6PM Please click here to purchase tickets for the Band Concert: https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.v4wVGkL.eJ_ Online ticket sales to the Band concert will close on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Online ticket sale purchases will be distributed to your child in homeroom on Wednesday, December 17.

Please read through the Helpful Hints attachment! Please note that this concert is just 7th Grade Select Concert Band (featuring 7T1 and 7T3), 8th Grade Concert Band, PB Band and JAM Band. 

Spirit Store Open

Welcome to Halsey JHS 157’s spirit wear shop! We are so excited to present to you all these new styles and colors. Thank you for supporting our school. Please allow 3 weeks for delivery. All orders will be delivered to the school and distributed. Should you have any questions you can email the PTA @ [email protected]

** ALL SALES ARE FINAL NO RETURNS NO EXCHANGES.  Since these are custom printed please make sure you order the correct size.

Clubs at a Glance

Halsey Theatre Arts: CLUE Auditions

Halsey Theatre Arts is please to announce the Spring Play will be the Broadway hit, CLUE (High School Edition). Auditions for the show will be Monday, December 8 and Tuesday, December 9 at 2:30 pm in the auditorium. Auditions are first come first serve and you will audition in the order you signed up.

Please note, this a Play, not a musical. Click on the attached link for more audition information. 

Halsey Chess Club

Halsey’s Chess Club will meet every Wednesday from 2:30-4:00 PM beginning next week on December 10^th. The Club will be taught by representatives from ChessNYC (https://chessnyc.com/).

Request a seat using the link below. Limited spots are available, and we have to offer them on a first-come, first-served basis. Students accepted into the program will be emailed confirmations by Tuesday, December 9th.

https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.v4wtQcY.2x5_

Robotics Club

The Robotics team has been working hard, and we’re excited to say we’re almost ready for competition! Our Outreach team kept polishing the engineering notebook, adding the helpful suggestions we got from Forest Hills High School and the Mighty Mechanics. The Coding team spent the week developing our starter code and learning how to get the motors running. And the Mechanics team made big strides by installing two control hubs and another battery, working together to figure out the best setup for the robot.

Field Trip Highlights

There were no field trips this week, but we have several coming up!

Upcoming Visual Art Field Trips

Art Class 6T3, 8T1, & 8T3 and Mrs. Lamere will be attending a field trip in December. 

6t3  will be going to the MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art ) on Dec. 1

8t1 will be going to the  MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025

8t3 will be going to the  MOMA   (Museum of Modern Art)on Monday, Dec. 19, 2025 

Students will attend their period one class, then report to the auditorium, where we will meet and take attendance before boarding the bus. We anticipate arriving back at school sometime during period 8. All students are aware of completing all class work missed that period.

Thanks for your patience and understanding. Feel free to contact Mrs. Lamere if you have any questions. 

8th Grade Spotlight

8th Grade Baby Photos - submit your baby photo (12 months or younger). Submit just one photo with you in it alone!!!! 

Please go to the link in your YEARBOOK Google Classroom- if you're not in the YEARBOOK GOOGLE Classroom room please see Mrs. Lamere room 141

• ENTER: Student’s name( FIRST & LAST) and HR class # on subject line
• That MEANS YOUR NAME, NOT YOUR PARENTS!!!!!!

Please do not miss the deadline. DUE DATE DEC. 15TH

We then may not be able to guarantee your eighth grader's baby photo in the yearbook. Please reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions. DO NOT EMAIL BABY PHOTOS!!!!! THEY WILL NOT BE ENTERED!!!!!!

Halsey Junior High School’s yearbook sales are officially up and running for this school year.

All purchases will be made online only — we will not be collecting any funds in person. Included in this email are both a purchase link and a QR code, so families can easily place their orders.

Here are the details:

• Yearbook Price: $37 per book
• Personalization (optional): $7
• Icons (optional): $3 each
• Deadline for personalization and icons: January 30

LINK: Https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A05652800.

6th Grade News

Grade 6 Sweatshirt Design Contest

We’re excited to announce a sweatshirt design contest for all Grade 6 students! This is your chance to showcase your creativity and help design a sweatshirt that represents our class. Each student can submit an original design for their "Class of 2028" Sweatshirt​​. All designs must be original and cannot include any copyrighted material.​

Contest Guidelines:

1. Theme: Create a sweatshirt design that reflects our class spirit, values, or memories from this year.

2. Design Format: Your design should fit on the BACK of a sweatshirt. You can use any drawing or graphic software, or create your design by hand and scan or photograph it. You will also come up with a small logo for the FRONT of the sweatshirt.

3. Deadline: All designs must be uploaded to the website by 12/12/2025.

4. Voting: After the submission deadline, all approved designs will be posted on the website. Grade 6 students will be invited to view the entries and vote for their favorite design.

5. Winner Announcement: The design with the most student votes will be printed on our official Grade 6 sweatshirt!

We can’t wait to see your awesome ideas and find out which design our class will choose!

Lost & Found - Important Items

When items like keys or glasses are found around the building, the items are usually brought to the Parent Coordinator office. Here are a few items that were recently found and may belong to one of our students. If you recognize the item, come see Coach Sue in Room 100.

Community Corner

Commonpoint at Central Queens Basketball

Please see the attached flyer from Commonpoint at Central Queens and three leagues they are currently offering:

• Co-ed ages 9–11
• Co-ed ages 12–15
• All-girls ages 8–12

Kweller Prep

Attention 6th and 7th grade parents: Kweller Prep asked us to share information about their upcoming Hunter High School Entrance Exam Webinar, SHSAT Prep Webinar, as well as test prep sessions. Please see the attached file with more details. 

AAPI-CARE (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders - Connect. Activate. Reimagine. Engage.)is a 1-day convening that brings togetherNYC’s AAPI and allied parents to discuss the experiences and issues most relevant to AAPI families. AAPI-CARE aims to create a shared learning community where parents and caregivers will be equipped with the tools to advocate for themselves, their families, and the wider AAPI community as a whole. This convening will also create opportunities for parents to engage in social justice leadership. 

This convening is open to AAPI parents/grandparents/legal guardians of a child/children in public, K-12 schools; parents are interested in leadership and are curious, open-minded, and want to learn. Please see the attached flyer for more information on Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF). 

Hi there Halsey,

I hope you all had a wonderful week! It was a busy one here at Halsey!

Quick Question: Do you want to see photos of students while they are at Halsey in this newsletter? Is so, please make sure that you fill out the Media Consent form for your child(ren). You can find the form here - https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.uTdgPnP.1aj_ I'm hoping we can get 100% participation of every family and that I can start sharing pictures of all the awesome events we do here!

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

• Ms. Lisa's Message
• Upcoming School Closures
• Upcoming School Events - Save the Dates
• Report Cards
• Halsey Book Fair
• Krispy Kreme Fundraiser - DON'T FORGET TO ORDER TODAY!
• Sprit Store Open
• Clubs at a Glance - Robotics Club
• Field Trip Highlights
• 8th Grade Spotlight - Newtown High School Visit, Dance Performance, and Yearbook
• Lost & Found - Important Items Edition
• Community Corner - The Eisman Center for Preparatory Studies in Music and AAPI-CARE

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

Investing in Our Future: Thank You Borough President Richards

On Monday, I had the honor of attending the Education Press Conference alongside Chancellor Avilés Ramos and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. It was an incredible opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to Borough President Richards for his unwavering support of our students and staff.

Thanks to his generous discretionary capital allocation of $75,000 for Fiscal Year 2026, we will be able to enhance technology at Halsey, an investment that will empower our students with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. This commitment reflects a shared belief in the importance of innovation and equity in education, and we are deeply appreciative of his partnership in making this vision a reality.

Thank you, Borough President Richards, for supporting Halsey! If you look all the way to the back left side of the photo you will see me and Principal Lombard of PS 175! Dr. Blake is in the front right behind our chancellor. 

6th Grade Parent Learning Walk: A Day of Collaboration and Insight

Today, we proudly hosted our 6th Grade Parent Learning Walk, an event designed to strengthen the partnership between home and school. Parents had the opportunity to learn about our instructional goals and how they align with the vision of NYC Public Schools and Dr. Blake’s priorities for District 28.

During the session, families explored the pedagogy and curriculum that drive teaching and learning at Halsey. We highlighted key areas of focus, including small group instruction, explicit instruction, checks for understanding, and WIN (What I Need) periods, all of which support personalized learning and academic growth.

Following the overview, parents visited classrooms across all content areas. Using a rubric, they observed lessons and identified evidence of our goals in action. This hands-on experience allowed parents to see firsthand how our strategies come to life in the classroom.

We concluded the day with a thoughtful debrief, sharing observations and reflections. It was an amazing experience for both our administration and our families, reinforcing our shared commitment to student success. We look forward to hosting the Grade 7 parent learning walk in December!

Upcoming School Closures

Please mark your calendars for the following days when school will be closed or early dismissals. This information is also available at Halsey157.org. 

Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 - Thanksgiving Recess - School is closed.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Date!

Marking Period 1 Report Card Distribution - Friday, November 21

Krispy Kreme Doughnut Fundraiser - Wednesday, November 26

8th Grade Dance Performance - Wednesday, November 26

Halsey Book Fair - Tuesday, December 2, Wednesday, December 3 and Thursday, December 4

Winter Chorus Concert - December 16th, 7:00 PM in the Auditorium. Price: $5.00 More details coming soon!

Winter Band Concert - December 18th, 6:00PM in the Auditorium. Price: $5.00 More details coming soon! Please read through the Helpful Hints attachment!

Report Cards

Report cards and Honor Roll certificates were distributed today, Friday, November 21^st.

Beginning this marking period, there will be a single Honor Roll, called Halsey Honor Roll. Students with an overall MP1 average of 93.00 or higher will be eligible for Honor Roll if all of their conduct grades are Satisfactory or Excellent.

NYCDOE report cards are weighted; certain classes carry more weight than others when calculating the overall average.

More information about the Honor Roll and weighted report cards can be found in the Grading Policy on the school website (https://www.halsey157.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4410089&type=d&pREC_ID=2660465)

Halsey Book Fair

The Halsey Book fair is coming back! We have partnered up with Kew and Willow books once again, a local book store in Kew Gardens to host our fair. It’s the perfect chance for students to explore new worlds and discover their next favorite book. There will be books, comics, and stationery. A percentage of every sale goes directly to support our school – helping fund programs and activities for our students! Interested in coming to visit? Please see below for all details:

• When? For students, the fair will be held during the school day on Tuesday, December 2, Wednesday, December 3rd, and Thursday, December 4th
• Where? Halsey’s Library
• What will be there? Books, comics, AND stationery. See the flyer attached for a QR code to our catalog. Or, click the link here: https://kewandwillow.com/catalog/halsey-middle-school-book-fair Please note: This catalog includes only a snapshot of what Kew and Willow will be bringing- there will be much MORE at the fair.
• Stationery is not listed on the catalog but expect a wide variety of items that are from the brand IF USA. Check out some of their beautiful items on their website here:  https://www.ifusa.com/ 
• Parents, guardians, and caregivers who are interested in attending the fair are welcome to visit on Tuesday, December 2nd from 2:30PM – 4:00PM. Please fill out the form below to let us know that you’ll be there!Halsey Book Fair Parent Sign Up – Fill out form

Details regarding purchases:

• Students should bring in cash to make purchases at the fair. 
• Kew and Willow will  accept cash OR card only from parents, guardians, and caregivers.
• Online purchases through our catalog (see above) purchased from 12/2-12/5 also count towards our sales! If you place an order online, be sure to mention that you’re a Halsey family in the order notes.

If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out to the ELA Assistant Principal, Ms. Albanese at [email protected] or to your child’s ELA teacher.

Krispy Kreme Fundraiser

Today is the last day to order your doughnuts!

The Halsey PTA is proud to announce the first Krispy Kreme Fundraiser! From November 10 through November 21, you can place an order for $20.00 per one dozen doughnuts. The orders will be distributed to the students on Wednesday, November 26. 

To place an order, please click HERE.

Individual doughnuts - Glazed and Chocolate - will be for sale during the lunch periods for $2.00 per doughnut. 

Spirit Store Open

Welcome to Halsey JHS 157’s spirit wear shop! We are so excited to present to you all these new styles and colors. Thank you for supporting our school. Please allow 3 weeks for delivery. All orders will be delivered to the school and distributed. Should you have any questions you can email the PTA @ [email protected]

** ALL SALES ARE FINAL NO RETURNS NO EXCHANGES.  Since these are custom printed please make sure you order the correct size.

Clubs at a Glance

Robotics Club

This week was an exciting one for our robotics team! We were lucky to have members of the Forest Hills Robotics Team visit and mentor us.

Our programming team has been learning about both manual and autonomous coding to help our robot move on its own and with a controller. The engineering team has been working together to try new building techniques and improve their robot designs. Meanwhile, the outreach team continued developing the team notebook and sketching the model robot.

We made a ton of progress this week and learned so much about what it takes to build and operate a successful robot!

Field Trip Highlights

Last weekend, Halsey went to see a live dance show! We enjoyed watching the Paul Taylor Modern Dance Company perform at Lincoln Center. Tickets were graciously provided by the Arnhold Tier 3 Program and arranged by Mrs. Gruet. 

This week, a group of Halsey Dance 7th & 8th students took a trip to see the Hunter College Dance program in Manhattan. It was so inspiring to see college students studying and performing dance - it gave us ideas not for our work but also for our future. 

Upcoming Visual Art Field Trips

Art Class 6T3, 8T1, & 8T3 and Mrs. Lamere will be attending a field trip in December. 

6t3  will be going to the MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art ) on Dec. 1

8t1 will be going to the  MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025

8t3 will be going to the  MOMA   (Museum of Modern Art)on Monday, Dec. 19, 2025 

Students will attend their period one class, then report to the auditorium, where we will meet and take attendance before boarding the bus. We anticipate arriving back at school sometime during period 8. All students are aware of completing all class work missed that period.

Thanks for your patience and understanding. Feel free to contact Mrs. Lamere if you have any questions. 

8th Grade Spotlight

Newtown High School Visit

This Monday, November 17, 2025, our 8th graders had a wonderful opportunity to attend an assembly with Newtown High School. The presentation was highly informative, and our students were fully engaged as they learned about the wide range of programs Newtown offers—including its impressive CTE pathways. Newtown also provides a variety of clubs and sports teams, ensuring that every student can find an activity that interests them. This school year, Newtown launched its brand-new nursing program, adding to an already robust selection of AP courses and College Now opportunities. Students were also excited to hear that Newtown has its own sports field, offering even more extracurricular possibilities.

Halsey 8th Grade Dance Performance

8th Grade Dance students are hard at work preparing for their performance next week! Check out a sneak peak here. If your 8th grader is in Dance Talent, come watch the performance Wednesday morning - parents are invited! Details were sent home on paper, by email, via Jupiter messages, and can also be found on students’ Dance Google Classrooms. 

Halsey Junior High School’s yearbook sales are officially up and running for this school year.

All purchases will be made online only — we will not be collecting any funds in person. Included in this email are both a purchase link and a QR code, so families can easily place their orders.

Here are the details:

• Yearbook Price: $37 per book
• Personalization (optional): $7
• Icons (optional): $3 each
• Deadline for personalization and icons: January 30

LINK: Https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A05652800.

Lost & Found - Important Items

When items like keys or glasses are found around the building, the items are usually brought to the Parent Coordinator office. Here are a few items that were recently found and may belong to one of our students. If you recognize the item, come see Coach Sue in Room 100.

Community Corner

For parents of vocal and instrumental students, please see the attached flyer about The Eisman Center for Preparatory Studies in Music at Queens College.

AAPI-CARE (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders - Connect. Activate. Reimagine. Engage.)is a 1-day convening that brings togetherNYC’s AAPI and allied parents to discuss the experiences and issues most relevant to AAPI families. AAPI-CARE aims to create a shared learning community where parents and caregivers will be equipped with the tools to advocate for themselves, their families, and the wider AAPI community as a whole. This convening will also create opportunities for parents to engage in social justice leadership. 

This convening is open to AAPI parents/grandparents/legal guardians of a child/children in public, K-12 schools; parents are interested in leadership and are curious, open-minded, and want to learn. Please see the attached flyer for more information on Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF). 

Hi there Halsey,

I hope you all had a wonderful week!

Below you'll find a list of what you can find the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

• Ms. Lisa's Message
• Upcoming School Closures
• Upcoming School Events - Save the Dates
• Report Cards
• MRA Surveys
• Uplift Program, Partnership with Townsend Harris High School
• Krispy Kreme Fundraiser
• Picture Day Proofs
• Sprit Store Open
• Clubs at a Glance - Robotics, Basketball Tryouts 
• Field Trip Highlights
• 8th Grade Spotlight - High School Application Help Session & Yearbook
• Community Corner

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

Celebrating Our 8th Graders’ Hard Work on the SHSAT!

This past Wednesday, November 12th, our incredible 8th graders took the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT), a milestone moment in their academic journey. Leading up to this day, our students demonstrated unwavering dedication and determination. They committed countless hours to preparation, participating in classes both inside and outside of school, reviewing materials, and practicing strategies to ensure they were ready.

We could not be prouder of their effort and perseverance. Preparing for and taking the SHSAT is no small task, and our students rose to the challenge with grit and focus. Their hard work reflects not only their academic ambition but also their resilience and commitment to their future.

Now, as we await the results, we are filled with excitement to see the amazing opportunities that await them in New York City’s specialized high schools. Regardless of the outcome, these students have already achieved something remarkable. They set a goal, worked tirelessly toward it, and gave it their all.

To our 8th graders: we are so proud of you! Your determination inspires us all, and we can’t wait to celebrate you as you receive acceptance letters to the specialized high schools!

A Super Cool Moment: 8th Graders at the Barclays Center!

This week brought an unforgettable experience for our 8th grade students—they conquered the Barclays Center! Our students had the incredible opportunity to step onto the court and play basketball in one of the most iconic arenas in New York City.

The energy was electric as they showcased not only their athletic skills but also their school spirit and sportsmanship. It was an afternoon filled with teamwork, pride, and excitement. Moments like these remind us that education is about more than academics—it’s about creating memories, building character, and celebrating the talents of our students in every arena.

I am so proud of the way our 8^th grade players represented Halsey. 

Halsey Hosts the District 28 Literacy Leaders Institute

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of hosting the November session of the D28 Literacy Leaders Institute. Our school welcomed district leaders Doris Castillo, Laura Cobos, and members of the District 28 team, who facilitated a powerful day of learning centered on Access to Core Curriculum for All. Together with literacy teachers from across the district, our own Halsey lead teachers and Assistant Principal engaged in rich collaboration throughout the day.

The session featured lectures, group discussions, and grade-level breakout workshops that explored key topics such as using Checks for Understanding to identify strategic entry points for explicit instruction, supporting students in accessing grade-level texts through small-group instruction, and leveraging the Writable platform to better serve our Multilingual Learners in preparation for the NYSESLAT examination.

It was an energizing and productive day of professional learning, and we are grateful for the strong partnership we share with our District 28 team.

And that ends another fabulous week at our school!

Upcoming School Closures

Please mark your calendars for the following days when school will be closed or early dismissals. This information is also available at Halsey157.org. 

Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 - Thanksgiving Recess - School is closed.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Date!

6th Grade Fall Fun Night - Wednesday, November 19, 3:00-5:00 PM. Price: $10.00 and tickets are available on Halsey157.org until Sunday evening. 

Marking Period 1 Report Card Distribution - Friday, November 21

Winter Chorus Concert - December 16th, 7:00 PM in the Auditorium. Price: $5.00 More details coming soon!

Report Cards

Report cards and Honor Roll certificates will be distributed on Friday, November 21^st.

Beginning this marking period, there will be a single Honor Roll, called Halsey Honor Roll. Students with an overall MP1 average of 93.00 or higher will be eligible for Honor Roll if all of their conduct grades are Satisfactory or Excellent.

NYCDOE report cards are weighted; certain classes carry more weight than others when calculating the overall average.

More information about the Honor Roll and weighted report cards can be found in the Grading Policy on the school website (https://www.halsey157.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4410089&type=d&pREC_ID=2660465)

MRA Survey

As you may know, we are a Leader in MeSchool. Leader in Me is a whole-school transformation model aimed at developing leadership skills in students. Through the teaching of life skills, such as responsibility, critical thinking, goal setting, and collaboration, school environments are changed for the better. Academic achievement and personal growth amongst students and staff alike skyrockets. Everyone is empowered to take ownership and contribute to the learning environment that is Halsey.

We are currently administering the Measurable Results Assessment (MRA), a survey and reporting system designed to provide insights into the progress of our school. The questions relate to the experiences you and your child have at Halsey. Would you please take 5 minutes before November 19^th to take this anonymous survey? We can use the feedback to make our school an even better place for students and families.

Simply click on this link: https://www.leaderinme.com/s/jhs-157q-stephen-a-halsey/families . 

Exciting New Partnership with Townsend Harris High School!

We’re thrilled to share that Halsey is launching a new partnership with Townsend Harris High School through their Uplift Program, beginning Friday, November 14, 2025!

Uplift is a student-led service organization in which Townsend Harris students provide peer tutoring support to nearby partner schools. Starting this Friday, 15 Townsend Harris students, many of whom are proud Halsey alumni, will join us every Friday afternoon to support our classrooms and students.

Tutors will arrive around 12:30 PM and remain with us through 8th period.

• Provide one-on-one academic support for students who need extra help
• Work with small groups to strengthen key skills and concepts
• Offer general classroom support that enhances learning for all students

Every Halsey teacher has the opportunity to sign up to host a peer tutor in their classroom, allowing the program to reach a wide range of subjects and grade levels.

We’re so excited to welcome these incredible Townsend Harris students back to Halsey! This partnership not only provides additional academic support for our students but also fosters meaningful mentorship and community connections between our schools.

Krispy Kreme Fundraiser

The Halsey PTA is proud to announce the first Krispy Kreme Fundraiser! From November 10 through November 21, you can place an order for $20.00 per one dozen doughnuts. The orders will be distributed to the students on Wednesday, November 26. 

To place an order, please click HERE.

Individual doughnuts - Glazed and Chocolate - will be for sale during the lunch periods for $2.00 per doughnut. 

Picture Day Proofs

All proofs from picture day have been distributed to students and emails have been delivered to parent with the unique codes to access the pictures and order prints. If you have any questions about this process or you have not received the code, please reach out to Coach Sue Landis. 

Spirit Store Open

Welcome to Halsey JHS 157’s spirit wear shop! We are so excited to present to you all these new styles and colors. Thank you for supporting our school. Please allow 3 weeks for delivery. All orders will be delivered to the school and distributed. Should you have any questions you can email the PTA @ [email protected]

** ALL SALES ARE FINAL NO RETURNS NO EXCHANGES.  Since these are custom printed please make sure you order the correct size.

Clubs at a Glance

Halsey Robotics

This week, our Robotics team reflected on the Forest Hills High School Robotics meetup from October and discussed what we learned from that experience. We also began programming our robot and are excited to start coding with our Raspberry Pi. Meanwhile, the engineering team made great progress on the robot’s structure — it’s almost ready to be assembled!

Halsey GIRLS Varsity Basketball Tryouts will be on Tuesday 11/18 from 2:30-5:00. Tryouts are open to 6th-8th grade girls who are interested in playing in a competitive season, which includes games against other Queens middle schools from November  - March. The team will have practices and games 2-3 times a week, depending on the league schedule. Athletes who are interested in the TRYOUT must complete the Google Form AND bring a paper permission slip to the tryout.  Please reach out to Coach Palmieri ([email protected]) and Coach Kohlasch ([email protected]) with any questions.

Halsey BOYs Varsity Basketball Tryouts will be next week also. Tryouts for 7th grade boys will be on Wednesday, November 19. Tryouts for 8th grade boys will be on Thursday, November 20. Get a permission slip from Mr. Suh's office in room 212 or Mr. Plummer's office in Room 210. The permission slip must be signed by a guardian and brought in the day of the tryout.

Field Trip Highlights

Check back here next week for updates from the field trips students are taking!

8th Grade Spotlight

High School Application Help - On Tuesday, November 18, Halsey will host a workshop on the high school application process. Please see that attachment for more information about this event.

Halsey Junior High School’s yearbook sales are officially up and running for this school year.

All purchases will be made online only — we will not be collecting any funds in person. Included in this email are both a purchase link and a QR code, so families can easily place their orders.

Here are the details:

• Yearbook Price: $37 per book
• Personalization (optional): $7
• Icons (optional): $3 each
• Deadline for personalization and icons: January 30

LINK: Https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A05652800.

Community Corner

AAPI-CARE (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders - Connect. Activate. Reimagine. Engage.)is a 1-day convening that brings togetherNYC’s AAPI and allied parents to discuss the experiences and issues most relevant to AAPI families. AAPI-CARE aims to create a shared learning community where parents and caregivers will be equipped with the tools to advocate for themselves, their families, and the wider AAPI community as a whole. This convening will also create opportunities for parents to engage in social justice leadership. 

This convening is open to AAPI parents/grandparents/legal guardians of a child/children in public, K-12 schools; parents are interested in leadership and are curious, open-minded, and want to learn. Please see the attached flyer for more information on Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF). 

Hi there Halsey!

How's everyone doing this week? Adjusting to the time change? This was another busy week at Halsey and I hope you're all looking forward to the weekend!

Below you'll find a list of what you can find the newsletter this week! As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

• Ms. Lisa's Message
• Upcoming School Closures
• Upcoming School Events - Save the Dates
• Parent Teacher Conferences
• Picture Day Proofs
• Sprit Store Open
• Clubs at a Glance - Jewish Culture Club
• Field Trip Highlights
• 8th Grade Spotlight - Yearbook
• Community Corner

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

Highlighting 6^th Grade English Language Arts

This week I had the pleasure of observing a literacy lesson in Ms. Ward’s 6th Grade ELA class, Class 622. Students are currently engaged in the Sustaining the Environment unit, which centers around the mentor novel Flush. The focus of this lesson was the learning target: “I can identify and explain how authors use literary techniques such as foreshadowing, pacing, and imagery to create suspense and to keep readers engaged.”

The lesson began with students drawing on their prior experiences as readers and viewers to consider how writers and filmmakers use various techniques to captivate their audiences. Students were highly engaged and took an active role in leading discussions, demonstrating curiosity and respect for their peers’ perspectives.

Ms. Ward skillfully incorporated an on-demand Google Form assessment to gauge students’ understanding of key literary techniques early on in the lesson. Based on this real-time data, she implemented flexible grouping—allowing some students to work independently or in pairs, while others participated in a focused “I Do” session to reinforce comprehension. In all groups, students looked carefully at how writers use the techniques of foreshadowing and pacing to create suspense for readers, deepening their understanding of how these choices impact the reader’s experience.

The result was a purposeful and well-differentiated lesson in which all students received targeted instruction aligned with their individual needs. Ms. Ward’s intentional planning and responsive teaching fostered an environment of engagement, reflection, and academic growth. I am exceptionally proud of the meaningful literacy work taking place in our classrooms and the dedication our students demonstrate each day!

Mathematics with our 7th Grade Multilingual Learners

On Thursday, I had the pleasure of visiting Ms. Signer’s 702 mathematics class, a vibrant group of multilingual learners who are truly developing into confident young mathematicians. The classroom was alive with energy and focus as students tackled one-step inequalities involving rational numbers—a challenging concept that they approached with determination and enthusiasm.

What stood out most was the level of engagement and collaboration. Every student was actively involved—solving, graphing, and checking their work with care and precision. The academic conversations I overheard were not only thoughtful but also reflective of deep understanding and peer support. It was inspiring to witness students explaining their reasoning to one another, asking questions, and celebrating their progress together.

Ms. Signer’s instructional approach was equally impressive. She skillfully implemented the Close Reading Strategy to support comprehension and critical thinking, while also providing targeted support through small group instruction. Her ability to meet students where they are and guide them forward is a testament to her dedication and expertise.

We are incredibly fortunate to have Ms. Signer as part of our Math ENL team. Her commitment to excellence and her students’ success is evident in every lesson she teaches. I left the classroom feeling proud—not only of our students’ hard work and growth, but also of the outstanding teaching happening every day at our school.

Halsey Athletics: A Season to Celebrate!

Our Fall sports season has officially come to a close, and what an incredible journey it has been! From soccer to volleyball to flag football, our student-athletes showed up with heart, hustle, and determination every single game.

This season wasn’t just about wins and losses—it was about sportsmanship, teamwork, and dedication. Our players supported one another, respected their opponents, and represented Halsey with pride both on and off the field.

We are so proud of the effort and commitment our athletes demonstrated. They balanced academics with practices, pushed through challenges, and gave their best for their teams. These experiences build character and leadership, and we couldn’t be more excited to see what they accomplish next.

Thank you to our coaches, families, and fans for cheering on our students and making this season unforgettable. Go Halsey Bulldogs!

That is a close on another fabulous week at Halsey!

Upcoming School Closures

Please mark your calendars for the following days when school will be closed or early dismissals. This information is also available at Halsey157.org. 

Tuesday, November 11 - Veteran's Days - School is closed.

Thursday, November 13 - Early Dismissal for Parent-Teacher Conferences. Students will be dismissed after Period 4 at 11:20 AM.  See below for more information.

Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 - Thanksgiving Recess - School is closed.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Date!

Halsey Basketball at Barclay's Center - Wednesday, November 12, 5:30PM. Tickets available at pbraise.co/halsey.

6th Grade Fall Fun Night - Wednesday, November 19, 3:00-5:00 PM. Price: $10.00 and tickets are available on Halsey157.org. 

Winter Chorus Concert - December 16th, 7:00 PM in the Auditorium. Price: $5.00 More details coming soon!

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place remotely on Thursday November 13, from 1:00-3:00 PM and 4:30-7:30 PM. Students will attend school that day from 8:00 AM to 11:20 AM, which encompasses AM Homeroom, Periods 1-4, and PM Homeroom. Please read the following notes related to these conferences, as well as the end of Marking Period 1:

We have restricted the viewing of MP1 grades while teachers finalize them. They will re-open closer to the date of report card distribution, November 21^st. If you have questions about missing assignments, please contact your child’s teacher. 

All parents will have the opportunity to sign up for conferences with their child's teachers by visiting https://outlook.office.com/book/[email protected]/ (the link and sign-ups are available now). From there, you can select the teacher and the time that is available that you wish to meet. Fill out the required information and confirm your booking. If you need to book another appointment, you can press "New Booking " and repeat the process.

As the conferences near, teachers will reach out to parents to confirm how they will communicate (video conference or phone call).

Please note that there is only a limited amount of time slots per teacher. If you would like to speak to a teacher whose availability does not match yours for that day, please email the teacher directly to set up a time to speak.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Parent Coordinator, Ms. Sue Landis, at [email protected].

Picture Day Proofs

As the picture day proofs become available, emails are being sent to parents with a unique code to access the pictures and order prints. Paper proof sheets, which include the unique codes, are also being distributed to homeroom teachers to be sent home with the students. If you have any questions about this process, please reach out to Coach Sue Landis. 

Spirit Store Open

Welcome to Halsey JHS 157’s spirit wear shop! We are so excited to present to you all these new styles and colors. Thank you for supporting our school. Please allow 3 weeks for delivery. All orders will be delivered to the school and distributed. Should you have any questions you can email the PTA @ [email protected]

** ALL SALES ARE FINAL NO RETURNS NO EXCHANGES.  Since these are custom printed please make sure you order the correct size.

Clubs at a Glance

Jewish Culture Club - Rabbi Horvitz will be starting Jewish Culture Club on November 7th. If you are interested in learning about Jewish culture and Israeli traditions please pick up a permission slip in room 318b or room 160. Return permission slips to Ms. Cohen in room 318b.

Field Trip Highlights

Today, classes 891 and 892 took a trip to the Tenement Museum to learn about life in New York City during the Progressive Era!

8th Grade Spotlight

High School Application Help - Tomorrow, Saturday, November 8, Halsey will host a workshop on the high school application process. Please see that attachment for more information about this event.

Halsey Junior High School’s yearbook sales are officially up and running for this school year.

All purchases will be made online only — we will not be collecting any funds in person. Included in this email are both a purchase link and a QR code, so families can easily place their orders.

Here are the details:

• Yearbook Price: $37 per book
• Personalization (optional): $7
• Icons (optional): $3 each
• Deadline for personalization and icons: January 30

LINK: Https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A05652800.

Community Corner

AAPI-CARE (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders - Connect. Activate. Reimagine. Engage.)is a 1-day convening that brings togetherNYC’s AAPI and allied parents to discuss the experiences and issues most relevant to AAPI families. AAPI-CARE aims to create a shared learning community where parents and caregivers will be equipped with the tools to advocate for themselves, their families, and the wider AAPI community as a whole. This convening will also create opportunities for parents to engage in social justice leadership. 

This convening is open to AAPI parents/grandparents/legal guardians of a child/children in public, K-12 schools; parents are interested in leadership and are curious, open-minded, and want to learn. Please see the attached flyer for more information on Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF). 

Happy Halloween!

This is a long newsletter, so gather up some leftover candy and enjoy!

• Ms. Lisa's Message
• Upcoming School Closures & November Calendar
• Spirit Store Open for Business
• Clubs at a Glance - Robotics & Salute to Music Chorus
• Field Trip Highlights - Anti-Bullying Conference & NYU Theatre
• 8th Grade Spotlight - Queens Metropolitan High School Visit and Baby Pictures for Yearbook
• Community Corner

Also a special thanks to all the parents who volunteers in the past 2 weeks for picture day. Halsey parents really are the best and we all appreciate you so much!

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

Halsey News Team Tryouts

This week, we were thrilled to host tryouts for the Halsey News Team—and what an incredible turnout we had! Over 100 students stepped up to the challenge, each preparing and presenting their own news script in hopes of joining our dynamic team.

From the moment they walked into the room, our students demonstrated poise, professionalism, and passion. Their creativity, confidence, and commitment to storytelling were truly inspiring. Whether they were reporting on school events, community happenings, or sharing thoughtful commentary, every student brought something unique to the table.

We are so proud of each student who participated. Their enthusiasm and effort reflect the vibrant spirit of our school community. We can’t wait to officially welcome the newest members of the Halsey News Team, and we can't wait to see them shine on the morning news! A huge thank you Mr. Lober for organizing and running the tryouts and for helping us run the news team every day.

Halsey Athletics Update

As the flag football season wraps up, we couldn’t be prouder of our team. In their very first season, they played with heart, determination, and true Halsey spirit. Meanwhile, our soccer and volleyball teams are charging into the playoffs, showcasing incredible teamwork and resilience. We are so proud of all our student-athletes who continue to represent our school with pride and sportsmanship. Go Halsey!

🎃 Halsey Halloween Celebration: A Spooktacular Success! 🕸️

This year’s Halsey Halloween celebration was topped all the other celebrations. During each lunch period, our students were treated to a festive and fun-filled experience, thanks to the incredible efforts of our dedicated parent volunteers and staff. From spooky decorations to candy bags and engaging activities, the spirit of Halloween was alive and well throughout our school.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our amazing parent volunteers and our parent coordinator Ms. Landis, who helped transform our space and made sure every student had a fun experience. We couldn't have done it without you! We are especially grateful to the Halsey Halloween Team, who braved Thursday night’s storm to decorate our lobby and turn Halsey into the enchanting Nevermore Academy. Your creativity is endless.

We also want to recognize our talented staff members who stepped into character as the cast of Wednesday. You truly morphed into your roles, and the children loved it. Special thanks to Mr. Blanco, our Halloween DJ, who kept the energy high and the party rocking. Thank you to Ms. Gruet and the Halsey Elite student and staff dance team for the special Wednesday dance performance. It made the celebration even more special. A huge thank you to our Assistant Principals who basically planned, organized, and helped run the entire show!

Our students had a fabulous time enjoying the activities, and we had many winners in both the student and teacher costume contests. The creativity and enthusiasm were inspiring!

Events like this remind us of the power of community. When we come together to create joyful experiences for our students, we build lasting memories and strengthen the bonds that make Halsey such a special school. In a world where children often face challenges beyond their years, this celebration gave them a chance to simply be kids—to laugh and have fun.

It’s moments like these that make me so proud to be the principal of our incredible school. Check out some of the initial pictures from Halsey Halloween 2025  (more to come).

Upcoming School Closures

Please mark your calendars for the following days when school will be closed or early dismissals. This information is also available at Halsey157.org. 

Tuesday, November 4 - Election Day - Students do not attend school, teachers have a Professional Development day.

Tuesday, November 11 - Veteran's Days - School is closed.

Thursday, November 13 - Early Dismissal for Parent-Teacher Conferences. Students will be dismissed after Period 4 at 11:20 AM.

The November calendar is attached!

Spirit Store Open for Business

Welcome to Halsey JHS 157’s spirit wear shop! We are so excited to present to you all these new styles and colors. Thank you for supporting our school. Please allow 3 weeks for delivery. All orders will be delivered to the school and distributed. Should you have any questions you can email the PTA @ [email protected]

** ALL SALES ARE FINAL NO RETURNS NO EXCHANGES.  Since these are custom printed please make sure you order the correct size. 

Clubs at a Glance

Robotics Team Update
It’s been an exciting week for our Robotics Team! We received our brand-new building kit for the upcoming competition robots, and two engineering teams are already hard at work on the builds. Each robot is being designed to meet all competition requirements. Meanwhile, our outreach team is gathering photos and bios from team members to include in the competition notebook. Great progress all around

Salute to Music

Did you know that JHS 157 hosts the Citywide Salute to Music Chorus on Saturdays, conducted by our own chorus teacher, Ms. Shikowitz? It is completely free and open to any child in a NYCPS in grades 4-8. Registration is now available for the fall season. Auditions for new members will take place on October 25th at JHS 157. Please click this link to register: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bUULVldAXZZBv88kfXvJnpdb2b0SI95V0Ou1XSPJ-_k/edit?tab=t.0

Field Trip Highlights

Middle School Anti-Bullying Conference

On Thursday, October 23rd, 2025, a group of our 7th and 8th grade students proudly represented our school at the annual Middle School Anti-Bullying Conference, held at the UFT Headquarters in Manhattan. Accompanied by Mr. Robinson and Ms. James, our students joined peers from across the city to learn how to identify, prevent, and respond to bullying in their schools.

Throughout the day, students participated in interactive workshops, listened to inspiring speakers, and explored positive strategies for creating calmer, safer, and more inclusive school environments. This marks the second year our school has participated in this meaningful event, and once again, our students came away feeling empowered to serve as ambassadors of kindness and respect within our community.

We are so proud of their enthusiasm, leadership, and commitment to making our school a place where everyone feels valued and supported!

Theatre Arts Field Trip

This past Monday, October 27, a group of 8^th grade Theatre Arts students went with Ms. Schwarz to New York University to see a performance of Sonder: The Dreams We Carry, in Black Box Theater. The play was a devised theatre piece created and performed by NYU Educational Theatre students. The Halsey students had an amazing time and had the opportunity to talk with the actors and director asking in-depth, reflective questions about the show and its creation.

8th Grade Spotlight - Queens Metropolitan High School Visit and Baby Pictures for Yearbook

Queens Metropolitan High School Visits Our 8th Graders!

On Tuesday morning, we had the privilege of welcoming Mr. William Johnson, Principal of Queens Metropolitan High School, to our school. Mr. Johnson gave an engaging and interactive presentation to our 8th-grade students, sharing all the wonderful programs, teams, and clubs that Queens Metro has to offer.

Our students were enthusiastic participants—asking thoughtful questions and showing great interest in learning more about high school life. A few lucky students even took home some exciting Metropolitan SWAG for answering questions during the presentation!

We thank Mr. Johnson and Queens Metropolitan High School for taking the time to visit and inspire our future high schoolers.

Yearbook  2025-2026 BABY PICTURES SUBMISSION  - 8th GRADE ONLY - DUE BY DEC.15

It’s hard to believe, but before we know it, the school year will be over, and this will all be just a
memory. Help us preserve some of those memories in our annual yearbook! 
8th Grade Baby Photos - -submit your baby photo (12 months or younger). Submit just one photo with you in it alone!!!! 
please go to the link below.

Https://photos.jostens.com/PCLLRR

ENTER: Student’s name( FIRST & LAST) and HR class # on subject line

Please do not miss the deadline - DUE BY DEC.15. We then will not guarantee your eighth grader's baby photo in the yearbook. Please reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions. DO NOT EMAIL BABY PHOTOS!!!!! THEY WILL NOT BE ENTERED!!!!!!

Also, just a quick note for new parents to Halsey. The yearbook is for 8th grade students only!

Community Corner

Calling all Scouts, Girl Troop 96 is coming soon and looking for girls in grades 6-12 to join. See the attached flyer or visit the Google Drive for more information on how to join! 

Hello everyone!

Here are the announcements for this week:

• Ms. Lisa’s Message
• Spirit Store Now Open!
• Upcoming School Closures
• 6^th Grade Picture Day – Tuesday, October 28^th
• Red Ribbon Week (attachment)
• Clubs at a Glance – Robotics
• 8^th Grade Spotlight – Queens South High Schools Fair (attachment)
• Community Corner – Museum of Modern Art Family Programs (attachment)

 Have a great weekend! Don’t forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa’s Message

Spotlight on Literacy in Class 621

This week I had the pleasure of visiting Class 621 during their English Language Arts lesson. The students had been reading the novel Flush and were deeply engaged in making character inferences and supporting their ideas with evidence from the text.

Our students are building strong literacy foundations that will serve them well in high school, college, and beyond. Their ability to analyze literature and think critically is growing every day.

A heartfelt thank you to Ms. Ward, their outstanding English Language Arts teacher. Her dedication to literacy instruction is evident in every lesson, and the students in Class 621 are truly fortunate to learn from her.

Bulldogs Volleyball Team Shines with Heart and Teamwork

Yesterday I had the joy of watching our girls' volleyball team take on I.S. 145 in an exciting match. From the first serve to the final point, our team played with determination, skill, and strategy. They worked together seamlessly, showing what true teamwork looks like on the court.

What made me most proud was the way they supported one another throughout the game. Every cheer, high five, and encouraging word reflected the strong spirit of this team. Their unity and positivity were just as powerful as their athletic performance.

Now they’re headed to the playoffs, and we couldn’t be more excited for them. Let’s continue to cheer them on as they represent our school with pride and heart. Halsey Girl Power!

Welcoming Future Halsey Families-Open House

This week we hosted our first Open House for prospective incoming sixth graders. It was a pleasure to meet so many enthusiastic fifth grade students and their families who are considering Halsey for middle school.

Families began the visit with a presentation that offered a glimpse into life at Halsey. They then had the opportunity to observe instruction in our classrooms and see firsthand the engaging learning experiences our students enjoy every day. A guided tour of the building followed, giving families a full picture of our vibrant school community.

The parents and students left feeling confident and excited to send their children to Halsey. We are so proud of the warm and welcoming environment our staff and students created for our guests.

Our next Open House will take place on Friday, November 7th. We look forward to meeting even more future Halsey families.

🎃Thank You, Halsey Families! 🎃

A heartfelt thank you to all the amazing parents who joined us on Thursday, October 23rd for our Candy Bagging Volunteer Event! Your time, energy, and teamwork helped us prepare 1,500 candy bags that will bring smiles to our students this Halloween. We are so grateful for your support and dedication to making Halsey Halloween a success.

We also want to thank the families who have generously donated candy—your contributions are truly appreciated! We’re just 200 bags away from our goal of making 1700 bags, so please keep those donations coming. Every little bit helps!

As we gear up for Halsey Halloween, we’re excited to welcome parent volunteers to help make the day extra special. If you’d like to join us on the day of the celebration, please complete the Google Form at the link below. We can accommodate up to 50 parent volunteers, so don’t miss your chance to be part of the fun!

Sign Up Here: https://forms.gle/sRvMDBic6cjRoKE77

📣Halsey JHS 157’s Spirit Wear Shop NOW OPEN!

Welcome to Halsey JHS 157’s spirit wear shop! We are so excited to present to you all these new styles and colors. Thank you for supporting our school.

Please allow 3 weeks for delivery. All orders will be delivered to the school and distributed. 

Should you have any questions you can email the PTA @ [email protected]

** ALL SALES ARE FINAL NO RETURNS NO EXCHANGES.  Since these are custom printed please make sure you order the correct size. 

Upcoming School Closures

Please mark your calendars for the following days when school will be closed or early dismissals. This information is also available at Halsey157.org. 

Tuesday, November 4 - Election Day - Students do not attend school, teachers have a Professional Development day

Thursday, November 13 - Early Dismissal for Parent-Teacher Conferences. Exact dismissal time to be shared soon.

6^th Grade Picture Day Details

Halsey Picture Day for 6^th Grade is Tuesday, October 28. Students will be called down to the auditorium to take a photo and parents will receive an email with the proofs of the pictures. Retakes are scheduled for December 2.

📸Schedule:

• October 28: 6th Grade Pictures
• December 2: Retake Day (all grades, if needed)

Red Ribbon Week Schedule

Don’t forget this coming week is Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon Week is a reminder that we all have the power to make smart choices. It's a time to:

• Learn about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and vaping
• Support friends in making healthy decisions
• Show respect for ourselves and our bodies

By wearing a red ribbon or taking part in Red Ribbon Week, you're helping spread the message:
Be Drug Free.

Clubs at a Glance

Halsey Robotics team had a busy week! The Outreach Team made great progress on the digital engineering notebook, completing the first two pages. Meanwhile, the Engineering Team focused on building the new robot, working together to assemble and test each component. A second engineering group worked on upgrading the previous robot by attaching and aligning the wheels to restore mobility.

8^th Grade Spotlight – Queens South High Schools Fair

7th and 8th Grade Students and Familiesare invited to the 4th Annual Queens South High Schools Fair on Saturday, October 25!

The fair will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 10AM-1PM at Jamaica High School Campus, located at167-01 Gothic Drive, Queens, NY 11432. This event is open to all middle school families who want to check out all the great Queens South High Schools and everything they have to offer for the future.  

Register today with the link below:

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=tyxJGEXvYUWFcQxC5fesB1jT3lPUhXxDgnTeV1-NzKtUNVNNWENKVkM4TE41M1k1NjA3QjRKQldTVC4u&route=shorturl

Please see the attached flyer for all the schools that will be represented at the fair.

Community Corner – Museum of Modern Art Family Programs

The Museum of Modern Art offers family programming geared for children aged 5-12. Please take a look at the attached flyer for more information.

Hello!

Are you ready for a long weekend? Just a reminder that schools are closed on Monday, October 13th in observance of Italian Heritage/Indigenous People's Day.

Here's what you can find in this newsletter:

• Ms. Lisa's Message
• Wear Pink on Wednesday, October 15
• Picture Day Details
• Club Updates - Yoga, Robotics Club Update, Cheer Tryouts Day 2, Careers Club
• Yearbook Sales Now Open!
• Performing Arts High School Audition Requirements
• Halsey Open Houses
• Commonpoint Queens 3v3 Basketball Tournament
• ABT RISE Selective High School Audition Preparation Workshop
• FREE Paul Taylor Modern Dance Tickets
• 7th Grade SHSAT Prep - Kweller Prep
• Lost keys?

Don't forget that you can find all this information on the Halsey157.org site and in the Google Drive as well!

Have a great long weekend and DON'T FORGET TO BE AWESOME!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

🎉6th Grade Parent Meet & Greet: A Fun Evening of Connection!

We were thrilled to welcome so many of our 6th grade families to our Parent Meet and Greet last night! The evening was filled with laughter, great conversations, and a true sense of community. Our 6th grade parents enjoyed delicious pizza and sweet treats while getting to know one another and our dedicated staff.

To break the ice, we played fun games that had everyone laughing and mingling. The excitement continued with raffles, where lucky winners took home some fantastic prizes! It made me so happy to see our families come together, share stories, and build connections that will support our students throughout their years at Halsey.

Thank you to everyone who joined us — your presence made the evening truly special. A big thank you to Dr. Yasin who organized the entire event and of course our amazing teachers and staff who volunteered to help with the activities. We look forward to many more opportunities to connect and celebrate our amazing school community. 

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens: Launching Our Junior Lighthouse Student Government

I am thrilled to share that we are officially kicking off the Leader in Me Junior Lighthouse Student Government at JHS 157. This initiative gives our students a meaningful opportunity to grow as leaders, contribute to our school community, and live out the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens in everyday actions.

The Junior Lighthouse Team will include student representatives from each grade who demonstrate leadership, responsibility, and a commitment to making a positive impact in our school community. These young leaders will help plan school-wide events, lead service projects, and bring student voice into school decisions. Most importantly, they will serve as role models who inspire others to lead with purpose and positivity.

I am especially excited to see how our students will embrace the 7 habits—like Being Proactive, Thinking Win-Win, and Finding Their Voice—to help create a school environment that is fun, safe, and welcoming for everyone. The application process is now underway, and I encourage all interested students to speak with their homeroom teachers and consider applying. The application will be provided to students in their homeroom class, but it can also be found on our school website at www.halsey157.org.

This is more than just student government. It is leadership in action, and I cannot wait to see our Junior Lighthouse shine.

Finally, a shout out to our Volleyball Team they won their game against I.S. 145 yesterday. Go Bulldogs!

That ends another fabulous week at Halsey!

Wear Pink on Wednesday, October 15

October is breast cancer awareness month. Please wear pink on Wednesday, October 15 to help raise awareness, support people with breast cancer, and increase funding for research.

Picture Day Details

Halsey Picture Days are coming and the PTA is looking for volunteers to help Picture Day runs smoothly!

Please review the available slots below and click this link to sign up. We appreciate your time and support!

📸 Schedule:

• October 22: 8th Grade – Graduation Pictures
• October 23: 7th Grade Pictures
• October 28: 6th Grade Pictures
• December 2: Retake Day (all grades, if needed)

Thank you for volunteering and helping our students capture lasting memories!

Club Updates

Yoga Club

On Thursdays, every week, from 2:30 - 4:00 pm, Ms. Ruzicka will be teaching a yoga class.  We will learn yoga poses, breathing exercises and meditation along with other fun activities to make us feel energized, relaxed and feeling good!  The class will take place in room 204.  The class will start next Thursday, October 16th.   All permission slips are due by October 14th. There are a limited number of spots for the club.  Permission slips will be located outside of classroom 343 and 319 in a folder.

Robotics Club Update

The Robotics Club has been hard at work! One group of students is rebuilding a robot to serve as our backup for the 2025–2026 competition season, while another team is designing and constructing a brand-new robot to compete next year.

In addition to building, we're diving into coding and computer science. Our programmers are currently working with Raspberry Pi computers, which will be used to scan barcodes and help our robots operate autonomously during competition.

Stay tuned for more updates as we build, code, and prepare for an exciting season ahead!

Cheer Tryouts Day 2

Day 2 of Cheer Tryouts will be held on Wednesday, October 15th, from 2:30-5:00pm. You MUST pick up a NEW permission slip and get it signed by a parent/guardian to be able to come to day two. Only students who were present for Day 1 of tryouts will be allowed to tryout for Day 2. Please pick up the yellow permissions slips in the library and return them to either Mrs. Lavino in Library Left, Mrs. Montalbano in Room 303, or Ms. Riccio in Room 257. Remember to bring your Tryout Number to tryouts! Go Bulldogs!

Careers Club

If you find yourself wondering about your future and what you want to be when you grow up, Careers Club may be for you! Please get a permission slip from Mrs. Riccio in room 257. Return the signed permission slip on Tuesday, October 14th in time for the first meeting at 2:30-3:30pm.

Yearbook Sales

We're excited to share that Halsey Junior High School’s yearbook sales are officially up and running for this school year. All purchases will be made online only — we will not be collecting any funds in person. Included in this email is the purchase link, so families can easily place their orders.

Here are the details:

• Yearbook Price: $37 per book
• Personalization (optional): $7
• Icons (optional): $3 each
• Deadline for personalization and icons: January 30

Performing Arts Audition Requirements

Any 8th grade student who is auditioning for a Performing Arts high school should review the audition requirements which are now posted to the Halsey website. You can find the information by going to Halsey157.org ➡️ Families ➡️ Performing Arts Auditions.

Halsey Open Houses

We are excited to offer 2 open houses for perspective families, on Tuesday, October 21 and Friday, November 7 from 8:30-10AM. Registration is now open at Hasley157.org. Registration is limited to 150 entries per date and is filling up quickly. Please help us spread the word!

Commonpoint 3v3 Basketball Tournament on Monday, 10/13

Commonpoint Queens is hosting a 3v3 Basketball Tournament this Monday, October 13th. The registration fee is $25 per player, and all details are included in the attached flyer. Students can sign up directly through the flyer link or contact Dina Goldstein if they have any questions.

ABT RISE Selective High School Audition Preparation Workshop

On Saturday, October 25 the ABT Engagement Department will be holding a high school prep day for interested 8th grade students to go over the application and audition process for performing arts high schools in NYC. This workshop will provide students an opportunity to review and receive coaching on the pre-set video auditions from our faculty, and to get general information and tips for filming or attending video/live auditions. Students should learn the ballet and modern video audition combination before attending the workshop. This prep session is highly recommended for 8th grade students who are interested in NYC performing arts high schools. 7th grade students are welcome to attend if they want to get a head start learning about the process. Please see the attached flyer and letter for more information.

FREE Paul Taylor Modern Dance Tickets

Halsey Dance has free tickets to give out to interested families to see live dance. All families are eligible regardless of grade/talent. Please see the attached flyer for more information. 

7th Grade SHSAT prep with Kweller Prep

Kweller Prep has partnered with Halsey students for many years and this year is offering offer free educational trips as well as complimentary testing sessions for current 7th graders who are preparing to take the SHSAT exam next school year. Please see the attached flyer for more details on the dates and how to register. Pre-registration is required.

Lost Keys

Do these keys look familiar? If so, please stop by Coach Sue's office to pick them up.

Happy 1st Friday of October!

I hope you're all enjoying the fall weather today. I know I am! In this newsletter you'll find the following information:

• Ms. Lisa's Message
• Newsletter on the Halsey website
• Halsey Halloween
• October Calendar
• Picture Day
• Red Ribbon Week
• Media Consent Form 
• 8th Grade Performing Arts High School Audition Prep
• Halsey Club Updates
• Events and Opportunities in the Community (not Halsey sponsored) 

Have a great weekend and don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

Chancellor's State of Our Schools Address

This week, I had the opportunity to attend Chancellor Aviles-Ramos's State of Our Schools address with our District 28 superintendent Dr. Blake. It was inspiring to hear about the progress being made across New York City and to see how our collective efforts as educators, families, and community partners are shaping the future for our students.

One highlight I want to share is the introduction of a new Accountability Tool that the NYC Department of Education has launched. This tool is designed to make school progress more transparent and accessible, allowing both staff and families to better understand how the DOE is monitoring growth and achievement toward citywide goals.

This is an important step in ensuring that all of us—educators, parents, and students—can see where we are excelling and where we need to focus our efforts. It reflects the Chancellor’s commitment to shared responsibility and partnership in supporting every child’s success.

I encourage you to explore the Accountability Tool yourself by visiting:
👉 https://www.schools.nyc.gov/about-us/vision-and-mission/state-of-our-schools

Together, by staying informed and engaged, we can continue to strengthen our Halsey community and help every student reach their fullest potential.

Exciting News – Student Lighthouse Team

This month we are proud to announce the launch of Halsey’s very first Student Government – the Student Lighthouse Team. This leadership group will give our students a powerful voice in our school community, allowing them to share ideas, build leadership skills, and help shape the future of our school.

The application process will begin rolling out in the upcoming weeks through our homeroom teachers. We encourage all students who are interested in leadership and service to apply and take part in this exciting new opportunity.

We look forward to seeing our students shine as leaders and role models on the Student Lighthouse Team.

Spotlight on Learning – English Language Arts with Ms. Eckhardt and Ms. Kohlasch and Class 810

This week, I had the privilege of observing Class 810 in their English Language Arts class. Students were engaged in reading the short story “The Monkey’s Paw” and applying the Notice and Note Fiction Signposts strategy to deepen their comprehension.

As they read, students identified key literary signposts such as:

• Contrasts and Contradictions – when a character behaves in a way that is unexpected.
• Aha Moments – when a character realizes something that changes their understanding.
• Again and Again – when words, phrases, or situations are repeated for emphasis.
• Memory Moments – when the author interrupts the plot to share a memory.
• Words of the Wiser – when a character offers the protagonist important advice.
• Tough Questions – when a character asks themselves difficult or thought-provoking questions.

These signposts are powerful tools that encourage students to pause, reflect, and think critically about the text. By noticing these patterns, our 8th graders are strengthening their ability to infer, analyze, and make deeper meaning of literature.

I am incredibly proud of the thoughtful discussions and insights shared by our students in Class 810. Their ability to apply these reading strategies shows the strong foundation they are building as readers, writers, and thinkers.

Halsey Bulldogs Sports Update

Our Halsey Bulldog Soccer Team kicked off the season with an incredible start, defeating The Garden School with a commanding 7–0 victory. Next up, they will face IS 61—let’s cheer them on as they continue their winning momentum!

Not to be outdone, our Bulldog Flag Football Team also started strong, earning their first victory against Russell Sage 18-8.

Halsey Bulldogs are on fire! We are so proud of our student-athletes for their teamwork, dedication, and Bulldog spirit. Go Bulldogs! 🐾⚽🏈

That is a wrap on another amazing week at Halsey!

Newsletter on the Halsey Website

We're excited to share that the content from the weekly newsletter can be found on the Halsey Website. Head to Halsey157.org and then search for "Weekly Newsletters." The most current newsletter will be available.

Halsey Halloween Amazon Link & Volunteers Needed

Today several emails were sent out about Halsey Halloween. If you are interested in donating the the event, please check out the Amazon Link. Be sure to log into Amazon first! If you are interested in volunteering on Thursday, October 23 to make candy bags, please click here to sign up:  https://forms.gle/4XhUNqHcfTJvNYP67

October Calendar

Attached you'll find the October Calendar. It is also available on the Halsey website and in the Google Drive.

Picture Day at Halsey

Picture day is coming at the end of October. Please mark your calendars for the appropriate day. 

Wednesday, October 22 – 8th Grade *in cap and gown. Avoid wearing hoodies, because the gown will not fit properly over a hoodie. 

Thursday, October 23 – 7^th Grade

Tuesday, October 28 – 6^th Grade

Tuesday, December 2nd – Retakes for all grades

Red Ribbon Week

We will be having a Halsey Spirt week to promote anti- drug awareness through having a Red Ribbon Week. 

Red Ribbon Week is a special week each year when schools across the country focus on saying no to drugs and making healthy choices. It’s all about learning how to live drug-free and encouraging others to do the same. During this week, you might see red ribbons, take part in fun activities, or hear messages about being safe, healthy, and making good decisions.

Media Consent Form - Please fill out this form if you haven't already done so! The link can be found here.

8th Grade Performing Arts High School Audition Prep

Attention all 8th graders who are interested in auditioning for a Performing Arts High School:

Dance

8th & 7th Grade students applying to High School Dance or Summer Dance Programs may come for help with their applications on Tuesdays, 2:30 - 3:30 starting October 7 in the Dance Studio. Interested students should get a permission slip from outside the Dance Studio room 329, or see Mrs. Gruet with any questions.

Theatre Programs

Ms. Schwarz will be offering the Monologue Audition Prep Workshop to help you prepare for the high school audition process, after school on Mondays, from 2:30-3:30pm. Please see Ms.Schwarz in Room 119 for more information and permission slip to attend the workshop.

Vocal Music Program 

8th grade students interested in auditioning for performing arts high schools for vocal can see Ms. Shikowitz in room 112 for a permission slip to attend high school audition preparation for voice. This will begin Tuesday, October 7th, from 2:30-4:00 PM.

Instrumental Music Programs 

Specialized high school auditions are around the corner for all 8th graders! If you are interested in attending schools like LaGuardia, Frank Sinatra, Talent Unlimited, or Forest Hills Music Academy you will need to successfully audition on your instrument.  If you would like assistance with your instrumental music audition, Ms. Zaffery is offering help on Wednesdays 2:30-3:30. Any student may receive help regardless of talent class. See Ms. Zaffery in 113 for permission slips.

Halsey Club Updates

Halsey Cheerleading will be having tryouts on Thursday, October 9th and callbacks on Wednesday, October 15th, in the Auditorium from 2:30-4:00pm. Practices will be on Wednesdays from 2:30-3:30pm. Please see Ms. Lavino in Room Library Left for permission slips. They must be returned by tryouts in order for you to participate. Attire for tryouts is: Shorts or leggings, t-shirt, sneakers, and hair in a ponytail. Please bring water. 

Below is the link to the dance you will learn at tryouts if you would like to practice ahead of time. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G09-QNbl2e4

Please contact Mrs. Lavino, Mrs. Montalbano, or Ms. Riccio if you have any questions.

Crochet Club is starting soon! It’s a chill space to hang out, chat, and make cool stuff. Never crocheted before? No problem—everyone’s welcome, even total beginners. Just a heads-up: space is limited, so grab a permission slip from Ms. Broker’s office in Room 210 and come join the fun!

Table Talk Club - Attention Halsey Boys! The Table Talk Club is open for new members. This is a safe space to have real conversations, build friendships, and grow confidence while expressing yourself. Joining gives you the chance to connect with others, share your voice, and be part of something positive. If you’re interested, come see Mr. Robinson in Room 325B.

The Respect for All club will be starting on October 9th. Permission slips can be found outside of Room 318b. If you have a permission slip to return, please hand it to either Ms.  Cohen in room 318 b or Ms Murdukhayev in room 357.

Jazz Band

All jazz band auditions are complete! Please have students check the posting outside of room 113 along with their google classrooms for results. 

The first JAM Band rehearsal is Monday, October 6^th from 2:30-4:00PM. Students must turn in their permission slips prior or they will not be allowed to join the group. 

PB Band will begin later in October on Thursdays, stay tuned for more updates and make sure your child comes to Ms. Zaffery for a permission slip and sheet music!

Dungeons & Dragons & Magic (D&D&M) Club

Our first meeting will be on Tuesday, October 14^th from 2:30-4:00PM. Please have your child wait in the auditorium after school to be picked up for the club (meeting in room 219). See Mr. Blanco or Ms. Zaffery for a permission slip. Spots are limited!

Dungeons & Dragons & Magic (D&D&M) Club is an after school program designed to bring students together and build community at Halsey. If you choose to sign up, you must commit to weekly meetings and actively participate. Students who fail to do so will be removed from the club. Students in D&D&M Club are expected to interact with one another respectfully through creative role play. Students will join one campaign (group) and maintain it throughout the duration of the club. Students are also invited to play Magic: The Gathering if they are interested!

What to bring: pencil, notebook, an open mind!

Optional bring (but highly encouraged): a set of 7 dice, anyD&D 5e or 2024 related accessories, a deck of Magic: The Gathering cards.

Happy Friday!

I hope everyone had a great week and is ready for the weekend! 

Here's what you can find in the newsletter this week:

• Ms. Lisa's Message
• Media Consent Form - Please fill out this form if you haven't already done so!
• Halsey Clubs Info
• Table Talk Club
• Crochet Club
• Dungeons and Dragons and Magic: The Gathering Club
• Empowerment and Support Club
• Respect for All Club
• STEM Fair
• Social Work and Mental Health Professions
• Jazz Band Updates
• Select Chorus Updates
• Dance Team Updates
• 8th Grade Performing Arts High School Audition Prep
• Events and Opportunities in the Community (not Halsey sponsored)
• OMNY Card Update

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

Today, we had the pleasure of welcoming Ms. Olessia Bauer, our Community Education Council (CEC) school liaison, to JHS 157. Her visit was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the vibrant learning environment and strong sense of community that defines our school.

Ms. Bauer spent time touring classrooms, engaging with students, and speaking with staff about the incredible work happening every day at Halsey. She was especially impressed by our students’ enthusiasm for learning and the dedication of our educators. Her visit reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between schools and the CEC in supporting our students' success.

We are grateful for Ms. Bauer’s continued advocacy and support, and we look forward to working together to ensure that JHS 157 remains a place where all students thrive.

Parent Handbook Now Available!

We are excited to announce that our newly updated Parent Handbook is now available on the JHS 157 school www.halsey157.org. This essential resource is full of important information to help families stay informed and engaged, including:

• Grading policies
  • Dress code expectations
  • Cell phone usage guidelines
  • Our Ladder of Referral and student support systems
  • And much more

The Parent Handbook is a living document and will be updated throughout the school year as new policies and procedures are refined. We encourage families to check back regularly and stay connected with any changes.

A strong partnership between home and school begins with shared understanding, and this handbook is a great place to start. 

Supporting Positive Behavior Through Engagement and Partnership

This week, families received our Halsey Behavioral Accountability Policy, which outlines the expectations and supports we have in place to ensure a safe, respectful, and engaging school environment for all students. At JHS 157, we believe that clear communication and consistent structures help our students grow socially and emotionally while staying focused on their academic success.

We also know that student engagement is key to building a positive school culture. That’s why we’re proud to offer a wide range of sports teams, student clubs, after-school programs, and school-wide activities designed to keep our students connected, motivated, and thriving. These opportunities allow students to build meaningful relationships with peers and staff, explore their interests, and develop leadership skills.

We deeply appreciate our families’ ongoing support and partnership in helping our students stay on the right track. Together, we are creating a school community where every child feels safe, supported, and inspired to succeed.

That is a wrap on another productive week at JHS 157. With our students actively engaged in academics, sports, clubs, and school-wide activities, the energy in our building is exciting.

Thank you, families, for your continued support and partnership. Together, we are building a school community where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.

We look forward to another exciting week at Halsey!

Media Consent Form

Halsey is digitizing the Media Consent Form for all students in all grades. This form will cover images in print, on broadcasts, online spaces (such as the school Instagram) and all other forms of media, including the graduation media presentation. Please take a moment to complete the form located at this link: Media Consent for NYC Department of Education Use | Stephen A Halsey JHS 157 Please note that once completed, this consent will be good for as long as the student is at Halsey, unless you choose to change your consent.

Halsey Clubs

Table Talk Club - Attention Halsey Boys! The Table Talk Club is open for new members. This is a safe space to have real conversations, build friendships, and grow confidence while expressing yourself. Joining gives you the chance to connect with others, share your voice, and be part of something positive. If you’re interested, come see Mr. Robinson in Room 325B

Crochet Club - Looking for a chill space to hang out, chat, and make cool stuff? Crochet Club is kicking off soon, and we’d love to have you! Whether you’ve never tried crocheting or you’ve been stitching for years, everyone’s welcome. We’ll meet on Wednesdays and Thursdays starting October 8th to relax, learn new skills, and work on fun projects together. It’s a great way to unwind and get creative with friends. Space is limited, so grab your permission slip from Ms. Broker’s office in Room 210! You can also stop by if you have any questions.

Dungeons and Dragons and Magic: The Gathering Club - Create a fantastical character, roleplay adventures across strange lands, problem-solve and improvise, and, of course, find your people at Halsey’s Dungeons and Dragons Club! We will begin after school on Tuesdays from 2:30-4:00 in room 219 on October 7th! See Mr. Blanco or Ms. Zaffery for a permission slip. But wait, there’s more! This year, we will also include the card game Magic: The Gathering in our club. Adventure awaits! 

Empowerment and Support Club - The Empowerment and Support club focuses on students' social emotional health through fun activities like games, vision boards, role play scenarios. Please see the attached flyer for more information. 

Respect for All Club - The Respect for All club will be starting on October 9th. Permission slips can be found outside of Room 318b. If you have a permission slip to return, please hand it to either Ms.  Cohen in room 318 b or Ms Murdukhayev in room 357.

STEM Fair - The STEM Fair is back! For 6th graders, this is an amazing opportunity to showcase your engineering minds and compete with students all around the school in who can create the best solution to change the world. Our orientation will be held Monday, September 29th after school in room 333. If you would like to attend, please see Mr. Lober in room 333 for a permission slip.

Social Work and Mental Health Professions - 8th grade students who have an interest in Social Work and other mental health professions are invited to join Ms. Laylor on Wednesdays for this special program. The program will begin in November and more details can be found in the attached flyer/permission slip, which is also saved in the Google Drive. 

Jazz Band - Congratulations to everyone who completed jazz band auditions this week! Everyone brought their A Game, which means that this year the bands are incredibly equal in skill. Results will be posted today outside of room 113. JAM Band will begin on October 6th. Come see Ms. Zaffery for music and permission slips as soon as possible. PB Band will begin a little later in October with a special teaching guest, more info to come.

Select Chorus - The Select Chorus list will be posted today outside of room 112 after PM homeroom. Everyone should be very proud of themselves, we had over 120 students audition for 44 open spots. If your name is on the list, take a permission slip and bring it back on Monday. Join the google classroom and start practicing. Rehearsals start October 6th from 2:30-4:00 PM.

Halsey Dance Team - Thank you to everyone who auditioned for the Halsey Dance Company Elite team! There was so much talent and hard work - it was very difficult to determine the results. The final list of Dance team members will be posted on the wall outside the Dance Studio room 329 by Period 8 today.

8th Grade Performing Arts High School Audition Prep

Attention all 8th graders who are interested in auditioning for a Performing Arts High School:

Theatre Programs

Starting  Monday, September 29, Ms. Schwarz will be offering the Monologue Audition Prep Workshop to help you prepare for the high school audition process, after school on Mondays, from 2:30-3:30pm

Please see Ms.Schwarz in Room 119 for more information and permission slip to attend the workshop.

Vocal Music Program

8th grade students interested in auditioning for performing arts high schools for vocal can see Ms. Shikowitz in room 112 for a permission slip to attend high school audition preparation for voice. This will begin Tuesday, October 7th, from 2:30-4:00 PM.

Instrumental Music Programs

Specialized high school auditions are around the corner for all 8th graders! If you are interested in attending schools like LaGuardia, Frank Sinatra, Talent Unlimited, or Forest Hills Music Academy you will need to successfully audition on your instrument.  If you would like assistance with your instrumental music audition, Ms. Zaffery is offering help on Wednesdays 2:30-3:30. Any student may receive help regardless of talent class. See Ms. Zaffery in 113 for permission slips.

Events and Opportunities in the Community (not Halsey sponsored)

Upcoming Kids Programs at Queens Public Library - Check out the calendar on the Queens Public Library website for free activities!

Commonpoint - At Commonpoint, we aim to offer young people (up to age 15) instruction toward improving fitness; building skills, confidence, sportsmanship; and establishing the foundation for a lifetime of active, healthy living. This season, we students can participate in soccer, tennis, basketball, volleyball, dance and more! Please see the attached flyer for more information regarding programs, which can also be found the Google Drive. 

OMNY Card Update

Coach Sue has been working her way through the list of students who requested OMNY cards, and many cards were distributed this week. She will continue distributing for those who have not yet received a card. If a student loses their OMNY card, they should put in a request, using the OMNY Request Form. A couple of notes about OMNY cards to keep in mind. Only one card can be active at a time. If a card is not working, please bring it to Coach Sue to be replaced. OMNY cards are assigned based on Transportation Eligibility, and students who live less than 0.5 mile from school are not eligible for a card. 6th grade students who use the yellow bus will not be issued an OMNY card. If you have other questions regarding OMNY cards, please reach out to Coach Sue at [email protected].