Weekly Newsletters

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].